Bastar - a little explored city in Chhattisgarh

Overview

Far from the glitz of ultra-modern world and annoying crowds of the bustling cities, Bastar is an unspoiled place flourishes with pristine natural beauty and warm-hearted tribals. A charming district in Chhattisgarh, Bastar is bestowed with precious natural gifts such as a beautiful landscape, dense forests, lush green hills, gushing waterfalls and streams, exotic floral and faunal species and natural caves. Besides the natural jewells, the vast and varied population of the tribes add more charm to the tribal territory of Bastar that is inhabited by major tribal sects like Gond, Abujmaria, Bhatra, Bisonhorn, Dhurvaa, Halba, Maria, Muria and Parja. Even today, the tribes of Bastar are not influenced from the fast developing world and follow the centuries old traditions. In fact, each tribal group of the district has its own distinct history, customs & traditions, and unique culture of music, dance, handicrafts, food and dress. While Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar is the major town of the district and houses many tourist spots, Nagarnar and Narayanpur are other important towns. A trip to Bastar is once in a lifetime experience, and it provides you a wonderful chance to observe the nature at its best. Once you are in Bastar surrender yourself completely to nature and enjoy the gratifying hospitality of simple but lively tribes. Don’t forget to participate in the local festivals or fairs, eating local tribal cuisines and shopping of tribal handicrafts.

Bastar

Fast Facts

Main languages: Chhattisgarhi as well as Hindi are widely spoken and understood by the locals.

When to go: Bastar boasts of a tropical climate marked by hot summers from April to June, rainy season between July and September and winters from December to January. The best time to visit the town is between October and March.

Local Transport: There are no specified modes of local transport to cover tourist attractions of Bastar. You can hire a private vehicle from the district headquarters Jagdalpur to explore the major spots. Government as well as private buses ply across Bastar region.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Chhattisgarh state in central India

Nearest Metropolis: Hyderabad 550 km away, Raipur 300 km away

STD Code: 07782

Eating

If you are fond of savoring exotic cuisines or wish to taste some never before tried dishes, then Bastar is a place for you. Most of the dishes of Bastar are mainly influenced from tribal cuisines and prepared with the extensive use of natural ingredients. You can visit the food outlets in Jagdalpur or a village market to savour the traditional dishes of Bastar. While on a holiday in Bastar eat as much as you can, and carry along some lifelong eating memories.

Shopping

Although Bastar region doesn’t have big shopping malls or complexes, but any trip to Bastar is incomplete without shopping of exotic handicrafts. The tribals of Bastar follow the old traditions and make a variety of items from wood, bamboo, terracota, cotton, wrought iron, betal metal, etc. Made from cotton, Kosa sari is a popular handicraft that you can buy as a souvenir for near and dear ones. Visit the handicraft shops situated at Jagdalpur and Kumharapara to buy traditional handicrafts of Bastar region. You can also visit the village markets to buy locally made objects.

Sightseeing

The district of Bastar has a wonderful assortment of ancient mythological (religious) sites, magnificent palaces, old caves, well managed museums and natural treasures. Once served as the headquarters of Bastar Kingdom, Bastar Palace is the prime attraction of Jagdalpur and provides a glimpse of the bygone era. Constructed by the erstwhile kings of Bastar, Danteshwari Temple is one of the major attractions of the district and dedicated to their family goddess Devi Danteshwari. Set beside Bastar Palace, Danteshwari Temple is a sacred place for both Hindus as well as tribals. Next, visit the museum situated inside the office of Anthological Survey of India and see the items linked to local tribes. Further, visit Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar lakes and later move outside Jagdalpur Tehsil. Looking like crescent moon in apperance, Chitrakoot Waterfalls is situated 38 km away from Jagdalpur. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in India, Chitrakoot is often called as the smaller form of the world renowned Nayagara waterfalls. Just 12 km away from Tokapal (Jagdalpur Tehsil) is Mandawa waterfalls, which is a must visit place for nature lovers. Chitradhara, approximately 19 km away from Jagdalpur is a beautiful waterfall that you can visit during Bastar trip. Close to Chitradhara there is another waterfall called Thamada Ghumar. Located 35 km away from Jagdalpur, Tirathgarh waterfalls can be reached through the state highway leading to Sukma. At a short distance from Tiratgarh waterfalls are Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa, approximately 38 km and 40 km away from Jadgalpur respectively. See the excellent Stalactites and Stalagmites formations in both the caves. Dhoomar is also a noted waterfall close to Jagdalpur and its beauty enhances during monsoon season. About 27 km away from Jagdalpur, Kanger Valley National Park is an excellent place to see tigers, bears, and many species of deer and reptile. Also visit Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and spot Chitals roaming in open grasslands and thick forests as well. Bhainsa Darha is a famous lake located 63 km away from Jagdalpur and abounds with crocodiles and tortoises. Further proceed towards Indravati National Park (approximately 200 km west of Jagdalpur) in Narainpur Tehsil and see tigers, wild buffaloes, nilgais, barking deer, flying squirrels and a variety of other animal species. Around 40 km north-west of Narainpur Tehsil is Kurschel Valley, which is known for its unparalleled beauty especially high rising trees and soothing environs.

Activities

Explore the waterfalls as well as wildlife areas of Bastar region and pass a good time. Both Chitrakoot waterfalls and Tiratgarh waterfalls have government run rest houses that offer accommodation facilities for families and groups as well. Besides a relaxing stay in the government rest houses, you can enjoy picnic with family or friends. Visit the tribal areas of Baster region and experience their unique lifestyles. Also enjoy the interesting tribal dance and music performed by males and females. Don’t miss to enjoy the cock-fight held at various places of the district almost every day. You can also visit the weekly haats (markets) of Bastar and pass a good time in buying traditional tribal handicrafts.

Events

Like other parts of Chhattisgarh, people of Bastar region also celebrate several festivals with great fanfare. You can observe the strong tribal influence in the celebration of local festivals and fairs. Dusshera is the most popular festival of Bastar and celebrated in quite different way. Interestingly, Dusshera in Bastar doesn’t mark the triumph of Lord Rama or defeat of demon Ravana, instead here the festival is fully devoted to Goddess Danteshwari and celebrated at grand level by all major tribes. Madai Festival is also celebrated by almost all tribal groups of Bastar. During the festival devotees gather under a sacred tree and sacrifice a goat to mother goddess. Besides this, people spend the night in dancing, eating, merry making and other interesting activities. Bhagoriya Festival is another famous festival of Bastar region, which is mainly celebrated by Bhil tribes and dedicated to the god of dance ‘Bhagoradev’. If you visit Baster during Bhagoriya Festival don’t miss the dance performed by young boys and girls of Bhil sect.

Nightlife

The district of Bastar doesn’t offer anything specific in the name of nightlife. However, the hotel (where you stay) can arrange a small party or get-together for you on request. You can participate in tribal festivals during which people perform dance and music till late night.  

Excursions

Once you cover the popular spots of Jagdalpur town don’t forget to take short excursions to nearby tourist attractions including picturesque waterfalls, wildlife parks and verdant valleys. Move to neighbouring district of Dantewada, about 82 km away from Jagdalpur to see ancient as well as historic temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari. Also cover the historic site of Barsur and two wildlife sanctuaries, namely Bhairamgarh and Pamed in Dantewada district.

Getting There

Air: The nearest airport is located in Raipur, which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Visakhapatnam. From the airport you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Bastar. Hyderabad Airport (550 km) is the nearest major airport from Bastar, and served by a number of domestic and international flights.

Rail: Jagdalpur Railway Station is the only railhead in Bastar and connected to Vishakhapatnam (320 km) by a passenger train. The nearest major railheads from Bastar are Satna (117 km) and Jhansi (175 km), both linked by many important places of the country.

Road: Good motorable roads including NH 49 and state highways connect district headquarters Jagdalpur with other parts of Bastar including Chhattisgarh and nearby states as well. 

Driving directions: From Raipur – Start from Raipur and head on east direction till you hit NH 200. Continue on NH 200 (approximately 2 km) and later on switch onto NH 43 that takes you to Jagdalpur by crossing Banarsi, Kurud, Dhamtari, Kanker and Kondagaon en-route (300 km, 8 hours approx.).

Recommended for:

Bastar is an ideal destination for singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers / family with children

Top 5 Must See

• Bastar Palace : A magnificent palace built by the rulers of Bastar state and provides a glimpse of rich past
• Danteshwari Temple: Constructed by the former rulers of Bastar the temple is dedicated to goddess Danteshwari
• Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa: The pitch-dark caves known for Stalactites and Stalagmites formations
• Chitrakoot Waterfalls: Situated 38 km away from Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot Waterfalls is an excellent picnic spot
• Kanger Valley National Park: To see a wide variety of animal species

Badrinath - the sacred place for Hindus

Overview

One of the four pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) of India, Badrinath is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Once served as the abode of Lord Vishnu and other Hindu gods, Badrinath was established as a pilgrimage site in the 9th century by Adi Shankara. In fact, Badrinath finds its description in mythological scriptures like Bhagavata Purana and legends dating back to more than 1000 years. Set between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges along the banks of Alaknanda River amidst pristine natural surroundings, Badrinath thrills visitors with its unparalleled beauty and pleasant cool climate. The lofty Neelkanth Peak raising above 6500 meters above sea level provides a magnificent backdrop to the quaint town of Badrinath. Besides the main shire of Badrinath dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the holy town houses many other spots of religious importance especially for Hindus. A trip to Badrinath not only purifies the soles of the devotees but it also provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a vacation in the lap of nature.

Badrinath

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Hindi along with Garhwali is widely spoken by the people of the town.

When to Go: Badrinath enjoys a pleasant soothing climate almost all through the year. Except in winters (November to February) when the mercury drops up to freezing point the maximum temperature during summers (March to June) and monsoon season (July to October) remains around 15 to 20 degree Celsius. You can visit Badrinath any time in the year, but the Badrinath Temple opens for devotes between May to mid November.

Local Transport: Because of hilly terrain you will not find public transport at Badrinath. You can drive through the narrow roads of Badrinath but it needs lots of expertise. Better cover the temples and other tourist attractions of the town on foot.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: On the banks of Alaknanda River in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand

Nearest Metropolis: New Delhi – 500 km away

Eating

Badrinath is an important pilgrimage town for Hindus and doesn’t offer a lavish eating experience to visitors. The area around the temple is dotted with small eating joints that serve vegetarian food. Most of the eateries offer limited choice from North Indian cuisine. You can savour some local delicacies of Uttarakhand as well. Remember non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are not permitted at the holy town of Badrinath. Also you should not expect about luxury restaurants or eateries at this small town.

Shopping

Although Badrinath is not a shopper’s paradise, but you can find some interesting items in the stalls around the temple. In fact, some of the objects can be bought as a souvenir for near and dear ones. Chinese goods especially electronic gadgets are sold at various spots of the town. Sacred threads, beautiful beads and bracelets, woollen garments, sea shells and ancient coins are some of the famous items found at Badrinath. You can also buy holy books and booklets on ‘Aarti’ and other related topics in the shops adjacent to temple. Haggling is very common at Badrinath so you are free to ask any desired price for the selected objects.

Sightseeing

Set at an altitude of about 3,133 metres above sea level, Badrinath Temple is the principal attraction of the holy town. A popular pilgrimage centre of Hindus, Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Since its construction in the ancient time the temple has undergone renovations several times. While the Kings of Garhwal expanded the temple in the 17th century, the Kings of Jaipur reconstructed it in 1803 after the major earthquake. An architectural masterpiece, Badrinath Temple looks like typical Buddhist temples. The 15 metre high temple has a small cupola on the top and covered with gold-gilt roof. The façade of the temple is built of stone and equipped with arched windows.

You can reach the temple through a broad stairway that leads up to the main arched gateway. Enter inside the mandapa (a large pillared hall with delicately carved walls and pillars) that leads further to the main shrine (garbha griha) which is adorned with the deity of Lord Vishnu. Darshan Mandap and Shobha Mandap are other two main portions of the temple. Besides the shrine of Lord Vishnu, the temple complex houses the shrine of goddess Lakshmi. You can see 15 other idols of different Hindu gods and goddess in the temple complex. Visitors to Badrinath spend maximum time inside the temple and worship the principal deities Vishnu and Lakhsmi.

Just outside the temple the surrounding natural beauty fascinate the visitors a lot. Enjoy a breathtaking view of snow-covered Neelkanth Peak (6,597 metre) the overlooks the Badrinath Temple and the town below. Fondly called the ‘Queen of Garhwal’, Neelkanth Peak is a favoured spot for devotees, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as well. Further visit Brahma Kapal Ghat, a flat platform along the banks of Alaknanada River. Located about 100 meters north of Badrinath shrine, Brahma Kapal Ghat is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma resided. Mata Murthy Temple, Charanpaduka, Sheshnetra, Tapt Kuna and Narad Kund are other places of religious significance at Badrinath. Also visit the Vasudhara Falls that cascades down from a height of 400 feet and amaze visitors with its unmatched charm and tranquil environs. Don’t forget to include Hemkund Sahib - a Sikh pilgrimage site located en-route to Badrinath in the itinerary of Badrinath tour.  

Activities

Badrinath offers a fine combination of leisure and adventure activities to visitors. Close to Badrinath Temple there is a hot spring, where you can take a dip. You can take nature walks or treks along the beautiful countryside and experience the nature at its best. Take a trek up to Vasudhara Waterfall approximately 8 km away from Badrinath. You can cover first 3 km by a car or bus up to Mana Village. Later on a 5 km trek takes you to the serene waterfall. Pass relaxing moments along the fall and also meet with the locals. You can see a small water stream at Mana Village which is believed to be the source of mythological river Saraswati.

Events

Badrinath is inhabited by around 1000 – 1500 people who celebrate a number of festivals every year. Besides religious and regional festivals the people of the town organise few special events including fairs. Among the Hindu festivals, Janmashtami (July / August) is celebrated by the locals with great pomp and gaiety. Kedar-Badri Utsav is a major cultural event organised during May / June. The fair of Mata Mruti is held in the month of September that showcases numerous interesting rituals and celebrations.

Nightlife

After the sunset the town of Badrinath virtually sleeps and you need to confine yourself within your hotel premises. Badrinath doesn’t offer anything exciting or happening to do in the evening. Only during the tourist season between May and November the area around the temple remains open in the evening for few hours. Don’t try to explore the far-off areas after the sunset as it may be dangerous.

Excursions

After exploring the temple and other attractions of Badrinath, you can pay a visit to nearby tourist destinations. Situated at a distance of about 30 km, Auli is a famous skiing destination and thronged by adventure seekers and discerning travellers in large numbers. Visit Auli to enjoy skiing along the snow-covered slopes. You can take basic training on Skiing at the government run skiing institute in Auli. Valley of Flowers (75 km) is a picturesque destination that deserves a visit. Away from the bustling cities, Valley of Flowers is like a heaven and provides natural habitat to a variety of floral and faunal species. Pauri (195 km), Kedarnath (210 km) and Gangotri (250 km) are other destinations that can be explored besides Badrinath.

Getting There

Air: The nearest airport from Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport which is located close to Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport is served by limited flights from Delhi. Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airways and Jet Airways offer flight services between Delhi and Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis / cabs are available at Jolly Grant Airport for Badrinath that costs around Rs. 3500 – 4000.

Rail: Badrinath doesn’t have its own railway station, the nearest railheads are situated at Haridwar (315) and Kotdwar (335 km). Both these stations are connected to Delhi by a number of trains. After reaching at the railway station you can take a cab or tourist bus for Badrinath.

Road: Badrinath is linked with the many cities of North India such as Rishikesh, Haridwar and New Delhi by public and private buses. You can take a luxury or deluxe tourist bus from New Delhi to Badrinath that charges about Rs 800 – 1000 per passenger.

Driving directions: From New Delhi – Start from Anand Vihar and take a left on Ghazipur Road that takes you to NH 24 (Grand Trunk Road). Drive on NH 24 and further switch on to Meerut Road (NH 58) that takes yout to Badrinath crossing Muzaffarnagar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Auli en-route (500 km, 16 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Top 5 Must See

Badami - a quaint town in Karnataka

Overview

Earlier known as Vatapi is a historic town (taluk) situated in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Once served as the capital of Chalukya Kingdom (between 6th century AD to 8th century AD), Badami is now a quaint town and draws discerning tourists, religious mind people, historians, art lovers and architect lovers. Badami is the place where the Chalukyas started a new type of architecture called Dravidian architecture ((a blend of older South Indian temple construction and the Nagara style of North India) that later became a source of inspiration for architectural styles of the region.

Besides Chalukyas, Badami was ruled by many dynasties whose rulers built several forts, temples and impressive monuments. Badami abounds with major attractions like magnificent cave temples, ruined fortresses, beautiful carvings and much more. A trip to Badami virtually takes you back to old era and offers a chance to see the unique architectural and sculptural styles. The wonderful location of Badami in a tranquil valley at the base of a rugged, red sedimentary outcrop surrounding Agastya Lake, and excellent shopping opportunities of local handicrafts and sandalwood items altogether makes a holiday in Badami a memorable experience.

Badami Cave Temples

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Kannada along with English and Hindi.

When to Go: The climate of Badami is characterised by four seasons, namely winter (November to January), spring (January to March), summer (April to June) and monsoon (July to October). During the summer season the mercury level remains over 40 degree Celsius most of the time, while the winter and spring seasons are quite comfortable. November to February is the best time to visit Badami.

Local Transport: Rickshaws and tongas are the modes of local transport in Badami.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Bagalkot district in Karnataka

Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore – 450 km away

Eating

Don’t expect about luxurious restaurants at the small town of Badami. The eateries and food stalls in and around Badami serve traditional South Indian dishes at cheap rates. You may also find North Indian and other Indian cuisines at some eating joints.

Shopping

Although there are no huge shopping malls or shopping centres in Badami, but the town offers delightful shopping experience to visitors. The town of Badami is dotted with many small shops that mainly deal in handicraft items and rugs. Explore the shops and see a beautiful collection of attractive objects made from sandalwood and rosewood. Take your pick from a variety of items that you can be a souvenir for your near and dear ones. Jewelleries, handlooms, sandalwood sculptures, paintings, inlay work, wood carvings, metal lamps, perfumes, sandalwood oil and incense sticks are some of the must buy in Badami. Most of the shops in Badami offer a little bit of haggling, so don’t hesitate to ask your desired price.

Sightseeing

Because of its historic connection, the tourist attractions in Badami mainly revolve around ruined fortresses, massive gateways, amazing cave temples and beautiful carvings. Begin your sightseeing expedition in Badami from the massive cave temples that can be reached by taking a climb of about 2000 steps. Actually carved out a hill, the three caves represent the Brahmanical faith, while the fourth cave represents the Jain faith. Lord Shiva as Nataraja with 18 arms is the presiding deity of the first cave. The second cave shows Lord Vishnu as presiding deity, who is portrayed as a dwarf form of Trivikrama. Lord Vishnu is the holy deity of third cave and shown in various forms. The fourth cave is dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras.

Further visit the 18th century Tipu’s Fort, situated atop the same hill in which the cave temples had been carved. While heading towards Tipu’s Fort, you can see some exquisite carvings. Next pay a visit to noted temples of Badamai, namely Bhootnath Temple and Banashankri Temple. A brilliant masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture, Bhootanath Temple actually comprises two temples both dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples are situated against magnificent backdrop along the lake and have impressive sculptures and Jain figures.

Just 5 km away from Badami is Banashankari Temple that deserves a visit. Believed to be constructed in the 17th century by the Chalukyas of Kalyan, Banashankari Temple houses the black stone statue of Goddess Parvathi seated on a lion. Every year during the Hindu months of Pusha - Magha (January – February) the car festival is organised at Banashankari Temple, which draws large number of devotes and common people.

Set at the foothills of the northern hill, Badami Museum is another must visit place which was established in 1979. Badami Museum has four galleries and encompasses a fine collection of pre-historical stone equipments, sculptures and other interesting items dating between 600 AD and 1600 AD. You can also see impressive exhibits of Lord Shiva and Vishnu inside the museum. Badami Museum is open all weekdays (except Fridays) from 10 am to 5 pm.

Activities

Leisurely walk is the most popular among the visitors to Badami. In fact, you have to cover the popular destinations of the town on foot. The red sandstone cliffs of Badami offer excellent opportunities for leisure activities like climbing and bouldering. Badami has more than 150 bolted routes and multiple routes that are ideal for free climbing.

Events

The people in Badami and nearby areas celebrate a number of festivals and events every year. Hindu festivals like Dusshera and Deepawali (October / November) are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. Some specific local (temple) festivals are also celebrated in Badami. Banashankari Temple is the venue of annual temple festival (January – February) that showcases massive festivities including huge processions. Vinayak Chaturthi (September) is also an important festival of Badami. Almost all the festivals and events in Badami provide a fine glimpse of the old traditions and customs. Plan a trip to Badami during noted festivals and events, and become a part of the traditional festivities.

Nightlife

Badami is a small temple town and offers nothing special to do in the night. If you wish, you can ask your hotelier to arrange a bonfire within the hotel premises.

Excursions

After exploring the tourist hotspots of Badami take excursions to cover nearby attractions. Pay a visit to the town of Aihole, situated in the western side of Badami. Renowned as the birthplace of Hindu stone architecture, Aihole is home to around 125 temples that are noted for their unique construction styles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is about 30 km away from Badami and thronged by visitors in large numbers. Set on the left bank of Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is home to attractions like Virupaksha Temple and Banashankari Temple. Hubli (100 km), Bijapur (135 km), Amboli (200 km) and Goa (210 km) are other famous tourist destinations close to Badami. You can combine your Badami tour with state capital Bangalore (460 km) or the city of Mangalore (450 km).

Getting There

Air: Belgaum Airport, approximately 150 km away is the nearest airport from Badami, but currently the airport is not served by scheduled flights. Dabolim Airport in Goa (200 km approx) is the nearest major airport, which is served by many flights from various parts of the country and few international destinations as well. From Dabolim Airport hire a private vehicle (taxi / car) to reach Badami. Bangalore Airport (460 km) is another option, from where you can reach Badami by taking a taxi or bus.

Rail: The nearest major railhead is located in Hubli, about 100 km away from Badami. Hubli Railway Station is connected by express trains to many important cities of the country. There is also a small railway station close to Badami, which is just 5 km away but has very few trains.

Road: KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) and private operators offer bus service to and from Badami at frequent intervals. Tourist buses also ply daily from many cities like Bangalore and Mangalore to Badami.

Driving directions: From Bangalore – Start from Brigade Road and proceed towards NH 7 (Shri Chowdaiah Road). Continue till you reach CV Raman Road (NH 4) and take a right on NH 13 at Chitradurga. Further take a left on SH 30 to reach Badami (460 km, 12 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Top 5 Must See

Cave Temples: Pay a visit to amazing cave temples that are carved out from a hill.

Bhootnath Temple: Actually a group of two temples, Bhootnath Temple is a fine specimen of South Indian Temple architecture.

Banashankari Temple: Built in the 17th century, Banashankari Temple has mythological as well as architectural significances.

Tipu’s Fort: Situated at the top of a hill that fort provides a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

Open Air Museum: Established in 1979, the museum has a vast collection of ancient sculptures and equipments.

Art lovers, architect lovers, historians and temple lovers.

Agartala - the capital of Tripura

Overview

Tucked in north-eastern part of India, Agartala is the capital of Tripura state. With its strategic location close to the neighbouring country of Bangladesh, Agartala enjoys a special place in India’s political map. A historic place, Agartala rose to prominence in the 19th century, when Maharaja Krishna Manikya declared the city his capital. The magnificent palaces, architectural masterpieces, temples and churches altogether display the rich past of the city. Nature has blessed the charming city with rich and varied flora & fauna, lush hills, picturesque lakes, pleasant atmosphere and unmatched beauty. Agartala is a major commercial centre of the region and serves a major market for rice, tea, oilseed and other ingredients. Agartala is a cultural melting pot of the region and home to people of diverse cultures. Experience the unique culture of the region in the lifestyle of locals including eating habits and dress senses. Fairs and festivals also provide a fine glimpse of the varied culture and traditions. The rich heritage of cane and bamboo handicrafts also adds more charm to the city of Agartala. Get ready for a holiday in Agartala, where many hidden jewells are waiting for you.

Agartala

Fast Facts

Main languages: Bengali is widely spoken and used in Agartala by locals along with Tripuri language ‘Kokborok’. Manipuri, Chakma, Nepali and basic Hindi are also spoken.

When to go: Agartala experiences a moderate climate all round the year that makes it ideal to visit any time. Summers (April to July) are pleasant with maximum temperature touches a high of 35 degree Celsius, while monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rains. Winter season (October to March) is also pleasant with temperature dips to a low of 5 degree Celsius. October to March is the best time to visit Agartala. 

Local Transport: Cycle rickshaws are main mode of local transport in Agartala. Auto-rickshaws locally called ‘tempu’ also ply in specific routes of the city. Buses are also available for long routes and day trips to nearby places. 

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: North-East India, along the banks of Haora River

Nearest Metropolis: Guwahati - 510 km away, Kolkata – 1680 km away

Eating

Like the normal lifestyle, the cuisine of Agartala is also highly influenced from the Bengali culture. Fish dominates in almost all the meals and served with boiled rice. Despite the strong influence of Bengali cuisine, Tripuri cuisine also flourishes in Agartala. Like Bengali cuisine, fish and rice are the main components of Tripuri cuisine. Locally called as ‘Berma’, the dried ‘puthi’ fish is used as a spice in most of the Tripuri dishes. Bamboo shoots, ginger, green chili and other natural ingredients are also used for the preparation of local dishes. Generally the Tripuri dishes are prepared without the use of oil. Some of the popular Tripuri dishes are Awandru, Bwtwi, Chakhwi, Chakhwtwi, Chatang, Deng, Gudok, Mosodeng, Peng, Rabra, Ser, Sok and Yohk. Many restaurants in Agartala serve traditional Tripuri dishes along with Bengali dishes.

Shopping

If you are a discerning shopper and wish to buy something for yourself or near and dear ones, then Agartala is a perfect place for you. In fact, Agartala is a paradise for avid shoppers and offers a vast collection of traditional handicrafts along with other interesting objects. The forestland of Tripura produces bamboo and wood in large quantity that have been used as the raw material for manufacturing of the handicrafts. Besides these, clay and palm leaves are also used by the local craftsmen for making exquisite artifacts. The bamboo and cane handicrafts of Agartala can be used to decorate the home interiors. Explore the markets of Agartala to buy the bamboo or cane made objects like floor mats, tablemats, room dividers, decorated lampshades, wall panels and furniture (sofa sets, baby chairs garden chairs, tables, morah and apple morah). You may also pick up hand-woven fabrics available in a variety of designs and colors. ‘Travel Agartala’ – a government run shop is a perfect place to buy authentic artifacts at reasonable prices. You may also visit the private shops in the main market area that offer a wide array of items including traditional handicrafts.

Sightseeing

The city of Agartala houses plenty of attractions in its small area that include magnificent palaces, important Hindu and Buddhist temples, massive churches, wonderful museums, picturesque natural lakes, and beautifully managed parks and gardens. Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901, Ujjayanta Palace is a two storied building and now operational as the state legislative assembly. Just one km from Ujjayanta Palace is Kunjaban Palace also called Pushbanta Palace, which is perched atop a hillock called ‘Kunjaban’. The palace is now the official residence of Governor of Tripura and houses well laid gardens. The southern side of the garden is named as ‘Rabindra Kanan’ and is open for public. Malancha Niwas is another attraction close to Kunjaban Palace and deserves a visit. After covering the palaces, move towards the temples situated in the Palace Compound. Laxmi Narayan Bari Temple and Durga Bari Temple are the main temples of the Palace Compound. Jagannath Temple, Venuban Vihar, Buddha Mandir and Umamaheswar Temple are other noted temples of Agartala. Next, visit the churches of Agartala such as Agartala Baptist Church and Agartala City Baptist Church. After visiting the temples and churches, visit Tripura Government Museum to see an excellent collection of rare images, sculptures and other interesting objects. Located in the heart of city, Sukanta Academy is a science museum and houses a small planetarium. Puratan Agartala, Tripura University, Maharaja Bir Bikram College, New Capital Complex, Akhaura Checkpost, Nazrul Kalakshetra, Agartala Railway Station and Gedu Miar Masjid are other places of tourist interest in Agartala.

Activities

Usually the visitors to Agartala spend relaxing moments amidst tranquil natural surroundings. However, if you are looking for some leisure options then take a stroll and cover the major spots of the city. With leisurely walks, you can burn extra calories from your body and easily explore the city. Rose Valley Amusement Park is a famous leisure spot in Agartala and thronged by tourists as well as locals in large numbers. You can indulge in a variety of leisure activities in the amusement park. Nehru Park and Children’s Park are also ideal spots to spend relaxing moments with family members and friends. Enjoy boating in the lakes of Agartala along with magnificent view of the surroundings. If you wish to experience some high adrenaline adventure activities, then undertake short to long treks to the hills around Agartala. Wildlife safari in nearby wildlife sanctuaries is also a good leisure option.

Events

Agartala is a happening city and celebrates many festivals round the year that draw a large number of tourists as well as pilgrims. Hindu population predominates in Agartala and most the festivals revolve around Hindu traditions. Agartala is dominated by the Bengalis and Bengali culture flourishes in the city. Like West Bengal, in Agartala too the festival of Durga Puja (October / November) is celebrated at a large scale with great fanfare. Along with Durga Puja, the Bengali culture can also be observed in the celebration of Saraswati Puja. Holi also called ‘Rong Khela’ and Kali Puja (Diwali) are other famous Hindu festival of Agartala. The city of Agartala also has a fair population of the native Tripuri people, who celebrates several regional as well as religious festivals that display rich culture and traditions. Kharchi Festival (July), Garia and Gajan Festival (April), Charak Puja (April), Ashokastami Festival (April), Ratha Jatra (June), Manasa Mangal (August) and Rasha Festival (November) are some of the famous ethnic Tripuri festivals celebrated in Agartala. Eid-ul-Fitr and Christmas are other important religious festivals celebrated in Agartala by Muslims and Christians respectively. The state tourism department organizes several special events in Agartala every year. The year begins with the annual Book Fair in Agartala that provides a good opportunity to buy books at discounted rates. The birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (January 23) is also celebrated at a grand level in Agartala with colourful processions and parades in the morning hours on the streets. Rabindra / Nazrul Jayanti (May) is another important day celebrated in Agartala.  

Nightlife

Nightlife options are not available in Agartala and you have to remain stuck inside your hotel in the nights. But you can make your nights happening by attending special programmes organised across the city. During winters ‘Kirtans’ (special religious musical programmes) are organised at the major spots of the city that go till the early hours of the morning. You can pass the night by attending a Kirtan Party and enjoy the re-mix of the filmi songs in religious themes sung by the chorus. A classical dance form, ‘Raas’ is also performed at Radha Madhav Temple in Agartala each year during the full moon night of the Hindu month ‘Aghrayan’ to mark the love of Lord Krishna for his consort Radha. During the festival, the local artists dressed up in traditional attire dance around the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha all through the night.

Excursions

Agartala itself has plenty of natural and man-made attractions to enthrall the visitors. But a short trip to nearby places increases the excitement of the trip many folds. A calm and serene lake, Damboor Lake is thronged by nature lovers, adventure seekers as well as leisure travelers from Agartala. Damboor Lake offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in water sports activities along with other entertainment options. Known as the ‘mother of the tribals of Tripura’, Raima Valley is a famous tourist spot and abounds with well laid-out gardens and plantations.  Situated at a distance of 35 km from Agartala, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary provides shelter to a wide range of wildlife, avian species as well as primates. Spread over an area of 18.5 sq km, the Wildlife Sanctuary has five distinct sections, namely Carnivores Section, Primate Section, Reptile Section, Ungulate Section and Aviary Section. The wildlife sanctuary also has Abasarika and Amrit Sagar lakes that offer boating facilities. Close to Agartala, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is another famous wildlife sanctuary and home to interesting animal, plant and birds species. Also pay a visit to Gondacherra Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can completely surrender yourself to unspoiled atmosphere and experience the nature at its best. Explore the wildlife sanctuary and see the animals in their natural habitat. Constructed in 1930 as the summer resort for the King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, Neermahal or Water Palace (50 km away from Agartala) is an Engineering marvel and presents a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architectures. Located 175 km from Agartala, Unakoti is known for housing exquisite rock cut carvings and stone images. Although located at a distance of 240 km from Agartala, but Jampui Hill deserves a visit due to treasure trove of a variety of Orchids, oranges and unmatched natural beauty. Jampui Hill is the highest hill range in the state bordering Mizoram. The rock cut carvings and stone images at Deotamura (75), Pilak (100 km) and Unakoti (175) are also considered among must visit places around Agartala.

Getting There

Air: Agartala Airport is connected to Kolkata and Guwahati by daily flight. The airport also has flights from Delhi and Chennai via Kolkata. Auto-rickshaws are available from the airport to various places of the city.

Rail: Agartala Railway Station is linked with a metro gauge line with Assam. Lumding Agartala Express plies everyday between Lumding (a railway station on Guwahati – Dibrugarh route) and Agartala. The train journey between Lumding and Agartala takes around 16 hours. Kumarghat (160 km) and Dharmanagar (200 km) are the nearest railway stations from Agartala. You can hire a taxi from these railway stations that costs about Rs 2500 – 3000.

Road: NH 44 connects Agartala with other parts of Tripura and neighbouring state of Assam and Meghalaya. Direct bus services are available from Guwahati (510 km), Silchar (279 km) and Shillong (475 km) to Agartala.

Driving directions: From Guwahati – drive South on Assam Trunk Road (NH 37) till you reach NH 40. After crossing Shillong and Jaintia Hills proceed onto Agartala – Assam Highway (NH 44) that takes you to Agartala (15 hours, 510 km).

Recommended for:

Agartala is an ideal place for all types of travelers such as singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers and family with children

Top 5 Must See

• Ujjayanta Palace: the palace of erstwhile Tripura Kings and now the state legislative assembly
• Kunjaban Palace: a marvelous monument providing a glimpse of the bygone era
• Jagannath Temple:  a Hindu temple of Vaishnava school of thought
• Tripura State Museum: to see a rich collection of rare artifacts
• Jampui Hill: home to a variety of orchids and oranges

Vijaypur - a secluded hill station in Uttarakhand

From Delhi – 475 km

From Ranikhet – 120 km

From Kathgodam – 214 km

Overview – 

Far from the maddening crowds, Vijaypur is perfect place to enjoy a peaceful vacation amidst unspoiled natural environs. Vijaypur is situated atop a 2,050 mtr high ridge, overlooking the picturesque Himalayan range. A secluded place, Vijaypur offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Nanda Kot, Neel Kanth, Hathi Parvat, Panchchuli, Trishul and Appi (Annapurna). The town is flanked by a magnificent valley dotted with small hamlets, where people live a relaxed life and no one seems to be in a hurry!  

Vijaypur

Don’t Miss – 

When in Vijaypur enjoy the nature at its best. Watch the sunrise on Nanda Kot…a splendid sight. 

Getting There –

By Rail- Kathgodam railway station (214 km) is the nearest railhead from Vijaypur. Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express run between Delhi and Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, take the road to reach Vijaypur, approximately seven hours away.

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 24 to reach Rampur and then turn left for Bilaspur. Move straight through Rudrapur to Haldwani and take NH 87 for Nainital to reach Almora. From there, take the road leading to Bageshwar via Ayar Puni and take a right on the State Highway to Vijaypur via Kanda.

Yamunotri - the sacred dham of Hindus

From Delhi – 487 km

From Dehradun – 172 km

From Rishikesh – 213 km

Overview – 

Perched at an elevation of 3,293 mtr above sea level, Yamunotri is the source of the sacred River Yamuna. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri is one of the four (char) sacred dhams (places) according to Hindu mythology. According to Hindu mythology, it was the home of an ancient sage - Asit Muni. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the holy shrine here, which remains open between May and November. Yamunotri lies on the western side of the Bandarpunch Mountain (6,315 mtr) close to the Indo-China border. The Yamunotri Temple dedicated to goddess Yamuna and the hot water springs in the vicinity are the major attractions of this pilgrimage destination.  

Yamunotri

Don’t Miss – 

A dip in hot springs and cooking rice in its water are popular rituals performed by the devotees at Yamunotri. Surya Kund, an important thermal spring and Divya Shila, a huge rock pillar are other attractions. Jankichatti located 7 km from Yamunotri is famous for its hot water springs. Hanumanchatti - the confluence of River Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga, at a distance of 13 km, is the starting point for the thrilling Dodi Tal Trek.

Getting There –

Rail – Dehradun (172 km) and Rishikesh (213 km) are the nearest railheads from Yamunotri. Both these railway stations are linked to Delhi by a number of express trains. 

Road – From Delhi, take NH 58 to reach Rishikesh, via Modinagar and Roorkee. The journey takes around 6 hours. From Rishikesh, a 213 km road journey takes one to Hanumanchatti, where the motorable road ends. From here, one has to cover the 13 km trek either on foot or on ponies. Porters and palanquins are available on hire and the route passes through rugged mountains and dense forests. 

Vapi - the industrial town in Southern Gujarat

From Mumbai – 193 km

From Surat – 100 km

Overview - 

Vapi is an industrial town in southern Gujarat, approximately 28 km south of district headquarters Valsad. A fast growing city, Vapi is home to large number of industries such as chemicals, dyes, food products, glass, paints, paper, plastics, pharmaceuticals, packaging, rubber, textiles and woods. Set on the banks of Damanganga River, Vapi serves as a base to visit the union territory of Daman. From Vapi, taxis and auto-rickshaws to Daman are available at regular intervals. 

Vapi Beach

Don’t Miss – 

Hardly 13 km from the industrial township of Vapi, the union territory of Daman is a favourite gateway for vacationers. Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, Daman welcomes discerning holidaymakers with soothing winds, clean white sands, tranquil environs, magnificent forts and massive churches.   

Getting There –

Rail – Vapi Railway Station is under the administrative control of Western Railways. Several intercity express trains connect Vapi with Ahmedabad and Mumbai, including the Shatabdi Express.

Road – Vapi is connected by NH 8 with Mumbai, Surat and other important places of Gujarat. 

Vadodara - the City of Culture

From Mumbai – 448 km

From Ahmedabad – 113 km

Overview - 

Earlier known as Baroda, Vadodara is often referred to as the Sayaji Nagari (Sayaji’s City) or Sanskari Nagari (The City of Culture). Situated on the banks of the River Vishwamitri, Vadodara is famous for the picturesque Laxmi Vilas Palace and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. A historic city, Vadodara abounds with magnificent buildings, temples and monuments, old museums and well-maintained gardens. Besides a cultural and educational centre of Gujarat, the city is also home to big industries, shopping malls and multiplexes. 

A historical monument in Vadodara

Don’t Miss - 

Built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890, Laxmi Vilas Palace is a splendid Indo – Saracenic style building and a must visit place in Vadodara. The royal family’s residence has a well-ornate Darbar Hall and elegant walls with mosaic decorations. Laxmi Vilas Palace complex sprawling over 700 acres, houses several buildings including the Moti Baug Palace and Maharaj Fateh Singh Musuem which has a fine collection of old armoury and bronze sculptures. Other important places to visit in the city are Baroda Museum, Aurobindo Society, Kirti Mandir, Nazarbaug Palace, Makarpura Palace and Sayajibaug. 

Getting There –

Train – Vadodara Railway Station is a major rail head on the Mumbai – Delhi and Mumbai – Ahmedabad routes, served by several superfast and express trains.

Road – Take the NH 8 from Mumbai, passing through Navsari and Bharuch to reach Vadodara. The city is also connected through Indian National Expressway – 1 (97 km) with Ahmedabad.  

Uttarkashi – the sacred place for Hindus

From Delhi – 385 km

From Haridwar – 175 km 

Overview – 

Set at an elevation of 1,352 mtr above sea level, Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. The picturesque town, situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River, also draws adventure seekers in large numbers. Uttarkashi is home to several temples and ashrams, with Lord Vishwanath Temple being the most important. Other noted temples of the town are Gyaneshwar Temple, Bhairav Temple and Ekadash Rudra Temple. Every year on the occasion of ‘Magh Mela’ (January 14), devotees visit the town to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi River. 

Uttarkashi

Don’t Miss – 

Located 5 km from Uttarkashi, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering offers training in mountaineering to adventure enthusiasts. From the town, also pay a visit to Kuteti Devi Temple, perched atop a hill, about 1.5 km away. You may also take leisurely walks along the picturesque trails, leading to temples and ashrams in the vicinity. 

Getting There –

Train – Rishikesh railway station (170 km) is the major railhead close to Uttarkashi. From Delhi, a number of trains run to Rishikesh. From there, you have to travel by road to reach Uttarkashi, approximately six hours away. 

Rail – From Delhi, drive on NH 58, which takes you to Rishikesh via Modinagar and Roorkee. The journey should take you 6 hours. After crossing Rishikesh town, leave NH 58 and take a left turn towards NH 94. Further, NH 94 takes you to NH 108, which is directly connected to Uttarkashi. As the roads from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi pass through hilly terrain, the journey may take five to six hours.   

Thane - the suburb of Mumbai

From Mumbai – 35 km

Overview – 

Thane, literally meaning ‘station’ in Marathi, is an industrial town situated on Salsette Island, northeast of Mumbai. Set on the banks of Thane creek, the city is flanked by Yeour Hill and Parsik Hill, on the west and east respectively. Due to its strategic location, the city is a major hub of economic activity and is home to several industries. Thane is dotted with around 30 big and small lakes, making a perfect getaway for people living in Mumbai and nearby areas. Visitors throng the city to enjoy a pleasant break from their busy schedules.

Thane, Mumbai

Don’t Miss – 

While in Thane, visit the Masunda Talao, also called Talao Pali. Considered the most beautiful lake in the city, it offers excellent boating and water scooter facilities. Also visit Upavan Lake, another scenic lake in Thane to refresh yourself.  

Getting There –

Train – Thane railway station is an important railhead of the Central Railways and served by almost all trains running on the Konkan Railway route from Mumbai.  

Road – From Mumbai, a regular bus service to Thane is available at frequent intervals. You may also hire a local taxi from Mumbai to reach Thane.

Air – Mumbai airport is approximately 25 km from Thane, which is connected by numerous flights from important cities of the country. From the airport taxis are available to Thane, the journey takes around 30 minutes.