Uttarakhand - A charming state of North India

Once known as Uttaranchal, Uttarakhand was the part of Uttar Pradesh till Nov 8, 2000 A.D. The beautiful state is located in the northern Indian, and is bounded by the mighty Himalayas. Uttarakhand shares its international borders with China and Nepal and is neighboured by the states Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Dehra Dun, the largest city in Uttarakhand is the provincial capital of the state.

Uttarakhand is blessed with towering peaks, lakes and streams, rolling forests, pilgrimage centres and all of it welcome a great party. As an adventure sports destination and a major pilgrimage centre of Hindus, Uttarakhand generates a good revenue from tourism enterprises. The pleasant climate also makes it a popular vacations spending resort and an escape from the scorching north Indian sun.

Uttarakhand is dominated with the presence of mighty peaks and hills of the Himalayas. The state is primarily divided into two zones - Garhwal and Kumaon. There are 13 districts in all; seven in the Garhwal zone and six in the Kumaon zone. The two zones see a multitude of sky reaching peaks that form parts of the Greater Himalayas. These mountains are also the source of the great rivers of India - the Ganga and the Yamuna.

Some of the high peaks in the region include Bandarpunch (6,316 m), Yogeshwar (6,678 m), Sri Kailash (6,932 m), Kedarnath (6,490 m), Bhirigupanth (6,772 m), Chaukhamba (7,068 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Mana Peak (7,272 m), Abl Gamin (7,355 m), Mukut (7,242 m). These snow clad peaks give rise to a number of lakes that flow down and join the tributaries. The slopes at certain places are also ideal for winter sports. One such destination is Auli.

History of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand happens to be one of the cultural places in India where the dominant culture and civilization emerged and evolved centuries ago. One of the earliest references is found in Vedas and epics. A quick look at Uttarakhand's history reveals the influence of the following empires - Kushanas, Kudinas, Kanishka, Samudra, Gupta, Palas, Chandras, Pawaras and the British. The popular culture, however, flourished at all times and since the time of Shankaracharya the place has retained its values and sanctity.

Tourist Destinations of Uttarakhand

The fascinating terrain, peaks, glaciers, lakes, sanctuaries and holy centre makes Uttarakhand a favorite hunt for tourists. There are quite many places that guarantee the best of the vacations at Uttarakhand. The places are famous for their unique beauty, opportunities they provide and much revered places for Hindus. Tourist usually reach here seeking a summer resort to get rid of the extreme temperature in north, adventure sports and for pilgrimage. The famous destinations include Dehra Dun, Nainital, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussorie, Kausani, Tehri and Auli.

Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is one of the major pilgrimage centres and much revered place for the Hindus. Both Garhwal and Kumaon zone feature a number of important sites. However, the four sites at Garhwal - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, are primary places of visit; two other being Hemkund Sahib and Joshimath. In Kumaon zone the sacred places include Baijhnath, Bageshwar, Jageshwar, Punyagiri and Ritha Sahib.

Adventure in Uttarakhand

The low lying southern tracts of the Himalayas and the towering northern peaks puts Uttarakhand on the adventure destinations map in the Indian sub continent. As if this were not enough, the rushing waters and gentle slopes open a hundred doors for various outdoor sports activities. White water rafting, Skiing, Paragliding and trekking are some of the popular events conducted in the state. There are multiple destinations, each with a scope and thrill of its own.

Wildlife in Uttarakhand

The lower Himalayan tracts in Uttarakhand see lush vegetation and forest growth. The foothills of Uttarakhand support great many species of wild animals. The dense out growing forests provide a perfect cover for the wild species, most importantly to the tigers. The lush vegetation also supports a number of game species for the tiger. The swamps and water holes further make up the habitat for a number of amphibious species. Corbett National Park, one of the famous wildlife reserves also fall in the region. Other important wildlife sanctuaries are Valley of Flowers , Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park and Nanda Devi National Park.

Yoga and Meditation in Uttarakhand

The unique geographical features of Uttarakhand contribute to the good will of the state in more than one way. The natural ambience, isolation and un-interrupted solitude pours new life and lifts up the spirits. For centuries now, ordinary people as well the scholars have taken advantage and made incredible personal benefits. Rishikesh, one such place has developed into a popular yoga and meditation centre. The Himalayas are believed to effect in more ways than can be explained.

How to Reach Uttarakhand

Buses, trains, air flights provide the means of access to the state from long distances. For commutation buses, taxis and auto rickshaws serve the purpose. The popular modes are as follows:

Air: Two airports deliver their services at Uttarakhand, namely Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun and Patnagar Airport. These airports are connected with limited flights from the national capital New Delhi.

Rail: Northern Railways of the Indian Railways Division, connects the towns of the state with the rest of the country. Some major rail heads include Dehradun, Haridwar, Kathgodam and Roorkee.

Road: Dehradun and Nainital are two main entry points in the state. Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, regularly sees buses arriving from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Nainital, likewise, is connected by bus services from many neighbouring states and cities.

Bus Travel in India

One of the fast developing nations, India is criss-crossed by thousands kilometers of roads include National Highways, State Highways and town roads. The vast network of road in turn makes an excellent base for plying of buses. In fact, buses in India provide easy connectivity to small towns as well as big cities.

Buses are the most convenient mode of transport in India. From small villages to big cities, bus services are offered in almost every part of the country. Today, one can see various types of buses plying on the roads such as Deluxe, Luxury, Air-Conditioned, Volvo and passenger buses.

A Low Floor Bus Run By DTC, Delhi

You may chose from luxury to local buses, depending on your budget and requirements. In almost all states of India State Road Transport Corporations offer bus services to common public that connects the cities of the state and also the cities and towns of neighbouring states. Besides the government operators, several private operators also provide buses for travelling across India.

Usually the state transport corporation have one or more bus stands in cities or towns depending on the size of population. For catching the buses you have to reach the nearby bus stands or terminals. From the bus stands you can board either public transport or private bus for your desired destination by paying reasonable fare. All the state transport bus terminals have enquiry offices and ticket counters as well. You can gather important information related to your journey from the officials.

A Bus on Mumbai - Pune Expressway

For tourists, special tourist buses are offered by the private operators as well as government transport departments. If you are looking for group tour, buses are also offered by the private and government operators. You can book buses from one day to one week according to your requirement from the concerned offices. Nowadays, many bus operators offer online booking facility in advance. Some of the noted websites offering bus bookings in India are Ticketwala, RedBus.in, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, etc.

In India bus services are available in varied options such as express buses, luxury buses, super deluxe, video coach, air-conditioned volvo coaches, airport shuttle buses, local buses etc. All types of buses run in all parts of India, but their fares differ according to comfort.

Some of the important bus services operational in India are mentioned below.

Intercity Bus Services in India – Intercity buses run within the cities covering all the important places. Such services are available in national capital New Delhi and other cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.

A Volvo Bus infront of a hotel at Lonavala

Interstate Bus Services in India – Interstate bus services are available from almost all major cities of states in India. Interstate buses run from one state to other neighbouring states. Such bus services are available to and from Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other important cities of the country. Public road transport services and private transportation offer luxury, deluxe or other types of buses on interstate routes.

Intrastate Bus Services in India – These buses run within the important places of the state. Intrastate bus services are available in almost all states of India. Some example of intrastate bus services are buses running between Jaipur and Ajmer, Hyderabad and Warangal, Bangalore and Mangalore, Mumbai and Aurangabad.

Airport shuttle bus services in India – The bus service connect different airports in India to important locations in the vicinity. For example Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to Dwarka Domestic airport or any other place in Delhi. Recently DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) has introduced airport buses on 534 route between IGI Airport and Anand Vihar, on 729 route between IGI Airport and Old Delhi Railway Station.

Tour buses in India: These buses are meant for tourists to show them places.

Coach buses in India: Coach Buses are used for long term trips across cities etc.

Public transit buses in India: The Public Transit bus is the most common form of buses found on Indian roads. They are just another form of commuting like the taxi and subway used by civilians to travel from office to home etc.

Famous Buses in India

Star Bus, Globus, Marcopolo, Viking BS-I - city bus, Viking BS-II - city bus and Cheetah BS-I

List of Bus manufacturing companies in India

- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation

- Mahindra Navistar

- Ashok Leyland

- Tata Motors

- Coach Line Industries

- Aglow Engineers Private Limited

- Delite Technologies

- Gujarat Corporation

- Bhutani international

- Volvo Buses

- Swaraj Enterprise

- Eicher Motors

- Force Motors

Train Travel In India

Indian Railways - The pride of India

Bestowed with world’s second largest rail network, India is easily accessible by various types of trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Mail, Express, Super Fact and passenger trains. In fact, Train travel is the most convenient and economic mode of transports in India. Even long distances such as Delhi to Mumbai can be covered with ease through trains by using sleeper class berth and you will not get tired. Besides, train travel is safe and cheap as you have to pay a reasonable fare.

Barog Railway Station on Kalka - Shimla Route

One can see and experience India at its best through train travel. Maintained and run by Indian Railways the trains in India connect almost all the state capitals and other important cities and towns of the country. The rail network in Indian spreads over 63,000 kms and there are around 6, 800 stations. India’s rail network spreads from Jammu & Kashmir in north to Kanyakumari in the south, Assam in the north-east to Rajasthan in the west. Interestingly, the rail network of India extends from plains to hill stations such as Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty.

Fact is that, for travelers to India the trip would be complete without the experience of travelling on the trains run by Indian Railways.

Types of trains running in India

General Trains of India - For travelling across India, Indian Railways have a variety of trains including fast, superfast, express and local trains. Passengers choose the trains according to their requirements and budget. Shatabdi and Rajadhani are two high-class trains, running at a speed over 100 km per hour, having all Air-conditioned coaches. Besides, there are hundreds of superfast and express trains running across the country. For short distance the Indian Railways run local passenger trains.

Exterior of New Delhi Railway Station

Luxurious Trains of India - Indian Railways run these trains keeping in mind the tourism point of view. Most of the luxury trains offers five star facilities to passengers on board. Running for a duration of two days to one week, these trains take you on a once upon a lifetime journey. You find a fine chance to explore the picturesque terrain along with enjoying royal hospitality. Palace of Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Heritage on Wheels and Fairy Queen are some of the popular luxurious trains in India.

Shimla Railway Station, Shimla

Mountain Railways of India - Mountain Railways is a special attraction of Indian Railway and also the most convenient way to visit the hill stations of India. Developed by the British government about 100 years back, during their rule over India, Mountain Railways now served as the main mode of transport to hilly areas. Travelling on mountain rail is a thrilling experience, as you get a wonderful chance to see the beautiful green countryside and other amazing wonders of nature. In fact, three of the Mountain Railways namely Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka – Shimla Railway have been declared World heritage properties by UNESCO.

Accommodation Classes in Indian Trains or Classes of Travel in Trains of India

The Kalka - Shimla Route

Usually there are six classes of accommodation found in Indian train, but some other classes such as AC Executive class may be found in important trains like Shatabdi Express. Below are the important classes, found in trains of India

Newly Constructed Double Decked Boggy

Air-Conditioned First Class (AC1) in trains of India – AC1 class is the most comfortable and luxurious way to travel in Indian Railways. However, AC1 class is found only in the important trains including all Rajadhanis. First class coaches are spacious and carpeted having 4-berth and 2-berth compartments, with washbasin. During the daytime berths can be converted into seats. Passengers are provided all necessary bedding materials such as bedsheet, blanket, pillow and towel.

Air-Conditioned Second Class (AC2) in trains of India – Second Class AC are not divided into separate compartment like First Class, but are also very comfortable to travel. The coaches are open-plan with berths arranged in bays of four on one side and in bays of two on another side. For privacy each bay is curtained and like First AC bedding is provided to passengers.

Air-Conditioned Three Tier (AC3) in trains of India – Three Tier AC is almost similar to Second Class AC, but it has three tiers of bunks – arranged in bays of six on one side and bays to two on other side. AC3 coaches are more crowded than Second Class AC and also lack the private curtains. Bedding materials such as pillows, sheets and blankets are provided to passengers. AC3 is a good option for families who are looking for long distance travel in comfort.

AC Chair Class in trains of India – AC Chair class is a fine choice for day time short-distance travel. The classes are found mainly in ‘intercity’ daytime trains consist of comfortable air-conditioned seating cars. Such classes are available in Shatabdi trains running from Delhi to Ajmer, Chandigarh or intercity trains.

Sleeper Class in trains of India – Sleeper class is used by the most of the Indian people and found on all long distance trains except Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express. The coaches of Sleeper class comprise of open plan berths with upper, middle and lower bunks. The windows are fitted with bars and also have a glass pane and a shutter which can be raised and lowered.

Unreserved Second Class in trains of India – These coaches have wooden or padded plastic seating seats suitable for only short journey. Unreserved second class is not recommended for long distance journeys especially overnight journeys.

Train Fares for trains of India

Train Fares for sleeper class ranges from few hundreds to thousands, depending on the class and routes. However, for unreserved second class journey you have to pay very nominal fare. For more information about the train fares visit the official website of Indian Railways.

How to reserve train tickets in India

For any long-distance and short distance journey, in Sleeper class or Air-Conditioned Class, it is necessary to reserve a seat or berth. You can travel by buying an ordinary ticket in these classes. Booking for reservation open 90 days in advance, although the duration may be less in some short-distance inter-city trains.

In Indian reservations are completely computerized and reservation facility is available in all the important stations of the country. Due to huge rush most of the express trains get booked weeks ahead before the departure. So, you should make reservations well in advance, for hassle free journey. Various types of quotas, such as tourist quota are also available in Indian trains.

Tourist Quota in trains of India

Several important India trains have a special quota of berths for foreign tourists and IndRail passholders. A few ‘tourist quota’ berths remain available within a day or two of departure, so foreign travellers can book at short notice. But, you may have to wait couple of days for getting the berth for your desired destination. For tourist quote berth you have to pay in US Dollars, Pounds, or Indian rupees backed by an exchange certificate.

The railway stations in major cities of India and tourist centres in cities like New Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi have an International Tourist Bureau, where Foreign travellers can book tickets. There is also a round the clock rail booking office at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. For more information on tourist quota reservation visit the official site of Indian Railways.

How to book tickets - from outside India

Most of the important trains of India get fully-booked weeks in advance, so it better to book tickets before you arrival to India. You can book train tickets online at www.irctc.co.in , which is the official government-sponsored sales website for Indian Railways.

Due to crowding of visitors, the website may respond slowly, so keep patience and follow the information given on the site. You can buy a maximum of 10 tickets in a month from this website for travelling across India. Your ticket will not be sent to your desired destination outside India or you can pick it up at the station. Only 'e-ticket' and 'i-ticket' options are available to get the ticket from the website. You have make payment through credit card such as Visa, MasterCard or Amex.

Some Important Tips for train journey in India

- Always check your coach and berth number printed on your ticket. The reservation ticket also carries the details like age, sex, origin station name and travel destination as well.

- Before boarding the train ensure your coach number and occupy the seat mentioned in the ticket. For more conformation you may consult the concerned office in the railway station or the Ticket Collector or Conductor travelling alongwith the train.

- All the long distance trains have a pantry car offering breakfast, lunch and dinner to passengers at nominal charges. Prefer the food of pantry car and avoid outside food as they may be of bad quality.

- There are fair chances of stealing in Indian trains, so take care of your belongings.

- Don't become much friendly with other fellow passengers, because some of them may bribe you or cause other types of harm.

The website of Indian Railways: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/

The website of Indian Railways Enquiry: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

The website of IRCTC: http://www.irctc.co.in/

Delightful destinations of North India

Uttarakhand – The Land of Mountains

For all who seek calm and tranquility with a tinge of wilderness and adventure, choose from amazing holidays in Uttaranchal. Explore Corbett National Park, home to tigers or visit the quaint 'hill stations' of Kumaon that offer respite from a chaotic urban lifestyle. And don’t miss Nainital – the land of lakes and lush green mountains. Get set to delight your senses…

Himachal Pradesh – The lans of the gods

Himachal Pradesh or called Himachal in short is one of the most beautiful regions of India. This ‘Dev Bhumi’ or the land of the gods encompasses extremes, from the dry, high-altitude deserts of Lahaul-Spiti to the verdant greens of Shimla and around. Expect apple orchards, pine and deodar forests, gentle terrace farms and the brilliant vista of the snow capped mountains all around.

Kashmir – The Paradise on Earth

Wild flowers enveloped by an achingly blue sky and the never ending vista of mountains all around. Undulating valleys, gentle rivers and greenery that dazzles your eyes. Kashmir is all this and much more – rightfully, heaven on earth – it cannot be defined, only experienced.

Rajasthan – The Desert land of India

Rajasthan is a fairy tale world steeped in myths and legends, of sepia deserts and shimmering lakes, old havelis, impregnable forts and opulent palaces. From intricately carved Jain temples to the overwhelming Taj Mahal, experience India’s best with much on offer.

States & Union Territories (UT) of India

Names of States - Capital City

1. Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

2. Arunachal Pradesh - Itanagar

3. Assam - Dispur

4. Bihar - Patna

5. Chhattisgarh - Raipur

6. Goa - Panaji

7. Gujarat - Gandhinagar

8. Haryana - Chandigarh (shared)

9. Himachal Pradesh - Shimla

10. Jammu and Kashmir - Srinagar (summer), Jammu (winter)

11. Jharkhand - Ranchi

12. Karnataka - Bengaluru

13. Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

14. Madhya Pradesh - Bhopal

15. Maharashtra - Mumbai

16. Manipur - Imphal

17. Meghalaya - Shillong

18. Mizoram - Mizo Aizawl

19. Nagaland - Kohima

20 Orissa - Bhubaneswar

21. Punjab - Chandigarh (shared)

22. Rajasthan - Jaipur

23. Sikkim - Gangtok

24. Tamil Nadu - Chennai

25. Tripura - Agartala

26. Uttar Pradesh - Lucknow

27. Uttarakhand - Dehradun (interim)

28. West Bengal - Kolkata

Union Territories of India

Names of UT - Capital City

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Port Blair


2. Chandigarh - Chandigarh

3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli - Silvassa

4. Daman and Diu - Daman

5. Lakshadweep - Kavaratti

6. National Capital Territory - New Delhi

7. Puducherry - Puducherry

Nainital - The Lake City of India

Nainital - A destination for All

Renowned as the home of noted conservationist Jim Corbett, Nainital is fondly called the 'Lake City of India'. Nainital is set an elevation of 1938 metres and considered the largest and one of the most popular hill resorts of Kumaon region. A glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, the hill station was discovered by a Britisher Lord Barron in 1841 and has grown around a 'tal' (mountain-lake). Nainital is blessed with pristine natural beauty and an enchanting landscape.

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. The turquoise Naini Lake shimmers at the foot of the surrounding mountains, dotted with psychedelic sail boats. The tree flanked Mall runs parallel to the lake, teeming with tourists, hotels, shops and restaurants.

Nainital is the quintessential hill station, offering all trappings of civilization, while nestled in the beautiful Himalayan landscape. Spend your time walking leisurely by the lake, shopping at the Tibetan market or climbing up to Snow View in the ropeway to admire the brilliant vista of snow peaks. The town also offers some beautiful treks into the surrounding mountains.

Must Dos in Nainital

Naini Lake - Enjoy boating on the Naini Lake surrounded by lush green surroundings. There is no better way to unwind than to languidly float down water. Take a full tour of the lake, which brushes past the surrounding mountains and the greenery. The mountains dapple the water, a breeze ruffles your hair as you drift down lazily away from the Mall, it’s all serene.

Gondola Ride - Take a cable car or gondola to Snow View peak (2270 metres) from where you get a panoramic view of the snow covered Himalayan peaks and also surrounding valleys. The return ticket covers a one-hour stay. You can also trek up to Snow View, a fairly steep walk, to encounter dhabas and kiosks at the top.

St. John’s Church in the Wilderness - Built in 1844, St. John’s Church in the Wilderness showcases typical Victorian architecture, built in stone with thick walls and stained glass windows. The altar inside the church is inscribed with names of the 1880 landslide victims.

Shopping in Nainital

Shopping is a must do activity in Nainital. In fact, Nainital and its candles are synonymous. The Barra Bazaar at Mallital is lined with shops selling various types of candles. Nainital is also a great place to pick up natural preserves - an excellent variety of fruit squashes, jams, jellies, pickles and marmalades, all locally produced, are available in shops lining the Mall. Also visit the Tibetan Market at the Flats, a flea market area selling junk jewellery, bags, scarves, fake branded watches and so on. If you look closely, and haggle intelligently, you can pick up some good bargains.

Nearby Getaways from Nainital

Ranikhet - Siutated 64 kilometres away, Ranikhet is a quaint mountain town untouched by commercialisation. It offers awe inspiring views of the snow peaks spreading over 300 kilometres along with solitude, peace and tranquility. Heavily shaded by deodars and pine, life is gentle here and the world is dark green. With its colonial history, the town seems to be a chapter from the past. Highly recommended place for travelers to Nainital.

Sattal – Literally meaning ‘the seven lake’, Sattal is constituted by seven scattered lakes. A profusion of oaks and deodars and the gently dappling water charms you. The area around the lakes offers picturesque treks into the wilderness. Do go for a swim in the lake or a boat ride.

Tourist Destinations of South India Part 5

Madurai - The world renowned temple city

Madurai is arguably the best temple destination in south. With a history that dates back to 4 BC, the town’s cultural importance cannot be denied. Legend goes that the city is named after the nectar that flowed from Lord Shiva’s hair as blessing. With such a quaint beginning, it is not surprising that the town is lively and colourful, given to rituals and processions. The Meenakshy-Sundareshwar temple is ostentatious and labyrinthine with colourful effigies of mythological figures and gold-topped pinnacles. If you have to visit a stunning temple destination in Southern India, let it be Madurai.

Must visit places in Madurai: Meenakshy Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum

Nearby Getaways from Madurai: Vaigai Dam. 69 kms. Scenic, surrounded by a lush garden. Ideal for a picnic.

Chennai - the cultural melting point of South

With delectable Chettinad cuisine, excellent silk shopping and 500-years worth of monuments, Chennai is a hotpot of culture and chaos. Raj era edifices jostle with ancient, exquisite temples built in stone, with a peppering of Portuguese style Churches. The world’s second longest beach hedges it in from one side, the rest teeming with crowds and perpetually growing.

Must visit places in Chennai: Marina Beach (world’s second longest beach), Kapaleshwar Temple,  Basilica of San Thome, Theosophical Society

Nearby Getaways from Chennai: Mamallapuram. 58 kms. Temple town by the sea. Home to the famous Shore Temple.

Pondicherry - the France in India

If India is a land of paradoxes, nowhere else do they manifest themselves better than in Pondicherry. This town of wide roads and neo-colonial buildings is populated by colonnaded colour washed villas. Mineral water bottles proclaim Pondicherry’s greatness in English, Tamil and French here and the policemen still wear kepis. The flavour is unmistakably French. And yet, in the Tamil quarter a traditional Tamil way of life goes on, the markets are populated with locals speaking Tamil and it all marries in a seamless, exotic blend. Visit the Auroville, the planned ‘City of Dawn’, housing sprawling gardens, meditation centre and new-age living techniques. Serene and quiet.

Must visit places in Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, The French Quarter, Church of Immaculate Conception, Auroville

Nearby Getaways from Pondicherry: Kanchipur. 75 kms. 2,000 year old temples and exquisite hand-loomed Kanchi silk sarees.

Bangalore - The City of Gardens

Bangalore is urbane with its buzzing café-pub culture and its young professionals who thrive here. The quintessential cosmopolitan city that put India on the contemporary world map, Bangalore is the city of pubs and gardens. Although Bangalore does not offer much in terms of sights, visit Bangalore for the trendy, modern vibe it offers, with its influx of IT companies and the emerging face of urban India. The clean and laidback city is also a perfect base to start exploring the surrounding culturally rich area.

Must visit places in Bangalore: MG Road (Shopping and fun!), Tipu’s Summer Palace, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Nearby Getaways from Bangalore: Mysore. 134 kms. Sandalwood city with an old world charm.

Tourist Destinations of South India Part 4

Kumarakom - The Land of Backwaters

People usually say ‘Kerala’ and ‘Backwaters’ in one breath. Kumarakom is one of the most visited backwater destinations. The verdant backwaters comprise a confusing maze of inland waterways flanked by the famous verdant greenery, yes, but also a lifestyle that remains hidden. Traditional kettu vallam boats glide through, making you see these glorious sights. The backwaters are the lifeblood of God’s own country, its veins that give Kerala its character. Perched like an island on the Vembanad Lake, visit Kumarakom for the Bird Sanctuary that has migrant birds flying from as far as Siberia. Lush tropical waterways abound here, as does verdant backwater wilderness.

Must Visit Places: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Lush, with migrant birds flying in from far away land

Nearby Getaways from Kumarakom: Alleppey. 130 kms. Scenic town of beautiful backwaters, lagoons fringed by dense coconut trees and stunning beaches.

Thekkady - The home of Mighty Elephants

Watch wildlife at close quarters in Thekkady. The picturesque Periyar wildlife sanctuary abounds with verdant backwoods, aromatic spice plantations and rolling coffee slopes. The landscape is peppered with hills and offers beautiful treks. Tigers, elephants, deer, Asiatic wild elephants and the distinctive Nilgiri langur are found here. Other animals include the wild boar, wild dog, bison, bear and leopards. The park is great for birdwatchers too, with the likes of herons, egrets, darters, kingfishers and the great Malabar grey hornbill swooping through the landscape.

Must Visit Place: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nearby Getaways from Thekkady: Idukki. 60 kms. Picturesque district famous for its spices. Lush hills, verdant valleys and tea plantations.

Munnar - The Mystic land of tea plantations

Cool climes and mist shrouded tea plantations are the real attractions of Munnar. It was also the summer getaway of the British. When in Munnar, luxuriate in the great weather and explore the Eravikulam National Park to spot tahrs, an endangered species of goat, as well as sambar and langur. Enchanting tropical greenery of the Cardamom mountains and sight of the Ana Mudi, the highest peak of the Niligiris, rising above it all makes Munnar a perfect weekend getaway.

Must Visit Places: Eravikulam National Park, Tea gardens, Christs’ Church

Nearby Getaways from Munnar: Mattupetty Lake. 13 kms. Manmade lake surrounded by charming hills and woods.

Cochin - the historic land of Portueguese

For a weekend retreat, Cochin packs a laidback punch. Explore this dainty town of tiled bungalows and antiques warehouses. The city, founded in 1341 is divided into three distinct districts – the modern Ernakulam and the atmospheric Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, which form prime attractions. The quaint, cobbled streets here lead to spice bazaars, ancient mansions and charming Chinese fish nets. The architecture has traces of Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish and British. Enjoy spicy Malayali food, catch the razzle dazzle of a Kathakali performance and end your trip with a magnificent sunset cruise.

Must Visit Places: Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishnets

Nearby Getaway from Cochin: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. Over 250 species of birds. Natural haven.

Tourist Destinations of South India Part 3

Kodaikanal – the hill station offering Colonial touch

Cool breezes, blue-green vistas and fields full of flowers compete with Raj-era bungalows, treks through lush forests and boat rides in the lake here. Waterfalls, natural water pools and natural wonders place Kodaikanal as a must-visit destination on your itinerary. At a height of 2000 metres, Kodaikanal affords brilliant views of the plains besides offering sun-scorched citizens the delights of a hill station. After you are done relaxing, pack your gear and go trekking up the hills which provide Southern India’s best trekking.

Must Visit and Do in and around Kodaikanal: Kodai Lake (go boating!), Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk (stunning views), Byrant’s Park (scenic splendour)

Getaways around Kodaikanal: Chennai. 500 kms. Big city with urban fun. Feast on idlis and buy silk sarees.

Coorg – The land of spice and coffee plantation

Greener than green, this verdant region is redolent with the aromas of coffee and cardamom. Relatively undiscovered, and one of the most beautiful areas of Southern India, there is nothing much to ‘do’ in Coorg, but to relax in the untouched surroundings. The Coorgis have a distinct culture and lifestyle that sets them apart and the area makes for some fascinating travelling. Come to Coorg not for sightseeing but to breathe in the fresh, cool air, trek through the surrounding ridges, go golfing, angling or simply unwind amidst the forests and rice fields.

Must Visit in and around Coorg: Madikeri (capital city), Abbi Falls, Omkareshwara Temple (mingling of cultures)

Getaways around Coorg: Nagarhole National Park. 95 kms. One of the best game sanctuaries in India. Untouched. Watch elephants, rhinos, tigers and deer.

Ooty – A British Era Hill Station

An erstwhile home of the Toda Hill tribe, the town was developed by British wayfarers looking to make a fortune with tea plantations. Miles and miles of tea estates make Ooty a picturesque spot. The fun begins on the way itself where the hairpin turns on the road make for an adventure ride while the surrounding beauty soothes your senses. A Raj-era mood adorns the town, complete with an artificial lake, Victorian churches and houses built in stone. Tea plantations here roll down undulating hills and green grasslands proliferate.

Must Visit in and around Ooty: Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta, Adventure! (go paragliding, angling or horse riding)

Getaways around Ooty: Avalanche Lake. 28 kms. Scenic lake with breathtaking beauty and great trout-fishing opportunities.

Kovalam – A Beautiful Fishing Village

Picturesque fishing village turned hip resort town. Although only 10 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam offers an entirely different experience. The beaches are beautiful with white sands as well as plenty of surf and sun. Local kiosks sell trinkets and psychedelic clothing, shacks ring with music and offer excellent sea food. Come here for some seaside revelry with cheap prices and lots of coconut water.

Must Visit in and around Kovalam: Beaches (Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach), Padmanabhapuram Palace, Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kumari Amman Temple

Getaways around Kovalam: Kanyakumari. 87 kms. Stunning stone temples stand on the shores where three seas meet.

Tourist Destinations of South India Part 2

Tanjore - The City of Ancient Temples

Established by the Chola dynasty in the 10th century, this ancient city is home to one of the most stunning stone temples, the Brihadishwara Temple. A marvel of engineering, it was designed so that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground. The temple is intricately carved and has colonnaded corridors, one of which is supposed to be longest in India. Matching this in size are the Shiva lingam and the image of Nandi, which are one of the largest monoliths in India. Come to Tanjore to appreciate stunning architectural wonders.

Must Visit Places in Tanjore: Brihadishwara Temple, Royal Palace Compound & Saraswathi Mahal Library

Nearby Getaways around Tanjore: Thiruchirapalli. 55 kms. 10th century impregnable citadels and 18th century quaint churches.

Warangal - The Home of Ancient Shrines

More than a millennium old, Warangal is home to numerous ancient shrines. The buildings have Indo-Islamic architectural styles because the city changed hands many times between Dravidian and Isalmic rulers. A thriving city in Southern India, Warangal attracted invaders again and again which accounts for the state some of its monuments are in. But when you start exploring you will discover a treasure trove of stunning marvels in stone.

Must Visit Places in Warangal: Warangal Fort, Shiva Temple (thousand pillared!) & Ramappa Temple

Nearby Getaway around Warangal: Pakhal. 50 kms. Wildlife sanctuary around manmade lake. Tranquil.

Ramoji Film City - Hyderabad

Ramoji Film City is the world's largest film production centres. Spread over a complex of more than 2000 acres, it is home to undulating hills, grasslands, rolling gardens and lakes. There are many entertainment options here such as vintage film city coaches, tours of studios, a prop shop with actors' costumes which can be tailor made for you, a nursery with exotic plants, several restaurants as well as gymnasium. Its biggest attraction, however, lies in its cinema based options such as the prop shop and the studios.

Nagarjuna Sagar - The City of Victory

This ancient city was once called Vijaypuri, the city of victory. Today, it is also known for the Nagarjuna dam, one of the tallest dams in Asia. But Nagarjuna Sagar has the distinction of having had one of the largest Buddhist settlements in India in about 2 AD and is named after Nagarjuna, a venerated Buddhist monk. The city was the centre of Buddhist learning with its four viharas and other monuments. Roam through these or go on a cruise down River Krishna in a luxury liner!

Must Visit Places: Ethipotala Waterfall, Nagarjuna Dam & Nagarjunakonda (island museum, preserving ancient Buddhist relics)

Nearby Getaways from Nagarjuna Sagar: Anupu. Reconstructed 3rd BC Buddhist university. Relive history.

Srisailam - A Holy Place for Hindus

Steeped in mythology, Srisailam remains one of the holiest spots for Hindus. It is said that the lingam at the Srisailam Devastanam was installed by Lord Rama himself and that later the Pandavas performed rituals here too. Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient religious shrines of India too and attracts devotees from all over the country. The origins of the temple are not known but there is a chapter in the Skanda Purana dedicated to this shrine, underlining its antiquity.

Must Visit Places in Srisailam: Srisailam Devastanam (the venerated temple), Srisailam Dam (picturesque views and a crocodile breeding programme!)

Nearby Getaways from Srisailam: Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary. Varied wildlife and green, tranquil surroundings.