Tag: India

Visit Kochi to feel the Wonders of the Old World

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The first European colony in colonial India, Kochi was occupied by the Portuguese from 1503 to 1530 and operated as the seat of power till then. This jewel of the Arabian Sea was an important spice trading center from the 14th century on the west coast of India, a tradition which exists till now. Kochi is home to a lot of historical monuments like the St. Francis Church built in 1503 is the oldest European church in India or the Pallipuram Fort which was also built in 1503 and still exists, earning it the title of being amongst the oldest existing European forts in India. Kochi is the personification of the saying ‘old is gold’.

How to reach Kochi

The first and foremost way most people look for is air travel and Kochi, with its Cochin International Airport (which is the world’s fully solar energy powered airport), is responsible for both the international and domestic flights. Availing tickets from far off places like Dubai to Kochi flights, New York to Kochi flights, Toronto to Kochi flights and more are easy.

Roads connect Kochi to its neighboring cities and states with ease since it is a node on the north-south corridor of the national highway system

Kochi is serviced by 4 major railway stations, namely the Ernakulam Junction, Aluva and Tripunithura, Ernakulam Town and Edapally and Kalamassery.

Things to do in Kochi

Surely people would love to explore the city and find out where they can entertain themselves in ways which are uniquely Kochi. So here’s a small compiled list:

  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Everyone must have heard how these are only seen in Kochi apart from in China. What’s so special about fishing nets that it deserves a special mention? Well, these fishing nets are fixed in land and have to operate by a lift so that fishing can be done. Not to mention that these are proof of once good ties between China and India.
  • Dal Roti: People from North India would surely love this place, as the name suggests and to its merit, earning a name as a restaurant serving North Indian food is not easy in a South Indian state. This place, with its laid-back ambiance and wooden tables, is popular for its parathas and Kati rolls. If anyone wants to experience homely, delicious, North Indian food then this is the place to go.
  • Elephant Training Centre: The unspoiled village or Kodanad is where the stranded baby and adult elephants are trained. Most hotels are successful in arranging trips to the village but if a more intimate experience is on the mind then going before eight will be advisable since then visitors will be able to lend a hand in giving a wash to the elephants. Watching these big animals roll around like babies is truly a pleasure to watch.

Kochi is a place which is rich in spicy aroma and old world architectural charm, combined with hospitable people. Visitors will enjoy getting soaked in the cultural and historical aura of the place.

Take the Road Trip of a Lifetime: Wayanad Guide

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Kerala is immensely popular for the holy trinity formed by Munnar, Kochi, and Allepey, thrusting Wayanad into the shadows. This is a good thing as it saves the place from experiencing a tourist stampede.

The area experiences decent tourist traffic with great hotels in Wayanad, but it is still considered as an off-the-beaten destination in Kerala. Are you thinking of a road trip? Then, Wayanad has the perfect balance of sports, hiking, adventures, and sightseeing to make the trip a once in a lifetime event.

The Travel Basics

One of the very first things you should know before you set out to Wayanad is that it’s not a town or a city, it is actually a northern Kerala district. The area is largely covered by forest and is located in the southern end of Deccan plateau.

In addition, you also need to know that visiting Wayanad means that you will be visiting either Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta (Wayanad’s capital) or Mananthavady towns. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be able to sample all that Wayanad has to offer you in a single weekend. So, carefully choose what you really need to see and do!

Planning Your Trip

Unless you intend on visiting the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, you should make Kalpetta your base. Kerala and Karnataka State Government buses can take you there from Bangalore and Mysore. There are no airports in Wayanad district, but you can use those in Kozhikode or Bangalore.

One of the best things about Wayanad is that it offers visitors an excellent local network of buses that are both frequent and very cheap. In fact, you can visit just about any tourist destination on public transport – the perfect solution for the solo backpacker.

Top Attractions in Wayanad

Sulthan Bathery is what can be considered as Wayanad’s gateway town, and the best location to stay if you intend on visiting the Mathunga Wild Life Sanctuary. The town’s name means the place where the king stationed his ammunition and army. Some of the top things to do and see in Sulthan Bathery include:

  • The Jain Temple
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Edakkal Caves

Kalpetta town offers you a bittersweet symphony of life that includes attractions like:

  • Chembra Peak, which looks over the Wayanad territory – but you’ll need permission and tickets from the forest department
  • The Banasura Dam, which also happens to be India’s largest earth dam and number two in Asia

Mananthavady town is home to Paskhipatalam, which is a protected forest area as well as a sanctuary for several bird species. The park is located in the Brahmagiri hills and is only 8km from Thirunelli, allowing you to enjoy two activities in a single itinerary item. Trekking reveals sweeping views of the Nilgiri hills as you pass through clear water streams, wild grass, and pristine forests.

The Thirunelli temple is another noteworthy ancient place of worship attraction in Mananthavady that features Kerala architecture. According to the locals, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, and it’s also an important pilgrim center in northern Wayanad.

Locals believe that taking a dip in the close by Papanasini river takes away all your sins while freeing you from any karma debts you have. Literary translated from Sanskrit, the name Papanasini means the destroyer of sins.

Conclusion

Wayanad is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of rural Kerala with waterfalls, woods, and wildlife. The vast mountains covered in mist, blue lakes, unending green meadows and wild forests make Wayanad a true “God’s own country!” In addition, it’s the perfect place for those looking for a break from the fast pace of city life.

Planning to Visit Igatpuri? Know Best Travel Tips that You Must Follow

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Igatpuri is a hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Igatpuri is a land of hills and Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre. Tourists visit from around the world to explore the natural beauty of this hill station. If you are a photographer and nature admirer then Igatpuri is totally a place for you. Bhatsa River Valley, Vaitarna Dam, Camel Valley, Ashoka Waterfall and Dhamma Giri are some of the major destinations in the town of Igatpuri.

When should I visit Igatpuri?

A lot of tourists visit Igatpuri throughout the year. Although, the monsoon is considered as the best time to visit Igatpuri as during this time weather is quite wonderful. During monsoon season, the entire region of Igatpuri turns green. Winter is also a pleasant time to visit Igatpuri. People avoid visiting in summer season as summer is quite hot in the town of Igatpuri.

How can I reach the town of Igatpuri?

Igatpiri is located at the distance of about 120 km from Mumbai which hardly takes 3-hour by car. Mumbai, Aurangabad and Pune are the nearest airports to Igatpuri town. From the airport, various transportation facilities are available including local bus, taxi and train to reach the destination that is Igatpuri.

What are the best resorts in Igatpuri where I can stay with my family or friends?

You can check online various best resorts in Igatpuri for a luxurious and affordable stay.  You can also look for hotel or homestays. Taloli Tents Resort, The Grand Gardens Resort, Mystic Valley Resort, The Herb Farm and Manas Lifestyle are some the best hotels or resorts recommended by the travel experts and located in or near the town of Igatpuri. It is wise to book your stay beforehand so that you do not face any problem later on in getting a stay of your choice.

What are the places in Igatpuri that I must explore?

Camel Valley:

The Camel Valley is located near the Bhatsa River Valley in the town of Igatpuri. The major appeal of this camel-shaped valley is the waterfall which gushes down from a height of around 1,000 ft. The valley offers an astonishing view. The valley looks more beautiful during the season of monsoon. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture this scenic place which offers wonderful views.

Bhatsa River Valley:

Bhatsa River Valley is a picturesque place which has much to offer to the visitors who visit from around the world. At the end of Thal Ghat, this river valley is aesthetically located. The hills, the shining foliage, the woods and the river make it a must spot for visitors. Photographers and nature lovers cannot afford to miss this place. Bhatsa River Valley is in very close proximity to Camel Valley. Do not forget to take your camera for capturing wonderful shots.

Dhamma Giri:

Dhamma Giri is one of the major attractions in the town of Igatpuri so you can not afford to miss it. The large Golden Pagoda is the entrance for Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre which you can easily spot from a far distance. This world’s largest meditation center was founded by S. N. Goenka. Dhamma Giri is surrounded by the Sahyadri hill range. The Vipassana International Academy offers 10 days course and the course is offered free of cost. The meditation techniques benefit your mind, body and soul. These techniques taught by Buddha in India 2500 years ago. The Vipassana Centre is open all days of the week.

Ashoka Waterfall:

Ashoka Waterfall is a season waterfall located at the distance of around 13.5 km from Igatpuri town. The waterfall is surrounded by the dense forest and also known as Vihigaon Falls as it is located in the Vihigaon village in Thane district of Maharashtra. The waterfall is cascading down from an altitude of about 120 feet into a pool. This is a must visit place for rappelling, hiking and bird watching. This place is known for many shots of Asoka film, starring Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. This is an ideal spot for a picnic for spending some quality time with your family or friends.

Conclusion

Igatpuri has much to offer to the tourists who visit from around the world. This is a must visit place for the nature lovers. Don’t forget to take your camera for capturing wonderful memories of Igatpuri.

Browse best resorts in Igatpuri; you will get a long list of various resorts. Make sure that your resort is in close proximity to the major attractions in Igatpuri so that you do not have to incur a lot of time and money in reaching your destination. You can choose any of the resort as per your affordability and time. Also, book your resort as soon as possible.

Have a wonderful trip to the town of Igatpuri!

What to Do In a Day Trip To Bangalore?

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Bangalore or Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, is a melting point of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Nowhere else in South India will you find such beautiful hangouts, warm people or such pleasant weather. Palaces, art galleries, cafes, theatre, pubs, parks, malls – Bangalore has it all. If you’ve already done your Mumbai to Bangalore flights booking, then all you need to do now is decide how many of these places below you’re going to visit in a day:

  1. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden

The Lalbagh botanical garden, which literally means ‘the red garden’ is spread over 240 acres. This garden was created by a very famous ruler of old Mysore, Hyder Ali. The garden is a home to diverse tropical plants, aquarium and a lake. The main attraction the botanical garden is the glass house. This one has been modelled after London’s crystal place and is designed by John Cameron. The botanical garden hosts annual flower shows on two national occasions – one being republic day and the other is on Independence Day. This lush and expansive garden is an ideal place for the peace-seeking city dwellers and tourists alike. The garden is very picturesque making it a perfect location for all the photography enthusiasts. The garden is open to public every day from 6am to 7pm. Entry is free between 6 to 9 in the morning and 6 to 7 in the evening.

  1. Nandi Hills

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Nandi Hills or Nandidurg is the place to be. Located 60kms from the Bangalore city, a drive to Nandi is indeed very rejuvenating. The climate here is delightful, and it’s a favourite among both young and old people. The best time to visit Nandi is before sunrise. The view from the hill is mesmerising and is the best view of the sunrise in Bangalore.

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

For all the astronomy enthusiasts, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is the best place to be. The planetarium has these shows daily:  ‘dawn of the space age’, ‘our solar system’ and ‘Mars-the red planet’. Apart from these daily shows, the planetarium hosts various workshops, lectures, exhibition for activities for both students and teachers. Arrangements of telescopes in the open area of planetarium are made for the public to use. The planetarium also hosts special workshops for the physically challenged students.

  1. The Bannerghatta Biological Park

This National Park was established in 1971 in order to meet the demands of eco-tourism and conservation. Ever since, it has been home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Bannerghatta national park is located 22 km away from the Bangalore city and is spread over an area of 104 sq km. The park has various units like butterfly park, Children Park, the zoo, a safari and rescue centre. These units provide a unique learning experience for both adults and children. A wide range of wildlife – elephants, leopards, jackal, fox, sloth bear, spotted deer – are easily spotted here. For all the nature and photography enthusiasts, this national park is definitely a treat.

  1. Cubbon Park

The city of Bangalore is popularly known as the garden city. Cubbon park- the lung space of the city is spread over 300 acres of land. The design of the park is aesthetically very appealing. The statutes of famous personalities and the rich flora found will amaze you. Cubbon Park does not only get the attention of tourists but also the residents of Bangalore. Nature lovers, botanists, peace lovers and fitness enthusiast frequently find their way to Cubbon Park. The park has other major attractions like the museum, library, tennis academy, toy train and the second largest aquarium in the country. It is home to more than 6000 trees.

Now, all there is left for you to do is to find an agent to do a Mumbai to Bangalore flights booking (which shouldn’t be hard at all). You can also buy a flight ticket directly at the airport counter and come to Bangalore for at least a day to see for yourself what the hype is all about.

Have some fun in the Bangalore style!