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3 Top Reasons to Visit Kerala for Your Trip

There are many unique places to travel and it cannot be easy to pick your next destination when there are so many options. So here we discuss the top 3 reasons to visit Kerala for your trip. Kerala trip is a perfect option for outdoor lovers, with its beautiful scenic views and many exciting activities. The heart-warming nature and thrilling adventures in Kerala keep you excited about your visit. Known to be 'the God's Own Country' is famous for its backwaters. But other than that know the top three reasons for your Kerala visit: Spices and Food

Spectacular Spice Garden Muziris, an ancient port in Kerala, was the center of the world's spice trade. You must add a visit to a spice farm to your itinerary. This provides you the chance to see how spices are made and used in restaurants or homes. Here you can find pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and many other herbs. Connect with nature to get close to your roots and travel back in time. Attappadi and Siruvani are the most popular spice destinations in Kerala. But there are many other spice farm options, so you can easily find one close to you. Indian food has always been worth exploring. It is a must-see on any trip. Its cuisine is rich in spices and use of coconut and rice is very common. Here you can find many vegetarian options and also few meat dishes. Some traditional dishes of Kerala include pazham poi (fried bananas), parotta (bread made with flour and accompanied mostly with beef), puttu (made of rice powder, water, and coconut and kadala curry (black chickpeas in curry). Bird watching, Wildlife, and Parks:

Elephant herd at Periyar However, we all know that Kerala is a paradise destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife and nature lovers can see many animals in their natural habitats and enjoy knowing about the various trees and plants. Wayanad is where elephants can be seen, Periyar is for leopards and tigers, and Kumarakom Bird sanctuary can be visited for bird watching. The other parks and shelters are also worth visiting which include Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley, Eravikulam National Park, etc. There are 25 parks and sanctuaries in Kerala. You're sure to find one that allows you to be connected with nature and enjoy the best of Kerala. Kerala is home to everything, from beautiful beaches and hills to breathtaking mountains, so you can hike, go on safari, camp, or enjoy bird watching. Kerala is a lovely vacation spot because it offers almost everything. Unique People and Culture:

Unique Boat Race We always encourage tourists to go beyond the famous tourist attractions and talk with locals. It allows you to learn more about the country, its history, and perhaps even it's future. Talking with people from different parts of the country will help you better understand their challenges and opportunities. You'll also get helpful tips about what to do and where to go. The most surprising thing about Kerala is the friendly people. The people of Kerala will always be willing to help you, regardless of where you come from or your economic status. Kerala Tourism has also launched a campaign that emphasizes people and nature. They used #HumanByNature as their hashtag and created a special video to accompany it. Now it is our turn to make it a better place for our trips.  So when are you planning your Kerala?? Happy Traveling!!   Read the full article

#birdwatching #culture #houseboat #Kerala #keralabackwaters #keralaspiceplantation #keralawildlifesanctaury #periyarnationalpark #reasonstovisitKerala #wildlifesanctuary

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7 Reasons to Visit The Royal State of India: Rajasthan

The beauty of Rajasthan is in the dunes, the energy in its vibrant folk songs, and the rich heritage in its forts and palaces. Some parts of Rajasthan seem lost in time, whereas certain areas capture the glitz and glamour of contemporary life to perfection. There are many reasons to book the Rajasthan tour packages. The smooth sand dunes beneath the sparkling skies or wandering through the remains of a massive fort. Everything is unique in its own way. The joys of shopping for classic "jooti" or digging your mouth with "dal-baati" are as varied and intriguing as they seem. Here check out your reason to visit the Royal State of India, Rajasthan: Famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks

Tiger sighting at Ramthambore Rajasthan is home to wide variety of Indian species. The most famous sanctuary for wildlife worth visiting are Desert National Sanctuary in Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It allows visitors to enjoy walking safaris and horse riding. The National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, Kota is very famous for Gharials. Also known as red crowned roof turtle. If you are fond of national parks, then Ranthambore National Park should be your stop. It is an excellent spot to see wild tigers in their natural surroundings. Sariska National Park, Alwar, is another place worth visiting because of its large population of tigers. Discover wildlife in Rajasthan in the most authentic way. Fascinating Heritage Hotels

Scenes from Udaipur Lake Palace Rajasthan has the most number of heritage hotels which provide you the chance to see the royal life in person and become familiar with the princely customs and traditions of this state. One of these historic hotels in the state is Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, which is often referred to as "Jewel of Jaipur." The sandstone is carved from golden yellow and adorned with luxury; The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace located in Jodhpur provides a truly unforgettable experience. The only hotel that is unique and intriguing is the Lake Palace in Udaipur. Other famous heritage hotels include Fort Rajwada in Jaisalmer, Shiv Niwas Palace in Udaipur, and Khimsar Fort, Khimsar. Festivals and Dances

Cultural Activities at Pushkar Fair The sheer number of fairs and festivals held in Rajasthan all through the year makes it one of the most renowned state for the culture of India. These celebrations of merrymaking are highlighted by lively dance and music performances. Turban-tying contests and races for camels, elephant polo, and other unique and exciting activities draw tourist crowds in huge numbers. The most well-known dances from Rajasthan that have earned international recognition include the Ghoomar dance of Udaipur along with the Kalbeliya dance from Jaisalmer. The other famous cultural activities are Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, etc. The most popular fairs in the state are Marwar Festival, Pushkar Fair, Bikaner Camel Festival, Bundi Festival, and Mewar Fair. Desert Safari

Desert Safari Rides An ideal place to experience the magic of desert safari is Jaisalmer, where you can also enjoy the annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival. Camping under the dazzling stars and calmness of desert when interrupted by the whispering breeze is an unforgettable experience! Another way to experience the vibrant and diverse Rajasthani folk culture is by participating in festivals like the Desert Festival, which is typically held from January to February each year. Vibrant Cities

Patrika Gate, Jaipur Rajasthan is the most significant state in India as home to the most number of lively cities. Jaipur named as the "Pink City," and the capital city of Rajasthan is well-known for its palaces and forts. Some of the famous ones are Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, etc. Udaipur is also famous for its sparkling lakes, such as Lake Pichola, and wonders such as Taj Lake Palace, besides being a shopper's paradise. Kota is known for its Jagmandir Palace, Kota Barrage as well as Chambal gardens in addition to its famous "Kota ki Kachori." Then, Jaisalmer offers a rare opportunity to camp under the stars in nights accompanying the dunes of sand. Authentic Culture

Scrumptious Laal Maas There is no doubt that Rajasthan is among the top states for culture in India. The residents are dressed in vibrant costumes known as "angarakha" and "Ghaghara." The cuisine of the state include things such as buttermilk "khud khargosh" (rabbit meat), "dal baati churma," "gatte ki sabzi," "laal maas" and so on. The primary occupation for the people from Rajasthan as well describes the culture of the state. The most commonly cultivated crops are wheat, bajra, pulses, etc. Not only this, Rajasthan also matches itself with the world. The modern side of the state, which is evident in the lavish malls, parks, and many more. Perfect Stop for Shopping

Shopping Streets of Rajasthan The most desirable places to shop within India is Rajasthan. It is because shopping here is also about experiencing the historical aspect of the town. For handicrafts, ethnic handlooms, and artifacts, no place is more enchanting than Jaipur. The most popular locations include Johari Bazar and Bapu Bazar. Jodhpur is the ideal place to shop for things that range from antiques to jewellery. Clock Tower Market and Nai Sarak are two of the most popular alternatives. Hathi Pol Bazar, famous for its Rajasthani miniature paintings. Bada Bazar in Udaipur displays an array of exotic goods. Another popular place to shop is Sadar Bazar in Pushkar, where you can find leatherware, puppets, textiles and many more. Places become touristic for their reasons to visit and Rajasthan perfectly defines to be the same. So when are you planning your trip to the royal state of Rajasthan?? Happy Traveling!! Read the full article

#Camel-cartride #culture #DesertCamping #Festival #FinestRajasthaniCuisine #jaipur #jaisalmer #jodhpur #Largestcameltradingfairintheworld #Palace #placesandattractionsinjaipur #pushkar #PushkarFair #Rajasthan #reasonstovisitrajasthan #Udaipur

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9-Things to do at the Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is a tribute to the freedom fighter and the Ironman of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was unveiled on his 143rd birth anniversary on 31st October 2018. The Statue stands 182 meters high, making it one of the tallest monuments in the world. Also, it adds new name in the wonders of India. Even though the statue in itself is the greatest attraction of the place but the place has lots of recreation activities to keep everyone from our group of visitors happily busy on the trip. So here we have discussed the 9-things to do at the Statue of Unity.

More about Statue of Unity

Drone View of the Statue of Unity The Statue is situated on the Sadhu Bet island, near Rajpipla and Narmada river in Gujarat. It stands facing Sardar Sarovar Dam and 3.2 km away from it. Shining between the Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges.

Things to do at the Statue of Unity

To have an action-packed holiday, the Statue of Unity is the most trending place among travellers. This place also has incredible and astonishing gems for you to explore. Check out these nine activities to do at the Statue of Unity. 1. Laser Light and Sound Show

Laser Light Show The Laser Light and Sound Show is organized with proper technological advancements at the Statue of Unity. The most popular Laser Light and Sound Show is a Projection Mapping Show. The mighty tall Statue of 182 meters is as well a canvas of the screen where light and sound show depicts the life and times of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The 30 minutes show is conducted through 51 high-resolution projectors fixed at a distance of 600 meters. 2. Tour to Valley of Flowers

Colourful Valley of Flowers, Gujarat The magnificent Valley of flowers has more than 100 types of flowers, climbers, bamboos and types of grass spread across the Satpura-Vindhyachal side. This Valley of the Flower is currently covers around 250 hectares of area. There is a selfie zone also to create memories. 3. Tour to Sardar Sarovar Dam

Majestic Sardar Sarovar Dam The majestic view of the dam and a large water reservoir has attracted millions of tourists around the globe. It would be a magnificent sight in the monsoon when the floodgates are open. So one should visit during the monsoon to see it in its full glory. It supplies water to neighbouring states, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. 4. Nauka Vihar (Boat Ride) The total duration of each ride is of 45 minutes and eight rides in a day. This ride takes you to the waters of dyke-4 surrounded by lush green forests. The ecosystem around the lake is fascinating. This boating facility at Panchmuli lake has become a popular spot for tourists. 5. Zarwani Cycling Tour Zarwani means tour of the jungle. If you want an absolute adventurous experience, cycling in this area is a great idea. Zarwani cycling tour starts from the Shrestha Bharat Bhavan complex. This 3 hours cycling tour for 22 km lets you discover beautiful waterfalls, up-down hills and jungles, and splendid points like Dhirakhadi waterfall. You can have tea, snacks, refreshments along with two ‘Makke ki roti’ with ‘Sarson ki chutney’ after enjoying the waterfall and bathing in it. Tickets are available online as well as offline. 6. Khalwani Cycling Tour The Khalwani cycling tour is open for a limited number of people, only after permission to access this area. The cycling route is 14 km, starting from the Valley of Flowers and then rides through the dam, tent city area and Godbole door. SOU also offers snacks and refreshments to keep you energized while you are cycling. 7. Stay at Tent City

Beautiful view of Tent City Resorts near the Statue of Unity include the Narmada Tent City, situated in the Kevadia Colony. The statue of unity tents booking provide comfortable accommodations with luxurious air-conditioned tents and delicious cuisine. The tents are luxurious, with modern amenities, like air conditioners, plush beds, exclusive furniture and private washrooms. 8. Shopping The Ekta Mall at Statue of Unity covers a 35,000 square feet area. Ekta Mall has handlooms, handicrafts and traditional textile showrooms from various states of India to promote Indian Handicrafts. It is a one-stop-shop for India’s traditional textiles and artisanal handicrafts. 9. Eating Enjoyment There are a few restaurants near the Statue of Unity which are on the main road. However, an in-house cafeteria is preferable. It has many options, you can buy coupons and order food. There is a huge sitting area. If you have a booking at the Tent City then lavish and delicious cuisine is included in the package.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the statue of unity tent city is during the winter months of October to February, though the site is open all through the year. The Statue of Unity opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Concluding we can add that visitors can make their trip memorable by taking a helicopter ride to enjoy a full magnificent view of the Statue of Unity. Those people who like adventurous activities can do night trekking and experience the nature and wooden surroundings of Tent City Narmada. Tour to Statue of Unity has the package with all the aspects of tourism. Be it the adventure, nature or lifestyle tourism. Take a trip for a mixed trip fun. Happy Traveling! Read the full article

#Boating #Gujarat #Gujarattourism #Laserandsoundshow #statueofunity #Tentcity #ValleyofFlowers

[theghumakkads]

Sight of that Nashik Weekend..!!

When the days were normal without the covid fears. During the time of easy and stress removing trips, instead of stress giver. When the road trips were a usual weekend thing. Also, when I followed my happy times everywhere I went. During such a magical moment, I had one sudden weekend break in Nashik which added a magical spark to my life. Nashik turned out absolutely stunning and more than I could imagine.

Skies can be pink Nashik was my one little pitstop on my long Maharashtra tour. Known for the city of Jyotirlinga and Kumbh for the pilgrims and the 'wine factory' for the young party lovers. This city has all. I sensed a 'mini Bombay effects' too!!

The Spiritual Morning in Nashik

Triyambakeshwar Mahadev The reason I admired Nashik way too much could be the kings of weather- monsoon. It beautified the littles lanes of greens. We had a morning start with the darshan (visit) at the 'Triyambakeshwar Mahadev', one from the twelve 'Jyotirlingas'. Jyotirlingas are the most auspicious Shiva temple which is highly visited by Hindu pilgrims. The aura of the temple was magical enough to dive into the positive energies. Though the 'darshan' at such auspicious Shiva temple in the holy month of Sawan (month according to the Hindu calendar) is a challenging task. But Shiva gave us that lucky sighting and we could pray in front of the 'Shivlinga' without much difficulty. I can still have that incredible sight of the temple in my heart. For me, the energies of the temple holds are more important but we can not ignore the beauty of this temple. It was a beautiful structure standing strong amidst the hills of Western Ghats and neighboring the source of the holy river Godavari. No doubt, the monsoon made the views extraordinary. Day Drives

Rainy drive scenes The magic of such pretty weather could be best explored through driving by the lanes surrounding the beauty of Western Ghats. The natural waterfalls all through the way prove the real beauty of nature. The greens not only brightened my eyes but also freshened my soul which still retains in my heart. I have seen many pretty mountains and hills but that Nashik drives make me feel awestruck. I know it was all the magic of the weather. Chai and pakoras added spice to my plate of happiness! Vineyards Evening at Sula

My love for those pretty bottle decor Sula Vineyards is the primary visit in Nashik if you love wines. Though the place demanded time of at least a day to see it all, I just had an evening to spend. Only I could feel, what all I missed at this place. So, I would suggest either a full day or a night-stay reserved for it. If you are a party animal, somewhat like me, then the Sula Festival is perfectly our choice for once. Though parties are always 'on' there if you have a great group to celebrate on the shots of wine and a lot many different drinks on trials. Other than the bottles of wine, the vineyards are the perfect example of how we grow amidst nature. Place confidently celebrates and presents itself with all the interior telling you about wines and history. Learn to drink in a better way here! Also, don't forget to shop for some souvenirs for your favorite people. It could be the perfect gift, I assure you. Sum-up of my one good day! Though it was short Nashik for me but more than I could expect. I cannot deny the fact that the city was way more perfect than I thought it to be. Maybe the reason was the perfect company I got to take me along their hometown with such enthusiasm. Also, the fun-loving people, I could cherish all my life.

With those Nashik wale Nashik had a blend of all. Be it the motivation, we require to start our day better. Or the loudest nights to end it on the best beats of music. Happy Traveling!! Read the full article

#Jyotirlingas #Maharashtra #monsoon #Monsoontrip #nashik #Nasik #roadtrips #Sulavineyards #TriyambakeshwarMahadev #Weekendtrip

[theghumakkads]

11 Places to Visit near Bangalore for Short Trips..!!

Bangalore has become a metro-cum-workstation city lately. Many workaholics are busy working there and sometimes looking up for a trip as for break nearby to relax. Short trips aka weekend trips are like our best friends. Takes us away from all our problems. Gives us a happy break. Makes us feel good again. Lets us forget all our problems and never too far from us. Just a plan and bookings away..!! Your bff might ditch you on your trip but trips won't ever ditch you with awesomeness. So, heere we have come up with sorted list for you hard-working travelers to add some magic amidst your life and jobs: 1. Ooty Distance from Bangalore: 297 km Drive Time: 7 hours 30 minutes approx.

Dreamy Stays in Ooty A relaxing half day drive and you reach in the laps of 'Queen of Hills'. Making its place in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it is an actual paradise. Lakes, gardens, viewpoints, tea and coffee plantations, all count to the charm of this little town. But the most affluent attraction of Ooty is the toy train route. Experience the beauty of mesmerizing wooden huts of the hills through the tiny colorful windows of the toy trains and get lost in its magic. 2. Kabini Distance from Bangalore: 206 km Drive Time: 5 hours approx.

Wildlife Scenes at Kabini This pretty place is a must for the wildlife enthusiast. Kabini Forest Reserve and Nagarhole National Park gives you all the perks of rich flora and fauna. Sight Bengal tigers, golden jackal, Indian bison and many more on your jeep safari. Swing with the chirping rare birds on a boat ride in river Kabini or opt for a coracle ride accompanying the locals of nature. Take an elephant safari in the deep wooden jungles or just sip a fresh cup of coffee amidst the delightful nature. What else a weekend trip asks for?? 3. Chikmagalur Distance from Bangalore: 243 km Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes approx.

Tranquil Nature of Chikmagalur Chikmagalur is perfect stop for the coffee lovers. Known to be as the capital of coffee plantations, it lives with the aroma of coffee. Though the town has something to offer for almost every kind of traveler. This pleasant hill station serves all adventures- caving, trekking, rafting and so on. Experiences doesn't stop here, you can also go for your love for flora and fauna through the wildlife sanctuaries of Chikmagalur. Apart from all such experiences it has the tranquil peace which you search coming out from the hustle-bustle of your city Bangalore. 4. Bheemeshwari Distance from Bangalore: 104 km Drive Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes approx.

Adventure Trip Residing beside the Cauvery river, this little town has all the water- based adventure. From fishing to kayaking, rafting to boating or the traditional coracle ride choose any of these and show your type of love to the water nature. May be just lie beside the river on a camp night and gaze the pretty stars or sing and dance with your group on a bonfire with some lip-smacking local cuisines and start your day around with a perfect sunrise walk. Bheemeshwari has great options of fishing resorts and camping to make your weekend a perfect service. Also, outskirts of Bangalore can always surprise you with the wildlife sighting due to rich flora and fauna it has!! 5. B.R. Hills Distance from Bangalore: 173.2 km Drive Time: 4 hours approx.

Views from B.R. Hills The Biligiri Ranga hills or commonly known as B.R. Hills is a nature's delight with the confluence of both western and eastern ghats resulting in diverse ecosystem. The hilltop is named on the famous temple Biligira Rangaswamy residing here. It is the most common weekend hotspot for the people of Bangalore. Visit the place to spot the Dodda Sampige Mara, the big, holy Champak Tree which is known to be as more than 2000 years old. 6. Mysore Distance from Bangalore: 143.6 km Drive Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes approx.

Rich History at Mysore Palace Mysuru or Mysore is architecturally and culturally rich city along with the yoga place of the country. This city has too much to tell the travelers who are interested in culture, architecture, yoga, food-hopping and lots of shopping. Pridely flaunting its glittering Mysore Palace which is the most important sight-seeing treasure of the city. It has alot apart from this. Mysuru is also famous for its Dussehra celebration which attracts tourists from around the world. This can be your perfect weekend stop to attract peace from its different style of yoga and together enjoy its other beauty. 7. Wayanad Distance from Bangalore: 271.2 km Drive Time: 6 hours approx.

Bamboo Rafting Wayanad has been a favourite place amongst tourists for long years. If cave adventure is your type of interest, then this little town is a perfect go for you. Adding to other adventure activities such as trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, mountaineering and many more. Most beautiful Chembra Peak Trek has its way from here. Make up for it, if you are fond of nature treks and have extra days in hand. Wayanad offers pretty wildlife scenes, rich in flora and fauna with a perfect touch of soothing weather. You can spot asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards and lots of beautiful birds chirping in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to amuse you. Other than this, also try bamboo rafting here for a different but amazing experience from the normal rafting. Also, take a visit to the Asia's second largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam. Adding upto this, Wayanad also have beautiful temples too, for the spiritual, pligrimage tours. Does this place leaves any reason to not visit it? 8. Hogenakkal Falls Distance from Bangalore: 126.6 km Drive Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes approx.

Thundering Falls Commonly known as the 'Niagara Falls of South India' is the most budgeted weekend trip from Bangalore. Lying on the Kaveri River, Hogenakkal is an ultimate stop for nature lovers. Feel the thunder of the water here with some scrumptious seafood. Also, try coracle ride amidst the waterfalls to give you another experience of adventure. Apart from all the fun, Hogenakkal is the perfect weekend spot as it also has good local oil-massagers for the best relaxing short vacay. 9. Kudremukh Trek Distance from Bangalore: 310 km Drive Time: 6 hours and 30 minutes approx.

Misty Fog on the Way For all the nature and trek lovers, steps to Kudremukh Peak is not difficult. Changing scenery with every steps will keep you amaze throughout the trek. This is the reason, the trek seems neither difficult nor long. Magic of western ghats can be perfectly felt on the way with cascading waterfalls, beautiful streams and lush, green forests. Not only these, peaceful chirping of birds will motivate you to walk the heights easily. The picturesque view on the top with chilly, windy waves will make it worth all the hardships you faced. The tiredness and dullness of Bangalore will all brush out with the tiredness of Kudremukh trail. Also, read out the Kudremukh experience of one of our writer, before planning yours- Trek to Kudremukh, A tale of rains and leeches. 10. Nandi Hills Distance from Bangalore: 61 km Drive Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes approx.

Dreamy Walk Paths Nandi Hills is a mixture of fun for history buffs and adventure lovers altogether. Majorly known for the hill fortress of Tipu Sultan for their summer retreat, this little hill station offers the same retreat presently too. It is the shortest break you can take from Bangalore with adequate fun. Visit the famous Nandi Temple and other historical remnants of fort and various temples. Enjoy cycling and paragliding amidst the clouds. Take a peaceful walk wondering the beauty this little town holds. Also, take vineyard trip on the way to sip some amazing wines. 11. Coorg Distance from Bangalore: 242 km Drive Time: 6 hours approx.

Homestays at Coorg Coorg has been the most breath-taking beautiful hill station of Karnataka. Known to be the 'Scotland of India' because of the exotic landscapes and misty scenic views. It is a heaven for the couples. Coorg is a coffee plantation town, a hub for coffee-lovers. Also, an admiring place for the culture lover with a local clan of Kodavas. Try homestays here for they are the lovely hospitality provider. No place near Bangalore will leave adventure, being amidst the nature. Hiking, rafting, trekking will be your companion here too with the best of views and weather. Though Bangalore has very magnificent nearby places. The list is long. But we sorted a few which had less driving time, so that you take less time to travel and more time to chillax. Also check, weekend trips near Delhi, if you have a group of friends there and join them to cheer their days. Happy Traveling!! Read the full article

#B.R.Hills #Bangalore #BangaloreWeekendGetaways #Bengaluru #Bheemeshwari #Chikmagalur #Coorg #HogenakkalFalls #Kabini #Kudremukh #kudremukhtrek #Mysore #Mysuru #NandiHills #Ooty #roadtrips #Wayanad #weekendgetaways

[theghumakkads]

How Much You know about Indian States?

Try Other Quiz about Traveling in India & India as UNESCO knows it? Read the full article

#India #IndianTourism #Quiz

[theghumakkads]

Places to Visit in NorthEast for a Surreal Experience

Northeast India is the easternmost region of India representing both a geographic and political administrative division of the country. It comprises 8 States namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It boasts of places of beauty where nature flourishes in all its glory. Situated amidst the many hilltops and scenic valleys, the beautiful places to visit in North East India paint a picture that you need to see to believe. Moreover, the North East is a land like no other. With ample views to take home from the visit, it provides for a mesmerizing view at every nook and corner that you take. It is a land of the holy, the mighty, the believers and those who believe in raw adventure. Read the full article

#Adventure #ArunachalPradesh #Assam #Cherrapunji #Dawki #Gangtok #Kaziranganationalpark #Loktaklake #Manipur #Meghalaya #Mizoram #Nagaland #Narunangfalls #Nathulapass #Northeast #RiverRafting #Rootbridges #Siangriver #Sikkim #Singalilanationalpark #Tripura #ziro #ziromusicfestival

[theghumakkads]

Explore the Wonders of India

India is a vast country with diverse landscapes and topography. It is an amalgamation of different aspects such as rich heritage, deep-rooted history, varied culture, and numerous languages. Though, India is well-known for its multiple scientific and historical wonders. But there are many hidden gems that allow visitors to experience an array of revered sites. Discover some historical treasures of India. Let's take a look at some of the most amazing historical wonders this country has to offer. Taj Mahal- Wonder of the World! Sunset view of Taj It took more than 2 decades and 20,000 artisans to construct this ivory-white marble structure. One of the biggest mausoleums ever constructed, this symbol of love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved third wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is truly one of the most iconic places in India. It is not only one of the wonders of India but also the world. This stunning masterpiece is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Millions of people visit this magnificent wonder to admire its intricate carvings and outstanding architecture. Though it is open throughout the day, seeing the Taj Mahal at night bathed with moonlight is a magical experience. Ruins of Hampi Historical Hampi Located in Karnataka, Hampi is a spectacular temple town and is one of the most visited places in South India. Part of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar, it was one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Read the full article

#agra #amerfort #amritsar #goldentemple #hampi #jaipur #konarktemple #nalanda #nalandauniversity #statueofunity #tajmahal #wondersofIndia

[theghumakkads]

Trek to Kudremukh, A tale of rains and leeches

I have vacations, I can go anywhere, I can do anything. Yet, the travel bug in me decides to travel 1170kms to Bangalore, for a trek, to a place experiencing the highest rainfall in the Western Ghats. Rolling green hills laid out in a mosaic of sprawling grasslands, cloud kissed mountains, forest trails, bamboo shrubs, and a dozen waterfalls, all of these tricked me to leave the comfort of my home and embark on a monsoon trek to Kudremukh, the Himalayas of the South. ABOUT THE PEAK Coming under the Chikmagalur District of Karnataka, Kudremukh is the third highest peak after Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri with a height of 1894m from the mean sea level. Literally meaning ‘horse-face‘ in Kannada, Kudremukh Peak boasts some of the most beautiful views of Western Ghats. The trek to Kudremukh Peak is one of the longest treks of Karnataka with a distance of around 10 km one-way. Review: Basic Skiing Course at JIM & WS- Ski Out Your Heart THE JOURNEY It all started on a Friday night, when the three of us, me, my sister who had come from Chennai and our friend in Bangalore, boarded a bus arranged by a trekking company, with a bunch of odd people. We got the absolute last seats of the bus. When we reached our destination in the morning, our tailbones were acquainted with all the potholes and speed breakers on the way. At the base village, we boarded a jeep. Read the full article

#Bangalore #Karnataka #Kudremukh #kudremukhtrek #monsoon #travelrant #Travelog #trekking #weekendgetaways #winter

[theghumakkads]

Review of the Basic Skiing Course at JIM & WS- Ski Out Your Heart

Why your feet be stayed till reaching mountains? Don't satisfy your heart only with the blissful views of nature. I thought of gliding through the snow sheets of mountains. Skiing course led my dream of exploring nature bit closer. This brought me to the website doors of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM & WS).

En-route Ski Location About the Institute The institute was established on 25th October 1983. Although homed in Aru, Pahalgam is now addressed to the mountain and nature enthusiasts. The best thing about mountaineering institutes is that they give you all the reasons to love the mother nature in its beautiful ways. JIM & WS is one such step ways to positivity. They teach you to share a hand of connectivity to mountains, to rivers, to snows and to the environment. About Basic Skiing Course at JIM & WS Ski is a sport full of technicality and determination. You cannot directly run down the slopes with this eye-catchy equipment much easily. It needs time, concentration and dedication. It is a long term process and requires good stamina. Basic Skiing Course (BSC) lasts for 15 days which includes the day of arrival and departure with the farewell ceremony. In these days we get the ski equipment, we learn about them, we learn to be friends with them and then we learn the basic techniques/positions of moving upwards and downwards with the ski. And the lesson starts with falling. There are several ways or positions in which one can move with the ski. In BSC, we learn about a few, easy moving ways with ski on slopes of snow. Skiing is typical, adventure isn't. Start your baby steps in mountain adventure sports through adventure course. Check my review of adventure course from NIM.

Vibrant Winter Scenes of Gulmarg Also, we get all the detailed theoretical knowledge on below topics- Ski and Ski equipmentInjuries and Casualties during Ski and how to prevent themDo's and don'ts of the mountain and snow-bound areasNatural Disaster of the mountain and snow-bound region with their causes and rescue techniques. But do remember, the instructors will not let your enthusiasm down, they keep boosting you with the source of informative, documentary movies of such activities. I am sure this motivates you the next morning to perform better on the ground. It does not end here, you need to undergo the tests (viva, written and practical) and participate in a compulsory group competition to check on what all learnt. Trainers assure the farewell with the satisfaction of your learning. Though skiing is a sport and you can never learn a sportfully. It is always new learning with a new day, a new place. You can never conquer it in a span of a few days. It gets better with practice. Thus the training of skiing has been divided into three level batches with Basic, Intermediate and Advance. This is to confirm that you enter the next levels only after perfectly learning and qualifying the earlier ones. This assures your proper learning on techniques and saves you from unwanted injuries and accidents. Each level course is of 15 days. How to apply for the course?? The course runs in several batches every year during the winter season. You can easily apply for the course through the official website of the institute. It is very user friendly and also you can contact the officials. The whole team of the institute is very co-operative. You can know about the batch schedules and course details through the sources, before applying. There are two sets of forms for admission which includes an application form and medical form. The medical form requires all the details truly and sincerely examined. Make sure that you are physically fit to undergo the course in an extremely cold, snowbound region. Fees of the Course: The fee of the whole course was INR 10,100/- (might change with time). The fee includes- Lodging at the campus or hotel for 15 daysHealthy, nutritious food for the whole course periodAll the required personal ski equipment for the course session (which are actually very expensive)Required training during the course through all meansFirst-aid, if required during the course span. Also, you can always assure the quality of training you acquire from the institute. You get a chance to learn from great ski instructors of the country, including the armed, military and NDRF forces of India.

A still during the daily practice session.

Still during practice session at JIM & WS Secret tip: You might not only learn the ski lessons but impressive tales from the life experiences of your instructors. Do make time to sit with your favourite instructor. They are not just the training staffs but unsung heroes too! Why to go for Skiing Course? This question is a must as you might go with a different mindset and come back with different, happened with me too. Better to ask this before going and knowing well about the course. Ski is not just as we see in adorable videos of people sloping down with ease and speed. It is way more compassionate. For me, it was another way of meditation. Achieving a sense of soul fulfilment when you reach success without falling or learn from your every failure. Because falling isn't bad until and unless you learn from your every fall. Ski is a must if you admire snow, winter, adventure, hard work, patience and your self-worth. What bad to learn a technical sport of winter which is a good dream to live on. Not only learning, but it also gives you the chance of experiencing the awestruck views of winter in mountains and snowfalls for long 15 days. Believe me, it does not look less than heaven with white pretty snow everywhere you see. Also, warm yourself enough with your dreams because it's colder than you can imagine. But, let me assure you, the activity of learning ski won't let you feel the cold.

A still during the daily practice session. My list of reasons to go for it might continue but then what will be left to look out new for you? We should always leave a slight surprise for wherever we go. This keeps us amazed, excited and gives us our ways of finding newness. Ratings: This becomes the hardest part of reviewing for me, though the important one. My sense of experiences will give it 4*/5*. Take the most out of your course, so that you can come back with a sense of great self-satisfaction. In the end, that is what is required most. Also do not forget to share your experiences of skiing course with us. We would love to compete with your slalom speed!

Happy Traveling!! Read the full article

#basicskiingcourse #basicskiingcourseatJIM&WS #JawaharInstituteofMountaineering #skiing #skiingcourse #SkiinginKashmir #wintersport

[theghumakkads]

Why to choose Mussoorie as Holiday Destination??

Mussoorie, one of the remarkable tourist places in India, originates its name from the plants of Mussoorie or shrub mansoor. This plant is every where available in this region. Mussoorie being the commonly visited hill station, is a must on list of every traveler in India. Here, we have all the reasons to justify Mussoorie as a good choice in holiday destination.

Mussoorie Mist A Hill Station!! Mussoorie is called as “Queen of Hills” and is 35 km from Dehradun. It is arranged so beautifully that it attracts visitors from all over the globe. Beauty of Mountains makes it perfect destination for everyone to go out there. Mussoorie is the best hill station in Uttarakhand. It is just not popular due to its beauty but is also considered for business and education as it has developed various centres encouraging education and business. A Summer Retreat!! Mussoorie can be considered as a summer retreat in the country due to the cool and pleasant climate there throughout the year. You can see enthralling views of Shivalik closely from every nearby places. Mussoorie offers an enchanted feel with hillsides all around. There are many places to visit in Mussoorie and they all act as a soothing summer gateway. Kempty Falls!!

Falling Kempty Kempty Falls holds all the charm to visit Mussoorie as it is one of the most outstanding waterfalls in Uttarakhand. It is encircled by high hills and cliff. It provides astonishing view when water falls from enormous height and further divides into five streams. Mussoorie Lake!! It is most famous amongst family and couples. It can be considered as the perfect picnic spot for travelers. You could enjoy here pedaled boating. The lake seems very spectacular during monsoon season. You can avail the fresh food here by several eateries around. Hence you make your travel striking experience.

Mussoorie Lake Gun Hill!! It is the perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers. You can observe Mussoorie’s best outlook from Gun Hill with other pleasant viewpoints of the Doon Valley. You can also get a chance to see and feel cloud if you are lucky enough. The Mall Road!! What can be better walkway than the mall roads on a pretty hill station? You must visit the road, which extends from Picture Palace from the east to the Library in the west. While walking on the road you will get benches and lampposts everywhere on the lane, beuatifying it in the perfect way. Hence, if you want to have serene evening walks then have your way to the mall road. Moreover, it is also a shopping spot for visitors. Jwala Devi Temple!! It is the best place for the followers of Goddess Durga. Jwala Devi is a beautiful temple encircled by oak and deodar trees. This place works as the center of faith and devotion for the followers. Happy Valley!!

Valley Views Happy Valley is popular as mini-Tibet as it is home for 5000 Tibetan refugees. It was the very first Tibetan holy place which has developed in India. Here you can feel Tibetan culture so if you want to explore Tibetan culture then it is your must visit place. The Buddhist Temple and Tibetan Homes has maintained beautiful Tibetan culture in Mussoorie. Camel’s Back Road!! The road is perfect for a solid walk as it can offer an astonishing view of the valley and the mountain. It can also be considered as a great sunset point. You can see the peaks of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul right from here. You can access here Telescopes to see a more vital look of the Himalayan Ranges. Hope this helps you out for your perfect reason to travel to Mussoorie for your next holiday. Read the full article

[theghumakkads]

ALL THINGS KRABI!

Beach Bliss Situated on the west coast of Southern Thailand, Krabi is an extremely beautiful beach, diving, island hopping, and rock climbing tourism destination.  If you love white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and are into outdoor sports activities, this is the perfect holiday spot for you!

Blue-green seas

WHERE TO STAY IN KRABI?

The beach town of Ao Nang is a good place to stay while exploring the province of Krabi. The place has plenty of accommodation options from backpackers hostels to luxury hotels that are all walking distance to Ao Nang beach. It also offers a plethora of options for dining, including seafood and international cuisine.  Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach provide limited hotel options but remember that these beaches are only accessible by boat, which will limit your options for finding food at night but gives you first access to the beach in the morning.

HOW TO GET TO KRABI?

You can get a flight from Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi to Bangkok in Thailand, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. From those airports, there are connecting direct flights to the Krabi International Airport (airport code: KBV) that is located 30 minutes from the beach town of Ao Nang whereas, from Phuket airport, Ao Nang is a 2-hour drive. From the airport, take a pre-arranged transport or hop on the shared taxi known as “songthaew” to your Ao Nang hotel. Thai Airways runs a shuttle bus for only USD 3, though if they are fully booked or if you prefer more comfort, you can get a taxi into town for only USD 16.

HOW TO TRAVEL IN KRABI?

Renting a motorbike is an ideal and inexpensive method of transportation. It allows you the freedom to explore the local attractions when and where you wish. Your hotel can help you with giving contacts regarding the same. To visit local towns and neighboring tourist attractions, you can hop on “songthaew”. They are very cheap and pick up from almost anywhere in the Krabi area and along the beaches served by road. If traveling by sea, rent a long tail boat that serves as water taxis. They generally run from 07:30 hrs to 17:30 hrs every day. For longer sea journeys you can use the local ferries that run to and from all major locations. You can use the app GRAB to book cabs.

Traditional Thai long-tail boat

WHAT TO DO IN KRABI?

Krabi is a world of postcard-perfect islands, lively little beach towns, and jagged limestone cliffs covered in unspoiled rainforest. Ahead, seven Krabi experiences that are absolutely essential. 1. ISLAND HOPPING

Hop Pop Tour

Island Visits With more than 200 islands in this part of Thailand, travelers are spoilt for choices here. Most are little more than spindly rock towers shooting out of the Andaman Sea, but some are jungle-clad idylls with emerald lagoons and gorgeous beaches.  The most popular way to see the islands is by signing up for the 7 Island tour, Phi Phi Island tour and the 4 Island tour, which are usually made available by the hotels and resort. You can also rent a private boat. 2. NIGHT MARKETS

Night Market Scenes On Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, Krabi Town‘s night market comes alive with street-food stalls, souvenir sellers, and live performers. You can get everything from handmade jewelry to tie-dye garments, pad Thai to fried crickets, and coconut ice cream to cocktails. To jazz up the atmosphere, singers, saxophonists, guitarists, and dancers are performing on stages and in the streets.  3. SEA AND LAND ADVENTURES

Kayak Tours The best way to explore the Krabi coast's mangrove swamps and sea caves is by kayaking and paddle-boarding. Krabi also offers numerous fantastic diving and snorkeling spots with stunning coral reefs and rich sea life for those keen to engage in water activities.

Spectacular roads and views for cycling Far from limiting yourself to the water, why not go for Hiking and cycling? Head into the rainforests to discover waterfalls, thermal springs, and caves. Phanom Bencha National Park is a great hiking location. 4. ROCK CLIMBING

Rock climbing for beginners to professionals Thrill-seekers have a treat waiting here, as Railay in Krabi is one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world. Try to book a rock climbing excursion ahead of time. 5. DIPPING IN THE EMERALD POOL About an hour's drive from Krabi town is Thung Teao Forest Natural Park which is home for many natural spring-water pools — that are almost otherworldly shades of green and turquoise.

Blue Pool The famous Blue pool or pond is fresh and hot with the water supplied from natural streams coming from the hill. The cool thing about this place is that when the water’s temperature changes, the watercolor goes from light green to turquoise! Here swimming isn’t allowed but photos are, and the other one is Emerald Pool, a dazzling crystal-clear oasis that’s pleasant for swimming. Go early in the day or on weekdays before the crowds take over! Close from here are the hot water springs that form an unusual cascading waterfall that pours into a stream below! 6. LOCAL SIGHTSEEING All the beaches, water bodies and islands aside, Krabi boasts of many inland tourist attractions. One of Thailand’s natural wonders and certainly worth a visit is this warren of caves, famously known as Tiger Caves, that sits within the jungle and house many monks that live and worship here. The caves can be explored and you will find many icons and relics to take a look at. And at a climb of 1,237 steps, which is no small task, is the ‘footprint of the Buddha’ and you are rewarded with 360 - degree views of the Andaman Sea and the beautiful islands that fall within it. The other main temple in Krabi is Wat Kaew Korawaram. This is a new building and to some, resembles a white wedding cake!

A temple in the center of Krabi town 7. NIGHTLIFE Ao Nang Beach, though not the prettiest beach in the area but if you are looking for some nightlife and a lively atmosphere this is a good place to start. Euro-style bars and cáfes, night clubs and the standard Thai karaoke bars give the town a great atmosphere after the sun goes down.

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE IN KRABI?

Make your itinerary beforehand.Get the local sim-card at the airport.Check out the cuisine before you go. If you are a vegetarian, you might have difficulty finding food at Kuala Lumpur airport. Wear comfortable shoes.While going to Emerald Pool, make sure to wear a bathing suit and bring towels as there are no changing rooms. Try wearing clothes that will cover your body because the sun can get too harsh and the sunscreen is not enough!While visiting the temples, avoid wearing tank tops, crop tops, shorts, etc. They are not allowed!  Compare the prices of things before buying. You might want to make sure if you get better things at better prices in India.The budget of the trip might go up to 40-50k if you stay in a decent 3-star hotel for 3-4 days. If you are a lover of wild beaches and spectacular landscapes and want a place to relax or play in charmingly natural settings, away from any concerns, in a world not over-complicated by the trappings of modern society, Krabi is the place for you! Read the full article

#beaches #islands #KRABI #PHIPHI #THAILAND #travelguide

[theghumakkads]

A Trek Story to Torna Fort

Have you ever Googled the number of historical forts in India?? I have and was astonished to find that nearly half of them were right here in my home state of Maharashtra!! No wonder we see so many trekkers, thanks to these mighty old structures. I have been on a few such treks, but the most memorable one so far has been the journey to the Torna Fort. It is said to be one of the highest and largest fortress in the Pune district. And also, the most difficult. Thankfully, with rock climbing and marathon practices, I am well attuned with treading tough terrains. After having explored other smaller forts around Pune, my weekend trek buddies and I thought of giving the Torna Fort a try. A good idea for a weekend trip from Pune. It was towards the end of the rainy season, and peak season for trekkers in these areas. We decided to opt for a comfortable and cheap Pune taxi service and luckily found one. For the uninitiated, here is a little background of the fort. It is one of the largest and most prominent forts of Maharashtra and occupies a significant place in the history of the region and its place. It is said that when Shivaji was only 16 years old, he overthrew a battalion of Mughal Army, who were seated in this fort. After defeating the Mughals, the young Maratha ruler captured the entire fortress and turned it into an important center of the Maratha Empire. The Start : Torna fort sits near the Velhe village, 50 km away from the Pune city. In fact, Velhe is the base village or point, from where the trek to Torna Fort begins. So our destination, by the taxi, was this village. It took us almost two hours on the highway and down the muddy dirt roads through the villages to reach the base point. The route from Velhe was a little less complicated and good for a day trek. We drove through Velhe for about 10 minutes and reached the newly built parking space from where we started our journey on foot. It was an adventurous route till the parking area too. But we were glad to have availed a reliable Pune car rental with an expert driver, who knew the roads very well. According to the indication in Google Map, the further journey to reach the top of the fort was of about two hours walk. But slippery slopes and rain puddles with tiredness along the way might restrict our speed and enlarge our time to reach the top. It all started with easy hiking on the flat roads and gradually becoming difficult with the uphill. The route was simple and straight with no curves or turns, or sudden cliffs. But as we gained height, it started getting steeper and tough.

En route breath-taking views Halfway: Gradually we got used to with the terrain and started enjoying the surrounding views. Flanked on mountains on both sides, the views enroute were amazing. The rains brighten the views of hills and the valleys. Peaks became more prominent. To add to the vistas, the weather was equally wonderful, preventing us from extreme exhaustion. We took a short break after covering almost 70 percent of the route, as from that point, the trail was harder and steeper. which required more energy and stamina. There were guardrails on the edges for safety, but we still need to be careful with the slopes. This trek is not recommended for the beginners, especially during the rainy season. Finally after two and a half hours, we reached the fort premises. It sat atop a steep cliff, looming over the villages below. The Fort: A quick glance at the fort explained why this is so important to the region. In simpler words, it was massive with breath-taking views of Sahyadris. A huge stone wall snaked through the mountain ridges on either sides and protected the main fortress. Some of the old stone gateways and bastions had still managed to survive through the struggles of time and tide. The most prominent things to see were the Kothi Darwaja, Hanuman Bastion and Zunjar Machi (stronghold of the fort). We spent some time enjoying the spectacular views from the top and soon started our walk back to the base. The downhill walk felt more difficult since we had to be extra careful of the slippery patches and jutting rocks. After doing so many treks across the state, I might say that my experience of Torna Fort was not only incredible, but also the most difficult for a hobby trekker. Trekking Tips for Torna Fort: If you want to make your trip to Torna Fort much more adventurous, take the route through Raigad. It takes two days and overnight camping from there to reach. But not recommended for beginners.The best time to camp at Torna is during the winter months. Make sure to carry all your camping and related stuffs with you. Since you will not find anything en route (not even water once you cross the village areas).Also, you can save some trek time and energy, if you start from Velhe village parking instead of the Velhe Police Outpost. Read the full article

#forts #FortsOfMaharashtra #tornafort

[theghumakkads]

Why Is Goa Best Place To Visit For Couples?

If you are a newly married couple or a romantic couple seeking a weekend getaway, then you should start looking for Goa. There’s no place that beats Goa as the best place to visit for couples throughout the year. From the atmosphere to the beaches and quaint shacks to the amazing pubs and seafood, there’s always so much to take home from Goa. Below are all the best reasons justifying that Goa is a brim for couple tourists. 1. Goa’s Romantic Beaches:

Beach Beauty Best romantic places in Goa are its beaches. From Calangute, Candolim or Baga to Vagator or Anjuna. Every beach is so majestic with a clear coastline, amazing crowd, and salty air that makes you want to grab a chilled beer and be with your partner on the recliners for a long time. There are tightrope shows on some of the beaches along with, vendors for services like oil massages, temporary tattoos and so much more. 2. The Top-Notch Nightlife:

Notching Nightlife What’s fun without enjoying the nightlife for the young couples? Pub crawling or beach hopping, you will come across amazing clubs like Cabana and Titos on the Baga Beach. The hippy, young and energetic crowd motivates you to twirl on the dance floor with your partner sooner than later. The air is so charging that it will compel you to live on your own terms while you stay in Goa. 3. Unforgettable Tourist Attractions:

Forting Fun Be it the Chapora Fort, Mapusa local market, Basilica of Bom Jesus or Santa Cruz Church, you will always find something new to explore together. Either in North or South Goa regions. 4. Amazing Goa Tour Packages For The Couples:

Go Goa One of the best ways to explore Goa’s weather in summer is to watch out for the latest Goa tour packages for the couples. You can customize your needs aligning with the hot climate in Goa during summer. At very reasonable costs, you will find less crowd and more fun. This might not be possible to get during the peak months of November-January. 5. Crazy & Scrumptious Goan Seafood:

Scrumptious Seafood Your Goa trip will never be completed without tasting the yummy prawns, fishes, and lobsters in the local restaurants. Cooked in fish oil, try to dine at the quaint and small places. They serve the authentic Goan seafood. 6. Splendid Feni & Cashew Nuts:

Feni Fun You can enjoy quality time with your partner by trying the famous Goan Feni (Alcoholic Drink) & Cashew nuts. You can easily find shops of cashewnuts everywhere in Goa. Also you can try different flavours in cashew nuts. 7. Thrilling Water Sports:

Water Romance Although Goan beaches are best place for romanticism. To spend best pleasurable time with your partner in the late evening. But you can also dive into the water sports together for thrilling and chilling fun. Try out snorkeling, underwater diving, paragliding, sailing and so much more. 8. Romantic Cruise Trips:

Sunset Cruising Another most curious reason to visit Goa’s romantic beaches is for its cruise trips in late evenings. Here you can find many more couples to brighten your love stories. Moreover, as the sun dips low in the horizon and the sky turns blue from deep orange, enjoy the music on your cruise ship with your partner in your arms and the sea view in front of your eyes. 9. Open Café and Bars:

Classic Cafes When you are visiting North Goa, form Bagha to Sequeira, the majority of the towns are heavily loaded with romantic open cafes and bars for couples. For the best laid-back evening, try out a candlelight dinner while the musician plays soft western music and the other crowd meanders around. The whole vibe doesn’t even make you believe that you are in India. Goa’s romantic beaches, open culture, western vibes, and salty air make honeymooning and coupling pretty comfortable and alluring to opt for. Let us know when you are heading upto Goa. Read the full article

#romanticplaces #Goa #Goaforcouples #Placesforcouples

[theghumakkads]

Religious Cave Architecture and Tourism in India

India is the country where the oldest religion of the world originated. It is also home to Buddhism and Jainism. The Vedic religion based on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is bigger and beyond the concept of religion. The great Max Mueller described it as essentially a way of life and the fountainhead of all knowledge. The religious sphere and its widespread knowledge had its impact on almost every sector of human activity including the mural and miniature painting, temple architecture, sculpture making and cave architecture. The architecture based on religious orientations had a long-lasting impact on the forthcoming generations and still continues to inspire the imagination of the masses. Here we will have a look at the prominent caves and their architecture in India. Every section of tourists finds them as a perfect treat to the eyes. 1. Ajanta Caves Location- Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Religion- Buddhism

Ajanta, Aurangabad Buddhism is not just limited to 'Astangika Marga' or 'Dharmachakrapravartana'. The religion of Buddhism had its long term impact on the cave architecture of India. Buddhism has inspired the majority of cave architecture in India. Ajanta is among the UNESCO designated world heritage sites of the world. Both the Hinayana and Mahayana form of Buddhism had its contribution in the Ajanta Caves which is built on a steep slope. It is basically a collection of 30 Buddhist cave monuments. The fine paintings illustrating Lord Buddha’s previous births mesmerize most of the tourists. This site is the majority of interest to the tourists coming from Sri-Lanka, Myanmar and China where Buddhism is the most prominent religion. If you have connections with the spiritual sphere of life then Ajanta caves are a must visit for you. They are marked as a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India. 2. Ellora Caves Location- Marathwada (Maharashtra) Dominant Religion- Hinduism

Cave Architecture at Ellora Ellora caves are known for their diversity. It is basically a collection of 34 cave architectures. 17 of them are Brahmanical in origin. It also has a collection of 12 Buddhist and five Jain caves. So it attracts a share of tourists from all the three major religions of ancient India. Various guilds of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu built and developed them between 5th and 11th century AD. Ellora caves reflect a natural diversity of themes. The famous 'Kailash Temple' is also a part of it. Ellora is also among the list of the UNESCO world heritage sites of the world. 3. Elephanta Caves Location- Elephanta Island (Maharashtra) Dominant Religion- Hinduism

Murals at Elephanta Caves This site comprises of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves that trace back to the period between the 5th century and 8th century. The Hindu caves of the site are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The rock-cut sculptures of these caves represent the Shaiva Hindu sect. Cave 1 is also referred to as the Great Cave of Elephanta is the most imposing of this site. It is famous for its remarkable sculptures that illustrate the gradually developed Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The site is presently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is also marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 4. Nasik Caves Location- Nashik (Maharashtra) Religion- Buddhism

Pandav Leni Nasik Caves are also known as Pandav Leni. It is a group of 23 Buddhist Caves. It belongs to the Hinayana period of Buddhism which is against idol worship hence no images of the Buddha is present. Though the motifs and symbols in the caves indicate the presence of Lord Buddha. It was carved between the 1st century AD to 3rd century AD. It is one of those areas which is yet to fulfil its tourism potential. A perfect go to place for Mumbai weekend getaway. 5. Bagh Caves Location- Dhar District (Madhya Pradesh) Religion- Buddhism

Bagh Caves Bagh Caves are architecturally similar to Ellora. The group of nine rock-cut Buddhist monuments forms the Bagh Caves. They are famous for their mural paintings which were done on hard surfaces by the master painters of ancient India. It is located on the banks of Bagh River in Madhya Pradesh. Bagh caves have been losing its significance because of the neglect by the administration. Currently, only five of them are surviving for visit. But the scenic beauty is hard to ignore as it is the combination of the banks of the Bagh River and cave architecture resulting in perfect delight. 6. Mandapeshwar Caves Location- Borivali (Maharashtra) Religion- Christian Caves

Mandapeshwar Also known as Montperir Caves. It was developed in the 8th Century AD as a Brahmanical cave. Later they were converted into Christian religion importance. It is one of the latest addition in the cave architecture of India which has mighty potential in the tourism sector. The name Mandapeshwar means 'hall of the lord'. This cave had been the resting places for soldiers during the world war which adds to the significance of this site. It is a blend of ancient history walking hand in hand with modern history. Cave Tourism is a delight to both architecture and adventure tourists. And it does not end here. India holds a lot for every kind of travel enthusiast. Happy Traveling..!! Read the full article

#CaveArchitecture #CaveTourism #Caves #ReligiousCaves

[theghumakkads]

CHANDIGARH: A DAY IN THE CITY BEAUTIFUL

Hungry to travel, we planned a trip to Himachal. We had to decide between Chandigarh and Delhi to be our pit stop. But being architecture - geeks we chose Chandigarh, even though it meant loosing more time in travel.  What Chandigarh was all about- Tons of Le Corbusier. Lots of Chole Kulche. Napping on park benches and gardens. Having an entire double decker bus to ourselves. High energy. Great weather.

Chandigarh Railway Station Arrival Story We reached Chandigarh railway station at dawn. And boy oh boy, that was a clean railway station! The cleaners were wiping the walls clean like we do at our homes in Diwali. As a result of 24 hours journey in sleeper coach, our bodies felt dirtier than the benches we sat on. After cleaning up in the waiting room, we went to the ISBT in sector 17. We kept our luggage in the cloak room as we had to board the bus to Himachal from there. These were our ways for a cheap trip turning out to be a pocket friendly and thrill- pill. Trees dot the fabric of Chandigarh- along the roads, in open plazas, everywhere! And mulberry is one such tree that you spot all around. Coming out from the ISBT, we found big mulberry trees loaded with berries as with the onset of summer, they start bearing fruit. While satisfying our taste buds, a few lines from James Riley's poem on the mulberry tree came to my mind: “Today as I dream with both eyes wide-awake/ I can see the old tree and its limbs as they shake/ And the long purple berries that rained on the ground.”

Mulberry hunting on the roads of Chandigarh Chandigarh Tourism runs a hop-on, hop-off double-decker tourist bus. It leaves from sector 17 and runs to prominent sites like the Rose garden, Museum and Art gallery, Bougainvillea Garden, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake for just 50 bucks a person. As there were no other tourists that day, it was like we had our own private bus to scout the beautiful city and enjoy the panoramic views of sparkling parks, eating joints, and majestic hills, at our own pace!

HOHO bus SUKHNA LAKE Our first stop was Sukhna lake, a majestic man-made lake with Shivalik ranges forming its backdrop. We took a small stroll and clicked a few pictures. After that, we headed towards the next famous destination of Chandigarh, Nek Chand’s wonderful, whimsical Rock Garden.

Large plaza adjoining the lake ROCK GARDEN The whole experience of visiting the Rock Garden was extraordinary, disorientating and deeply impressive. Throughout the garden, Nek Chand has used space in sharply contrasting ways, from almost oppressively narrow, steep-sided lanes and tiny Alice-in-Wonderland doorways to large, confident waterfalls and open terraces. Inspired by Le Corbusier's use of concrete in the city, yet what Nek Chand produced is folk art and labyrinthine paths. It stands in extraordinary contrast to Corbusier's modernist city and its grid pattern roadways. Though being about half a decade old, it still has the same charisma and awesomeness. You are spellbound by the site of hundreds and hundreds of figurines covered with colorful broken crockery, tiles, bangles and what not!

Made entirely of reclaimed, reused and recycled materials GOVERNMENT MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY If it is not Monday or outside the hours of 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM, you may visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10. The Government College of Art and the Museums of Architecture & Natural History surround it. It has become a haven for tourists, researchers, students on a school visit and families because you can spend an entire day here. And for us, its campus meant, a nice place to rest. As we were awake since 4 in the morning, we were tired and the benches shaded by the trees proved to be very cozy to take a half an hour nap. No one else was there the afternoon we visited. We paid admission for ourselves and half-admission for our camera. The curators intended the exhibition to have placid and mesmerizing effects on the eyes of the onlookers. And I must say they were quite successful in doing so. And if one happens to be a lover for art and crafts and architecture, then this place is the ultimate paradise.

Built on Corbusier’s concept of “a Museum of Unlimited Growth” Corbusier conceived the Capitol Complex as the head of Chandigarh’s sectored body, and the City Centre in Sector 17, two-thirds of the way up the grid of arteries, as the heart. The green space—surprise, surprise—was considered the lung. And as an conclusion to our day, we decided to visit the Capitol Complex. Unlike other cities such as Mumbai, which are a mixture; Chandigarh is easy to navigate, sector-wise, as the sectors are all in line. In Mumbai, it takes more-and-more-proximate-but-never-definitive directions from five pedestrians to get anywhere.

An easy to navigate layout CAPITOL COMPLEX The rickshaw deposited us shy of the gate. In front of the guard booth, an army officer kept vigil. He had arms and a rifle, which were enough to make us feel nervous. As we walked towards him, we did rapid character development and hammed up to look like non-hostile tourists (which we were). An even pace, cautious bob of the head, clearly displayed hands, chattering amongst us. While we didn't expect bullets flying towards us, the thought of how severely dangerous an error would be under the circumstances of upcoming elections affected that kind of dread in us. Fear not, we passed through unscathed. The officer took our identity cards in his possession and allowed us to go visit the campus of Capitol Complex. We were warned not to wander anywhere near the Assembly building and the High court or any other building other than the Open Hand. OPEN HAND No one else was there the time we visited. As soon as you enter the campus, you can see the 28 meters high Open Hand looming over you, heavy and dominating. It's not until you reach the monument that you see, the hollow crowned by the Open Hand. The floor of this consideration, 'considering to think, see, to talk about what's real', was 5 meters deep. It consists of two amphitheaters. Two because Corbusier's philosophy was that ' there are always two sides to a question'.  We descended to the sunken courtyard designed as ' pit of contemplation' where the public affairs would be discussed. It appeared more to us as a place, hidden in view, where cult meetings would take place. We could imagine cult leaders addressing their followers from the podium. Corbusier designed the place so carefully that a person won't need a microphone, but the acoustics of the place will handle it all. And it was while sitting there, clicking weird pictures that one of us squealed that the Hand is moving! Yes, we didn't know it till then that the Monument is mounted on a ball bearing. It allows it to turn with the wind, not aimlessly, to express what life really is, constantly moving. The true and simple meaning of the Open Hand is to Give and Receive. Symbol of Faith in the world of Catastrophe. You don't need knowledge of symbolism in architecture nor longer than a day in Chandigarh to become familiar with the Open Hand and its authority in enhancing the brand name of the city. Also interpreted as a flying bird, for the citizens of Chandigarh, it is symbolic of freedom, freedom to be who they are and what they can do.

Open Hand, also identified as flying bird HIGH COURT AND ASSEMBLY BUILDING Till the time we were sitting there, two surveillance conveyances had already come to check in on us. The barbed-wire-and-jeep-patrolled perimeter was enough to dismay us. So, after spending a significant amount of time in the pit of contemplation, we walked to the High Court, hopeful that no one will catch us. Since the officer had warned us not to wander anywhere near the other buildings, we gratified ourselves by clicking pictures with the architectural marvel, as a proof that affirmative, we had visited the much-celebrated building.

Sculptural architecture with rhythmical brise-soleil and a floating roof Though Corbusier conceived the entire complex as the head of the new capital, looking behind us, we could not see any of the city. Lush trees and extensive landscape surrounded us, with no building in sight. The only structure visible was the sculptural hill that Le Corbusier had designed for the Assembly Building, at the Southernmost part of the complex that divides the city from the Capitol Complex. Returning back to the security booth, the army personnel had changed. The camoed officer flicked through our identity cards. On sight of State Maharashtra, he apprised us of his roots there. Like true Indians, meeting in a foreign country, we exchanged greetings. "Aree tumhi pan, mi pan!" There is no greater happiness than meeting a person speaking your language in a state where the language and people, both are alien! We witnessed something on our way to the main road which you would never expect in an urban area. In the darkness of the night, the landscaped areas along the sides of the road started glimmering of golden speckles of dozens of fireflies. We stood there unable to believe. And then, suddenly it started sparkling all around. What joy such brilliant tiny moments can bring! We didn't fear, we dare. This is what women do everywhere. It turned out to be a successful girls going. And that was an end to Chandigarh but a perfect beginning to a great travel story. Read the full article

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[theghumakkads]

7 Tips for a Perfect Trip to India- Explore the Real Sides

India is a country with diverse nature and culture. Tourists always come with the desire to behold the best memories of wide tradition and culture, the country holds. Though the authenticity of Indian culture is hard to achieve a reason to cherish your experience forever. Here, we have come up with all the tips to behold your best and ingenuous memories on your trip to India. 1: Rise with Yoga

River side yoga practices India awakes with 'yog'. Nothing can be better than to start your day with positivity and peace. Arouse yourself with the sunrise yoga at the riverside or amidst mountain valleys. Feel the essence of real India with the chants of 'OM'. 2: Discover Heritage of India

Char Minar The country dives in heritage. With the oldest cities and historical monuments, India has a story behind every building. Discover the best of it with walks and simultaneous talks with the locals. Unlock the keys of all your mystery. Also, capture the most of them in your camera buddy. Save them as a memoir. 3: Catch up the Village Vibe

Indian Village Scenes Rural India tells the real story of present India. From rich vegetation and cultivation to the new era of modernism, all originate from the village. Don't miss out on experiencing the core of India. Catch up with the village activities. Put your hands in farming, take a ride on a bullock cart, get dirty with the mud in pottery and many more. 4: Relish on the Local Cuisine

Traditional Food Patterns Food is the lifeline in this country. Crafted in local spices and traditional ways make it worth dying for. Food tells all about the culture of the place. Make sure, you taste the local food to the place you are travelling in the country. Also, the diverse culture in India turns into a different food every different state, rather cities. 5: Experience Ethnicity through Traditional Dance & Music

Traditional Dance-forms Dance, music and other cultural shows, narrates the original story of the place. Another blessing of cultural diversity in this country is the rich variety of tradition and their ethnic music and dance forms. This is the most important part to make your experience worth remembering. 6: Enrich Your Health too

Ayurvedic Health Treatments 'Ayurvedic Panchkarma and Spa Treatment' are the other reasons which catch the attention of a large number of tourists to India. Such practices are good to make your holiday relaxing and revitalizing. Highly effective therapies will help you to discover a healthy and positive life. 7: Attain Spiritualism

Holy Celebrations India is known for different forms of spiritual stories. Temples, gurudwaras, masjids or ponds every part of the country holds a spiritual tale in it. Spiritualism is the soul which helps to attain positivity in this holy country. People marry with being holy. They also celebrate God tales into festivals and fares and die with holy concepts. Know the different aspects of life through different holy places and deity tales in India. After all, this country is all about different colours of living. Let us know which was your favourite colour of exploring it. Read the full article

#India #TipstotravelinIndia #TravelinginIndia