Kerala, often endeared to as the “coastal paradise”, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. Snuggled peacefully between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats in the southern part of India, Kerala is always at the top of a traveler’s list. It is the perfect place for those who love to trek, meditate, and go on solo vacations, honeymoon, adventure and family tours.
Here are 10 enticing places to visit in Kerala; these places showcase the best of this coastal heaven:
Visiting the Venice of East – Alleppey
Alleppey often tops the list of places to visit in Kerala because of the magical backwater experiences that it delivers. Rice fields, houseboat travels and beach sojourns are the major activities that tourists indulge in. And of course, the typical Kerala style meal delivered in all its pomp and show is not to be missed.
Travelling in a houseboat and staying in it for the night would be a unique experience. You get to see scenic landscapes, the quaint villages, coconut groves, lily ponds, ducks in the waters, people indulging in their day-to-day activities and plenty more when you travel in the houseboat.
A Paradisaical Beach – Kovalam
Kovalam is a piece of paradise that you must visit when you are in Kerala. It really makes the state live up to its name of coastal paradise. Apart from hanging out at the beach, you can check in to one of the Ayurveda resorts and have a rejuvenating holiday. Kovalam was a calm fishing village once upon a time, but when the tourists started exploring the scenic beach with the swinging palm groves, it became a hot spot for visitors.
Rendezvousing at a Houseboat – Kumarakom
Kumarakom single-handedly attracts a chunk of tourists even year. The scintillating emerald-blue peninsula juts lethargically into the effervescent Vembanad Lake, making it the perfect destination to spend an unorthodox vacation. Kumarakom is located just 13 kilometres away from Kottayam, and is literally a small paradise stocked with mangrove forests, coconut trees and green paddy fields.
Kumarakom, according to National Geographic Magazine, is one of the must-see places in a lifetime. Houseboats are the most unique attractions of this village, and tourists book cruises to enjoy a trip in the backwaters and relish the typical Kerala cuisine. You can also visit the bird sanctuary if you love wildlife.
Pleasing and Soothing Beauty – Kasargod
The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasargod is mainly famous for its coir, handloom industry and fishing. Hills, beautiful forts, magnificent temples, rivers and forts; you have a lot to explore in Kasargod. There is a man-made forest on the outskirts of Kasargod that you must visit. Spanning 32 acres, the forest was created by Mr. Abdul Kareem, and is a favourite spot for nature lovers and environmentalists.
Exploring the Charm and Picturesque Locales – Kannur
Kannur is famous for its scenic beauty, rich culture and history. The district had been frequented by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in the past, and you see charming influences of the same everywhere you go. There are scenic beaches to visit, ancient forts, spice markets, cashewnut shops, weaving and textile facilities and plenty of old shrines.
The Tea Heaven of Kerala – Munnar
A hill station 6000m above sea-level, Munnar’s reputation precedes it. The fabulous weather of the destination, the glowing green carpets of tea gardens, the backdrop of the misty mountains are all exciting checkpoints for adventure seekers and campers. If you are looking for the perfect vacation, you will find it here. The alluring charm can never be found elsewhere.
The most popular places to visit in Munnar are – Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Mattupetty, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolukkumalai, Pampadum Shola National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Indescribable Breathtaking Beauty – Varkala
Varkala is one of the best seaside towns of Kerala. With cliffs on one side and rejuvenating greenery on the other side, it presents a perfect vacation spot for tourists. You can hang out at the beaches, visit Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Varkala Cultural Centre if you love history and culture. Varkala is just 50 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport, so it is easily accessible.
The Mystical Charm of an island – Munroe Island
Munroe Island in Kollam is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Not many people know about this, so you get to enjoy a fabulous place and spend a day there fishing, and having a simple meal cooked by one of the residents if your guide can arrange it. The locals would also be ready to take you around the canals on a canal cruise.
Silence and Beauty Intermingling Gloriously – Poovar
You can explore the true beauty of nature and relish its many delights when you are in Poovar. You can enjoy the backwaters of Kerala, go for boating, indulge in volleyball, swimming and have a great holiday in one of the best, quiet destinations in Kerala. People also choose to take Ayurvedic massage and spa packages to have a complete rejuvenating vacation.
Witness the Golden Beauty of Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a top destination to visit if you love trekking and hiking. Have a great vacation in Ponmudi (just 60 kilometers from Trivandrum), by traversing up the mystical blue hills, watching the vibrant birds and fluttering butterflies and gazing yonder through the spice plantations and tea estates.
Conclusion
Make time to visit these magnificent coastal places in Kerala. Enjoy the perfect blend of different traditions, try the different cuisines and experience the charming culture of a lovely land.
Author Bio
Sunu Philip is the Inbound Marketing and Creative Head for Paradise Holidays, Cochin – a Kerala based tour operator. She loves reading, exploring new places and trying out different cuisines!
Mumbai is the financial capital of India that remains active throughout the day and night. This city never sleeps even at dead hours of the night, as many of its pubs, restaurants, and roadside food outlets remain open all through the nights. It is a cluster of seven islands, with numbers of beaches and various historic landmarks. Thus, numerous tourists flock here to enjoy their vacations in Mumbai, for which they need to have an idea about all the tourist attractions of this city.
Anytime is the best time to visit Mumbai City
The climate of Mumbai remains favourable for tourism almost throughout the year, except for the rainy season. The mild coolness and dryness of winter days from November to February encourage tourists for sightseeing, shopping, and participating in local festivals. The summer from March to May can be uncomfortable during the daytime while the evenings are very pleasant for all kinds of outdoor activities. However, the monsoon from June to October is not convenient for free movements of tourists, due to heavy rainfall frequently.
Experience the incredible sacred temples
Various parts of Mumbai contain numbers of Hindu temples that attract thousands of pilgrims all over the year. Mumbai got its name from Mumba Devi Temple in Bhuleshwar Road, dedicated to Mother Shakti.
Siddhivinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati is another sacred place for the Hindus and it is the richest temple of Mumbai, located in Prabhadevi area and thronged by thousands of devotees.
Mahalakshmi Temple in Bhulabhai Desai Road is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga; this temple overlooking the sea is also known for its unique architecture.
ISKCON Temple close to Juhu Beach is made of white marble and dedicated to Radha-Krishna, containing a vast auditorium, guest house, and library. Swaminarayan Temple, Babulnath Temple, Walkeshwar Temple, Mini Sabarimala, Balaji Temple at Nerul, and Vaishnodevi Temple in Malad are other old temples of this region.
Notable historical places in Mumbai
Mumbai has a rich historical heritage as this place was developed by the Portuguese and then English over many centuries.
Gateway of India is the prime landmark of Mumbai and this huge monument of yellow basalt overlooks the Arabian Sea on Apollo Bunder.
Elephanta Caves is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the medieval period, by cutting solid rocks and turning into Hindu and Buddhist temples containing beautiful sculptures and paintings.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is the main railway station of South Mumbai that is now declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its marvellous architecture.
Kanheri Caves in northern Mumbai, Mount Mary Church in Bandra, Asiatic Library in South Mumbai, and Mahim Fort on Mahim Bay are few other noteworthy historical sites of this region.
Noteworthy festival celebrations in Mumbai
Many traditional festivals are celebrated in Mumbai, joined by the people of all religions and social statuses. Different religious festivals, like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dusserah, Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated with grandeur all over the city.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the most prominent festival of Maharashtra, which is celebrated in all households and also in public places in September.
Kala Ghoda Festival is an annual art event that is held in February, for nine days in South Mumbai where people take part in dance, music, drama, poetry, and many other art forms.
Elephanta Festival, Banganga Festival, and Mumbai International Film Festival are some other cultural events that can be highly entertaining for tourists.
Enjoy water parks in Mumbai
The tourism department of Maharashtra has developed some water parks for the enjoyment of tourists and local residents.
The Water Kingdom in Borivali is the largest theme-based water park in entire Asia, containing numerous exciting rides and slides where people need to wear swimwear made of nylon or Lycra.
Imagica Water Park is located on Mumbai-Pune Expressway and containing 12 attractive rides made of the latest technology.
Great Escape Water Park and Suraj Water Park are located quite close to the city centre of Mumbai, on the Expressways linking to other nearby cities.
Tikuji Ni Wadi is a fun resort and its water park has slides for different age groups.
Ride the local transport
Numbers of local trains link Mumbai city to the eastern and southern suburban areas, which are availed by millions of people every day. There are also Mumbai Metro and Mumbai Monorail services that help many people to commute regularly. Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Company operates plenty of buses all over the city and it is considered to be a safe and comfortable mode of transport. There are also AC and non-AC cabs running all over the city while auto rickshaws are more frequently seen in suburban areas. Hence, it is best to book hotels in Mumbai that are well connected by different public transports to all parts of this city.
Local train in Mumbai by RubyGoes
Delicious street food in Mumbai
Mumbai is quite famous for delectable street foods that satisfy all food lovers.
Vada Pav is the most favourite street food available here, which can be termed as Poor Man’s Burger due to the similar recipe.
Pav Bhaaji is another popular spicy street food that is available in almost every street corner.
Batata Vada is also called Aloo Bonda, which is actually a deep-fried pakora made of mashed boiled potato.
Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, and Sev Puri are universal favourites among people of all ages.
Bombay Sandwich, Kanda Poha, Baida Roti, Dabeli, and Faluda are also vital attractions of foodie people.
Beaches in Mumbai
Since Mumbai is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, there are many beaches in different parts of this city.
Juhu Beach is the most famous and crowded beach of suburban Mumbai while Marve Beach in Malad and Gorai Beach close to Gorai village are also very popular.
Mad Island Beach is another favourite tourist spot and Aksa Beach is mainly noted for its quiet nature.
Versova Beach, Dadar Chowpatty Beach, Uran Beach, and Girgaum Chowpatty Beach also draw huge people every day, due to roadside eateries, fish market, and natural scenery.
Explore the shopping markets in the city
Hill Road and Linking Road in Bandra, Fashion Street in Marine Lines, Nataraj Market in Malad, Colaba Causeway in Colaba, and Lokhandwala Market in Andheri West are only a few names among the numbers of famous marketplaces in Mumbai. Crawford Market or Jyotiba Phule Mandai is the oldest and best wholesale market for groceries and raw food materials.
Thus, vacation in Mumbai can be a memorable one with proper knowledge and prior planning of the tour.
India is definitely one of the most beautiful places on Earth. With all the culture, fantastic cuisine, beautiful beaches and vibrant cities, it might get hard to check out everything that is amazing in this incredible country. And probably because of that, some breathtaking and unique buildings in India gets lost from tourists routes.
I am going to share a list of five real architectural miracles all around India that is somehow not very widely known as a tourists attractions. But that is nothing wrong, actually. Exactly because of this, you will get a better chance to visit these places and adore them without fighting tons of tourists!
CHAND BAORI
About 100 kilometers away from Jaipur, nearby the Agra road, you can find truly amazing work of humans hands – Chand Boari. This extraordinary step well was built in approximately 800 AD by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty, and it contains 3,500 narrow steps over 13 stories and extends approximately 100 feet into the ground! Chand Boari is actually one of the deepest and largest step wells in India. Upon completion, it was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness, but somehow not many tourists routes visits and admires it.
BIBI KA MAQBARA
This fabulous building is significantly similar to worldly famous Taj Mahal. And there is a good reason why! This resemblance may be explained by the fact that it was built by the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was actually the real son of the emperor who built the Taj Mahal! The construction of this amazing palace ended the late 17th century and was built in memory of Aurangzeb’ first wife, Dilras Banu Begum. However, despite the beauty of this building and the purpose of it, Bibi Ka Maqbara still remains into the shadow of his bigger brother.
PHUKTAL MONASTERY
Another fantastic place made with the hand of a human is really breathtaking. Although it looks like the monastery blends with its magnificent surroundings, the Phuktal Monastery will be hard not to notice. The monastery is built on the ridge of the steep mountains in Zanskar Valley and is by far the most amazingly settled Gompa probably in the entire world. This amazing place, which was built at the 12th century, is still in a pretty good condition. Well, that might be a result of loving 70 monks who live at this place and takes care of it.
ORCHHA FORT
The Orchha Fort buildings complex contains a large number of monuments built thousands of year ago. That include such ancient monuments like the fort, palaces, temple, and other structures. This amazing wonder of India is located in the Orchha town in the Madhya Pradesh state and is surprisingly unknown. The whole complex was built by the Bundela Rajput Dynasty, as the construction took place from early 16th century and was initiated by King Rudra Pratap Singh and ended by others who followed him. It really shows off the hard work and effort put into it as well. Right now the biggest part of the fort is abandoned, yet is open to tourists. So if you ever wished what it is like to wander around in vast palace entirely alone – this architectural wonder can gift you that experience.
THE GREAT WALL OF INDIA
The amazing architectural wonder that surrounds the ancient fort of Kumbhalgarh is one of the best-kept secrets in India, and perhaps the entire world. This defensive wall protects the massive fort that contains over 300 ancient temples, and it was constructed half a millennium ago! Also, the wall extends over 36 kilometers around the perimeter of the fort, making it the second-longest continuous wall on the planet after the far more well-known Great Wall of China. And still, for some reasons, this architectural wonder is not widely known by many!
In the land of historical monuments, there are plenty of places where you can plan a quick escape from the routine life. Monuments with historical significance take you down the memory lane and entice you with their tale of grandeur.Those who are passionate about traveling and exploring new placesmust have historical sites in their travel list. Many such historical places not only give you a glimpse of the historical past, but also allow you to indulge in shopping and other fun activities without which a trip is incomplete.
New Delhi
The capital city of India houses the best monuments of the country, speaking volumes about the pomp and splendor of the Mughal era. A traveler’s list is incomplete without New Delhi in it, as it is the home to the monuments like Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple. These monuments are not just the witness of the rise and fall of the Mughal era, but also saw India getting independent, with the tricolor flag being hosted at the Red Fort.
Along with monuments, you can indulge in the fun of street shopping with street food to satiate your taste buds. No matter, you belong to which religion,this city will allow you to take a walk along the devotional gully.
When in Delhi, try to stay in a luxury hotel, which allows you to rejuvenate your senses after a tiring day, during which you were busy exploring the extraordinary. There are many such luxury hotels in New Delhi where you will experience the royalty at it’s peak, with wide variety of cuisines to fill your platter and recreational centers to keep you in a delighted mood. Please make note that its not necessary to stay in these expensive hotels, there are equally cheaper alternatives.
Mumbai
Designed to honor the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in the nineteenth century, the Gateway of India is one of those historical monuments in India, which attract tourist in large numbers. Featuring an interesting lattice work, the gateway of India has four turrets as one of its many highlighting features. A visit to this historical monument is a must for those who want to witness the huge monumental excellence in the backdrop of the vast Arabian Sea.
Once you are at the gateway of India, you just cannot resist yourself from visiting the Elephanta Caves nearby. After the visit to the monument and the cave, your next destinations can be the religious places like SidhiVinayak Temple and Haji Ali. For those who want to enjoy the sunset at the beach can go to the Bandra Bandstand and Marine Drive.
Old Goa
A trip to Goa is not just about beaches, but has a lot much to offer, ranging from chapels and churches to cathedrals. The Convent and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, which was built in 1521, will make you acquainted with the architectural intricacies of the Portuguese monuments. The body of Saint Frances Xavier,a patron saint, is preserved in this church and is shown to the visitors in every 10 years. Along with historical churches and chapels, Old Goa also has an archaeological museum along with the Museum of Christian Art for those who are interested in taking a plunge deep into the world of history.
Jaipur
The grand Amer Fort, the beautiful City Palace, the intriguing Hawa Mahal and the serene Jal Mahal- the pink city of Jaipur is gifted with many such historical monuments. These monuments will not just fascinate you but will also fill you with pride as you witness the magnificent architectural designs from the glorious past of India. When it comes to shopping, this city doesn’t disappoint anyone. With markets like Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazar and Johari Bazaar, getting objects that exemplify the rich traditional heritage of Rajasthan is quite easy (but, make sure you bargain!).
Hyderabad
Golconda Fort ruins, which are situated at 10 kilometers distance from the city of Hyderabad, are the ideal destination for those who want to be lost in the magnificent past. This fort speaks out loud about the grandeur of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty that reigned from 1518 to 1687. The ruins consist of many temples, gateways and mosques, which are a treat to visit. After a visit to the magnificent ruins, you must take a trip to the colorful shopping center of Hyderabad, Laad Bazaar where you will get to see exquisite pieces that reflect the excellent craftsmanship.
You will find many forts have been converted into hotels. It would be a great idea to experience some of these hotels. A luxury hotel will not just let you experience the history of the places, but will also add more elements of grandeur to your trip to historical sites, which showcase the pomp of the past. But no matter where you decide to stay, these places is a must if you decide to visit India one day.
The union territory of Daman and Diu are located in Western India. The city of Daman and the town of Diu are each considered an enclave of the union territory. However, these two enclaves are not next to each other. The Gulf of Khambhat separates the two, which means you can’t quickly drive back and forth between them. You will have to consider flying, riding a train, or taking the bus.
To travel to Daman and Diu by airplane, your first destination should be Diu. You’ll first have to start from the city of Mumbai which is located in Maharashtra state. There are 6 flights from Mumbai which travel to Diu Airport each week. Once you arrive, you can explore Diu island and see all the attractions that are there. Then when you want to go to Daman, you should fly back to Mumbai and then take a train about 180 kilometers north to Vapi. This is a city about 20 kilometers to the east of Daman. From there, you can take a taxi, public bus, or auto rickshaw to get to Daman. There are usually taxis available at the Railway station. If you want to take the bus, it is roughly a 5-minute walk to the bus stand from the railway station. The stand is located on Main Bazaar Road.
Travel guide to Daman and Diu
For hundreds of years, Daman and Diu were under the power of Portugal. This all started after the Portuguese army arrived in the Indian state of Goa sometime around the year 1539. Their power over the enclaves lasted all the way up until the year 1961. That was when the Indian government gathered up their military forces and reclaimed the enclaves from the Portuguese. Ever since then, the enclaves have been a territory of the union government of India. At first, Goa was considered an enclave just like Daman and Diu. This all changed when the Indian government made Goa into a separate Indian state in 1987.
Daman and Diu have turned into pretty popular tourist attractions. They are both coastal enclaves which means beach lovers alone will have a reason to go there. The Arabian Sea has stunning blue waters which are great for swimming, boating, and even fishing. But what’s even better is the cuisine because there is a mixture of Portuguese foods and Indian foods. Plus, its coastal position means that restaurants have a lot of seafood choices. During festivities and special occasions, you’ll see food dishes such as dhakanu, dudh-plag, potaya, lapse, and puri.
There are a variety of attractions at Daman and Diu, some are manmade while others are natural. The man-made attractions are typically historical sites which date back hundreds of years. The natural attractions are really anything that is waterfront, such as the beaches. There is one beach in Daman called Devka Beach which even has its own amusement park. When festivals are taking place there, the whole park is lit up with attractive lights and other illuminating items. Of course, if you would prefer to just lay around on the beach underneath some palm trees, then go to Jampore Beach.
Aside from the busy nightlife and beaches, the territory is filled with a lot of old churches and forts. In Daman, the Bom Jesus Church still stands after it was finished being built in the year 1603. Its unique Roman architecture will sure make you feel like you’re living in the 17th century. The church was built by artisans from Portugal who carved rosewood to make the church’s altar and the detailed gateways on the ceiling. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll definitely be able to appreciate the architecture and the craftsmanship of those who designed it.
Daman overlooking the sea
In Diu, you can begin your visit there by checking out the Zampa Gateway. This huge red structure was built sometime during the Middle Ages based on its style of architecture. On the walls of the gateway, you can see artistic carvings of angels, priests, and lions. There is also a chapel inside of the gateway that was constructed sometime around the year 1702. It contains a picture of the Virgin Mary and her child. Another attraction near Diu is the Gangeshwar Temple. This is actually a Hindu shrine that was created to honor the Hindu deity known as Lord Shiva. Many Hindus travel to the spot each year to pray and worship their god. But, as a tourist, you’ll be impressed with how the temple was carved from a rocky cave and allows for breathtaking views of the ocean nearby.
Back in Daman, you will certainly notice a tall lighthouse structure as you travel along the coastline. This lighthouse is positioned next to the Daman Ganga Bridge which leads into the Moti Daman Fort that was originally constructed by the Portuguese. Out of all the attractions in Daman, the lighthouse is definitely one of its most popular landmarks. And despite being hundreds of years old, the lighthouse is still completely functional and serves as a legitimate guide for boats and ships at sea. As for the fort, it is about 30,000 square meters in size and contains centuries-old architecture that is truly amazing. There is even evidence of a moat and bastions previously being used around the fort to protect it from outside enemies.
Fortress Panikotha in the middle of the sea in Diu
The weather of Daman and Diu stays fairly warm throughout the whole year. That is why tourism stays very consistent during the year. However, if you want to travel to this union territory to witness the festivities and holiday celebrations, then you should plan your trip sometime between the months of October and March. Not only are there celebrations on the beaches, but the temperatures and climate will be the best at this time as well. Also, bring some extra spending money to purchase souvenirs and gifts because there are a lot of street vendors who sell all kinds of original items that are unique to their culture. They will certainly allow you to remember this trip and the wonderful and interesting sites that you saw along the way.
There are many places in India which have never managed to come to the media limelight but are historically significant nevertheless. One such place, as I discovered last spring, is the cozy little mountain settlement of Kalsi. This village sits in the foothills of the Shivalik Mountains in the lap of the Himalayan plains, just an hour from Dehradun town. It was a completely unplanned trip which just fell into my itinerary out of nowhere. Some cousins and I were exploring the entire Dehradun-Mussoorie-Dhanolti belt when our minivan had a major breakdown. It was taking hours to get it fixed so we decided to do a little detour. We asked around where we could go in the vicinity and were recommended Kalsi. After managing to hire a cheap and comfortable Dehradun car we headed towards this almost obscure village.
A dreamland called Kalsi
Perched atop 780 meters from the sea level, this destination is a meeting point of the Yamuna and the Tons Rivers. But what defines Kalsi is its ancient monuments and sites of historic significance.
Spring had brought about a more saturated shade of green, complemented by the sparkling blue sky and the yellow mustard flowers dotting the fields. The sleepy hamlet appeared to move slower than time, resting against the misty mountains and verdant fields. We walked through the fields and woods, crossed the stream on foot, and landed at the bamboo bridge, literally dangling on the gurgling mountain river. It was quite a challenge to cross the wobbly bridge. But the view on both sides was spectacular. The crystal clear spring sky was like the perfect contrast to the bright green foliage bathed in sunlight. And it was complemented with a serenity that one yearns for. We finally managed to cross over after pausing multiple times to take photos of the landscape from every possible angle. Exhausted from all the hiking, we later took a little break on the other side. Sitting on the banks looking over the sparkling waters of the river as the crisp alpine breeze brushed our faces, felt no less than a dream; an experience one can only cherish and cannot explain in the most articulated words.
A trip down history
The only existing site of the historical significance of Kalsi, as we learned, was the Ashoka Rock Edict. And perhaps the most popular tourist attraction of the village. The Edict is a huge rock of 10 feet long and 8 feet wide with inscriptions by none other than the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, somewhere between 273 and 232 BC. There are 14 inscriptions which are a compilation of reforms and advice written in Prakrit and Brahmi script which laid down the core philosophies and principles of Buddhism. It is said (and believed) that Ashoka’s empire extended till this village and he created this edict when he adopted Buddhism.
The Ashoka Rock Edict sits in corner of a lush meadow, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. The red brick dome-like structure was a colorful contrast to the greens and blues. We had to walk down a hilly slope to reach the premise. I had never seen a historic site so peaceful, without a single human soul in sight. Surrounded by the fragrance of fresh grass and alpine flowers and the symphony of the wind with the rustling water of the Yamuna, this place took me back in time and put me in a place which was beyond this world.
Overall, it was an experience that seldom happened with me and I truly relished every moment of the magical little land called Kalsi. After all, the best things come by when we don’t plan them, isn’t it?
There’s no place to eat or lodge in this village. So, if you are trekking, hiking, or just roaming around, stack up some food and water before you leave for Kalsi.
Kolkata, often called the City of Joy, was the first capital of British India and was one of the first parts of India to fall under the British rule as well. Though, the city is not old enough with 1690 to be the official birth year, it has compensated it in full by being one of the most culturally advanced and intellectual cities of India. Why, Presidency College was called the Oxford of the East! If it is your first time in Kolkata, let me tell you a few things.
Season to Explore: Go to any travel site, and it will tell you that the best time to visit Kolkata would be October onwards. As an insider, I would request you to make it October itself. The reasons are simple, while October to March, the weather in Kolkata is great (which means less heat and much less humidity), October is the festive month for Bengalis. You should not miss Durga Puja, the 5-6 day long celebrations of Bengalis which are back to back followed by Kali Puja, Laxmi Puja and other smaller deities. This is when you find the Bengalis, one of the most amicable and welcoming people of India at their best. The celebrations are huge and the pandal is hopping would be a lifelong experience.
Skip Continental/Chinese: Why would you even touch those when Kolkata offers the best Biriyani in India (along with Hyderabad) and the famous Bengali cuisines. You must try the local foods as a wise man once said, “Nothing teaches you more about the culture of a place than the foods”. In Kolkata, food is very, very affordable and you simply cannot forget the taste of rice, fish fry (skip if vegetarian), luchi, alur dam and to finish on a sweet note, rosogolla (Bengalis invented it. Really! Even Bengali Polao (pulao) is a thing to lick your fingers.
Hotels in Kolkata: You might get tempted to book with any of the hotels near Kolkata airport or Howrah rail station. While the airport hotels are really good as they cater to international tourists frequently, the budget hotels of Kolkata are mostly on Marquis Street. This is where you will find loads of foreigner backpackers, haggling over the room rent (yes, every cost/price is negotiable in Kolkata) and drinking tea at roadside vendors as well. Make use of online travel websites like Yatra to book a hotel in Kolkata and save both your time and money.
No fancy clothes: Why do Bengalis always wear cotton shirts? Come to Kolkata and you will realise that every inch of your body is Gangotri (the origination of Ganga, you knew that, right?) and only Cotton shirts with undergarment can keep you somewhat comfortable in this extremely humid condition. Go for comfort over looks.
Shopping only at New Market: If you want a centralised shopping experience, skip the malls. You might have heard of New Market from your ‘bong’ friends and that is where you should go. Like we Indians say, “from pin to elephant” or like the Bengalis say, “even tiger’s milk” is available in this rather maze of a market. You can find every modern clothes and accessory and also turkey meats, all at one place. The outer circumference of New Market offers extremely good shopping experience as well. However, haggle, haggle and haggle. For a starter, whatever the shopkeeper says, start with half of that, even if it’s a big shop and written “NO bargaining”. Here’s how to bargain in India.
I could go on to a novel’s length but let me get some breath back as this wonderful city always excites me. Kolkata is a very welcoming city and people are hearty. You can speak Hindi and English and most of the time you will have no problem in interacting with them. Here’s Hindi words and phrases for your travels in India.
To the east of the Indian subcontinent is the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It is within this area that hundreds of small islands exist. This group of islands is called the Andaman Islands. Even though India technically has legal authority over them, they are positioned closer to the countries of Thailand and Myanmar. India is about 1,000 kilometers away from these islands, so it will be a longer trip to get to them from there.
Traveling to the Andaman Islands
If you want to travel to the Andaman Islands, you need to travel to Port Blair first. This is the capital of the Andaman Islands as well as its largest town. In order to visit the other Andaman Islands, you must get approval from the authorities of Port Blair first. South Andaman Island is where Port Blair is located. There are two ways to get to Port Blair and both require you to be in the Indian mainland. If you try to travel to the Andaman Islands from Thailand or Myanmar, it would be considered illegal without the proper credentials.
How to Get There
If you are a foreigner from another country, you must take an international flight to India first. From there, you can decide how you want to travel to Port Blair. First, you have the option to fly to Port Blair if your starting destination is the Indian cities of Kolkata, Delhi, or Chennai. The flight from Delhi to Port Blair will take up to 5 hours because Delhi is much farther away from the Andaman Islands than the other two cities. The flights from Chennai or Kolkata to Port Blair will only take around 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can take the scenic route by traveling to Port Blair on a ship. If you start in the coastal Indian cities of Vizag, Chennai, or Kolkata, you can reach Port Blair by ship after about 4 days or so. The ship option will obviously be longer, but it will give you a chance to enjoy the beautiful blue ocean and just relax. If you have a lot of time on your hands and wish to travel slowly, the ship is a great option.
A handful of the Andaman Islands are tourist attractions because of their white sandy beaches and beautiful views of the bright blue ocean. There are tourist ships visiting these islands all the time. Indian citizens do not need a passport, visa, permit, or any kind of special permission to visit the Andaman Islands. Foreigners, on the other hand, will need a passport and Indian Visa just to get into the country of India. But this doesn’t immediately grant them access to the Andaman Islands, though.
The Andaman Islands are a union territory of India. While some islands are open to tourists, many of them are protected islands. For this reason, the Indian government has declared this territory of islands to be a restricted area for foreigners. This means if a foreigner wishes to visit one of the Andaman Islands, they need to request a Restricted Area Permit at Port Blair. This is not as difficult as it may sound. If you have a valid passport and an Indian Visa, you will likely be able to obtain your permit within 15 minutes after requesting it. You don’t even need to pay any money for the permit either.
Places to see at Andaman and Nicobar
There are nearly 600 islands which make up the Andaman Islands. Many of these islands used to consist of indigenous tribes. That all changed in the 19th century when deforestation got out of hand on these islands, thanks to the European settlers of India during the time. In the 20th century, the forests were eventually left alone and deemed protected by the Indian government. Now some of the islands are used for tourism purposes while other islands still have indigenous tribes left on them. The latter islands are off limits to tourists and foreigners.
If you want to know which islands you can visit in the Andamans, the three best touristy islands are North Andaman Island, Havelock Island, and Neil Island. Havelock is by far the most developed island for tourists in the Andamans. It has the most ferry rides going to it, which means it has the most tourists too. Of course, it has the beautiful white beaches and clear blue waters that you’d expect. There are also long treks, lots of beachside mahua trees, and even some exotic island hotel rooms.
Neil Island is a little smaller than Havelock Island, but still a great tourist destination. If you are into snorkeling, then Neil Island is the best place. There is an abundance of wildlife, coral reefs and calm white beaches which make the island great for anyone who likes the water. If you want to stay overnight on Neil Island, you’ll have several 3-star hotel options available too.
On North Andaman Island, you will be taken on a tour of the mangrove forests and limestone caves. You’ll get to walk through several tribal reserves and possibly see some crocodiles who like to sunbathe. As for the starting destination of Port Blair, this is a multicultural town which will give you a taste of the different local traditions of the islands. This was a popular island during the British colonial period too. A lot of the infrastructure on the island still resembles this.
Forbidden Islands to Avoid
Foreigners are not allowed to just venture off to any island they choose in this territory. It is recommended that they only go to the islands which have publicly authorized ferries to them. However, there are certainly ways around this if a foreigner really wants to explore some untouched island in the Andamans. It can be as easy as hiring a local fisherman to take you out there on his boat. Just do not get caught because the Indian government could punish you with a fine or imprisonment. That’s assuming you even survive the trip to the island, especially if there are deadly indigenous tribes on it.
North Sentinel Island
Out of all the forbidden islands to avoid in the Andamans, the one that gets the most attention is North Sentinel Island. This island is home to the indigenous Sentinelese tribe, which experts say is the last isolated and untouched group of people in the world. This is the only group of people left on the planet who have not been exposed to any other form of modern civilization. Because of this, the Sentinelese live the same way that their ancestors did thousands of years ago.
From an anthropological standpoint, the Sentinelese are a fascinating tribe. Their bloodline has a direct link to the first humans who ever walked the Earth. When you consider that humans have been around for nearly 60,000 years, this would make the Sentinelese the oldest tribe still in existence. It certainly makes sense as to why the Indian government wants to protect this island and restrict its access from outsiders. They don’t want that 60,000-year-old bloodline to be compromised.
Ever since the passing of the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956, no one can travel within a 5-mile radius of North Sentinel Island. The only people who have the legal authority to get close to the island is the Indian Navy. They regularly patrol the island and the waters around it. The Indian government takes the restriction of outsiders from this island very seriously. The purpose of this legislation was an effort to prevent foreign diseases and germs from infecting any of the Sentinelese people. That is why they want travelers not to get too close to the island.
However, there is another good reason why the Indian government has restricted outside people from traveling to North Sentinel Island. The Sentinelese are very dangerous and not too welcoming to outsiders. Just because they are mostly naked islanders without any modern weapons or technology, it doesn’t mean they are not dangerous. The Sentinelese come equipped with bows and arrows as a means of defense and offense. If they see anyone approaching on a vessel, they will not hesitate to attack them with their arrows. They’ve already killed fishermen in the past just for getting too close to the island on their boat.
The South Andaman administrative district has legal authority over North Sentinel Island. They have passed legislation which protects the rights of the islanders to remain at peace and be left alone. The local officials will periodically monitor around the island to look for outsiders who are illegally trying to visit. It doesn’t matter if you’re a foreigner or a native Indian citizen. No one is allowed to go to North Sentinel Island unless they have the express permission of the Indian government.
Do not confuse North Sentinel Island with South Sentinel Island because they are two different islands. South Sentinel Island does allow tourists to visit the island if they have a restricted area permit. Some notable features of South Sentinel Island include an unmanned lighthouse, beautiful blue beaches, and loaded with coral reefs in every direction. There are no roads on the island either. You can only travel by foot on the various dirt paths which exist there.
South Sentinel Island does not have any stores, restaurants, or hotels. Tourists are encouraged to bring drinks and food for the trip. Most of the activities on the island are hosted by a guide. This includes the hiking, diving, fishing, snorkeling and boating activities. Although there are no indigenous tribes or people living on the island, visitors are not allowed to stay there unsupervised. It is still considered a natural sanctuary and Indian officials want to preserve it for as long as possible.
North Sentinal Island
Getting back to North Sentinel Island, the Sentinelese tribe is unlike any other Indian tribe of recent history. In the 19th century, British settlers attempted to communicate with the Sentinelese people by bringing Andamanese indigenous people from the Onge tribe to speak with them. The Onge come from Little Andaman Island, which is close to South Andaman Island where Port Blair is located. But when the Onge heard the Sentinelese language, they could not understand it. Despite all the similarities between the various tribes on these islands, their years of separation has made them slightly different from one another.
Throughout the 20th century, there have been some attempts to make contact with the Sentinelese. Exploratory parties from India would try to make friends with the Sentinelese people every couple of years. In 1977, there was an incident where a cargo ship connected with coastal reefs and ran aground on them. Another ship did the same thing in 1981. It is believed the Sentinelese people foraged through the wrecked ships and recovered a lot of metal and iron. This is likely how they can make arrow tips out of metal.
Since 1997, there have been no authorized visits to North Sentinel Island. Some of the local officials are known to drop off bananas and coconuts on the island, but this is a rare thing. Whenever a ship or even a helicopter passes by the island, the Sentinelese people will shoot their arrows at it. The authorities do not punish any of the Sentinelese if they damage property or hurt somebody.
In January of 2006, there was a situation where two fishermen were killed after their fishing boat had drifted near the shore. The Sentinelese people did not hesitate to kill the fishermen with bow and arrows. Once again, the Indian government did not charge the tribe with any crimes.
North Sentinel Island continues to be a fascinating but deadly place. On one hand, foreigners are curious to witness this indigenous untouched tribe firsthand. On the other hand, the Indian officials have made no secret of how dangerous it is to visit the island. While many people have adhered to the warnings of Indian officials, there are always some foreigners who try to live dangerously and adventurous by attempting to get close to the island. One recent foreigner did this very thing but was not so lucky in the end.
To give you an idea of how dangerous North Sentinel Island can still be for foreigners, just look at what happened recently to a 26-year-old Christian missionary and American adventurer named John Allen Chau. He was killed by the Sentinelese people after illegally traveling to the island and attempting to make contact with them. As a missionary, Chau’s goal was to live on the island with the Sentinelese people and try to introduce Christianity to them. Unfortunately, he did not even come close to succeeding.
Ever since Chau graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he lived a nomad lifestyle by going around the world doing missionary work. He trained to be a missionary at an organization based in Missouri called All Nations. The idea of helping other people discover Christianity was very important to him. He was not like other college graduates who were eager to get a high paying job and start a family. His life’s mission was clear in his mind, so he went out to live his dream.
According to friends of Chau, he knew perfectly well about the dangers and risks of traveling to North Sentinel Island. He knew the Indian government deemed it a restricted island, which is why there are no public ferries that ever go out there. The only way to legally access the island is by getting special permission from the Indian government. However, this kind of permission is only granted to anthropologists and researchers of reputable educational organizations or institutions.
Since Chau was neither of these things, he could not get legal permission to visit North Sentinel Island. He only had a standard tourist visa to visit mainland India. For this reason, Chau paid local fishermen to illegally take him to the island. This was what ultimately led to his demise. But he was not killed right away, though. Chau had plenty of chances to escape danger and save his own life, but he chose to risk it instead.
On November 15th, 2018, Chau made his first attempt to visit North Sentinel Island on the fishing boat. The fishermen steered the boat until it was about 2,000 feet from the island’s shore. They would not go any further for obvious reasons, but Chau had other ideas. Despite all the warnings that the fisherman gave Chau about going to shore, he wanted to go anyway. So, Chau took the canoe that was attached to the boat and steered his own way to shore.
When Chau arrived on shore, he carried his Bible with him. He approached the Sentinelese islanders to preach the word of God. The first thing he said to them was, “My name is John… I love you and Jesus loves you.” He then tried to give them gifts, but he quickly ran back to his canoe after they started to get aggressive. All this information is known because it was retrieved from the journal entries that he made about the experience prior to his death.
Over the next 2 days, Chau made frequent visits to the shore in an attempt to win over the Islanders. According to Chau’s journal entries, not all his encounters with the Islanders were hostile. Some of them were puzzled and confused while others were actually amused and excited. His best encounters were when he sang Christian songs to them about worship. He even tried speaking the Xhosa language, which is an official language in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Unfortunately, the Sentinelese did not understand Xhosa or English. Chau tried many different forms of communication with the Islanders. Sometimes they stayed silent in their response, and other times they laughed profusely and made lots of high-pitched noises. When it looked like Chau was making some progress, he tried offering them some gifts and fish. This must have provoked them because a small Sentinelese boy responded by shooting an arrow with a metal head into the Bible he was carrying. That prompted him to leave the island once again.
November 17th, 2018 was Chau’s final visit to the island. It was also the day that he would end up getting killed by the Islanders. Before he headed to shore in his canoe for the last time, he told the fishermen that he wanted them to leave him on the island. The fishermen were reluctant to leave the area without him, but they did for a little while to make him happy. However, when the fishermen came back to the island area, they witnessed Chau’s dead body getting dragged around by the Islanders on shore before it was buried in the sand.
The 7 fishermen who took Chau out to the island were later arrested. Local officials are trying to find a way to retrieve Chau’s body from the island. This is an unusual situation because local officials don’t normally step foot onto the island. They typically observe the island from a distance and try to stop outsiders and foreigners from going there if they spot them. Therefore, this is going to break their normal tradition because the officials don’t like the idea of disturbing the Islanders’ natural habitat.
Now you might be wondering why the Islanders are not getting arrested by the Indian authorities for murder. After all, the Andaman Islands do fall under their legal jurisdiction. Well, the problem is that North Sentinel Island has been deemed a sovereign area. Although it remains under Indian protection, the actions of the Sentinelese people are not prosecuted by the Indian government. This means if a foreigner goes to the island illegally and a Sentinelese person kills him, that islander will not be charged with murder.
In the case of Chau’s murder, no islanders are going to be charged. The only ones who bear any legal responsibility for his death are the fishermen. In addition, a human rights group based in the United Kingdom named Survival International has expressed their concern over Chau stepping onto the island. They’re afraid that he may have infected the Sentinelese people with germs and pathogens from his body.
Since North Sentinel Island remained untouched for countless generations, it means the island has not been plagued with any diseases or viruses. But now, because of Chau, he may have brought his pathogens to the island and infected the people with them. Seeing how these people don’t have immunities for such pathogens, it could end up killing the entire tribe on the island.
As of November 28th, 2018, Indian officials gave up their efforts to retrieve Chau’s body from the island. They didn’t want to risk endangering the Islanders any more than they already have been.
Shimla, the capital of Himachal, is one of the popular tourist spots in the country. It is an excellent location for people who are looking to have a break from their routine life. The picturesque valleys, pleasant climate, soothing cuisine, and warm people can make your vacation a memorable one indeed. The environment is filled with so much of love that it makes for the best destination for romantic couples to spend their honeymoon time. There are small markets here as well that fulfils every desire of the travellers to this place.
Culture & lifestyle in Shimla
Although the climate is cool in Shimla, the people here are so very warm hearted. Everyone believes in living a simplistic life here. They keep a balance between modern thoughts and traditional values. People here don’t follow any particular religion; they follow age old rituals and traditions and see that even their coming generations follow them. Generally, most of the people here come from Tibetan or Himachali background, and continue preaching the same. The culture is cordial and there is a happy atmosphere all over the town and beyond.
Tourist places to visit in Shimla
As Shimla is a tourist place, there are plenty of amazing tourist attractions here to check out. Some of the popular ones are:
Kufri: It is also known as Switzerland of India or East. It is situated 19 km away from Shimla. It is a beautiful place offering breathtaking views to everyone. Winter season is the best time to visit this spot.
Jakhoo Hills: It is considered to be the highest point of the Shimla town. There is also a Hanuman temple atop of the hill. It is open all day. Best way to reach this place is by trekking.
Chail: It a snow clad town for ultimate peace. It is located 45 km away from the town. It is the best place to find the majestic beauty of the hills.
Himalayan Bird Park: It is one of the most visited places in the town. It is a house to plenty of birds. Also, it is a calm and serene place.
Other interesting spots to visit are Christ Church, Kuthar Fort, Annandale, and more.
Romantic things to do in Shimla
Romantic walks: Hand in hand, and walking amidst natural surroundings – nothing can be romantic from this. This is the best way to spend your romantic vacation with your partner.
Enjoy coffee together: Chill climate, hot cuppa, and your partner with you. Can you ask for anything more?
Hill top points: Summer Hill and Scandal Point are some spectacular places in Shimla where you can enjoy breathtaking views with your partner.
Waterfalls: There are some beautiful falls here such as Chandwick falls, Naldhera, and Narkanda where you can relish spectacular nature views.
Shopping in Shimla
Shimla is a fantastic place for the shopaholics. A few bazaars include:
The Mall: It is located in the centre of the city, it has shops, theatres, cafes, and lots more places to hangout.
Tibetan market: You can get attractive handicrafts from this market.
Himachal Emporium: It is the best place for winter clothes, especially Himachali ones such as shawls, caps, mufflers and more.
Lower Bazaar: Also called as sabzi mandi, it is a good place for buying any stuff you need.
Best time to visit Shimla for honeymoon
Anytime of the year is the best time to visit Shimla. However, to spend a romantic vacation in Shimla, winter season would be amazing when the snow falls, the climate is chill, and there is fewer crowds. Make your reservations in advance to enjoy a great time with your partner amidst the cold and natural surroundings.
How to reach Shimla?
The nearest airport to Shimla is in Delhi and Chandigarh. There are flights connected from different parts of the country to Delhi airport and Chandigarh airport. From here, you can take buses or cabs to reach Shimla. Now you know everything about Shimla, and you are just few steps away from making reservations of your flights and hotels. Start planning now to spend the best time of your life in the summer capital of India.
India is a place which is full of beautiful sites that one can visit. To explore India, one will need to go to the key places that actually hold the true essence of India. A whole Indian subcontinent is a place where you can find different types of landforms at the same space. The coastal areas of India are known for their rich agricultural background and also because of its ports. One such place is the state of Goa. The state is quite small but it has an importance in India as it was a Portuguese colony in the past.
So, let us know a few places that one can visit in Goa.
Baga Beach: When you are in Goa, you cannot miss the famous Baga beach. It is a place that is bubbling with life and it is wonderful to look at. As a tourist, one can visit the beach to sunbathe or take a dip in it. At night, the beach becomes a party hub where you can find people from all over India and also from abroad. You will also find the best hotels in Goa around the Baga beach.
Fort Aguada: As we said earlier, Goa is a hub of the Portuguese culture. You have to visit Fort Aguada if you are interested in its colonial history. The fort faces the Arabian sea which gives it an exquisite location. It even has an old lighthouse that was built in 1864. Tourists explore the fort complex because of its beautiful architecture and its closeness to nature.
Anjuna Beach: If you want to see a beach that is lined with red lateritic rocks then this will be your favourite place in Goa. It is a serene beach where you can enjoy your day to the full brim. If you are able to visit the beach on a Wednesday, you can experience the amazing flea market that is famous among the locals as well as the tourists.
Spice plantations: Goa was always the choice of the Portuguese because of its port and the rich spice plantations. So, they form a very big part of the culture of Goa and you can feel that in their food and also the people. Currently, Goa hosts a spice plantation safari where you can see the different spices growing right on the plants. These plantations are generally situated about 30 Kms away from Panaji so it is very easy to visit them.
Divar Island: This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places present in Goa. The island is covered in forests which add to the experience of seeing the island. You have to go by a Ferry and there is a small village on the island which gives you the best hospitality even for being a small place.
So, here are some of the places that you should visit in Goa. Apart from these, there are several lesser known beaches that one can see. Another important part of Goa is the nightclubs and restaurants where you can spend hours. The state is quite beautiful and a tourist should definitely take in all parts of the state.
