Short Stay At Dalhousie — Away From The World In Nature’s Lap

Professional commitments, traffic blues, daily chores and living alone was getting onto my nerves. Weekend haunts to multiplexes and nightclubs seemed boring. I decided to make the most of 4-day vacation during Durga Puja in October.Destination Dalhousie (without bookings)! I was game for a bit of risk, if it called for.

A 7.5hr train journey to Pathankot, followed by 2hrs on road to Dalhousie. I started on October 8 and reached my final destination early morning , next day. All smiles, the white peaks were clearly visible from my hotel room! After a quick nap and brunch, I set out with a route map around 11am. I singled out places to visit during my train journey.

A hired Indica took me to Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, 26km from Dalhousie.
What a sight!! Mighty peaks to my right bordered with coniferous forests. The sanctuary had a blue stream (originating in Ravi River) meandering through it. Subtle color combination — white, green and light blue.

The dense forest cover favored flora and fauna. Deodar, pine, oak trees graced with rhododendrons at the bottom. The nature guide guided me and two foreign nationals on jeep safari. He told us about the sanctuary being home to serow, a goat-antelope which we couldn’t see. But all three of us had our mouths opened when our jeep drove across bear, deer, squirrels, langur and barking goral. I fed my eyes, kept clicking.
First destination was worth it. Super hit!

A few kilometers away was Khajjar lake. Again a perfect view, pristine waters beside a huge ground, somewhat rocky. Tourists were spotted exploring the surroundings on horse back. Kids had a gala time. The horses are trained enough to give you a safe ride. After having shared my part of glory I returned to our hotel around 4pm. Apple orchards and alpine meadows graced our way.

I retired early because the next day would be hectic. Post sunset, a few of us at the hotel asked the authorities arrange for a bonfire. And there it was. Good music, wine and simple continental dinner. Mercury dipped to 10 degrees at night.

Around 130kms from Dalhousie is Chamunda Devi Temple, my next stop.As the name suggests, the holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda. Located on the bank of river Ban Ganga, at the backdrop of white-clad Dhauladhar range, the temple is said to be a regular tourist spot because of religious sanction. The main shrine has Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairav guarding the Goddess, decked in bright colored sari. Brief prayers and I set out for the next destination.

Dainkund — is the highest peak in Dalhousie. After a 3.5 hour drive from Chamunda Devi Temple, I rejuvenated myself with the scenic pleasure. The entire Dalhousie was visible from this point. People usually trek here. Daikund is 10km from Dalhousie and around 12km from my hotel. Owing to time barriers, I had to get here by car.
Pollution free, gentle breeze was all I needed. And now, I had it at my disposal. With a bonus. I got a clear view of Dalhousie valley, with meandering river thick green cover, spotted with vibrant hues at places

Next stop was Gandhi Chowk, the only bustling place I came across. Tibetan kiosks selling handicrafts items, carpets, fur products, jackets dominated the market place.

I headed to the Satadhara Falls next day. Seven brooks converge to make this waterfall. The water is said to have medicinal power. So, for all those with joint pain, you know where to head now, if you are in Dalhousie. Being away from the population, I could spot the crystal clear water, enticing enough to make me dip my legs. Stunning picturesque — mountains, greenery, waterfalls and chiripes all around.

From the abode of Himalayas, I had to return to Pathankot station and take a train back to Delhi. Short, unplanned vacation away from mainstream life, just the one I needed. For those, who are looking for a short vacation, here you go, a step close to Heaven.

Top Ten Weekend Getaways from Delhi - Love your Leisure

Stress-free weekends is something which all of us envy or struggle to achieve so. Long drives around the city are a little tough owing to traffic woes. But there’s a solution. Step out of Delhi in your own vehicle or a hire one to spend quality time with friends or family away from hustle and bustle. Here’s a list of most sort after destinations for a perfect getaway.

Land of Taj - Agra

Roughly 230km from Delhi, lies the city of monuments. Taj Mahal being the main attraction — a lover’s nest! The marble marvel on the banks of Yamuna is the ultimate epitome of commitment and sacrifice built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. Next to Taj are a few other heritage sites, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. You can easily cover these sites in two days. Don’t miss out on kebabs and lassi!

Pray hard in Haridwar

One of the most sort after Hindu pilgrimage site in India, around 215km from Delhi. Holy places like Sapt Rishi, Har-Ki-Pauri are added attractions. The evening aarti at Har-Ki-Pauri, on banks of the Holy Ganges is flocked by thousands. You’ll get to see countless diyas lighting up the river bank, with loud chants of prayers and devotional vocals.

Chill out in Shimla

If you want a natural air condition to counter summer temperature, there you go. Save electricity at least for two days. Nestled in the lap of Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is around 370km from Delhi. Colonial buildings, mall (the ones seen in 3 idiots and Jab We Met) apple orchards, coniferous forests is enough to take you into a world of tranquility. Heavy snowfall during winter boosts adventure sports like skiing, trekking. A toy train ride is bound to rejuvenate you!

Nature’s bounty in Manali

Yet another Himalayan child. Thronged by newly weds, actually people of all age groups, this hamlet houses the meandering Beas river. Rock-cut temples, yaks, ponies calling you to explore Manali’s beauty. Rohtang Pass, around 55km from this small town with snow covered roads are ideal for skiing. Double dose of natural splendor and thrill.

Pollution free, Dharamshala

Also in Himachal Pradesh Dharamshala is popular for a spectacular view if western Himalayas, marshy meadows, valleys, wide stretches of tea plantations, teak and pine forests. Away from pollution and crowd, this hill station is flocked by honeymoon couples and metropolitan citizens!

Relax in Pauri

Housed in Garhwal region, Pauri stands out with pleasant temperature year round, with snow covered winters. The spectacular view of Himalayan peaks — Trishul, Kedarnath, Hathiparvat, Neelkanth and Sumeru surrounded by green vegetation is breathtaking! Sparsely populated town is ideal for unwinding in Nature lap with family and friends.

Switzerland of India — Almora

Meandering streams, green vegetation, snow capped peaks, makes Almora a popular haunt. It is often referred to as Switzerland of India. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular view of Himalayas with mild chill, Almora is bound to leave it’s footprints on romantic souls.

Jim Corbett National Park

Around 6 hour drive from Delhi will get you to this wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand.
Primarily a tiger Reserve, Corbett also has variety of flora and fauna. Sloth bear, leopard, spotted dear, elephants, langurs, black bears, Indian pangolins, Porcupine, Sambhar barking, Indian grey mongoose. Rare avian species seen here are spotted eagle,osprey, crested serpent eagle, black winged kite and shikra.Jungle safaris, luxurious forest resorts are bound to refresh your mind and soul!

Holy Ajmer

Situated in Rajasthan, Ajmer is considered to be a holy place for Hindus and Muslims, a touch of secularism! Dargah Sharif is thronged by millions to offer prayers to the famous sufi saint Khwaza Moinuddin Chishti. Aravalli range surrounds the small city.

Unwind in Lansdowne

Lansdowne in Uttarakhand Top Ten Weekend Getaways from Delhi   Love your Leisure

Lansdowne in Uttarakhand is an ideal summer getaway. Roughly 6 hour drive from Delhi, this small town stands out for favorable weather conditions, mystic view of surroundings, nature’s bounty at it’s best.

Mighty mountains to holy halts, choose your spot and the right company. Last minute plans are perfect for weekend retreats. Forget work woes and make the most of your leisure.

Makemytrip for Honeymoon in Kashmir Srinagar

kashmir srinagar Makemytrip for Honeymoon in Kashmir Srinagar

Finding your soul mate, you truly feel as if you need nothing more from God and that life is as fulfilling as it can be. Yes, being a girl, I know the feeling and also that it’s only in the spur of that perfect moment that you really do not wish for anything else. Of course, there are other aspects to it, many of them actually, connected to first finding your perfect match, right onto the most beautiful day of your life and then, finally to your ‘once in a lifetime’ honeymoon. A girl will have many a wonderful trips through her life, will get travel opportunities like never before, but a honeymoon is certain to outshine them all, I know it does.

The beauteous chilly month of January brought along a basket full of cheeriness, hope, promises, expectations and more for me as it was the month of me wearing the vermillion atop my forehead. Like almost everyone else’s, I had a not-so-perfect but an extremely delightful and gratifying marriage to the man I loved, or was learning to love. Soon after the D-day, followed a rosy honeymoon in a destination yet to be deciphered by me, well, it was a surprise! The feeling is quite overwhelming when one moment you open your eyes to the breath-taking view of snow-clad mountains towering above. I was pretty excited and ecstatic to get Kashmir as my surprise honeymoon destination, primarily for my love of mountains and everything cold.

Our honeymoon started in the royal suite of Taj Vivanta, Srinagar and what a perfect start it was! The room was a place to see in itself; comfy, spacious and very nicely designed; it shouted luxury at each bit. As is considered ideal, we started with offering our prayers and seeking blessings at the popular, Shankaracharya Temple; it could not have been planned better. February, being the time for rains in Srinagar, we had little luck with places in the city, mainly the gardens and the market place. However, the hotel’s equally lovely amenities came in handy here and we spent a nice relaxed day in the hotel instead. Next in line waiting for us was a charming houseboat stay and the boat had a very cute appeal inside and out. A complete round of the Dal Lake in the Shikara is extremely wonderful, when you just sit and adore the natural scenic beauty, listening to the soft ripples in the waters. Amidst the lake, Char Minar is an important stop, surely not to be missed but much more worth viewing in the summer months of the place. Shopping in the floating market of the lake, we came back to our houseboat, which was a unique experience altogether, to live right in between the grand lake.

We further headed onto the adorable, Gulmarg, bathed in the colour white, fully covered with snow all through. My first encounter with the snowy mountains, the sheet of sheer white snow seemed to me as an indication of the purity and sanctity of this wondrous place. Going out for the Gondola ride, we enjoyed an excellent view of nature at its best, at the Phase one and two, second much higher in altitude than the first. It was certainly the most memorable experience for both of us and we further enhanced our time at the city with activities like sledging, skiing, zorbing and the hot air balloon. It seemed as if it all just passed in a wink’s time and my heart stayed with Kashmir, while I retreated back to a bright new life waiting ahead. Other places like Pahalgam and Sonmarg, best visited in the summers, are still a pending key to my honeymoon sequel.

Top 4 Travel Sites in North India

A land of many colors and facets, India is not only rich in heritage and culture but also in biodiversity. The different parts of the country hold different attractions for the tourists. An open air museum for a traveler with a myriad of historical monuments, ancient temples and majestic forts. The northern part is especially famous for its spectacular palaces, temples and Mughal times architecture. If you want to explore the north India on your India tour then here are the four cities that are a must-visit.

Delhi- An Ancient Capital

Delhi An Ancient Capital Top 4 Travel Sites in North India

The historical city of Delhi has always been the center of attention. A witness to all the turmoils in the past, the city has been a mute spectator to all the twists and turn that the country went through. Delhi is home to some of the most marvelous historical monuments, from the times of Pandavas in Indraprastha which finds a mention in the great mythology of Mahabharata to the architectural gems of Mughals. New Delhi is dotted with numerous colonial times buildings and neat tree-lined roads with well maintained parks. Admire the various monuments of Shah Jahan’s ancient capital which is at present Old Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and a number of other old havelis found in the area. Delhi sightseeing is an import part of India tour.

Agra- Mughal’s Capital City

s Capital City Top 4 Travel Sites in North India

Home to the three UNESCO world heritage sites, Agra is largely recognized as Mughal’s capital. The city’s fame lies with the magnificent monument of Taj Mahal which attracts huge attention worldwide and undoubtedly one of the most favorite monument in the world. But Agra is not only about Taj Mahal. It has some of the most amazing Mughal architectures including Agra fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Itmad-ud-daula. Agra fort houses most notable structures like Diwan-e-aam, Diwan-e-khas and Moti masjid. Fatehpur Sikri is Akbar’s capital city which is now in ruins.

On your India travel trip to Agra provides a glimpse to the vast history of the bygone era and tells about the interesting stories behind each of these monuments.

Udaipur- Venice Of The East

Udaipur Venice of The East Top 4 Travel Sites in North India

One of the most romantic cities in the world and most frequented by celebrities because of its charm and age old magnetism. It is the favorite destination for a dream wedding being home to numerous palaces most of which has been turned into heritage hotels. Lake palace is undoubtedly the most spectacular in Udaipur. Surrounded by lake Pichola and situated in Jag Niwas island, it is constructed of marble and looks just like a dream. Being home to numerous lakes including Fateh Sagar lake, lake Pichola, Udai Sagar lake and many more, the city is also sometimes referred to as ‘City of lakes’.

Varanasi- World’s Oldest Living City

Varanasi Worlds Oldest Living City Top 4 Travel Sites in North India

Also known as Kashi or Benaras, it is the Mecca of Hindus who consider it very sacred and acts as their religious center. Located on the banks of river Ganges, it is home to some of the most ancient temples which are thronged by thousands of devotees to seek blessings. They take a holy dip in the river which is believed to purify them from all sins. The bathing ghats and the Vishwanath temple are the main attractions of this ancient city.

Top Weekend Getaways from Delhi

The capital city of Delhi offers some of the greatest places to spend your weekends and have fun with friends and family. Mentioned below are the main getaways from Delhi where you can embark to, this weekend.

Rishikesh: Only about 6 hours away from Delhi, Rishikesh is world wide famous for providing spiritual relief as well as the adventure. Not only Indian but the international celebrities including the Beatles have been to this place for meditation. Take a holy dip in the river Ganges which is believed to provide salvation. You can also learn yoga or visit the temple if looking for spiritual relief. And even if you are looking for adrenaline rush then this is the place to be! Go bungee jumping, white water rafting and trekking when in Rishikesh.

rishikesh Jaipur agra Top Weekend Getaways from Delhi

Jaipur Pink City: On your trip to the Pink City be ready to be mesmerized by the architectural marvel of Jaipur, its bustling markets and its pink buildings. The city stands for old world charm and romance.Visit the majestic hill top fort of Amber and sit at the bank of lake Mansarovar in Jal Mahal soaking in the mesmerizing beauty all around you. A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without a treat of Rajasthani meal. Enjoy the vegetarian delicacies like ker sangria and gatte ki sabzi and meat dishes like laal maas.

Same Day Delhi to Agra Trip: Only about 3 hours away; Agra along with Delhi and Jaipur form the Golden Triangle. A visit to Taj Mahal is the highlight of any India tour. But there is more to Agra than just Taj Mahal. It is home to a number of wonderful architectural buildings from the times of Mughals. The city alone houses three world heritage sites including Agra fort, Fatehpur Sikri and off course Taj Mahal. Apart from sightseeing, you can also indulge in shopping in the vibrant bazaars of Agra. Try Mughlai food in Agra which boasts of some of the best restaurants serving authentic Mughal cuisine.

Chandigarh: Located at a distance of about 250 km away from Delhi, Chandigarh is famous as ‘The City Beautiful’. The first planned city in India, it was designed by French architect Le Corbusier and one of the best to live. The city is known for its greenery and placid Sukhna Lake which is the most popular picnic place for the locals. Explore its museums like The Evolution of Life Museum and International Dolls Museum and visit the Rock Garden which is most popular here. If you love Punjabi food, then there is no place that serves it better than Chandigarh.

delhi to chandigarh kasauli Top Weekend Getaways from Delhi

Delhi to Kasauli Trip: At a distance of about 300 km from Delhi, Kasauli is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Snow-capped peaks, dense forests and a pleasant climate make the place worth visiting. Previously, a summer retreat for Britishers, you will find here the remnants of them in its Victorian architecture and quaint old churches. Hike to famous Monkey Point in Kasauli which offers panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

Scintillating Beauty of Spiti Valley

Beauty of Spiti Valley Scintillating Beauty of Spiti Valley

Nestled high in the Himalayas, the Spiti Valley offers breathtaking views and atmosphere. This spectacular mountain valley is beautifully sandwiched between the land of India and the Buddhist Kingdom of Tibet. It is because of this, Spiti Valley is also known as the Middle Land. This beautiful part of Himachal Pradesh situated at an altitude of around 3800 meters above the sea level is a desert mountain valley and serves as a gateway to the northernmost reaches of India. Due to the close proximity of Himachal Pradesh from Delhi, you can explore this less explored land while you travel in Delhi.

This one of the least populated places in India shares similar tradition and culture maintained in Ladakh and Tibet. Home to ancient civilizations and unaffected by modernity, the raw physical beauty of the mountains in the Himalayan ranges are beyond imaginations. It is pretty impossible to deny the unmatched beauty in spite of the extremely cold climate. The discerning travelers can explore this exceptional beauty of nature during the months of June to October as this place is prone to heavy snowfalls especially from the months of November to January. During this favored period, Spiti Valley enjoys sunny and pleasant weather.

In this mesmerizing destination, you can feel the power of the Himalayan Mountains, the loveliness of the wild flowers, majesty of some exotic beasts, the intrigues of the Buddhist monasteries, sun-kissed snow clad peaks, gorgeous landscapes, deep blue lakes and life in the most remote village of India. All these provide the travelers enthralling experiences. And exploring the small Tibetan villages will lead to know the unique culture and their survival in such a harsh condition. These Tibetan villages are recognizable by score of colorful flags fluttering high in the air with the cool breeze of the Himalayas. It appears to be the most unexpected of all the places in an unbelievable height and far down below nestle the Chandra River. This land of perennial rivers composed of Spiti River and Pin River apart from Chandra River offers soothing sound of the gurgling waters of the rivers during the night. While in the day time, a walk alongside the rivers may make you amazed by the ferocity of the high tides and waves. The azure and placid blue lakes of Chandra Taal, Nako and Dhankaar make the observer awe-struck. The continuity of the mesmerizing landscapes is only broken by numerous waterfalls and glaciers.

So, get ready to explore this wondrous place in Himachal Pradesh! Get in touch with the Delhi travel agents an avail exciting tour packages.

Chandigarh – A Place Worth Visiting

India is a beautiful land offering its visitors diverse options to explore different kinds of activities according to their interest. It has been a sought after holiday destination for the people of other countries because of its geographical, religious and cultural diversity. This colorful land of India has something to offer for everybody.

chandigarh botanical rose garden Chandigarh – A Place Worth Visiting

To enjoy and feel the environment of a planned city, Chandigarh is the best place to explore. Easily reachable from the capital city of Delhi, you can visit this beautiful city while you are on Delhi tour. But unlike the famous tourist destinations in India, the city is famous for the modern architectures and exotic landscape. The flavor of historical monuments is something which this modern city is devoid of. Hold on, this will not decrease the extent of enjoyment you will derive while visiting the place. In fact, it attracts hordes of tourists from various parts of the globe.

Chandigarh can be regarded as an epitome of modernization which co-exists beautifully with nature’s preservation. It is there where you will find that the trees and plants shared equal importance with the construction of roads and buildings. For the nature lovers, Chandigarh offers a lot with variety of theme gardens, lakes and forest. Rose Garden, Botanical Garden, Terraced Garden offers a beautiful environment amidst the variety of colorful flowers, plants and the waters dancing rhythmically with sound of music in the fountains. Rock Garden, center of attraction for the tourist is famous for the creativity and innovation. It is a magnificent gallery of artistic works. The best part is the use of the urban industrial waste in making the creations giving forms of animals, trees, human beings and lots more. The fine decorations made by the waste tiles are so beautiful that you will love to capture those on the lenses of your camera. The manmade waterfall inside the garden is very enthralling. Connoisseurs from various parts visit this unique garden to enjoy the beauty and creativity it offers.

During the summer evenings, Sukhna Lake is crowded with people of all ages. It’s a favorite place for the locales to hang out and serve as famous destinations for the tourists as well. The serene atmosphere helps in rejuvenating the mind and feel peace amidst the beauty of Nature. Relish the fruit salads, chats, ice creams etc. Want to have a portrait of yours made by the adept artist, then you have to spare some minutes of yours. A perfect portrait will be ready within few minutes and you can have a priciest possession. It provides the artist to display their talents and earn their living as well. This beautiful lake also gives shelter to various migratory birds during the winter season. A visit to the forest areas is also very rewarding as you will come across wide variety of wild animals like the antelopes, jackals, neelgais, hyenas and even leopards.

Visit to this beautiful city of Chandigarh will definitely be one of the memorable journeys of your life. With the help of Delhi tour operators, you can plan your trip nicely.

Corbett National Park – An interesting place to enjoy the wildlife

corbett national park Corbett National Park – An interesting place to enjoy the wildlifeLocated in the central foothills of Himalaya between the Himalayan Ranges and Shivalik Ranges, Corbett National Park is an abode to large number of tigers and various species of other animals and birds. Spreading over several acres of land, it is a biodiversity rich, precious and rare. The close proximity of the tiger reserve from Delhi makes it one of the popular destinations among people on Delhi tour.

The secure survival of the endangered species of the Royal Bengal Tiger was the main motive behind the tiger reserve project. Popular among the masses as an eco-tourism destination, this National Park offers the visitors to see and enjoy the mesmerizing landscape and rich wildlife. An added attraction of the Jim Corbett National Park is the Ramganga River which flows through the park with fattened Mahseer hidden within its water. This river also serves as a source of survival of the gamut of animals and birds. Fishing in the river and lakes is a wonderful activity in the vicinity of the park. The flow of tourist, domestic and international, to this park is increasing dramatically day by day.

india wildlife tour Corbett National Park – An interesting place to enjoy the wildlifeCorbett National Park is a haven not only for the tigers but also for other animals like leopard, deer, wild boar, sambar, jackal, rhesus monkey and variety of other animals. Crocodiles on the shores of Ramganga River can also be spotted. For the birds’ watchers, this tiger reserve serves their purpose as well. Peacock, herons, jungle fowl, partridge, kaleej pheasant, vulture, crow, parakeet, oriole, laughing thrush, kingfisher, dove, woodpecker, duck, teal, stork, cormorant, seagull are some of the varieties of birds seen in the park. During the winters, Corbett National Park becomes the home of many migratory birds, especially water birds from Central Asia and Europe.

During the summer season, elephants can be seen in herds of several hundred. An elephant safari inside the park will take though the mystical dense forests, deep valleys and rugged trails allowing you to reach close to the animals without disturbing them. It provides the adventure enthusiasts with an extraordinary experience and a lingering thrill. The rich flora of the park plays an important role for the survival of the animals. Various species of trees, shrubs, grass, climbers is providing healthy vegetation to the park. The geographical topography of the park is varied and interesting with grasslands, marshy depressions, ravines and plateaus.

Enjoy the various flavors of Jim Corbett National Park in the Nainital district of Uttaranchal. It can be easily reached from Delhi, the center of all activities In India. Amidst the diverse flora and fauna, one is sure to enjoy and learn a lot. With an array of safaris which include elephant safari, jeep safari, fishing safari, bird safari and nature walk, travelers can avail according to their choice. Gain a memorable experience in your Delhi tour. The moments spend in the National Park will certainly make you feel good.

Know India’s Most Popular Religious and Holy Places to travel

India is the land of contrasts as there is everything in this conservative land. It is a highly religious nation. India follows multi culturalism and multi religions. The multiple religions that are followed by the people are Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity and others. So, for all these, there are hundreds and thousands of sacred destinations in the country. In all the state and city of India, one can find different temples, gurudwara, churches, monasteries and mosques. Some of the religious places are so brilliantly built that one would definitely fall in love with the architecture.

To start with the capital city of India, one should definitely visit the beautiful lotus or Baha’i temple. The temple follows a totally different religion which is Baha’ism. But the beauty of the temple is remarkable. There is the beautiful bangle sahib gurudwara, which is also a must visit and the cathedral church, there are some other old temples in Delhi as well. Amritsar is all about the golden temple. The majestic gurudwara is something that everyone should visit at least once in the lifetime. This unique and charming place becomes even more beautiful and captivating during night time when it is completely lit up with its striking gold dome illuminated. A combination of Muslim, Hindu and European design principles were used in the construction of Golden temple and this historical site has become a major tourist and pilgrimage destination over the years.

Haridwar and Rishikesh are other wondrous pilgrim towns. The Ganges flows beautifully from these places. In Rishikesh, one can also enjoy white water rafting. It is believed that taking a dip in the pure Ganges, wash away all the sins. Varanasi, the cultural capital of India is a city on the Banks of River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to be the city of Lord Siva, the God of creation as well as destruction and more than 3000 years have passed since this religious center was discovered. Moreover, Hindu pilgrims also hold the belief that people who die here will be freed from the series of reincarnation. This is a very famous tourist destination which grabs the attention of many from all over the world.

Ajmer, located in southwest of Jaipur is a well-known sacred destination for the Muslims as well as Hindu pilgrims. It is supposed to be the prominent pilgrimage center, after Mecca, which is visited by people of all faiths throughout the year. Vaishno Devi is another pilgrim destination in the Shivaliks hill range. It is one of the oldest temples. It is in a cave. Tirupati balaji is very religious and over populated by the tourists. The idol of the deity is made up of pure gold. It is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, basilica of bom Jesus in Goa, Meenaxi temple in Madurai, Kanyakumari temple in Kanyakumari are other believed and famous pilgrim destinations of India. In this highly religious country, these places add up to the beauty of the nation.

A trip to paradise - Leh-Ladakh

India’s northern most state Jammu and Kashmir is just like a crown ornamented on the head of mother India, the Himalayan range, which glows with sunlight, comprises of the largest province of the place known as Leh-Ladakh. This is the place which is at a height of more than 10,000 ft and with a very less amount of plantation. The place consists of some of the highest mountain ranges of Himalaya and the beauty of the place is amazing. It is one of the famous tourist spots which attracts tourists from all over the world. The place also serves an opportunity to the adventure enthusiasts to undertake some thrilling activities like river rafting, trekking, mountaineering, etc. There are several travel packages which conducts tour to this part of India.

The various packages includes almost all the famous places of the area. Starting from the monasteries to hill tops. The tour starts from Leh, the monasteries of Leh and gompa’s of the area are the first visit. The famous monasteries are thiksey, hemis, the other places of visit in Leh are Leh palace, shey palace, stok palace museum, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. These places are a must visit. Leh is a very religious place, one can see that as once we are on the land of Leh, one can see prayer flags on all the roofs. One can also witness the Buddhist lamas chanting prayers. Alchi Gompa in Ladakh comprises of a number of blessed temples, including the main one of Rinchen Lhakhang at Lotsa Lhakhang. The other temples are the Jamyang Lhakhang (Manjusri temple) and the Sumtsag Lhakhang. Alchi Monastery of Leh Ladakh reflects an Indian touch, especially in its paintings. The place also have good proportion of Muslim population.

There are many other significant places in the place like the magnetic hills, the Indus and zanskar river meeting zone. There is the nubra valley, which has the famous monastery called diskit monastery. There are sand dunes in the place as well where one can enjoy camel rides. The place is very magnificent surrounded by dry mountains. To reach nubra valley, one needs to cross the Khardungla pass, which is the highest motorable road in the world, at a height of 18,400 ft. This place is always filled with snow as the temperature here is very low.

Pangong lake is one of the main attractions of the Leh-Ladakh tour package. The labyrinth brackish crystal clear water of the Pangong Tso makes it a perfect place for camping and the beauty of the place is also breathtaking. The place is heaven-like. Its a must for everyone to visit this place once in the lifetime. The place is under the surveillance of army as there is a India-china border in the area. Leh-Ladakh is that part of the earth, which is a must visit for a traveller as missing it means missing a large part of experiencing life.