Dharamshala is perhaps best known as the home of the Dalai Lama and his large Tibetan community. As such, many of the famed tourist spots rotate around Tibetan Buddhism and its history in the hill station. There is plenty of scenery to see as well, with the stunning Dhauladhar ranges and all their valleys and gorges.
If you’re interested in Tibetan culture and want to see some of the most beautiful sites in the country, book your bus to Dharamshala. It will not disappoint!
But is there anything fun to do in Dharamshala? Important temples, the Dalai Lama complex, and the Tibetan Museum will all be at the top of your list, but they are all on the heavier, educational side of things.
The good news is that there are many fun activities to do in Dharamshala when you want something a little different from the cultural immersion.
Try out the following.
Get lost in Mcleod Ganj
Mcleod Ganj is where the Dalai Lama actually lives, and it is just a few kilometres from Dharamshala. This town has so much to offer, and you can experience its thrills by wandering through its markets, tasting different cuisines at some incredible Tibetan vegan restaurants, and take in the fresh air as you let yourself get lost in the town’s embrace.
Have you always wanted to try your hand at paragliding? No? Me neither. But convincing me to try it was the best thing my friend has ever done for me! I am not the thrill-seeking type, but with paragliding, the terror wears off quickly to be replaced by sheer euphoria.
If you’re understandably wary of paragliding, there are many other adventurous activities you can try in and around Dharamshala. Rock climbing is 100% safe and doesn’t require you to be all that fit (although it will give you a great workout). Abseiling and zip-lining are a little more nerve-racking, but not so much that you’ll be scared right off.
Take a hike
Of course, the most natural choice for fun activities in Dharamshala is taking a hike. There are so many different routes through the mountainous region, with something for everyone, no matter what your level of fitness (or bravery). The steeper hikes are best for those with a bit of leg strength, but there are many alternatives which you can simply walk through.
Hiking through the village of Dharamshala itself is a great way to get to know the place. Effectively a walking tour, you feel the effects of being out in nature while strolling down the village’s streets. Even if you are not interested in hiking, this should be part of your itinerary. Immersion in the place is what you came for, and this is the best way to kick it off.
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!
When it comes to exploring some of the unconventional tourist destinations you can add Jordan to your bucket list. This place has all that you need to rejuvenate and relax. So, before going ahead and booking your tickets, it is important to know about this beautiful place and how can you make your visit to Jordan a memorable one.
What it is like to visit Jordan?
Well, if you have decided to visit Jordan as your next tourist destination, then be ready for incomparable adventure and staggering landscapes that are going to stay in your heart forever. Although Jordan is a small country with a limited area, it has much variety to offer to its visitors ranging from different weather conditions to ancient monuments. There is an array of things that you can explore in this beautiful, friendly place of the Middle East. But, before you pack your bags, there are certain things that you must know before making a visit to this place.
Jordan is safe– One of the first things that you should know if you are traveling to this place is that this place, though having a history of conflicts, is safe to visit. So, if there are any apprehensions surrounding your mind, you should just brush them off. The people of the place are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. Did you know that as per Gallup’s 2017 Law and Order Report, Jordan was ranked 9th in terms of personal security, while the US got the 26th ranking?
Cultural Etiquette– Well, if you are visiting this part of the world, you must get acquainted with the etiquettes of the place. This not only helps you mingle with the people, but also makes your trip an easy one. Well, the country is modern, but being an Arab nation, you must know that norms regarding clothing are strict. To respect the cultural norms, the women are expected to wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid revealing clothes. The same applies to men as well. They are not allowed to walk around topless at any time of the day. It is also advisable that you should have a scarf handy if you are traveling to Jordan. Donning a scarf is both of cultural significance and also a way to save yourself from the scorching heat.
The Food– If you are in Jordan, you will have a lot of options when it comes to non-vegetarian food; but if you are a vegetarian, then your options might be limited as this place has meat in almost every dish. Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan, and you must taste it if you are fond of lamb meat. The meat is cooked in fermented yogurt and is served with rice.
Best time to visit– Well, the weather in Jordan can be tricky and drastically varying. While the plains and deserts can give you a tough time with blistering heat in the summers, in the winters you can expect chilling winds to freeze you. So, if you are planning to book your tickets, then you can plan your travel between March-May. At this time of the year, the temperature peaks to 32°C which is comfortable as compared to the rest of the year. While June and September will have night temperature drop down to freeze you, the temperature further plummets between December and February. If you are willing to explore the marine life of Aqaba, then book your tickets between September and early November when the water is warm at around 26°C. Plan in advance and book your tickets on Cleartrip to get exciting deals on flight tickets to Jordan.
Events to enjoy– Did you just think that a visit to Jordan is only about sightseeing. Well, here’s the ice-breaker, as the place has a list of events too that will keep you engaged and entertained. It has some daily events while there are others which are annual. Some of them are:
The Roman Army and Chariot Experience: This is a daily event that showcases the performance of Roman Army and Chariot Experience at the hippodrome in Jerash. The show is open all days of the week except Friday. It starts at around 11 am and continues till 3 pm in the summer, while in the winter it runs till 2 pm.
Petra by Night: This is a night tour which begins at 8:30 pm at the Petra Visitors. You can enjoy this on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Some of the annual events which you can enjoy here are:
Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon in April
Jordan International Rally in May
Distant Heat is an annual concert and dance festival that takes place in July
Middle Eastern Dance Festival in October
Visa Requirement– If you are traveling to Jordan, you would need visitors’ visa (JD40) at the international airport and land borders of Jordan. Another point to note while traveling to Jordan is that you must buy Jordan Pass online, as this will give you free access to many sights in Jordan like Petra. At the Airport, you can get the visa at the immigration desks. All the payments need to be done in Jordanian dinars.
At Land Borders- If you are traveling to Jordan by land, then you will need a visa on arrival at Sheikh Hussein Bridge or Wadi Araba from Israel.
Five must-see places in Jordan– Jordan is a place that will offer you a wide array of options when it comes to picturesque beauty. From red-hued desert to marine life at Aqaba, you can find everything here. The place has so much to offer that it would be difficult to zero down to a few places but the following five places are a must-visit.
Petra- The region consists of red-hued desert cliffs present in the southern hub of the country. The place is said to be inhabited in the 4th century and offers some great natural creations that are a must-watch.
Amman- The capital city of Amman is one of the most westernized areas in the entire Middle-east. You can enjoy upmarket boutiques, restaurants, and eateries. It is the best place to visit if you want to see what real Jordan looks like. The place also has Citadel Hill, which has been the focus of human settlement since the Paleolithic age.
The Dead Sea– It is the lowest and saltiest water bodies of the world. The lake is bordered by ochre-hued sand and rising mountains, which creates an eye-pleasing appeal.
Wadi Rum- Want to enjoy some of nature’s most spectacular creations, then Wadi Rum is the must-visit area that is hosted with valleys in the desert. This place is situated in the south of the Shara Mountains.
Mujib Nature Reserve- This place is known to be the lowest nature reserve of the globe which falls down into the saline water of the Dead Sea.
Fly to Jordan with Emirates
Emirates Airlines is one of the leading carriers for those who are looking to travel to any of the Middle East destinations, including Jordan. You can book Emirates Airlines ticket on Cleartrip that offers an easy and cheap air fares. Book for the round trip, and you can get an entire package at a lower price here. Not only this, it also provides a platform to book hotels at good rates. So, if you are ready to visit Jordan, then booking your Emirates flight at Cleartrip will make it easy for you.
Travelling is a great way to get out and see the world, whether this is a visit to the heart of Europe or a trip to somewhere else in the UK, you can boost your confidence and begin to grow as a person. So before you begin your European health insurance card renewal, allow us to provide you with some insight on 5 ways that travelling the world can boost your confidence.
One of the main benefits of travelling is that you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. With a number of amazing location and adventures to be had, you are encouraged to push yourself out of your comfort zone and experience the adventures that lie ahead, this is key to increasing confidence as you are then forced to face fears and allow yourself to test the boundaries of what you thought possible.
Sense Of Pride An Achievement
Another reason for this being a great boost to the confidence is a sense of pride and achievement. By encouraging yourself to travel the world you are then instilling a sense of pride in what you are achieving and can look back on the memories that you have made and be proud in yourself. This is a great boost to your confidence as you can achieve great things and look at what you can achieve when you are travelling. If you complete specific tasks such as a bungee jump or a hot air balloon ride, this a will give you the boost of confidence that you need.
Encourage Adventure
Travelling is also a great way to encourage adventure and ensure that you are enjoying yourself as well as pushing the boundaries. This encourages adventure and helps to boost confidence as you will never know what you are capable of until you push the boundaries. Travelling is the perfect way to do this as you are constantly experiencing new things that will give you an increase in confidence that you want.
Increases Positivity
Another way that you can benefit from travelling is the increase in positivity that you will experience from this. This is great for a confidence boost as you will have a positive mental attitude. This is key to confidence as this allows you to enjoy the moment you are in and step away from phones and be in the moment. Though this can take some time to adjust to, this will allow you to boost your confidence and make the most of the travelling you are doing.
Showcases Weaknesses For You To Concur
Whilst you are travelling, it is important to be in the moment and focus on what you are feeling. If you are someone who suffers from anxiety or lack of self-esteem, travelling can show you the issues that you are facing and allow you to tackle them head-on. This is a great avenue for self-discovery allowing you to face your fears and explore some of the best places in the world.
Whether you are looking to travel to the heart of Europe, or you are travelling to the US you can have a number of memorable experiences all whilst boosting your confidence and ensuring you have a trip of a lifetime. Where will you be travelling to?
If you are visiting India for a particular occasion for instance for your friend’s wedding or want to understand Indian clothing or want to know what Indians wear then this article will be useful. Let’s take a look at the various styles of clothing and the occasions they are worn.
Indian fashion is known for its unique and ethnic types of garb. Their styles are unique and are worn on various occasions that the Indian community has especially their pre-wedding occasions. The Salwar Kameez is one of the most beautiful garbs that showcases Indian fashion in a simple and traditional form. Just like the famous saree, it is traditional attire that can go from simple and comfortable to intricate and decorative. Its versatile styling options make it a garb to wear on different occasions but styled differently for each event. The salwar is the type of pants while the kameez is a long shirt or tunic. Other garbs like the dupatta are used to accessorize it to achieve a certain look for a specific occasion. The top can be a Kurta or Anarkali among others while the pants could be churidar, salwar, or Patiala. Below are various occasions that one can adorn the Salwar Kameez.
Mehndi Function
The Mehendi function is one great occasion to wear a Salwar kameez, either as a bride or a guest. As a traditional Indian ceremony, the salwar is a great attire to go and celebrate with the couple on their Mehendi. If you are the bride wearing a sleeveless Salwar Kameez is preferable to find it easier for you to apply the Mehendi designs with ease. Bright bridal colors as many Indians prefer are the best but it is important to choose simple and stunning Salwar Kameez. Plus, you can opt for a single tone with beautiful embroidery or a plain two-tone piece. Red, maroon, and green are some of the colors you can choose for the Mehndi ceremony.
Interviews
This is one of the formal occasions to wear a Salwar Kameez and look presentable as you hunt for a job. There are several things to keep in mind as you choose your Salwar Kameez for the job. It is crucial that it is long, with minimal or light patterns. Choose a cotton material for this formal occasion with a smart collar and three-quarter sleeves. Let the colors be sober and not too shiny that is eye-catching. Iron the salwar kameez and pin your dupatta to avoid any distractions and you can have it cover over the chest. Avoid an Anarkali salwar choice for the interview and straight pants make the outfit untidy. Grey to blue range of colors is better options for a salwar Kameez for interviews or formal occasions.
Sangeet ceremony
This is the most awaited occasion of all the Indian pre-wedding ceremonies. It is a dance party where everyone in attendance is expected to dance or have an organized performance. A salwar kameez is a great choice for a trendy outfit to showcase your dance moves in. It has no major rules to it for such an occasion and it is a very flexible piece of an outfit. There are many types of salwar Kameez you can adorn to the Sangeet ceremony. For instance, to be able to twirl and dance through the evening wear a Lehenga salwar kameez or Anarkali salwar and enjoy the music, lights, and dancing with friends and family.
Haldi Ceremony
The Haldi ceremony has a unique ritual whereby the groom and bride are applied Haldi strokes to wish them well in their union and happy successful marriage. Dressing in a beautiful salwar Kameez is a good idea preferably in yellow color that is very common for this occasion to blend in with the theme and look elegant as well. This can be adorned by a bride or a guest among friends and relatives. You can style your salwar kameez in unique matchings to ensure there is enough skin for people to apply the Haldi paste on.
Navatri ceremony
This is a festival that consists of nine days, nine colors and nine outfits. Picking one of the outfits as a salwar kameez gives you a fresh look for this festival that has been embraced to be full of fun and fashion. By choosing to adorn in a beautiful salwar kameez you will be able to stand out at least in one of the nine days of the festival. Orange, white, red, royal blue, pink, purple, yellow, green and grey are the nine colors of this festival. Hence, choosing one to rock in your outfits like the Patiala salwar in purple will be outstanding if you are after a dark shade for the festival. Optionally, the Lehenga salwar for those who love ethnic fusion can adorn in this in a color of your choice.
Wedding occasion
The Salwar kameez is perfect wedding fashion statement attire. As the main ceremony after the many pre-wedding ceremonies have been carried out. To add a royal feel to this occasion, choose a salwar kameez Lehenga style, a salwar suit with a long jacket in bright Indian signature colors for a wedding like red, orange, maroon which are among some of the trending colors when you have chosen a salwar kameez as the to go-to ensemble. Depending on the time the wedding is taking place blend well with the occasion. Dark colors are better at night while pastel colors are the best during the day. The salwar kameez with scattered prints has a dazzling look at wedding ceremonies. In this photo, women are wearing the traditional saree while some women are wearing salwar kameez.
The reception
The Indian wedding reception is held immediately after the wedding and is the first public appearance of the couple after the wedding. The groom organizes this occasion and it is a time to meet the extended family, friends, and associates. As there is a lot of sumptuous food, great music and a lovely ambiance. Dressing up in a salwar Kameez with heavy work detail or prints of vintage with net fabrics to add an elegant look to the reception will fit in. The reception wear salwar kameez trend can be of a Lehenga and longer kameez or a floor-length Anarkali or jacket type salwar are a beautiful choice to select to bedazzle in this location.
Diwali
Diwali is also known as the festival of lights that is a 5-day celebration that is important for Hindu celebrations. By dressing for Diwali you can combine two beautiful garments to form an incredible traditional salwar kameez to ensure that they are of a vibrant color combination and attire that blends well with the themes of light and illumination. Choosing a layered salwar kameez is a great trend to follow through, for instance, adding layers to the churidar or a straight fit Salwar Kameez is a great taste for the Diwali ceremony. Choose one with long sleeves either in a solid color or prints. If you choose to wear a jacket let it be the focal point of the outfit to stand out in your look.
Party occasions
Getting ready for a party and you don’t know what to wear. Choose a salwar Kameez match that shows cases ready to party. When choosing a salwar kameez for a party it should be of shiny materials with golden decorations and the longer like an Anarkali the better. A crop top and dhoti pants are other great options for a party salwar kameez to look bold with a glamorous taste in fashion. This design for the salwar kameez is among the trendiest to adorn to a party. Choose this combination to a party occasion to have a perfect blend for the salwar kameez to look fashionable and you can complete this look with jhumkas and jootis to complete this look.
Sagai occasion
This is one of the highlights of an Indian wedding. It is the official ceremony of asking for the bride’s hand in marriage. It is also known as the ring ceremony where the rings are exchanged to seal the union. When invited to the sagai occasion as a friend to the couple. Choose a salwar kameez with Patiala which is a favorite salwar kameez trend for women in India for such an occasion. They are always a highlight on every occasion and make you look chic and gorgeous in an ethnic manner. Celebrate this ring exchanging ceremony looking graceful and classy with this salwar kameez look that has a touch of mirror work or embroidery.
Vidai occasion
This is a post-wedding ceremony after the main wedding in Indian wedding traditions. On this occasion, the bride is accompanied by her family friends and associates. To the doorstep where she throws a handful of rice and coins over her head to signify that she is grateful to her parents for all that they have given her. As a bride you can adorn a salwar kameez in Anarkali style for this occasion is a preferred style of the salwar kameez outfits. Since it oozes a sartorial splendor for the bride as she bids farewell to her parents’ home. Velvet or georgette fabrics are loved for this style or choose one that you prefer in the latest trending options online.
Roka ceremony
During this occasion choose a designer salwar kameez instead of just any combination you see fit. A designer one due to its unique styling will do wonders, for instance, a Patiala salwar, dhoti, ankle-length pants are great choices to choose from. Pair with a heavily embroidered kurta to upgrade your look. As an important occasion especially for the bride as her dreams come true the salwar kameez chosen for this ceremony is very delicate since it will be part of her happy memories. Being the center of attention the designer salwar kameez should be beautiful and yet unique. This attire is to be comfortable enough for the busy schedule and choosing this brings out an ethnic touch that balances the occasion and dress choice.
Holi festival
Also known as the festival of colors is a famous festival that attracts many people all over the world to celebrate it. The fun, however, is in the throwing of color and spraying with colored water guns on one another. It is carefree and it makes you wet, colored and dirty. While white colors are most preferred for the visibility of the colors you get thrown at. The white salwar kameez comes in handy on this occasion, because it is ethnic attire for a traditional Indian occasion. The women enjoy themselves by adorning in white churidar kameez and enjoy applying the Holi colors on one another. It is important to have a white or any type of head wrap especially if you are not of Indian origin to cover your hair.
Rakshabandhan festival
It is also called the Raksha festival that its main aim is to celebrate the love between siblings not only blood siblings but the extended family as well. Like the sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, and aunties too. By tying a rakhi the wish each other, prosperity, wellbeing and good health. Wearing salwar kameez suits in the form of palazzo suits, pant style dresses, Punjabi suits is a favorite for most girls on this occasion. Having them in cowl drapes and waistcoat styles are great styling forms for the Rakshabandhan festival. The Sharara as a salwar Kameez design is another fashion statement that can be worn by the women in this festival. The Sharara can be worn to showcase your fashion taste with short tunics and you can have it with heavy embellishments or not. You can replace the tunic with a peplum or crop top for a different look.
In summary, there are several ways to adorn and match a salwar kameez. Using them regularly in different styling for various occasions is a great idea for you can easily change them from simple to stylish. It is elegant and comfortable attire that showcases Indian fashion culture. There are many suitable fabrics and attractive colors you can choose from for the salwar kameez and you can mix and match depending on what you love. If you are invited to an event and you are unsure of what to wear. It is impossible to get bored with the salwar Kameez with its diverse designs that you can select from to make you look gorgeous.
Author – Shrutika Potwar
Bio –Shrutika is full time analyst and on part time blogger. She has 2 years of experience in IT sector. She is working at https://stylecaret.com a fashion e-commerce portal in India. She loves to write and share about Fashion, Lifestyle and Technology and many more categories in spare time. Be liked more. Be read more.
Ever since I was a child, I have heard stories of man-eating tigers from our housekeeper Lakshmi who grew up in the Sunderbans. It has been decades and yet those stories hadn’t changed. Once in a while, I would get an update from her, about how a tiger attacked a village or how village kids went missing in the forests. As I grew older and the travel bug caught up on me, I decided to give my stories a reality check. So I coaxed Lakshmi one day and planned a trip to her homeland. It was after the festival season, a few years ago, and was the perfect time to explore this delta region. We booked a cab from Kolkata to Sunderbans and headed to see the land of the wild.
Reaching the Sunderbans
It was a 3 hour drive through Sonarpur and Canning. In case you are travelling in a large group, get the best tempo traveller on hire in Kolkata. We finally reached the village of Gadkhali. Beyond this point, one has to take a ferry to reach any of the nearby villages. We had to reach Maipit, where my housekeeper’s family lived. Her cousin Babu was a fisherman who owned a boat and was supposed to be my guide for the next two days. As soon as we landed at Gadkhali, he appeared with his small dinghy to give us a ride.
The deltas of the Sunderbans are like the frayed ends of India’s geographical fabric. The small ferryboat weaved through the Matla and Thakurani rivers and their silted river islands. Cutting through the noisy tourist boats and morning ferries, we reached the island village of Maipit. Far from the busy towns of the mainland and tourist lodges, Maipit was the quintessential village of Bengal. After a simple village-style lunch, we went for a walk around the village and around the edges of the river. Barely a mile outside the village, in a narrow forested trail, we found pug marks on the soil. It was fresh, probably from the night before, making it clear that one of the predators have been on the prowl.
Next day, we went out on our boat ride. Babu had already warned me that the ride could get intimidating at certain places.
A ride through the mangroves
Although September is a dry season, the villages here often experience a sudden afternoon storm, along with the daily tidal changes. This makes boating a risky affair at such times. The three of us started sailing at snail speed down the narrow canal where their house sat. The mangrove laden canal was way narrower than the water bodies I had crossed in the morning. The tides here changed so often that I could feel the rise and fall of the water volume while sailing. When the tides were high, the waves lapped at the banks, almost drenching the mangroves.
We meandered through narrow, shallow creeks and reached an area where there were very few houses, and that too, at a distance. At some places, the low-hanging trees made us duck.
The surroundings rushed a feeling of fear and exhilaration in me. I was thrilled and yet, there was the anticipation of the unknown. In a few arms distance, on one side of the river banks, I saw a half-broken boat turned over and torn clothes of probably a man. My boatman stoically stated that a few days ago a fisherman was missing from the nearby village and was found the next morning at the place that I just saw. This made my heart skip a beat. The creek seemed to taper down and the forests on each side felt closer to the boat.
A glimpse of the predator
Babu suddenly stopped the boat and asked me to follow him. This was a wider and clearer path used by villagers to collect firewood or go hunting. We reached a sandy ridge-like area, from where we could see on the other side of the delta. Quietly, he pointed out to a window between two trees, towards a water body. I grabbed my binoculars and focused on his line of view. Far away, I could see the golden yellow silhouette of the big cat. A little more focus made its flaming stripes prominent. It seemed to be resting in the water, perhaps preparing itself before the night attack. I realised that could be the closest I would ever get to a Royal Bengal. But that was good enough.
It was not safe to hang out in the woods for long and it was getting dark. The soft caressing sounds of the waves gave way to the stillness of the sunset. I tried to focus on the sounds that flew from the dark corners of the forests, where the predators were treading surreptitiously, lying in wait. Soon, it was dark and I kept my peeled to watch out for any sudden movement in the trees. I thought I heard a roar and felt the leaves rustle and a pair of green eyes. Or were they just fireflies?
A long strip of beach that runs till the eyes can see, pristine blue water lapping over the soft and gentle sand and receding back into the mighty Arabian Sea, a spread of green laid out in all its glory to admire and behold – this is the beauty of Karwar. Located in the Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka, around 15 kilometres south of the Karnataka-Goa border, Karwar serves as an ideal vacation spot for adventurers, honeymooners and families alike.
Karwar is famously known for its exquisite beaches, picturesque scenic landscapes, blooming flora and vast green hills – all these round up the beauty that Karwar has to offer to its tourists. Regarded as the most popular tourist destination in the Uttara Kannada district, the city attracts a huge number of visitors from all over the country. Karwar is also regarded as the city that inspired the laureate Rabindranath Tagore to author Prakritir Pratishodh.
The captivating beauty that instils romance into the air, it is in honour of the beautiful place that Tagore described in his equally beautiful words: “The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place in which to realise that the beauty of Nature is not a mirage of the imagination, but reflects the joy of the Infinite and thus draws us to lose ourselves in it. Where the universe is expressing itself in the magic of its laws it may not be strange if we miss its infinitude; but where the heart gets into immediate touch with immensity in the beauty of the meanest of things, is any room left for argument?”
As Karwar is situated close to the Karnataka-Maharashtra border, much of its cultural influence has been taken from the two states, Goibibo notes. The natives of the city observe several festivals – Dusshera, Diwali, Basant Panchami and Pongal among others – as a way to rejoice life and celebrate the beautifully mesmerising city they have been blessed with.
While the city is popular for people looking to kickback, unwind and spend some time away from their busy everyday lives, it also houses a plethora of temples, forts for architecture lovers and beaches. Some of these attractions include the octagonal church Sadashivgad Hill Fort with a Durga temple and 300-year-old Venkataramana temple.
Places to visit in Karwar
Of all the seaside beauty the city has to offer, Rabinranath Tagore Beach is considered the best of the lot. Known for the mesmerising view of sunsets one can witness here, with the skies glazed in a wonderful blast of yellow colour, this beach is an ideal spot for honeymooners looking to spend some private time to rejoice in their romance, TravellersDiary.com notes. The beach is also home to Karavali Utsav, a cultural socio event organised by the Uttara Kannada District Administration.
The Sadashivgad Fort, famous Goddess Durga Temple, sits atop a 200 feet high hill. Founded in 1698 by Raja Sonde, it is one of the most visited attractions in the city. A view from the pinnacle offers a scintillating sight of the entire city laid out like a beautifully kempt carpet, along with that of the Kali River.
If you fancy indulging in or want to get a bite of adventure, Kurumgad Beach is the destination for you. Located in close proximity to the backwaters of the Kali River, this beach is shaped in the form of a tortoise and has scores of exhilarating activities to satisfy the craving for an adventure – trekking, diving, snorkelling and fishing. Dolphin spotting is a popular activity that tourists and visitors can indulge in. At night, a delightfully clear sky provides stargazing opportunities.
Karwar weather
The best season to visit Karwar is during winters, which starts from the month of November until February. Temperature during this season, which arrives after monsoons, generally ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. Moderate rainfall in the months between July and October give the city a vibrant, bright and fresh appearance. The summers last from April until June, with the temperature ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius; tourists generally avoid vacationing in this period because of the excessive heat.
Where to stay in Karwar
Taking some time out of the routine everyday life to get a slice of scenic beauty, adventure and everything that defines a perfect vacation destination warrants that you choose an ideal hotel amongst several resorts in Karwara for your stay. Not only would you want an accommodation that is situated amid delightful surroundings but also offers plentiful amenities for entertainment and leisure.
With a scenic view of the Sahyadri mountains in the backdrop, located next to the estuary where the Kali River meets the Arabian Sea, Sterling Holidays’ Emerald Bay is set amid the marine expanse that has been the pride and beauty of Karwar.
Members can opt for a Studio room, while guests can go with the Classic Room. The resort also offers a wealth of amenities and facilities – including a swimming pool and an activity center.
How to get to Karwar
Whether you prefer air or rail, Karwar is never too far away for vacationing during holidays. It is noted that the closest airport is the Dabolim airport in Goa, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. One can also reach Karwar by rail via Konkan Railways.
