Incredible India! Valsad - A Little Explored Destination of Gujarat

Fast Facts About Valsad

Located in the State of : Gujarat

District: Valsad

Famous As / For : City (Tourist Destination) / Historic Dandi Yatra

Languages Spoken: Gujarati & Hindi

Best Time to Visit Valsad: October to March

Average Temperatures at Valsad: Summer 22 to 40°C, Winter 10 to 32°C

STD code of Wardha: 02632

Although a little known town, Valsad is quite popular among the travelers visiting the west Indian state of Gujarat. Situated in the Valsad district of Gujarat, the town also famous for its location close to historic Dandi (16 kms), from where Mahatama Gandhi flagged off the Dandi March. A museum called Saifee Villa Museum is constructed at Dandi, which commemorates the historic event with artefacts and pictures reflecting the life and achievements of Gandhi.

Besides this, you can visit the Somnath Mahadev Temple, which is a very tall temple, ranking among one of the tallest in the state. This temple is a popular spot for pilgrims, and it is popular among the local crowd. You should also visit the Dastur Meherji – Rana library while travelling to the town of Valsad, as this library has a huge literature collection and will interest bookworms to no end. Tithal Beach is another nearby attraction from Valsad.

Incredible India! Little Explored Destination: Balasore - Orissa

Fast Facts About Balasore

Located in the State of : Orissa

District: Balasore

Famous As : Historical Place

Languages Spoken: Oriya & Hindi

Best Time to Visit Balasore: September to March

Average Temperatures at Balasore: Summer 28 to 37°C, Winter 19 to 32°C

STD code of Balasore: 06782

Known for its historic significance, Balsore is a small town in the Balasore district of Orrisa. Also called Baleswar or Baleshwar, Balasore is set close to the Bay of Bengal and also the famous Chandipur Beach. Once served as the early settlement of British East India Company, Balasore is an old town and noted for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions like temples, historical places, tombs and a few hills. The noted temples located in and around Balasore are Gopinatha Temple, Biranchinarayan Temple and Lagula Narasimha Dev.

Many myths are linked with the Kshirachora Gopinatha Temple. The town is also home to a tomb of a Sufi saint. Other places of interest include Asta Duraga and Budhar Chandi. The Chandipur Beach is known for its resorts and the shallow seas attract many visitors. It is located at a distance of 30 kilometers from the town of Balasore. Panchalingeshwar and Chillka Lake are other places of tourist interest. Balasore is also a place to savour the exotic cuisines that one should try during the visit to the town.

Best Time to Visit Balasore

The district of Balasore experiences a tropical monsoon climate and the conditions are wet for a few months of the year. The place experiences three main seasons and they are summer, monsoon and winter seasons. Summers (March to June) are hot and high temperatures are to be expected. The monsoon season (June to September) is extensive and one can expect rains for more than 62 days in the year. The winter season (December to February) is comfortable and this is a good time to visit the place.

How to Reach Balasore

The district headquarters of Balasore is about 207 kilometers from Orissa’s capital city Bhubaneswar. You can easily reach the place using buses and taxis.

By Air: The closest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar, which is well connected to many cities across the country. There are a few airline operators that offer services from cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore to the airport. From the airport you can take a taxi to reach the town of Balasore. They cost around Rs 7 per kilometer for the trip. The drive time is around 4 hours. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata (212 km) is the nearest major airport from Balasore.

By Train: Balasore Railway Station has excellent connectivity with almost every part of the country through express and mail trains. You can one reach Balasore from several cities such as Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore, New Delhi, Kolkata, Puri, Bhubaneswar and Jaipur.

By Bus: Good roads including state highways connect Balasore with rest of Orissa, and nearby states of West Bengal, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Buses are available from some nearby cities and towns and these are also a good option. Rates differ according to the distance travelled.

Incredible India! Little Explored Destination: Adoor - Kerala

Fast Fasts About Adoor

Located in the State of : Kerala

District: Pathanamthitta

Famous for : Temples

Languages Spoken: Malayalam

Best Time to Visit Adoor: All through the year

Average Temperatures at Adoor: Summer 25 to 45°C, Winter 16 to 25°C

STD code of Adoor: 04734

Situated in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, halfway between the cities of Trivandrum and Ernakulam. The town of Adoor is also famous for its rich and bustling culture, and it is one of cultural capitals in the state of Kerala. However, the town has got national and international fame for housing the Parthasarathy Temple: Also called the Sree Parthasarathy Temple, this temple is dedicated to the main deity Lord Krishna, who is also known by his other name ‘Parthasarathy’ which literally translates into ‘the charioteer of Arjuna’. This temple is the oldest temple in the region that is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

There are many other prominent temples in and around Adoor, thus making it an important destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Some of the other noted temples in Adoor are Sreedharma Sastha Temple in Chennampallil, the Maha Vishnu Temple in Elamannoor, the Trichenda Mangalam Mahadeva Temple in Peringanad, and the Sreenarayanapuram Temple in Manakala. After exploring the temples of Adoor, you can pay a visit to Chandanapally Valiyapally Church, which lies around 10 kilometers away from Adoor. There are many other churches in the region as well that are of religious and historical importance, including Adoor Immanuel Marthoma Church and St. Mary’s Orthodox Church.

How To Reach Adoor

Reaching to the town of Adoor is easy, as many buses are available from all the nearby regions. You can also opt for trains and flights to the city of Kochi, from where you can travel to the town of Adoor through bus.

By Air: Kochi International Airport is the nearest major airport, which is about 125 kms away from the town of Adoor. The airport is served by many flights from major cities of India and also some international destinations.

By Train: The nearest railway stations in the city of Kochi are the Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town railway stations. Ernakulam Junction is a major station that has frequent trains to all cities including New Delhi, Trivandrum, Mangalore, Patna, Trichy, Chennai and Mumbai.

By Bus: Buses are available to the town of Adoor from Trivandrum, Ernakulam, and Kochi. You will easily be able to avail buses to Adoor from all the following destinations including Kayamkulam, Punaloor, Pathanamthitta, Kottarakkara, Guruvayoor, Chavara, Kollam, and Karunagapally. Bus fares for local travel (within the state) may cost around Rs 50 to 100. Both air conditioned and non air conditioned buses will be available from Bangalore to Adoor. Non air conditioned coaches will cost around Rs 600/ per trip, while air conditioned coaches will cost around Rs 750/.

Little Explored Destination Series: Abbott Mount, Uttarakhand

Fast Facts About Abbott Mount

Located in the State of: Uttarakhand

District: Champawat

Popular as: Hill Station

Altitude: 2,150 metres

Languages Spoken by Locals: Kumaoni and Hindi

Best Time to Visit : Any time in the year

Temperature: Summer 17 to 25°C, Winter -5 to 15°C

Recommended Cloths: Woolen and hot cloths

STD Code: 05965

Far from the mundane city life at an altitude of 2,150 metres lies the small hamlet of Abbott Mount. A little known hill station, Abbott Mount offers a wonderful base to enjoy a laidback vacation along with the breathtaking views of the snowcapped cliffs of the mighty Himalayas. Abbott Mount is situated on the eastern side of the Kumaon Hills and unravels a passable vision of the massive Himalayan peaks from the Gangotri cliff to Dhaulagiri range.

 

Like most hill stations of India, Abbott Mount was developed by an English men, especially John Harold Abbott, during the early part of the 20th century, but it succeeded to keep its identity till now. Abbott Mount is bestowed with spectacular trails and walkways that fascinate the visitors a lot. Adding to its unparalleled natural beauty are picturesque and serene surroundings of deodar and pine forest. The forests serves as the paradise of exotic Himalayan birds whose twittering and chirping creates a melodious environ.

Abbott Mount is a recommended place for those who love to be nestled in the lap of Mother Nature. It would be a perfect quixotic location for young couples and honeymooners as well. The hill resort boasts a cluster of 13 Cottages set in the midst of five acres of marvelous woods. On its pictorial ambiance, this hamlet holds a lovely church, which provides an ethereal appeal to its magnificence. You can opt a tour to this hilly resort at any time of the year. However, if you prefer slower and easy paced vacation, you choose the summers when the entire surroundings would be filled with the diaphanous shades of large variety of butterflies.

Things to See & Do at Abbott Mount

Fishing: If you plan your tour to Abbott Mount during October to June, you would be fascinated with exhilaration fishing options. The stretch between Marchula till downstream is a permits site for fishing. This area is famous for Masheers and catfishes. From October to till mid December and then mid February to June are considered as the best season for fishing.

How to Reach Abbott Mount

By Air: The closes airport is Naini Saini Airport at Champawat, about 40 km, 1 hour journey by road. The nearest major airport is Indira Gandhi Intl Airport, Delhi (DEL) at a distance of 330 km.

By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station, 163 km away from Abbott Mount is the nearest railehad. Abott Mount can be reached from Kathgodam by about 6 hours journey by road costing about Rs 2500/-.

By Bus: Abbott Mount is connected by good roads with Delhi. Tourist service providers arrange taxi facilities from Delhi to Abbott Mount. Normally, Delhi to Abbott Mount is about 11 hour road journey with a taxi rate of about Rs 6000/-.

Exclusive: Summer Hideouts in India

Summer season is presently at peak in most parts of India, and people in plains have become faded with scorching heat. The high temperature, and frequent power failure annoy people and altogether made the life chaotic. However, a trip to summer hideouts (hill stations) of India is a good idea to enjoy a refreshing break from the boring city life.


India’s vast land is dotted with a number of hill stations, and many of them have been developed by the British in 1800s and 1900s. Set thousands metres above the sea level, the hill stations of India enjoys pleasant climate round the year, and offer plenty of sightseeing and leisure activities options. So, plan a trip to the summer hideouts of India, reach and unfurl the un-spoilt natural beauty of this enchanting place and make your vacation a lifetime experience.

Beas River in Manali

Manali: Considered as a wonder for a visitor, Manali is a calm and tranquil hill town, situated 40 kms north of the popular Kullu Valley. Set at an altitude of 1928 m, above the sea level, Manali is an excellent destination for both common tourists as well as the die-hard adventure enthusiasts. Manali is blessed with several gifts like a beautiful landscape, dense thick pine and deodar forests, ice-capped peaks, steep cliffs, rolling valleys, adventure and mystery and lush meadows of wild flowers and fragrant fruit orchard in full bloom. Besides, the Beas River with clear water meanders through the town, making Manali truly a paradise on earth for any traveller. Some of the attractions include Hadimba Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Manali Club House, Vashisth Hot Water Springs, Mountaineering Institute etc.

Nainital: Once used to be the home of noted conservationist Jim Corbett, Nainital is now popular as the 'Lake City of India'. Situated at an altitude of around 1938 metres, Nainital is the largest and one of the most popular hill resorts of Kumaon region. A glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, Nainital has grown around a 'tal' (mountain-lake), blessed with pristine natural beauty and an enchanting landscape.

Discovered in 1841 by a British, Lord Barron, Nainital is always bustling with tourists who flock the city from far and wide. Today, the life of Nainital revolves around the Naini Lake, which mirrors the sun playing hide and seek with the clouds and mountains. Attractions of Nainital include Naini Lake, Snow View, Astronomical Observatory, Hanuman Garhi and The Flatts.

Shimla: One of India's most popular hill stations, picturesque Shimla is the capital of northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists in great numbers visit Shimla all throughout the year. A place gifted with an abundance of natural beauty, the landscape of Shimla is known for its great diversity. Shimla is spread across 12 kms along a ridge and overlooks some magnificent terraced hillsides and cultivations. The rich flora of the place includes dense forests of oak, fur, pine and rhododendron. While a few buildings bring back memories of the colonial past, gorgeous modern buildings also add more charm to the landscape. The views of snow clad mountain ranges of Himalayas from the place are most enchanting. Shimla has also emerged as a popular base for adventure sports like Trekking, Skiing, Fishing and Golf.

The Ridge, Shimla

Dharamsala: A small hill town and a municipal council, Dharamsala is situated in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala is better known as the home in exile of the Dalai Lama (in McLeodganj) and is divided into two parts namely Upper Dharamsala or McLeod Ganj (retains a British colonial atmosphere) and Lower Dharamsala (busy commercial centre). Although there is a difference of 9 km between Dharamsala and McLeodganj but the latter is considered the real heart of Dharamsala. With prayer flags fluttering and prayer wheels off the sidewalk, McLeodganj is also called the 'Little Lhasa', spreading the message of peace and harmony. Bestowed with thick pine and deodar forests, numerous shimmering streams, pleasant soothing air, spectacular surroundings, the nearby snowline, Dharamasala offers everything that a tourist expects from a hill resort. Besides, the ancient temples like Jawalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda situated in and around the town add more to your vacationing experience.


Munnar: A very famous hill station located some 130 kms. from Kochi in the state of Kerala. The place lies towards the east, in central Kerala and its borders coincide with that of Tamil Nadu state. The hill station is situated mainly in one of the taluks of Idukki district. One more famous hill station, Kodaikanal, lies nearby, around 90 kms from Munnar. The undulating terrain of Munnar are enchanting, with the low lying hills covered with bright flower meadows and the spread out tea plantations.

The place is located at an average altitude of about 1600 metres and contains one of the highest peaks in South India, Anamudi. The altitude and the nearby Arabian Sea accounts for the pleasant climate that prevails throughout the year. Munnar valley was developed by the Scottish planters in the early 20th century. The tea plantations is an important feature of Munnar. The plantations stand at heights from 4300 ft to 6100 ft above sea level.

Tea Gardens in Munnar

Dehradun: Also known as the 'Abode of Drona', Dehradun is the capital of newly created state of Uttaranchal or Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Great Indian Himalayan ranges, the charming city of Dehradun attracts thousands of tourists from Indian and abroad as well. Apart from a hill resort, Dehradun is also the headquarters of several National Institutes and Organizations such as ONGC, Forest Research Institute, Survey of India etc. Dehradun is home to some of India's noted educational and training institutes like Indian Military Academy, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) etc. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a common traveller or looking for a spiritual vacation, Dehradun offers everything according to your choice.

Darjeeling: This charming hill station is located near the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders in eastern Indian state of West Bengal. The natural beauty of this hill station is truly mesmerizing. Many opine that in Darjeeling, nature is at its best. Be it the snow capped Himalayan mountain ranges surrounding Darjeeling, the rich flora of the place or the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, Darjeeling is a captivating destination from all aspects. Lush green tea gardens planted at high altitudes in the mountain slopes further adds colour to the Darjeling landscape. Coupled with the beauty of the place is the hospitality of Darjeeling's smiling resilient people which is sure to fill the heart of every tourist with great warmth.
 
 

 

A view of Darjeeling hill station

 

Ooty: The colloquial of Ootacamund is a popular hill station of South India in the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu. Also known as, Udhagamandalam, it is a municipality and the district capital. The town lies at an altitude of 2240 m and has been remarked as the 'queen of hill stations' by India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Ooty covers an area of 36 square km and contains the highest point of Southern India, the Dodabetta Peak. The natural surroundings of Ooty involve landscapes, dense forest reserves and national parks. This hill station is popular for its tea farming as well as oil extraction industry, wherein the oil is obtained from its eucalyptus trees, lemon grass, geranium, clove and camphor.

A major attraction is the mountain train journey to Ooty on a ratchet and pinion track. The journey covers 46 km and the train starts from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and passes through steep curves and long tunnels along deep ravines full of green vegetation, streams and tea gardens. The Ooty Lake is a major attraction of the hill station and is popular for boating. Another famous attraction includes the Government Museum, which contains the history of the Nilgiri District. Other popular tourist attractions of Ooty include the Deer Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, the Rose Garden, Ooty Botanical Garden, the Stone House, etc.

Jammu & Kashmir: The northern most state of India, Jammu & Kashmir is blessed with abundant natural wonders. The natural beauty of Kashmir is indescribable - it is a valley full of joy and happiness with tenderly mountains rising far to protect the lands, meadows with the fragrance and the gentle sun, the drooping snow and the chilly winters, apple orchards and the beautiful lakes; it's cozy, it's warm and always smiling. Kashmir is a major tourist destination and people come for more than one reason. Mesmerized by her beauty, many poets have termed Kashmir as a jannat or paradise on earth.

This heaven of poets brought on to the earth consists of lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, vivacious rivers, clear blue water lakes, beautiful waterfalls and alpine meadows. Also dotting the picturesque landscape are famous temples like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, attractive mosques and monasteries. Kashmir is also credited for her rich composite culture. The Kashmir valley has largely Muslim population, Hindus are spread in the plains of Jammu while besides being peaceful tourist destinations Leh and Ladakh are primarily Buddhist destinations.

The old houses on a hill at Leh, Ladakh

Mount Abu: Despite being located in the desert land of Rajasthan, the physiography of Mount Abu bears quite a distinction from the rest of the state. The places features productive lands and a pleasant climate. The place lies, comparatively, at a higher altitude and this is the lone hill station in the region around. The place is what can best be described as Cool. The road that leads to the place is rocky and arid. One finds a lot of odd shaped rocks piled along the roadside. Mt Abu is a very famous pilgrimage centre in the state. You can see some important shrines and temples of Jains and Hindus at Mount Abu.

Travel Books: Your Companion (Guide) for India Trip

Books have always been a close companion of human being as they help you to pass a good time in acquiring knowledge and know the new things. Likewise, the Travel Books are also a good way to virtually visit a new place and know almost all types of information about a particular place. With the growth in India’s travel & tourism industry, many publishers came with travel books and magazines that became a guide for travelers visiting various parts of the vast country.

Simply, a travel book captures place in photographs and atmospheric texts. The places are presented in inspirational, inviting and beautiful way, with cultural insights, key facts and maps. The text is brought in a very informative way and carries the essence of a particular place in the best possible way. Thus, the travel books prove to be the worthy companions of the travellers in their journey to a strange land.

I as your travel pal suggest some of the handy Travel Books :

Lonely Planet the Travel Book (India): When it comes to travel books, the name of Lonely Planet strikes first. It writes the best travel guides and imparts useful information. One can find that India is as dynamic as it is enduring and other ingredients that describe India in the best possible way. Thereby adding to the before travel knowledge of the travellers.

Author - Sarina Singh

Click to know more about Lonely Planet

India Travel Guide: Let no travel tension haunt your mind, set for a tension free journey to India with India Travel Guide. India Travel Guide proves to be a great companion for the tourists visiting India. Get to know more about India and its diversity, view full length colour photographs and check out the up to date information related to India. Just flip through the pages.

Author - Lonely Planet Publications

Click to know more about India Travel Guide

Spectrum Guide To India: This book proves to be of great help for the first time visitors of India and provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the country together with all essential data that may be required by the tourists, students or the business visitors. Maps of various destinations of India can also be very fruitful for the travellers.

Author - Interlink Publishing

Click to know more about Spectrum Guide To India

India Insight Guide: This guide is very much noted for its superb production of short essays on contemporary topics related to India, which updates the first time travellers with the environment of the place well.

Author - Jane Hutchings

Click to know more about India Insight Guide

Exciting India (A Visual Journey, Welcome To India Land Of Colour And Contrasts) : This travel pictorial of magnificent India captures all the amazing and awe-inspiring sights of India and helps you to choose and know about some of the worth knowing destinations of India.

Author - Bikram Grewal and Henry Wilson

Click to know more about Exciting India

The Rough Guide To India 6: This book turns out to be a Bible for any visitor to India. It is essential handbook for an extraordinary country like India which provides frequent up to date information with maps and colourful presentations and other relevant and practical information related to this place.

Author - Nick Edwards, Devdan Sen, Mike Ford, Beth Wooldridge, David Abram (Editor), Daniel Jacobs (Editor)

Click to know more about The Rough Guide To India 6

Andaman & Nicobar Islands - A Paradise amidst vast Sea

A storehouse of peerless beauty, the emerald green twin island of Andaman and Nicobar stretch from north to south on the surface of Bay of Bengal. Here, the days are bathed in bright sunshine and fresh gentle breeze all the time. These altogether attract tourists who want to recharge their body and collect some new ideas. In addition to these, the canopy of blue sky, cool blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, silvery beaches, gaily coloured fishes frolicking in the shallow waters, exquisite coral and aquatic plants, illustrate that like an expert architect nature has skilfully build the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Constituted by a union of 572 islands, Andaman and Nicobar spread over an area of 8,249 sq. kms. Of the 572 islands, only 36 are inhabited and rest are still uninhabited. The Andamanese town of Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands. The island groups of the Andaman and Nicobar, separate the Andaman Sea to the east from the Indian Ocean. Nicobar islands are situated south of the Andamans and 121 kms from the Little Andaman Island. Andaman and Nicobar islands are 193 kms away from Cape Negrais in Myanmar, 1190 kms from Chennai, 1255 kms from Kolkata.

Climate - Andaman and Nicobar islands have a tropical climate that never reaches to extreme. During the monsoon seasons of May to mid September and November to mid December, medium to heavy rain is recorded. Rains and tropical storms in late summer often cause heavy damage to these islands. In summers, the temperature in Andaman and Nicobar islands reaches to a maximum of 31°C while it drops to a minimum of 23°C.

Best Time to Visit - December to April.

Tourist Destinations of Andaman and Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar islands can be said a land of sea, sand and surf. Port Blair, the major town on the Andaman and Nicobar islands serves as the administrative capital. Port Blair has a number of markets, where you can buy local handicrafts, clothes, wooden items etc. Apart from shopping markets, Port Blair also houses a number of tourist attractions like the Cellular Jail, Anthropological museum, Marine museum, Fisheries museum etc. From Port Blair, you can also visit the popular islands of Neil and Havelock, which are easily accessible from the capital town.

People & Culture of Andaman and Nicobar

Referred as the ‘land of tribals’, Andaman and Nicobar is home to the most primitive tribes of the world. Of the six aboriginal tribes found in the islands, five are primitive tribes that include the Shompens, the Onges, the Sentinelese, the Jarawas and the Great Andamanese. People from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Sri Lanka, Mynamar and South Indians from Tamil Nadu and Kerala have come to live in Andaman for last few decades. Andamanese culture is a blend of several cultures and you will also find the touch of Indian culture. Fishing is the main source of livelihood for Andamanese people and the tribes are dependent on hunting.

Fairs and Festivals of Andaman and Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar are mainly the home of the tribal people, but in these islands you will observe a unique culmination of several Indian cultures. Among the various festivals, most popular include Durga Puja, Janmasthami, Holi, Deewali, Onam, Pongal and Christmas. The fortnight long Island Tourism Festival is the main festival of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, which highlights excellent art and crafts, unique marine life and traditional dances and songs of Port Blair.

Cuisine of Andaman and Nicobar

Sea food like lobster, prawn and several other sea-fish dishes constitute the principle cuisine of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Most of the islands hotels offer delicious sea fish dishes at a reasonable price. Apart from sea-fish, you can also savour delectable South Indian food at various eating joints. Few hotels and restaurant serve Chinese food, Continental and Western cuisine as well.

Monuments & Museums of Andaman and Nicobar

Due to their historic connection, Andaman and Nicobar islands boast of a number of magnificent monuments. Most important forts and monuments of the islands include Cellular Jail, Viper Island, Ross Island etc. Famous museums of Andaman and Nicobar islands include the Anthropological Museum, National Memorial, Fisheries Museum, Samudrika (Naval Marine Museum), Forest Museum, Zoological Survey of India Museum. You can visit these museums by paying nominal charges.

Beaches of Andaman and Nicobar

Beaches are prime attraction of Andaman and Nicobar that make these islands an ideal beach holiday destination. Most popular beaches of Andaman and Nicobar islands include the Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex, Radhanagar Beach, Karmatang Beach, Harminder Bay Beach, Ramnagar Beach etc.

Wildlife of Andaman and Nicobar

Most of Andaman and Nicobar area is covered with canopied rain forests where you can see 3,000 plant species including mangroves, woody climbers, epiphytes (100 orchids, 130 ferns), palms, timbers (teak, mahogany, Andamant paduk etc.) and several other variety of tropical forests. Andaman and Nicobar also provide shelter to diverse Marine fauna including tropical fish and coral. These islands have 96 sanctuaries spreading over 466.218 sq kms and nine National Parks spreading over 1153.938 sq kms.

Adventure in Andaman and Nicobar

Blessed with magical Bay of Bengal all around, wonderful tropical vegetation with lush green dense forests and mangrove marshland on the water’s edge, Andaman and Nicobar offer plenty of adventure options for adventure freaks. Water Sports like Snorkelling and Diving, Surfing etc. top the adventure chart in Andaman and Nicobar islands. In addition to these, you can also enjoy trekking on thrilling tails of the islands. Island Camping is another good option which is attracting lots of foreigner to Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Shopping in Andaman and Nicobar

Port Blair is the main shopping centre, where you can shop multi hued corals and seashell souvenirs. Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair is the main commercial centre of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Other shopping centres are situated at Prem Nagar, Goalghar, Delanipur and Junglighat, all of these are just 3-4 kms away from Aberdeen Bazaar.

Transportation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

By Air: Andaman and Nicobar islands have their domestic airport at Port Blair. Regular flights operate from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair airport. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan have frequent flights to and from Port Blair.

By Ship: You can also reach Andaman by sea. Cruising through the Bay of Bengal is a thrilling experience and you will come across a number of surprises on the way. Frequent passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam.

Local Transport: Buses, taxis, auto rickshaws, motorcycles, bicycles are available for local transport across the islands. In addition to these, the Directorate of Shipping Services operates inter-island foreshore and harbour ferry services to cater to the needs of inter-island travellers.

Sitemap - India Travel Directory

Sitemap of India Travel Directory – An online guide to visit India, India Tour, India Vacation, India Holidays, India Trip, India Travel, India Tourism, Incredible India. Sitemap of India Travel Directory

Anaimalai - A Seculded Hill Station of Tamil Nadu
Andaman & Nicobar Islands - A Paradise amidst vast Sea
An Overview of India Culture
A Horrible Experience In Varanasi
A Trip To Jagganath Temple
A Visit to Shimla
Ajmer - Pushkar
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Amusement Park Entrance Charges India
Baggage Rules of India
Bangalore - The Hitech City of India
Basic Minimum Standards for Air Based Activities in India
Basic Minimum Standards for Water Based Activities in India
Basic Minimum Standards for Adventure Tourism Activities in India
Bazaars of Hyderabad
Bed and Breakfast scheme by Ministry of Tourism India
Bharatpur
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Bhimbetka Caves - A World Heritage Site

Bikaner
Bikaner -Rajasthan
Boating at Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Buddha, Buddhism And India
Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri
Bundi
Bundi, Rajasthan
Bus Travel In India
Chand Baori - Rajasthan
Chittorgarh Fort - A Legacy of Rajput Architecture
Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
City Palace, Jaipur
City Palace, Udaipur
Cultural Vacations In India
Darjeeling
Delhi
Deccan Odyssey, Maharashtra's own Palace on Wheels
Dehradun - Abode of Drona
Delightful Destinations of North India
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer - Rajasthan
Dilli Haat, Delhi
Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu
Discover - Incredible India
Diverse India - Glimpses of Indian World
Domestic Airlines in India
Eco Lodges/ Resorts in India
Eco Tourism - An Emerging Travel Theme
Entry Charges for Monuments in India
Exclusive - Summer Hideouts in India
Gardens of Kashmir
God's Own Country, Kerala celebrates Onam
Golden Chariot - Karnataka's First Luxury Train
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Holy Town of Pushkar, Rajasthan
Hosur - A Little Explored Destination of Tamil Nadu
Hotels in India: How to Book A Hotel
Imperial City Palace
Incredible India
Incredible India Campaign Becoming Rural
Incredible India Campaign completes two years
Incredible India Campaign
Indian Tourism Offices in Foreign Countries
International Airlines in India
Jain Temples, Jaisalmer - Rajasthan
Jaipur
Jaipur - Rajasthan
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - Rajasthan
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer - Rajasthan
Jaisalmer Havelis, Jaisalmer - Rajasthan
Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jodhpur
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner - Rajasthan
Kalka - Shimla Railway now a World Heritage Property
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kashmir - Paradise on Earth
Karnataka - A Versatile India State Calling All
Kerala
Kerala - God’s Own Country
Backwaters of Kerala
Kerala Beaches
Khajuraho - The City of Erotic Sculptures
Kolkata - The Cultural Capital of India
Kota - Rajasthan
Kozhikode (Calicut) - Kerala
Kumbhalgarh Fort - Rajasthan
Lansdowne: A Seculded Hill Station in Uttarakhand
Leading Hotel Chains of India
Little Explored Destination Series: Abbott Mount, Uttarakhand
Little Explored Destination: Adoor, Kerala
Little Explored Destination: Balasore - Orissa
Less Explored Destination: Adilabad - Andhra Pradesh

Madikeri - A Beautiful Hill Station of Karnataka

Mahabalipuram - A Historic City of Tamil Nadu

Malshej Ghat - A Monsoon Getaway from Mumbai

Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Mandu - The City of Joy in Madhya Pradesh

Medical Tourism - Experience Incredible Care of India
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur - Rajasthan
Monsoon Hot Spots In India
Mount Abu Hill Station- Rajasthan
Mount Abu - Rajasthan
Mumbai - The Entertainment Capital of India
Munnar Hill Station, Kerala
Munnar - The Land of Tea Plantations
Nainital, A Paradise Amidst the Great Himalayas
Nainital - The Lake City of India
Nalanda: Will The Gone Glory Revisit?
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala
North East, India
North Eastern India - A Hidden Jewell
Newspapers of India
Onam, Kerala
On A Spiritual Journey in India

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Porbandar - The Birthplace of Mahatama Gandhi

Rajasthan

Rajasthan - India’s Desert State
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
Red Fort Delhi
Rishikesh
Road Transport in India
Romantic Holidays in India
Roopkund Lake, UttarakhandRoot Bridges, Cherrapunji, Arunachal Pradesh
Sacred City of Ajmer, Rajasthan
Safari Tours In India
Searching For Right Travel Agent in India
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake, Kashmir
Shopping in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Somnath Abode of Lord Shiva
Srinagar - The Paradise on Earth
Srirangam Temple - Trichy
States & Union Territories of India
Sunderbans the home of Royal Bengal Tigers
Taj Mahal - Beauty in Marble
Taj Mahal Should Be Taj Only
Taragarh Fort, Bundi - Rajasthan
Things to See In India
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapurama - Capital City of Kerala
Tourist Destination of South India Part I
Tourist Destination of South India Part 2
Tourist Destination of South India Part 3
Tourist Destination of South India Part 4
Tourist Destination of South India Part 5
Tourist Offices in India
Train Travel in India
Travel Books: Your Companion (Guide)for India Trip
Travel Requisite for India
Travel Tips for India
Trip to Kota, Rajasthan
Tsunami Tourism New Tourism Theme
Udaipur
Udaipur, Rajasthan

Una - A Little Explored Destination of Himachal Pradesh

Uttarakhand - A charming state of North India
Vaishno Devi - Proceed on the Subline Journey
Valsad - A Little Explored Destination of Gujarat
Varkala - A Little Explored Destination of Kerala
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Voyage to India
Wardha - A Little Explored Destination of Maharashtra
Waterfalls in India
Weekend Getaways Across India
Weekend Getaways from Bangalore
Weekend Getaways from Chennai
Weekend Getaways from Delhi
Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad
Weekend Getaways from Kolkata
Weekend Getaways from Mumbai
Wildlife In India
Wildlife Park & Sanctuaries Entry Fees
World Heritage Sites in India
Zanskar - A Little Explored Destination of J & K

An Overview of Indian Culture

Majestic Snow - clad peaks reaching for the sky, shimmering blue lakes, lush green forests, rare flowers, breathtaking scenic beauty and sweeping panoramic view. Wow! everything about India is so beautiful and its diverse unique culture adds cherry to the cake. The Indian culture has been the outcome of many absorptions of customs, traditions and ideas from both raiders and immigrants. It has not died out with the throes of modernity wafted across the Indian Ocean. In spite of the great cultural diversity the entire country is bound as a civilization due to its common history.

 

Whenever we talk about the culture of India a flash of vivid images of flowing saris, sounds of the crowded bazaars and exuding aroma of curry and sandalwood evoke in our minds. The quality ingredients that have played a huge role in making the culture of India gain international recognition are:

Festivals:  India is the land of some of the most fascinating festivals which adorns the canvass called life with rainbow colours. Most of the festivals celebrated here have religious associations like Holi, Dussera, Janmasthmi, Hanuman Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Muharram and Deewali which are enjoyed in most part of the country with pomp and gaiety. Pongal- Sankranti are harvest festivals celebrated with full fervour in south India. Whereas Karwa Chauth is strictly observed by the Hindu married woman. Festivals give people a reason to smile.

Music: Music has always enjoyed a pivotal role in the lives of the Indians. The range of musical phenomenon extends from simple melodies to the most developed systems of classical music in the world. Music also held a significant role during the pre Vedic age as evidence of several strings and wind instruments, drums and cymbals have been found in the Vedas. Ragas on which our Indian music is based came in to existence in the 10th century. By the 16th century the distinction between the North Indian ( Hindustani ) and South Indian ( Carnatic ) music was recognized in a full fledged manner. Classical Indian music entered a new phase in the 1960's and began to acquire Western students. The sitar of Pd. Ravi Shankar was heard on the Beatles' album. Satyajit Ray, the great Indian director through his neo-realist films brought the Indian classical music to the attention of the Westerners. Indian genres like filmi and bhangra have also gained momentum in the west.

Dance: The classical Indian dance forms have their audiences world wide. Each dance form of India represents the culture and ethos of a particular region. Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kucchipudi, Bhangra and Kathakali are the various dance forms prevalent in India. Besides these there are certain Indian folk dances that are the true representatives of the rich culture of different lands of India.

Dressings: Dresses in India are worn according to the region. However sarees among Indian women and dhoti among Indian men are the everyday dress form with a slight variation in various regions. Working class and Muslims wear a Lungi. In Punjab loose- fitting pajamas called Shalwar are worn. In Bengal and Maharastra sarees and dhotis are the major dress forms but the wearing style varies.

Cuisine: The Indian cuisine has undergone a great change with the passage of time. Wheat, lentils, rice and occasionally meats were the earliest Indian food. The modern Indian cuisine offers great variety and each reason has its own distinctive flavours. North Indian staple food consists of Rotis, Rice, Dal, Curry, Yogurt, Chutney and Achars. On the other hand south India dishes comprises sambhar, dosa, Rasam, Yogurt and Curries. Fish is quite popular in the coastal areas of West Bengal, Orissa and Kerala. Street food like Panipuri, Bhelpuri, Samosa and Vada are enjoyed in every nook and corner of India. It is said that vegetarianism gained importance with the spread of Buddhism and Jainism.

Art: The paintings and sculpture of India has remain a source of inspiration for many. The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of the pre- historic times. Cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora exhibits the love for nature and God. Madhubani painting, Rajputana painting, Tanjore painting and Mughal painting are some of the specialties of India.

Architecture: The most significant achievement of Indian civilisation is its architecture. The Taj Mahal of Agra, temple complexes of Khajuraho and Vijaynagara leaves the spectators spellbound. However the real beginnings of the Indian architecture can be dated to the advent of Buddhism, during the reign of king Asoka. The Buddhist art and architecture flourished with the construction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. The contribution of the southern school of architecture cannot be unnoticed and the notable amongst them are the rock- cut temples of Mahabalipuram and the temples of Kanchipuram.

Cinema: Indian film industry holds the pride of being one of the oldest in the world. Dadasaheb Phalke, commonly called the father of Indian cinema made and screened the first film of India- Raja Harishchandra which became a huge commercial success and motivated other people thereby giving birth to umpteen classic directors like Bimal Roy, Satyajit Ray, Hrishikesh Mukherjee , Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt. Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy and Guru Dutt took the Indian cinema to the new zenith and gave it the international recognition by making neo- realist films inspired by Vittorio De Sica's " Bicycle Thieves".The Neo-Realist cinema captured the real life of humans and did not regard them as superheroes in fabricated situations.

Literature: India has always used writing as a major means of putting across any piece of idea or any other expression. It has a long tradition of poetry and prose writing. The Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two Indian epics that are not only the epics of India and Hinduism but also serves as the folk epics of other Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Safari tours in India

Many a times while watching a show on National Geographic Channel or Animal Planet, we are moved by the thrilling encounters people on safari have. There is an intense feeling that makes us crave about the experiences these people have. Do you feel it too, like going for a safari into some hinterlands searching for a known being, a creature like Tiger, or say you want to make it through the dunes, leaving behind an impression that will last long?

Do you wish to explore the off beaten tracks, hilly terrain, simmering desert sands by riding on a camel or an elephant back. If yes then, India is a perfect place for you. The vast topography of India is dotted with thick lush green forests, lofty snow covered peaks, the Great Indian Thar Desert and many other natural attractions.

Though covering the natural attractions on foot is really tough, but you can easily explore them by a ride on camel or elephant back or by having a fun-filled ride on open roof jeeps.

Some of the popular sites for safaris in India are as follows:

Jeep Safari in India
- Jeep Safari in Leh - Ladakh
- Jeep Safari in Uttaranchal
- Jeep Safari in Manali
- Jeep Safari in Thar Desert

Camel Safari in India
- Camel Safari in Rajasthan
- Camel Safari in Ladakh

Elephant Safari in India
- Elephant Safari in Corbett National Park
- Elephant Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Elephant Safari in Amber Fort in Jaipur
- Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Darjeeling

Quick Facts
Situated in: West Bengal
Also Known As: Queen of Hill Stations
Major Attractions: Ghoom Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, Tiger Hills, Bhutia Busti, Observatory Hill, Zoological Garden, Natural History Museum
Suitable Time to Visit: March to May and September to November

Darjeeling, one of the most popular hill stations of India and the world alike is situated in West Bengal. The hill station is about 680 km from the state capital city Kolkata, 80 km from Siliguri and 150 km from Kishanganj in Bihar. Located at a height of 2,134 metres above the sea level, close to the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders, Darjeeling draws discerning travellers, honeymooners and adventure seekers from across the globe.

Nature has blessed Darjeeling with unmatched beauty and one can experience the nature at its best here. Flanked by snow capped Himalayan mountain ranges, Darjeeling abounds with fresh invigorating hill air, lush green tea plantations, exciting trekking trails, spectacular sunrise and sunset views, rich and varied fauna. Besides, the live hearted locals welcome visitors with their open arms and offer warm hospitality.

As Darjeeling is located at very high altitude so the climate remains cold most of year, especially during winters when the temperature falls below 0 degree. Temperatures in summer remain in the range of 15-20 degrees. Don’t forget to carry sufficient warm clothes to prevent yourself from the chilly weather.

Besides being a famous hill station, Darjeeling offers excellent shopping opportunities.
Darjeeling is a nice place to buy decorative items, thangkas, brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, wood carving, woven fabrics and carpets. Main shopping areas are Chowrasta and Nehru Road.

Bagdogda Airport (100 km) is the nearest airport, served by several flights from Delhi and Kolkata. From the airport, taxis are available for Darjeeling. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station at a distance of 90 km is the major railhead close to Darjeeling. The toy train connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling, the journey takes approximately 8 hours. Jeep services are available to Darjeeling from Silguri and New Jalpaiguri at regular intervals.

Plenty of accommodation options are available in Darjeeling. There are several good hotels, lodges and guest houses in the budget and mid-range categories.

Major Attractions in Darjeeling
Ghoom Monastery: Any trip to Darjeeling usually begins with the Ghoom Monastery. Set at an altitude of 2,410 mtrs, Ghoom offers magnificent views of Darjeeling town. Ghoom Monastery has collection of rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts and it also houses a massive statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Dhirdham Temple: Situated in the heart of Darjeeling town, Dhirdham Temple attracts tourists in large number. The temple is known for its architecture which is similar to the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu.

Tiger Hills: Perched at an elevation of 2,590 metres above the sea level, Tiger Hills offers splendid views of the sunrise. Tourists throng the Tiger Hill in early morning to have a glimpse of the spectacular sunrise. From the hills, one can also enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Bhutia Busti: Bhutia Busti is a beautiful Gompa (monastery) located at the backdrop of the Mt. Kanchenjunga. The tastefully decorated Gompa has a fine collection of Buddhist texts in its library. A branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim, the Gompa also has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead in its library.

Observatory Hill: The Observatory Hill offers magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the beautiful landscape below. On the hill there are some temples and monasteries, which deserve a visit.

Zoological Garden: Zoological Garden is situated on the outskirts of Darjeeling. The zoo houses some rare varieties of Himalayan flora and fauna species, including the Siberian Tigers. The rare Red Panda is another attraction of the zoo. One can see Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds and Snow Yaks in the zoo.

Natural History Museum: A must visit place in Darjeeling, the Natural History Museum has an impressive collection of over 4,300 specimen. The museum has a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in West Bengal region. Visitors can see a fine collection of butterflies, estaurine crocodile and mineral forms of various stones.

Travel Tips for India

India is one of world’s most visited tourist destination and draws tourists from all corner of globe. World’s one of the biggest country, India offers plethora of options for tourist. You may chose your vacation according to your choice that is available in various themes like adventure, culture, history, romance, beach etc. For enjoying this vacation options you have to visit different parts of this vast country. Hence, for safe and hassle free journey across India you need to be aware about some basic facts. For your convenience and memorable vacation I am providing some handy travel tips here.


What to Buy
Shopping in India is delightful experience. You will find everything from A to Z in markets of India. Some of the shopping specialties of India include the art and crafts items, handloom, leather items, shoes, sweets, cotton clothes etc. Apart from these, do not forget to check out locally made items. Shop as much as possible during your trip to any destination of India. Always remember that good bargain if offered in most of the street side shops and small markets.


Where to Shop
India is a shopper’s paradise, all the cities and small towns have defined shopping areas. From the big shopping malls to small street shops you will find everything in India. Besides permanent shopping centres, you will also find weekly market places in India. So rush to nearest shopping centre to buy items of your choice.


What to Wear
Nudity is not allowed in India and married women prefer complete veil. Respect the Indian culture and women are suggested to maintain the modesty. India is a big country and the weather differs in different regions. Enquire about the weather in advance and carry sufficient clothes according the climatic conditions. During winter months of November to February, the weather remains cold so carry woolen clothes, jackets and blankets. During summers and rainy season light weight cotton is best. For foot wear – shoes and comfortable sandals are suitable. Do not move bare foot because you may get infected by disease.


Driving License
You need an International Driving License that can be obtained through the assistance of automobile association. Even if you are not planning to drive on your in India, carry your driving license with photo for identification.

Documents to Carry
Carry the original as well as xerox copy of your passport, travel visas, airline tickets and essential travel documents. Also prepare a list of any charge or credit cards you are carrying during your trip to India.

Purchase Travel Insurance Plans
You are advised to purchase special Travel insurance and medical evaluation plan programmes.

Food and Drinking Water
Always take food from good hotels or restaurant. Wash fruits before eating them. Avoid foods which have been laid out in the open, avoid sweets and candies from local markets. Try to avoid drinking water from an unknown source it may be contaminated. Better you ask for packaged drinking water like Bisleri, Aqua Fina, Kinley, Rail Neer, Kingfisher etc. always check the seal. For more precaution carry water purifying tablets.

Safety
Take utmost care of your belongings, as there are chances of stealing. Use the lock boxes or bags to keep your belongings and travel documents safe. Always take care of your wallet, purse, bags, suitcases and other things. Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other belongings unattended.

Travelling
Indian Railways offer several superfast and mail trains for all the important places of India. Avoid travelling in the Second Class, because the bogies remain crowded. AC or Sleeper bogies are good to travel. Buses including Deluxe, Volvo, Coach etc. also ply all over India. Cars, Taxis and Auto Rickshaws are modes of local transport and they are available from all hotels, railway stations and bus stands. Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey. It is advised to use only authorized and properly identified taxis, auto rickshaws and buses. In case of complaints against taxi or auto-rickshaw driver for overcharging or cheating, note down the vehicle number and lodge a report with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). You can get the important Contact Phone Numbers in Telephone Directory.

Voltage
In India the standard voltage used in 220 volts. If your appliances do not match this standard, you can buy a converter from any of the electric shops. Current Spikes are very common in India so use a spike buster.

Chemists / Pharmacies
Chemists are available at almost every place (city, town, village etc.) where you can buy medicines. In case you fell ill and need to see a doctor, ask for help from your hotel or your tour operator. In India the cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low in comparison to western countries. Most importantly, in some areas of India Malaria is still prevalent. So, prior to your departure, get a prescription from your doctor for some anti malarial tablets.

Essential Things You Should Carry

Do remember to carry some insect repellent, mosquito coils or even an electronic repellent, because mosquitos can be fierce in India. Carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat to avoid the sun burn and sun stork.

Respect Religious Shrines
Majority of the Indian people are religious and they have great respect for religious shrines and places of worship. Always respect the religious shrines and places of worship during your visit to India. You need a decent dress code for visiting some religious places. Always take care and do not try to violate any taboos in a mosque or a temple.

Money Exchange

Change currency only from authorized moneychangers in India. Do remember to keep the money exchange receipts after every transaction. You will need those receipts for re-exchange on departure.Offering TipTipping is a matter of your personal discretion. Usually bills include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

Photography Rules
In India there are some rules regarding photography. Always look for notification before clicking the photos. Normally photography is prohibited in places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports etc.

What to do while in trouble
If you ever land in any kind of trouble, then immediately contact your Embassy and nearest police station. Always talk with the Senior Inspector in Charge of any police station, as he is the top officer.

Credit Cards Accepted in India
American Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments of India including hotels, shops, and airlines.



For Any Help Contact : Ministry of Tourism Help Desk.