Travel - Best Places of Interest

January 25, 2022 Travel

Best 8 Places to Visit in Kerala

A magical place tucked away to the South of India

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.

3. Kollam – White Noise

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.

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January 8, 2022 Travel

NEPAL – BLISS FOR TREKKING LOVER – KNOW THE TOP SEVEN ONES

NEPAL – BLISS FOR TREKKING LOVERS – 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 thrill of trekking. The world’s best place is known for its highest peak, an awe-inspiring landscape, unseen wildlife, and also for some rare flowers. Nepal attracts tourists from the whole world and most of the land is 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 their 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 ones since it has diverse sorts of scenes like; valleys, crests, waterways, waterfalls, high passes, 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 of 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 in 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 a 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.

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December 10, 2021 Adventure

10 Adventure Destinations in Ladakh

Ladakh – is a largely celebrated winter wonderland and adventure paradise for every kind of traveler. The incandescent beauty of this union territory is alone enough to provide various range of scenic views, a heavily snowed environment, a great reach of Himalayan landscapes, a snow-adorned walk through an alpine forest area, deep Buddhist traditional festivities, a gorgeous look into the wildlife culture. Ladakh is not just a scenic ride for millennials instead, it evokes a certain kind of emotion – an emotion that is filled with a feeling of freedom and liberation among the millennials and that may be the reason why the people of today’s generation seek a vacation or adventure journey in Ladakh.

Apart from harboring various lengths of scenic travel sites, Ladakh is more recently being honored as a base point that heartily opens several trekking destinations for any kind of traveler i.e., a seasoned or an adventure traveler. From letting you experience a swift walk on a Zanskar River to letting walk to the arms of Mount Nun, Ladakh has been blessed with every kind of adventure that a traveler seeks.

So, following is the list of 10 famous adventure journeys a traveler can enjoy in Ladakh –

Chadar Trek (8 Days)

Chadar Trek or also popularly called a Zanskar Gorge Trek is a 106-km long trekking journey and is famously traversed as a winter trail by adventure travelers. The trek is famous for giving its visitor an inexplicable experience of walking on the frozen river of Zanskar and feeling mesmerized after realizing the surreal beauty of this place.

The trek is very much related to testing one’s determination and survival instinct in walking down a journey that gives you immense pleasure after winning it.

2) Markha Valley Trek (9 days)

Markha Valley is a 9-day long trekking journey that is usually attempted from the month of May to September and is walked to witness the natural green beauty filled with thousands of watering streams. One needs to walk about 75 km of leveled path crossing through the waist-deep river of Markha to finally reach a gorgeous Buddhist village situated in the middle of towering mountain ranges.

Many of you who undertake this easy-level trekking journey get to witness the spellbinding peaks of the Zanskar Ranges, Kang Yatse, Stok Kangri, etc.

3) Nubra Valley Trek (6-10 Days)

Nubra Valley – famously enjoyed by the millennials for being the one-time gateway to the ancient Silk Route of India where one can easily witness the heavily perched purple mountains, double-humped camels, and cold breeze swirling upon the white sand dunes. This is a 6-10 days long walking journey where the traveler gets to traverse through lush green meadows and anciently built Buddhist shrines.

Upon reaching the mountaintop of Nubra Valley, you also get a chance to witness the mesmerizing ranges of Karakoram, K2, etc.

4) Stok Kangri Trek (9-10 Days)

A snowy, razor-cut peak perched atop the rough mountains of Ladakh – Stok Kangri is like a journey for experienced trekkers who climb up to this mountain to test their limit and also to define the walk towards a tough ascent to themselves. By heartily starting their journey from Stok Village, the travelers make a walk for about 9-10 days through a steep path and a carefully led walk on frozen water.

The distance to be covered during the Stok Kangri journey is about 240 km to finally reach a top perched at an altitude of 20,180 ft above sea level. And thus, by making its difficulty level in your mind, the journey to its top will only keep rolling in your mind.

5) Nun Peak Climbing Expedition (21-22 Days)

Almost always traversed by the experienced traveler or by the travelers who have some basic technical mountaineering knowledge – the Nun peak climbing expedition is one of the highest peaks of the Himalayan region lying on the Indian side of LOC in Ladakh. The desolate and uninhabited mountain stands at a staggering height of 7,135 m above sea level in the Suru region.

Every traveling group takes around 21-22 days to reach the mountain top of Nun Peak and be mesmerized by its virgin beauty. You can also witness the peaks of many different ranges like Zanskar, a panoramic view of Leh-Ladakh, etc.

6) Kun Peak Expedition (22-23 Days)

Believing in a similar journey to its twin peak – Mount Nun, Mount Kun is the second-highest peak of the massif and is generally traversed by aspiring mountaineers or sometimes by ordinary travelers who seek brief supervision from travel companies. The snow-covered, green fog-enshrouded mountain stands at a towering height of 7,077m above the ground near Suru Valley.

The trek to the top of this massive peak usually takes around 22-23 days while walking on rough terrain towards a tough ascent, hugely covered in snow. The peak offers an unprecedented view of Mount Kun, Mount Barmal, White Needle, etc.

7) Sham Valley Trek (3-5 Days)

Also widely pronounced as ‘Baby Trek’, by the locals of Ladakh is a beautiful trekking journey along with the traditional sites of the Buddhist religion. Letting you walk through the poplar-lined path and small traditional settlements; the Sham Valley trekking journey will be a great experience for the first-timers or it will work as a primer for polished travelers.

The 3-5 days trek to the Sham Valley takes its travelers through a scenic hike to the 11-century Buddhist Monastery where a towering gold statue of Lord Buddha is worshipped ardently.

8) Kang Yatse II Trek (12 Days)

Kang Yatse II Peak – a journey filled with rough terrains and tough straight-line ascent is an aspiring mountaineer’s paradise who pick up this journey to train themselves for another harder journey in the Himalayan region. The incredibly tall and slender mountain stands at a towering height of 6,400m above the ground at the end of Markha Valley which requires an extremely technical walk across various knife-cut ridges.

The travelers can traverse this massive peak in and around 12 days where they get a chance to walk through the cultural Ladakhi region.

9) Digar La Trek (8 Days)

Instead of making you walk towards a mountain top, the Digar La trek takes you through a journey to the several mesmerizing landscapes of Ladakh until it reaches the cold desert in the Nubra region. Digar La Trek also locally called ‘Leh Nubra Pangong Circuit’ connects the Indus Valley to the green fog-enshrouded Nubra Valley.

The trekking distance is about 30km and is generally traversed during the course of 8 days while taking some brief enjoyable stopover at the famous Monasteries of Ladakh.

10) 6 Passes Trek

6 Passes Trek is not about traversing a single mountain range but instead starting from Rumtse village, the traveler follows a unique journey of traversing six high-altitude passes perched atop the height of more than 5000 meters above the ground.

The 106-km long Gargantuan hardly-traveled trekking journey, makes you pass the six high-altitude regions incorporating 3 lakes in the path named Tso Kar, Tso Moriri, and Startsapuk Tso, and beautifully adorned with meandering rivers, lush green meadows, barren terrains, mesmerizing landscapes.

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October 30, 2021 Travel

6 Off Beat Travel Destinations of India

The idea of traveling in India draws up many images, lush greenery, deserts, snow-capped peaks, beaches… the country definitely has it all and for a lack of a better word, the Indian landscape is diverse. Practically you find something or the other to do in some destination across the country… and yet, traveler after traveler haunts the beaten path.

If you are looking for something that is different from a prescribed list… you might as well check out the new list of off-beaten travel destinations.

1- The Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The Little Rann, located close to the Great Rann is a definite must-visit for those who are looking to experience the color and raw plethora of desert colour and culture. While it lacks the tourism appeal that Jaisalmer in Rajasthan has, Little Rann, has this raw flair that is completely charming and disarming at the same time. A quaint salt marsh desert, the Little Rann is famous as the world’s last refuge of the Khur or the Indian Wild Ass. A stark landscape with rich biodiversity, the Little Rann is an ecologically important zone and is home to several water birds like pelicans, flamingos, and ducks and other birds like the Indian Bustard, Sandgrouse, and francolins. The perfect destination for nature lovers.

The region is pretty popular for it’s surreal natural beauty that it has been featured in multiple movies in India such as Magadheera, refugee, Goriyon ki Raasleela, Sarainodu, and many other superhit movies. This wonderful holiday destination in Gujarat has also been mentioned in numerous books like Midnight Children written by Salman Rushdie. If you are also looking for a holiday destination for this winter vacation then check out different Gujarat holiday packages and plan accordingly.

2- Gurudongmar Lake – Sikkim

There is something about high-altitude lakes… nestled amongst high mountain peaks that inevitably bring in a sense of complete peace and serenity. While the Pangong Tso shot to reluctant fame with the famous 3 Idiots scene, there is another beautiful high altitude hidden at a height of 17100 feet in the Eastern Himalayas. Emerald Waters, set deep in the backdrop of majestic snow-clad peaks, the Gurudongmar Lake is Sikkim’s well-kept secret.

3- Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh

While the Jim Corbett National Park is a popular destination for all those who want to get a glimpse of the elusive predator, there is another destination where you can get a peek at this royal cat – the Bandhavgarh National Park. While the Jim Corbett National Park is known for its dense jungles and the different variety of flora and fauna; catching a glimpse of the tiger with several safaris can be quite a task.

In Bandhavgarh, however, the chances of sighting this regal striped cat are quite high. Smaller in size when compared with the Jim Corbett National Park, it is much easier to navigate along Bandhavgarh, and rest assured, this National Park too is filled with a plethora of flora and fauna.

4- Syalsaur, Uttarakhand

The Himalayas are filled with several wonders, which are simply understated and hidden from the prying tourist eye. One such destination that lies hidden along the bend of the mighty mountains is Syalsaur. With the Mandakini gurgling alongside the perfect contrast of lush green trees cloaking majestic peaks, Syalsaur in Uttarakhand is the perfect destination to experience the quiet and majestic splendor of the Himalayas.

5- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

The last major site before hitting the China Border, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, is probably North-East’s best-kept secret. Possibly because of its political and geographical location, Tawang is rarely flocked by dozen tourists. Nevertheless, Tawang is worth each and every bureaucratic effort, tucked in the high mountains, the region boasts over 109 high-altitude lakes! If lake hopping at over 12000 is your thing, then Tawang is a definite must-visit!

6- Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi

If the Indian history, particularly the Mughal Era, has enthralled you and the idea of reliving that magnificent time through the exquisite Persian architecture has excited you – then apart from a visit to the ever-famous Taj Mahal, a peep at the Humayun’s tomb is a must.

Humayun's Tomb, New Delhi — Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi

Commissioned by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum, the tomb of Humayun or popularly known as Humayun ka makbara, was designed by the Persian architect Mirza Ghiyas. The tomb is believed to be the first garden-tomb of the Indian subcontinent. The tomb is also the very first structure to use red sandstone on such a large scale.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Humayun ka Makbara is tucked deep in the winding ‘Galis’ of the Nizamuddin area of Delhi. Known for its brilliant symmetry, this imposing structure has delicate touches of marble and other precious stones at the end of several gateways. Adding to these lush gardens that surround the area makes it a beautiful spot to rewind time.