A Thrilling Experience at Corbett National Park

While leaving Delhi for my trip to Corbett, I was not aware that the experience would be cherishable. Well, I still remember how the sudden trip took place. It was Monday when I got to know that I was getting an off on Friday as well. As I have five days working so I jumped at the great opportunity that rarely befalls. With an urge to make the most of my leaves I shared with my husband about Jim Corbett Trip. He agreed and assured to accompany me for the trip but on Saturday. 

Jim Corbett National Park

As he left all the responsibility to manage this trip on me, I gathered information about Jim Corbett National Park. We decided to go by car and left for Ramnagar. Though that five hours journey proved bit tiresome yet it could not decrease our excitement to encounter the wildlife at Corbett.

On being reached  Corbett National Park, we took rest in our rooms in Camp Dhikala for a while. After filling our stomach with delicious vegetarian food, we started our adventure tour to Corbett. First, we had to make the mandatory formalities at the gate office at the Dhangari Gate.

The reserve remains open from 6 am to 11 am in the morning and reopens from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the evening. We drove from Dhangari gate to camp Dhikala, which was two-hours long safari. It took us through dense forest patches of Jim Corbett National Park.

The area along the gorgeous Ramganga River into the far-stretched Dhikala Forest Rest House enables you to pass through dried up rivers, steep climbs and dense forest. First a scared Barking Deer came into our sight and then a heard of monkeys who were little away from our Gypsy.

For almost half an hour, we were watching the path with bated breath to check if there might be a tiger around. The forested hillside was standstill and then we had to move on. After going ahead, we captured the sight of a Leopard who was slowly coming towards our Gypsy. Though Tigers were difficult to spot yet we did not lose hope. We took a halt at the Crocodile Point. It lies on the corner of a hilltop from where you can look into the blue waters of the Ramganga River. 

Elephant Safari in Corbett

Then we saw Deer, Sambhar, Cheetal and grazing Elephants. We rushed and enjoyed the buffet lunch at Canteen, which cost us 200 Rs per head. Indian and Chinese both foods were available and we had up to our fill. We spent afternoon sitting on the wall and gazing at the Ramganga with our binoculars. In the evening, we started our elephant safari and on going ahead, several tortoises came into our sight.

We were back to the camp and had tea with snacks. As there were no facilities like TV or internet, we had to fall off to sleep at around 10 pm.

Though we could not spot tigers yet the trip ended with highly exciting note.

Enliven the Pageant of Beauty with Gangtok Travel

The scorching heat of summers reminds me of my cool escape to Gangtok Hill Station. I visited the naturally blissful land with two of my colleagues. From Delhi, we reached Bagdogra by air. Soon after, we started our Gangtok Tour.

Gangtok Hill Station

On being reached the destination, we made ourselves comfy in an already booked Hotel. Then, the most exciting part of our trip started....the exploration of the gorgeous hill town! Lying in the Shivalik Hills of the Eastern Himalayan Range, Gangtok hill station in India is really a worth visiting destination. Lofty yet tranquil, chilly yet welcoming, the land beckons you to unwind yourself in the lap of nature.

Enveloped by several peaks of the Himalayas, Gangtok has been an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Our Gangtok travel enabled us to capture the sights of numerous small and big monasteries. Its mild temperature and pristine location gave me a reason to visit the place. We had a scrumptious lunch with its own special flavour by taking a halt outside.

Rumtek Monastery was the first tourist attraction in Gangtok that we visited. Going to the sacred place fills your heart with immense tranquility. The rich collection of artefacts, Buddhist scriptures and thangkas are also worth to watch.

We also went to visit Nathu La Pass in Gangtok for which we had to take prior permission. On the way, we also came across the breathtaking sights of Tsomgo Lake. It is known as, “The Source of the Lake'. With its plethora of rare flowers like primulas, iris, rhododendrons, the lake becomes scenic.

Visitors can pick any of Gangtok holiday packages to witness the picturesque beauty of the land. After taking a short break for food, we left for Ganesh Tok. The holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is situated about 7 kms on Gangtok-Nathula Road on a tiny hillock. 

Labrang Monastery

Located on a high elevation, the site offers opportunities to have a bird's eye view of the region including Mount Kanchenjunga and the adjoining valley. From there, we headed towards Tashi Point, lying along the North Sikkim Highway.

Enchey Monastery was among other tourist places in Gangtok that we visited. Dating back to 200 years, this sacred site is located atop a hill and served as  major seat of the Nyingma order of Buddhism. We also visited Labrang Monastery and that too, brought us a tranquil experience.

The fresh mountain air kept us cheer up during our Gangtok sightseeing. Being a shopping lover, it was hard for me to refrain from Shopping. So, we all headed towards Lal Market and bought some exquisite items. The wooden carving and jewellery were my pick.

Our Gangtok trip came to an end but we were enjoying the charismatic feel of being in a hill station.

Jaipur Tourism to experience Tradition blended with Royalty

Jaipur is the city that fascinates me with its picture-perfect locations, the royal structures and the marks of Rajasthani culture. Last weekend, my sister Angelina came up with the idea of visiting Jaipur. As we were already in Delhi so it was a good idea to spend our weekend amidst the royalty of the bygone era.

Nahargarh Fort Jaipur

I set my camera and left with Angelina for Jaipur trip. We opted to go by road and hired a car for the same. Within few hours, we were in Jaipur, the land I always wished to visit. After reaching Jaipur, it seemed that I was travelling back to time. We stayed in a budget hotel and went for sightseeing. Enriched with grand structures and royal monuments, Jaipur tourism is undoubtedly popular with tourists.

The grand City Palace became first part of our exploration. Reflecting the finest amalgamation of Mughal, Rajput and European styles of architecture, the palace looks stunning. Among various entrances, Udai Pol and Virendra Pol are the famous ones. The rich decoration of the palace was simply awe-inspiring that added delightful memories to our Jaipur travel. Walls and gates are adorned in Mughal style with different murals, mirrors and lattice.

​​​Then, it was the time to go for Hawa Mahal, the most imposing structures in the city. Appearing like a crown, this is the wonderful example of ancient architectural styles. Constructed of red sand stones, this unique structure is also known as the “Palace of Winds” that stands apart from other monuments in the Jaipur city.

Jaipur Trip

Then, we head on to satiate our taste buds. We had traditional Rajasthani food among which I liked Dal Bati Churma and Gatte ki Sabji the most. We also visited “Jauhari Bazaar” for our shopping in Jaipur. From there, we shopped for few tie-and-dye items and some souvenirs.

Next, we moved on to another wonderful structure of Jaipur, the Nahargarh Fort. Its huge walls and bastions still remind one of the royal splendour. Though it was a tedious trek of two km, yet we enjoyed the exploration. Exhibiting the perfect blend of Indian and European architecture, the fort simply left us mesmerized.

Amber Fort in Jaipur was our next halt. It is a must-see attraction of Jaipur. The architecture, interiors and surroundings, everything about the fort was amazing. The tour came to an end and we bid goodbye to Jaipur with the wonderful memories of our weekend trip to Jaipur.

Ramble around the World of Serenity with Rishikesh Travel

Going on vacations with friends is like having a gala time! After a hectic routine, I along with my two friends, Amer and David decided to go on a Rishikesh tour to break the monotony. Rishikesh is considered as the ideal site for river rafting and has temples, lying amidst the serene surroundings. The idea made us excited and after packing all our necessities, we started off our journey from Delhi.

Triveni Ghat Rishikesh

To add more fun to our Rishikesh trip, we decided to go by car and David contributed the idea by offering his car for the same. We were busy in planning what to explore on our travel to Rishikesh, which made our road trip really fruitful.

After few hours, we landed into the dream world. As we reached Rishikesh, all we could view was the amazing serenity and natural beauty all around. We moved on to our hotel to refresh ourselves. After having our food, we took rest.

Next day, we went on to enjoy river rafting, the highlighting attraction of Rishikesh tourism. All three of us wore life jackets and our adventure of river rafting began. As we went on Rishikesh visit in October, we were able to enjoy this water sport adventure. It was the time when water level of Ganges was not very high and the rapids were full blown.

Surprisingly, I was not scared after entering the water. All I was experiencing the excitement, fun and thrill. Sitting on a big raft and experiencing the gushing water made us shiver at first but everything went smooth afterwards. In the evening, we enjoyed bonfire dance near a camping site.

Kailash Niketan Temple

Then, it was our turn to explore the pilgrimage sites in Rishikesh. We visited Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh, where many pilgrims were taking a holy dip. We also offered our prayers to Mother Ganga. Rishikesh also serves as one of the important destinations of Golden triangle in the tour extension. Visiting Laxman Jhoola was another interesting experience. The famous 450-ft long iron suspension bridge lies over the Ganga River. According to legends, Lord Ram's brother Lakshman had overpassed the River on a jute rope from here.

While crossing the Lakshman Jhula, we came across the Kailash Niketan Temple. It is a 13 storey structure that houses the deities of different Gods and Goddesses. We ended our Rishikesh tour with a visit to Bharat Mandir, another prominent attraction of Rishikesh. Lying near the Jhanda Chowk, it is a penance site for the sages.

With a planning to visit Ashrams in Rishikesh next time, we bid goodbye to the amazing destination.

Admire the Pristine Face of Nature with Beaches in South India

The land of South India boasts of a wide plethora of tourist attractions. Beaches in South India add popularity to its tourism. These waterways serve as the prominent attractions of the place. These beaches are known for the ideal amalgamation of sun, sand, surf and sea-food. A rich blend of crystal clear water and rocky seashore, the beaches beckon you for a refreshing experience on India tour.

Some of the most prominent South India beaches are located at the following destinations:

Karnataka

If you wish to enjoy the whispering of the sea, then heading to the tranquil seafronts in Karnataka will be an exciting opportunity. Offering you a relaxed vacation, Karnataka beaches are isolated and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also enjoy the delicious Mangalorean cuisine while embarking on South India beach tours. The 320 km long coastline of Karnataka is sprouted with gorgeous palm-fringed beaches. The pristine beauty of beaches makes them must-visit tourist destinations of the state.

Talking about the popular beaches of Karnataka, following names deserve a mention:

·         Malpe

·         Karwar

·         Surathkal

·         Ullal

·         Mangalore

·         Bhatkal

·         Murudeshwara

Kerala

The palm and coconut dotted Kerala beaches invite you to enjoy a memorable South India beach holiday. Tourists can take delight in spending a day under the sun on a Kerala seaside with refreshing coconut juice. To rejuvenate you, Ayurvedic massage is available at various beach resorts in Kerala.

Some of the popular beaches of Kerala include:

·         Cherai

·         Kappad

·         Kovalam

·         Beypore

·         Thangasseri

·         Bekal

·         Kappad

·         Varkala

Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamilnadu sports various spectacular beaches in South India. The long golden sand and the endless sea stretches make beaches the prominent tourist attractions of the state. Lying on the southern trip, Tamilnadu enjoys a vast coastline. These seashores are ideal to indulge in relaxation, sun bathing and water sports.

The list of beaches in Tamilnadu encompasses the following names:

·         Elliot's

·         Covelong

·         Marina

·         Kanyakumari

·         Rameshwaram

·         Mahabalipuram

Pondicherry

With the finest of azure beaches, Pondicherry attracts all. Tourists throng to the destination to enjoy serenity and tranquillity. These amazing seafronts facilitate tourists to have a memorable experience at cafes, cottages and resorts. If you are fond of adventure, then enjoy the fun-filled water sports at these beaches.

Some of the must-visit beaches of Pondicherry are:

·         Serenity

·         Mahe

·         Auroville

·         Promenade

·         Karaikal

South India beaches have the charm to allure tourists embarking on India beach tour. Among them, the beaches of Kerala are the most popular with a plethora of tourist attractions.

Savour Beauty and Adventure in Kufri Himachal Pradesh

Kufri is a small yet spectacular hill station, lying at the foothills of Himalayas. Known for its scenic beauty, the place beckons hordes of tourists from all across the world. It is perched on a height of 2,510 m above the sea level. Its proximity to the famous hill station of Shimla makes it an important place to visit.

Kufri Hill Station Tour

Some of the most popular attractions of Kufri include:

The Himalayan National Park

It is among the most favourite tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh. This great national park houses more than 180 species of birds and rare mammals. It is a wonderful bio-diversity and eco-tourism hub. Travellers can spot snow leopards, musk deer, pheasants and rare animals. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in trekking, organized by the park rangers at Sai Ropa Tourist Centre. Other attractions include some locals’ fairs and festivals that are organized nearby.

Mahasu Peak

On your Kufri hill station travel, tourists can visit Mahasu Peak. It boasts of being the highest peak in the region of Kufri. From here, visitors can also enjoy bird's eye view of the surroundings. The path that takes you to the peak is adventurous, enclosed by dense forests. Mahasu Ridge is also the best bet for people who are interested in skiing. The slopes at this peak are ideal for beginners. Dedicated to a Serpent God, The Nag Devta Temple is another attraction of the place. Tourists can enjoy a short hike from Kufri that takes you through forests of Himalayan cedars.

Indira Tourist Park

Lying near the Himalayan National Park, it boasts of the stunning views of the Himalayas. Peaceful ambiance, refreshing climate and a beautiful coffee shop are the other attractions of the place. The park is around 19 km from Shimla and 6 km from Fagu.

Yak and Horse Riding

While embarking on a Kufri hill station tour, do not miss out the Yak or Horse Riding at Kufri. This is another interesting way to explore this wonderful destination.

Visit Kufri

Adventure in Kufri

Kufri hills offer ample opportunities to enjoy adventure. Tourists can indulge in various adventure sport activities like skiing, trekking, paragliding and river rafting. Kufri adventure travel delights you with its trekking and hiking trials. Adventure-lovers visit Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing along its snow-covered slopes.

Winter Sports

Being a popular hill station, Kufri also invites tourists to indulge in fun of adventure sports. It holds the National Snow Statue Competition in January. Adventure buffs can also enjoy heli-skiing.

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh is an enchanting tourist destination to visit. Adding charm to Himachal Pradesh Tourism, Kufri is a great place to visit.

Witness the Vibrant Jaisalmer with Desert Festival

India is a culturally rich land, which can be best witnessed during its festivity. Each state of the country celebrates a plethora of festivals. Rajasthan is a state that celebrates a plethora of festivals. These include approaching of season, religious festivals and traditional events. Dancing, music, drama and singing attract all the travellers to Rajasthan tourism.

Desert-Festival-Jaisalmer

Desert Festival Jaisalmer

This is a majestic spectacle of music, colour and festivity, adding charm to Jaisalmer tourism. It befalls on the full moon in February when the cherished monuments of its rich past and colours of the festival are on display. Celebrated with great zest, the festival is organized once a year during winter and amidst the sands of the wonderful Thar Desert. The empty sands enveloping the Golden City become alive with the dazzling colours, music and laughter of the festival. The dates for Desert Festival 2013 are on 23 - 25 February.

Significance of the Festival

Jaislamer desert festival offers an opportunity to experience the richness of Rajasthani culture. Brilliantly dressed locals dance and sing the rhythmic saga of past affairs. Most of the performances are based on the tales of the heroes of the medieval era. The festival starts with a morning procession that exhibits the life and culture of the desert.

Activities of the Fair

The ship of the desert, Camel plays the pivotal role in the festival. During the Desert festival, Jaisalmer tourists can enjoy a number of traditional sport activities. These include camel dance, camel polo, camel race and various other competitions consisting of camels. Apart from camel competitions, travellers can also take delight in the other interesting competitions like the moustache and turban-lying competition. The competition of the best dressed camel and tug of war are the other highlights of the festival. Tourists can indulge in fun of traditional performances, snake charmers and puppeteers.

On Jaisalmer Desert Festival tour, visitors can capture the glimpse of colourful craft bazaars that are put up as make shifts. Tourists can buy delicately embroidered skirts, rugs, leather bags, hand-woven shawls, camel decorations, ethnic silver jewellery and wood carvings.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Another feature that makes this festival popular is the lip-smacking traditional Rajasthani cuisine. It enables tourists to enjoy a variety of ethnic and spicy treats.

End of the Festival

On the third and final day, the festival concludes with a gala Rajasthan folk concert under the stars in the Sam sand dunes. Tourists can also enjoy cricket match, parachuting, camel race and Air Force display in the dunes.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer is a popular event of the place. Tourists can enjoy varied attractions of Jaisalmer Tourism while embarking on a tour to Rajasthan.

Source Ref: http://rajasthanindiatour.wordpress.com/?p=30