Darjeeling, West Bengl, India

Darjeeling is a town in West Bengal, eastern part of India. Darjeeling is a tourist destination for Indians as well as visitors from abroad. Darjeeling is also famous because of tea industry.

Darjeeling is connected by rail from New Jalpaiguri. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs on narrow gauge and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Darjeeling is well connected by road with New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Bagdogra, Gangtok and Kathmandu. Nearest airport is Bagdogra.

There are literally hundreds of hotels and lodgings in Darjeeling of all types and categories. Some are great heritage and premium properties while some are mid priced and budget hotels. But the best of the lot are often run by the owners themselves and have traditionally been family run businesses.

There are many places you can get your food. But it depends on so many factors like quality of food, the location of the restaurant, upscale or budget eatery, ambience, cleanliness… there are actually so many things that you wish to have in place before you go for one.

While dining in Darjeeling you must keep in mind that the hill town goes off to sleep by 8:30 pm. Most restaurants, particularly the smaller ones go out of stock by 7:30 pm during high season and stop taking further orders.

Tourist attractions

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo

The zoo is located in the same premises where HMI is and therefore should be covered at the same time. The unique feature of this zoo is, it houses animals of high altitude and mostly from upper Himalayas. You can see some rare animals here like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and lot more.

Tiger Hill

Located at the highest point in the Darjeeling area, Tiger Hill is best known for the dazzling sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and the snow covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. On a clear day you can even see the mount Everest from here. Tiger Hill is located 11 KM from Darjeeling Town and takes 40 minutes to reach by car.

Batasia Loop

Located 5 KM from Darjeeling town and just below Ghoom, Batasia Loop as the name suggest, is a loop or a spiral of a narrow gauge railway track where the Toy train negotiates a sudden sharp descent from Ghoom. It's a wonderful viewing place with manicured gardens, streams and falls, from where you can get a wide range view of the Darjeeling's landscape, Kanchenjunga and the other Eastern Himalayan Peaks.

Darjeeling Ropeway

This is one way you can be part of special diverse offerings from the nature and all in one place. From the ropeway of Darjeeling which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, you can have mind blowing view of the valley below, see the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the awesome snow peaks at the background. Get off at a lower station and enjoy the tea estates, walk through the tea gardens, or just relax and enjoy the view around. It's hard to find all these together in one place. 

Darjeeling Mall and  Chowrasta

The Chowrasta or the Mall is the town center in Darjeeling. This is a lovely little flat area, a public square where four roads meet. This public place is where you would like to lounge, bake in the sun, sit and watch the wonderful views of the mountain range and see many locals and tourists hanging around. One side of the mall is lined with pine trees through which you get wonderful mountain vistas, the other side is lined with lovely boutique shops of different kinds. All around the mall, you have benches to sit and relax. 

Rock Garden and Maya Park

These two are scenic parks in wonderful settings located a few miles away from the Darjeeling town. Rock garden is about 10km and Ganga Maya is another 3 km from there. Rock Garden is all about terraced gardens at different levels that have been cut through the rocks having a waterfalls with nice seating arrangements. Ganga Maya is more spread out and has a beautiful stream flowing through it on a valley, has flower gardens, fountains and more. 

Japenese Temple and Peace Pagoda

About 10 minutes by car, you will reach a wonderful area that is symbolic of peace and tranquility. Located in the Jalapahar hill, the Japanese Temple is built in traditional Japanese style where you can join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace amongst humming and chants. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda where there are four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent. You can see the snow peak range from here including the Kanchenjunga. 

Bengal Natural History Museum

What started as a modest effort in 1903 to display butterflies and birds of the Darjeeling district, has grown to house a large collections of mammals, birds, nests with eggs, reptiles, fishes and even insects of wide varieties. The displays are actually specimens of real creatures that had been captured, stuffed and preserved. The Bengal Natural History Museum can be reached by few minutes walk from the Chowrasta Mall. 

Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

Rising from behind the Mall, Observatory Hill is an ideal place to get a 360 degree view of Darjeeling and the peaks surrounding it. The Mahakal Temple, the central temple of Darjeeling of all faiths and is located on top of the hill where the original Dorjeling Buddhist Monastery once stood.
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Mysore, Karnatka, India

Mysore is located at the base of Chamunda hills in Karnatka, India. It is 146 km away from state capital Bangalore.

You can reach to Mysore by rail and road from Bangalore. It also has an Airport known as Mandakalli Airport.

Musore is famous for its Palaces and festivities that take place during Dussera festival when a large number of tourists visit. Mysore is also famous for sweet dish Mysore Pak, Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) and Mysore silk saree.

Tourist Attractions

Mysore serves as a base for other tourist attraction in the vicinity. Tourist come here to see many of the following places.

                                                   Amba Vilas Palace or Mysore Palace

Dussera Festval

The Jagmohana Palace

The Sand Sculpture Museum

Jayalakshmi Vilas

                                                                      Lalitha Mahal

                                             Chamundeshwari Temple, atop Chamundi Hills

                                                              St. Philomena's Church

                                                                 The Mysore Zoo

                                                                 Brindavana Gardens

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Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

Ootacamund is better known as Ooty is a town and the district capital of the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu of India.It is located 80 km north of Coimbtore.It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level. It is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills.

The town is connected to the rest of India by road and rail, and its historic sites and natural beauty attract tourists Ooty is well connected by road from Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbtore. Nearest airport are Coimbtore which is 96 km away, and Kozhikode (141km) and Bangalore (309km).

Tourist Attractions

Government Rose Garden

The Government Rose Garden ( formerly known as Jaylalithaa Rose Garden, Centerary Rose Park and Nootrandu Roja Poonga) is the largest rose garden in India. It is situated on the slopes of the Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram of Ooty. Today this garden has one of the largest collection of roses in the country with more than 20,000 varieties of roses.

Ooty Botanical Gardens

The 22-acre Ooty Botanical Gardens  is maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Botanical Garden is lush green and well maintained. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every may. The gardens have around a thousand species both exotic and indigeneous of plants, shrubs, ferns, trees, herbal and bonsai plants. The garden has a 20-million-year old fossilized tree.

Ooty Lake

Ooty lake covers an area of 65 acres. The Boat house is established alongside the lake, which offers boating facilities to tourists, is a major tourist attraction in Ooty.The lake was formed by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley. The lake is set among groves of Eucalyptus trees with a railway line runnig along one bank. During summer season in May, boat races and boat pageantry are organized for two days at the lake.

Stone House

Stone house is th first bungalow constructed in Ooty. It was built by John Sullivan and was called as Kal Bangala by the tribals (kal means stone in tribal language). Today, it is the official residence for the principal of the Government Arts College, Ooty.

Toda Huts

There are a few Toda Huts on the hills above Botanical Garden, where Todas still dwell. Although many Toda have abandoned their traditional distinctive huts for concrete houses, a movement is now afoot to build traditional barrel-vaulted huts.

Ooty Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was built by British in 1908 and was initially operated by the Madras Railway Company. The railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives. The NMR comes under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Salem division. In July 2005, UNESCO added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalaya Railway, the site then became known as "Mountain Railways of India" after it satisfied the necessary criteria, thus forcing abandonment of the modernization plans. For the past several years diesel locomotives have taken over steam on the section between Coonoor abd Udhagamandalam.. Local people and tourists have led a demand for steam locos to once again haul this section.

St. Stephen's Church

St. Stephen's Church is located on the road to Mysore in Ooty. It is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiri District.

Wax World, Ooty

A wax museum that houses life size look-alike wax statues of personalities of Indian history, culture and heritage housed in a 142-year-old bunglow located on Ooty- Coonoor road.

Tribal Museum

The Tribal Museum is part of the campus of Tribal Research Centre which is in Muthorai Palada (10 km from Ooty town). It is home to rare artifacts and photographs of tribal groups of Tamil Nadu as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands and anthropological and archaeological primitive human culture and heritage. The Tribal Museum also displays houses belonging to Toda, Kota, Paniya, Kurumba and kanikarans.

Deer Park

Deer Park is located on the edge of Ooty Lake. It is considered as one of the high altitude Zoo in India aside from the Zoo in Nainital, Uttarakhand. This park was formed to house a number of species of deers and animals for traveler to view.
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Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Udaipur city is in the state of Rajasthan, western part ofIndia. It is also called lake city. Udaipur is a famous tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

How to reach
Air: Dabok airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport is 20 km from the city and is connected to major cities of India.

Rail: Udaipur is connected by Rail services to most of the cities in India.

Road: Udaipur is well connected by National Highways with major cities of India.
Within city you can commute by Taxis, auto rickshaws and city buses.

Following places you must visit while in Udaipur.
                                                                   City Palace, Udaipur

                                                               
                                                                   Jagdish Temple, Udaipur

                                                               
                                                                   Lake Palace

                                                               
                                                                   Jag Mandir

                                                               
                                                                    Lake Pichola

                                                                 
                                                                   Sahelion-ki-Bare

                                                                 
                                                                   Moti Magari

                                                                 
                                                                   Shiv Niwas Palace

                                                               
                                                                   Gulab Bagh and Zoo

                                                                 
                                                                   City Palace, Udaipur

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Nainital, Uttarakhand, India

 Nainital is one of the famous Hill stations of India and attracts many Indian and foreign tourists.

Nainital is located in Kumaun division of Uttarakhand. Nainital derives its name from Naini Lake, a prominent tourist spot. Nainital is also known as Lake District of India. Surrounded by three towering peaks, Naina Peak, Tiffin Top and Snow View, this hill resort promises to take you miles away from the hustle bustle of city life and enjoy some time in peace and solitude.

In case you are one of those who want to indulge in adventure, then Nainital will certainly not disappoint you. It offers plenty of adventure options, sports options like Trekking, Boating, Yachting, Wildlife Sighting, Nature Walks and Hose Riding.

Tips for tourists

Weather

The winter starts at Nainital in late October which extends up to late March, of which December and January are extreme cold during which snow fall may also occur. April to Mid June and the month of October is the most pleasant time at Nainital. You should carry sunglasses and sunscreen lotion during summer months. It rains very heavily from late June to September. Raincoat and an umbrella are advised during rainy season.

Clothing

Heavy woolens in winter and light woolens in summer.

How to reach Nainital

Air: Nearest airport is 72 km from Nainital and is connected by road. Taxis and buses are easily available.

Rail: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (35 km). Taxis and buses are easily available.

Road: Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87. Buses ply regularly from major North Indian cities.

Accommodation

There are many Hotels, Guest houses and resorts available for accommodation, you can choose according to your budget. Many hotels offer tour packages which cover nearby tourist destinations and exclusive honeymoon packages.

Where to eat

There are many places where you get North Indian dishes, Continental and Chinese food. You must taste amazing hot piping tea served in Dhabas on Mall road and local herbal tea.

Places to visit

Lake

The lake is surrounded by seven hills dotted with pretty cottages and villas. In the day you can see a mirror view of hills, cottages and villas. This reflection alone holds one spell bound. More beautiful than this however is the lake at night when the myriads of bulbs from the hill sides and quite a large number hanging near the lake’s edge stab their magic light into its waters.

The lake offers the holiday makers ample opportunity for yachting, boating or paddling the boat. Boating rates for conventional rowing boats or Paddle boats are displayed on pre-paid booths at different places along lake side. Rowing as well as paddle boats are available at both ends of lake.

The north end of lake is called Mallital while the southern one is called Tallital which have a bridge having Gandhiji's statue and post office on its sides. There is Bus Station, Taxi stand and Railway reservation counter on the same lake bridge, both ends have well laid out shopping centres, with beautifully lay of marts, stores and luxury shops.

Mall Road

On one side of the lake is Mall road now named Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. There are many hotels, restaurants, shops etc. on this road. In summer i.e. May and June  this road is closed for vehicular traffic in evening hours to facilitate strolling of tourists. This road is main link joining Mallital and Tallital.

On the other side of the lake lies Thandi Road. It is comparatively less busy road. There is Pashan devi temple on this road. Vehicles are not allowed on Thandi Road.

Flatts

At the northern side of the lake there is a place of rendezvous for people from all walks of life. There is a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant and a beautiful fountain. There is a band stand. The Flats has playing ground used for sports games and cultural activities during festivals. There is Chat Bazaar, Bhotia Market in the flats. In Bhotia Market vendors sell their fancy items .There is Mosque, Gurudwara and Naina Devi temple in flatts. There is a skating rink which is used for roller skating.

Zoo

The Goving Ballabh Pant Zoo is located one km away from bus stand at an altitude of 2100 meters in sprawling open area. It has Monkeys, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Palm, Civet cat Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Rose ringed Parakeet, Hill fox, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Sambher. The zoo remains closed for visitors on Monday, all National holidays, Holi and Diwali.

Ropeway

Ropeway is one of the main attractions of Nainital. This ropeway connects Snow View Point (at 2270 Meters) with Nainital near Flats. Aerial ropeway starts at Mallital.

The ropeway running hours are 10 AM to 4 PM.

Caves Garden

This feature is the latest addition in the list of numerous tourist spots of Nainital. It is located in Sukta Tal around 1 km from Mallital and very near to Kumaun University campus.

Hanuman Garhi

It is around 3.5 km away from the bus stop at an altitude of 1951 meters. Hanuman garhi is a religious centre and famous for its sun set view. Bus and taxi are available from Nainital. It has a temple complex  presiding deity being Lord Hanuman besides Ram and Shiva. On the other side of the hill is Shitala Devi temple and Ashram of Lila  Sah Bapu.

Observatory

Observatory is located on Manora peak and is 1 km from Hanuman Garhi and you can visit on foot if you wish. By road it is about 9 km from Nainital. It is a centre of astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial satellites. The primary objective of the observatory has been to develop facilities for modern astrophysical research in stellar, solar and theoretical branches of astrophysics.

Snow View

It is the most easily accessible hill top (2270 meters) at a distance of 2.5 km from the town. You can visit this spot through ropeway. This peak is also connected by motor able road. Snow view offers beautiful and breathe taking picture of the glittering snows of Himalayas.

Naina Peak or China Peak

Naina peak is the highest peak of the town, at an altitude of 2611 meters, and at a distance of 6 km from the town. It offers entrancing view of sparkling snow laden Himalayas from Bandar Punch in west to Api and Nari peaks of Nepal in the east , a full Himalayan range on one side and a birds eye view of the lake city of Nainital in its full grandeur on the other. Pony or horses can be hired to visit this peak either from Snow view or from Mallital.

Tiffin Top

Located at a distance of 4 km from the town this peak is at the altitude of 2292 meters above the sea level in Ayarpatta region. The serpentine road to this picnic spot crawls along the rugged hill side swaying this way and that, and unfolds a canvas on which nature has painted this beautiful spot. Tiffin Top commands an excellent view of the Himalayas as well as the neighboring country side. Dorothy seat a memorial to an English lady painter Dorothy Kellet build by her husband an admirers after her death.

Kilbury

Kilbury is located at an altitude of 2194 meters and 10 km away from the town. This place is accessible by motor able road. There is a forest rest house for night stay at Kilbury. Kilbury is an ideal spot for a quiet and peaceful holiday.

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Madhya Pradesh, India

Madhya Pradesh is located in centre of India It has great cultural heritage of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism etc.. There are many monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, palaces located all over the state. Madhya Pradesh bagged the Best Tourism State Award in 2012.

Madhya Pradesh have large part of plateau streaked with hill ranges of Vindhyachal and Satpura. Important rivers Narmada and Tapti flow from east to west and Chambal, Sone, Betwa and Mahanadi west to east. Spectacular mountain range, rivers dotted with hills and lakes and miles and miles of dense forest are worth seeing.

In fact one third of the state is forested and offers exciting wildlife. National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Shivpuri and many others offers you a rare opportunity to see tiger, the bison and a wide variety of deer.

Three sites in Madhya Pradesh have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO:

1. The Khajuraho group of Monuments (1986)
2. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
3. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)

Important cities of the state are Raipur, Ujjain, Indore, Gwalior etc.. All the cities are well connected by Air, Rail and Road with major cities of India.

Since there are many places to visit in the state I will write about them one by one in my future posts.

Places to visit in Goa, India

Diu is a town in Diu district and is part of union territory of Daman and Diu in India. Diu is a lesser known tourist spot.

How to reach

Air: Diu has one airport at Nagoa and is connected by Jet Airways flight from Mumbai daily except Saturdays.

Rail: Diu do not have railway facilities, nearest railway station is Veaval (90 km). The nearest railway station is Delwada, which is 8 km away and is connected with Junagarh and Veraval on a meter-gauge line.

Road: Diu is well connected by road with major cities of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Places to visit

Diu Fort

Diu Fort is a very large and imposing structure on the coast of the island. The fort is surrounded by the sea on three sides and a canal on the fourth side. The fort offers a magnificent view of sea. The fort now houses a Light House and the Diu jail. You should visit this place in the evening when the fort and the sea provide an amazing landscape.

Fortress of Panikota

Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. You can reach here by a canoe or a motor launch. The fortress offers a very beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the fort, from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper.

Gangheshwar Temple

Gangeshwar temple is situated 3 km away from the Diu town in Fudam village. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are five Lingas which are located in the middle of the rocks on the seashore, and are washed by waves of the sea. It is believed that these Lingas were established here by the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharat during their exile.

St. Paul's Church

St. Paul's church is dedicated to the Lady of Immaculate conception. The church was built during 17th century.

Jallandhar Shrine

Jallandhar Shrine is located on a hill close to the beach. A stone carved face of the demon Jallandhar can be seen here. Near to this shrine is a temple of Goddess Chandrika.

Diu Museum

Diu museum houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and other important artifacts collected from various sites.

Naida Caves

The Naida Caves are situated outside the city wall. These caves have an intriguing, overgrown network of square hewn hollows and steps leading off into nowhere.

Shell Museum

The Shell Museum contains amazing shells range from the silver abalone to folding shells collected by a merchant navy captain Devjibhai Fulbaria.

Ghoghla Beach

Ghoghla Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Diu. This beach offers various water sports facilities.

Nagoa Beach

Nagoa Beach is located in the Nagoa hamlet of the Bucharwada village. This long, palm-fringed beach is very beautiful, quite, horse-shoe shaped and stretches about 2 km from one end to other and is very safe for swimming.

Gomtimata Beach

Gomtimata Beach is located on the western end of the island. This is one of the best beaches of the region, long and secluded with natural white sand.

Zampa Gateway

The gateway marks the entrance to the District of Diu. The walls and the gateway have remarkable carvings of lions, priests and angels. Inside the gate is a chapel which was built around 1702 AD and is another beautiful and intricately designed monument. The site is a must for every tourist.

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                                                              HOLIDAY

Planning a vacation

Normally we go for a vacation once a year. It is time for us to relax and forget about our stress and problems of everyday in life.

There are lot of things we consider while planning a vacation such as where to go, where to stay and first and foremost of budget.

Now a days a new culture has developed and people are buying time share. Many companies are offering time share in our country with affiliation to other companies abroad. The biggest benefit of time share is you need not worry for accommodation for your vacation.

Most of time share companies offer all amenities and you may feel like you are at home.

It is advisable to research before you buy a time share rental although most companies offer similar facility.