Travel - Best Places of Interest

August 4, 2020 Travel, Within India

A Guide for Your Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Trip

The Chardham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to the four holy shrines in ‘Dev Bhoomi’ Uttarakhand. Believed to be the holiest journey, the Yatra cleanses all sins and grants salvation to the pilgrims who complete this journey. Chardham Yatra by helicopter is an easy and hassle-free way to complete the journey to the divine shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Chardham Yatra by helicopter starts in the beautiful city of Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand.

The Yatra is planned in a clockwise direction in Uttarakhand. It takes around 10-12 days to complete the whole journey by road as the shrines are nestled high up in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. But for a Chardham Yatra by helicopter, it takes only 4 to 5 days. Therefore pilgrims prefer Yatra by helicopter as it saves time as well as energy.

So, if you’re planning a Chardham Yatra by helicopter then here is all you need to know including the day-wise itinerary.

Where to Book Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Package?

Tourism-of-India provides multiple options for Chardham Yatra tour packages for the devotees. They also have a pre-planned Chardham Yatra by helicopter packages with cost or you can customize for a better travel experience.

Detailed Information about Char Dhams:

Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri is the holy shrine of the River Goddess Yamuna, the sister of Lord Yama “The God of Death”. The black idol of the Goddess is visited by pilgrims from far ends of the world. A visit to Yamunotri Dham is said to cleanse all sins of a lifetime and allows pilgrims a boon of preventing an untimely death.

The helicopter journey takes almost 40 minutes and you will land at the Kharsali Helipad to get to Yamunotri. The holy Chardham destination is at a distance of a 5 km trek. You can choose to walk or get a palki or pony to get to the temple.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and feel blessed by the divine temple. Two hot springs near the temple are also visited by pilgrims. Pray at the revered temple and after your darshan.

Gangotri Dham

Gangotri is the revered shrine of the River Goddess Ganga. According to a legend from Hinduism, the river was brought on earth after great penance. It is believed that bathing in the holy waters of Ganga cleanses one of the sins of life and grants salvation. The white-marble temple, built in the 19th century is a sacred shrine.

The Gangotri temple can be reached in a short walk from the hotel. Pray to the Goddess and get blessings. The divine ambiance of the temple blesses pilgrims with serenity and bliss.

Kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to a Hindu legend, Lord Shiva in his form of the bull was hiding from the Pandavas of Mahabharata. On getting discovered the lord divided his bull form into various regions of India and Nepal. The hump became the revered lingam of Kedarnath Dham. The holy temple is set in the middle of the Garhwal Himalayan range with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and near the Mandakini River. It is blessed with an ambiance of spirituality and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. It is easily one of the most beautiful temples in India.

Badrinath Dham

Badrinath Dham is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, which is both a part of the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand and the other Chardham circuit in India. The holy shrine prays to the Badri form of Lord Vishnu.

Get a helicopter ride to Badrinath helipad. The journey of the land of Narayan is a scenic one. Enjoy the pictorial views of the mountains in its snow-draped glory.

7 Amazing Thailand Facts You Should Know

Thailand is one of the most famed and visited Southeast Asian countries. It has the warmest locals, charming ever culture, wonderful architecture, breathtaking nature, unspoiled islands and beaches, mouth-watering foods, and most importantly, the hassle-free travel and Thailand visa procedures. Apart from these, there are some amazing and interesting things to know about Thailand – some of which you’ll be aware and some not. So come test your knowledge about Thailand by taking a look at these surprising facts about the country.

Thailand is the ‘Land of the Free’

In Thai language, Thailand is known as Prathep Thai. And it absolutely lives up to its literal meaning, ‘Land of the Free.’ After all, it holds the distinction of being the only country in the Southeast Asia that was never occupied by the European colonial powers.

The official name of Thailand’s capital city is the longest of its kind

Thailand is famous all over for its largest as well as the vibrant capital city, Bangkok. But did you know that the official name of its capital city is the world’s longest city name? So get ready to give your tongue a twist or exercise; the official name of Bangkok is, ‘Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.’

This comprises Pali and Sanskrit words and is translated in English as the city of angels, the glorious city, the abode of the Emerald Buddha, the invincible city of Lord Indra (unlike Ayutthaya), the world’s imposing capital blessed with nine precious gems, the cheerful city with an enormous Royal Palace which resembles the heavenly abode reigned by the reincarnated god.”

Find the world’s largest and smallest creature in Thailand

Black and beige monitor lizard, Thailand — Black and beige Monitor lizard
Photo by **Sudipta Mondal** from **Pexels**

Yes, Thailand bags this rare credit of being the country that inhabits both the largest and smallest creature in the world. Growing to a length of up to just 33 centimetres and weighing not more than two grams, the Bumblebee Bat is the world’s smallest mammal and you can find them in Thailand’s Sai Yok National Park at Kanchanaburi Province. Speaking of the largest creatures, you’ll not only find the biggest fish (white shark) in the sea but also the largest of its kind lizard, known as Monitor Lizard (growing up to seven feet).

Siamese cats are actually from Thailand

Siamese cats Thailand — Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay

Siamese cats are captivating for its distinctive charm and sleek appearance. It’s one of the world’s oldest cat breeds and more fascinatingly, it’s believed to have been originated in Thailand, back in the 14^th century. This is also found mentioned in an ancient Thai manuscript. Many interesting beliefs revolve around this type of cat. For instance, its considered auspicious to gift a Siamese cat to the brides.

Thailand has only a fraction of forest than it had a century ago

Any people travelling to Thailand instantly fall for its lush yet supremely appealing landscape with verdant jungles, laid-back islands, and other natural formations such as mountains, waterfalls, natural hot springs, striking valleys etc. However, the sad reality is that the country, especially in its northern part, was once completely blanketed with dense forests and trees. In fact, what now left is just a quarter of than it did over a hundred years ago. But the good news is that the logging activities are now completely banned in the country.

There is a festival dedicated to monkeys

One of the main reasons that make Thailand really unique is its weird beliefs and alluring festivals including the monkey buffet festival. It takes place annually in the province of Lophuri, also known as the land of monkeys, with thousands of long-tailed macaques. Interestingly, they are considered the descendants of Lord Hanuman. As indicative of its name, the festival’s major highlight is a sumptuous feast arranged for its revered residents, wherein they are allowed to devour on endless pounds of food including fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, desserts etc. Placed about 150 kilometers from the capital city of Bangkok, it’s held at a ruined Khmer shrine whose origin traces back to the 10^th century.

Thailand has a type of fish which can walk on land

Cave Angel Fish in Mae Hongson, Thailand by Chulabush Khatancharden Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Thailand is home to some rare and endangered wildlife and underworld species, and one of the most fascinating among them is the Cryptotora Thamicola. This is an amphibious fish which however is unlike any other fish species. With four legs, it’s not only able to swim out of water and walk like any other ordinary four-legged animal, but also come with the ability to climb the sheer rock surfaces along the waterfalls. This is probably the reason it’s also known as the Waterfall Climbing Cavefish. Interestingly, this fish is blind and mostly found in the caves across Northern Island.

CONCLUSION

From boasting one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs to being the land of over 35,000 shrines, there are more such interesting facts about Thailand. So how many of these amazing Thailand facts are you already aware of? Let us know in the comment section below.

10 Best Places of interest in Thailand

July 8, 2020 Travel, Round the world

Abu Dhabi with Family: Things to do and See

The capital of UAE, the cosmopolitan city, the heritage-preserving emirate, and the home to a futuristic skyscraper, Abu Dhabi has an array of tourist attractions covering the interests of all family members. Millions of visitors flock every year to this ultimate destination to observe the radiating Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the adrenaline-pumping Ferrari ride, the grandeur embodiment of Emirates Palace, and the unbelievable Louvre Museum. Read on to discover the best things to do in Abu Dhabi:

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Mosque

One of the largest mosques in the world and a glistening architectural marvel with an astonishing capacity of 40,000 worshippers and visitors, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the top attraction to be seen in Abu Dhabi with family. The idea behind building this beacon of splendor was to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate diversity. Right from the 82 onion-top domes to the largest chandelier and carpet, from floral designs to stone-embedded columns, this picturesque mosque allows you to capture Instagram-worthy moments.

Watch the collection at Louvre Abu Dhabi

It is the first universal museum in the Arab World, designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Combining light and shadow, reflection and calm, the museum is internationally recognized for art, education, and culture. The 8-layered dome looks like floating on the water and the unconvincing design leaves millions of guests to drop their jaws. The museum boasts a unique collection of both ancient and contemporary works of historic, cultural, and sociological interest. Later linger in tempting bookstores, and taste local teas, coffees, and delicacies.

Meander through The Corniche

White sandy beaches, landscaped gardens, entertaining parks, children’s playgrounds, and fountains, the Corniche is a 5-mile stretched waterfront avenue. And the best way to explore all of this is to grab a bike and ride across the attractions. Its beach is split into three sections- families, singles, and a public beach—and has clean waters, children’s play equipment, bikes, and karts for hire. Offering one of the city’s main recreational opportunities and a spectacular view of the iconic high-rises, the Corniche is an exciting destination. You can swim, walk and cycle; hire sunbeds for the beach and later have some refreshments.

Feel the rush at Ferrari World

Home to the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park, Ferrari World introduces an impressive mix of 37 record-breaking thrill rides and an array of world-class cuisines. Beneath its red roof, there is a jam-packed world of riveting rides and experiences. Get ready to scream with joy as you hop on the world’s fastest roller coaster with a top speed of 250kmph in 4.9 seconds. The family-friendly attractions, electric-powered go-karts, advanced simulator, live shows, and an inspiring collection of racing memorabilia will have you set for the day. Reserve your tickets in advance to skip the line, soon when you receive the UAE tourist Visa.

Revel in nature at Umm Al Emarat Park

Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi — **Umm Al Emarat Park**

Built in 1982, it is one of the oldest and largest water parks in Abu Dhabi. Being a big crowd puller today, the park has undergone extensive renovation and has been updated with a Shade House, Animal Barn, Amphitheatre, Great Lawn, Botanic Garden, Children’s Garden, and Evening Garden. Observe the 12 animals including a camel, baby goat, cow, and a pony, and an iconic structure shielding plants in a moisture-controlled environment. There is a range of cool activities- kids can run wild, pet animals, kick back in the green ground, and admire the cascading waters and stone pools.

Enjoy a day out at Warner Bros World

Warner Bros world, Abu Dhabi — Warner Bros World

Located on Yas Island, the Warner Bros World is home to legendary fictional characters that are brought to life through mind-blowing rides. From Superman to Batman and Wonder Woman to Scooby-Doo, you can interact with the 29 state-of-the-art rides in the 6 fascinating worlds. Refuel yourselves by having small bites and munching on mouth-watering meals in the cafes. Complete with live shows and endless family experiences, this is the best theme park.

Ascend the Observation Deck at 300

Isn’t it amazing to be checking out the 360-degree view of the city along with savoring the afternoon tea in the finest restaurant? Observation Deck at 300 is nestled on the 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. You see an uninterrupted bird-eye view of the incredible skyline and sip hot tea or freshly ground coffee with sweet treats. Soak in these dramatic views fully as you won’t find them anywhere else.

Splash the fun at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

An action-packed experience and the leading water park across the globe, Yas Waterworld helps you raise the adrenaline with its record-breaking slides. From the first freefall waterslide to the Middle East’s longest suspended rollercoaster, from 5D adventure to intense water wars, this park has over 40 exhilarating rides, slides, and attractions. Some favorite rides include Dawwama, Bandit Bomber, Falcons Falaj, and Bubble Barrel. So, carry your kids along and engage in family-building activities all day long.

Marvel at Emirates Palace

Featuring 394 rooms and suites, 114 gold and marble-covered domes, spas, pools, multiple restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafés — blend with ethereal lighting and plush interiors, the Emirates Palace is a beach-front lavish hotel. It offers a perfect photo opportunity with its stunning backdrop. The hallways are inlaid with gold, crystal, and marble patterns and adorned with Swarovski chandeliers. However, you can enjoy luxury without booking a suite, by booking a coffee tour or reserving a table at one of its royal restaurants.

Devour flavorful dishes at Cafe Mandarina

Eating at fantastic restaurants is one of the main pleasures of life here. Cafe Mandarina is a family-friendly restaurant in Abu Dhabi that has fresh and delicious ingredients to cook an amazing variety of food. Choose the mouth-watering dishes from the impeccable menu for the little appetite, including beverages such as hot chocolates, fruit juices, and more. Reach its awesome rooftop terrace to watch the horses working in the school, and you can learn to ride them too in the Mandara Equestrian Club.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi is an emirate of amazing activities that keep the whole family entertained throughout the vacation. And these top recommendations will help you spend more memorable days without any interruption. So, get your visa and fly to this city.

10 Surfing Spots in India

Though it may not be a very good time to go surfing in these days of COVID-19, we could plan it for the future.

There are tons of top surfing spots in India, most remain undiscovered. The surfing culture arrived a bit late in the country. Despite the impressive Indian waves, most beaches in India are not developed or marketed as surfing spots.

However, over the years, more and more beachside companies start offering surfing lessons. Now, the sport has become one of the common activities during weekends and free time. One of the advantages of going to India for surfing is that there aren’t a lot of surfers flocking to the beaches.

Top Surfing Spots in India

India isn’t known for the biggest waves in the world. However, you can ride some impressive ones depending on the season. The country usually has calmer tides that would fit beginner surfers, especially from April to May and October to November, or before and after the wet season. If you are looking for more extreme tides to ride on, the best time to surf in India would be during the monsoon season.

If you are looking for the top surfing spots in India, here’s the top ten list that should be on your bucket list.

#1. Mulki, Karnataka

If you are looking for the top surfing spots in India, the number one spot would be the birthplace of the surfing culture in the country. Mulki is the home of Indian surfing, which is on the west coast of Karnataka. You can experience a wide range of waves and difficulty levels on the beaches of Mulki.

The Mantra Surf Club in Mulki hosts up to a thousand surfers every year. courtesy ravi shankar paranjpe / mantra surf club. Mulki surfing — The Mantra Surf Club in Mulki hosts up to a thousand surfers every year.
Image courtesy Ravi Shankar Paranjape / mantra surf club

Most of the time, the tides in the area are great for beginner surfers. However, if you visit Mulki before and during the monsoon season, you’ll mostly get challenging and intense waves. During this time, not a lot of surfers will go to the area since the tides can be very tricky, and only daredevils try to charge the swells.

#2. Goa Beach

If you are an experienced surfer, one of the top surfing spots in India for thrilling waves would be the Goa Beach. If you visit the area during the best season, you can ride massive waves that range from five to ten feet in height. Goa Beach is famous as the land of magic and adventure for a reason.

Surfing in Goa — The place to surf in Goa! – Reviews, Photos – Surf Wala – Day …

The best time to visit Goa Beach for its giant waves would be between May and June. Other times, you’ll still get good waves but much calmer ones, which are ideal for newbies with their funboards or for practicing your wave-riding skills.

#3. Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Situated in the southern part of India, Kovalam Beach is one of the popular and top surfing spots in India. There is a beach break in the area where you can get both right and left waves, and both are extremely powerful and fast. Although the tides can be pretty intense, the surf spot can usually cater to both beginner and intermediate surfers.

Kovalam Surfing Club — Kovalam Surf Club – 2020 What to Know Before You Go (with Photos ..

There are also local surfing schools on the beachside if you want to learn the sport. The best time to visit Kovalam Beach would be during mid and high tides.

#4. Vizag, Andhra Pradesh

Vizag is the only surf city in India and for good reasons. Right at the heart of the city, you can find empty line-ups and a lot of scenic bays that produce a wide range of waves. Surfing is yet to catch popularity in the area, so you’ll mostly have the surf to yourself.

Most of the time, it is where you can find pro athletes going surfing because it’s less crowded. The area experiences occasional storms and cyclones, which usually bring a lot of massive waves.

#5. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram or Mahabs is another one of the top surfing spots in India. It’s not only popular for its iconic and majestic temples, but its right-hand point break as well. It provides an impressive series of waves for power surfing and tube riding.

Mahabalipuram surfing — This photo of Mumu Surf School is courtesy of Tripadvisor

If you are looking to ride big swells, the best time to visit Mahabs would be between May and November.

#6. Varkala Beach

One of the advantages of going to Varkala Beach is its impressive landscape. It has a gentle atmosphere and waves as well. It’s one of the best spots to go to if you want to try your hand at surfing. The waves in Varkala Beach are not intense, which is ideal for newbies.

The best time to visit Varkala Beach would be between December to March, although the waves are perfect for newbies all year-round.

#7. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Situated on the east coast, another one of the top surfing spots in India is Chennai. It’s a great place for you to learn how to surf. You can enroll in various courses from beginners to more advanced lessons.

Covelong point, Chennai — Covelong Point, Chennai

There’s a famous right-hand break in Chennai, the Covelong Point, which produces some of the best waves in the country. It’s also home to some of the best Indian surfers and attracts wave riders from all over the world.

#8. Gokarna Beach, Karnataka

Gokarna Beach is one of the top surfing spots in India for beginner surfers. The area is famous for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere with coconut trees in the foreground and the Sahyadri Mountains in the background. Meanwhile, the waves on the beach are a bit easy to predict and not very strong. Plus, there are also tons of surf schools in the area.

The best time to visit Gokarna Beach for surfing would be between October and May.

#9. Pondicherry

Pondicherry is where the east and west coasts meet. It’s popular for colonial buildings and tree-lined streets. However, Pondicherry has also become quite well-known for both local and tourist surfers in recent years. It provides some of the best waves in the country, which can hold wells between three to six feet.

You can usually get the best quality waves in Pondicherry between August and December.

#10. Kodi Bengre, Udupi

Kodi Bengre is a famous fishing village in Udupi, India. Aside from the fresh seafood that you can find in the place, it is also an interesting spot for surfing. The beaches in this village are well known for their stable weather, with around 30 degrees temperature, which is ideal for newbies and intermediate surfers.