Sand Dunes Rock in Rajasthan
Rajasthan, a state in the western part of India, is home to the massive Thar Desert which is becoming increasingly popular for Dune bashing. SUV’s fitted with cutting-edge technology and driven by skilled professionals zip across sand dunes giving tourists the ride of their lives. The adrenaline filled day can be followed by relaxing amidst the tranquillity of the desert and enjoying the beautiful orange skied dusk. The beautiful starry night in the dark sky is too eternal to contain in words.
The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is in Jodhpur, about 300 kms away. The medium of railway could also be a good alternative as Jaisalmer has its own station. There are a vast variety of accommodations ranging from old havelis converted into modern hotels, hotels within the fort, state tourism lounges and tented camps near the dunes outside the city. Most hotels arrange jeep and camel safari tours for their guests.
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Ooty: The Blue Mountain Trail
Ooty, a hill station in southern India with an artificial Lake and vintage trains, was discovered accidentally in 1818 by Mr John Sullivan. An oak tree planted by Mr Sullivan about 150 years ago called Sullivan’s Oak still stands to this day. The artificial lake was also formed by Mr Sullivan for the prupsoe of fishing and the lake along with the boat house has become a major tourist attraction. The Nilgiri mountain railway took 45 years to build and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. A toy train takes you from Mettupalayam to Ooty. This five hour journey consists of mesmerising landscapes of Shola forest, huge rocky terrains, tall alpine and tea plantations near Coonoor and also a possibility of encountering elephants on the way. On walking around the town of Ooty, you will come across historical places like St Stephen’s Church, Breeks Memorial School, Botanical gardens, Stonehouse, etc. Another unnoticed building is the Nilgiri Library which was constructed in 1869 and consists of leather covered books ranging in varied topics.
The population of Ooty is a mix of migrants from both Kerala and Karnataka. The Badagas are a community of migrants who fled the rule of Tipu Sultan and took the role of cultivators. Its landscape is the result of introduction of native species from Britain by the European settlers. The biodiversity of Ooty is rich and unique and is a home to Nilgiri Thars, Langurs, sambar, gaur Tigers, Leopards and many other mammals, birds and reptiles. Ooty leaves a big impression on the one who walks down its lanes and absorbs the rich heritage.
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Coorg: Deep in the Heart of Coffee Country
Coorg, a hill station in Western Ghats has rich plantations filled with coffee, pepper and spices on one hand and Nalknand palace, a royal retreat of the last king of Coorg, Raja Chikka Virarajendra on another. With minimal footprint, cosy accommodations and a pleasant climate, this small town has become one of the most visited tourist spots in India. The warrior spirit of their last king, who fought against the British, runs deep in the blood of Coorgis. A festival of arms, Keil Poldu is celebrated in Coorg every September. The hill town offers its own Kodava cuisine as well. A trip to Coorg is incomplete without visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp that lies on the banks of Kaveri River. The next stop on your trip could be the Buddhist settlement in Bylakuppe known to be the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet.
Coorg is accessible by a six hour drive from Bengaluru, which is also the closest airport. It has a number of accommodations from homestays to luxury resorts and estates that thrive under the forest canopy. The estates also encourage you to harvest the coffee crop during the plucking season making it an even more memorable experience.
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Manali: The Many Moods of Manali
Manali, the classic mountain town in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the very famous Himalayan holiday destinations in India. Major attractions here include temples dedicated to various local deities and their traditional stone-wood architectural designs, hill station shopping and commercial centre famously known as Mall Road, ice-covered Rohtang Pass and many more.
Manali has a 500 year old protected forest land that separates it into two parts- the new Manali and the old Manali. It also has Beas River that flows across the two divisions. Manali bears different colors in different seasons and that is what makes the experience worth travelling. Not just in the town, Manali also has attractive surroundings like Vashisht Village, Solang Valley and Manikaran to make the trip’s highlights.
The closest airport to the town is 50 km away in Bhuntar, near Kullu. The town also has a great number of hotels to make the stay comfortable and affordable. The trip to Manali assures convenient beauty and peace that one comes seeking.
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Chitkul: Mountain Surprise
Chitkul is the highest village in the Baspa river valley, situated at 11,320 ft. high altitude. It is the last inhabited place on the side of the Indo-China border. It has glacier fed rivers, water streams coming down the mountains, waterfalls, valley of flowers and many more such tourist attractions. Chitkul also has a Buddhist temple, Kagyupa temple, which has a highly revered image of the Shakyamuni Buddha and a colourful Wheel of Life mural.
Chitkul has an annual summer festival that takes place during June-July. The festival starts with young men climbing up the higher reaches of the surrounding mountains to collect exotic flowers like Brahma Kamal. These are found above 10,000 ft. and is said to be the first flower of the universe. This is followed by two days of celebrations in which musicians and dancers are gathered to showcase their skills.
During winters, Chitkul experiences heavy snowfall to an extent that it often cuts the village off from the rest of the world. Overall, Chitkul is a great place to answer your mountain calls and spend some time away from the regular life.
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Pench National Park: In Mowgli's Land
Pench National Park, known for being the inspiration to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, stretches across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Rich in flora and fauna, this teak forest is also a tiger reserve and home to over 285 resident and migratory birds. The park derives its name from the river Pench that divides it into almost two equal halves and is the only tiger reserve in the country that bestrides two states.
The park has various enthralling sites to capture along with a huge variety of wildlife. It has White-backed vulture, Indian long-billed vultures and three other endangered species of vultures along with Dholes (Indian wild dogs), Mongoose, Jackals and many more animals. The forest sheds its leaves in March, readying for water-starved summers and conserving its water resources until the next rainfall.
The national park is located at about 100 km distance from the closest airport in Nagpur, Maharashtra from Turia Gate Park entrance and about 170 km distance from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh from Karmajhiri Park entrance.
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Leh, Ladakh: Through a Frozen Frame
Leh, the largest town of Ladakh region, becomes a muffled winter landby November every year making it an unforgettable sight to cherish. Being a cold dessert at that time, most of vegetation disappears, leaving only leafless willows and poplars with their branches weighed down because of snow. The ladakh winter is all about sub-zero temperatures and walking on the snow with frostbitten toes. The city is divided into two parts, the Old town and Chungspa road and the contrast between the two becomes obvious when one walks down the streets. Shanti Stupa is also one of the major attractions of the region. It is an iconic Buddhist temple situated on the top of the mountain higher than both the Old town and the Chungspa road with about 500 steps to reach.
Leh is accessible in winter only by air as most of the roads are densely covered with snow. Winters are also the time dedicated to festivals. A lot of festival celebrations were shifted to the summer time for tourist convenience. However, Losar is the biggest winter celebration that survived the shuffle. It is usually celebrated in the month of December every year by lighting the entire city along with Shanti Stupa with butter lamps and making it a sight to live for.
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Assam: Chasing the Brahmaputra
Named after the Ahom kings who ruled the land of the mighty Brahmaputra, Assam is a region of astonishing diversity—ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, rich wildlife, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and tea estates that stretch till eternity. Its bustling capital Guwahati, once a haat (marketplace) for gua (areca nut), hence the name, acts as a gateway to Northeast India. Assam has much more to offer than the finest tea plantations in the world, the mighty Brahmaputra, and the one-horned rhinoceros.
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THE FORGOTTEN EMPIRE
Located on the banks of Tungabhadra river in the Indian state of Karnataka, is the ancient town of Hampi, a perfect detour from the hectic life and a gateway to the rich, exotic India. What has now become a UNESCO world heritage site was once a part of the flourishing capital of the Vijayanagara Empire which was in existence from 1343 to 1565. Upon visiting you can be a witness to awe inspiring architectural marvels of the bygone era, now home to a quiet rural Indian life. The Achyuta temple, Moorish Quarter, and Hemakuta Hills are few of the places that would more than justify your visit. The town is home to more than 1,600 remains.
To reach Hampi, you can take a bus ride from Hospet (on the South Western Railway). Within the town, you can rent a moped to explore the place on your own. When you are done exploring history, you can savour tradition Kannadiga cuisine in one the restaurants while taking in the breath-taking view of the sun setting on the expansive landscape of Hampi and silhouettes of towering coconut trees.
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Glimpses of the wild
Along with the cultural diversity it boasts, India is also famous for its heterogeneous wildlife. From the temperate north to the tropical south and everything in between, India is home to some amazing and varied species of animals and birds like the Tibetan Wild Ass, Indian Skimmers, Male Satyr Tragopans, Snow leopards, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Blue Sheep, Red Fox and Rhacophorus. Presenting some interesting captures that showcase India’s wildlife sanctuaries.
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Pure and Pristine
Sikkim is one state in India that should always be there on a travellers list. High altitude lakes, alpine meadows and exotic wildlife in the Eastern Himalayas are the kind of incredible things that Sikkim has to offer. From peaceful lakes and monasteries to thrilling adventures, this mystique, serene and remarkably beautiful destination has everything a traveller wants in a holiday. The Khangchendzonga range, Yuksom in Western Sikkim, as well as Rabdentse and Dubdi Monasteries are few places that are worth visiting. And if you fall short of energy, stop by and enjoy a delicious and authentic Sikkim meal that includes mountain fern with Yak’s cheese, nettle soup, and rice.
Sikkim can be accessed via air, rail and land. The nearest airport and railway station are Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Alternatively, one can plan a road-trip from Silguiri or Darjeeling in West Bengal as it’s quite beautiful with Teesta River flowing along on one side and lush green mountains on the other.
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In the land of the Hill People
Mizoram is known for its scenic landscapes, interesting rituals, and rich biodiversity. Every time one travels to Mizoram, one does not just get visually overwhelmed by the enchanting power of the alluring mountains but learns to listen to the mystique range of the eastern Arakan mountains. Listening transforms and helps one understand the quiet force of the Blue Mountain. Aizawl city perches itself across a series of very steep hills, and its geographic location may be considered more arboreal than terrestrial.
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The Flight of the Hornbill
The mere mention of the fierce tribe that inhabited the North East reaches of the country was enough to send a shiver of apprehension through the packed arena where the annual Hornbill Festival was
being held. For even though the fierce, give-no-quarter warriors had renounced their head-hunting ways, their reputation preceded them. Our neighbour in the audience leaned over and whispered conspiratorially that in certain parts of the state our heads could well end up as trophies in a warrior’s hut.
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Paradise Now
A suspension bridge swaying in the wind over a silvery-blue river; a frozen waterfall trapped in the icy grip of winter; a ribbon of asphalt fluttering down a mountain slope; a monastery perched like a crown on the crest of a hillock; a village of five stone houses, lost in time; a local farmer, sporting headgear made of yak hair, tills the land; a herd of grazing yak… If you are craving for a vacation in the lap of nature, surrounded by serene landscapes, Arunachal Pradesh is the ideal destination.
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Crown Jewel
It takes no time for our 'North-Indian' hearts-used to vigorous, vehement, and aggressive bargaining-to melt at the congeniality of the shopkeeper. Here, far removed from the mainland, the haggling is good-natured with the aged seller incredibly smiling through it all, her disposition friendly and temper perfectly even. “Thoda kam (a little less), please,” we implore in a pantomime of expressions, gestures, and silent lip movement.
The bemused shopkeeper responds similarly, almost. She articulates a mispronounced “toda” (the Hindi thoda, meaning little) while 'more' is expressed with a rise of her flat right palm, signifying thatwe jack up the negotiating rate. We chuckle at her attempt, she giggles into her innaphi (shawl), the deal is struck and the bamboo basket is ours.
Turns out, we came back from Imphal with a lot more than a piece of utility. We carried back an experience of a lifetime from an ancient land that was apparently even referenced in the epic Mahabharata. the north-east, means the land of jewels. If ever there was an apt moniker, it is this. From raggedy hills, pristine valleys, dense forests and clear blue lakes, to innumerable orchids and the Siroi lily found here exclusively, the state packs in quite a punch (just like its most famous denizen, the indubitable boxer Mary Kom).
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Colours of the Rann
In the Rann of Kutch, the world's largest saline desert, the wind howls and hoots like a banshee. Those trackless wastes hijacked our imagination so much so miracles and mirages seemed to merge in the flat vastness, and the lines between the real and the unreal were blurred.
At Than monastery, a remote temple complex on the edge of the virtually untrodden Rann (60 km from the district capital of Bhuj), a caretaker told us about a Hindu saint who had meditated there in the headstand position for 12 years! "Twelve years!" we echoed in a mixture of disbelief and astonishment.
But then we thought, anything is possible in this inhospitable terrain; stark, barren and seemingly devoid of life, with silvery pools of water glimmering in the distance like an answer to a shipwrecked man's prayer. "Those pools are mirages," said our guide "as we squinted into the blurry distance where the very air seemed to shimmer like a bride's veil."
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Into the Sacred Groves
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, where the Buddha spent his lifetime, offers several destinations that mark important milestones in The Enlightened One’s life and make for an interesting itinerary for any traveler seeking to follow the life and times of the founder of Buddism.
The first stop is Lumbini, which lies across the Sunauli border on Nepal side. It marks the beginning of Buddha’s trail and is a World Heritage Site of supreme significance, although missed by most travelers despite it being birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, as Buddha was known before attaining enlightenment. 500 kms away from Lumbini is Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where Buddha found enlightenment under a fig tree (called Bodhi tree) after meditating for 49 days.
The next stop in the itinerary has to be the Deer Park at Sarnath, where Buddha preached the first sermon to his five companions. For spiritualists seeking to practice meditation, Sarnath and Shravasti, where Buddha spent 24 years, are ideal destinations. The final stop is Kushinagar where a 6.1 metre-long sandstone statue of the Reclining Buddha inside the Mahaparinirvana Temple marks the site where Buddha attained nirvana after death. The natural beauty, historical significance and rich heritage of the Indo-Gangetic plains invite both leisure travelers and serious spiritualists to embrace the magic of Buddha’s expedition while indulging in some of the most picturesque spectacles in the world.
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PARADISE FOUND
If you are looking for paradise, then surely Ladakh, nestled in the lap of Himalayas in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, has to be one of your top target destinations. This serene, intriguingly beautiful, mysterious and inviting region offers myriad attractions to a traveller. Whether you want to visit Pangong Lake, the highest saltwater reservoir in the world at an altitude of 14,270 ft or Tso Moriri, the fresh water lake situated at a height of 15,000 ft, you would be spoilt for choices. Nubra valley, the valley of flowers, hosts the Diskit monastery dating back to 14th century and offers a peep into the ancient legacy of Tibetan Buddhists. You may soak yourself in the warm hospitality of the ever smiling locals or seek solitude along the numerous walks and enjoy the captivating beauty of snow-capped mountains, endless valleys and the unspoilt greenery.
To visit the soulful Ladakh, you may visit take a flight from Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Shimla or Chandigarh. Alternately if you are the kind who enjoys the journey as much as or more than the destination, you may drive down to Leh, the capital of Ladakh along the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La, which is an adventure in itself.
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Uncovering History & Mystery
If you are looking for a quiet date with history and some moments for self, then this is the perfect time to head to Orchha. Far away from the madding crowds of urban centres, this tiny village town in transition in Madhya Pradesh, offers a vacation that promises to be a medley of absorbing details, relaxation, peace and rejuvenation. Stepping into Orchha is akin to stepping back in time—here time seems to have stood still beguilingly. This tiny city hides within it centuries of India’s past—a legacy carved in stone—mute yet evocative.
If heading from Delhi, just take a train to Jhansi, which is a 15 km ride from this ancient city. You can come back to explore Jhansi again, but for now, catch an auto or a taxi and head out to the erstwhile seat of the Bundelas. The sight of Orchha is like an artist’s impression, drawn on a canvas of blue, grey and blue—a line of stone palaces and temples with rising domes etched between the blue of the sky above and reflected in the still waters of Betwa river below—mesmerizing in its beauty and the architectural excellence of the bygone era. Orchha is a true reflection of India of the Maharajas. Built in the 16th and the 17th centuries, its monuments hide within their walls the rich history of the region.
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Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright…
Pray… Shoot… Love! To take a little liberty with the famous book and eponymous movie Eat Pray Love. Bandhavgarh National Park is unique, for its history, flora and fauna, and the royal sightings. It’s ironic that in this erstwhile shikargarh of the royals of Rewa, the sighting of the once preyed tiger, has now become an answer to the visitors’ prayers. Yes it is true, this game preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa was a famous hunting ground for the rulers and their guests. Today the only shooting that is allowed here is with your DSLR. Bandhavgarh is the royal abode of exotic royal white tigers and the true answer to the nature tourist's prayers.
What draw tourists from India and abroad in hordes today are Bandhavgarh’s famous tiger sightings, not one or two but sometimes more than five, if you are really lucky and your prayers have been answered. Bandhavgarh calls out to not just tiger lovers but all wildlife and nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers as well the general tourists. For others, the destination has a heightened meaning as culture, history and archaeology of the place transport the national park from a wildlife destination to something more exotic and intrinsically Indian in spirit.
If you are looking for something different from your regular beach holidays this winter, it’s time you headed out to Bandhavgarh. The season is just so perfectly ambient for a relaxing holiday in the midst of nature’s green. The best time to visit Bandhavgarh is from October to June. If you want to catch a sight of the sloth bear as well, then plan your visit between March and May. Fond of the multifunctional Mahua flower that is locally brewed into a fine wine, the sloth bear comes out from its hideout sniffing its sweet scent. Birds and deer are also fond of the Mahua, a tree native to India; and the best time for bird watching in this national park is between November and March.
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Heritage on Beach
If in the middle of cold foggy winter a beach holiday beckons tantalisingly, worry not. Just head to Mamallapuram, better known as Mahabalipuram. This ancient seaport town offers much more than a perfect soak in the sun. The beachside city is a curious potpourri of art, culture, history, heritage, architecture, modernity and much else and an archeological treasure trove with its famous group of monuments listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Yes, Mahabalipuram has much to offer to the world traveller, the reason why it has earned the sobriquet of a tourist town.
The tiny beachside getaway situated at a convenient distance of approximately 60 km from the thriving state capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, is just a 45 minutes to one-hour drive down the East Coast Road (ECR). As you cruise along this one-lane well maintained toll road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in India, the Bay of Bengal plays hide and seek throughout the way.
It is a must-visit destination on the India itinerary of foreign tourists, the heritage and beach of Mahabalipuram are now drawing the domestic travellers too. Weekend revellers from the city and the corporate crowd often drive down for a picnic by the shore or just to spend the day on the beach. If you want to avoid the crowds, time your visit for weekdays when the beaches are peaceful and calm. The beach ambience of the seaside heritage destination and the treasure trove of its ancient monuments make Mahabalipuram among the top 10 most visited places by overseas tourists.
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Beat the Blues at Sun City
It’s royal, it’s imposing and it’s blue! It is the origin of the famous mawa kachoris and yes, it is the place that sashays on the international fashion ramps in an eponymous avatar—the world renowned piece of sartorial elegance—the Indian breeches. That in short is Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan and seat of erstwhile royals, the famous Rathores.
To do this, we recommend a trip to the desert town in the months between October and March, the best time to visit the Gateway to the Thar. Yes that’s another of the monikers of the Blue City and the Sun City. Situated on the edge of the Thar desert, the town is bright and sunny, hot and dry—a typical desert weather for most parts of the year.
Many buses, trains and flights take the visitor to the royal abode. But a road trip to Rajasthan has its own charm and so does a trip on the Palace on Wheels—Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. Board this regal chariot at Delhi and take a seven day round trip of Rajasthan, visiting all the former princely states ensconced in luxury.
There will not be a dull moment in a trip to Jodhpur, with the city bustling with activity, visits to temples, monuments, forts and short excursions to the outskirts that add to the experience.
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Discovering My Backyard
What makes Mussoorie the Queen of Hills? For one, it boasts of Cloud’s End at one end of it, and for another, it promises a mesmerising view of the majestic Himalayan ranges. An easy and picturesque 35 km drive from Dehradun, it is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, at a height of 200 m above sea level. In summer, this hill station provides an escape from the oppressive heat of the plains. With the highest temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius and the lowest hovering at 10 degrees Celsius, summers are also the best time for trekking, rock climbing and camping.
Dehradun makes for a great base camp to do this loop and is well connected by air, train and bus from key cities of North India. Cabs are the easiest way to travel. Mussorie offers a wide choice of accommodation to the travellers—from budget to five star hotels. Take your pick after a thorough recce and select one with valley facing room for the best view of Mussoorie. Try out the variety of cuisine on offer.
Colourful woollens like Kullu socks, caps, mufflers and shawls make great gift items for friends back home. The Tibetan market offers a choice of sleeping bags, windcheaters, sweaters and shawls and a little further at the old cantonment area of Landour you can shop for Raj era memorabilia, silver jewellery and books.
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Discovering Tibet!
McLeod Ganj, popularly known as Little Lhasa, a village in the suburbs of Dharamshala, is situated in the hilly terrains of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh and is a popular Tibetan colony. McLeod Ganj is bustling with life yet serene and calm. In the upper recesses at 1,770 m is the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The lower Dharamshala (1,380 m), in contrast, is a busy commercial hub.
Make your way to one of the many budget hotels, homestays or guesthouses tucked into the narrow alleys depending on your purse and taste. Most offer clean, tastefully furnished accommodation with views to refresh the soul. Worth mentioning for a stay are the Tibetan themed ones that resonate with its culture. From décor to hospitality, all have a distinct flavour and bring Little Lhasa a little closer to the visitor in spirit.
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The Coasts are Calling
Spring is in the air. The long damp, dark days of biting cold are come to a welcome end…well almost. The days are bright and warm and well the blues beckon—the lakes, the lagoons, the seas and the coasts. Coastal Karnataka, the almost 320 km of the most vivid coastal stretch of golden-white beaches and breathtaking sights that can ever be found in a single place! Bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west and bounded by the plains of Kerala on the south, Konkan on the north and Western Ghats on the east, coastal Karnataka has the most mesmerizing landscape that runs from Mangalore in the south all the way to Gokarna in the north.
Coastal Karnataka is idyllic most parts of the year. Yet March to August is the best time to plan a visit to its many famous beach destinations. Most of the beaches are at an easy distance from Mangalore, which is the nearest airport and railway station. Mangalore is also well connected to all the major cities of Karnataka like Bengaluru, Shimoga, Hassan and Chickmagalur, via road.
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Rustic Charm, Simple Pleasures
The charm is legendary. This tiny lake city, said to have sprung up from the petal of a lotus flower of Lord Bramha, is mystical and magical. It attracts millions, and in droves, especially in the holy month of Kartik for religious reasons and others, to the Pushkar Mela, the largest camel fair in the world, for all the fun and frolic that it promises. The history too of this ancient, tiny and sleepy town is fascinating. “Pushkar Fair is one of the most iconic travel destinations in Asia, with a uniquely exotic appeal for visitors, a chance to see one of the greatest traditional melas and livestock trading fairs. It draws visitors from all over the world,” said Mr Pankaj Sharma, CEO, Indian Moments, a tour operator specialising in Pushkar tours.
A natural lake amidst hills and sand dunes is itself a miracle, but Pushkar’s sacred importance in Hindu mythology is such that it finds mention in both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Camel rides and races, giant Ferris wheel rides, the longest moustache contest, the pagadi contest, the horse and donkey races, and balloon rides up in the clear desert sky, are just among the few activities that keep the visitors returning day after day, hankering for more excitement. The local wares bazaar offering ethnic jewellery, utensils, household items, and garments richly crafted with local designs, is a great attraction for souvenir hunters.
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Decoding the Nilgiris
The 'Fragrant One' from the land of the Blue Mountains lingers on the tastebuds. The colour is a brisk orange and the taste a distinct honey-sweet, not sharp and tangy but sweet and mellow. Just the right kind of tea, yes, it is the Fragrant One, a tea to sip through the day to beat the slight chill of the mountain air! But there's certainly more to the Nilgiris than its tea. It's a destination that is simply exquisite in its beauty. The Nilgiri Hills are a part of the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, located bordering the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Nilgiri District, part of Tamil Nadu, is situated within these hills. The English name of the Nilgiri Hills is Blue Mountains—their literal translation.
The region has reasons galore to celebrate the Nilgiris. The world-renowned travel destination is blessed with not one but several hill stations, each at a different altitude. It is a retreat that packs the thrill of high mountains, deep valleys, sparkling water bodies, dense forests and steep slopes, rich biodiversity, the peace of tea gardens, and the adventure of trekking and mountain cycling, et al. It is home to Ketti, the world's widest valley, as well as the famous Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Paradise Point
For the best view of four of the five highest peaks in the world and the adventure of a lifetime head to Sandakphu.
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In the Middle Land
Spiti Valley is a perfect summer getaway offering unrivalled delights.
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A Date with History
Stepping into Nagaland is akin to walking back in time. It's fascinating to see an almost medieval tribal island in a sea of 21st century modernity
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The Great Adventure!
The The hills of Wayanad resonate with history. The salubrious air smells of spices—a whiff of coffee mixed with cardamom.
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India's French Coast!
India's French Coast! The French Riviera of the East retains its flavour. There's a distinct yet mellow air that blows here gently, slowing life to a leisurely pace. Pondicherry, the capital city of Puducherry, strikes a different chord-but not a discordant note.
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Invaluable Inheritance
Himachal Pradesh (HP), without doubt, is a "Dev Bhumi—Land of Gods". With its vast tracts of high-altitude trans-Himalayan desert, dense green deodar forests, apple orchards, cultivated terraces, snow-capped high Himalayan mountain ranges and snow-fed lakes that gush down in rivers, HP is a geographic marvel.
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Window seat on heritage!
A trip on the famous Palace on Wheels is truly a journey of opulence and pageantry, through the cities and stories of Delhi, Agra and captivating Rajasthan.
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Magical Mumbai!
Mumbai renamed from Bombay, pulsates with a rare and potent vibrancy. Numerous books, songs and movies have eulogised and romanticised this sea-side financial hub, which could be called as the 'New York of India'.
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Stunning Kullu-Manali
Kullu is known for its lush forests, flower-carpeted hillsides and hovering butterflies. In Autumn, Kullu's famous, 10 day long Dussehra festival is a must watch. Various performances like dancing and singing happen during this period and the Gaddi shepherds participate in the same.
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Bhangarh
Within Rajasthan is a quiet village en route to the well-known Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Bhangarh or locally referred to as the haunted city – a world so different and so nestled deep into the mountains and literally the sands of time that it almost seems a lost civilization.
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Madhav National Park
The Madhav National Park in in Shivpuri, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, is situated on the gentle slopes of the upper Vindhyan hills. The terrain definitely sets the mood - of unhurried ease, such is the magic of the Park.
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Romancing Rajasthan
Wherever you go in Rajasthan, you can't remain untouched by its vivaciousness. The deeper you drive into the desert, the softer the language will become. Rajasthan is easy to spot. Women and men dressed in the brightest of colours, in defiance of the desert's arid brown.
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Sumptuous Goa
Goa conjures up images. It is a perfect holiday place by the beach. In addition is its hospitality, cuisine, heritage and adventure sports. Goan cuisine is a fine blend of Indian and Portuguese influences.
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Sensory Spa
Kerala redefines the colour green, washes it and presses it till it shines. The state is as lush, as it is silent—soulfully so. In the plains there is the hegemony of coconut. Drink it, eat it, sleep on it or wear it—the tree and its fruit are an integral part of life in Kerala. A small state with a large heart – Kerala.
Size:4.36 MB Top
Savouring Darjeeling
Darjeeling is perched on the Himalayan foothills, at the northern tip of the West Bengal State, but you can easily call it the soul of Bengal. Darjeeling offers a handful of eateries and watering holes that down shutters early. Local cuisine is as tasty as it is cheap at the tiny Bhutanese and Tibetan restaurants—try their unique pancakes and bread.
Size:4.49 MB Top
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