Incredible India! Varkala - A Little Explored Destination of Kerala

Fast Facts About Varkala

Located in the State of : Kerala

District: Thiruvananthapurm

Famous As / For : Serene Beaches

Languages Spoken: Tamil & English

Best Time to Visit Varkala: October to March

Average Temperatures at Varkala: Summer 22 to 40°C, Winter 12 to 33°C

STD code of Varkala: 0470

A little known coastal town, Varkala is situated in the ‘God’s Own Country’ – Kerala. The beautiful town of Varkala comes under the administrative control of Thiruvananthapuram District. Interestingly, Varkala is a place where the hills are located close to the sea. Besides this, there are several natural fishers and springs that are located in the town that attracts the tourists from far and near. The beaches of Varkala are relatively untouched and they are clean as well.

Papanasam Beach is one of the main beaches in Varkala, which is thronged by tourists in large number. Varkala Beach is a popular beach and there are various activities such as paragliding and parasailing that can be experienced at this beach.

There is also a famous temple at Varkala called the Jannardana Swamy Temple. This temple is over 2000 years old and it is one of the main attractions of the place. The temple is home to an old bell that was taken from an ancient shipwreck of a Dutch Freighter.

Kapil Lake is another tourist site that is located close to the beach. Anjengo Fort is a historic place that is located nearby and it is a popular destination for many tourists. Varkala Tunnel and the Lighthouse are other places of tourist interest in Varkala.

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! Wardha - A Little Explored Destination in Maharashtra

Fast Facts About Wardha

Located in the State of : Maharashtra

District: Wardha

Famous As / For : Sightseeing Spot, Cotton Production

Languages Spoken: Marathi & Hindi

Best Time to Visit Wardha: September to March

Average Temperatures at Wardha: Summer 22 to 40°C, Winter 20 to 33°C

Altitude of Wardha: 234 metre

STD code of Wardha: 07152

A charming city in the Wardha district of the state of Maharashtra, Wardha is located to the South of the River Wardha. Founded in 1866, Wardha is a relatively modern place and mainly known for its cotton production. However, Wardha region has rich historic connection and there have been settlements in the regions for many centuries. The area was ruled by many kingdoms such as the Satavanahas, Mauryas, Sungas and Vakatakas and each have left their mark on the place. The place has subsequently been ruled by Muslim Dynasties and finally by the British Empire.

There are many places of tourist interest that one can visit in the city of Wardha. In fact, the historic city of Wardha was an important part of the independence movement and Gandhi’s Ashram is located in the city as well. This Ashram has now been converted to a national institute and it is worth visiting. You can see a spinning wheel that was used by Mahatama Gandhi , and his spectacles as well. The Ashram also has a chronographic collection of photos that depict the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The nearby city of Sewagram is known as the as the sister city of Wardha and their histories are entwined.

Incredible India! Zanskar - A Little Explored Destination of J & K

Fast Facts About Zanskar

Located in the State of : Jammu and Kashmir

District: Kargil

Famous As: Scenic, Trekking

Languages Spoken: Ladakhi, Hindi

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Average Temperature at Zanskar: Summer 5 to 40°C, Winter -14 to 24°C

Altitude of Zanskar: 4950m

STD code of Zanskar: 01985

Often referred to as a lost land (little explored land), Zanskar is nestled in between the majestic Himalayan ranges, bestowed with perfidious countryside and a rigid life style. A devour of pretty landscape and cultural diversity, Zanskar is blessed by nature with pungent, therapeutic foliage and aromatic plants. Zanskar is divided in to three sub-regions of Sham, Stod and Lungnak. With its magnificient glaciers, deep woods, enchanting valleys and tedious trekking paths, Zanskar valley presents a enjoyable outlook of nature.

Buddhist Monastries in Zanskar

The picturesque land of Zanskar is a haven of thriving Buddhist monasteries, which displays elegant architecture and traditional richness. Spread over a vast expansion of 5000 square kilometers, this region is not accessible for most part of the year owing to the intense snowstorms. The peak stockades of this lost valley hold a number of very old but lively monasteries. Some of these establishments have revolved around secluded caverns that are used by celebrated Buddhist saints for protracted ruminations in search of enlightenment and knowledge.

Trekking in Zanskar

Highly acclaimed for its adventurous trekking paths, Zanskar offers wonderful opportunities in challenging activities, which could not be equated with anything else. The most spectacular trekking events in the entire world, The Chadar trek in Zanskar is to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The mesmerizing journey through the frozen Zanskar River is in fact a voyage to the heart of this isolated place. This impressive ramble pursues the conventional trading course through the Zanskar Ravine. This gorge, which is impenetrable throughout the summer, is sustenance to the outer world in the pits of winter.

Jeep Safari In Zanskar

The dash of escapades can be added by Jeep Safaris through the rough roads of this craggy yet eye-catching valley. Jeep safari through the remotest interiors of this great land would provide one with the exhilarating opportunity to intermingle with the locales. The natural beauty of an unspoiled landscape with breath taking scenery of marvelous glaciers makes a spectacular panorama.

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/.

Incredible India! Less Explored Destination: Adilabad - Andhra Pradesh

Fast Facts about Adilabad

Located in the State of : Andhra Pradesh

District: Adilabad

Famous for: Waterfall, Temple

Languages Spoken: Telugu, English and Hindi

Best Time to Visit Adilabad: October to March

Average Temperture at Adilabad: Summer 32 to 40°C, Winter 20 to 33°C

STD code of Adilabad: 08732

A less explored destination of India, Adilabad is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh just about 300 kms away from Hyderabad. Adilabad has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its natural and breathtaking scenery, and its calm and green surroundings. In fact, if you are looking is to relax after hectic schedule in office and home, Adilabad is a perfect getaway. Adilabad is visited by leisure travelers, family vacationers as well as adventure buffs in large numbers.

Besides sightseeing, you can indulge in leisure activities like bird watching and general trekking. You can even picnic in the forest cover, along with your family and can spend some quiet times alone, at peace. Adilabad is also located near two very prominent waterfalls that the region is famous for. These two waterfalls are the Pochera waterfall, and the Kuntala waterfall. The Kuntala waterfall is the highest waterfall in the entire state of Andhra Pradesh. The Pochera waterfall, on the other hand, is essentially a smaller waterfall, but the scenery around the falls is beautiful and you can experience some picture perfect moments with your family or friends here.

Best Time to visit Adilabad

The town of Adilabad has a tropical climate divided into seasons of summer, winter, and monsoon. Summers (April to June) are very hot, and travel during this time should be avoided. You can visit the town of Adilabad during the winter (October to January), as this is the best time to visit this place.

Adilabad experiences frequent rain showers during the monsoon season (July to September). These three months experience heavy rainfall. Make sure that you carry along proper raincoats and other monsoon gear if you’re planning to visit Adilabad during this time.

Place to See Around Adilabad

A visit to Adilabad gives you a wonderful chance to see the natural wonders and the religious sites as well. While visiting Adilabad you can explore the tourist attractions like Kadam Dam, Kuntala Waterfalls, Kawai Wildlife Sanctuary, Sivaram Wildlife Sanctury and Basar Sawarswati Temple.

How to Reach Adilabad

By Air: The nearest airports are located in Hyderabad and Nagpur. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is about 280 kms. away which is served by frequent domestic flights from all major cities of India.

By Rail: Adilabad has its own railway station, which is served by trains from rest of Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country.

By Road: Good motorable roads connect Adilabad with other parts of Andhra Pradesh and nearby states. Buses to Adilabad ply from all the nearby places, and the main center from where a lot of buses to Adilabad ply is from Hyderabad. The city of Hyderabad has regular buses to the town of Adilabad, including semi deluxe buses and deluxe buses. The buses that ply to the town of Adilabad are primarily non air conditioned, as not many air conditioned coaches are available in the region. Bus fares may vary from around Rs 200 to 250 for a deluxe and non air conditioned coach. Sleeper coaches that are available may charge more.

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/-.

Incredible India! Lansdowne: A Seculded Hill Station in Uttarakhand

Fastfacts about Lansdowne

Located in the State: Uttarakhand

District: Pauri Garhwal

Famous as: A Quaint Hill Station of North India

Local Languages: Garhwali & Hindi

Best Time to Visit: March to October

Are you looking for a quaint break in this summer away from the heat and mundane city life? If you answer affirmatively, then the small but beautiful hill station of Lansdowne in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand can be a perfect place for you. Little explored and blessed with unspoiled nature, soothing breeze and amazing surroundings, Lansdowne is a place for all including family vacationers, honeymooners, adventure seekers and groups. Lansdowne is located on the Kotware-Pauri Road at a height of 1,706 meters on a hillock. Lansdowne, named after its founder Lord Lansdowne, was the main base of independent movement activities of India during the British Raj.

Not only in summers, the hill station of Lansdowne is visited by tourists almost all through the year. The characteristic pleasant climate of Lansdowne makes the town very comfortable for vacationing tourists. In fact, Lansdowne is considered a gateway of romance, thanks to the natural comforts, nice accommodations, pleasant weather, calm environment and secluded atmosphere.

Lansdowne is surrounded by lusting greeneries of thick Oak woods and blue Pine forests. Magnificent views of snow covered mounts and forests, bracing cool air and unpolluted clean fresh atmosphere altogether make Lansdowne a perfect place for eco-tourism. The annual festival ‘Shardotsav’, celebrated during the season of autumn is a major attraction for the travelers to Lansdowne.

Things to Do & See in Lansdowne

The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is a prime attraction for the travelers to the hill station. Places of interest around the city include Tip-n-Top (Tiffin Top), Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary's Church, Lover's lane. The excursions from the hill town are Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi Temple, Bhim pakora(a stone which vibrates if touched).The Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized at this hill station during autumn season.

Jungle Safari in Lansdowne: The hill station of Lansdowne is surrounded by dense forest that offers an ideal setting for Jungle Safari. The Oak trees and blue pine woods make the landscape of Lansdowne challenging for the adventurous tourist. While on Jungle Safari you can see many wild flora and fauna. There are a number of tour agents who arrange the planned jungle safari at an affordable price in the forests surrounding the hill station of Lansdowne.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Set at a close distance from Lansdowne atop of a hill of height 2092 meters, this temple is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or SiddhaPitas. The main deity of Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is Lord Shiva and many devotees visit this ancient temple to offer prayers with the belief that the offerings here makes the wishes of the devotees be fulfilled. Mahashivarathri is celebrated annually with grandeur.

Kanvashram: This a sacred ashram located near Lansdowne hill station. Kanvashram is considered a gateway to Puri, the most sought temple town in India. This ashram is bordered by thick forests and hillocks, making it a beautiful place for feasting the eyes of tourists. A spectacular attraction nearby is the famous Malini River flowing near to this Ashram. This ashram bears mythological importance related to the Sage Kanvan.

Accommodation in Lansdowne: Good accommodation options are available in Lansdowne. You can stay at hotels, resorts or guest houses dotted across the town.

How to Reach Lansdowne: You can reach Lansdowne through Air, Rail and Road.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport in Dehradoon, which is about 100 kms. away. Jollygrant airport is connected to IGI Airport in New Delhi. Taxi services are available from Jollygrant Airport to Lansdowne and it costs about Rs. 2000. Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 235 km away from Lansdowne. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

By Train: Kotdwar Railway Station is the nearest railhead from Lansdowne, which is nearly 40 kms. away. You can hire a taxi from the railway station to Lansdowne that will cost you about Rs 750.

By Road: Good roads connect Lansdowne with New Delhi, and other major cities of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Newspapers of India

Since its inception the newspapers are considered to be the most authentic means of communicating facts and vital information to a large number of people. In fact, like other parts of world the newspapers in India have become synonymous with the morning tea or breakfast. A majority of the people love to start the day with a quick view on their favourite newspapers.

The history of first newspaper in India goes back to 1780 when The Bengal Gazette was started under the British Raj. Since then there has been no looking back of the newspapers. Even in the time of television, Internet, radio and mobile phones....newspapers have not lost their significance and still remain the most sought after means of communication for the masses.

The newspapers consist of current news related to political events, crime, business, sports, entertainment, culture and opinions. Besides these, the newspapers of India carry numerous information about the tourists exploring the vast country. The travelers visiting India can also get the interesting details about the tourist destinations and major attractions through special supplement circulated with the leading newspapers.

Types of Newspapers: Nowadays various types of newspapers are available in the market. Readers use to read the newspapers as per their choices and requirements. The most common types of newspapers available in the market include:

Daily Newspapers

Weekly Newspapers

National Newspapers

International Newspapers

Local Newspapers

Tabloid Newspapers

Fortnightly Newspapers

Major English Newspapers in India: In a survey conducted in 2007, India consumed 99 million newspaper copies as that made it the second largest market in the world for newspapers. As of now 40,000 different types of newspapers publish in India. Some of the popular newspapers are as follows:

Hindustan Times

The Times of India

The Asian Age

Deccan Chronicle

Deccan Herald

The Hindu

The Pioneer

The Telegraph

The Indian Express

DNA

Midday