Tag: Feature Articles

India is indeed a land of beautiful monuments, majestic palaces, ornate temples, and refreshing nature. But have you ever wondered what the country has in offer for those who are seeking beyond the ordinary tourist experience? If not, here is your chance to find out.

As you sit confined to your homes in this pandemic, brooding over the monotony of life, allow our list to take you on a virtual tour through some of the most amazing offbeat destinations in India. These destinations are literally so beautiful that they make you forget the line between reality and Fairytale.

 So let the countdown begin-

The Glowing Beach- Bangaram

Imagine a beach that lights up at night! Sounds impossible? Well, then you must definitely checkout Bangaram. Located amidst the Indian Ocean’s sparkling water, Bangaram is a tiny teardrop-shaped island that is part of the Lakshadweep group.

While you can enjoy all the beauties of a tropical island by the day, the nights here are when the real magic begins. While scientists ascribe the phenomenon to a special kind of bioluminescent phytoplankton, to the ordinary eyes, it appears as if the stars have landed down from the very heavens to your feet.

How to Reach?

You can easily reach Bangaram by flying down to the nearest Airport at Agatti Island. From here, both boats and helicopters are available that can take you to your destination.

Best Time To Travel: October- March 

The Barren Beauty-Kutch

If William Blake’s famous lines, “To see the world in a grain of sand,” inspire you, then Kutch is definitely the place you should choose for your next trip. With endless expanses of barren salt desert extending on all sides, Kutch unfurls the beauty hidden in minimalism. Watching the crimson sun melt behind the white salt deserts is indeed a mesmerizing and other-worldly experience.

Equally colourful and fun are the Rann festivals that showcase the best of the region’s cultural heritage. The music and the dance compel you to shake a leg with the locals here.

How to Reach?

The nearest airport to Kutch is the Bhuj Airport, which is only 70 km away from here. It is well-connected with several buses and small vehicles plying here.

Best Time To Travel: July-March; Rann Festival in accordance with the local calendar

The Indian Switzerland-Khajjiar

If you have taken in by the beauty of the Swiss Alps, then you should not miss out this beauty located close at home. Khajjiar, which has been aptly named as “Mini-Switzerland” is bestowed with the green pines, rolling meadows and sparkling lakes. However, unlike the popular hill stations, it is still not very well-explored and holds on to its primitive charms.

The town also offers ample scope for adventure sports such as paragliding and zorbing to its visitors.

How to Reach?

The nearest airport to Khajjiar is located 122 km away in the town of Dharamsala. From here, you can reach the town in local cars and buses that constantly ply between the two places.

Best Time To Travel: March- November

The Valley Of Flowers Park-Himalayas

As the name suggests, this park nestled in the hills of the western Himalayas is home to some of the rarest alpine flowers in the world. When in full bloom, the Valley of the flower seems to be a piece of heaven forgotten on Earth. No wonder photographers from all over the world are crazy to capture it in their lens.

You may also be delighted to know that for those who are interested in wildlife, the Valley presents sightings of rare animals such as the snow leopard and red fox that abounds this forest.

How to Reach?

The nearest airport to the Valley of Flowers Park is Jolly Grant at Dehradun. From here, it is well connected by roadways.

Best Time to Travel: June-October.

Nature’s Bridge-Mawlynnong

Even before the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan had become popular in India, this village community had bagged the title of the “Cleanest Village in Asia.” As pretty flowers and as smiling villagers welcome you to this rural paradise, you are sure to be awestruck by just how clean the public roads and facilities out here are.

Moreover, Mawlynnong is also home to the single-decker root bridge, which has been declared as a UNESCO heritage site. Yes, the entire bridge has been built out of intertwining roots from living trees and has been used by the village community for ages. Walking over this bridge is indeed an experience of a lifetime.

How to Reach?

The nearest Airport to Mawlyngnong is located in the state capital Shillong. The rest of the distance can be covered in taxis and buses ply between the two places.

Best Time to Travel: March-June, Sept-November

Another Piece Of Heaven- Pahalgam

When the 14th Century Persian poet, Amir Khusro, visited the Kashmir valley for the First Time, he aptly described it in his poetry as “Paradise on Earth.” While tourists often throng places such as Srinagar and Gulmarg, Pahalgam remains rather neglected. But in terms of majestic mountains and breathtaking Valleys, Pahalgam is just as beautiful as the other places in Kashmir.

Given that lesser tourists visit this place, it gives you a relatively calmer and more natural setting. Walkthrough its narrow winding streets in the evening or ride through the valleys in a pony. Interact with the locals and enjoy cups of the authentic Kashmiri kawa.

How to Reach?

Roadways well connect Pahalgam to the nearest airport at Srinagar.

Best Time to Travel: March-October

Nature’s Cradle-Ziro Valley

If you are a nature enthusiast or if you love to capture picturesque places in your camera, then you should be heading to Ziro Valley for your next tour. Cradled between Arunachal’s towering peaks, this dreamlike Valley is home to some exquisite Himalayan flora.

Contrasting the wilderness, you can also find neatly trimmed paddy fields swaying to the wind’s music. From Ziro, you can easily travel to the other beautiful destinations in Arunachal, such as Tawang and Zimthang.

How to Reach?

The nearest airport to Ziro is located at Jorhat, which is 98kms away. It is well-connected to by roadways to Guwhati as well.

Best Time to Travel: March-October

The Sparkling Backwaters- Alappuzha

If you are looking for a romantic getaway with your beloved, where can spend some undisturbed time amidst Nature, then head for Alappuzha. This coastal town of Kerala is known for its lapping backwaters and beautiful beaches.

Enjoy staying in a boathouse and taste the delights of local cuisine cooked with the freshest fishes. Sip the refreshing toddy and interact with the locals as this slow-paced town welcomes each tourist with wide, open arms.

How to Reach?

The nearest airport to Alappuzha is located at Cochin, which is 75kms away from the town’s heart.

Best Time to Travel: November to February

The Himalayan Desert-Zanskar

Tired of sitting for hours in flights and cars to reach your destination? Well then, flex your legs and get ready for the trek of your life. Zanskar, a part of the Ladakh Valley, is perhaps one of India’s least explored destinations. Given its hostile setting and high altitude, it is definitely out of reach of the regular tourists. But if you are an adventure-hungry travelholic, perhaps no other place will be as rewarding as a trek to Zanskar.

Be ready to be swept away by such beautiful views that you will need to pinch yourself to believe them. Interact with the local nomadic tribes and sleep under the beautiful starry skies.

How to Reach?

Located at a distance of 105 km from Leh, you can find small vehicles up to the motorable road. Following this, you will have to trek your way up to the peak.

Best Time to Travel: June-September

A Trip Across Time-Lothal

While all of us have studied about the Indus Valley Civilization in schools, only a few of us actually know how these ancient excavations look like beyond photos. While most of the Indus Valley sites now lie in Pakistan, a few well-preserved ones still rest within the Indian Territory. One such site is the town of Lothal in Gujarat. If you are a history buff, you are sure to get amused by every corner of this 4500 years old city. Make sure you do not miss out the massive dockyard and the acropolis which are just as majestic as the ruins of ancient Greece.

How to reach?

The nearest airport to Lothal is the Ahmedabad Airport, located at a distance of 85 km.

Best Time to travel: October- February

We are sure many of these places have become a part of your bucket list already. But don’t just drool. Plan your trips at the earliest to avail of the best deals for flights and hotels.

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Placed in the lap of the serene Himalayas, overwhelmed by the vibrant emerald tea plantations, and lofty standing Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling has always enjoyed a reputation of its own and has constantly been favourite hill station for the people of Bengal. Every hill station is portrayed as a beautiful mountain and valleys, however, the queen of hills provides colossal diversity tourism spots and the entire tour of Darjeeling is also quite reasonable. Apart from the well-known places in Darjeeling like the tea garden, rock garden and Batasia Loop, there are a number of places that one shouldn’t skip. There exist a lot of hidden surprises for the one wandering in the hills. The views of the elegant snow-capped mountain ranges, lofty valleys, dense forests always surprise the traveller.

How to Reach?

Bagdogra is the nearest airport. It is well connected with all major railway stations in India through the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). Shared cabs are available to reach Darjeeling. If you love to move slow to its natural beauty then Toy Train service with 7 hours journey and halts at Batasia Loop will get you to Darjeeling.

To reach the destinations mentioned below one need to get in touch with the local cab driver from the place of arrival i.e either from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri as this would be the most convenient option for the traveller. One can also contact the hotel staff for the same.

TIP: People travelling to any of these mentioned places should visit Darjeeling first as travelling to these spots would be easier from here.

Tiger Hill

Around 12 km from Darjeeling town and at an altitude of 8441 feet above sea level lies the highest point, Tiger hill, to experience the best sunrise view, one should definitely visit the tiger hill of Darjeeling. The scenic beauty of the enormous Kanchenjunga with many other flurries of snow clad eastern Himalayan peaks also appears clearly from here. As the rays of the sun strike the mountain peak, the changing colours that it reflects are truly awesome. The weather in Darjeeling at any time is unpredictable. The clear sky can be suddenly be covered with fog so the best season to have the full view of the snow-capped mountain peak as the sun rises in between the mid of October to December. March to April can also be considered as a good time.

Sandakphu

Sabdakphu is one of the adventurous and offbeat tourism spots and has gained its name as Trekkers Utopia which is also the highest peak in the state of West Bengal. It provides some of the spectacular views of the beauty of nature. The poisonous aconite plant grows abundantly in Sandakphu. Four of the five highest peaks in the world Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu can be viewed from its summit. The immense beauty of the Himalayan mountain ranges is clearly visible from here. The vintage 1950s made land Rover are most famous climbers that travel to Sandakphu. The famous river Teesta flows through Sandakphu and which also offers a number of adventurous sports like river rafting.

Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is located at a distance of 19km from Darjeeling. It is enclosed by rich dense forest and provides a pictorial view of Mt.Kanchenjunga. It is an offbeat hidden treasure of Darjeeling with no gatherings of the tourist. Lepchajagat is enriched by a collection of adventurous views and experiences. Tourists can have a thrilling experience amidst wildlife and the outstanding views of the snow-clad mountain ranges give a pleasant feeling. It also offers the best bird watching site for its traveller. The best time to visit here is during summers. One should explore this hidden jewel of the queen of hills.

Manebhanjan

Manebhanjan is an amazing town located at the foothills of the highest point of West Bengal. It is about 28km away from West Bengal. Manebhanjan means the junction of stupas. It is basically known for being the gateway towards the Singalila National Park. It has numerous amenities and due to which it has become the base for trekking heading towards the Himalayan destination. To travel here, the only car which is suitable to run through the rough terrain is the Land Rover and Manebhanjan is the only place in Darjeeling that owes a large collection of vintage 1950’s Land Rover car. It has good homestay facilities and offers great comfort away from home. It also provides a pleasant experience to enjoy the exquisite flora and fauna of the Himalayan region. Manebhanjan is one of the most soothing and cherished offbeat places in the Darjeeling hills.

Kolakham

Kolakham is a place of adventure and a peaceful remote area located beside Neora Valley. It is situated at a distance of 8km away from Kalimpong. Kolakham is a perfect spot to capture the wilderness from a close distance. As it acquires the place near Neora Valley National Park, it is possible to grab the view of several wild animals. The most cherished experience of this place is the fascinating and amazing perception of the colour changing Kanchenjunga peak during unclouded sunrise. The traveller can enjoy other trekking routes in and around this village or a day trip to Lava, Lolegaon, and Rishop. Kolakham also provides other exciting activities like bird watching, rock climbing or simply roaming around admiring nature’s beauty.

Chuikhim

Chuikham is a wondrous village located on the southern side of Kalimpong. It is a small village and is a home for about 260 families. It has a peaceful environment and one should visit Chuikham to experience the calmness of a village away from the city rush. The amazing Leech Chu river flows through the village that adds beauty to it. Chukhim provides an uncountable enjoyment like the beauty of the surrounding mountain ranges, a number of swiftly flowing streams through the valley, the magnificent view of the sunrise, the eyecatching vibrant Himalayan birds and orchids. You can also opt for your own adventurous activities. Trekking around the village or walking down the forests admiring the beauty around or just feeling the dark sky above with twinkling stars in the company of your loved ones.

Chimney

Chimney is located a distance away from the main town of Darjeeling and is about 8 km away from Kursheong. The village is occupied by largely spread dense forest accompanied by the alpine trees. It is a place that has quite a number of historical monuments/ architectures. A bevvy of birds can be easily spotted which acts as eye candy for the birds’ watchers. Chimney offers some of the popular religious sightseeing places such as ST Paulseak Church, Buddhist Gompa, Ambotia shiva Temple and so on.

Nayabasti

A newly discovered colony hidden in the focus of green vegetation and about 17 km away from Darjeeling town lies the Nayabasti has also gained distinction as an offbeat destination in recent years. A village comprising of 150 to 200 houses with alluring natural undisturbed beauty is the main attraction of the place. Apart from small occupation, people are mostly engaged in vegetation and plantation and that is the reason the place is greenery and full of blooming flowers. The enchanting glimpse of The Tiger Hill can also be visualized from here.

Bagora

Bagora is one of the splendid destination found in the hills of Darjeeling. It provides the untouched scenic beauty and a pictorial ambience that one would cherish. It retains some outstanding varieties of the Himalayan flora. The river Teesta is at its full pace alongside the hilly terrain of Bagora. The place is immensely covered with terrace farming and inherits many medicinal and herbal plantations. Abundantly available trees of oranges add a distinctive beauty to the village.

Gumti Goan

Embellished with the dense alpine forest which is about 10 km away from the Darjeeling district is the Gumti Goan. It is a newly established region. Gumti Gao has such ambience that it creates enthusiasm among its travellers. Like the other exciting destinations of Darjeeling, Gumti Gao too capture the amazing view of Mt.Kanchenjunga. This enthralling village is surrounded by evergreen forests, large agricultural lands and vastly stretched tea gardens that make the place attractive. Various fascinating places such as The Gorkha Stadium, Racecourse and the children’s park are situated near this hamlet.

Do you feel the fatality of the monotony, about the same old hill stations and beaches in India where your relatives and friends have visited? Planning a trip to unexplored territory where accessibility might be an issue, but the spirit of adventure acts as a tonic. India’s beautiful travel destinations are exceptional for their magnificent region, culture, and hospitality. Some are popular and commercialized, which are saturated by tourists.

Explore Underrated Destinations of India

You need a list of lesser-known places that doesn’t imply it has anything less to offer. A little exploration and research from us will surprise you with how much this country has to offer. Here we have So, here are some of the most underrated destinations in India that have been not noticed by a lot of people, and now we want our travellers to know more about such unexplored places.

Majuli – Assam

Majuli is one of the most surreal places in India with a lush green environment and pollution-free World’s largest freshwater island in the river Brahmaputra. The unmatched beauty of the place is wrapped in a unique and quite interesting culture inhabited by tribals with various migratory birds and a dose of mesmerizing sunsets. Majuli tour is incomplete without visiting the Satras (regarded as the hub of neo-Vaishnavite culture) which function as monasteries and heritages.

How to Reach? To reach the island one has to take a ferry from Neemati Ghat in the Jorhat district. The main town Jorahat has accessibility by train which is 20km away. 

Bishnupur – West Bengal

Bishnupur has a glorious past, was the capital city of the Malla dynasty. The rich architecture and handicrafts such as weaving reflect its unique form. Its elegance is brilliant and detailed terracotta work as the carvings on the temples or handicrafts by the weaver are just a few examples that endured the ravages of the time. Bishnupur is also one of the principal centres of tradition in Bengal as Gharana of Hindustani Classical Music. Every year the weeklong festival “Bishnupur Mela” held in Poush(December-January) is a unique experience of the ‘Bishnupur culture’ in West Bengal.

How to Reach? Bishnupur has several direct trains from Kolkata. It is perfectly connected by NH2, which takes 4 hours from Kolkata.

Spiti Valley- Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is perhaps the most desirable place because of the unusual purple hue of the mountains in Himachal Pradesh. The dying explorer in you can be unleashed in the valley of the majestic Himalayan deserts. The breathtaking views of pristine gurgling rivers, scenic alpine lakes, and a rare variety of flora and fauna will mesmerize you. The open-minded local community and their warm welcome are some of the features of the Spiti Valley tour. It is also home to the world’s oldest Buddhist cultural centre – Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and Key Monastery. 

TIPS: The foreigners require a pass – Inner Line Permit to travel beyond Reckong Peo. 

How to Reach? You can travel to Reckong Peo by bus from Shimla and then to Kaza. The other route, Manali to Kaza is not for the faint-hearted, which is roughly 200 km.

Gavi – Kerala

Gavi cast its enchanting spell that recounts the pristine forest and its wilderness. The hills and valleys, sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls, and cardamom plantations offer a spectacular view of the deep ravine forest. The leading eco-tourism as Jungle Camping, Wildlife Trek, and Boating has caught the attention of nature lovers and adventure tourists. Gavi makes a unique venture with the active involvement of tribals, sharing their traditional knowledge of the forest, as guides, gardeners, and cooks. 

How to Reach? There is no railroad in Gavi, the nearest major railway stations are Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Madurai. The alternate option is to travel from Kumily(40km).

Gangtok – Sikkim

A beautiful hill town wreathed in clouds blended with cultural identities to urbanization. Gangtok is a dynamic part of the paradise of the northeast states of India. The town provides the perfect base to travel its surrounding regions abundant with natural beauty that offers the spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Apart from various natural attractions, it has many famous religious sites. For adventure enthusiasts, it comprises trekking and camping in the Himalayan mountain ranges. The annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year.

How to Reach? The capital city of Gangtok has Pakyong Airport. There is good connectivity by roads from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Kalimpong. 

Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh

The beautiful town of Tawang in endowed in the solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges with mesmerizing Tawang chu River. The place is greatly significant for Buddhist monks being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. The Tawang Monastery is one of the gems in Arunachal Pradesh recognized as the second-largest monastery in the world. The major religious festivals “LOSAR” in February-March and “TORGYA” in January are celebrated annually. The glacial lakes in and around Tawang with crystal blue water, splendid waterfalls, and hot springs are splendid stopovers. 

How to Reach? The nearest airport to reach Tawang is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam, and the nearest railway connectivity is in Rangapara in Tezpur, Assam. 

Mandu – Madhya Pradesh

Mandu is a city of timeless monumental structures that promises to make you travel through time. This citadel is the finest example of Afghan architecture perched atop a pleasantly green, thinly forested plateau. The imposing monuments with grand palaces and massive intricately designed gateways are the witnesses to Mandu’s long, rich, and varied history. The city of Mandu adorns the legendary love story of Baz Bahadur and astounding singer Roopmati. A walk through the Jahaz Mahal, Jami Masjid, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, and others of these monuments can leave you spellbound. 

How to Reach? The nearest airport to reach Mandu is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport at Indore and the nearest railway connectivity is Ratlam Junction. Well-built roads make it reachable through different parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Mokokchung – Nagaland

Mokokchung, a small but beautiful town is out of chaos, which will leave you spellbound. It is surrounded by a lush green forest with serpentine roads and dangerous slopes with a few dotted houses in the landscape. It is stated that Mokokchung has some of the oldest villages in Nagaland. This district is known as The Land of Ao’s “Mokokchung” where you will find their descendants and culture. The people greet tourists warm-heartedly, which makes the place wonderful.

TIPS: Inner Line Permit is required for the tourist before visiting Nagaland. 

How to Reach? Mokokchung is well connected with other towns through National Highway with other towns of Nagaland and Assam. Nagaland State Transport buses run regularly from the main town.

Auli – Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is renowned for bounded snowy peaks of the mighty Himalayas covered with coniferous forests. Auli is a famous hill station dotted with apple orchards, old oaks, and pine trees. There is no shortage of the natural beauty of Himalayan views with meadows, adventure activities, romantic vistas, cable cars, and much more. The sylvan peaks with the long stretch of snowy valleys make idyllic surroundings a popular skiing destination in India. Artificial lakes, sacred temples, and trekking spots captivate the attention of tourists.

How to Reach? If you are planning for Auli, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport, and Rishikesh railway station is situated 264kms away. It is well connected by motorable roads from major destinations of Uttarakhand.

Coorg – Karnataka

We all look for a break from the usual monotonous life. Coorg is a lovely hill station which is often called as the “Scotland of India” and the “Kashmir of Karnataka”. It justifies itself with lush greenery, exotic and rich flora and fauna, and enduring, the colourful and simplistic lifestyle of locals. It adds a wide range of options to keep its tourists entertained with adventurous trekking routes to caves, temples, forts, and museums. Its wildlife sanctuaries and umpteen sightseeing places are Madikeri fort, Omkareshwar temple, Golden Temple, and others. 

How to Reach?  The nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore Airport, located about 160 km away and Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station. State transport is available on a regular basis from cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore.

Patan – Gujarat

In childhood, we used to build a fort of sheets and pillows enclosure. The town of Patan is one of Gujarat’s historical ancient cities hugged by its fort walls and gates. The fortified city that served as Gujarat’s capital for 650 years stands as a testimony of that bygone era. The bustling bazaar of this charismatic town is tucked in the narrow lanes with Havelis. The architectural remains of Rani ki Vav, the old fort near Kalka, unique patola and mashru weavers, the snow-white Jain temples, the Hemachandracharya Jain Gnan library, etc. attract tourists from everywhere.

How to Reach? The nearest airport to Patan is Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport at Ahmedabad and Railway Station at Mehsana, about an hour’s journey from the city.

Bodh Gaya – Bihar

Bodhgaya, on the banks of the River Falgu in India, is a serene township associated with one of the four holiest cities of the Buddhist faith. The life of Gautam Budha is connected with this town where he meditated, preached and attained enlightenment, under the famous Bodhi tree. The place emanates an aura of spiritual solitude and supreme peace and is revered by Buddhists all across the world. A niche of Gaya city becomes a place of convergence during the festivals that are celebrated with great fervour in Bodhgaya.

TIPS: You can get accommodation in the monasteries and a chance to come close to the day-to-day lives of the Buddhist monks.

How to Reach? The nearest airport and railway station is at Gaya which is 6-7km away. Roads well connect it with other major cities of India.  

Bangaram Island – Lakshadweep

Bangaram is a tiny teardrop-shaped island surrounded by a shallow lagoon and enclosed by a coral reef. The island is uninhabited except for occasional visitors. It makes a perfect destination for people who want to disconnect entirely from the fast-paced world. The sparkling beach with the beautiful view of sunrise and sunset is a treat to the eyes. The serene beach of Bangaram Island includes adventure sports like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkelling, and deep-sea fishing. 

TIPS: Entry permit needs to visit all Lakshadweep Islands.

How to Reach? The nearest aerodrome is at Agatti Island and from there speed boat and helicopters are available for Bangaram Island. 

White Town – Puducherry

The charming, quaint town of Puducherry is called the French capital of India and this area was reserved for the French people back in the day. The White Town of Puducherry has retained its old-world charm from perfect yellow buildings to the sunny beaches, arched gates lined with bougainvillaea, and clean European-style streets, making this area surreal as if stuck in a time warp. Some of the key spots that you can visit while you are in the town are Shri Aurobindo Ghosh Ashram, Paradise Beach, Gingee Fort, Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple, Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus, Jawahar Toy Museum, Le Club, and many other tourist attractions. 

How to Reach? It is located at a convenient distance of 379 km from Bangalore and from Chennai it is nearly 150 km. The nearest airport and railway station are located in these cities. 

Unakoti – Tripura

A prime tourist spot in Tripura is identified for its marvellous rock carvings, murals with their primitive beauty, and waterfalls. Most of these rock carvings are huge and made on vertical walls exposed in the open atmosphere. Unakoti attracts tourists and devotees from far and away. A storehouse of India’s heritage it muses religious and spiritual importance from Hindu Mythology. It also makes a nice place for hiking, trekking, and other activities as the natural offerings of the area. A big fair popularly known as Ashokastami Mela is held in April every year.

How to Reach? Kamalpur is the nearest airport for Unakoti and Kumarghat is the nearest railway station. It is well connected by roads and transport from most nearby cities and towns. 

Read Also: 10 Holiday Destinations For Your First Post-Lockdown Escape!

My motherland, India is home to a diverse culture of indigenous tribes travelled from different parts of the world. Since ancient times they have created a long-lasting impact with modern theories. A deceptive world where the spiritual connection with the almighty has given rise to some of the unusual rituals and festivals. Some of these traditional rituals, despite its weirdness and crazily bizarre events, celebrated with unusual enthusiasm, leave us with a big question. In this article, it has been tried to concise 11 Most Unusual Festivals of India that are strictly followed to restore balance in religion. 

Thaipusam Festival, Tamil Nadu

Let’s start our bizarre list with the utmost devotion to revel in divine bliss. Thaipusam/Thaipoosam is celebrated to show the endurance to Lord Murugan (believed to be the son of Lord Shiva). Devotees prepare themselves approx 48 days ahead by spiritual cleansing with prayers and fasting. The festival is famous in South India and other parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries where the Tamil community is present. 

What is unusual?  On the day of the festival, the devotees perform the rituals and set out for the pilgrimage engaging themselves with the extreme act of religious observance. Some fanatical devotees carry burdens by one the most amazing practice by piercing the skin, tongue or cheek. 

Time: The festival starts on the full moon of Tamil month of Thai and continues over 10 days in January. 

Venue: Sri Dandayudhapani Temple in Palani

Nag Panchami, All over India

How about a festival dedicated to snakes, Creepy? Nag Panchami isn’t for the faint heart, especially which are dug out of the ground. Nag (Cobra in English) owns a great significance in Hindu mythology, which is often worshipped. The festival takes place during the month of Shraavana (Hindu calendar month) when the monsoon in India is at the peak. The rainwater seeps the hole of snakes which can harm humans on the ground by biting. According to the myth, to protect themselves Nag Panchami is celebrated. 

What is Unusual?   On this auspicious day. the fear of snakes miraculously turns into blissful devotion.  In some of the villages, the devotees indulge with the alive snake. The temple priest sprinkles Haldi-kumkum (turmeric and vermilion) and flowers on their hoods, later they are also fed milk, as the ultimate sign of good luck.

Time: It is celebrated on the fifth day after Amavasya or moonlit-fortnight in the holy month of Shraavana (July- August).

Venue: The festival is celebrated across the country, popularly observed in Bengal, Maharashtra, and South India.

Madai Festival, Chhattisgarh

Chhattishgarh is a popular tribal destination known for its major festivals of what is considered as Sanskritik Chhattisgarh. Despite Madai is a popular festival, people from other parts of the country know little about it. During this festival, ritualistic performances with folk dance, music, sacred prayers are dedicated to goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. One can also witness vibrant fairs with bright shops having several tribal handicrafts and relish some unique cuisine. 

What is Unusual? This is one of the few festivals in our country which travels from one place to another. The festival is also marked with the sacrifice of an animal, usually, a goat which breaks into relishing lavish feasts. 

Time: December to March

Venue: This festival starts from Bastar tribal area, then moves to Kanker from where it goes to Bhanupratappur, with few stops in-between at Narayanpur, Antagarh to Bhanupratappur, Keshkal and Bhopalpattnam then finally ends in March to Kondagaon. 

Sekrenyi Festival, Nagaland

Sekrenyi is a popular festival for Angami tribe of Nagaland. This festival is celebrated for 10 days to eliminate negative energies as well as to renew and cleanse the entire village. This tradition involves a great number of rituals as well as customs respecting nature. It is a festival of purification with feasting, duet songs and folk dance that allows inter-village visits and assures human bonding. The preparations of the festival start two days prior by collecting firewood and hunting animals for the feast. 

What is Unusual? One of the highlighting features of the festival is Thekra Hie where young people of the village sit together to participate in traditional events served with the jugs of rice beer and plates of meat.

Time: Sekrenyi Festival is celebrated on 25th day of the Angami calendar month. According to the English calendar its mostly around February. 

Venue: Kohima, Nagaland

Agni Keli, Karnataka

Though fire means danger, it is also the symbol of the festival. Coming back to India’s other unique festival, here a village plays with fire every year. Devotees gather at the temple of Kateel Durga Parameswari, honouring Her, depicted as the goddess of war. It is celebrated over 8 days and features a series of themed performances including the parade of the jewel-decked goddess through the streets. On the second night of the festival, the fiery action attracts thousands of spectators. 

What is Unusual? A centuries-old tradition that involves participants throwing burning palm fronds straight at each other. Agni Keli lasts about 15 minutes with flying branches and sparks through the night sky, falling around the participants. 

Time:  It commences on the night before Mesha Sankramana Day, mostly occurring in April.

Venue: Kateel Durga Parameswari Temple is in Kateel on an island of the river Nandini, about 29 km from Mangalore city. 

Lath Mar Holi (Barsana, Vrindavan)

As we know the Holi is a festival of colours, that is celebrated in India with great vigour and enthusiasm. All this sounds so interesting and wonderful. Wait! what if some women chase you with sticks. Sounds terrifying? Well, the unique customs of Lath Mar Holi have attracted tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna playfully teased his beloved Radha on this very day and angry ladies of Barsana chased the Lord away. As a mark of this event, every year the Lath Mar Holi is celebrated.

What is Unusual? Interesting way of playing Holi, not only with colours but also sticks. As a part of the tradition, men sing provocative songs to invite the women for playfully to beat them with bamboo sticks. The folks try to defend them with a shield and usually stay under the influence of ‘Bhang’. This reflects love, fun and equality.

Time: This celebration takes place a few days before the actual Holi on the last full moon day of Phalgun as the Hindu lunar calendar month marking the spring. According to the English calendar between March to April.  

Venue: Nandgaon and Barsana towns of Uttar Pradesh, extremely popular for the celebrations.

Puli Kali, Kerala

Puli Kali is a peculiar event of the most popular Onam festival in South India. This curious activity originated 200 years back when the Maharaja of Cochin formed a traditional Kerala folk art, dance, music and drama that depicted the theme of the wild and macho spirit of the force. As the name, Puli Kali means “tiger play” or “tiger dance” that is what you can see tigers acting on the street to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Every year it attracts people from across the State and the world to view this special event. 

What is Unusual? The striking feature is performers dress up as tiger with readymade masks, cosmetic teeth, tongues, beards and moustaches. They enact the roles of the wild beasts while dressed up in such a manner is no easy feat either! 

Time: This grandeur is celebrated every year on the 4th day of Onam ( a harvest festival, and falls on the 22nd Nakshatra Thiruvonam in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam) which occurs in August–September.

Venue: The streets of Swaraj Round, Thrissur.

Hemis Festival, Leh

The colourful prayer flag of Ladakh brings an unreasonable smile on the face of everyone, from a child to an adult. The two-day Hemis Festival is a sequence of the most vibrant events you’ll ever come across. According to the legend, Lord Padamsambhav’s conquested on the Ruta demons marked the victory of good over dark forces. This festival commemorates every year as the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.

What is Unusual? The Masked Dance, performed by the lamas is the main highlights of the Hemis Festival. It is a slow dance and each performer wears colourful masks and costumes that depict the legends of the war. The character’s movement on the beats of cymbals, drums, and unwieldy trumpets elaborate the grotesque expressions.

Time: This festival is celebrated on the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar or June-to-July of the English months.

Venue: It is held at the 300-year-old Hemis Jangchub Choling, Buddhist monastery near Leh.

Sume Gelirak Festival, Odisha

A major festival of Bonda tribe that teaches the importance of love and friendship in one’s life. In reality, the tribe lives a very sequestered life on a hilltop, thus, aloof of the happenings outside their world. The Sume Gelirak festival helps the tourists to dive deep in the cultural richness of one of the tribes of Odisha. The celebration proceeds for 10 days includes a scenario with several ritualistic practices, folk dance and songs in their traditional attire and musical instruments. 

What is Unusual? The festival includes a unique style of celebration, a categorised fight for pairs of boys, young as well as and older men stand face-to-face and hit each other with branches of a tree on the beats of the drum. This is also the perfect time for the ladies to find their better life partner.

Time:  In the month of Chaitra, the festival is celebrated as the threshing of the rice harvest. It starts on Sunday mostly in January according to the English calendar. 

Venue: Koraput, Odisha

Karni Mata Festival, Rajasthan

Let’s drive this unusual festivals list to 600-year-old Karni Mata temple which is home to more than thousands of rat. They are considered very sacred and bring good luck. Karni Mata Fair is an interesting attraction for tourist, to get acquainted with the rich religious traditions of the place. As the name suggests, the fair is dedicated to the mystical goddess possessing supernatural powers. On the first day of the festival, special preparations are made in the temple as Goddess is beautifully decorated with the proceedings of Mangal-Aarti and bhog to the deity.

What is Unusual? The temple is also known as Rat Temple of India. Interestingly, rats are considered as “kabbas”, the souls of Karni Mata’s devotees. To seek blessings from kabbas they eat the leftovers of the rat. 

Time: The festival is held twice a year during the holy Navratras in the months of March-April (the bigger festival of 10 days) and October-November.

Venue: Karni Mata temple is located in Deshnok village of Rajasthan. 

Chau Jhumur Utsav, West Bengal

Purulia is the land of the spectacular nature, people, culture and heritage. Chau Jhumur Utsav depicts the rich cultural tradition of the region and has evolved as a major crowd-puller in the region. The festival continues for 3 days with vibrant performing folk art, nearly 3000 artists follow the tradition. The festival is aptly complemented by drums, shenai, reed pipes and other instruments. Besides attending the festival visitors can also see mask making at Chorida Village, 8th-century Jain Temple, visit the Joychandi Hills and trek at Jharnakocha Cave. 

What is Unusual? During the festival of Chau Jhumur Utsav, a colourful martial mask dance is performed based on mythological tales that spread moral and ethical ideals. Chhau dance is recorded in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. 

Time: December

Venue:  It is held at the Bamnia School playground of Maldi village of Balrampur in Purulia.

India has many distinguished travel destinations that immensely attracts the whole world. The country has the maximum number of historic architectures and monuments that reflects its cultural heritage and traditions. Indian food, its hospitality, history and architectures and its various wonderful tourism spots can grab anybody’s attention. India’s popularity is gradually growing. There is a plentiful reason why India attracts most of its tourist and a few of them are listed below.

Food

Indian food is always very delicious and unique. Tourist from around the world tries the distinguished flavours of India that leave them lip-smacking. Indian cuisine has successfully developed its popularity in different parts of the world. India is especially known for its all-round delicacies, be it North or South India. The food here is full of variant spices and herbs. Every region has its own distinctive flavour with its own style of cooking. Indian culture and food are influenced by various civilizations which have contributed to the present form across the country.

History and Architecture

India is very famous for its influencing archaeological sites. The country has tremendous eye-catching architecture and monuments and people from across the world are always very eager to know its history. There are a number of monuments that could be found in almost every state of the country. The architecture reflects the amazing talents of our ancestors. Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, Ajanta Ellora Caves are a few of them. These infrastructures have always been a reason for India’s pride.

Shopping Markets

Indian goods and services are cherished by all. The shopping materials are available at a very reasonable price. The handicrafts of India display its finer and close points of workings. The beautiful and unique designs in the fabrics are something that the tourist marvel at. The different carvings in the potters and artefacts are truly amazing and are definitely suitable for decorative purposes. All these handicrafts reflect the skill and hardwork of the Indian people which are gradually developing. Every region is very well specialized in a particular industry that is been handed down over generations.

Wildlife Safari

India is land to wildlife conservation parks and sanctuaries. The diversity of Indian terrain is home to different rare species. The beautiful lush green forests, desserts, wetland and marine will surely attract you. Thousands of migratory birds charm the land during winter. People can also experience the thrilling adventure of wildlife safaris here. Jim Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Gir National Park are among the best places for the wildlife experience.

Journey by Train

India provides some of the best journeys by train. Travelling in trains make it possible to admire the changing landscapes as the train passes through towns and villages. The mountain ranges, the elegant waterfall, the flowing rivers, the massive fields and the dense forests are all very soothing to the eyes. People witness all these mesmerizing views while travelling on a train. Most of the wonderful places in India are very well connected to the railways and journey by train is the best option if you actually want to experience the beauty of nature. Some of the best journeys by train are Jammu-Baramulla, Kalka-Shimla, Mumbai-Goa, New Jalpaiguri-Darjeeling.

Hospitality

India is well known around the world for its hospitality. Indians wholeheartedly welcome their guests in their country. It has emerged as one of the key drivers of growth among the services sector in India. The people, the language, the cuisines all create an enchanting weave of colour for their tourist and their hospitality towards their guests becomes memorable. The foreigners always appreciate the Indian hospitality which they could hardly experience in other countries of the world.

Adventure Sports Activity

India has a number of exciting places for adventure sports activity. India is best suited for any adventurous action near the Himalayas and different valleys, mountains and rivers. Many tourists visit India to experience the thrilling adventure here such as trekking, bungee jumping, paragliding, scuba diving etc. The feeling and memories of all these adventurous trips are truly unforgettable. For the one seeking for an adventurous trip, India is the best option.

Spirituality

India is a country of harmony and spirituality. There are a lot of ashrams and temples where a number of spiritual acts like yoga and meditation are performed. Many tourists and foreigners visit these places for a peaceful and pleasant environment. These programmes also help in moulding one’s behaviour and character in a much better way. People also visit India to spend their time in the ashrams and learn the various acts of spirituality.

India is known for its historic heritage also influences the world with its low price delicious snacks. We Indians love snacks and for the one travelling, priced-off snacks serve as a treasure. One can easily find delectable street food that satisfies the taste buds as well as the savage stomach. Every street food found in the country has its own unique and appetizing flavour. In India, every city has its distinguished variety of snacks. Tangy and spicy snacks that too at a very less price are inefficiently available in every city of the country.

Kolkata

Fish Cutlet

The best thing to discover in Kolkata is the various dishes of fishes which satisfy different taste buds. The local popular dish which can be easily found is a fish cutlet. The best taste of fish cutlet comes from the filling of the special fish “Bhetki” as called in regional language. The bread crumbs around the fillet and deep-fried make it more delicious.

Kathi Rolls

Kathi rolls of Kolkata is very famous not only in Kolkata but also in every other city of the country. It is available in three to four varieties and that is egg, mutton chicken, paneer. The flaky flour paratha is rolled up with your desired stuffing and irresistible sauce, spices and veggies. This stuffed roll is something extraordinary to experience. It costs Rs 50 onwards.

Jhaal Moori

One of the most replicate snacks of the Calcuttans is jhaal moori. Bengali snack is incomplete without the jhaal moori treat. Whether you are travelling in the local trains or public buses you will find jhaal moori vendors. Made with puffed rice, boiled potataos and grinded spices with a touch of mustard oil that elevates its flavour, jhaal moori will always satisfy your taste buds in Kolkata costing you not more than 10 bucks.

Delhi

Shawarma

Shawarma is one of the favourite delicacies of the Delhiites. It holds its own unparalleled identity. The rumali roti stuffed with marinated and grilled meat gives one a decadent pleasure. The juicy and tender shawarma is served with creamy mayonnaise and a special green chutney. It is truly a lip-smacking snack sure to win your heart. One roll of shawarma costs between 50 to 100 rupees in the local streets of Delhi.

Daulat ki Chaat

The finest sweet dish on the street of Delhi is the Daulat ki Chaat. One of the most sublime sweet preparation of churned milk with the lofty foam of cream garnished with dry fruits is unique as it tastes. It takes around 6 hours to prepare at night and the fresh dish can be enjoyed early in the morning.

Ram Ladoo or Dal Pakoras

The fried dal pakoras also called ram ladoos is a classic and popular street food snack of Delhi. It is salty and sour in taste and made with a batter of dal and spices. Having a crispy crust coated with the tangy reddish and green chutney, ram ladoo is one of the fancy and evergreen street snacks of the capital city. In addition, unlike other chaat recipes, a unique vegetable is used as a topping i.e grated radish julienne which makes it sharp, spicy and flavorful. The famous ram ladoo costs only Rs10 per plate.

Mumbai

Batata Vada

Batata vada is one such delicious snack of the Mumbaikars which they opt for at any times, whether its for breakfast or teatime. This popular well-loved tasty bite is prepared by smashing boiled potatoes and mixing it with freshly chopped green chillies, lime juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric powder and fresh coriander leaves. The preparation is then dipped in a gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried. It is mostly served with chutney or fried green chillies. It costs 15 to 20 rupees per plate.

Bombay Sandwich

The Bombay Sandwich is a combination of rarely used ingredients which every taste buds linger for. The three layers of buttered bread are filled with boiled potatoes, slices of beetroot, onion rings, cucumbers and mint chutney in between them and served with condiments. The sandwich is also available in grilled version. It costs Rs100 per person.

Falooda

The rejuvenating dessert of the Mumbaikars is falooda. It is basically an Indian version of the Persian style dessert. The fruitful and chilled drink of vermicelli is mixed with milk, pistachios, almonds, basil seeds and rose syrup and a scoop of ice cream is dipped in it. It costs Rs 100 for one.

Bihar

Litti Chokha

Litti chokha is the traditional food of Bihar. It is the best delicacy of the locals in Patna and is also very nutritious. Patna based litti chokha is very well recognized in various parts of the country. It is made of wheat flour and sattu(roasted gram) and is served with spicy and tangy chokha which is made of mashed potatoes with tomatoes and some vegetables. It costs Rs20 per plate.

Chana Ghugni

Chana Ghugni is one such perfect snacks of Bihar that it can be served with almost anything, be it parathas, rotis or even rice. It is prepared by boiling chickpeas which are then fried with onions and various other spices that gives it a flavorful taste. It is also a very popular snack found in the streets of Bihar which will cost you between 50 to 100 rupees.

Khaja

Khaja is a crispy and scrumptious dessert of Bihar. It can be found in various streets of Bihar. This well-loved snack is prepared from wheat flour, sugar and mawa deeply fried in oil. Khaja is one of the unique wafery desserts of Bihar that cost Rs100 per kg.

Punjab

Lassi

Lassi, the refreshing and popular drink known far and wide is the Punjabi’s pride themselves. The sweet and salty drink is served in most of the streets of Punjab. A dollop of cream and butter is added to lassi to make it richer and rejuvenating. Nowadays, it is available in variant flavours such as mango, rose or strawberry. All the lassi flavours fall under Rs 50.

Parantha

Parantha is the staple food of Punjab and is highly served in the streets of Punjab. This pleasing food has come to India through the annals of Punjabi cuisine. The parantha, be it plain or stuffed is fried in ghee which is preferred by most of the people of Punjab. It costs Rs100 per person.

Chole

Punjabi chole is also equally delicious as the Punjabi parantha. The chickpea dish goes best with naan or parantha. It is available in the slightly drier form or is made with a bit of gravy. The spices in chole also vary from place to place in Punjab that costs Rs20 per plate.

The real beauty of wildlife is pre-eminence in the jungle than in the caged. The safaris allow you to get close to theses rare breeds in their natural habitats displaying their raw emotions. India is blessed with rich landscapes which are the apparent homes of diversified wildlife. The sensational sanctuaries of India can fulfil the bucket list of best jungle safaris. While the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger is the top attraction for safari, the arrays of other wildlife will surely fascinate you. If you have the desire for the wildlife Safari trip to come across with the true beauty of nature then this post is for you. These are some of the best offbeat safaris which await you for the adventure, read on.

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, Assam

Pobitora sanctuary is heaven for the tourists seeking for the venture with distinct terrains having some of the rare species. It is spread in the forest, grassland and wetland habitats. The limelight of the sanctuary harbours the highest density of one-horned rhino after Kaziranga. This sanctuary is also home of other mammals such as Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Feral Buffalo, Chinese Pangolins etc. The wetland of Brahmaputra is the resident for many disappearing species of birds. It also attracts thousands of migratory birds during winter. 

Best Time To Visit: November to February. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is located in the Morigaon district of Assam. It is approximately 40km from Guwahati. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place. The nearest railway station is Jagiroad that is well connected from Guwahati. 

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is categorized as tropical deciduous forest, bewildered with the most varied flora and fauna. The park reveals its extraordinary beauty and biodiversity with the hilly corridor of Maikal range covered with dense lush green Sals and bamboos. It is home to the world’s largest cat, Bengal tiger, including other species as leopard, bison, flying squirrel, wild dog, hyena, sambar, chital, etc. Recently a rare black panther was also sighted in this park. It is also a perfect gateway for the bird watchers where more than 150 species of birds are spotted. 

Best Time To Visit: November to June. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is located in Bilaspur district of Chhattishgarh. It is approximately 60km from Bilaspur. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place. The nearest railway station is Belgahna.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

The astounding location of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for nature’s bounty with scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. It is one of the most renowned sanctuaries of South India at the Western Ghat ranges. The reserve has been launched for the notable project- Project Tiger 1978, protecting the endangered tiger population, later it was also declared as Asiatic elephant reserve. The other species found are Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Dole or Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog and rare primates such as Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Gee’s Golden Langur, etc. 

Best Time To Visit: October to June. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is a protected area in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala. It is approximately 200km from Kochi. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place from Kottayam, Ernakulam or Madurai. The nearest railway station is Kottayam.

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise renowned for dense forests, lakes, steep valleys and streams. A glorious wildlife scene with its rich flora and fauna makes it attractive to the travellers. It provides a refuge for many endangered species like the Asian Elephant, Sambhar, Monkeys, Bison, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Cheetal, Antelope, Crocodile, etc. to dwell in their natural habitat. It is one of the few places in the world where you can view the shadowy beauty of the melanistic leopard or Black Panther. The pristine riverine landscape is home to some of the frequently spotted birds. 

Best Time To Visit: September to May. 

How to Reach?

The sanctuary is located at Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is at a distance of 208km from Bangalore and 60km from Mysore. You can book a cab or take the public bus to reach the place. The nearest railway station and airport is at Mysore.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman Islands

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park allures tourist for its open sea, rare coral reefs and marine life. The park comprises 17 small untouched islands situated between South Andaman Island and Rutland Island. The towering tropical canopies, myriad lagoons, coral reefs, rainforests, and mangroves are home to protected marine life, especially sea turtles and corals. You can witness the breeding ground for turtles, encounter coral reefs from a boat, by scuba diving and snorkelling. Apart from marine life, tourists can also witness a variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Best Time To Visit: October to February. 

How to Reach:?

The National Park is a part of Wandoor in Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is easily accessible by road via buses and taxis from all the major cities of Andaman and Nicobar islands. You can also access the Department of Information and Publicity for transport to reach the park.

Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

The unique ecosystem of Tadoba National Park indicates a great conservation value of the area. The Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Teak Forests has an important role in the Central Plateau Biotic province. It is the oldest and largest project tiger reserves of India. Aside from the significant increase of tigers, it is home to other mammals, like Indian Leopards, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Small Indian Civet, Chausingha, etc. Tadoba lake sustains a wide diversity of water birds and raptors that include the endangered Indian python and the common Indian monitor.

Best Time To Visit:  October to June and remains fully closed on Tuesday. 

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Chandrapur is the nearest railway station which is well connected to other major cities of India. Buses and taxis are easily available from Chandrapur to reach the park. The nearest international airport is Nagpur with a distance of 140 km.  

Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Hemis National Park is a picturesque holiday destination with the unspoilt and exotic landscape. The park has the distinction of being a high altitude among the largest contiguous protected region with snowcapped mountains, barren slopes and lakes. The park is bounded by five villages- Shingo, Chillinga, Yurutse, Rumbak and Sku-Kaya. The main attraction of the park is the flourishing habitat of snow leopards and Shapu or the Ladakhi Urial. It is also home to some of the rare species like Himalayan marmots, mountain weasel and Himalayan mouse hare. For bird watchers, it’s a dream destination with a pollution-free environment and noise-free surroundings.

Best Time To Visit:  May to early October.

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in the eastern Ladakh Union Territory. You can fly to Leh which is the base station to reach Hemis. You can go by road on rented conveyance and bus which are available daily. If you are looking for adventure then you can trek from L your way to reach the park.

Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh 

Satpura National Park is among the priceless gems of inimitable nature’s creation. The rugged landscapes with sandstone peaks, narrow gorge and dense forests are enticing for wildlife lovers. The hilly terrains with roaming wild habitat make a unique central Indian highland ecosystem. The park accommodates three safari rides- jeep safari, elephant safari and boat safari. Some of the special attractions of the park are Indian Bison, Leopards, Tiger, Porcupine, Four Horned antelopes, Wild boar, Wild dog (locally called Dholes), Sloth bear, Crocodile, Malabar squirrels, Langurs, etc.

Best Time To Visit:  October to June.

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. The nearest railway station is Pipariya, approx 50km from the park. You can travel by road which is well connected to several cities including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Chindwara, and Nagpur. The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal.

Khangchendzonga, Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on mixed criteria, is an ultimate escape into the lap of mother nature. The park runs across unique biodiversity of plains, rivers, valleys, lakes and gorgeous snow-capped mountains covered by ancient forests. One of the criteria cited by UNESCO was sacred mountains representing the core sacred region that has been integrated with Buddhist beliefs and constitutes the basis for Sikkimese identity. The park is home to exotic species such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Jungle Cat, Golden Cat, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal, Musk deer, etc. 

Best Time To Visit:  April and May.

How to Reach?

The National Park is located in the North and West Sikkim districts. The nearest railway stations are Jalpaiguri and Siliguri approx 120km from the park. You can go by road which is well connected to several cities by National Highway 31A. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in Darjeeling, West Bengal.

Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

Rajaji National Park is encompassed between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains. The foothills of the Himalayas with the picturesque beauty and rich biodiversity of the park serves its major attractions for both nature lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts. The dense jungles with diverse forest ranging from semi-evergreen to deciduous, mixed broad-leaved to terai grassland form the range of flora for this park. It is inhabited by vivacious wildlife like elephants, panthers, sambhar, wild boar, barking deer, two kinds of Himalayan bears- black and sloth, etc and over 400 bird species. 

Best Time To Visit:  November to June. 

How to Reach?

The National Park is located on both sides of the river Ganges at Haridwar and Chila. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, approx 18km from the park. You can reach by road which is well connected to several cities as Rishikesh and Haridwar. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun.

India’s rich diversity in culture and heritage is very well reflected and can be experienced at the archaeological sites. The spectacular monuments of different era state several cultures that flourished since ancient time. The land of marvel architecture displays the best wonders of the world from prominent oldest rock-cut caves to bronze age civilization, the famous universities or be the forts of various empires and kingdoms. Understanding Indian history is not so easy though you can appreciate the work of our ancestors and will be astonished of their imaginations. India, the mystical land, has the maximum number of archaeological sites listed in the world’s heritage. It is difficult to sort out all the overwhelming sites that defy the diversity. I have tried to list my top 10 archaeological sites dating as vintage from the pre-historic era.

Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh

The rocky terrain of Bhimbetka is a gift from our ancestors with the broken path which will grasp you in the pre-historic era. It is surrounded by craggy cliffs and lofty mountain which is rich in flora and fauna. The natural rock shelter is an archaeological treasure among cave paintings of the palaeolithic age established around 30,000 years old. The exclusive art of vibrant colours highlights the expression of early human social life and their interaction with nature and animals. Fortunately, these paintings in the inner walls of the cave are well preserved from the exposure of extreme weather. The entire region is environed by 600 caves at Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. It is in the mids of the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Vindhya Range.

How to Reach?

The nearest major airport and railway station are in Bhopal. It is about 48km which is well connected by local transports.

Rakhigarhi, Haryana

The amazing discovery of Rakhigarhi archaeological site enables us to retrace about our civilization. It approves to be the largest known city during the famous Indus Valley Civilization. The town has witnessed the first urban civilization rise more than 4000 years ago with its mysterious downfall. Walking through the open-air museum is like visualizing the ancient settlement. The excavation has revealed the interesting facts about the culture and planning of the city during the pre-Harappan era. Recently a groundbreaking discovery of 62 graves may have the answer of Indian civilization that has vexed some of the best minds in history and science.

How to Reach?

The nearest major town, Hisar, is well connected by airway and railways and from there, tourists can reach by roadways.

Dholavira, Gujarat

A journey to Dholavira is a paradise on earth through the saline desert of Rann of Kutch. The ancient town indicates the presence of the historic ruins of Indus Valley Civilization dating back 2900 BC to 1500 BC. It is the second-largest Harapan culture site in India and fifth in Indian sub-continent. You can investigate the past to discover our future in the most remarkable excavation. It narrates the story of Harappan culture that had sketched the city with broad roads, markets, embraced by two monsoon channels and the world’s largest rainwater reservoir to mention a few. The prominent charisma of Dholavira is the museum that displays Harappan artefacts as first signboards, tools, urns, ornaments and vessels that were dug out from this site.

How to Reach?

To reach the site one has to reach Bhuj which is the nearest connectivity by railway and flight.

Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Ajanta and Ellora caves exhibit some the finest ancient rock-cut caves which are almost buried in the dense forest all-around. Amazingly hand-carved caves were built in the period between the 2nd century BC to 16th AD that anchors the best examples of Indian architecture and sculpture. While 29 caves of Ajanta symbolizes Buddhism, 34 caves of Ellora are the mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The same style consociates both the caves which are 100km apart. The paintings and sculptures are masterpieces that had a considerable artistic influence on modern Indian art. The most famous attraction of these caves is a single largest monolithic structure of the Kailash Temple.

How to Reach?

The closest railway station and airport for the caves is located at Aurangabad.

Nalanda University, Bihar

Nalanda University was one of the world’s greatest ancient Buddhist academic excellence. The traditional foundation of University dates back to the 5th century BC during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. It flourished as an international institution and attracted Buddhist monks from all over the world. The excavation reveals that architecture was inspired by the Kushan style having a large courtyard with the cells where monks lived. A precise portrayal of the University appears from the manuscripts of the great Chinese scholar and traveller Xuanzang who had visited in the 7th century BC. Nalanda Archeological Museum at the verge of disintegration has collections of the precious treasure of excavation and antiquities that have been unearthed.

How to Reach?

Nalanda is well connected by the major towns- Rajgir, Gaya and Patna, by regular bus service and cabs.

St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kerala

Along the Western Ghats of white beach fringe with impenetrable tropical forests embraces one of the oldest church in our country at Palayoor. According to the folklore, the first Catholic church in India was established in 52 AD by St. Thomas who is believed to be one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The church was built by incorporating the old Hindu deserted temple. Thus a fusion of Hindu ornamentation and Persian Church Plan is reflected on its architecture. Later an Italian missionary built a new architecture around the small old teak wooden church. The church witnessed an invasion by Tipu Sultan during the 18th century which was destroyed by fire, thereafter, it was reconstructed.

How to Reach?

The church is well connected by the railway station and with State Highway from Thrissur. The nearest airport is at Cochin. The church is basically located in Palayoor at the distance of 28kms from Thrissur. The cabs and local transports are easily accessible.

Cheraman Juma Mosque, Kerala

The landmark structure of Cheraman Juma Mosque is considered to be India’s first mosque. This stunning architecture has fascinated the travellers from all over the world with its impressive history and distinctive Kerala-style composition. The mosque was built by Malik Ibn Dinar in 629 AD on the order of Chera king. It has been a testimony of communal harmony of Hindu-Muslim coexistence with an eye-opener for modern Indians. The prime attraction of the mosque is an ancient oil lamp which is believed to be burning continuously since its origin. It has gone through a massive renovation concerning its physical appearance as it was demolished by Portuguese in 1504. The mosque exhibits a museum displaying its architecture that evolved over the years. It is located at Kodungalloor taluk in Thrissur district of Kerala.

How to Reach?

The closest railway station is Irinjalakuda and the nearest airport is in Cochin. This spot is easily reachable by cabs and local transports.

Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh

The temples of Khajuraho depict more than just erotic, but with interesting facts showcasing the life of the common man that existed during that time. Contrastingly, the world-famous erotic art of Kama Sutra is only 10 per cent of all carvings found in the complex. The epic clusters of 85 temples comprise of both Hinduism and Jainism, which was built in 950 AD to 1050 AD by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty. Among them, only 22 temples have managed to survive and stood up from the test of time. The temples are carved from hard river sandstone embellished into three complexes-the Western, the Eastern and the Southern. It is one of the wonders of India, rich with mythological stories, artistic creativity and marvel of the architecture.

How to Reach?

Khajuraho is well connected by airways, railways and easily accessible roads from different parts of India by National Highway.

Hampi, Karnataka

A historical town of Hampi is an offset landscape that has enthralled travellers for centuries. This striking ruin of the past was once capital of famous Vijayanagara dynasty, endured around 1500 AD. The excellent workmanship of the sculptors and monuments reflects the magnificent technique of the architecture. This fascinating site used to be the second-largest city in the world perched over several kilometres of terrain. The magnificent temples mounted with heaps of boulder with remains of aquatic structures, ancient market place, royal pavilion are few among the list of attraction for tourist. The best time to visit Hampi is during the three-day festival which is held around October-November every year.

How to Reach?

Hospet is the nearest railway station and Belgaum Airport is at a distance of 270 km which is well connected by the roadways.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

A masterpiece Indo-Arabic art- Qutub Minar is one of the finest monument in India, as well as in the world. The tower signifies the victory of the first Muslim ruler over Delhi. The 73-meter high tower construction was commenced by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193, it was followed by its successor Illtutmish and later in 1368 Firoz Shah Tughlaq completed its last fifth storey. The tower is embellished with the inscriptions having the projecting balconies supported by the rounded brace. The most magnificent structure in the complex is the ruin of the oldest mosque Quwwat Ui Islam which is a renowned architecture in the world. The Iron Pillar near the mosque is the most curious antique in Delhi. The World Heritage Site is established at Mehrauli of Delhi.

How to Reach?

Delhi is the capital city of India which is well connected by airport and railway. The easy access of transports makes easy to reach this spot. The nearest Delhi metro station is Qutub Minar station at a distance of around 2 km.

Ramadan is one of the twelve Arabic months of the Islamic calendar. A period reflecting fasting and sacrifice observed by Muslims all around the world. It is believed the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in this holy month and Muslims from all around the world fast from dawn to dusk that ends with a grand celebration during Eid-ul-Fitr. Fast always comes with a feast and if you want to witness the true spirit of Ramadan in India then flocking to some of the main iconic regions of the country like Hyderabad, Lucknow, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Delhi will surely welcome you for the colourful feast (Iftar).

Bhopal

The capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is also considered as the city of Masjids.  During the time of Ramadan, the city turns into a paradise for food connoisseurs that offers a lot of lip-smacking delicacies. From Itwara street to Shahjahanabad the streets are filled with aromas of Biryani, Kabab Grilled Chicken and colourful mocktails.  It is said that during the reign of Nawabs, the fasting (Rozas) began and ended with the blast of a cannon, followed with grand iftar parties. However, this tradition is now following up with bursting of crackers which serves as a respect to the previous traditional norms. The restaurants remain open for the foodies till dawn. Butter Chicken, Haleem and Rogan josh are some of the most wanted dishes that can be enjoyed with your friends and family. Exploring local markets like Ibrahimpur and Nadeem Bazaar add an extra topping on the tour. The markets are crowded which creates another blissful surrounding during Ramadan in Bhopal.

Kolkata

Kolkata offers a unique list of delicacies during this holy month.  The ‘city of joy’ is famous for its Biryani, Misti Doi, Rosogollla  Macher Jhol, however, during Ramadan, the city offers a little extra on the diet.  From New Market to Zakaria Street or from Park Circus to Metiabruz, the city is filled with light and energy. A call for the prayer can be heard on the streets of Kolkata and people breaks their fast with compassion. The food stalls remain active almost throughout the day from afternoon till the dawn. People have their own distinct taste for Iftar and Sehri (meal before fasting).  The food stalls sell some of the best cuisines like Lachchhas, Shirmal and varieties of Pakoras that cannot be covered in one evening.  Some of the real flavoured dishes like Arbi Haleem, Changezi Chicken,  Sutli Kabab, Kheeri Kabab will surely change your taste bud and starting your day with Nalli nihari with Dal Ki Puri is yet another level of gastronomy during Ramadan.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad, home to the most beautiful old cities in India also called the city of Nizams becomes vibrantly alive during this holy month Ramadan. Sirens shriek in harmony from hundreds of mosques across the city for ‘sehri/ iftar. Although the city is famous for its Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem is one of the most important delicacies that the city serves only during this holy month and people eagerly wait for Ramadan every year to grab the best opportunity to taste one of the best dishes in the world. The festive mood of the city during this auspicious month can be particularly felt in and around the old city of Hyderabad. Some of the lip-smacking delicacies like Patthar Ka Gosh, Murtabak, ‘Double Ka Meetha’ and Biryani can be added as the best-recommended food during a tour in Hyderabad.

Delhi

Delhi, the capital city and the heart of India have its own distinguished flavour of Ramadan. The Mughal city during this auspicious month is immensely radiant. When the sun sets, the city awake with an enormous amount of delicacies aroma of food that can be observed in the streets of Old city. Jama Masjid is one of those places of old Delhi which is famous for its rich Mughlai Cuisine and mouth-watering dishes. Flamed in red charcoal, juicy grilled kebabs, Butter fried Chicken, Beef Kabab and Shawarma creates an ambience that offers the alluring aroma of exotic spices that are enough to appeal food hunters in and around the city to this place. The unique Achari Biryani will leave finger-licking and the Shahi tukda with mango ice cream reveal the different flavours of Delhi to relish with friends and family. The shopping complex and other famous bazaars of Delhi like the Meena Bazar, Khan Market  Chandni chowk becomes active at the time of this holy month.

Lucknow

The land of kabab and Nawabs is dipped in the serenity of rituals during the holy month of Ramadan.  Lucknow is famous for its Mughal architecture and monuments and much like the historical monuments, the food too speaks status of the Nawabi culture.  A walk through the narrow lanes of Chowk, Aminabad and Hazratganj will get you to the Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow which is famous for its flavourful Dum Biryanis, slow-cooked Nalli Nihari well served with Khameeri Roti.  The city streets come to life during evening selling some of the best street food like Round samosas, Tokri chaat, Makkhan Malai and numerous Kababs and sweets that you might miserably fail to keep a count. A feast for non-veg lovers which serves food almost 24/7 during this holy month, serving some iconic dishes like Afghani chicken, Paratha chicken masala, Mutton biryani and Lucknow’s iconic Tundey Kabab is the taste you can never forget in your life.

Do you have a tight budget? Wondering how to travel cheap in India? I have tried to provide a few important tips which may help you in planning with your holidays. I am a budgeteer who likes to travel cheap by ditching all comforts and unwanted things. My love for travelling and exploring had led me to learn a few techniques of travel-hack which can be exciting and save you some bucks. Sometimes travelling may cost heavy on our pocket which makes us reassess our holidays. But that doesn’t mean you have to drop your plan. Travelling in India is much cheaper and easier than any other countries. If you want to make a reality of exploring India more smartly then 10 basic tips for your budget travel will surely help you to achieve your dreams:

Research about the destination in depth

My first initiative before travelling to any destination is to make a well-research plan about the place. As it is said everything comes up with a cost, in this context, it is time and effort. If you are keen on saving then spend your time on research about the place which comes handier while travelling. This will equip you with the information about budget hotels, public transports and cheap places for food. If you are a solo traveller, don’t take research casually and be ready to face circumstances while travelling. Each state in India have their regional holidays, make sure you don’t end travelling when the place is closed. In a local forum or state tourism site, you may accumulate information about the regional festival and activities to make your tour memorable.

Travel during the offseason

It is not a smart move to travel during peak season when the prices are high due to increase in demand. Most of the people like to travel during the festive season which makes difficult for the budgeteers due to high tariffs. To travel in cheap the most suited time is to visit the place during the offseason to restrain the constraint of under budget. Another good thing while travelling offseason is less crowd when you can enjoy the destination in peace. During peak season the rush of hotels, modes of travel and other facilities are difficult to accommodate in cheap. If you are planning to travel during peak season I will recommend for advance booking or reach the destination in advance to enjoy the discounts.

Explore the offbeat places

It is an ideal gateway for the Millennials to explore the real hidden gem that provides a picturesque landscape and untouched nature making it a paradise for the budgeteers. This is the fittest time where you can have all the opportunity to fill your bucket list. Offbeat places are mostly untouched from the commercialization which concedes cheap accommodation and food. The challenges you might face before you head to these places is to figure out the homestays and attractions. Once you have a solution the place bequeaths with its most pleasing calm, quiet and far away from hullabaloo.

For long-distance travel by train

It is always an ideal mode of transport for long-distance travelling in terms of the cost factor. Indian railway is cheaper compared to flight. I prefer travelling by train which helps me to maintain my budget. The different classes of railway have varied cost, the cheapest is a General class and the cost escalates from Sleeper to Ist AC. India during summer is relatively very hot when the temperature rises to 40-45 degree Celcius which makes it difficult to travel in General or Sleeper class. During this time you can prefer AC coaches which are still comparatively affordable than flying. The most exquisite trait I like about Indian railway is- you can make new friends if you are liberal that will help you with his competency.

Save on hotel tariffs

A smart tourist always compares the price with online booking agents to get an idea for best deals and hospitality.  I have always believed in on spot booking instead of online booking, this saves my money from online hidden charges. Many of the online booking sites offer a huge discount but in reality, the spot booking is always cheaper.
Once you reach the place you may find that there are plenty of options to stay which are not displayed in online sites. If you can spare the luxury and accommodate with economical rooms and homestays that will help you to save extra money. You can also look for dorms which are cheaper compare to personal rooms. It also eases the journey by allowing you to mix with new personages (other travellers).

Seek for local food

Indian food is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world with a considerable price for the traveller. If you are ready to explore street foods, it gives you a variety in the menu and can be pocket friendly. Meals at local Dhabas or homestay that gives you the feel of local delicacies of a region without being tempered in the recipes are a potential escape from the decent restaurants. This experience can surprise you with different taste and help to explore the diversity of a place. Local street foods are actual authentic food for travellers to explore your taste buds with awe. India’s local cuisines offer a wide range for both vegetarians and non-vegetarian.

Manage to travel by public transports

On a tight budget, public transport makes life easier for travellers. The local transports are always a better option to save your penny than reserving a cab for the tour. I always prefer local state buses, shared taxis to cut down my travel expense conveniently. The easy availability of public transport has a fixed rate than hiring a cab which may overcharge you for travelling. If you have a short time in your hand and you need to hire a cab then I will recommend communicating with hotel staffs, the best way to avoid getting utterly deceived by local drivers. You may also request them to arrange the cab.

Make new friends with the same plan

For solo travellers, making new friends on the way with the same plan is always an ideal way to deal with the expense. While travelling meeting new people and forming a group is always a better way to explore the place. If you are liberal and can easily mix with new personalities is a perk for you, as you can split the bill of expenses on rides, food and accommodation. Most travelling destination remains as a dream because of the expense and unavailability of the fund. The universal rule of sharing can impact effectively on saving and let you explore the expensive destinations. It is also fun to travel with a bunch of nomads heading for the same destinations.

Skip popular markets for shopping

Popular markets always lure tourists with exciting products which are hard to resist. Avoiding such markets at tourist hotspots shows your real resistance as these shops charges with a high- price for local items. Most of the shops trick you and fold with the maximum cost. The best deal to get your souvenir is to dodge these markets and flee to local markets where you can bargain for the items. You can start negotiating from half the price with a smile which always helps as good negotiator. You might think about the authenticity of the product, you can compare from the surrounding shops to let you know which shop is selling at the lowest cost for the product or souvenir you desire.

Be cordial to local people

I try to follow this point as the most important commandment for my tight budget trips. Local people are always best to take advice, their unbiased information will always help you to cut down your expenses. However, beware of blindly following to cab-drivers or guides around the shop, you might become a victim to scams. It’s always better to talk to your co-passengers while travelling by local public transport. They have a better idea of the place with average price and quality food and accommodation. Always keep yourself open to others and make friends with strangers as you don’t know who will be counted during your difficult time.