India - Best Places of Interest

October 24, 2016 Adventure

Warm the Trip Up with Trekking at Ranikhet

People who frequently indulge in trekking, know that this is not just an adventure sport. It takes you to the deepest secrets of the natural environment of a region. When you enter in a natural habitat, the place presents all of its offerings to the person and one can feel those offerings through all of his six senses.

Yes, six senses! The aroma of the green plants and trees melts with the oxygen and become a delight for your nose. The ears hear the sound of the inner soul among the singing birds and waving breeze. Eyes get the benefit of seeing all the vivid colors of mother nature, while the skin revives itself with the touch of soft petals of flowers.

On the other hand, the trekkers can taste the juicy fruits offered by the trees. But the most amazing is the unexplainable peace that the sixth sense gets during the whole experience. The peace which only trekkers can understand.

The experience of trekking enhances the beauty of the region you choose. And Ranikhet, also known as the Queen’s field, offers some of the most beautiful trek paths in the country. The valleys and mountain ranges around this town are like the heavenly gifts sent by the God for trekkers only. One gets a lot of options here and different levels of difficulty offer a chance to experience the region even to newbie trekkers.

When you plan to trek in the region, stay at any Ranikhet resort, so that, you can easily reach most of the following trekking sites.

1. Pindari Glacier Trek

Located in the Kumaon region, this trekking site has a moderate level of difficulty, so, even amateur trekkers can have fun in the snow-capped mountains. The glacier offers beautiful views of Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot Mountains, and the wildlife of the southern Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

2. Ralam Valley and Birje Ganga Pass Trek

It is a porter based trek and the route brings the views of the beautiful peaks of Rajrambha, Chirang, and Chaudhara, and Suitilla. The trek starts at the Munsyari, which is in the Kumaon region too.

3. Sunder Dunga Trek

‘Sunder’ means beautiful and ‘Dunga’ means stones. As the name suggests, the valley of Sunder Dunga gives the mesmerizing views of Maktoli and Sukhram glaciers from both the sides. This one also has a moderate level of difficulty and lures trekkers from all around the world.

4. Panchchulli Glacier and Darma valley Trek

Situated in the eastern Kumaon Himalayan region, this trekking site is famous for the snow-capped peaks and extraordinary scenic beauty of Darma valley. People looking for a great experience of the natural offerings of the trekking can choose this trek with their eyes closed. The site brings you a combination of all possible beauty that nature can offer.

“#Trip to #Ranikhet

So, plan your trekking trip with your friends and family. Or, come alone to get lost in the beauty of Ranikhet. You can stay at a Ranikhet hotel too. They also offer various trekking trips around the region.

October 10, 2016 Travel, Within India

6 Fun Places for kids in Delhi

Children love to visit and want to have fun every moment. They enjoy when they visit new places. In this article, I am going to share some fun places for kids in Delhi. Delhi is a heart & cultural capital of the country teeming with cafes, bazaars, historical places, amazing parks and the cultural spots with no end to interesting places you can spend your day. These places are affordable and in your budget.

#Fun places for kids in #Delhi

1. National Rail Museum Chanakyapuri

The National Rail Museum is a great place choice for kids, particularly for the younger ones. You can enjoy 10-acres of the rail-related exhibition including 100 real historical trains. The main attraction of the museum the handsome Prince of Wales Saloon (built-in 1875) and Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon (built-in 1899).

Timing: Visiting Hours – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Closed: Monday

2. National Science Centre, New Delhi

National Science Centre, New Delhi -fun places for kids in Delhi — National Science Centre, New Delhi – www.delhionline.in

It’s established in 1992, National Science centre is a science museum. It’s great place for all kids who love science and even for those whose don’t. The National Science Centre is the best choice for parents if you want to grow your kids’ knowledge and interest in science.

Timings: Visiting Hours – 10:00 am – 5:00pm everyday

General Entry (Visiting Centre only) Rs.40/- per head

3. Bal Bhavan National Children’s Museum and Aquarium

Bal bhavan national childrens museum and aquarium- Fun places for kids in Delhi — Bal Bhavan national children’s museum and aquarium Image courtesy- www.holidify.com

Bal Bhavan National Children’s Museum provides various activities for kids. The main activity is Creative Art, Physical Activity, Science Activity and Photography. Kids enjoy all day with different types of games and puppet shows. Bal Bhavan has a large collection of dolls, toys, currency and art and craft material from different parts of the world, the museum also organises workshops, exhibitions and puppet shows for children.

Timing: Visiting Hours – 10:00 am – 5:00pm everyday

Closed: Sundays and Mondays.

4. Adventure Island

adventure island- fun places for kids in Delhi — adventure island
Image courtesy-http://www.trodly.com/

It’s Located in Metro Walk mall in Rohini. Adventure Island is a place where any age person can visit and have enjoyed the time of their life! With some amazing breath-taking rides, water slides, and go-karting, this place is a must visit for anyone. In Adventure Island there is no permission of photography.

Cost: Entry Fee for Per head: 250 Rs.

Timing: Visiting Hours – 11:00am – 7:00pm

5. Children’s Park (India Gate)

Children’s Park (India Gate) -fun places for kids in Delhi — Children’s Park (India Gate) Image credit- brandife.com

The Children’s Park is the most popular park for kids maintained by the New Delhi Municipal Council. Visiting a Children’s Park become a better experience for kids. The park currently shuts down at 7.30 pm in summers and 5.30 pm in winters.

Timing: Visiting Hours – 9:00am – 7.30 pm (summers) & 5.30 pm (Winter)

6. Indian Mountaineering Foundation in Moti Bagh

Indian Mountaineering Foundation in Moti Bagh -fun places for kids in Delhi — Indian Mountaineering Foundation in Moti Bagh – www.skillkindle.com

If you are bored with coffee, Food, Parks and Films then it’s the perfect place for fun. It’s famous adventurous place in Moti Bagh New Delhi. It’s providing amazing experiences of sports climbing. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced climber or a first-timer at the wall. You can get experience new adventurous sports. Indian Mountaineering is a fantastic day out with your kids.

Timings: Visiting Hours – 9:00am – 1:00pm & 4.00pm – 8:00pm

Cost: 150 Rs. per session

Closed: Monday

*/ Rajat Sharma is a blogger at Happiness Creativity. His life motto is: start your day with coffee, sing your favourite song, and find excitement in everything you do. Rajat loves to write about Travel & Lifestyle. /*

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September 2, 2016 Travel, Within India

Surreal and Offbeat Hill Stations around Delhi

While the vast majority of the best-known tourist places close to Delhi are swarming with sightseers amid the peak seasons, it’s generally better to go to spots that are lesser known. There are various offbeat destinations close to Delhi that have survived rampant commercialization. Places that aren’t yet much known may have a few disadvantages, yet guarantee you of the truly necessary peace and quietness.

Long weekend coming up? Well, instead of taking the usual Chandigarh to Manali taxi after a halt from Delhi, take a detour, or tweak in with your course of the journey, for there are some mesmerizing places around the capital city that will do immense good to you and your senses.

Take a look–

Darrang

Darrang- Surreal and offbeat destinations around Delhi — Darrang

Darang is situated close to Mcleodganj, on the road that leads to Palampur. Stroll through the rich tea gardens moving over the slopes and enthrall your senses with the sound of frogs and the twittering of birds. It is one of the best offbeat places close to Delhi from where you can see the lofty Dhauladhars standing tall over the delightful cottages.

Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley- Surreal and offbeat hill stations around Delhi — Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley, although a bit unapproachable for an average traveler, is, however, a distant yet enchanting hill station that looks as if straight out of a dream. It is at a decent distance of 500 kilometers from Delhi and is buzzing with the hints of pit fires lit by local people, in addition to other things. We’d suggest you go for the cozy and utterly hospitable homestays here, rather than the hotels.

Fagu

Fagu- Surreal and offbeat hill stations around Delhi — Fagu

Fagu is a charming little hill station, in the Kufri district of Shimla. You can have a look at the magnificent Himalayan summits from here. Spotted by minimal stone-walled houses and lavish green ranches, it’s unquestionably a standout amongst the most beguiling unique weekend getaways close to Delhi. Make a point to be a part of the ski fest in case you’re here in February.

Churwadhar

Churwadhar- Surreal and offbeat hill stations around Delhi — Churwadhar

Around 400 kilometers far from Delhi and 90 kilometers far from Shimla, Churwadhar is the spot you would need to go to on the off chance that you need to invest some time in isolation and peace. As told by tourists, the views of the green scapes and the lofty mountain ranges that you get from this spot are simply astonishing! You just need to see it and believe it.

Pangot

Pangot- Surreal and offbeat around Delhi — Pangot

An enchanting little hill station, located in the Nainital locale of Uttaranchal, Pangot resembles a heaven for nature lovers and bird watchers. With around 580 species of birds known to be present here, the place is undoubtedly known as the Bird Watcher’s Paradise. Despite the fact that it’s considered one of the most enchanting offbeat spots around Delhi, the resorts here are stunning and will make your vacation a memorable experience.

So, why to the same Shimla Mall road, same Naini Lake, and the same places to visit in Manali, when nature has blessed you with a brilliant scope of alternatives to be explored around your city? This long weekend, make a change in your schedule, and yes, thank us later!

*/ Author Bio: Sandeep is an experienced travel writer and enthusiast blogger. He has explored many known and less-known places in India in the last 10 years. His experience adds to his expert knowledge of the best hotels, and different travel routes through trains, flights, and roads. He also specializes in off-beat places to eat and stay at. He also advises amateur tourists on travel tips. /*

6 Off Beat Travel Destinations of India

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August 1, 2016 Travel, Within India

Narrow Gauge Journey

If you are on summer vacations, or on sabbatical leave or simply have some spare time, take a ride on Indian Hill Railways or Narrow Gauge (NG) lines. You will go through tunnels, little hamlets and over awe-inspiring bridges.

These rail journeys will give you an exhilarating experience when you pass through quaint mountain ranges, and cross over mangroves with thick and lush green environment around you.

Narrow Gauge Journey-Matheran — Matheran Railway Station

Neral and Matheran, in the state of Maharashtra, a hill railway track is a 2 ft. Narrow Gauge line covering 21 km in the midst of thick forests of Western Ghats. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is over 100 years since it was opened back in the year 1907.

Narrow Guage journey-Toy train, Matheran — Toy train Matheran

Being inside a toy train can be a lifetime experience, the tighter curves, magnificent water bodies and a wide variety of flora & fauna. As the train wheezes up the clear mountains amidst mangroves you cherish these moments of a scenic view. Oh! What a journey it is.

Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai in the Sahyadri hill range in Raigad district of Maharashtra State. It is situated at a height of 803 m above sea level.

By train:

You can catch a Karjat bound local train from CSTM (a.k.a. VT Mumbai, India) on the Central Railway to Neral Station.

Use the foot over bridge at Neral and get to the other platform. Inquire about the toy train and whether tickets will be available. If you want to ride in the Matheran toy train, then make sure you have booked in advance.

Narrow Gauge journey- Toy train -Queen of Sahadri Hills — Neral Matheran train- Queen of Sahyadri Hills

The Toy Train

Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy conceived the imaginative idea of a 2-ft narrow-gauge railway from Neral to Matheran (20 km). He imported three specially made engines from Germany in 1905. The railway was opened in 1907. This train became 100 years old on April 16, 2007.

Places to visit in Matheran:

Lake Charlotte – A spectacular waterfall overflows from the lake during and shortly after the monsoons. It has peaceful surroundings of dense evergreen forests, bird songs, and pretty butterflies.

Panorama point – is a very beautiful as you can see a panoramic view of the hills on the left and a beautiful Ulhas River to the right. This point is perfect for Sunrise and is also called “Sunrise Point.”
Heart Point – Here one can see a beautiful scene of the valley and this point looks like a heart, so gets its name.
Monkey Point – At this point can see the monkeys in large numbers and their mischief life-sized.
Malang Point
Luisa Point – The view from here to the waterfall (run off from Charlotte Lake ) during the monsoon is spectacular.
Honeymoon Hill
Echo Point

The other grand narrow gauge journeys in India are:-