Incredible Arunachal Tourism

Tawang Monastery

Popularly known as the "land of dawn-lit mountains," Arunachal Pradesh is the lauded for being India's first region to greet the morning sun. It is the home to 26 different indigenous tribes, Arunachal Pradesh is perhaps the last sanctuary for India's natural heritage. It was here that Sage Parshuram washed away his sin, Sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhismaka found his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini. What pulled me for a Arunachal Pradesh trip was the hills and climate, a glorious heritage and colourful festivals and traditions.

Arunachal Pradesh tourism has the following prominent attractions:

Tawang - The place is famous as the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, the city is abode to Monpa tribe. The place has derived its name from one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in India - 400 year old - Tawang Monastery. It is believed that the site on which the monastery has been constructed was chosen by the horse. War memorial, Urgelling Gompa, Sela Pass, Gorsam Chorten are some of the tourist places in Tawang.

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism

Itanagar - Capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is named after the irregular shaped Itafort which is the main attraction. Rich culture, tribal heritage and traditions are the distinguished feature of Itanagar. Buddhist temple, Ganga Lake, Polo Park, Jawaharlal Nehru Museum are places worth visiting here.

Bomdila - Bomdila is famous for its Buddhist monasteries and Apple Orchards. It also offers excellent trekking endeavors to tempt the intrepid travelers.  The town has enticing eating places where one can savor traditional cuisine and all time favorites- momos and thupkas. There are also many temples in the town both Buddhist and Hindu in practice.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary- Diverse climatic and topographical conditions give way to a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the rare species here include antelopes, mittan, serow and goral.

In addition to tourism places, the state also provides a heaven  endowing abundant scope for adventure activities. I had a great time indulging myself in angling, boating, rafting, trekking and hiking. With this, my Arunachal Pradesh tourism came to an end!

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Heart of India with Delhi Sightseeing

Red Fort Delhi

A modern metropolitan city with a historic past is what surmises Delhi. The capital has seen the rise and fall of many empires. Delhi is truly a cosmopolitan city which brings together people of various ethnic groups and their traditions and cultures. Its rich culture is reflected in the variety of arts, crafts, cuisines, festivals and lifestyles. Tourism in Delhi state combines the modern and the traditional aspects; from traditional bazaars to mega malls, from historical monuments to modern architectural wonders Delhi has it all. To visit this cultural potpourri, I envisaged on a trip to Delhi, the imperial city.

My first encounter in Delhi sightseeing was with the mighty Qutub Minar: It is the highest tower in India in red and buff sandstone. Numerous inscriptions in Nagari and Arabic in different places reveal the Qutub history. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque, the 1st in India built on the ruins of Hindu temples. A 7m high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque.

India Gate: This landmark in India commemorates the members of the India Army who sacrificed their lives in the war. Amar Jawan Jyoti is the largest war memorials in India which is burning since 1971. It is a 5 storey tower and each is unique in its design. In the evening, the entire boulevard is lined with vehicles and people making it a leisurely spot.

Humayun’s Tomb: Is the 1st distinct example of Mughal style and the 1st garden tomb in India. The tomb is constructed in typical char bagh style.

Delhi Humayun Tomb

Lotus Temple- Known as the Baha I House of worship, it is a prominent attraction due to its lotus shape with 27 petals and 9 pools surrounding it. The massive hall offers for a peaceful prayer hall where one can sit and meditate in silence. One is required to remove their shoes before entering the hall and observe silence.

Red Fort - Is known as Lal Qila because of the extensive use of red sandstone; it is located near the river Yamuna. The major highlight is the massive 2 km long wall. Every evening, there is a display of history through the light and sound show. Every year on 15th August, the prime minister addresses to the nation from here. In 2007, it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Jungle Tales with Ranthambore

Ranthambore national park is one of the largest national parks in Sawai Madhopur, India. Prior to becoming a Tiger reserve in 1980, it was the hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Jaipur. The reserve is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers that can be seen roaming around during the day.

Ranthambore Fort Rajasthan

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is famous for a variety of flora and fauna owing to its extensive topography; the rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow and the forests also abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus. I was all the more excited for a glance of the Tigers here.

The best way through which I could get close to Ranthambore wildlife was the jungle safari. Jeeps and Canter safari accompanied by a trained guide is a must here. There are fixed timings for safaris in the morning and evenings and a prescribed route is followed. One can see Tigers hunting their prey in the vast open grasslands. One thing to be kept specifically in mind is that certain rules have to be followed while you are in the forest premises for your convenience.

Apart from safari, one can also go for nearby attractions in the park:

Ranthambore Fort: Is a 10^th century fort which is massive and overlooks the park, all around the fort one can see many old ruins including palaces, cenotaphs, temples and houses. The Ganesh temple which lies very close to the fort is a major draw here.

Jogi Mahal: Is a guest house that offers comfortable say to the travelers. What attracts here is the Banyan tree adjacent to this place which is the 2^nd largest in India.

Mansarovar Lake: This water body attracts thousands of migratory birds and is an exciting place for bird watching. One can also go for boating in the lake.

Mansarovar Lake Ranthambore

A significant geological feature in the park is the Great Boundary Fault where theVindhya plateau meets the Aravali range.

While you enjoy your jungle safari you can have a comfortable stay in the park at Ranthambore Regency.

It is a 5 star hotel with contemporary amenities for tourists. The hotel offers a wide range of accommodation types.

Rewind with the Mughals Agra Travel

Agra Fort Agra

Framed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World- Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra city is famous for its extraordinary monuments and buildings. It is a city with rich cultural heritage, historical architecture and religious attachments. Agra, a medieval city, was assumed to be built in 1475, had been found its place even in the epic Mahabharata as Agraban (means paradise). I also ventured for an Agra Tour to witness the grandeur of the Mughals.

Agra Fort: Also known as Red Fort of Agra it is built in red sandstone by Akbar. The fort contains palaces both in red sandstone and white marble; the fort is crescent shaped. The fort originally has 4 gates out of which 2 are high walled. Jahangir Mahal is the most important and notable building here. Built as women quarters, it is the only building that has survived. Other buildings in the fort are Jodha Bai’s palace, Anguri Bagh, Sheesh Mahal and many more.

Taj Mahal: The most extravagant monument and one of the 7 wonders of the world built as a token of love. It is built of white marble. Apparently the 4 minarets are built taking care of the earthquake; they are slightly tilted outwards. The main gate has Quran inscriptions written over it. The Taj Mahal consists of gardens, tombs, fountains, mosques and gateways. The glory of the Taj Mahal is best on a full moon night.

Fatehpur Sikri: Is the home to the birth of Navratnas (9 jewels). The city in red sandstone was built to celebrate the birth of Salim, Akbar’s son. Designed as per Mughal architecture, the massive monument is fortified by towers and has 7 gates. Some of the important buildings in the city are Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid and Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and Birbal's House.

Buland Darwaza Agra

Buland Darwaza: Located in Fatehpur Sikri it is known as gate of magnificence. Built in red sandstone the gateway stands 40 m high. The gateway features calligraphic inscriptions of the Quran. The gateway is approached by 42 steps and also serves as an entrance to Jama Masjid.

Thus with this ended my incredible travel to Agra.

Adventure Trekking on Nagaland Terrains

Adventure Trekking in Nagaland

Nagaland, the land of the hospitable and warm Nagas, lies in the corner of India’s North-East-bordering Myanmar. Nagaland in the north eastern part of India is trekker's paradise. The adventurous land of Nagaland offers bountiful trekking opportunities. The physiology of Nagaland is hilly and mountainous with lush green surroundings. The environment of Nagaland is salubrious, providing healthy atmosphere to the tourists for adventure trekking in Nagaland.

For a driving and daring leisure seeker like me, trekking in Nagaland seemed to be a perfect option and I went for it. The journey to the extreme north eastern part of India is arduous and extremely adventurous in its nature. Trekking through the challenging terrains of Nagaland with outstanding wealth of varied botanical species is justly unique and breath-holding. The route to each trek in Nagaland is quite a unique experience.

The major treks in Nagaland are: 

Dzukou Valley: Is tucked away at a height of 2433.4 Sq. Mt. Above the sea level. The gentle rolling hills and undulating values of Dzukou valley offer solace & peace to any tourist from any part of the world. Dzukou Valley is a favorite destination of young trekkers and meditation groups. Dzukou is also blessed with a rich ecosystem of bio-diversity.

Mokokchung: This is situated at an altitude of 1325 m above sea level. It is one of the great centers of Ao Naga tradition. White water rivers of Milak and Tzula are of scenic interest has a lot of potential for monsoon angling. This is also an ideal trekking haunt for the trekkers.

Pungro: Pungro is a small and beautiful hill top hamlet on the Naga Hills. The town of Pungro is covered with hills that are amazingly beautiful and are snowcapped. From here it takes two days of trekking to reach Saramati peak, a part of which falls in Myanmar and from where one can see the entire Naga Hills, mesmerizing valleys and Myanmar border.

Satoi Range: One of the only remaining unspoilt forests left in Zunheboto district. Satoi Range is a place of pristine beauty. This place is the natural habitat of the Blythe's Tragopan, a rare bird on the verge of extinction. It is an ideal spot for outdoor camping and trekking tour.

Satoi Range in Nagaland

Mount Tiyi: Situated at an altitude of 1969.61 m from sea-level, trekking is an adventurous experience here. The mountain peak offers a panoramic view of the valley down below.

Not much requirement is necessary for low-altitude trekking and nature walks. However, for high-altitude trekking, the physical requirements are almost the same as for mountaineering and climbing. People with high or low blood pressure or who are overweight are advised not to participate in high-altitude games and sports. People below 16 years and above 60 years are also discouraged from participating in this sport.

Muse the Place Drass Valley

Drass Velly

Ladakh, the far flung Eastern corner of Jammu and Kashmir is India’s most remote place, a high altitude snow desert cradled by the Karakoram and Great Himalaya ranges. There is no other land like Ladakh. It is rich in natural beauty, sightseeing destinations and calm weather.   The valleys of Ladakh are the perfect destinations for the adventure activities and the best way to explore the beauty of the ranges. Most of the valleys give you a break to explore monasteries and Gompas. To enjoy the pristine and calmness of the valley, I decided to explore the valleys personally. My journey included the beautiful Drass valley.

Nurtured by the Drass River which rises in the Machoi glacier near the Zojila Pass, the enchanting Drass valley is situated at an altitude of 3230 m. this cold valley starts from the Zojila Pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. As I stepped into the valley, I noticed the carvings of a king and 2 women on the pillar. The pillars bore some inscriptions in the old Brahmi script. The valley is inhabited by Dard Stock which is an Aryan race. Drass experiences the lowest temperatures in the valley, it is said to be the 2^nd coldest inhabited place in Asia. Drass is famous for the Kargil war which was fought in 1999. Rugged landscapes, adventure buffs and trekking cliffs are some of the main attractions in Drass valley tour.

Drass Valley Trek

This valley is the world famous trekking site; it offers a number of small and long trek routes to the tourists. The 3 day long trek to Suru valley across the sub range separating the two valleys is the popular Drass valley trek. The trekking tour passes through some of the most splendid upland villages and crosses Umbala pass offering a scenic view of meadows and flower valleys. Some of the must visit attractions in Drass valley travel are Tiger Hill- The highest peak in this area known as Point 5353.  

It was subject to the 1999 Kargil war; it is a strategic route way and connects Srinagar to Leh in Ladakh. I also visited the Kargil war memorial- a memorial built in pink sandstone and has an epitaph commemorating the sacrifice of the soldiers. A war gallery known as the Manoj Pandey art gallery showcases weapons and artillery recovered from Pakistani forces. With not much to explore further, my tour had ended. Overall my trip to Drass valley was snow bound and quite chilly but has left a scintillating experience with its grace.