• Named after Lord Shiva (Mukti means salvation), it’s a place with spiritual significance, drawing tourists and trekkers alike.
• Mukteshwar, a quaint hill station in Uttarakhand, India, is a hidden gem nestled in the Kumaon hills.
• Known for its scenic landscapes, Mukteshwar offers a peaceful getaway from city life.

Location of Mukteshwar

• Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 2,285 meters.
• Approximately 50 kilometers from Nainital and 350 kilometers from Delhi.

Why Visit Mukteshwar?

• Escape from the bustle of everyday life and step into nature’s pure beauty.
• Perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with activities ranging from trekking and camping to leisure strolls.
• Ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts with panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Main Attractions in Mukteshwar

• Mukteshwar Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched on a hilltop offering breathtaking views.
• Chauli Ki Jali: Popular rock formation offering excellent views of the valley, loved by photographers and thrill-seekers.
• Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow: Known for its British architecture, offering serene views of the surrounding landscape.
• Indian Veterinary Research Institute: A renowned research institute with historical significance.

Things to Do at of Mukteshwar

• Trekking: Mukteshwar has various trails suitable for all levels, including a scenic hike to the Mukteshwar Temple.
• Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Chauli Ki Jali is a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts.
• Bird Watching: Home to diverse bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
• Camping: Set up a tent under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful vibes of the hills.
• Photography: With spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, Mukteshwar is a delight for photographers.
• Local Village Tours: Experience local Kumaoni culture, cuisine, and daily life in the nearby villages.

How to Reach Mukteshwar

• By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 100 km away. From Pantnagar, taxis are available.
• By Train: Kathgodam is the closest railway station, 65 km from Mukteshwar. Buses and taxis are readily available from Kathgodam to Mukteshwar.
• By Road: Well-connected by road from major cities in North India. Direct buses and taxis are available from Nainital, Haldwani, and Kathgodam.

Accommodation in of Mukteshwar

• Options range from budget guesthouses to cozy resorts with stunning views of the mountains.
• Popular resorts offer cottages and homestays that give a local feel and comfort.
• Advance booking is recommended.

Fully Furnished Cottages (Entire floor) with caretaker available for rent for 4 adult Persons (+children) with Breakfast at 10,000₹/Day

Ground Floor:  2 bed rooms with double beds + living room + kitchen+ balcony on both sides

First Floor:  2 bed rooms with double beds + living room + kitchen+ balcony on both sides

(We can place bed on the living room if you have more people in your group)

Second Floor: A big hall ideal for yoga and other activities

Tap to Call 9811179964

Additional beds will also be available on request to accommodate more people

• Open outdoor space for sitting
• Bonfire
• Parking
• Wifi
• Caretaker
• Pet Friendly
• Housekeeping

History & significance of Mukteshwar

• Ancient Roots: Mukteshwar’s name derives from the words “Mukti” (meaning salvation) and “Ishwar” (meaning God). It’s believed to have spiritual roots, with references to Lord Shiva who is thought to have defeated a demon here, granting him salvation.
• Mukteshwar Temple: The 350-year-old Mukteshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds significant historical importance and is one of the key landmarks. It attracts both devotees and history enthusiasts looking to connect with its ancient heritage.
• British Era Influence: Mukteshwar rose in prominence during the British Raj when it was chosen as the site for the establishment of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in 1893. This was one of the earliest scientific institutions in colonial India, primarily set up for livestock research and to combat diseases affecting cattle.
• Architectural Heritage: Remnants of British architecture are still visible in Mukteshwar, especially in old bungalows and cottages. The Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, built during the British period, still stands as a reminder of colonial influence in the region.
• Scientific Contributions: The IVRI brought Mukteshwar onto the scientific map, attracting scholars and scientists. It became a center for research in veterinary sciences, marking Mukteshwar’s contribution to animal healthcare in India.
• Preservation of Local Culture: Over time, Mukteshwar has balanced its spiritual roots, British heritage, and local Kumaoni culture, preserving elements from each while integrating with the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Tap to WhatsApp 9811179964

Delhi, the capital of India has a rich mixture of traditional cultures. The capital city of India has been ruled by the Mughals for a long time and it is one of the most visited tourist places. It is due to its spectacular monuments that the Mughals have constructed long back.

Different monuments are known for their grandeur, historical and architectural importance.

The British rule has left some of its impression in Delhi. Thousands and hundreds of tourists visit the place every year.

Best time to visit Delhi

The best time to visit Delhi is from October to November and from February to March. During this time, one can enjoy the beauty of Delhi in a pleasant weather condition.

Location

Situated in the northern part of India and it is stretched over an area of 1483 square kilometres. As per the geographical location, it is between the Himalayas and Aravallis range.

How to reach Delhi?

• By air – The city international airport is Indira Gandhi international airport that is well connected with the rest of the big cities. It offers both domestic and international flight services. It is located at a distance of 22 kilometers from the city.
• By rail – There is easy interstate bus service in Delhi that easily connects with most of the nearby cities. The metro service of the city and the DTC buses help connect easily with the big cities from Delhi.
• By road – Delhi is known to be the headquarters of northern railways with five main railways in Delhi. The new railway station is situated in Paharganj close to Connaught place. Therefore, the railway connectivity in Delhi is a convenient one to get connected to the rest part of the city.

Things to do in Delhi

1. Visit Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar is among the top tourist destinations in Delhi. This 240 feet tall tower is built of marble and red sandstone. This monument has a spiral staircase that takes almost 379 steps where tourists visit throughout the year. Built almost 1000 years ago, this monument of carvings throughout the tower is a must-visit one.

2. Get inner peace at Lotus temple

This architectural delight should not be missed out and this monument is made of quality marble. The lotus temple is a symbol of peace that is significant due to its shape. This is a silent place that is maintained most of the time. This place is also known as the Baha’i faith and thus, it is worth visiting the place when travelling to Delhi.

3. Walk to the India Gate

Go for a walk to India Gate where one can find memories of the soldiers is worthy of paying a visit. This is a famous 42-meter high iconic monument that offers both for educational purposes and an excellent place for photographer’s delight. The best time to visit the place is during the evening time when the monument will be lit up brilliantly. Adding to this, with the fountain, the place looks a magical one.

4. Experience the culture at Jama Masjid

This is one of the largest Islamic mosques constructed during the 17^th century. This building in Delhi is considered as an important worshipping place. It is worthy to visit this place during Friday prayers. Everyone can enter the place and it is mandatory to cover up from head to toe.

5. Go for boating at Old Fort

The other name of the place is Purana Qila has a beautiful boating area amidst the fort and Delhi zoo area. For the perfect peace of mind, this place is suitable to visit except for Monday. It is further known that the construction of the place has been started by Sher Shah Suri and it has been completed by Humayun.

6. Akshardham Temple

This is a famous place of worship in Delhi with water shows and boat rides. This is a must-visit place with lush gardens all around. Situated in east Delhi, it is a famous one in the whole world. It is also considered among the largest Hindu temples for its excellent decoration and architectural beauty.

Places to visit in Delhi

• Red Fort

The light and sound snow are a must watch thing when visiting Red Fort. The place is also known for its historical and architectural importance. It symbolizes the time of Mughal rule since its inception in 1638. The magnificent building is good evidence of the architectural splendour of the Mughals during their rule in India. The time from sunrise to sunset is suitable to visit the place. The high walls of the fort are significant features of the fort.

• Humayun’s Tomb

This place is famous for its architectural and historical importance since it has been built during 1570. It is a good example to know about Persian architecture. Every visitor can visit the place and it is suitable to visit it during the afternoon time.  

• Qutab Minar

Famous for its architectural and historical importance, this place should top your list of the must-visit places when traveling to Delhi. It is one of the tallest towers that mark the beginning of Mughal period in India. The 73 meters tall tower has been built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. There is a mixture of red sandstone, sandstone and marble in the construction of the monument. One should also visit the archaeological park.

• Lodi Gardens

When looking for a place to escape the crowd of the place, Lodi Gardens is the place. Built during 1936 around the rulers of the 15^th and 16^th centuries, it is spread over an area of 90 acres. You can walk, relax, enjoy and go jogging in this park. For long walks and picnic, this spot is a suitable one in Delhi.

• India Gate

India Gate is famous for the Indian army, architectural importance and as a war memorial. It takes 1 to 2 hours to go around the place. Constructed during 1931, the names of soldiers are inscribed on the walls of India Gate. This place is also known as the ‘All India War Memorial.’ The evening is the best time to experience the India Gate in its true beauty. For relaxing in the surrounding gardens, this is the suitable one.

• Purana Qila

To know about the cultural importance, ruins, fort and historical significance of the place, it is worthy to visit Purana Qila. Since the Mughal time, it has witnessed many historic events. The gates and walls of the fort are evidence of the grandeur of the place. The light function is worthy to attend at this fort. Also, one can visit the archaeological museum for its beauty.

Famous festival at Delhi

• Lohri – Lohri is celebrated by Punjabis and Hindus by lighting bonfire. It is celebrated on the 13th of January. In this, people will dance around the bonfire while throwing food items like groundnuts, popcorns, sesame seeds and the like into the fire. Even the event is often accompanied by Bhangra and gidda as part of the festival. There is great importance of the festival in Punjabi households after a baby’s birth or couple’s marriage to celebrate happiness.
• Diwali – Diwali is also known as the ‘festival of lights’ celebrated in October or November. The main reason for the celebration is the home-coming of Lord Rama after fourteen years. People decorate homes with lights, rangolis and light firecrackers, put diyas and candles.
• Navratri and Dussehra – This is celebrated for long nine days and a different form of Goddess Durga is worshipped each day. Gujarati people have community dance programs when they dresse up in ghagra-choli. The tenth day is termed on the day of Navratri and Dussehra when demons like the ‘Ravana’, ‘Kumbhakarana’ and ‘Meghnatha’ are burnt indicating the victory of good over the evil in the society.

Food culture of Delhi

Without any such specific food culture, the North Indian food culture is mostly found in Delhi. It includes Mughlai dish and Punjabi dish and each of these are mouthwatering ones. Even people in Delhi are fond of Thai, Mexican, Continental and Chinese food.

Things not to do in Delhi

1. Never trust strangers

Do not trust strangers in Delhi and try to keep away from them. Never ignore the warning that your parents used to give you. If you find someone is trying to make bucks from you, try to avoid those people. When roaming about in the main city, try to be aware of these frauds.

2. Do not run for metro during peak time (9am-11am) & (6pm-8pm)

For budget traveling, the metro is not the choice. It is found to be overcrowded during peak time. Therefore, even if you miss one, you can easily get another within a quick time.

3. Do not miss out big chill

With a number of cafes and restaurants, one can plan for a big chill and party hard when traveling to Delhi. If you find the prices overcharged one, you can try to affordable desserts. Even the pastas and pizzas are recommended by most of the food lovers.

4. Do not take too much of street foods

As you will be tempted to taste the street food at Delhi, never make the mistake of overdoing it. Also, if you do it, make sure you try it from the right place. trying the food from the wrong place can cost you more.

Location of Chennai   

• Situated in south-eastern coast of India
• Lying in north-eastern part of Tamil Nadu
• It has its part on flat coastal plan called Eastern Coastal Plan
• Located along the shores of Coromandel Coast
• Two rivers Cooum and Adyar River flowing through center and south of Chennai respectively

Best time to visit Chennai

• Pre-monsoon and winter months are ideal
• Months from October to February is right to visit

Temperature of Chennai 

• Situated 6 meters above sea level
• Average annual temperature goes up to 28.6 degrees Celsius
• May is considered the month with highest temperature
• Lowest temperature is 13.9 degree Celsius with the highest going up to 45 degrees Celsius

How to reach Chennai?

By Train

There are two railway stations in Chennai

• Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore
• Stations easily connects to major cities

By Bus

• Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal is Asia’s largest bus stations
• Other seven state owned bus services run in Chennai connecting to other major cities
• Bus services connecting to Bangalore and Calicut are also available

By Air

• Chennai International airport is located at 7 kilometers from city
• Airport has both domestic and international flight facilities
• Airport connects well to other major cities

What is Chennai famous for?

Unique Culture

• Local people are proud of Chennai culture
• Prefer communicating in Tamil language
• Important festivals are celebrated in the city

Jallikattu

• This is considered inseparable for Tamil’s culture
• Locals participate in bull fighting in Chennai
• Bos indicusbulls are bred for using it in the game

Pongal

• Popular festivals in the country
• Four day long festival in which farmers offer prayer to God
• Celebrated during the second week of January
• People buy new clothes and prepare sakkarai pongal
• Special dish is offered to sun

Tropical Climate

• Known for humid climate
• Located at thermal equator and experiences hot and wet temperature
• Best way is to enjoy coconut water in the beach

Chettinad Food

• Popular food choice in Chennai
• Originated in Chettinad area of the city
• Dish is prepared with different ingredients including species
• Popular food are Parambriym, Amala, Dakshin

Things to do when traveling to Chennai  

Spending time at Marina Beach  

• Spread over a distance of 13 kilometers along Bay of Bengal
• Most visited beaches by tourists
• Considered to be second largest in the world
• Almost 30,000 visitors visit in a day

Visit MGR film city

• Managed by state government department
• Built in memory of MG Ramachandran
• Built during 1994, considered new structure in the city

Play gun games at VGP Holden beach

• Clean and beautiful beach in the city
• Suitable to visit spending a day with friends and family
• Beach is part of VGP Universal Kingdom
• Beach is second longest in the world

Experience scuba diving

• Scuba diving helps discover the world under sea
• Beat the heat during summer months by indulging in such activities
• Top-rated activities when traveling to Chennai

Trekking to Koli Hills

• Located in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu
• Untouched by commercial benefits, so retains natural elegance
• Most thrilling things to engage in Chennai
• Name indicates ‘mountain of death’

Places to visit in Chennai

1. Marina Beach

• Situated at a distance of 4 kilometers from the city
• Stretched over an area of 13 kilometers
• Longest natural breach with 30,000 daily

2. Breezy Beach

• Remote and serenity of the place is great
• Perfect gateway for evening outing in Chennai
• Located at a distance of 9 kilometers from the city

3. Marundeeswarar Temple

• Situated at 8 kilometers distance from the city
• Temple is located at Tiruvanmiyur
• People having disease and facing problem visit the temple to worship god
• Temple is evidence of Dravidian architecture

4. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

• Known as Vandalur Zoo located in Vandalur area
• Zoological garden is spread over 602 hectares
• Home for 3000 species of fauna and flora including 46 endangered animals

5. Connemara Public Library

• Included among four famous deposits libraries in India
• Situated at 1 kilometers distance from the middle of the city

6. Kolli Hills

• Located at 279 kilometers from the center of the city
• Mountain range is situated towards Namakkal district
• Place has retained natural beauty

7. ISKCON Temple Chennai

• Temple is devoted to Lord Krishna
• Located on east coast road in southern part of Chennai
• Spread over 1.5 acres of land, one of the biggest Radha Krishna temple
• Opened on 26^th April, 2012

Famous festivals at Chennai  

Pongal

• Celebrated to thank Sun God
• Boil first rice of the season as tribute to Sun God
• Pongal is known as the name of the rice dish
• One month before the festival women make patterns with rice and color in front of the house

Natyanjali Dance Festival

• On this day, dancers offer tribute to Lord Nataraja
• Festival celebrated in Nataraja temple
• In this 300 to 400 dancers dance on one floor

Mahamaham Festival

• Festival is celebrated after 12 years in Tamil Nadu
• Festival is celebrated in the town of Kumbakonam
• Celebrated in the month of February or March

Thiruvaiyaru Festival

• Celebrated in Thiruvaiyaru, town in Tamil Nadu
• Festival held near River Cauvery
• Celebrated on the day of Pushya Bahula Panchami day

Karthigai Deepam

• Festival is known as the Festival of Lights
• It is celebrated in the month of November to middle of December
• Main idea is to keep away from bad things

Food culture of Chennai 

Kothu Parotta

• Famous south Indian delicacy with Kerala Parotta as its base
• Symbolizes food culture and ingenuity of Chennai
• Famous street food option

Madras Atho

• Dish has its origin in Burmese delicacy with base as noodles
• Easily available in the shops

Nethili Fry

• Great option of sea food
• Spicy finger-food dish
• Main ingredients are anchovies which is fried and served with lime

Sundal

• Popular roadside food option available in beaches and temples
• To get the best version, one should try from Marina beach
• Prepared from soaked chana with species, coconut, sliced mangoes along with chilies

Important advice for tourists

• For shopping from local market, bargain
• When hiring taxi service to roam around in the city, make sure that you are not overcharged
• Try visiting local attractions by own
• Be careful when tasting local food and water
• Heavy monsoon can be a problem to stroll around, so November to February is the best time
• Take along breathable cotton garments as you can experience high humidity in the city
• Better to get mid-range hotels located in the middle of the city

Important contact numbers

• Chennai Corporation Complaints – 1913
• Tourist enquiry – 1913
• Railway Enquiry – 139
• Tourism Office of Government of Tamil Nadu – 25368538
• Police – 100

Kashmir is known as the crown state of India that offers both rich culture and diversity. Known for Islamic culture, it is an excellent place to visit for the tourists. With plenty of tourist destinations to explore from Kashmir, it is worthy of visiting.

By knowing the right time, you can experience to the beauty of the place in real sense. Also, you can enjoy it if you can visit the place during any of its festivals. The place is famous for its scenic beauty, snow-covered mountains, wildlife, exquisite gardens and many others.

Location

Kashmir is considered the northernmost region on the Indian subcontinent, and it is almost 1730 meters above the sea level.

Best time to visit Kashmir

The time from March to August is suitable to visit Kashmir as you can experience the beauty of the place during the cool weather of the summers in its true sense.

How to reach Kashmir?

• By road – Kashmir is well connected with roads via which you can reach different towns and nearby cities. With 1 – A national highway, it becomes easy to choose roadways when traveling to any other cities from Kashmir. Also, the journey becomes comfortable for the state transport system.
• By railways – To reach Kashmir, the Jammu Tawi railway station is located at a distance of 330 kilometers from the main city.
• By air – The Srinagar airport is 15 kilometers away from the city and it is well connected with other large cities. Therefore, one can avail of airways to reach Kashmir.

Places to visit in Kashmir

1. Srinagar – It is among the beautiful places suitable for boating, water skiing, trekking, bird watching, and many more. The main highlight of Srinagar is the famous Dal Lake, which is a prominence of the state’s culture. This is the first place that none of the travelers should miss out on.
2. Gulmarg – For the snow lovers, this is the perfect place which is called the ‘meadow of flowers.’ It is a complete treat to the eyes to witness the snowcapped mountains from close. This is rightly called as adventurers’ paradise as one can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the place.
3. Sonamarg – The name of the place suggests this as the ‘Meadow of Gold.’ To witness an endless stream of beautiful and colorful flowers, this place is the perfect to visit. For snow, October, December and January is the suitable time to visit. The place would top the list of every visitor for its excellent collection of variegated flowers.
4. Pulwama – The place is famously called as the ‘Rice Bowl Of Kashmir.’ This small village in Kashmir shall let the victors know about the actual beauty of the place. Located at 40 kilometers from Kashmir, the weather coupled with the saffron fields are worthy of visiting the place.
5. Pahalgam – To witness heaven on earth, Pahalgam is the place which is 95 kilometers from Srinagar. It is at an altitude of 2740 meters surrounded by forests, lakes, and flowers. The nature lovers are sure to fall in love with the serenity of the place. Though it is a small tiny, you should include visiting this place while you are traveling to Kashmir.

Things to do in Kashmir

1. Shikara Ride in Dal Lake – Never misses out the scope of riding on the traditional wooden boats called Shikara on the Dal Lake in Srinagar. For the best Shikara ride, Dal Lake and Nagin Lake is the suitable one. When floating amidst the blue water, you are sure to enjoy the view of the snowcapped mountains nearby.
2. Gondola Rides at Gulmarg – To enjoy the beauty of snow-covered mountains and the beautiful lakes from above the clouds, the gondola ride at Gulmarg is a must-try one. It is the best eye-pleasing experience to try. Also, one can get bird’s view of the place in the ride.
3. Trek Chadar Lake – To witness the frozen fantasies at its best, trekking in the Chadar Lake is a suitable option. It can be among the toughest trek and an enjoyable one for the adventure lovers. The trek is on the Zanskar River that turns frozen during winters. The elevation at such a height in chilling weather will surely make a lifetime experience.
4. Stay in a House Boat – To get a taste of the raw beauty of nature at Kashmir, try to choose to stay at houseboat on the Dal Lake over the luxurious hotels. This is perfect option for the honeymoon couples. Even if you love to experience off-beat activities, you should not miss out on this one. You can have the view of the water body that lights up due to the stars.
5. A Trip to Shalimar Bagh – This is among the best Mughal Garden in Kashmir that has been built by the Mughal emperor during 1916 AD. It is connected with Dal Lake and one can witness the grandeur of the Himalayan ranges at the back of the garden.

Things not to do in Kashmir

• Never eat at fancy eateries

There is no point in eating in the fancy restaurants in Kashmir as it is better to try Jan bakery. In Srinagar, one should not miss out on trying the fresh bakeries. Some popular bread includes baqer khani, sheermal, lavas and kulcha.

• Do not drink alcohol, instead try Kahwa

Other than drinking alcohol, you can try Kahwa at Ahdoor in Srinagar. This is a type of tea that helps you stay warm for a long time when traveling to Srinagar during cold days.

• Do not walk around in Gulmarg

Instead of walking around in Gulmarg, it is better to opt for horse riding. This will help you make the experience of your lifetime and enjoy the best view of the surrounding place.

Famous Festival celebrated in Kashmir

1. Hemis Festival – This festival is celebrated in Hemis Gompa which is known as the largest monastery in Kashmir. The purpose of the celebration is the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava. He is known as the founder of Buddhism in Tibet. This is celebrated in the fourth lunar month of the year.
2. Baisakhi – This festival is celebrated every year in Kashmir on 13^th This date marks the new year of the Sikhs when there is great celebration in the city. It also embarks the start of the harvesting season in India.
3. Tulip Festival – There are plenty of tulip gardens in Kashmir. As Srinagar has the largest tulip garden, it plays as the host of the tulip festival. It offers an excellent view of the garden during the festival time. During the festival, one can get a lot of handicrafts, taste different cuisines and become part of cultural programs.
4. Lohri Festival – This festival is celebrated on the 13^th of January to mark the end of winter and the crop harvest. It starts with the harvest of sugarcane when people dance in bonfire, sing, and eat different delicacies made from corn, jiggery, peanuts and the like.
5. Shikara Festival – The festival takes place on the Dal Lake that started in 2016. The main focus is to promote tourism. Before the festival, the shikaras are beautifully painted. Even different races like Dragon race, canoe polo and the like are conducted on the lake during this time.

Food culture in Kashmir

Visiting Kashmir is not just treating your eyes with an excellent view of the place it is also about indulging in the best Kashmiri cuisine in the city. This includes the aromatic Roghan Josh, famous Kashmiri Dam Aloo, Kashmiri Muji Gaad, including other delicious dishes of the city.

• Place suitable to visiting historical monuments, temples and natural beauty
• Plenty of options of national parks for nature lovers
• November to March is the ideal time to explore the beauty
• Temperature varies from 13 degree Celsius to 21 degree Celsius
• Try visiting surrounding parts of the state and explore nature

Location of Assam   

• Situated in northeastern part of India
• Extends along Barak River and Brahmaputra
• Spreads over an area of 78, 438 square kilometers
• Dispur is capital of Assam

Best time to visit Assam

• October to April is the best time
• Monsoon experiences heavy rainfall
• Weather during October to April is pleasant

Temperature of Assam 

• Rainfall is moderate during October to April
• Experiences tropical monsoon type of weather
• Moderate climate prevails throughout the year
• Average temperature is 24.1 degree Celsius
• July is considered to be the coldest month
• February experiences more warmth

How to reach Assam?

By Train

• Direct rail service is available from other different cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin and others

By Bus

• Roads well connected with buses
• Government owned state and private buses are available in plenty
• City bus service is well connected to other major cities to travel to and fro

By Air

• Reach Assam via flight to Guwahati connecting to other major cities
• Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is just 25 kilometers from the city
• Facilities of international flights are also available from the airport

What is Assam famous for?

• Assam is famous for its quality tea
• State is known as the first state for oil drilling
• Famous for silk varieties like pat silk, eri silk and muga silk
• Majuli River island known as the largest fresh waiter Island
• Famous for Umananada Island, which is smallest in the world

Things to do when traveling to Assam  

Explore beauty of tea gardens

• Beauty of tea gardens at northeastern state are great to explore
• Jorhat is the best town to witness beauty
• There are plenty of options of tea plantations in Assam

Wildlife spotting at Kaziranga National Park

• To witness great Indian one horned Rhinos, the national park is a must visit
• Vast area of flora and lush greenery is great to explore
• Tigers, leopards, swamp deer, hoolock gibbons are also seen

Be part of festivals – Bihu

• Celebrated in January & April every year, witness the festivity of people at this time
• Festival is accompanied by folk music & dance

Enjoy cruising on Brahmaputra

• Witness Brahmaputra river at sunset
• One can see beautiful views and spent memorable time
• Located in Bharalumukh, available for two hours from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Watch weaver’s magic in Sualkuchi

• Assam is known as handloom industry
• Every Assamese have weaving machine at home to produce quality silk
• Place is located at 35 kilometers from city

Places to visit in Assam

Manas National Park

• Among the famous wildlife sanctuary
• Home for tiger reserve, biosphere reserve and elephant reserve
• Area of dense forest and deciduous trees are great to visit the place

Kaziranga National Park

• Suitable for the photographers
• National Park located beside Brahmaputra river
• Perfect shelter for endangered species – Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros
• Elephants, wild buffaloes and water birds are also available

Kamakhya Temple

• Considered among the 51 Satipeeths of India
• Temple is known to protect devotees from evil power
• Amazing view of the temple from hill top is worthy clicking

Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden

• Spending quality time amidst greenery, this is the place
• Located within the city, since 1957
• One can see one-horned rhinos here

Kakochang Waterfalls

• Pristine beauty which is 30 minutes from Kaziranga National Park
• Witness crystal clear water from top of the hill
• Taste purity of natural beauty ta this place

North Cachar Hills

• Place is famous for many minor and major tribes of the state
• Discover pure form of nature at this place
• It is often known as Scotland of Assam
• Referred as Dima Hasao district by local people of the district

Hajo

• Ancient pilgrimage at a distance of 2 kilometers from Guwahati
• Establish peace between Islam, Hindu and Buddhism
• Built during 18 century at the time of Ahom King

Famous festivals at Assam

1. Bihu Festival

• Among the vibrant festivals of Assam
• Marks beginning of agricultural season
• People worship god Brai Shibrai also called as Father Shibrai
• Celebrated during April
• Fairs are organized by Tourism department in the state

2. Majuli Festival

• One of the beautiful and pleasing festivals of Assam
• Invites different ethnic group display beauty of their culture
• Takes place along the Brahmaputra river
• River Luit also host the festival
• Festival is celebrated by huge gathering of cultural and traditional tribes

3. Dehing Patkai Festival

• Exciting celebration of the festival adds charm to the beauty of the state
• Festival organized by Government of Assam
• Celebrated during January in Tinsukia
• State hosts different adventurous activities like parasailing, angling, kayaking and others

4. Tea Festival

• Celebrated to highlight the great tea production
• Considered as the second largest as tea producer
• Easy availability of green tea, black tea, white tea, leaf tea and wide leaf tea
• City of Jorhat also known as the Tea capital

5. Ras Lila in Majuli

• Highlights celebration of life of Lord Krishna
• During the festival, Vaishnav Monks of the Sattras dress in colorful attire and perform
• It is a five day long festivity in Assam
• Festival brings light the rich cultural heritage of the state and people

Food culture of Assam 

• Rice and fish curry is considered main dish
• Jackfruits, olives, bananas, bamboo shoots are used to take food
• Bamboo shoot chutney is another interesting food
• Pickles are common among Assam food items
• Assamese prefer roasted food
• Food is commonly cooked in mustard oil
• Fermented food is a good option in Assam

Important advice for tourists

• Avoid traveling by bus from June to September due to heavy rainfall
• For the summer time, make sure to visit sunscreen, umbrella and sunglasses to protect from sun rays
• If you take local transport, take only lose money of ease of usage
• Try to keep away from unauthorized agents who can charge high rate
• Not every person can speak in English in Assam. Almost everyone can speak Hindi

Important contact numbers

• Emergency contact details for police – 100
• Railway emergency – 1512

Shimla is known to be the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The surrounding beautiful hills and woods have made this famous among the hill stations for the last 50 years.

With a rich colonial history, it is worthy of visiting Shimla during the winter months to witness the actual beauty of the place in its true sense.

Location

Shimla is located in middle ranges of Himalayas, and its capital city is Himachal Pradesh. It is among the top-rated hill stations where tourists visit throughout the year.

Best time to visit Shimla

Travel experts are of the opinion that the time from October to November and from March to June is suitable to visit Shimla.

Tourists in travel forums recommend visiting during all seasons even when planning for a short trip to witness snow.

How to reach Shimla?

• By Air – Shimla airport is just 20 kilometers from the main city. One can avail big cities like Chandigarh, New Delhi and the like from Shimla airport.
• By rail – The Kalka railway station is the nearby one that connects Shimla to other Indian big cities. Even one can get frequent trains from Chandigarh and New Delhi to reach Kalka railway station.
• By roadways – The hill station offers excellent connectivity to other cities such as New Delhi is just 350 kilometers from Shimla; Dehradun is 230 kilometers and the like. One can easily travel from Delhi and other cities to Shimla by car. The national highways are easy to get connected from Shimla to different other cities.

Things to do in Shimla

• Take toy train ride

Taking a ride in the Kalka Shimla toy train should top your bucket list as it gives an excellent joy. It is a long journey of 4 hours and 40 minutes that you are surely going to remember for your life.

• Skiing in Kufri

You should not miss visiting Kurfi when traveling to Shimla. The extensive slopes and beautiful views make it suitable for ski runs. The winter time from September to December and from January to June is the suitable option for skiing in Kufri. Even the beautiful view is worthy to visit the place. This place is suitable for adventure sports lovers.

• Watching sunset at scandal point

The street in front of scandal point is a place for a host of activities during the evening. To witness the magnificent sunrise and sunset, do not miss this when traveling to Shimla. The best time is to visit the place from March to June.

• Rafting in Tattapani

For rafting, January to December is a suitable time. This is the perfect option for the water sports lover. Tattapani offers a range of 14 kilometers to 36 kilometers and this place is just at a distance of 50 kilometers from Shimla. This place is also famous for hot water springs.

• Going through Pine forest

The best time to visit is from January to June. It is excellent to visit the Summerhill area of Shimla. It is just at a distance of 4.5 kilometers from the bus stand. Looking at the tall pine trees and walking through them is a nice experience when visiting Shimla. For nature lovers and trekking lovers, this is a good option.

Places to visit in Shimla

• Kufri – When traveling to Shimla, you should not miss out visiting Kufri which is known as the less crowded cousin of Shimla. This is just 15 kilometers away from the main city. The views and sceneries are worth of visiting the place.
• Tattapani – It means hot water in Hindi, but it is a famous small village in Shimla. The hot water springs and the Shiva caves are famous in this place.
• Ice Skating in Shimla – Ice Skating is a famous sport in Shimla. This is a naturally formed place in South Asia. Therefore, it is the famous sport of every person and it is perfect for visiting the place during winters.
• Green Valley – The green valley on the way to Kufri from the city bus stand. This beautiful valley should not be missed out when traveling to Shimla. The beauty of the place is mesmerizing to visit.

Food culture of Shimla

The dishes belong to North Indian cuisine in Shimla. Among the staple food of Shimla, one can taste bread, lentils, rice, vegetables and others. Some of the commonly used spices in the dishes are pepper, red chilies, cinnamon and cardamom.

Famous festival of Shimla

• Shimla Summer festival – This famous festival is held every year during May. During this time, the city experiences a lot of festivity and colors as it is celebrated in a grand manner.
• Ice Skating Carnival Shimla – Shimla’s snowfall is famous and it is suitable to visit the place during winters. Among the ice sports, ice skating is a famous one in Shimla.
• Lavi fair – This is among the important fairs of Shimla which is celebrated as tribute to signing of mutual treaty between former Bushahr state and Tibet. Even some interesting cultural shows are also conducted in Shimla during this time.
• Bhoj fair – The Bhoj fair is held in Shimla at November for three consecutive days. In this fair, the presiding deity of Devta Bansor is paid respect in Shimla.

Things not to do in Shimla

• Never make the mistake of visiting the place during heavy rainfall as you may get stuck in the middle. So, it is better to check weather conditions before planning the trip.
• Do not forget to make bookings prior to the trip as it can help you avoid unwanted hassles during the trip
• Never forget to carry your ID proofs. It is important also to carry your driving license when traveling.
• Take permission and follow the instructions before entering temples in Shimla. There are some temples that do not allow shoes and leathers inside the temple’s premises.

Kerala, known to be among the ten paradises as considered by National Geographic Traveler, has significantly advanced. It is due to its great ecotourism, coupled with backwaters and the unique culture and tradition of the state that attracts the travelers the most. It is rightly among the most visited tourist destinations in the world that have plenty of hidden gems to offer to the travel enthusiasts.

Location of Kerala 

Kerala is located on Southwestern Malabar Coast. To be precise, it is between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, extending over almost 580 kilometres in area. Being in the tropical region, it experiences a humid and wet climate during most of the time of the year.

Best time to visit Kerala 

September to March is the ideal time to experience Kerala at its best. The hill stations and beaches are best to witness during these months. For the backwaters, winter is a suitable time.

How to reach Kerala?

• By air – Travel through three international airports that are located in Kerala. Kochi is in the central part of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is towards the southern part and Calicut is towards the north. So, it is easy to reach Kerala through airways.
• By roadways – Offers easy road connectivity from different parts of the country through facilities of National Highways 47, 17 and 49. Roads connect Kerala directly to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, including other big cities, making it easy to travel through roadways to Kerala.
• By train – Interconnected with almost 200 railway stations, avail direct trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and other big cities.
• By sea – Take ships from Kochi towards Lakshadweep Island, and it shall take you to the backwaters of Kerala.

What is Kerala famous for?

Kerala offers plenty of reasons for the tourists, and some of them are enlisted in the following part.

Scenic beauty 

The valleys, coupled with the hills, offer great scenic beauty of the place. Adding to this, the gushing waterfalls, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, forts, beaches are great to visit Kerala.

Ecotourism

Kerala tourism is its uniqueness, which is becoming popular these days. It offers plenty of exciting reasons for travelers to visit Kerala.

Beautiful Houseboats 

Kerala is famous for its aesthetic and beautiful houseboats. Take a ride in the beautiful houseboats and explore the beauty of Kerala at its best.

Kathakali 

The famous dance form is a must-watch for travelers. Knowing the intricate and unique dance form is sure to catch the attention of the travelers. The vibrant eye makeup and the dance steps are sure to amaze you.

Serenity of beaches 

If you are yet to experience the jaw-dropping serenity and beauty of Kerala beaches, you are missing out on something great. Some of the famous beaches include Kovalam, Varkala and Kappad that are enough reasons to visit Kerala more than just once.

Tasty cuisine of Kerala 

Kerala cuisine is sure to surprise you. Things you should miss checking out are Thalassery Biryani, Seafood and of course Mapllah Biryani.

Things to do when traveling to Kerala 

• Cruising in backwaters 

Cruising in backwaters on a houseboat is something to treasure for a whole life. The lush greenery, wildlife, villages and houses in which the backwaters are lined up are great to watch. Book a hotel and experience the serenity of the place.

• Visiting the tea plantations

Tea plantations are hidden in the wonderful landscapes of Western Ghats. It offers a great view of the plantation to the travelers. Amidst a never ending route of rolling green hills, one can enjoy the fresh tea and its extensive range of plantations here.

• Opt for hiking in Munnar 

For adventure lovers, Kerala has options to indulge in. Being a great outdoor option, it offers rewarding trek options to travel enthusiasts. For the adventurous souls, Idukki Forest Walk and Kannan Devan Hills trail should not be missed out.

• Visit different beaches 

For a relaxed time and enjoy the beauty, visit the beaches located on the Arabian Sea. To enjoy the best party atmosphere, Kovalam is the ideal option. To find some serenity and relax with your partner, Marari beach is the suitable choice.

• Explore beauties of Fort Kochi 

Being one of the greatest historical cities, one can witness the famous fishing net in this place. To know about the grandeur and richness of the state, this fort speaks a lot. Here, the beautiful Portugese churches are sure to catch attention.

• Watch Kathakali show 

After a hectic day and knowing about the richness of the forts, it is time to witness some greatness of the dance form of Kathakali. This is good evidence to get the rich cultural taste of Kerala coupled with vibrant colors, makeup and interesting use of costumes.

Places to visit in Kerala

1. Alleppey

Popular for backwaters, this place speaks of the great natural beauty that Kerala offers to travelers. Staying in the boathouse should not be missed out. One can experience paddy fields, lakes, chapels and other beauties of the place.

2. Periyar National Park

Located in Thekkady district, it is among popular National Parks in south India. One can visit it even during Monsoon time. The 30 minutes wild elephants through this national park are great to experience. Also, safaris are carried in boats during the sunset making the full journey more enjoyable.

3. Kovalam

One of the happening beaches in Kerala, which is just 40 minutes from Trivandrum. Its main beach has plenty of options for hotels to stay in.

4. Eravikulam National Park

Situated in the Western Ghats in Idukki districts, the park is spread over an area of 97 kilometers. A two day trip to this place is perfect for exploring its beauty. November to January and again from June to August is considered to be the best time to visit.

5. Marari Beach 

To visit a peaceful beach and take a break from tasting the adventures of Kerala, Marari beach is the one to visit. From simple homestay options to plush resorts, there are plenty of options to choose from.

6. Varkala 

Setting of the beach is excellent coupled with the long stretch of the cliffs. Adding to this, the paved footpaths, beach shacks, hotels, coconut palms, together make the place a great one to visit.

Famous festivals at Kerala

1. Onam 

Ten-day festival is exciting to know about the state when it enjoys a four day holiday. Celebrated to hail Vishnu along with Mahabali and commenced with a parade on the first day of the festival known as Atham. Until the festival is over, people of the state indulge in dancing, preparing special dishes, boat races and others.

2. Theyyam Festival 

Festivals are mostly popular in North Malabar, Kolathunadu and Kudagu areas. This cultural dance form has 400 different types in which human beings disguise themselves in different forms. It takes place during December and it is great to explore the historical importance of the place for ages.

3. Kerala boat festival 

Other than having a pristine coastline, it enjoys a boat festival, which is a symbol of teamwork. One can witness different sizes of boats run by people together. The sight of the boats in the sea is something great to watch.

4. Vishu Festival

Known as Bisu in Karnataka, this takes place in the month of April. It is a holy ritual of Vishukkani which means that followers should only see prosperity soon after waking up in the morning.

5. Attukal Pongala Festival

A ten-day festival,taking place in February or March, in which Goddess Attukal Devi is worshipped. People visit famous temples in Trivandrum. One can notice a huge gathering at the Attukal Devi temple at the time of the festival.

Food culture of Kerala

Kerala cuisine is significant in the historical, geographical and cultural richness of the state. It offers plenty of options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. As a coconut grows in abundance in the state, the milk and cream are widely used in most of the dishes prepared.

Adding greatness to the taste, the fishing industry of the state has also advanced greatly in recent times. Try tasting rice and cassava that is known to be the staple food of Kerala. Due to the weather of the state and the species available, the cuisine contains spicy food with black pepper and hot chillies as one of the main ingredients.

Location of Mussoorie  

• Located 35 kilometers from Dehradun
• It is situated at a distance of 290 kilometers from capital city New Delhi
• Hill station is situated at the foothill of Garhwal Himalayan range
• Located at an altitude of 2005 meters

Best time to visit Mussoorie  

• Summers are the best to visit Mussoorie
• Time from April to June is suitable to enjoy pleasant climate
• To witness rainfall, visit Mussoorie during winters

Climate of Mussoorie

• Temperature range varies from 5 degree Celsius to 29 degree Celsius
• One can experience clear weather during April
• Late October to middle of February are winter months
• During winter season, temperature can be as low as 1 degree Celsius ranging up to 10 degree Celsius

How to reach Mussoorie?

By Train

• Travel by Dehradun Railway Station which is just 36 kilometers from Mussoorie
• Trains from cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir travel to Dehradun
• From station, take taxis to reach Mussoorie

By Bus

• Number of state run buses travel to and fro from Mussoorie connecting Delhi, Dehradun, towns of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh
• Bus service is easily available to travel in the city

By Air

• Reach Mussoorie via Jollygrant Airport (Dehradun airport) which is the nearest one
• Delhi and Mumbai flights will take to Dehradun

What is Mussoorie famous for?

• For adventure lovers, Mussoorie is the place
• Activities like trekking, paragliding, skiing are available
• To explore nature from close and stay in its lap, Mussoorie is the place

Things to do when traveling to Mussoorie  

1. Trekking

• In the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, one can explore the beauties of Gangotri and Yamunatri
• Visit different temples, treks, gardens, waterfalls
• Sightseeing should include experiences like Sky Bridge and Cable Car ride

2. Hiking

• With options for excellent landscapes, lush green valleys coupled with mountains are suitable for hiking
• Har Ki dun trek, Nag Tibba Sumit, Dodital trek are among the famous ones
• Camping and trekking adventures are great options for tasting adventure in Mussoorie
• June to September is the ideal time for trekking and camping activities

3. Try adventure sports

• Try Skywalk for the best fun activities in Mussoorie
• Trying Zipline adventure with higher speed of 50 kilometers is exciting
• Zip swings at 80 feet height is also adventurous

4. Rock Climbing

• Rock climbing on rocks ranging from 50 feet to 600 feet height is exciting
• Among mountain based adventures, ATV riding and mountain biking is also superb
• One can try caving that requires daring behavior, mind peace, guts and curiosity to do the adventure

Places to visit in Mussoorie

1. Kempty Falls

• Famous for natural beauty, waterfall and photography
• Open for all days to visit and roam around for 1.5 to 2 hours
• Surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides
• Located a height of 1364 meters from sea level
• Suitable for witnessing sunrise and sunset views
• Perfect for trekking lovers

2. Happy valley

• Famous for knowing Tibetan culture
• Great for the viewpoints
• Located in the center of Mussoorie and at a short distance from Mall road
• Place is full of oak and deodar trees all around
• Taste Tibetan cuisine and shop at the souvenirs

3. Camel’s Back Road

• Suitable place for exploring natural beauty and adventure lovers
• Road named after rock with camel’s hump shape stretching over 3 to 4 kilometers
• For spectacular views of mountains and valleys, the road is the ideal one
• For shopaholics and trekking lovers, it is the ideal one

4. Gun Hill

• Second highest point known for its excellent natural exposure and adventure
• Lying at an altitude of 2024 meters above sea level, offers great view from such a height
• Place got its name due to cannon firing from the hill top
• Perfect for trekkers, ropeway and natural views

5. Mussoorie Lake

• Perfect blend of serenity, natural beauty and lakes
• 2 hours’ time is enough to stroll around
• Located at a distance of 6 kilometers from Mussoorie-Dehradun road
• Lake is often used a picnic spot accompanied by the small waterfall
• Activities like paddle boating is available in the lake   

6. Christ Church

• Place with historical and architectural importance
• Standing as a place of interest since 1836
• It has Gothic design and innovative style
• Beautiful decoration on interior wall of the church

8. Lal Tibba

• Located 2 kilometers from center of city
• It is on top of Depot Hill, Landour, 6 kilometers from Mussoorie
• Picture-perfect place located at 2275 meters

Famous festivals at Mussoorie 

1. Summer Festival

• Full of fun activities that locals and tourist can enjoy
• Folk dance, debates, cultural parades are the activities

2. Autumn Festival

• Organized during autumn months yearly
• The festival takes places for 10 days
• Festival organized by municipal board
• Activities such as sports, theatrical plays, skating shows are organized

3. Surkhanda Devi mela

• Exciting story of Lord Shiva whose head falls while doing Tandava
• Spot of the activity is known as Surkhanda Devi temple
• Fair is organized where tourists can visit

4. Phool Dei

• Celebrated during march or April
• Young girls are seen placing flowers on threshold of house to get God’s blessing

5. The Bhadraj fair

• Celebrated in July or August marking the wedding of goddess Parvati along with Lord Shiva
• Festival also indicates arrival of monsoon for harvesting season
• Bullocks are not used on the day
• Local people worship Lord Shiva seeking blessings

Food culture of Mussoorie

• Kumaon and Garhwal food are the top favorite of food lovers
• Aaloo ke Gutke prepared by roasting dry species
• Kafuli is known as spinach curry which is famous during winter months
• Phaanu originated in Garhwal, made from Gahal dal and taken with rice

Hampi is famous for its wonderful ruins coupled with the fascinating landscape.

The monuments of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was a part of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire.

Heaps of big ancient rock buildings, paddy fields and a number of temples with monuments and sculptures is what the place has to offer to tourists.

Location

Hampi is located in the Ballari district of the state of Karnataka.

Temperature

Temperature at Hampi varies from 27 degrees Celsius during winter, rising to 37 degrees Celsius during the hot summers.

Best time to visit Hampi

Favorable time to visit is from October to February as the weather remains pleasant.

The monsoon season is also suitable to visit, but the area may become a little slippery.

You can also visit Hampi towards the end of November to witness the Vijaya Utsav.

How to reach Hampi?

• By Road – With a smooth network of roads throughout Karnataka, it is possible to get the KSRTC bus service that connects many cities and towns of the state to Hampi. Also, it is easy to travel from the main city of Bangalore to Hampi as it is just 350 kilometers away.
• By Rail – Hampi has no railway station. To reach by railways, Hospet is the nearest railway station which is 13 kilometers away from Hampi. Hospet is well connected to the towns and cities of Karnataka.
• By Air – Hampi does not have airports, the nearest airport being Ballari which is 64 kilometers from Hampi. After reaching Ballari, tourists can reach Hampi by local transport.

Things to do in Hampi

To enjoy the charm and thrill hidden in the old ruins of Hampi, do activities that are both exciting and gives that adrenaline rush.

1. Coracle Hopping – Cross river Tungabhadra and reach Anegundi in a lovely boat. Reaching the other side of the river, tourists can enjoy live music sessions and enjoy the ancient ruins of the place at its best.
2. Rock climbing – Hampi is a paradise for rock climbers offering plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. For this, Matangi Hill, Tiruvengalantha Temple, and Hemakuta Hill are the famous places.
3. Bicycle tours – During bicycle tours, one can enjoy watching Sloth Bear Sanctuary.
4. Shopping – When shopping, you will come across common things like Lambani crafts, stone artifacts, musical instruments, Banana fiber crafts and the like.
5. Become part of Vijaya Utsav – Celebrated for three days during the end of November, you are sure to enjoy becoming part of this celebration in Hampi.

Therefore, the place is full of activities to do both for adventure and nature lovers.

Places to visit in and around Hampi

1. Virupaksha Temple

This famous temple is also called by the name Pampapathi temple which is one of the oldest temples dating back to the 7th century.

2. Vithala Temple 

It is one of the most impressive structures dating back to the 16th century which has rich architectural ruins of the place.

3. Lotus Palace

It is one of the best for its style and design and gets its name due to lotus-like dome.

4. Monkey Temple 

Situated on the top of Anjenaya Hill, there are 570 steps devotees have to climb to reach the main temple.

5. Hampi Bazaar

 As this bazaar is facing the Virupaksha temple, it is also called Virupaksha Bazaar.

6. Hippie Island 

This small island is located near the Tungabhadra River, which is beautiful for its scenic beauty.

7. Queen’s Bath 

This aquatic enclosure is the ruins of the famous Vijayanagara Empire.

8. Matangi Hill 

The location is known as the hermitage of Saint Matangi, and therefore, it is rightly named after her.

9. Elephant Stables  

The place looks like an enclosure for elephants during the VIjayanagara Empire and therefore, it is rightly named after this.

10. Big Shivlinga 

Carved out of a single big-sized rock, this is 3 meters tall, standing in water and one of the major attractions in Hampi.

11. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

This is among the famous structures in Hampi where Narasimha is sitting on the seven-headed snake which are giving shelter to him.

12. Hemakuta Hill temple complex

It is a temple complex that is protected by a fort all around.

13. Old Palace 

Located in Anegondi, the Old Palace is surrounded by fort from all sides.

14. Achyutraya Temple 

This temple of Lord Shiva is also called by the name of Tiruvengalanatha Temple.

15. Hazara Rama Temple 

This is another interesting place of worship which is famous for the pillar and the wall carvings. This temple is a small-sized one compared to others in Hampi.

Food to try in Hampi 

• Hampi offers a huge variety of South Indian dishes
• Cakes, cookies, hummus, pita bread are offered by restaurants
• To treat your taste buds, even continental dishes are available
• Homemade pasta is available at Suresh, a homerun eatery

Place of eateries to try

Most of the eating joints are located on both sides of Tungabhadra river with some options for cafes to taste.

List of popular vegetarian restaurants

• Funky Monkey Restaurant
• The Goan Corner
• The Bridge
• Tibetan Kitchen
• Mango Tree
• Laughing Buddha

Asian and Israeli restaurants 

• Tibetan Kitchen
• Nargila Guesthouse restaurant
• Funky Monkey Restaurant
• Chill Out In Bamboo Restaurant
• Hampi Roof Restaurant

Cafe culture in Hampi

The cafes in Hampi are laid back and therefore services are not so prompt. The cafe has pleasant music with good scenic views. Some cafes also have riverside or rice field views.

Festivals to attend 

Hampi is known for its Purandara Festival. This takes place from January to February in the Vittal Temple. The reason the purpose of the celebration is the birth anniversary of poet-composer Purandar.

Things not to do in Hampi 

If visitors could know ‘What not to do’ in Hampi, it shall help tourists have a better experience when traveling to Hampi.

• Do not take auto or cab ride if you are fit 

If you do not want to miss some of the beautiful places in Hampi, it is better not to opt for a cab or auto ride to get the real taste of exploring Hampi, the best option is a bicycle ride. Rent a bicycle and travel around every place as each rock in and around Hampi has a separate story to narrate.

• Do not cross Tungabhadra on ferry 

Never opt for ferry ride to cross Tungabhadra and instead it is better to opt for coracle riding during sunset. But still the ride is not suitable for weak hearted ones. You should not take the risk of crossing the river in ferry.

• No need to stay at Hospet 

Never make the mistake of staying at Hospet when traveling to Hampi. It is better to stay on the other side of the river which is called the Hippie side. Here, one can avail locales, shopping points, cafes, and restaurants to dine out. Look for luxury accommodation to get the best comfort.

When planning to trip to a place of religious importance, you can look for Varanasi.

It’s the oldest city in the world which is continuously inhabited

The city offers plenty of reasons to visit from ancient temples, River ghats, Benarasi paan, chaat, and other delicacies of street food.

Make sure that you choose the right time to experience the best temperature at the place.

Location of Varanasi

Varanasi is located at the center of the Ganges valley over an elevation of almost 80.71 meters. To be more specific, it is on the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, ranging from 15 meters to 21 meters above the river Ganga.

Best time to visit Varanasi

Visit Varanasi during the winter months from November to February to experience the perfect beauty of the place and make memories of a lifetime.

How to reach Varanasi?

• By air – You can reach the city via Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport that is easily linked to big Indian cities. With easy availability of regular flights, you can reach other cities from this place.
• By road – Varanasi offers easy connectivity to other big cities through its road connectivity. The private and state bus service easily connects different parts of the city.
• By railways – The Varanasi railway junction along with Kashi railway station is the main railhead of the city. You can easily travel to different parts of the city via railways.

Things to do in Varanasi

1. Witness evening Aarti ceremony – Do not miss out on the grandeur of the evening Aarti from the Dasawamedh Ghat.

The beautiful rituals include chanting of mantras with the large crowd waiting to pray.

Be part of this 45 minutes ritual and the beautiful surrounding in the place.

2. Indulge in a morning boat ride in the Ganges – Opt for a boat ride in the Ganges during dawn for the quintessential experience.

Try to take the ride from 5:30 AM to 8 AM to witness the peace and beauty of the place at its best.

Extending from Dasawamedh Ghat to Harishchandra Ghat, the aarti ceremony is worth witnessing.

3. Walking along the Ghats – Never miss out walking along the Ghats when traveling to Varanasi.

Get a panoramic view when experiencing a private boat ride in the Ganges.

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is close to the Vishwanath Temple that is significant in Hindu mythology.

Amidst the Ghats, the Lalita Ghat built by King of Nepal is a worth visiting one for the number of festivals that take place.

4. Visit random rooftop café – The road signs are painted on the walls at Varanasi and you can follow one if you wish to visit any of the rooftop cafes.

Grab a drink and watch the excellent view from the top of the café for great experiences.

5. Taste Chai tea – If you happen to be a tea lover, do not miss out on tasting the chai tea at Varanasi.

The chai lovers should not miss out sipping out tea from a clay cup. Get the taste of the freshly brewed tea in the morning for a great start of the day.

6. Take a bath in the Ganges – The water of Ganges are spiritual, and you can take a bath in the river.

With more than 84 Ghats in the city, pilgrims from all over the world come here to take a bath in the holy river.

Food culture at Varanasi

Never miss out on trying the tasty delicacies of the local street food. It includes Blue Lassi and other spicy chats that are available on the streets of Varanasi.

You are sure to come across many of the chat bhandar in the city. The blue lassi is an old café that is more than 76 years old.

The yogurt drink is worth tasting and you can choose the flavor of your choice. Along with this, you can get the toppings of your choice and have the best lassi at Varanasi.

Festival at Varanasi

1. Annakut – The fun festival takes on the 4^th day of Diwali and the 1^st day of New Year. During this day, the devotees offer their prayer to Krishna.
2. Rangbhari Ekadashi – Celebrated during February or March, it marks the beginning of Holi. In this festival, Lord Ram worshipped Amalakii so that he can wash his sins due to the epic war. For the worshippers, this is a nice place to visit.
3. Ram leela – Celebrated 10 days before Dussehra and it continues for 10 long days. It is known to mark the battle between Ram and Ravan.

Finally on the 10^th day, Dusshera is celebrated. To become part of some special rituals performed it is worthy to visit during this festival.

4. Ganga Dussehra – Known to be the festival of river Ganga and celebrated during June or July. It is further believed that bathing in the Ganges during this time can wash off human sin.
5. Panch Koshi Parikrama – For the women, this festival is an important one in Varanasi. Waking up early in the morning, women start with the parikrama only after taking bath. Only after completing it, they eat. Also, the devotees have to go through five places as part of the festival.
6. Nag Nathaiya – After its inception from the 16^th century on tulsi ghat as it has been initiated by saint Tulsi. The event is performed by Krishna Leela’s performance on the ghats. You can become part of the huge crowd at the ghat to experience lifetime memories.

Places to visit at Varanasi

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat – Located 4 kilometers away from the center of the city, Lord Brahma is worshipped in this place. One can witness plenty of religious spots performed at this Ghat.
2. Assi Ghat – To see the confluence of River Assi and Ganga, this ghat is a must-visit one. It is just 5 kilometers from the city, and it is famous for its great religious importance. One can find mention of the ghat in the Puranas.
3. New Vishwanath Temple – The place is also known as Birla temple, which is at a distance of 12 kilometers from the city railway junction. Situated inside the complex of Banaras Hindu University, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the place. Built with marbles, this is a must-visit place for the tourists to get the spectacular view of the temples in the area.
4. Panchganga Ghat – With a lot of history, this place is often known as the teaching place for Vaidant Ramanand. To witness one of the cleanest ghats in the city, this is the one. The temple has been destroyed and built into a mosque from the Mughal times. To witness the best architectural monuments, this ghat is a must-visit one.
5. Ayodhya – Located on Sarayu River, it is worth visiting the birthplace of Lord Rama. Devotees are attracted to visit this during the night of Kartik Purnima to witness the spectacular view of the place.
6. Betla National Park – If you are ready to travel a few kilometers from the city, you can choose Betla National Park which is at distance of 290 kilometers. It is located near the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. Also, tourists can witness a good variety of fauna and flora. When planning to see tigers, leopards including other bird species, it will be worthy of visiting this national park.

Things not to do in Varanasi

• Do not hire cars – Instead of hiring cars, it is better to walk along the colorful lanes and get the true essence of the city. The spirituality, culture and the traditional significance of the place are sure to make you fall in love with the place.
• Do not miss out on the Kachauris – As it is known that Varanasi is famous for its food including tea, sweets and lassi, do not miss out tasting Kachauris. When someone is offering Kachauris, do not refuse it.
• Never mess with bulls – Bulls are common everywhere in Varanasi. It can walk around in the middle of the road or sit beside you in public places. You should not make the mistake of hitting it. Bull is a symbolic of Lord Shiva and you should not try to hit it. Instead, treat them with respect.
• Do not hurry in Varanasi – The city goes at its own pace, and it is better to follow it. From the shopkeepers to the vehicle pullers, nobody is in a hurry. So, the outsiders should also follow the same.