List of the Things that You Must Not Miss During Kerala Tour

Kerala is of the destinations in India which is tops the list of places anyone would love to explore. This destination is always in lime light because of its gorgeous beaches, serene backwaters, beautiful hill stations and small & scenic tea gardens. However, this destination is often regarded as God’s Own Country and offers many experiences and activities which one can enjoy in Kerala and can also create some unforgettable moments.

Memorable Time in a Houseboat

The serene and gorgeous backwaters of Kerala offer some of the most outstanding experience which also includes stay in the houseboat. These houseboats offers comfort and luxury both to attract the tourists, if you wish to have the experience of staying in a houseboat you can choose from a wide range of houseboats in Alleppey and Kumarakom. These houseboats also have plush bedrooms, baths and are well equipped with lounging areas and kitchens as well. Have the best experience of your life at the houseboats.

Charm of Alappuzzha Beach

If you want to spend an evening in a perfect background with the one you love then head straight to Alappuzzha Beach which is quite famous for its breathtaking aura, white sands and crystal blue water. You can here also indulge in some adventures like kayaking, parasailing and many other activities too.

Ayurvedic Spa

If you are visiting Kerala then you should definitely try the much needed pampering and comforting massage which you will get in an ayurvedic spa. Ayurvedic spa center is one of the must visit places in Kerala if you are looking for something which can give your mind and soul comfort. Feel rejuvenated and enjoy.

Witness the Mesmerizing Sunrise

Panoramic views, cool winds and you spending time with your near and dear ones…..Hows it? Nice? Kerala is truly a paradise for the ones who love nature and looking for a beautiful experience which you can cherish later. Witness the gorgeous view of sunrise at any of the famous beaches of Kerala.

Camping Under the Stars in Wayanad

Camping is always an adventurous activity for which people readily gets ready to have an altogether new experience. Moreover camping under the stars in Wayanad is truly a magical experience.

Heart Shaped Lake in Chembra

Kerala is quite popular for its amazing treks and hikes and the trek to Chembra Peak is one of the popular treks. This trek is a picturesque trek and leads to the heart shaped lake which offers spectacular aura. It is also believed to have never dried up and is regarded as one of the ideal places for couples.

Tree House Resort in Athirapally

If you are planning Kerala tour then staying in a tree house resort is one of the most indulge activity. People visiting Kerala prefers to spend some days in the tree house especially the couples. The tree houses of Kerala have all the modern facilities and assure a comfortable stay.

Some Lesser Known Places to Visit in India

The world is a beautiful place. As you travel far and wide, you realize this more often. From the Mediterranean cities like Palma and Tangier to European tourist gems like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Prague, the list of spectacular places never seems to end. Like other continents, Asia too has plenty of beautiful and interesting places for the avid travelers to visit, experience and enjoy. India, the country known for its rich diversity of people and places, offers a reviving meditation for travellers who seek to see the wonders and magnificence of nature, historical attractions and culture of this vast Asian country. If you are planning your trip to India, don’t just include the most popular attractions. Try to include some of the following most beautiful lessen known places to visit in India:

SHETTIHALLI, KARNATAKA

The southern parts of the country often said to share the best of greenery and nature’s splendor in the country. Bangalore is a go-to destination for anyone who comes to South India. The city has an international airport and it is touted as the Silicon Valley of India. One spectacular attraction around is Shettihalli Lake which is about 60 miles from the city Centre. If old and mysterious ruins are of great interest to you, you should love visiting lake and its Rosary Church, also called the floating chapel. It’s renowned for its gothic architecture. The church has been abandoned for more than about two centuries now. The beauty and magnificence of this place make it one of the most beautiful lesser known places to visit in India.

GULF OF MANNAR, TAMIL NADU

Like Bangalore, Chennai is another famous metropolitan in India. To walk at its Marina Beach, to explore is its museum, and a candid chat with the local people open-up many insight into the history and culture of this vibrant city. After you are done with the city tour, it is time to head to the Gulf of Mannar, the coastal bay in the Indian Ocean. The beauty of the place is spellbinding. The panoramic scenery across the hazy blue sky hung above the turquoise spread of water below is something that comes with a Mediterranean touch. It has the virtue to make you surprise. What’s best about the Gulf of Mannar is that it is uncrowned place with a rich marine life, and your camera can stay busy for as long as you want. Spot sea gulls, turtles, whales, dolphins, etc. right at the coast. It is an unspoilt paradise.

LONG ISLAND, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR

No, it is not the Long Island of the Unites States of America. Travel further down the sea to arrive the Andaman’s own Long Island. Havelock is the most famous and most visited part of Andaman & Nicobar Island. But as the list offers you to see the most eclectic of all places in India, in addition to all your itineraries, make a visit to the Long Island. Forests look absolutely pristine and untouched, although they have lanes and tracks inside. Sand beaches, mangroves, and a world full of solitude is what make a trip to this secluded haven a joyful retreat, making this beautiful place one of the lesser known places to visit in India. But the problem is the whole place has just one hotel. So, it’s a good idea to book your stay in advance.

NARARA MARINE NATIONAL PARK, GUJARAT

Gujarat has some great wildlife conservatories and national parks, most of which are disconnected from the popular tourism areas. So, take a cue from here and visit the Narara Marine National Park along the Gulf of Kutch. From psychedelic corals octopuses, to rare fish, you spot a lot of interesting things. Narara Marine National Park is home to a wide variety of birds. Anemones cover the whole place like a design.

SHANTI NIKETAN, WEST BENGAL

If you ever heard of Rabindranath Tagore or came across a Bengali, you possibly have heard of Shanti Niketan as well. The place situated 120 miles from Kolkata takes you several decades back with its authentic and rustic feel. Visit this place during the Poush Mela and it all would seem like a great fair of handicrafts, countrymen and folk culture. For those with a knack for aesthetics and arts, Shanti Niketan is a sanctuary of creativity and happiness. The locals get along with guests well and the cordial atmosphere makes you feel like a part of this small world.

BANJAR VALLEY, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Ruins, beaches, seas, and cultural hubs, these are the various shades of little joys that paint the travel portrait of India in many ways. Till now all this would have sparked quite a plan in the back of your head. But as you travel across India, one thing that you cannot afford to miss is a mountain village. To know what it means, make a trip to the old setting of Banjar Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Relax outdoor and breathe fresh air or spend time birdwatching. Fishing is quite a hobby around here and you too can try your hands at it. Hike or explore the nature trails and get to know the villagers. The hospitality of the mountain people can be infectiously full of warmth. Take a guide and take a detour of the place which has the wonderful nature and lakes around.

If all India tour is what is on your mind, the best is to divide your trips according to places theme.

READY, STEADY, TRAVEL !!!!! TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE PACKING

One of the things I love most about travelling is the sense of freedom it gives me. Breaking free of the shackles of my daily grind and experiencing new surroundings and cultures is such a tonic for my soul. Every time I return from an overseas vacation, even short ones, I think to myself “I should do this more often!”

I like to be ready to go at short notice if a special holiday travel deal pops up that I can take advantage of, even if it’s just a spontaneous weekend away.

Here are a few Packing tips for last minute trips.

1.  Always keep your passport and foreign cash in one special place so you can find it easily. There’s nothing worse than hunting around for your passport when the taxi is waiting outside to take you to the airport! I keep all my travel documents in my bedside drawer and I can rely on them being there when I need them. It’s a good idea to return these items to their designated home as soon as you get back from a trip so they don’t get scattered.

2. Along the same lines, always keep your regularly used holiday items in the same place so you can find them easily. Things like blow-up neck pillow for the plane, snorkel equipment, suntan lotion, sun hat, insect repellent, plug adaptors etc. It makes it so much quicker when you want to pack and dash! One idea for where store your favourite travel gear between trips is to simply keep it in your carry on bag.

3.  Have a packing list “template” that you can refer to each time you pack for a vacation. This will ensure that you don’t forget anything important. Have different headings e.g toiletries, beach gear, entertainment and electronics and of course clothes and footwear.

4.  If you are only travelling for a few days or a long weekend, seriously consider taking carry on luggage only. It is so liberating to be able to walk off the plane at your destination without having to wait for the luggage carousel or schlep heavy suitcases across town. Speaking of walking, if you are just taking carry on, that means you need to limit yourself to 2 pairs of shoes! I might let you take flip-flops too

   Check out your airline’s carry-on regulations and stick to them. Most airlines allow you to take a personal item as well as a handbag (but check first) so take advantage of that.

5.   I have always been guilty of packing too many clothes. Once I get to my holiday destination I inevitably wear the same old favourite, comfortable travel clothes and the rest never get worn. I think the old adage “pack your clothes and then remove half of them” is so true. For a trip of less than a week take one smart outfit (unless you’re “going bush” only) but other than that, try and keep it simple. 

Explored a WOW place - Pawalgarh where you have Birding and Tiger sighting also

Travelling is, more often than not, a life-changing experience…

Just recently I visited Pawalgarh, a New Tourist destination near Nainital in Uttarakhand District. A beautiful destination, which is full of adventure & greenery and consist 137 species of trees, 58 species of shrubs and 27 species of climbers, 52 species of herbs and 71 species of grasses & bamboos. 32 species of mammals. Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Serow and Ghoral are just some of the mammals seen here. This tourist Destination is Just 234 Km from Delhi NCR and a perfect holiday destination for all the people who love the Nature and Jungle Life. Resort gives a total different experience and is indeed worth visiting and staying.

As you travel, you learn, you grow. Besides, if the learning and the growth takes place right there in the lap of heaven, the traveler ends up being more than calm and content.

India, being a large country, has many interesting bird species, including a number of ‘life birds’ to offer most visiting birdwatchers. Many of these species are possible to find on birding tours done in India.

Pawalgarh - A new Tourist Destination in Nainital

Pawalgarh is located in the terai-bhabhar forests of Ramnagar Forest Division. It encompasses an area of 49.41 square kilometres.The region is drained by the Kosi and Dabka rivers, while the Baur river flows to the east. There is scant agriculture and habitation in the area. The altitude of the reserve varies between 300-700m a.s.l.

The habitat of Pawalgarh consists of a combination of hills and plains, with a mixed habitat comprising of moist and dry Sal and mixed forests, terai grasslands and riverine

 forest. This varied ecosystem hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including tiger, elephant and over 350 species of birds, including the iconic Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus).Chhoi, Kyari, Sherpur, Sonjala, Mankantpur and Sherpur are some of the villages surrounding Pawalgarh.

How to Reach Pawalgarh

Nearest Airport- Pantnagar

Railway head- There are 2 train stations linked to Pawalgarh

1) Ramnagar (about 15 km)

2) Kathdogam/Haldwani (about 50 kms)

Buses- Two types of Local buses are available from Haldwani to Ramnagar

1) Mail/Super fast buses- It has 2 stops in between at Kaladhungi and Belpadaw.

2) Normal passenger buses- these have unlimited stops.

To get to the Pawalgarh one has to get off at Belpadaw, which is about 15 kms from Kaladhungi.

From here, there is one straight road splits to the right hand side leading to Pawalgarh (5km)

Visitors coming from Ramnagar side will take the same road (Nainital/Haldwani highway) and will get off same place at Belparaw and take Pawalgarh cut on left. Public Buses go further down to Kotabagh on the way to Pawalgarh .

Apart from public buses there are cabs available at both railway stations at reasonable prices.

Special Holidays at WTM London 2016

Hon'ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Govt of India and Secretary Tourism, Govt of India at the booth Of Special Holidays in WTM London with Sandeep Jain, displaying Special Holidays Brochure

At Presidents House, Delhi, India

Presidents House, Delhi, India

At House of Commons in British Parliament

At House of Commons in British Parliament