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She believes as you move through this life...you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.
Chateau Erken, in the Russian Federation’s Kabardino-Balkaria autonomous republic, looks like an extremely well-preserved medieval castle, but, this architectural wonder is just over a decade old. Located in the vineyard-dominated countryside of Kabardino-Balkaria, Chateau Erken is a tourist attraction unlike any other in Russia. Not only does it mimic the fortress-like design of European medieval castles, but its location in the middle of a man-made lake full of fish and wild birds is also just as impressive. People from all over the country come to this rural area in Southern Russia to see Chateau Erken in person. Photos and videos of this amazing castle have been doing the rounds on social media for years, but some people still can’t believe it exists and that it was built not by a king, but by a legendary businessman.
Tembulat Erkenov is synonymous with the wine industry of Kabardino-Balkaria. After graduating from the Faculty of Agronomy, he was sent to work in a communist collective, but quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kabardino-Balkaria. Later in life, he went on to establish his own winery, Chateau Erken, which is recognised as one of the best in Russia.
Inspired by the castles he visited during his many travels through Europe, Erkenov decided to build his very own medieval castle; not just a small-scale replica, but an actual life-size one. The architectural winder was completed in 2010. Today, the main operations of Chateau Erken are located inside this magnificent castle, but the place serves as a local tourist attraction as well. Those who want to see the inside of the place must pay for a tour, but there is plenty to see from the outside beside the castle and the lake. It surrounded by forests and tourists often come here to get away from the city and to watch wild birds. Erkenov passed away in 2017, leaving his son to handle the affairs of Chateau Erken. The five-storey castle he built remains as a testament to his work.
Uttarakhand Travel Guide – Tourist Places In Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, attracts a large number of tourists every year. Uttarakhand’s natural environment, religious places, and adventure activities provide pleasure to every tourist, here Uttarakhand Travel Guide is provided which will be very helpful in your Uttarakhand trip. Among the lush green valleys, hills, shimmering rivers and natural falling waterfalls of Uttarakhand one can get to know the rich culture and history of the place.
Uttarakhand offers an incredible experience for everyone, from pilgrims to honeymoon couples and nature lovers to tourists. The body and soul provide complete rejuvenation amidst rich biodiversity and wildlife tourism. Apart from this, tourists can also do adventure activities like trekking, rafting, and camping here. How the tourists reached Uttarakhand and the best time to go, food destinations and places of stay, etc. are fully explained in this article.
Best time to visit Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is the best place to visit throughout the year but tourists can visit at any time during their compatibility. In the summer season from April to June, tourists can enjoy the natural scenery and adventurous activities such as trekking and paragliding, and in the winter from November to February, tourists can enjoy river rafting and snowfall. There is a large amount of landslide in Uttarakhand during the monsoon, so it should be avoided during this time.
Activities to do in Uttarakhand
Tourists in Uttarakhand can do a lot of adventure activities by visiting challenging destinations including trekking, rafting, skiing, and paragliding.
Trekking
Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, has many attractive tracks. It also includes a track offering an enchanting view of the Nanda Devi and Trishul ranges, from the track of the Valley of Flowers surrounded by beautiful flower scenes. Apart from trekking, tourists can also see beautiful views of the sunset on these tracks and can also see spiritual places like Kedarnath Badrinath. Tracking will give you peace of mind and reduce stress.
Rafting
Tourists can enjoy river rafting in the white water of India’s holy river the Ganges. Tourists can do adventurous activities like adventures rafting under the Luxman Jhula in Yog Bhumi Rishikesh. One can also see the beauty of Uttarakhand during rafting between the attractive forests and powerful Sells. From June to October, tourists can get an exciting and entertaining experience of adventure activities like river rapping.
Skiing
Tourists can also enjoy skiing during winter in Uttarakhand. Auli is considered the best place for skiing in Uttarakhand, it also hosts the National Skiing Championship every year. Tourists can experience some exciting views during skiing as well as some fascinating views of the peaks of the Himalayan ranges. Tourists can visit Auli, Munsiyari, and Dayara Bugyal Kumaon area to enjoy skiing in Uttarakhand.
Religious trip to Uttarakhand
Chardham Yatra
Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri are the four holy pilgrimage centers of Hinduism, where people of Hindu religion come from all over the world. Hinduism is considered very sacred to visit these four dhams.
Take a holy dip in the Ganges
The largest river of India, the Ganga, is considered to be a very sacred river in Hinduism and it is also said that by taking a dip in it, one gets freedom from all sins. In Haridwar, a large number of devotees take a dip of faith in the holy Ganga Maiya every day on Har ki Pauri, in addition to the view of Har ki Pauri during the Ganga Aarti in the evening. If you believe in spirit then definitely go here.
How to Reach Uttarakhand
Tourists will get all three modes of the bus, train, and airplane from all over India to go to Uttarakhand.
Bus: – Private or roadways bus is available from any state of India to go to Uttarakhand, apart from this tourists can easily reach Uttarakhand by private vehicle.
Rail route: – Train is available from all over India to Haridwar and Dehradun in Uttarakhand, tourists can easily reach their cities to Rishikesh and Kathgodam.
Airplane: – There are 2 airports in Uttarakhand, which includes Joligrant Airport of Dehradun and Pantnagar Airport. It is well connected to all the major cities of India.
FAQ
What is the best food to eat in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has many traditional and regional cuisines that tourists must enjoy. Tourists must enjoy delicious cuisine in Uttarakhand such as kafuli, hemp chutney, phanu, kumaoni raita, singori, dumpling, Garhwal ka Fannah, and Kandali greens. All these dishes are seen by region.
What are the best items to shop for in Uttarakhand?
Tourists can visit various markets in different cities to enjoy shopping in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand handmade jewelry, winter clothing items, handicrafts, and Kumaoni, Garhwali architectural pictures can be purchased by tourists here. There are also some Tibetan markets in Uttarakhand where Tibetans can buy goods.
Uttarakhand Travel Tips
Due to the mountainous region of Uttarakhand, if you do not rely on the Internet much, then if you do more and more work offline, it will be good.
India is definitely moving ahead digitally, but in many places in Uttarakhand you will not find Paytm and debit card machines, so keep the necessary cash with you.
Before going to Uttarakhand, keep warm clothes with you as it is very cold here.
Understand the people of Uttarakhand as their own, they will help you a lot here, if you find many humble and kind people, then many people can also take advantage of your newness, so recognize the people well.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is really hot destination for every traveler. New couples can start their lives well among the beautiful Himalayan plaintiffs, then older people can visit Chardham and take a holy bath in Ganga Maia. Apart from this, many adventure sports lovers can do trekking, skiing, and paragliding here. Here you are given Uttarakhand Travel Guide which will make your journey quite attractive.
The tranquilized environment of Kerala makes it one of the most exquisite tourist hotspots in India. Like Goa, Kerala too moves at a glacial pace. People love the serenity bestowed in the state, thus visit it because of its peaceful surroundings. Kerala has something for everyone. White sandy beaches, forts, harbours, wood lands, hill stations and more, together they whip out a memorable holiday. The lush greens of Kerala are to die for. Noted as India’s cleanest state, Kerala with a bounty of unearthly beauty is indeed ‘God’s Own Country’. If you are planning a trip to this ‘Venice of the East’, then here are some incredible places worth a visit.
1. Backwaters – The Lovely Green
The Backwaters were etched to perfection. It is a paradisiacal sight that cannot be equalled by any other. It is considered to be the highlight of Kerala. The serpentine emerald Backwaters pan out and connect Allapuzha (Alleppey), Kollam and Kottayam. As you slice the waters on a houseboat, you can sight tribal villages on the banks. Everything is vivid on this side of Kerala. The famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race takes place here on the second Saturday of August.
Planning a rejuvenating experience on houseboat sailing through the backwaters is one of the best experiences offered by Kerala tourism.
2. Fort Kochi – A jewel by the seaside
This part of the Cochin, takes you back to the colonial era. A lush Dutch and Portuguese architecture along with concepts of urban space, Fort Cochin is Kerala’s laid-back hotspot. Art Galleries, churches, bazaars, spice markets and deli’s conclude Fort Cochin. The boat jetty witnesses long queues. You can cruise on the Backwaters or just go on a long ride into the Arabian Sea, watch the enchanting and ensnaring sunset before you head back home. Kerala packages are sure incomplete if Fort Cochin is missing on the itinerary.
Kollam is the southern gateway to the Backwaters. It is considered as a quieter cousin of Alleppey. Although Alleppey is preferred for hiring a houseboat in Kerala, you will not witness hustles and bustles in Kollam. It has a calm and serene atmosphere and the locals see to it you are given your privacy. This small town has an authentic Indian feel to it. The small eateries in the market serve the best Keralite food.
4. Guruvayur – Spiritual Travel
Are you a pious person? Did you think a place often referred to as God’s Own country could possibly have no shrines built as an ode to the one above? Guruvayur, is one of the most visited pilgrimage destination in South India. Here you can visit the Guruvayur Ambalam, a shrine for Lord Krishna. At Guruvayur you can also visit the world’s largest sanctuary for elephants at Anakotta. Other places you must visit include Arattu, Kaladi, Chavakkad and Palayur.
5. Kozikhode or Calicut – Coastal Lovelies!
Kozikhode is a coastal town in Kerala flanked by pure beaches, stunning green landscapes and the fresh aromas of spices being brewed in its spice gardens. The town is also more famously known as Calicut named after Calico, a special hand woven cloth. While here you can learn about the rich history it attributes to while taking in an eyeful of the Kappad Beach and Beypore Fort. Bird watchers ahoy! A certain Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary homes over hundred distinct species of birds. The Thikoti Lighthouse off the coast of Velliyamkallu beach is another attraction which was built above the remains of a shipwreck from the past.
6. Kovalam – The Land of Coconut Trees and Palaces
A word that barely connotes to a knot of coconut trees sure has a world of tourism appeal to it. What used to be a tropical beach three decades ago is a traveler’s jackpot replete with pristine beaches, lighthouses, palaces and yes, loads and loads of towering coconut trees. While at Kovalam travelers always find themselves exploring the Padmanabhapuram Palace. The major attractions here include Kaudiar Palace, Anchutengu Fort and Koyikkal Palace.
7. Alleppey Beach, Kerala
The beautiful shoreline of the beach welcomes its visitors with an enjoyable retreat. It is among the most famous beaches of Kerala. The beach had enjoyed a unique time in the maritime history of Kerala. The gorgeous sandy shoreline goes well with the blaze of the water to create a relaxing ambience. The beach is very popular for picnics at weekend.
8. Cherai Beach, Kerala
Lies near Vypeen Islands, Cherai beach Kerala is a paradise for fun lovers. The sea on the western corner and the backwaters on the east add charm to the beach. Thick and dense coconut groves and some beautiful Chinese fishing nets are the highlights of the spot.
For a memorable trip to India, leave all your planning to expert travel agents in India
Off to the Exotica
This is probably the closest you will ever get to nature that is raw, yet so achingly beautiful that you can’t help but gaze in wonder! Such is the heartbreak a traveler feels when bidding farewell to God’s own country. I could only include some of the things that you can see and do in Kerala. Hope it helps! If I have missed out on some interesting things to see in Kerala, please add them in comments.
NEPAL – BLISS FOR TREKKING LOVER – KNOW THE TOP SEVEN ONES
Nepal, famous all around for its characteristic excellence, geological decent variety, reasonable climatic conditions and the Himalayas, is one of the ideal destinations for trekking. A large number of voyagers visit Nepal every year just to see, feel and experience the amazing beauty and trill in trekking. The world best place known for the highest peak, awe-inspiring landscape, unseen wildlife and also for some rare flowers. Nepal attracts tourist from the whole world and most of the land here for trekking only.
This article might help you in prioritizing your next trip and will help you to pick among the accessible choices for trekking in Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Mount Everest, the most elevated crest on earth was first scaled in the year 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary. Numerous individuals long for achieving the summit of this most astounding point on earth however not very many prevail with regards to doing as such. Numerous individuals go to the base camp to have a more intensive look at the most noteworthy top on earth. This 16 days Everest base camp trek takes you to the base of the most elevated pinnacle and gives you the lifetime chance to get as close as conceivable to the mountains and its kin. This courageous flight begins after we travel to Lukla after a grand flight of 35 minutes. The walk begins from Phakding and takes after the Dudh Kosi valley at that point to Namche Bazaar, Tyangboche Monastery, Pangboche, and Pheriche before at long last heading towards the Khumbu Glacier.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
ABC trek is viewed as one of the most excellent and well-known one since it has diverse sorts of scenes like; valleys, crests, waterways, waterfalls, high pass, glades, icy masses et cetera. With such huge numbers of common scenes to witness in one trekking, is unquestionably momentous. Our planet is loaded with some astounding travel goals and it covers the angles like; shorelines, valleys, mountains et cetera. When we discuss the mountains then the Himalayas is the main name that strikes our brain. With snow clad tall mountains the Himalaya locale resembles a heaven for the voyagers.
Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek
Concealing high up in the strong Himalayas, there is an arrangement of crisp water lakes known as the Gokyo lakes, they are hugely hallowed and hold imperative criticalness in the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Trekking around there rewards you with wonderful perspectives of the mountain crests and the Ngozumpa Glacier-one of the biggest on the planet and furthermore ensures the most noteworthy perspectives of a portion of the scandalous “eight-thousanders” including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and Makalu, which are unmistakably noticeable from Gokyo Ri (5360m.) An exceptional minute on this course is the perspective of the dynamite ice point between Cho Oyu (8201m) and Gyachung Kang (7952m) in the Khumbu district.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trekking is gradually picking up the notoriety that merits. This trekking course has been eclipsed by the more prevalent trekking courses, for example, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit. Be that as it may, this trekking course has everything that one needs from a trek. This off the beaten course is quiet as it doesn’t see numerous vacationers and is ideal for trekkers who get a kick out of the chance to maintain a strategic distance from vast gatherings.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The most discussed trekking in Western Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek brings us into the charming place where there is Manaslu Mountain which is better known for being the eighth most elevated heap of the world the way things are tall with 8156m transcending stature. In spite of the fact that the trekking course we will take after is testing, the hardship that we persist will be remunerated by the exciting perspectives of a few snow-clad mountains, waterways, and high pass. Larkya La Pass which is the most noteworthy go of the area adds extraordinary appeal to Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Pikey Peak
Pikey Peak at 4065 meters is a little mountain situated in the lower Solukhumbu locale. Pikey is the goal of the celebrated trek “The Pikey Peak Trek.” This place was proclaimed as extraordinary compared to other view focuses by Sir Edmund Hillary as the perspective of the all-powerful Sagarmatha was the best from this locale. After this presentation, Pikey has been recognized as a trekking goal.
Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill is among the most gone to and well-known view purposes of the Annapurna area in Nepal. Poon Hill is a featured goal of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. As it offers mind blogging and great all-encompassing perspective of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. The goal can become through the valley of Ghorepani. Also, it gives an astounding scene perspective of the whole Mount Annapurna Massif. Trekkers visit this vintage indicate at a young hour toward the beginning of the day witness the dawn and its impact that is seen in the great mountain range. Situated at a height of 3,210 meters, Poon Hill presents stunning perspectives of the Dhaulagiri and in addition the Annapurna Himals and is viewed as simple in contrast with the intense climbing courses of the nation.
