Category: Travel

Tourists Places to Visit in DHARAMSHALA

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‘DHARAMSHALA’, a city surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station in India. This hillside city is a home to the Dalai Lama, rich in Tibetan culture and mountain trails. There are countless tourists places to visit in Dharamshala that are sure to fill your heart with an amazing experience of joy and adventure.

To get the best of  the experience, visit Dharamshala in winters , as you can experience snow-fall and capture the beauty of snow capped mountains. From the beautiful hills, green valleys to serene rivers and dense forests, Dharamshala has got everything to offer to nature lovers. It is the best destination to find peace, joy and to rejuvenate yourself. Excited already?

So let’s explore these amazing places for  making your trip memorable  and Exciting!

MCLEOD-GANJ

Look at the picture above! Isn’t it just picture perfect? Well, welcome to McLEOD GANJ. It is a suburb or more like an upper division part of Dharamshala. This hill town alone attracts a number of tourists every year. The residence of the Dalai Lama, is also popular for its monasteries, museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes and  for its Tibetan culture.

The beautiful mountain views will make your jaw drop!. The numerous sites in the town like the waterfalls and the sunset points will surely take your breath away. Its surreal beauty  makes it one of the most visited tourist places in India. 

Popular Activities :- Trekking and camping on the mountains, paragliding and Boat riding is some of the popular activities to do in McLeod Ganj.

Location :-Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, McLeod Ganj is about5 kms from Dharamshala.

TRIUND:-

Triund is a small hill station which is popular for its mellow trekking spot with scenic views. Covered with large rocky hills, it place offers  panoramic views of Bhagsu Village and distant views of the Shivalik hills and plains of Kangra Valley.

Triund  is  a heaven for trekkers. This place is really delightful especially for those nature lovers who want to take glimpses of The Himalayas and feel close to the mighty range of mountains. If you go for camping, a majestic night view of this place is a sight not to be missed!   

Popular activities:- Trekking,  Camping.

Location:-  Kangra, Himachal pradesh and 14 km from Dharamshala.

NADDI VIEW POINT

NADDI is a village situated in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley and quite popular for its scenic viewpoints. At this place, you can find a dazzling view of snow capped  Dhauladhar mountains and  experience the surreal sunset from the top. This place holds  a calm and peaceful aura where you can find serenity  within yourself.

Tourists also consider this place as a snow wonderland during winters. If you ever travel to Dharamshala, don’t miss out to  stay at Naddi Village considering it has the best views of both mountains and the Valley. It also has some really good restaurants and roadside food corners that you must try. Well “life should have  more  mountains and less stress”. Right? Just Kidding!

Popular activities:- Sightseeing, sunset.

Location:- 12 kms from Dharamshala.

KARERI LAKE:-

Kareri Lake, is a high altitude, shallow, freshwater lake  situated in the beautiful mountain ranges of Dhauladhar. Its spell-bound beauty and the calm settings will leave you gaping at it. The beautiful lake is surrounded by lush green vegetation and the beautiful mountains which  makes it the  most popular places to see in Dharamshala.

Its amazing and heavenly scenic beauty leaves  travellers mesmerized. This lake also offers a sight of a base camp for trekking. You can also go boating.So all trekkers out there!  Have you heard that Lake Treks are Fun? Well, they are! So what are you  waiting for?

 Popular activities:- Camping, boating, picnic and trekking.

 Location:– Kangra District.

BHAGSUNAG WATERFALLS:- 

Popularly known as Bhagsu Falls this waterfall is situated at Bhagsu, 2kms from Mcleodganj. It lies behind the Bhagsunag temple. Bhagsunag Waterfall is literally the most iconic spot of Dharamshala.The waterfall cascade about 30m in height in Monsoon and 20m throughout the year.

The pristine water drizzling onto the rocks  and tumbling down the mountain is a sight not to be missed. And the bliss-pool at the bottom like a wall of blue satin threaded with silver will definitely take your breathe away.

Popular activities:- Sightseeing, trekking, and picnic. (you can also take a dip in the Chilled water)

Location: Near the Bhagsunag temple, Dharamshala.

BHAGSUNAG TEMPLE:-

Bhagsunag Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, holds a special place in history and is also One of the most ancient temples of India. It is situated in Palampur near Dharamshala. 

Tourists not only visit Dharamshala for enjoyment but also for spiritualism. This temple attracts thousands of pilgrims folks, trailing through the winding and lofty Hills. The surrounding beauty of the temple makes it more peaceful. It also conducts the annual fair during the end of the year.

Popular activities:-worshipping and Meditation.

Location:-  Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Himachal Pradesh.

NAMGYAL MONASTERY:-

Namgyal Monastery, located in McLeod Ganj is the one of the most visited monastery  in India. It was founded in 16th-century Tibet by the second Dalai lama. And hence being an ancient monastery with almost 200 monks, the monastery is the Largest Tibetan temple outside the geographical boundary of Tibet!(amazing no?)

You should definitely pay a visit here as you may discover many interesting facts About Tibetan Culture. It has a vibrant Look from outside which attracts the crowd round the year. Even the prayer wheels, the beautiful Tibetan-style ancient décor and architecture will leave you mesmerizing.

Popular activities:- The prayer room and the meditation session of Monks

Location:-  McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.

KANGRA FORT:-

The Kangra Fort located right next to kangra town stands rock in Purana kangra Dominating the surrounding valley, was built back in the 4th B.C. and is an one of the oldest and ancient forts in India. It also has an ancient  Maharaja Sansar chand Katoch museum containing really cool and exciting monuments inside it related to our Indian History.

This fort was also discussed once in the famous Mahabharata epic.

Surrounded by the mountain ranges the fort has a splendid view to look at. The old snatched and ruined walls are the witnesses of the historical events happened during that time unveiling the truth of its history. You should also not miss the jaw-dropping view of Manjhi and  Bangana river .

Popular activities:- touring the fort, the rivers, and the museum.

Location:- Old kangra, kangra, near Dharamshala.

St. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS CHURCH:-

St. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS CHURCH is an ancient church which was built in 1852 and is located near Dharamshala on the way to McLeod Ganj. This Magnificent Church is built amid the picturesque valley of McLeod Ganj. The  specialty of this church is that it is made by the neo-gothic form of architecture which gives it a appealing view.

This church is ideally situated in the majestic Deodar forest in the wilderness. Its main attraction, the Belgian stained-glass window  is donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin. You should definitely pay a visit and Light Candles for your Spiritualism.

Popular activities:- Worshipping lord.

Location:-  Road to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj , Dharamshala

DHARAMSHALA CRICKET STADIUM:–

Adjective does not roll out as one enters the most beautiful ground in India. The Dharamshala cricket stadium ,with a capacity of 23,000 is as picturesque as the  Adelaide Oval and Newlands, if not more. A small and glittering green plate, the ground has a snow-capped background in the form of the Dhauladhar hill-range.

The mountains add a serenity to the venue, which lies at an altitude of 1317 meters above the sea level. Another impressive and amazing fact is that its one of the highest cricket grounds in the world. One can enjoy both the match and the view together. It has also held several cricket  matches.

Popular activities:– Watching cricket matches and Sightseeing.

Location:– Tehsil, HPCA cricket stadium, Kangra district, Dharamshala.

So my dear readers, just pack your bags already!! As a beautiful and an amazing journey awaits you at Dharamshala.

TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT IN GOA

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‘Goa’ , also known as the jewel of the East Coast, is visited by millions of tourists every year. Planning a beach holiday in India is synonymous with planning a trip to Goa. Thanks to its breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, pristine waterfalls, delicious food, historical monuments and adventurous  activities. An amazing mixture of Indian and Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea & sand , spiced up with different varieties of food and with some tint of spiritualism, ‘Goa’ is every traveler’s pocket-sized paradise.

So, Here’s all you need to know to plan a vacation in Goa: 

ANJUNA BEACH:-

If you don’t visit Anjuna beach, while being in Goa, you have not lived Goa! We’re serious. Anjuna Beach is not just famous for its breath-taking ambience, it is  also popular for its resorts and ever-so-lively nightlife! Quite famous amongst foreigners.This beach offers  some really cool sports activities. The serenity that the beach holds with the waves crawling gently to shore is just SURREAL! 

However, Anjuna Beach does not open all day. Be sure about the time you visit the beach. In terms of seasons, Winters and Springs saw the most of the crowd here.

BAGA BEACH:-

Baga beach is popularly known for its nightlife. Here you are more likely to come across tourists breaking into impromptu dance-moves and doing interesting activities like jamming, fire-eating, and a lot more.It also offers sports activities such as snorkeling, paragliding and much more, making Baga top the bucket list of travelers. .

CALANGUTE BEACH:-

The palm-fringed white sands, calm water  and the warm rays of the sun, this beautiful eye-captivating Calangute beach has it all!. This beach is also called ‘Queen of beaches’ and is among the top ten beaches in the world. This beach with its serene beauty is really incredible and spell-binding. It has a beautiful spell binding aura and vibe that would enchant you. Are you a nature lover and fond of peaceful places? Then my friend, you will love us to suggest you Calangute. .

FORT AGUADA:-

If you are a history buff and want to get intrigued by the wonders of a bygone era, do visit this famous Fort Aguada which is a heritage from the Portuguese. This fort faces the Arabian Sea and  stands as a landmark that divides the Sinquerim beach and Candolim beach.

 

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS:-

It is a central place for Catholics in Goa and the incorrupt body of St.Francis is kept here.This church was built  in 1605 and is one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. . This church contains many cultural and historical values and is undoubtedly among the  top tourist places to visit in Goa.

DUDHSAGAR FALLS

If the beautiful beaches and monuments were not enough, an experience that you should definitely NOT MISS  at all cost is taking a beautiful 90 km ride from north Goa all the way to Dudhsagar falls, which will definitely remind of the blockbuster movie Chennai Express. The tremendous view of sparkling milky white water drizzling  down through the rocks in the Mandovi river of this 600m high waterfall will make your jaw drop. The gurgling sound of this beautiful waterfall is enough to calm your chaos and senses.

Apart from beaches, monuments and waterfalls,  Goa also  has much more to offer: Such as the famous sound buzzing retro bars and Nightclubs like Titos bar, Cubana Night club, Cafe Mambos, and many more.

 For adventure loving souls who don’t like to stay indoors, Goa beaches offer host of adventure water sports including paragliding, Kitesurfing, snorkeling and much more. Enjoy a deep sea diving at Grande island and get up close with the enchanting underwater world.

So dear readers,   if you haven’t planned a trip to Goa with your friends yet …Then, seriously, up your game and pack your bags!

TOP DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN KERALA

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Kerala also known as “GOD’S OWN COUNTRY” is a beautiful state situated on the India’s tropical Malabar coast alongside the sea shoreline draped with spectacular Palm lined beaches, the lush green valleys and mountains, the graceful lakes and backwaters and the opaque waterfalls and much more graceful places that your eyes will never tire on feasting upon…

This beautiful state enchants the tourists because of its endless list of destinations and is also popular for its scenic beauty, rich heritage and culture. Also, this place is well known for relaxing your soul, for awakening the wildness in you by Jungle safaris, and trekking along the mystic hills .To be honest,  the list is endless.

So, let’s explore these amazing destinations that are ready to captivate you by their charming and scenic beauty.

 FORT KOCHI:-

 Fort Kochi, located on the southwestern coast of India, is a beautiful city of Kerala. This city is famous for its enchanting rural, commercial and industrial life. It is popular for its charming seaside area, where there are a handful of water bound regions interconnected with each other. Fort kochi is also known for its Dutch, Portuguese and British Colonial architecture. You can also enjoy food and shopping at upscale eateries and cafes and also, shopping in the markets. Truth is, the admirable city awaits you at every turn!

MUNNAR:-

Munnar, located in the western ghats and above 1600m from the sea level is a beautiful town in Kerala. It is a beautiful hill station carpeted with lush green tea plantation valleys and hills. This beautiful town is a dreamy gateway especially for nature lovers. As the sweeping view across the valleys can’t be absorbed in a quick glance. Beyond the lush green hills and valleys the land also have beautiful resorts for honeymooners. Also, make sure to enjoy village folk songs that will croon your heart.

 The above picture doesn’t do justice to this breathtaking place. So this beautiful place with its astonishing views tops the bucket list.

KUMARAKOM:-

Kumarakom, is a small but serenic tourist destination in the Kottayam district on Vembanad lake. This beautiful village is laced with the oppressive canals, where the houseboats ply on the water. The lake surrounded by the luscious mountains with a dazzling view will make you awestruck. Kumarakom also boasts of a bird sanctuary, with birds from as far as Siberia and Europe.

And not to miss! The astonishing resorts in Kumarakom are popular amongst India and are worth staying.

ATHIRAPALLY WATERFALLS:–

The Athirapally waterfalls in the Sholayar ranges of Western Ghats is one of the most picturesque places in India. The symphony created by the strings of dazzling white water cascading down the rocks into the turquoise water is  such a wonder that we have been blessed by mother nature that will surely make your jaw drops and leave you awestruck. It is also rich with its variety of flora and Fauna.

VARKALA BEACH:–

Varkala beach also known as “Papanasam Beach” is the cliff beach which is a pearl of Arabian sea. It is situated in the coastal city of Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram District, and is among the most beautiful beaches in India. The long seeping bay of striking white sand, the blue water mischievously crawling under your feet and the bent palm trees swaying with the air this spectacular place will leave you in awe…

The feel of this beach is really exotic and is such a wanderlust that travelers in you crave for!

Besides pristine beaches, tea plantation, the waterfalls and backwaters, Kerala is also home to rich culture, architectural museums, and also the exquisite cuisines and spices with a vast variety of food and beautiful resorts.

This place is purely magical, the more you wander the more you will explore as the rare and serene sights reveal at every turn and are hard to behold. You will surely not regret coming here because while going back  you will have with you a treasure of  beautiful memories of your heart warming journey.

Explore one of the most beautiful ancient cities of India ” AGRA”

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Agra, is one of the most popular and a historical city located on the banks of the Yamuna

river in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This beautiful city is not only famous for its UNESCO world heritage sites like Taj Mahal and Agra fort  but also for its interesting historical era. Agra holding many beautiful sites forms an Golden triangle of tourism

and people from around different corners of the world come here to visit them. It has a rich history which can be clearly seen by the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. 

Talking about Agra’s history, there’s a lot to dive into. According to some research this city was discovered back in the time of the mythological era of Mahabharata. Earlier during that period it was named as “Agravan” meaning paradise by the priests. After sometime the notable historical period of Agra began under the rule of Sikander Lodhi.

But later, it came into light under the golden age of Mughals. And hence, Agra then became the foremost city of Indian subcontinent and the capital of Mughal Empire and was ruled by mughal emperors like Babur, Humayun, Akbar the great, Jahangir and Shahjahan.  This was the reason that the city became a popular centre of learning arts and commerce.

Foreigners refer to this city as an epitome of the Architectural beauty as it leaves behind a trail of fascinating tombs, monuments and museums to explore. This city offers mild winters, hot and dry summers and a monsoon season. This city is home to a number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year  to give tourists a remarkable experience and memories to behold. The festivals and events  are:- Taj Mahotsav, Taj literature festival, Ram Barat, Kailash Fair, Eid, holi and Deepawali. Not only popular for monuments, culture and festivals, Agra is also famous for its food items like ‘petha’ a sweet dish made with pumpkin, mughal cuisines and a lot more.

HOW TO REACH THERE ?

BY AIR:-  Agra has a fair connectivity of flight from all over the country. It also has its own airport  in the main city known as Kheria airport. Daily flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow and many other cities. Air India, Indigo Airlines, Jet Airways, spice jet and Air India express promises a good and safe journey.

BY TRAIN:-  As Agra is located in the middle of main the following trains lines: Delhi-Mumbai, and Delhi-Chennai, it is quite easy to reach here by train from anywhere. Cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai are well connected to Agra with regular trains.

BY SURFACE:- Agra is well connected by state and roadways buses to several cities and towns like Delhi, Gwalior, Kanpur, Lucknow and Jaipur. The recently constructed Delhi-Agra taj expressway has reduced travel time to the city substantially, making the drive itself highly pleasurable.

AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN AGRA:-

TAJ MAHAL:-  Taj mahal is an iconic ivory-white marble mausoleum situated on the southern bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra. The beautiful intricate carvings and architecture of this monument leaves everyone mesmerized. This beautiful monument certainly draws millions of tourists to Agra every year and rightly so. Taj Mahal is also referred to as one of the seven wonders of the world. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.  This beautiful monument is the signature  and reminder of true love and devotion. No matter how many times you have been there, it will leave you awestruck on every visit. This popular UNESCO world heritage site tops the list of every traveler who comes here.

AGRA FORT:- Agra fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Agra is a Mughal Stronghold on an ancient site. It was built under the rule of  Mughal Emperor Akbar and is made of red sandstone  and was the seat of the mughal empire.This Fort is a Legendary fort that resembles a sheer magnificence and architecture which leaves everyone amazed. It was also declared as a World heritage site in 1983 by UNESCO.  Do pay a visit to this fort as it also offers one of the best views of Taj Mahal.This fort is an epitome of Mughal architecture and shouldn’t be missed.

ANGURI BAGH:- Anguri Bagh in Agra is a beautiful sprawling historical courtyard in the front of the khas Mahal, with a formal Char-bagh style garden. This Garden is a jigsaw-patterned Mughal garden with numerous 

wonderful fountains and water channels as well as screens that once offered a private area for the emperor and his entourage. This serene grape garden is a sight not to be missed especially for nature Lovers!.

JAMA MASJID:- The Jama Masjid is a 16th century congregational mosque in the UNESCO world heritage site of fatehpur Sikri, Agra. Constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar, it is one of the largest  and oldest mosques in India. It is a most sought after pilgrimage site by the devotees. This beautiful, immense mosque was completed in 1571 and contains elements of persian and Indian designs. 

The main entrance, at the top of a fight of stone steps, is through the spectacular 54m-high Buland Darwaza, build to celebrate Akbar’s military victory in Gujarat. Inside is the stunning white marble tomb of sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, where women hoping to have children come to tie a thread of the jails.

On the east wall of the courtyard is a smaller entrance to the mosque- The Shahi Darwaza( kings gate), which also leads to the palace complex

PANCH MAHAL:-  Panch Mahal is a palace located in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra. The Panch Mahal meaning ‘Five level Palace’ is an elaborated and pillared five-storey building built by king  Akbar in the memory of the great Sufi saint Salim Chisti. The palace was used to relaxation and entertainment. Built on an open sided theme, each floor of this palace is smaller than the lower floor and each floor stands on asymmetrical pillars.

This palace was specially built for the emperor’s queens and princesses. A special screen was installed for women watching the show from inside. This palace is located near Anoop Talao, which is a beautiful pond of its kind which adds to its beauty. 

Be it monuments, art, culture, museums, forts  and mosques ,Agra is surely one of the most beautiful iconic and historic city holding many beautiful world heritage sites declared by UNESCO. There remains certainly no dearth of places to explore in Agra . Above are some of the best locations to stop by in Agra, which you should and must explore, dine, capture

amazing memories, shop, and do anything and everything with your special ones.