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Wanderlust in The Time of Post-COVID-19: A Traveller’s Globe-Trotting Playbook

Travel

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June 16, 2020

Wanderlust in The Time of Post-COVID-19: A Traveller’s Globe-Trotting Playbook

With the virus invading the world with its gruesome tireless claws, we travellers had to sadly close down on our checklist scrapbooks, close the doors on us and lock ourselves in. Horrible, we’d say. Helpless, we feel more than ever. But, as travelling teaches us the main idea of optimism, we can’t help but imagine going back to the road – that’s where we belong, after all! But how, when and where, is the question lurking our minds and not letting us sleep. What it would be like to travel in a post-COVID world? When do we get back to where we love it the most – near to the misty cold mountains, dipping our feet in the ocean and letting them sink in the sand, let the clouds tickle our nose-tips with snow-chilling air, and the shells and small fishes play on our feet with the loud buzz of the ocean wind ringing in our ears. We are dreamers by heart and itinerary-specialists by the mind – and looks like, someone just caged us in. Unfair!

To save you with another hit of optimism, here we bring a guide list on how it would be like to travel again, when COVID leaves the world, for good! Here are the answers:

Air travel, Nay – Road trips, Yay!

With social distancing becoming the need of the hour, soon we might let go of our masks and face shields, but it would be long before we would like to get back in the crowd and rub our shoulders with other people and not maintain the six-inch-distance game. Air travel, though, all over the world are struggling to come up with the idea of social distancing and still carry you from one place to another, it might be a little while before you’d volunteer to lose the safety game and get back to the window or the aisle seat, and worst, the middle seat.

So, road trips! The age-old practice of reuniting to the road, with the handpicked people you love to travel with, the numerous Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’sof the world putting the fantasies back in our mind, might be the best practice to get to the traveller’s game back, in the post-COVID world. Imagine, forgetting about the aisle and the bend-your-leg-to-let-the-other-person-out-to-their-lavatory-cravings, and getting to the hood-less cars, with Country Roads playing on a loop, and of course, in full volume. The inside jokes and nearby destinations – the newest wanderlust!

Boutique hotels before Dormitories

Even if we make it out of this pandemic alive, it will be long before we will be able to shed our traumas behind. Sanitation, hygiene will become the new cool while cheap stays, dorms and hostels will have to take a backseat. We will be choosing places, maybe boutique hotels, and not just for the lavish experience, but also for their safety measures and proper sanitation hygiene. A drill in the pocket is any day better than a day in the hospital, ain’t it? So, here we will be looking out, with a little more budget for a more expensive stay, and our outlooks are about to change.

Nature will have more to offer

With the world getting to rest awhile in between all the hustle, it will be more soothing than ever. So, really it wouldn’t matter where you go, it will all be more beautiful. The hills will be cleaner, with man-made garbage decomposed on its own, the oceans will be clearer and the sky wouldn’t be invaded by the industrial smoke and higher AQIs. Breathe in!

Offbeat places will become a favourite

To avoid the crowd and be in a silent serene place, it would be best to choose an offbeat place as your next destination – where selected vehicles take you, where the roads and the souvenir shops are not swarming with tourists. You will feel the need to disconnect from the world and with a place where only handpicked people go, it might just give you the proper detox you are craving for all this while. The lockdown bogging on us with only screens to look at and it being the only possible way of connecting to the world, it might be a necessary detox you’d need. So, good luck!

Home destinations will be the new foreign

As airlines still figure out to keep the ticket prices affordable for us travellers while letting us travel safe, we might look inward to our country destinations. With trains and buses being our saviour, we will be taking trips to safer, closer to home destinations and get to know our country better, After all, every country is their countrymen’s travelling paradise. And getting to know it better, will also be a cheaper way to travel, a safer one and who knows, you might just fall in love with the contours of your country more than ever?

The Dora The explorer in us will be a little scared

They say that there’s only one way to fall in love with a new place – let it seep into your heart through your stomach. We like to stroll to the old lanes of the destinations, speak to people and explore their cuisine. While exploring the roads and the lanes and the language will still be a safer format to know the place, you might just be little apprehensive about the food. But, that will never stop us from exploring and falling in love with places, anyway!

COVID-19 has grappled the world into a fear of the unknown. We, looking out of our windows and dreaming of our trips, can’t wait for the world to restart again. Holding our travel scrapbooks close, we can’t wait to run, fall, and never ever stop! But, this time, we will need to plan a little better, jot a few more lines into our itineraries, dig up a little more research, have a little more budget and bam, we will be back to the roads again. And although it still feels like a distant dream, dreams do turn true. Cheers!

Wanderlust Souls: 7 Offbeat Locations to Visit Near Darjeeling

Travel

Sananya Datta

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February 19, 2020

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Wanderlust Souls: 7 Offbeat Locations to Visit Near Darjeeling

“So I took the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference ”
The Road not Taken by Robert Frost

Darjeeling – the queen of hills is a famous tourist destination in India. Towered over by Mount Khangchendzonga, Darjeeling has grown to be a vibrant hill-station and a major holiday spot in India.

While Darjeeling in itself is a beauty to explore, behind every road bend lies a surprise. There are many offbeat places near Darjeeling that are waiting to be explored and discovered. Here are 7 such offbeat places near Darjeeling you can visit and enjoy.

Lamahatta:

Known as the paradise for honeymooners, Lamahatta is situated 20 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of 6800ft. Lamahatta is a peaceful and calm village surrounded by tall pine trees, blossoming orchids, and trek trails. Take a walk down the roads, explore the enchanting eco-park, or walk among the alluring pine trees to get a view of Mount Khangchendzonga – Lamahatta will not disappoint you. You can visit this village throughout the year to escape the chaos of urban life.

Bara Mangwa:

35 km away from the bustling Darjeeling town, lies the hidden gem Bara Mangwa. This small quaint hamlet is located overlooking the confluence of River Rangeet and River Teesta and is quickly gaining popularity among the tourist community of India. However, it is still free from the holiday rush and is considered an ideal offbeat place near Darjeeling to visit.

The main attraction of Bara Mangwa is the rolling orange orchards that adorn the hill slopes in this eco-friendly village. It is also an ideal place for bird watchers to visit. During the harvesting season, many Himalayan birds visit these orchards in an attempt to taste the ripe juicy oranges. Apart from the stunning view of the confluence of the two rivers surround by the lofty mountains of Kalimpong, there are many destinations near Bara Mangwa that is worth a visit.

Places like the Takling Phunchok Choling Monastery build in 1915 is an architectural marvel located near Bara Mangwa. Also, the Tinchuley sunrise point is just 9 km from this hamlet, where you can easily witness the first rays of the sun touching the hill slopes in the morning.

Tinchuley:

If you are visiting Lamahatta, then Tinchuley lays at an hours distance from the place. Situated at 5800ft, Tinchuley one of the most beautiful offbeat places near Darjeeling. What was once just another hamlet tucked in the hills has now emerged as a model eco-urban village in the Darjeeling area, all thanks to the help from the World Wildlife Federation.

Tinchuley is now a self-sufficient eco-friendly village and runs several projects like forest nurseries, vermin-compost manure projects, by-compost projects, and floriculture projects. The name ‘Tinchuley’ is derived from the local language where ‘Tin’ means three and ‘chuley’ means oven. The village has been given such a name as three of the most prominent hilltops that surround the village looks like an oven or chullah from far.

Tinchuley is surrounded by lush green alpine forests and if you want to do something more other than relaxing in the lap of nature, there are many places worth visiting in and around the village. The Tinchuley monastery, Tinchuley sunrise point is located close by and can be covered in a days visit. If you want to see the snowcapped Himalayan mountain ranges, the best time to visit Tinchuley is from mid-September to March, when the sky stays clear of rain clouds.

Sandakphu:

A well-known place in the trekking community, Sandakphu is known as the trekkers’ wonderland. Perched on the edge of Singalila National Park, Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal and offers an astounding view of Mt.Khangchendzonga, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Pandim, Mt Lhotse, and Mt. Everest.

If you are a trekking enthusiast or an amateur trekker, the Sandakphu trekking trail has been handcrafted by God for you. To reach Sandakphu, you have to start trekking from Manebhanjan and cross several small villages to reach your destination. Sandukphu is best explored either from April to May or from October to early December. It is best to avoid this region during the monsoons as the area is prone to landslides.

Lepchajagat:

How would you like to spend your days and nights relaxing among lush forests of rhododendron and oaks trees, exploring trek trails winding between the alpine Himalayan forests, and soaking the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains?

Lepchajagat, located 19 km from Darjeeling is one such village where you can do all of the above in considerable peace away from the cacophony of tourists. At a height of 6959ft, Lepchajagat was once inhabited only by the Lepchas and that’s where it gets the name from. The name of this hamlet literally means the ‘the world of Lepchas’. It now falls under the jurisdiction of the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation and has been declared a reserved forest area.

The serene ambience of this village tucked inside the rhododendron forests has lured many tourists away from the Darjeeling to spend some days in here. Away from the maddening crowd, Lepchajagat is a calm haven for tourists looking for a quiet time away from the hassles of daily life.

Takdah:

The lush green tea gardens rolling down the slopes, the vibrant orchids, and the breathtaking scenic beauty of Takdah will surely win your heart once you visit there. One of the most beautiful offbeat places near Darjeeling, Takdah was a former Cantonment area during the British era. As a matter of fact, many relics from that period can be still found in this quaint hamlet. Situated 28 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of 4000ft, Takdah will evoke a sense of mystery with its foggy roads and trails. The name of this place is derived from the Lepcha word ‘Tukdah’ meaning fog or mist. You will also find some of the finest tea gardens of Darjeeling here including the Rungli Rungliot tea garden and the Namring, Pubang, and Gielle tea gardens.

Chibo:

Tucked in the dense pine forests of Kalimpong, Chibo is a hidden jewel known only to few. One of the most offbeat places near Darjeeling to visit, Chibo lies serenely in the folds of the Himalayan mountains away from the ups and downs of the world. Chibo has long hidden away from the prying eyes of tourist until it caught the attention of travellers thanks to the mesmerizing view it offers of Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Located at an altitude of 1250ft, Chibo is adorned by rich flora and fauna with the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga in the backdrop. Thanks to its proximity to Kalimpong, you can also visit the Pedong Monastery, Deolo Hill, and the cactus nursery located close by. If not you can just take walks down the winding roads of this little hamlet, breath in the pure mountain air, and soak in the beauty of nature at its most pure form.

Darjeeling in itself is not a place for you to see lush tea gardens and experience the rich flora and fauna of the Himalayan mountains. It is a well-developed hill station bustling with malls, restaurants, and hotels. If you wish to get away from this bustling tourist centre and visit some offbeat places near Darjeeling, the above-mentioned list is for you. If you know of some more places, do let us know in the comments.

Kanheri Caves: A Heritage in Mumbai

Prosenjit Banerjee

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February 16, 2020

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I was on my way to Mumbai, sleeping peacefully in an odd hour trying to avoid participation in conversation with a group of people sitting in the lower berth.

One of the family was visiting Mumbai for the first time, hence was curious about the city. ‘ So what are the places to see in Mumbai?’ asked one of the members of the family. It made me excited, but I refrain myself from participating.

People we’re giving them ideas and opinions to that family about Mumbai, which we’re pretty good. The city has got nothing other than the local trains and Dabbawalas, it’s all concrete jungles’ said one old man sitting on the side berth.

This forced me to participate in this group discussion. I woke up and went down pretending to take out some stuff from my bag.

To my luck, the discussion was continuing. ‘Have you ever been to Mumbai’ I asked the old man while taking my seat in the lower berth.

‘Yes, I have been here several times’; the old man replied looking at me.

The attention of all the person was now onto me. So I asked, ‘How can you say then, that Mumbai has nothing other than concrete jungles?’‘Have you seen the art in CST station or sat by the Marine Drive?’

‘Yes, I have’ replied the old man. ‘Yes, these are ordinary things, it has got nothing’.

Me being foolish continued to argue with the old man. Later I asked. ‘ Have you seen Sanjay Gandhi National park? Have you seen the Kanheri caves?’

‘Yes’ said the old man. But with his tone I can understand that he was lying, he just doesn’t want to lose the argument.

Then came lunch, and the entire point of discussion got shifted to the railway’s lunch.

I couldn’t speak much about Kanheri cave that day, but I hope I can give some overview of this magnificent beauty.

Location of the Kanheri Caves

Kanheri Caves, situated in Sanjay Gandhi national park near Borivali. The cave’s Entrance is five kilometres inside the main entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. From the entrance of Sanjay Gandhi national park, one can walk, rent a bicycle, share a cab or take a bus to reach the Kanheri caves.

Reaching the Caves

Sanjay Gandhi National park is on Western Express Highway, It is easily accessible by road from all parts of the city. The nearest railway station is Borivali railway station. You can take a train from Churchgate station and get down at Borivali railway station. You can take auto-rickshaw or bus to reach Borivali National Park bus stop.

Only one bus of BEST with the number 188LTD goes from Borivali station to Kanheri Caves. Else on reaching the national park you can rent a cycle or take a shared ride in a car to reach the base of the Kanheri caves. Suttle buses are also available, from the entrance.

There is a parking space available for private vehicle owners, so you can easily park your ride on the base of Kanheri Cave.

Other than Mumbai’s local trains, there is also an option to take a bus. You can easily get a bus from most of the important part of the city to reach Borivali station.

If you are coming from Thane or Navi Mumbai, you can easily get a bus. There are many Many ST, TMT, BEST bus services available from Vashi and Thane.

However, the local train remains the quickest and the most reliable option.

About the Kanheri Caves

The word ‘Kanheri’ is derived from the Hindi word Kanha-Giri or Krishnagiri which means black mountain. These caves have been named so because they have been formed of black basalt rock.

The caves were temporary home to Buddhist monk till it was abandoned in the 11th century AD. Later the caves were re-discovered by Japanese monks.

There are about 109 caves, inside the caves, one can find prayer hall, known as Vihara, stupas, Buddhist carvings and paintings.

The cave also had a water system, there are huge tanks on top of the hill which were used to collect rainwater and the water is then channelled to the caves using small man-made canals.

Even today, during monsoon, you can experience the beauty of the flowing water through the channel all across the caves.

Conclusion

Kanheri caves have a lot of history associated with itself, but you don’t have to be a history lover to visit the Kanheri cave. The place is a perfect spot for Mumbaikars to take a break during the weekend. It is better to come here during morning hours so that you can enjoy the cave and the park.

Top Hill Station to Experience Snowfall in India

Travel

Prosenjit Banerjee

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January 29, 2020

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Top Hill Station to Experience Snowfall in India

When it’s winter, it snows—we often hear this from our friends living in Europe or America. But thanks to the mighty Himalayas, India also has several high-altitude hill stations where we can experience snow.

As winter sets in, temperatures start to drop across most parts of the country. In the Himalayan regions, it often falls below freezing point.

Snowfall begins in many hill stations of the Himalayan region during this time, gradually covering the hills and towns in a cold, white blanket.

Well, India has plenty of hill stations where you can enjoy the magic of snowfall. So, here are some of the most popular ones you can plan to visit this winter with your family and friends.

Hill station to experience Snow in India

Manali

The town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most loved destinations for honeymooners and snow enthusiasts. Surrounded by the stunning Himalayan mountains and picturesque valleys, Manali turns into a winter wonderland from December to January, making it the perfect time to experience snowfall. You can enjoy thrilling activities like skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling during this season.

Travelers often pair a visit to Manali with a trip to the iconic Rohtang Pass, where they are guaranteed to see snow almost year-round.

The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Manali Airport, located about 50 km away. It is well-connected with flights from Delhi.

Manali is also easily accessible by road, with regular Semi luxury, luxury, Volvo bus services operating between Delhi and Manali, ensuring a comfortable journey.

The only downside—and perhaps the biggest drawback—of Manali is tied to its accessibility and popularity. Since it’s easily reachable by road, you can often expect heavy traffic jams, especially while entering the town. Additionally, hotel prices tend to surge during the Christmas holidays as large crowds of visitors flock to enjoy the festive season and snowfall.

Auli

Auli, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, has recently gained fame as a top hiking and skiing destination. It has quickly become a favorite spot for snow lovers in India.

Auli, known as one of India’s premier skiing destinations, offers the best skiing experience between late November and March.

Perched at an altitude of around 9,200 feet above sea level, Auli is surrounded by dense oak forests that provide breathtaking views of majestic mountain peaks like Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 250 km away, while the closest railway station is in Rishikesh.

Shimla

Shimla, one of the most popular hill stations in India, attracts visitors year-round, but it’s especially ideal during the winter to experience snow. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 7,467 ft, was once the summer capital of British India. Its colonial charm is still reflected in buildings like Christ Church and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

The best time to witness snowfall in Shimla is during January and February.

In addition to the snowfall and the impressive British-era architecture, the Kalka–Shimla Railway line, built by the British, is another major tourist attraction that offers a unique travel experience.

Jubbarhatti Airport iserves Shimla, located 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the city, with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh Airport, located about 116 km away, is the nearest major airport.

Shimla is well-connected by road, making it easily accessible from all major cities in North India.

Just like Manali, one of the main cons of Shimla in winter is the heavy tourist influx, leading to crowded areas and traffic jams.

Another popular spot in Himachal Pradesh is Kufri, a skiing hotspot which is situated around 20KM from the Shimla.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg, a town in the Kashmir Valley situated in a cup-shaped valley of the Pir Panjal range, is a popular skiing destination. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.

Situated at an altitude of 8,690 feet, this hill station offers a lot to explore.

The winter season begins at the end of October, and by December through February, you can expect ample snowfall.

One of the popular activities is the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. The ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour between Gulmarg and a shoulder of the nearby Apharwat Peak.

The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, located 60 km from Gulmarg.

Srinagar is the closest air junction to Gulmarg, and cabs are available from there to reach Tangmarg, the base of the hill station.

Gulmarg tends to get much colder during winter, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. As a result, the winter season lasts until early March, and the heavy snowfall can make travel and outdoor activities more challenging at times.

Leh

leh city — Photo by Darshan Chudasama on Unsplash

Leh, a cold desert town in Ladakh on the Tibetan plateau, is a popular destination for adventure seekers. A Leh-Ladakh trip often includes visits to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, two of the most famous spots in the region.

In winter, you can only reach Leh by air, as heavy snowfall closes all the roads.

Leh has an airport that connects well to Delhi, with additional flights from Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar.

However, one of the cons of visiting Leh in winter is the extreme cold, with temperatures often plunging below freezing, making outdoor activities challenging. Additionally, the high altitude can cause altitude sickness, especially for those who aren’t acclimatized.

Nainital

Nainital, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the best destinations to experience snowfall in India. The city, overlooking the serene Nainital Lake, offers many scenic viewpoints and attractions.

Kathgodam, located 35 km from Nainital, is the nearest railway station. Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport, which is about a 2-hour drive away, but flight options are limited. The road network connects the city well, providing easy access from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun.

One drawback of visiting Nainital in winter is the large number of visitors, which can result in congested attractions and a lack of privacy. Additionally, the snowy roads can make driving tricky, leading to delays and potential travel hassles.

Khajjar

Image Source: Wikipedia( Photograph by User:SriniG )

Khajjiar, often called the Mini Switzerland of India, is an ideal winter destination for snow lovers.

In winter, temperatures often drop below zero, covering the area in snow.

Khajjiar is easily accessible by road from all major cities in North India. The nearest airport is Dharmshala, which is 120 km away, and Pathankot, located 120 km from the town, is the nearest railway station.

Just like every other popular hill station, you can expect heavy crowds during the peak winter season in Khajjiar. This can lead to overcrowded attractions and longer wait times at key spots. Additionally, the cold temperatures and snow-covered roads can make travel challenging for some visitors.

Tawang

Tawang, situated at an altitude of 8,700 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the lesser-explored destinations in India.

The winters in Tawang can be particularly harsh, so it is advisable to travel only after the end of January. The main tourist attraction is the 400-year-old monastery, while other popular destinations include the Indo-China Border and the War Memorial.

The town is well-connected by road to the main cities of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, located around 400 km from the city, and the nearest railway station is Rangapara Railway Station, also about 400 km away.

Munsiyari

As the locals say, “Munsiyari” translates to a “place with snow.” This charming hill station in Uttarakhand, located on the banks of the Goriganga River, has become a favored destination for mountain enthusiasts. Located at an altitude of 7,200 feet, Munsiyari is one of the best places in India to experience snowfall.

Munsiyari is the starting point for some popular high-altitude treks and offers a stunning view of the Panchchuli range, a group of five snow-capped peaks.

Dehradun is the nearest major airport, located 215 km from the hill station, while Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, 275 km away. Munsiyari is easily accessible by road, linking it to all major destinations in Uttarakhand.

Lachen

Lachen is a hill town in North Sikkim, situated at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means ‘Big Pass.’

The town also serves as a base for Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. Given the town’s altitude, you can easily expect snowfall during the winter.

Winter in Lachen is the best time to experience snow, with the winter season lasting from October to March.

This beautiful hill station is located far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

It is about 200 km away from Bagdogra Airport and approximately 190 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. A new airport has recently opened near Gangtok (Pakyong Airport), which is about 135 km from Lachen. However, Pakyong experiences unpredictable weather, with low visibility most of the time, leading to temporary flight cancellations.

The roads to Lachen from Gangtok can be a bit bumpy, and it takes about 5 hours to drive from Gangtok. You need to obtain a permit to visit Lachen, and you can acquire it in Gangtok.

Pahalgam

Situated at an elevation of 8,990 feet above sea level, Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir is, therefore, one of the popular tourist destinations in India to visit during winter to experience snow, particularly between December and February.

Located by the Liddar River and surrounded by pine forests, Pahalgam offers many trekking options.

Srinagar is the nearest airport, located 90 km away from the town. Jammu Tawi, located about 250 km from Pahalgam, serves as the nearest major railway station and connects to all major cities in India.

Concluding Note

This list is just the tip of the iceberg, as India boasts numerous other hidden gems where you can experience the magic of snowfall. From the scenic beauty of the Himalayas to the lesser-known spots tucked away in various states, there’s something for everyone. Words can hardly do justice to the breathtaking charm of these hill stations; it’s a beauty you need to experience firsthand.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone simply looking to unwind, the snow-covered landscapes offer a unique and tranquil escape. I hope this guide sparks your wanderlust and helps you plan the perfect winter getaway, so you can immerse yourself in the serene snowfall and create memories to cherish forever.

8 Top Hill Station in India to Visit this Year

Travel

Shivali Singla

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January 18, 2020

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8 Top Hill Station in India to Visit this Year

The new decade has rung hard at the very start of the month; everyone is busy making a New Year resolution! This year make a list of places you’d like to visit, and starting from top to bottom, India is as majestic as can be when it’s about natural beauty. From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, you’ll need to dedicate a lifetime to explore this country. And, if you’re more of a hilly person, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog! Gear up your bike; gather your family and friends or just go solo, here are 8 top Hill Station in India to visit in 2020.

Almora, Uttarakhand

The most popular hill station to visit, Almora of Uttrakhand is located amidst the southern part of the Kumaon Hills. The place is best for shopping the famous traditional Panchmarchi Shawls, driftwood statues, decorative candles, and indigenous handicrafts.

Moreover, for activities, you can check out the Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum, Nanda Devi Temple, Almora Fort, and Bright End Corner. Further, if you’re into trekking as a major activity, Almora serves as the starting point for many treks like Ranikhet, Binsar, Mornaula, and much for. Also, to ease your hungry stomach, their local cuisine will definitely make you drool!

Nainital, Uttarakhand

Yet, another scenic hill station in India and home to foothills of Himalayas. The town is widespread around the grand Naini Lake and covered by mountains. If you’re booking a package trip, make sure to include sightseeing the Nainital Lake, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Zoo, and Bhimtal.

You can go boating and yachting here in one of the most beautiful hill stations in north India. Moreover, you can also do some horse riding, go staking, play golf or do some rock climbing as exciting activities for the weekend.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

No matter what, as children, if there was that one hill station to visit with family and friends during summer vacation, that’s Darjeeling. This piece of charming land is located under the nose of Shivalik hills of its parent Mountain the Himalayas. The first thing you need to do is, wake up before dawn, and get on the Tiger Hill and watch the snow-coated Himalayas peaks shimmer in magnificence!

Now, after that, make sure to joy ride the toy train, go on plucking some tea leaves. Moreover, in Darjeeling hill station, you can check out the National Park, Bengal Natural History Museum. Also, for peace, you may visit the Ghoom Monastery and do some meditation or just sit there for some time.

Gangtok, Sikkim

The capital and another hill station in India, Gangtok, also called the mountainous place located in Sikkim, is the most captivating and mesmerizing place to visit. The town presents an overall scenic view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.

When it comes to exploring or finding the places to visit in Gangtok, be blown away by visiting monasteries. They are basically located in the middle of the Himalayan range. Moreover, you can dive into the way of Buddhist life. The main street of Gangtok is your go-to shopping spree on way stop! And venture the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival. Other than that, the place is most popular for trekking and hiking. So don’t miss out on these activities.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

It has made it to the list of the most scenic hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. This is because Manali is the most often visited hill station in India, especially during winters when snowfall happens. Every other weekend, Manali is your go-to getaway, especially in north India.

When it comes to places to visit in Manali, you can check out Naggar Castle, Hidimbi Devi Temple, and Rohtang Pass — and if you’re in it for a thrill, you can go skiing, hiking, paragliding, kayaking, mountain biking, and ziplining. Also, you can also explore Solang Valley and visit Shiv temple after trekking to a height. You will find a natural Shivlinga made during snowfall, which is a place to rekindle.

You can also visit Vashisht Temple and go for river rafting as well. Currently, there have been made Igloo houses for tourist stays and they are warm from the inside. Moreover, you can have a good time staying there in nature.

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

A fancy scenic hill station in India and the most popular tourist spot. The place will awestruck and take you back in time with Scottish and Victorian architecture, the bungalows and churches in the town ring the bells of the beauty of the past. There’s a bunch of activities for adventure lovers. Apart from the activities, the ideal places for trekking involve Jhandri ghat, Garam Sadak, Moti tibba, and Such pass.

For nature lovers, in Dalhousie hill station, you can check out Bakrota Hills, Satdhara Falls, Dainkund Peak, and much more. And if you wish to be part of their two famous festivals, check out their Minjar fair and summer carnival.

Pelling, Sikkim

A beautiful hill station in India to visit any time! Dig deep into the past — the historical sites and monasteries. For major activities, trekking and setting up camps is quite an expedition. Apart from that, Pelling’s biggest festival offers kayaking, white water rafting, trekking, mountain biking, bird watching, flower exhibitions, and more traditional sports.

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

The epitome of hill stations and the best hill station in India, which has towns covered in a blanket of snow. Ski your way to Gulmarg to explore the city has the highest gondola in the world! Go snowboarding and skiing — do make sure to explore their famous Pashmina shawls, jewellery and must hog on to some of the delicious dishes from their cuisine.

During the fantasy urge to explore famous hill station in India, you must start with north where the top hill stations in India are located. The list rightfully justifies each place and for what they are famous for! Perhaps the cold weather may not be a cup of tea for everyone, but to explore — there is no stopping!

Banner Photo by Gaurav Kukreti on Unsplash

Best Weekend Monsoon Destinations from Kolkata

Travel

Pritha Shyam

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August 3, 2019

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Best Weekend Monsoon Destinations from Kolkata

Kolkata is a city with amazing diversity and when it comes to destinations you will be able to get numerous getaway spots to enjoy in the monsoon. Even if you are completely new to the city you did not worried because today we are going to talk about some of the best getaways for the monsoon that is close to Kolkata so that you can have a surreal Experience by visiting each of these places. Now without beating around the bush let’s sneak a peek at these destinations.

Mukutmanipur

This is one of the most exclusive destinations that is placed near Kolkata and it comprises of a magnanimous blue water body which is income passed by forest as well as beautiful landscapes. It is the amalgamation of two rivers namely Kumari and Kangsabati and it is in Bankura district of West Bengal which is mostly visited by picnic enthusiasts. It has a dam which is 11 kilometres long and you will also be able to spot some of the birds and spotted deer as well. If you love trekking then you will also be able to visit the Parshwanath Hill.

Mandarmani

We know that it is a very common destination but try visiting it during the monsoon season and you will love this place even more. It is not a very crowded place and it is a beautiful beach located in West Bengal. It is recommended that you visit this place when the rainfall is slightly on the lighter side and here you can find the number of resources us to spend luxurious leisure time. The water body and the launch of the resort will give you the experience that you have been craving for.

Maithon

It is located in the cold belt of India and it is located on the banks of the Barakar river close to Kolkata. It is also rendered as the Kashmir of Koyelanchal and it has a reserve and Dam which is the largest one built by Damodar Valley Corporation of India. It is mostly known for its beauty and serenity and it is an absolute treat for the eyes during the monsoon season. From here you will be able to go to the nearby attractions which include the Chammach Pahad or the spoon Island, and also the Kalyaneshwari temple and Deer Park.

Jhargram

If you really want to know about the beauty of the forest areas during the monsoon season then this is the perfect place that you could ever go for. It is located in the plains of West Bengal and it is a collaboration of the cultures of Jharkhand as well as West Bengal. It is very close to the city of Calcutta and here the monsoon show diversity as well as marvellous scenic beauty. Here you will be able to witness the change of colours in the forest area and the blooming flowers from the beautiful hill ranges of Belpahari and Kankrajhor. You can also see the beauty of it ki Falls because it is at its prime during the rainy season.

Diamond Harbour

It is located on the banks of the Hugli river and it is a part of West Bengal where the Hooghly river meets the Bay of Bengal. It is an exclusive picnic spot and many of the tourists visit this place during the monsoon season to visualise the scenic beauty of the place. Here you can spend hours watching the sunset and the sunrise and there are a number of historical evidence for you to explore as well if you are bored. Try visiting this place with your partner and we are sure that you will never be disappointed.

Bakkhali

This is a tiny beach town which is situated on the south of West Bengal and is not a crowded place which is why you would love the composure. It has a beautiful serene atmosphere and is one of the best weekend getaways during the monsoon season from Kolkata. Here you will be able to see the crabs moving Away on the beach and also explore the forest areas. If you love boating, then you can also indulge in the same but make sure that it is during the lighter rainy season. it is a place with images of natural beauty and you would love to spend some time over here with your family during the rainy season.

Bakreswar

If you want to visit a place with absolute peace and serendipity then you would definitely like to visit Bakreshwar at least for once because it is located very close to the city of joy. It has all the beautiful elements that you would ask for including the little Hills valleys as well as the forests. You can even explore and find hot springs which are absolutely therapeutic in nature along with the Shiva temple that is a very popular place of visit. If you feel like you can also visit Shantiniketan as it is very close to Bakreswar

Now that you know about some of the best places that you could visit during the monsoon season it is high time that you started planning with your friends and family. Try visiting any one of these spots and you will not get back disappointed. The monsoon season is something to look forward to especially when you have plans of visiting such amazing mind-boggling places

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