With the onset of monsoon, we planned a trip to the hill station. We decided to go to Lonavla in Maharashtra. The lush green hill station springs to life during the Monsoon season. Lonavla is blessed with waterfalls, lakes and greenery.
By Road
Lonavla is set on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several towns in Maharashtra such as Karjat, Dabhade and Khopoli.
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By Rail
Lonavla is well-connected by train as well. Local trains from Pune stop over at Lonavla and trains plying between Mumbai and Pune also stop at Lonavala. The nearest railway station is the Karjat Railway station.
Lonavla is a perpetual favourite for those travelling from Mumbai to Pune or vice versa. This hill station is an ideal weekend getaway and is not too far from two big cities-Mumbai and Pune. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Lonavala is situated at a height of 625 metres above sea level and promises a truly unique, hill-station experience.
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Once in Lonavla, you have these picturesque sites. If you are the adventurous kind you can go trekking in these waterfalls.
‘Lonavla’ derived its name from ‘Len’ and ‘Avali’ that roughly translates to ‘the resting place of stones’. It is said that the Mughals used this beautiful hill-station as a strategic location against their rivals. In 1871, Lonavla and Khandala, another hill station were discovered by Lord Elphinstone.
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Little friend in Lonavla eating corn
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Our little friends on the side of the hill.
We also went to the Bushi dam which overflows in the monsoon. This hill station is also well-known for its production of hard candy (chikkis).
Assorted chikkis
We had these wonderful chikkis on our way back.
Chocolate fudge
Walnut chocolate fudge is simply amazing.
While returning home in the rains, we also sang this lovely song.
All, in all it was wonderful monsoon getaway.
*/Copyright images. Please do not use without permission.*/
India is a country with many destinations worth exploring for a holiday. I shall focus on 3 offbeat sites in South India. Here is an insight into the unexplored, offbeat sites of Kodaikanal, Coorg and Yelagiri.
Kodaikanal is situated in the hills of taluk division of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is also known as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’. The climate is pleasant and the best time is April to June and from September to October.
Berijam Lake (Img. courtesy-commons wikimedia.org)
• Berijam Lake– the most beautiful lake in South India is 21 km from Kodaikanal. The lake has pure water and is the main resource of water for Periyakulam, that is located in the valley below Kodaikanal. Pine forest surrounds this lake where ‘magic mushrooms’ can be found in abundance. It is an excellent trekking route, but one has to be careful as there are wild animals like bison and leopard.
Kodai Lake (wikipedia.org)
• Kodai Lake The lake is beautiful and contributes to the picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal. It is in a shape of a star and has been artificially constructed over an area of 60 acres. There are other places worth visiting here like Bryant Park, Kurinji Temple, Flora and Fauna Museum, SilverCascade Falls and Subrahmanya Temple.
Coorg– Located in the state of Karnataka, is a charming place with its range of hills, coffee plantations, and sweet oranges. Coorg has a lot to offer an adventure tourist with its high hills and valleys for amazing trekking experience. Coorg can be approached from 3 states of India; Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Beautiful coffee plantations can be seen here.
Coffee plantation in Ammathi, Coorg (pixabay.com)
• Jungles of Coorg: Poisonous snakes can be spotted in the jungles of Coorg. Green snake and a viper resting on the leaves is an awesome experience. You can also find cardamom plantations. The atmosphere is peaceful. • Dubare Elephant camp: You can take an elephant ride in Dubare. Dubare elephant camp lets you explore them closer and watch elephants. One could stay in Kodagu valley which is a secluded place away from the commotion of Madikeri town. A stay in Coorg or Kodagu valley is different in many ways; weather, the people, the greenery, the smell of spices….
Coorg-Kodagu (indianjaunt.com)
Yelagiri– it is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu near the leather town Vaniambadi, Jolarpettai Railway station around 20 kms and from Tiruppattur around 27 kms. Yelagiri is not a renowned tourist destination in South India Holiday packages like Ooty, Munnar etc. but is worth exploring. The tall hill is visible from other hills in the surroundings as you cross Vaniambadi. Yelagiri Hill is located at a height of 1050 meters above sea level. Some renowned spots for sight-seeing at Yelagiri Hills are
Yelagiri Lake (commons.wikimedia.org)
• Punganur Lake span across 57000 square meters is an ideal place for boat riding.
Nature Park (commons.wikimedia.org)
• Nature Park has plenty of trees, walkways, beautiful lighted fountains, flower gardens and a fish aquarium.
Yelagiri Hills Adventure Camp, amazing bird nest
• Trekking at Yelagiri Hills: trekking assistance is given by Tourist Information center at Yelagiri. Some of the trekking options worth checking out are – information center to Sunset Point 2km, Puthur to Perumadu Waterfalls -3km, Nilavur to Jalagamparai-6km. A visit to Yelagiri is quite enjoyable and refreshing.
So, go ahead and check out these offbeat destinations and have a wonderful time!
Any guesses which state in India I am referring to? It is the land of coconuts, backwaters, elephants and the land of opulent cultures and traditions. It is one of the renowned places for tourists from across the globe who love the marvelous beaches along the Malabar Coast to the labyrinth of backwater canals traversing rice fields to the magnificent hillside tea plantations in the Western Ghats. It is called ‘Gods Own Country’.
Kerala (Image courtesy-waytoindia.com)
Whether it is the awesome seashores to the backwater pathways in Alleppey and Kumarakom or fabulous tea gardens in Munnar, Kerala offers some of the best destinations for a family vacation, holiday or honeymoon.
Kochi– situated in Ernakulam district, which is in central Kerala is an important seaport in India. Kochi is the starting point of any tour package in Kerala. Some of the places of attractions here are the Jewish synagogue, Cherai Beach, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace. Around 1568, a beautiful structure was built in Jew Town which is the Jewish synagogue. The synagogue has been decorated with splendid Chinese tiles and remarkable Belgian chandeliers.
Jewish synagogue (Image courtesy-www.trawell.in)
Fort Cochin, a historic place has some beautiful imitations of the foreign heritage. Kochi has an interesting history behind it, becoming one of the best natural harbours in the world. Around 1341, a major flood created an estuary at Kochi until then it was a landlocked region. The Portuguese were the first European settlers in the 15th Century when it became a port for seafarers. Mattancherry place is an old Portuguese architecture with the influence of the Orient. It has unique historical and architectural perspective.
Munnar– You can hire a cab and reach Munnar which is a 3-hour journey from Cochin. Kerala’s most beautiful hill station has an alluring terrain. It has splendid views of mountain slopes covered with green tea farms, low-flying clouds, and misty valleys. Munnar has a cold and soothing climate with organic tea farms.
Munnar (Image courtesy-www.keralaholidays.com)
If you’re an adventure tourist then you can go hiking and see dazzling waterfalls. Places of attractions are Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Tata Tea Museum, and Idukki Arch Dam.
Idukki Dam
Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary– This sanctuary is among the 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Protected areas of Kerala. On the southern side, it is covered by the Eravikulam National Park and on its north is Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also check out the widespread sandalwood forest close to this sanctuary. The sanctuary has over 1000 species of flowering plants and over 225 bird species. Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India can also be found here, which is an endangered species. Mammals, like the elephant, tiger, leopard, sambar, spotted dear, etc. can be spotted here.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala India(commons.wikimedia.org).
It is an ideal haunt for trekkers with deciduous forests and grasslands; river trekking, cultural site trekking, nature trail, Thoovanam falls trek, trekking and camping at Vasayappara organized by the Forest department, which is part of the eco-tourism activities of the sanctuary.
Tata Tea museum– A museum for tea opened by Tata tea is dedicated to the legacy of the origins and evolution of tea plantations. It houses curios, photographs and machines which depict the growth and origin of tea plantations in Munnar. Here, you get to sample different kind of teas from mild, average and strong.
Tea Museum at Munnar (Image courtesy- commons.wikimedia.org)
Food– A variety of Fish curry/seafood is a specialty in Kerala.
Fish Curry-Kottayam style (mnlive.com)
Other places are worth visiting:
Alappuzha– You can hire a Houseboat here and enjoy and relax in the backwaters.
Ayurveda Center- Kerala is renowned for Ayurveda treatment. The center is surrounded by many plants and trees. It has experienced professional doctors. You will enjoy the Ayurveda treatments.
Ayurveda center in Alappuzha
Wayanad–If you love nature then this has scenic forest area. A drive to Wayanad is through the Bandipur Forest, which is quite a sight. Wayanad flourishes with scenic beauties of nature and one can smell the flavor of pepper floating through certain areas.
Wayanad Bamboo Road
Truly, Kerala is God’s Own Country!
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India, as one contemplates about her, is a colorful image of different people, religion, culture, and diversity, in one country. Her beauty is mesmerizing. A holiday in India comprises of various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism and many more. Over 22 languages are spoken here. India with so many languages and religion also offers fabulous tourist destinations.
From snow-capped mountains, verdant hills, dazzling rivers to magnificent green valleys, India has lots to offer a tourist. Himalayas form the north, northeast and northwest boundaries of the country. It has a long coastline which stretches from north to south and east to west. No wonder, then she has been called the “jewel in the crown” of the British Empire. You might have come across various options for holiday in India but let us check out the ‘theme holidays’- summer holidays, spiritual and honeymoon destinations in India for a tourist.
Summer holidays– summers of India are dreaded in most parts of the world, but a hill station is most welcome. Summer months in India are from March to May.
Ladakh (Leh), the land of Lamas, entices many tourists with its calm tranquil environment with a bewitching white mountainous landscape. The place offers a spiritual experience to be cherished for a lifetime. Colossal mountains protecting the city from chilling winds covered with white sand houses made of mud brick where you can hear ritualistic chants. Here, you can also see lakes, yaks, and monasteries.
Panoramic view of Ladakh (commons.wikimedia.org)
Shimla– is an ideal place for a summer holiday with a toy train ride, horse riding, and an evening walk on Mall Road. Little cafes to luxurious hotels welcome all tourists here. There is an old-world charm retained in grand old monuments and structures of the pre-Independence era of India.
Munnar– offers a breathtaking view of tea plantations and lakes located in Kerala. This picturesque hill station offers rock climbing, and trekking to Anaimudi Hill for adventure lovers. A wildlife National park has exotic species that inhabit this place, making it a great haunt for nature lovers.
Munnar_hillstation_kerala.jpg(en.wikipedia.org)
Kodaikanal– A hill station located on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Kerala is an enchantment for nature lovers. There are serene slopes, enigmatic pretty flowers, pine trees, and renowned grizzled giant squirrels worth admiring.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India (commons.wikimedia.org)
Spiritual journey- Varanasi or Benares is a holy city of the Hindus with its most important Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Lord Shiva is the deity and guardian of this temple. The city is often known as the city of temples where people from across the world and not only India visit over 2000 temples. Varanasi is also famous for its muslin, silk fabrics, ivory works, and perfume industries.
Do not miss a chance to take a boat ride in the holy river Ganges which captures the true essence of Varanasi. Paper boats lit with candles and flowers float on the waters, Holy dip in the Ganges, and meditation in solitude by many pilgrims who come to offer their prayers. No wonder it is known as the spiritual capital of India. Not far from Varanasi is Mahabodhi Temple, Buddha’s Bodhi Tree where he meditated and attained enlightenment. He conveyed his first sermon and thus gave birth to Buddhism.
Kailash Mansarovar– situated among the Himalayan mountain ranges, Kailash is among the highest peaks of the world and also a source of Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganges, and Indus rivers. This is among the most significant spiritual spots in the world where people from across the globe revere it. Kailash with its holy lake Mansarovar captures the imagination of one and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lord Shiva’s abode is believed to be in Mount Kailash by Hindus.
Kinnaur, Kailash (en.wikipedia.org)
Southern India- Temples of southern India have splendid architecture and interesting mythological tales which offer great spiritual significance to pilgrims who visit from remote locations. They have towering ‘gopurams’, grand pillar structures, and embellished entrances. The state of Tamil Nadu has over 33,000 temples like Arunachaleshwar temple of Lord Shiva, Jambukeshwar temple at Thiruvanaikaval that has an underground water spring that fills the shrine where the ‘lings’ stands, Ramanathaswamy temple which second holiest place after Varanasi. The legends of all these temples leave us spellbound.
If you are on a pilgrim tour, then Jodhpur, Mount Abu, and Udaipur should not be missed for their renowned temples.
Honeymoon destinations–For newly married couples, there are many destinations in India.
Goa –you could relax on the beaches of Goa for beautiful views, sunshine and a lot of fun and activity.
Goa (Wikipedia.org)
Darjeeling – enjoy the picturesque hill stations of Darjeeling which makes it an ideal honeymoon destination with its tea plantations and chilly weather.
Ooty – situated in Nilgiri hills, it has a lot of attractions from the Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, and Dodabetta Peak.
The backwaters of Kerala – often known as God’s Own Country is a favorite hot spot for a honeymoon in India. You can hire a houseboat and explore Kerala.
The above is just a sneak peek into ‘Theme Holidays’ in India. So, go ahead and plan a ‘theme holiday’ in India, today!
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