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25 Most Picture Perfect Spots in the Himalayas!

Spiti River

“Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be around the highest mountain.” – Richard M. Nixon

These picture perfect spots in the Himalayas can turn anyone into a photographer! My first encounter with the Himalayas was so alluring that after that nothing could stop me for exploring them further. The beauty that my eyes have witnessed cannot be described here in words, but these shots from the Himalayas are enough to make you want to travel to these places! When you get there, savour those moments, take in the exquisiteness of the place for as long as you can, because these moments are rare and you might not get the chance to visit them again in your life!

The Himalayas are known for their historical, religious, and geographical significance. To me they are the path to adventure, to peace and grandeur. Explore some of the splendid vistas in the Himalayas here with us!

Wildlife Destinations to Spot the Majestic Bengal Tiger

Tiger family

The word ‘Endangered’ being associated with the Royal Bengal tiger – one of the most ferocious and majestic tiger species in the world – is truly disheartening! Found primarily in India with smaller populations in China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, this wildlife species today faces the threat of extinction owing to large-scale deforestation and poaching. However, in recent decades, several efforts have been made by governments and NGOs to protect their population, which has gone down to less than 2,500.

These magnificent creatures, weighing up to 400 to 600 pounds, have a strong sense of smell and great vision. Generally, they are spotted in mangroves, tropical and subtropical rainforests, high altitudes and grasslands. If you wish to see this species of tiger in its natural habitat, then you should make plans to visit some of the dense National Parks and Wildlife Reserves in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Spot the majestic Bengal Tiger in the wilderness and have an exhilarating experience.

Keep Calm and Go Birding

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Far away from the hustle of mankind, there exists a separate world where birds chirp their way to happiness. Birdwatching, a hobby that is increasingly becoming popular, is all about finding a quiet corner in the midst of nature and silently observing the birds go about their everyday business. Everything about birdwatching, from the chirping sounds to singing tunes, takes the mind closer to the soul, instantly filling you with happiness unbound.
So, what is the best part about being a bird watcher in India? You don’t have to look far, or burn a hole in your pocket. A weekend away from home is enough to learn all about birds and a few lessons about unity and diversity. India, a home to incredibly rich fauna, offers a lot of birding locations in all parts of the nation. Want to find out some birding locations near your home? Keep reading!!

Pancheshwar, Uttarakhand
Around 40 km from Lohaghat, in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, Pancheshwar is serene and sacred at the same time. This surreal town is bordered by the mesmerising hills of Nepal, and also marks as the confluence point of River Kali and River Saryu, a dip in the waters of which is considered auspicious. Add to all this the beautiful birdwatching trails, and Pancheshwar is just the place to be over the weekend. If lucky, you may see almost 180 species of birds, some of them considered rare.

Solo Travel for the Soul

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I have always travelled with my close friends, but this time I wanted to explore the world from a different perspective and travel solo. At first, it felt like a challenge to me more than a dream come true, it was like some big mission I had to accomplish! The scepticism delayed my plans. I started to feel like travelling alone and that too being a woman was a taboo. But then I had to break the barriers and do what I felt was right.

And then the magic happened! I found myself lying under the inky blue sky clustered with stars in the Spiti Valley. The solitaires of sky were shining bright above the snowy mountains! My luck took me there on a full moon night which made the mountains appear like silver. This is one experience I can never ever forget! Until now, I was scared of darkness. But out there under the starry sky which seemed like a painting of Van Gogh, I learned that there is more to night beyond darkness. The temperature was 8 degrees below zero, and I took out my warmest shawl which I had bought from Nagaland, and sat outside the tent for a few more minutes just to take in the exquisite beauty of the starry sky! I was lost deep in my thoughts and suddenly, I realized that I was all alone there and I had done it!

Chocolate colored mountains from the Spiti Valley - One of my first clicks on my first solo trip! — Chocolate colored mountains from the Spiti Valley – One of my first clicks on my first ever solo trip!

2016 Long Weekend Travel Planner!

Enchanting Kinnaur Valley

Let’s make a resolution to travel all through the year, and through all the years to come!

2016 comes as a blessing for all trippers with 16 long weekends! It’s time to make the most of your time and explore India! The pleasant thought of freshness, and zeal of going to a new place is enough to make you pack your bags and get going. Rather than sitting at home, or hanging out at some shopping mall, travel someplace you have never been to. As Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page”. So break the barriers and start reading the book beyond just a page. This year’s long weekends will give you the chance to read this book called world.

If I had a choice, I would love to start my New Year doing deep sea diving in Andaman or wander off to the Himalayas to find a piece of my soul! What are your plans?

To make it easy for you, here is a list of a few places you can travel to in this year of perfect long weekends! So mark your calendars and start making plans with the long weekend travel planner.

January (23rd -26th – Republic Day + take a leave on Monday!)

Andaman – Kick-start your New Year in the Andaman and make it the best time of your life! Go scuba diving in the crystal clear blue sea of Andaman and escape winter sunbathing on the white sand beaches while losing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings!

The picture perfect Radhanagar Beach at Andaman

Goa Beyond Beaches – Adventure Experiences for You!

Goa has been my absolute favorite holiday destination ever since I first set foot in this gorgeous land of sun, sand and sea more than a decade ago. Every visit here has been like one big never ending party. In fact Goa has been and continues to be more than just a destination – It is an experience, a stress-buster, a guilty pleasure!

Goa offers gleeful peace in the middle of chaotically bustling markets; it gives me a sense of belonging amidst foreign faces on a crowded beach. It is a place of happy contradictions! During all of my visits to this party place, I have lived not like a tourist, but someone who has decided to make it her home for a few weeks. I have wandered its streets aimlessly, bought fruits from the local markets, made friends with the shack owners, and spent hour after hour getting myself tanned. It is a long distance love affair that continues successfully to this day.

Even though I have seen Goa in its many shades, I have restricted myself to the beaches, markets and churches of North Goa, not particularly exploring the many facets that add to the glory of this place.

Well, it is difficult to think of Goa beyond beaches, isn’t it? But it’s not impossible! When you get to know that there are other experiences on offer here, that will take you deep in the sea or high in the air then you will perceive Goa as more than just a beach destination! And I am anyway looking for reasons to plan another visit to my favorite vacation spot!

Cocktails and Dreams! pretty much sums it up!

Adventure Travel Experiences that Won’t Hurt Your Pocket!

Sleeping Buddha or Kanchenjunga Massif, as seen from Sandakphu Trek

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do and the chances you didn’t take! So throw off the bowlines. Trek to that mountain, take an adventure, fly high in the air, go backpacking in some remote place, lose yourself in the forest, just do nothing and gaze at the stars as if they are there just for you and once in your life definitely meet the mighty Himalayas! Explore, Dream, and Discover!

Adventure is not about facing that struggle on the journey, it’s about your willingness to conquer it, and to get yourself at the doorstep of nature and thrill. Nothing is more delightful in life than to live inside the moment of adventure. It is an outlandish wilderness experience that gives your life expectations and purpose.
There is nothing more exciting than to experience adventures in life without burning a hole in your pocket!
Here is a lowdown on some of the best adventure travel experiences in India that would fulfill your adventure needs.

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh
Bungee Jumping is on every adventure junkie’s list! Rishikesh is the hub for adventure activities in India. Rishikesh is easily accessible from Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and Delhi – Dehradun is one of the cheapest sectors. You could also choose to take a bus from Delhi, which starts from 350 per head and takes roughly 7 hours or a train journey from Delhi to Haridwar would also be easy on the pocket. Any of these options will take you to the adventure city well within budget. Bungee jumping promises the adrenaline rush like never before. Take this adventure at just 3500 per person!

The most colorful Festivals and Fairs of India

Colorful display at the Kite Festival

Explore the vibrant festivals and fairs of India along with different cultures. Each corner has a different story! Find out the story and fall in love with India. Grab the chance to explore the true flavours of every region. Let the travel bug bite you and take you to these fascinating places with interesting fairs and festivals in India.

Hemis Festival, Ladakh
The colourful Hemis Festival is one of the biggest and the most famous religious festivals in Ladakh. The enchanting festival in the land of dreams is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava or commonly known as Guru Rimpoche. The Hemis Monastery is where the festival is celebrated. The monastery is itself a blissful place, surrounded by brown austere hills and bright yellow mustard fields. Its execution through the splendid masked dances by the Lamas is what takes your breath away. To see the celebration of good over evil in a different way, plan your next trip to Ladakh and witness this festival.
When – June or July
Where – Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Hemis Festival in Ladakh

Nature’s Gift – Best Natural Wonders to visit in India

Gurudongmar Lake North Sikkim

Let’s discover some of the most mesmerising natural wonders of India! These wonders will make you wonder, “How is it even possible?” Travel to these places and find out what’s the story behind them! I bet they will enchant you!

Lonar Crater Lake
Lonar Crater Lake has an interesting formation which is believed to be formed by a meteorite hitting earth 50000 years ago! It’s the world’s oldest meteoric crater lake and third largest in size. This highly saline and alkaline lake will fascinate you with its unique flora and fauna! It’s one of the most amazing natural wonders of India.
Location: Buldhana district, Maharashtra

20 Must Have Travel Experiences in India

Night Sky

“Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have travelled.”

The words are enough to inspire someone to travel the world. We live in a beautiful world full of adventures and enormous experiences. There is no end to the adventures and experiences that we can have in this small world; all we need to do is to seek them with our eyes open. If you haven’t started your journey yet, remember this famous quote by Ruskin bond “All glory comes from daring to begin”.

Traverse to savour those moments, for they will not come in your way very often! How about starting to collect these moments and experiences from India? You would be amazed to know that some of the best travel experiences can be had in India. We always try and find happiness in materialistic things but how about travelling with your friends to some place you have never been to! Make memories out of some of these experiences that are a must do in India!

Trek on the Frozen River
Walking on the ice sheet of the Zanskar River will be one of the most breathtaking experiences of your life! Ladakh has always been a dream destination for adventure and travel lovers, including me! Keeping aside the enchanting beauty of Ladakh, trekking in Ladakh on the frozen river can be a life-changing experience.

Top 10 Winter Destinations in India

Alluring Alleppey Backwaters

Winter is usually the time to snuggle up with a good book in front of a fireplace, enjoying a hot cup of tea in bed every morning, or spending lazy afternoons. But winters are also the time to explore the new side of India’s popular destinations. Truly, India is an incredible country, geographically, historically and architecturally. It offers amazing geographical diversity with varied climates and seasons. Winter season is no doubt the most loved by people of India. If you don’t feel like spending your winter snuggling in a blanket, then trust me you don’t have to!

So if you are planning your next vacation during winters, here is a list of some of the best Winter Destinations in India to choose from.

MADHYA PRADESH- KHAJURAHO AND ORCHHA

Orccha Cenotaphs — Orchha Cenotaphs

Khajuraho temples are among the finest temple arts in the world. The erotic sculptures, the minute carvings on the temple walls are worth exploring in winters when the weather is at its best.

India’s Best Roadtrips

Bangalore to Munnar

Lost in the hustle bustle and crowd of the city? Or working like a zombie to fulfil the necessities of life? Well, then you deserve a break. De-stress, forget the troubles, let it all go and make some fresh and beautiful memories. Get lost on the magical roads of India and find yourself. Travel is the best way to rediscover yourself. It is said that “Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures”. So take an adventurous road trip and meet yourself somewhere on the journey!

Bangalore to Munnar– Let the wheel roll on the smooth roads! Get ready for an adventure trip through Ghat road, forests, hairpin bends, steep climbs and wildlife and misty routes. From the city of filter coffee travel to the city of Tea plantation. The breathtaking views of lush green plantations, the refreshing water of unexpected waterfalls and the amazing views of endless windmills running together will make you stop your car and capture the memories for lifetime. Don’t forget to pamper your taste buds by the local cuisine on the way!

Distance: 477 KM
Travel time: 10 hours

Picturesque roads from Bangalore to Munnar

Guwahati to Tawang- A paradise for bikers! Explore the picturesque beauty of North-East through this road trip which will take you to some of the most marvelous monasteries of India. You might find it a bit challenging but it’s a beautiful terrain which will make you forget the rough paths. Tawang has the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Situated at a height of 10,000 feet, it is a beautiful offbeat hill town to explore.
Distance: 521 KM
Travel time: 10 hours

Best Off-beat Trips with your Girl Gang

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From endless gossips to crazy bonding, we have all had those days with our best buddies, but wouldn’t those moments get all the more precious, if we spent them in a special place and only with our girl gang. Well, you don’t need your guy friends around you for safety purposes. Sometimes you just need that girl time! Rediscover yourselves, make that bond stronger and just leave for the trip that you will remember forever!

Shopping together or watching a movie together till now was blissful, but gazing at the stars together and trekking together will be unforgettable. .

The fun part of the trip will be no stress and no boys!

Dudhsagar Falls
The perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty! Selfies here will be something to boast about; after all you will be at India’s fifth highest waterfalls. It is located in the middle of the forest on Goa – Karnataka border and it is called the sea of sea for its milky white colour. Dudhsagar Trekking is the most amazing way to explore the place. Go trekking, rock climbing, swim in the pool of the waterfall or just sit and take in the beauty of the place. You can take a jeep safari from Castle rock of nearby village, which can guide you through the forest, you can train and start your trek from Bhagwan Mahavir National Park or you can travel here from Panjim, Goa which is approximately 60 km away. The girls will love the tranquility of the place! Don’t miss the Castle Rock Adventure Camp!

Dudhsagar Falls on the Goa Karnataka Border

The Best of Rajasthan

Rajasthan Desert

Wander through the Royal Ruins! Rajasthan is the life of India, essence of our country. The colorful, lively and traditional state of India has rich culture and history. Rajasthan has more history than the rest of India put together. There is a reason it’s called the “Land of Kings”, it is indeed a fabulous realm of maharajas and their majestic forts and lavish palaces. It has a romantic past which reminds us of heroism, honor and chivalry. Legend says that Rajasthan is home to Rajputs who have ruled Rajasthan for 1000 years and the fascinating part is that they claim to have originated from the sun, moon and fire. The Mughal Empire faced a lot of difficulty in controlling this part of India. Hence, they gave up and Rajasthan was ruled by its kings until the British Raj.

Amber Fort in Jaipur

The mighty Thar Desert, the adventurous wild forests, camel safari and glimpse of tigers, shimmering jewels, traditional delicious cuisines, flamboyant art and vibrant culture, famous colourful fairs and festivals

Self-drive Road Trips – Everything you wanted to know

Leh Ladakh Self Drive (2)

A self-drive tour is an amazing way to explore a destination with freedom and flexibility. Travellers try to find adventure in the trips and they like experimenting with new destinations. In India people are looking for more flexible and adventurous tourism products like Self-drive tours. It is very popular among the travelers in Europe and US, but now it is gaining popularity among Indian travellers who travel abroad as well as in India.

Self-drive road trip is an old concept abroad but it has started recently in India. According to Mumbai’s RTO, applications for International driving license have gone up by 25% in past one year. There are at least 9 countries where you can drive with your Indian driving license. But you can drive only the type of vehicle you drive in India, so it’s better to opt for an international driving license while travelling abroad. The number is increasing as many Indian travellers look for more freedom and flexibility during their trips and do not want a set schedule.

A drive through heaven on earth - Kashmir — A drive through heaven on earth – Kashmir

North-East India’s Most Scenic Villages

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North-East is one of the most unexplored regions in India. When you visit the place you’ll be proud to say that it’s in India. It’s a small world full of surprises if you are ready to explore.The breathtaking views of mountains, the endless verdant, the magical waterfalls, the wild caves and the distinct culture of North-East India will leave you with an amazing travel experience.You will drool over the North-eastern cuisines as these have a lot of variety and are different from the rest of India.

North-East India has everything for you. You name it and you get to explore your kind of place. I wanted to experience the wilderness of the Natural caves. The caves are the home to many bats and different species of insects. Despite being scared of insects I dared to explore the dark caves and it was one of the wildest experiences of my life. Tiny waterfalls flowing through the lime-stones and the never ending darkness with bats all around made for one of the most memorable days of my trip!

The beautiful villages of North-East will take your breath away. Some of them have interesting facts about them with the beauty. Let’s explore the Scenic Villages of North-East India.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
The least known place in North-East India, Ziro Valley has pleasant climate throughout the year, so you backpack to this place any day you want. It is just 115 kms from the state capital Itanagar and will take you around 4 hours to reach. Ziro Valley, also known as Apatani Plateau is home to the Apatani Tribes. The green rice field patches make the place look stunning! The Taley wildlife sanctuary, Kile Pakho ridge and the Bamboo groves are worth a visit. If you are planning an offbeat and peaceful trip then this is the destination for you!

The Scenic Ziro Valley Image Credit- thehindu.com — The Scenic Ziro Valley Image Credits – thehindu.com

Lahaul Spiti – The Enigmatic Valley

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The journey to Lahaul and Spiti Valley will take you to the roads less traveled, literally! It is “The Middle Land” between India and Tibet. From wide fields of snow to wide fields of barley, from lush green valley to cold desert with different shades of brown, it has the most breath taking scenery that you would ever see. The legend says that long ago in 8^th century, Padmasambhava, the Indian Monk, established and blessed some of the monasteries in Spiti and ever since they have remained unchanged. Kunzum La – which rises to 15000 feet divides Lahaul and Spiti regions. Lose yourself in the most astonishing valley of the Himalayas, exploring the beautiful moon landscapes, deep blue lakes, golden snow peaks and the most remote villages of India.

Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan explorer, recognized as one of the greatest travelers of all times. He said that traveling leaves you speechless; then turns you into a storyteller. The journey to the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti will be the most adventurous story you will have. Lahaul and Spiti lie exactly between the Mighty Himalayas and Pir Panjal ranges. A trip to this place will give you the most peaceful time of your life when you look at those ranges standing by the banks of the Spiti River. More days you spend in this enchanting place, more interesting things you will discover about the people and the place.

The grandeur of the mountains!

One story from this place fascinates me more than any other I have heard so far. Legend says that many centuries ago Spiti – then a part of Tibet – faced a terrible drought. Rivers had almost dried and people were starving to death. To make the situation better, monks from various monasteries took to solitary meditation in caves in the rocky mountains. One of them was the famed Giu Lama.

India’s 8 must visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Valley of Flowers - Copy

Incredible India it is! It is the land of rich culture and heritage which holds a glorious past. The heritage of India will effortlessly turn back the time for you. India has some of its best attractions mentioned as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The legacy of India lies not only in its striking monuments but also in its natural beauty. India has its own wonders. Let’s take a look at some of the must visit UNESCO world heritage sites in India.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam
It is the oldest park in Assam along the floodplains of the river Brahmaputra on the north, and Kabri Anglong hills on the south. Declared as a national park in 1974 and a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985, Kaziranga is known for the great one-horned rhinoceros. With the sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reels and shallow pool, it is the best place to experience raw nature. Kaziranga has been a source of inspiration for several books, documentaries and songs; it is altogether a different world on its own. The serenity and unique biodiversity that Kaziranga has in terms of its flora and fauna makes it perfectly suited for wildlife safaris that include Elephant safaris and Jeep safaris.

One horned rhino at the Kaziranga National Park

5 things I learned from my Trekking Experiences

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Blue, green and brown were my most used pastel colours all through my childhood not knowing that these colours will forever leave firm imprints on my life. I am a total hill person. I love anything and everything about mountains, clear blue skies, vast green meadows and dense forests. I don’t remember what kick started this love but it’s there now for a while and one thing that I am sure of is that it will last till my legs give away. I often venture out to high altitude terrains to move away from the dust and pollution of city life, sometimes to take a break from repetitive and boring life and mostly to have some private exclusive time with the mountains. Mountains have given more than have taken from me. Here are my five life lessons or the 5 things I learned from my trekking experiences –

1. You can’t succeed if you don’t try. You could only fail if you didn’t try
I have been a reader and traveler since childhood and was automatically drawn towards mountains and their beauty. Often times reading several adventure series and travel books made me wonder if I could also embark on such journeys! What would it be like treading difficult paths like these amazing men did? I used to underestimate myself thinking I can never scale such heights till I made up my mind one day to give it a shot and there hasn’t been any stopping since then.

At Tumling - From my first trek to Sandakphu and Phalut — At Tumling – From my first trek to Sandakphu and Phalut

The best treks in Himachal Pradesh

Malana - Copy

Himachal Pradesh is beyond doubt one of the most verdant and naturally beautiful states in India. With 3 mountain ranges, namely Pir Panjal, Shivalik, and Dhauladhar, in its vicinity, this state literally is the home of snow. It has so much to offer that no matter how many times you travel here; there will always be something new to witness and experience.

In addition to being home to some of the most popular hill towns, like Shimla, Dharamsala, Dalhousie and Manali, it is also a favorite among adventure seekers, particularly trekkers. There are many treks in the state that originate from Manali and Dharamsala. In addition to trekking, you could also enjoy paragliding in Manali as well as Bir Billing.

Here is a lowdown on some of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh

Hampta Pass Trek –

Hampta Pass Trek

This trek begins from Manali and is ideal for beginners. With maximum altitude of 14100 feet, this trek takes 5 days to complete, covering a total distance of 26 kms. Bookings now open