The Beaches
Malpe Beach (392 km from Bangalore): Just 6 km from Udupi is the beatific Malpe beache famous for the exotic St Mary’s Island, a boat-ride away.
Bhatkal Beach

Bhatkal Beach : A 16 km drive from Bhatkal brings you to the sprawling sands of its treasure trove – the beach and the ancient temple roosted on a small hillock by the shore. Its pristine height commands a majestic view of the Arabian sea devouring the vermilion sun.

Maravanthe Beach (525 km from Bangalore): With the West Coast Highway cruising along the Arabian Sea and the exquisite Sauparnika river serpenting against a verdant mountainous backdrop, the place looks just exotic. The beach forms an ideal jaunt for tourists with an ardor for adventure sports or looking for a languid vacation.

Karwar Beach (525 km from Bangalore): Karwar, 100 km from Goa, has all the makings of a perfect holiday destination – gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, a benign sun, glistening sands, peaceful alleys – what more can you ask for?

Murudeshwar Beach (151 km from Karwar): A lore says that the place was sanctified by the “Panchakshetras” (Five Holy Places) of Mahabaleshwara. And the intricate stone carvings and statues about the place seems to have survived the lore. The beach is impeccable fun.

Mangalore Beach (298 km from Bangalore): A fine stoppage between Goa and Kerala, Mangalore with its winding streets fringed with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, temples, churches and of course, some beautiful beaches. It was once a ship-building center in Hyder Ali’s time which has taken on this new role of a huge export base for coffee, spices and cashew.

How to Reach
The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore has its own airport, which is connected to all the major cities in the country like Thiruvananthpuram, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Mangalore. Bangalore is also directly connected to other countries, cities of the world like Singapore, Dubai, London, Oman, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia by means of Airways.

Snore by the Shore
Mayura Group of Hotels is a chain of 24 budget class hotels, 6 Restaurants and 3 Boat Clubs setup and maintained by KSTDC across the State.

The Beaches
Gopalpur on Sea (180 km from Capital): Perched close to the Bay of Bengal, 18 km south-east of Berhampur, is the town of Gopalpur laced with an exotic beach popular for surfing, swimming, sun-basking. North-west of Gopalpur lies Taptapani, famous for its hot water sulphur spring known to cure skin ailments.
Puri Beach

Puri Beach (60 km from Capital): Famous for its golden sands and the majestic antics of the sun about the sea – sunset and sunrise. Pilgrims visiting the Jagannath temple here, throng the beaches during festivals.

Konark Beach (65 km from Capital): Rated one of the most exotic in the world, the beauty of the beach and that of the colossal Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda (a World Heritage Site), clash and blend to create an ambience of amusement and sanctity. After a day of sun-basking stroll into the temple premises and have a dekko at some of the best expressions captured in stone.

Paradeep Beach (125 km from Capital): Christened ‘Tulasi Kshetra’, the beach draws vacationers to its beatific estuary of the Mahanadi with islands and creeks, and plush green forests that add to the scenic beauty of the locale. October to May is the best time to head for this exciting destination. Some major tourist destinations – Udayagiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri, are all within a 100 km radius.

Balasore (214 km NE of Capital): Balasore is convenient base point for excursions to Chandikpur and Remuna. Also noted for its traditional handicrafts of lacquered toys, brass-works and stone carvings.

Chandipur (230 km from Capital): 16 km east of Balasore, is Chandipur, another pristine beach. Here the sea, recedes 5 km at low tide and then flows rhythmically after a regular interval every day. This play of the tide combined with bracing environs make it a wonderful vacationing jaunt.

How to Reach
Air Sahara and Indian Airlines have 55-minute daily flights from Kolkata to Orissa. There are regular flights from Delhi (2 hr), and Mumbai (3 hr), and also to and from several destinations in South India, including Chennai and Hyderabad. If you want to travel by the train, try Rajdhani Express from Delhi (25 hr), the Howrah-Puri Express from Kolkata and so on. Puri is 1 ½ hr from Bhubaneswar, and there is regular train service between the two cities.

Snore by the Shore
Some of the most exotic beach resorts add that extra dose of spice to the Orissa vacationing expedition. The Palm Beach at Gopalpur on Sea; Hans Coco Palm Beach Resort, Hotel Toshali Sands, Hotel Nilachal Ashok on Puri are names to remember if luxury is your priority. Else budget accommodations can be had everywhere.

North Goa Beaches
Two majestic Forts stand as the guarding sentinels at Goa’s northern beach stretch – Tiracol and Agauda – from where the best sweep-of-vision can be had. The quaint seaside hamlets and their quainter rituals made this stretch more than a sunbathing lounge.
Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach (60 km from Airport): The northernmost beachfront of Goa after Keri, Arambol is both rocky and sandy and for the best views you will have to climb up the Waghcolomb Hill, which again has the tiny Paliem beach at its foothill. Go dolphin-spotting, paragliding and kite-surfing during the day and let your hair down for the wacky jam sessions at night at one of the many ravers out here.

Vagator beach (50 km from Airport): The mammoth Fort and stark red cliffs are the landmarks to look out for. Vagator, with the fresh water springs on the north, small hamlets with pleasant bars and cafes, low budget accommodation, the 18th century Chapora Fort (shooting site for the Bollywood flick ‘Dil Chahta Hai’), is the kind to head for a languid vacation.

Anjuna Beach (57 km from Airport): The Anjuna – Baga – Calangute beach-belt north of Panaji is most populous and developed. Ask any Goan and hew will load you with galores about Anjuna’s Wednesday Flea Market where everything from lovely trinkets and seashells to yak cheese and sarongs can be sampled. This one is rocky and not a good bet for watersports. But for nocturnals there are trance bars and rave parties that rock the beach almost everynight.

Baga Beach (15 km from Panaji): The crescent-shaped Baga with its soft white sands is a popular joint for water-sports activities like para sailing, jet skiing, body boarding and surfing. The dolphin cruises in the sea is a rage with tourists. Nocturnals stay back for the late-night parties here.

Calangute Beach (16 km from Panaji, 48 km from Airport): The massive white dome of the Church of St. Alex announces that you have reached Goa’s busiest of beaches. Right from hippies, roadside trinket sellers, Chapels, seafood eateries, to swanky Malini Ramani boutiques and exotic resorts, this is the hippest place to be. Its nickname, the Queen of Goan beaches, explains it all.

Candolim Beach (45 km from Airport, 13 from Panjim): The sequestered Portuguese Fort Aguada, the Chapel of St. Lawrence, Candolim Church – all conspire to give this beach its reclusive look. The crocodile and dolphin-spotting trips, fishing expeditions, river cruises and some exotic buys make it one of the noted names amongst the tourists.

Dona Paula Beach (32 km from Airport, 37 km from Margao): As pretty as its name is to the ears, Dona Paula is comparatively peaceful. The variegated water sports facilities like water scootering, angling create all the stir. Besides, it is a very picturesque locale commanding a grand view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour, and an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. The legend of the Portuguese Governor’s daughter Dona Paula and the local fisherman’s son Gaspar’s love story lend the place its romantic aura.

South Goa Beaches
It is an uninterrupted coastline, yet the beaches take on a different name each as you trail through, which is because the Goan beaches are named after the village in its vicinity. Tidbit apart, welcome to quieter stretch – a 26 km frill of grainy, white sand, that is best called ‘best’.

Colva Beach
Colva Beach (26 km from Airport, 36 km from Panaji): Though agog with vacationers, this is one place where you can slice your own space amidst parasailing enthusiasts, swimmers, devotees (that swarm the place in October on their way to the church of Infant Jesus), crowded shacks, fishermen and what not. It’s silver-gray, powder-fine sand has served a good bait inspiring a number of folk songs and some branded resorts to set up their abodes here.

Benaulim Beach (28 km from Airport): South of Colva is this legendary place, where according to Hindu mythology, the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João. The crocodile and dolphin-spotting cruises are a favorite at this pristine beach.

Palolem Beach (67 km from Airport, 43 km from Margoa): It is rated amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world, with the backdrop of the Western Ghats, where one visit only whets your appetite for more. The large InterContinental Grand resort, Pandava’s Drum – a cup-shaped rock which produces echoes if pelted on particular spots, a little island across the stream, the dolphin-spotting trips, a strange balming aura, make Palolem a must-go beach down south in Goa.

Agonda Beach (10 km north of Palolem): This one is just perfect for back-packers who are looking for some solitude. The waters are crystal clear and one can actually see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Just watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb the cliffs there. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach.

How to Reach
Goa’s international-cum-domestic airport, Dabolim, is 29 km from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco da Gama. You can fly in from Mumbai or opt for the eight-hour trip to Goa by Konkan railway or a sixteen-hour bus journey from Mumbai.

Snore by the Shore
Wake up with the fishermen’s call and clear your curtains to let in the tranquil rays of a benign sun that has just buoyed itself out from a turquoise sea. This and a plethora of active pursuits on and off the beach awaits you at the luxuriant beach Resorts. Check out our Resort section for details. Budget accommodations and shacks also available around the beaches.

The Beaches
» Beaches at Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam Beach (16 km from city): Three crescent shaped beaches – Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra – has made it an international favorite ever since. The Ayurvedic spas, resorts (Ashok Beach Resort), add to the fun with the sands. Stalls sell colorful fabrics, pseudo-ethnic hippie trinkets, and fresh fruit, fish, and coconut water.
Kovalam Beach

Varkala Beach (40 km from city): An otherwise Hindu pilgrimage center, Varkala is known for the therapeutic mineral springs and the closely guarded age-old massaging techniques. The seaside resort and the spa, needless to say, are traveler-busted here.

Shanghumukham Beach (8 km from city): The neighboring spots include the Veli Tourist Village and the Thiruvanathapuram Airport. The 250 m tiled walkway with granite seats make perfect seats to watch the sunset vista. The recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a 35 m long mermaid sclupture), the star-fish shaped restaurants are what awaits the vision out there, other than a smart beach.

» Beaches at Kollam
Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km from town): Ideal for early morning walks, with the fishermen swarming the shore-line. Bathing and lounging under the sun is pleasant out here.

Thangassery Beach (5 km from town): A sea side village of historic importance with ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and the 144 ft lighthouse are the other beach attractions.

» Beaches at Alappuzha
Alappuzha Beach (66 km from Kochi Airport): This golden piece of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals in south Kerala is often labeled as ‘The Venice of the East’. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. The Ayurvedic steam bath, herbal and oil treatment provided by some centers in the vicinity is something one should not miss.

» Beaches at Malappuram
Tanur Beach: Among the earliest Portuguese settlements in India, comes a small coastal fishing town of Tanur. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in the year 1546 AD. The Keraladeshapuram temple, 3 km south is believed to be the oldest in Kerala.

» Beaches at Kozhikode
Beypore Beach (10 km south): This was an once important ports and fishing harbors of Kerala, still retaining part of its ship building industry in the form of constructing Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.

Kappad Beach (16 km from town): It is the historical gateway to the Malabar coast – the one where Vasco da Gama landed way back in 1498 and a solitary pillar still stands tall with the inscription of the event. It is one of those placid and quiet beaches honeymooners would rate ideal.

Kappad Beach

» Beaches at Kannur
Muzhappilangad Beach (15 km from town): Fringed by huge black rocks, this beach is the longest in Kerala, with shallow waters just perfect for swimming. This beach is also the only drive-in beach in India.

The Dharmadam Island (17 km from town): Coconut palm groves and plenitude of greenery make it a seeming treasure trove from the distance and once there, you realize it is more than true. However, this is a private island and prior permission is required to enter it. Our agents will get the formalities done, at your behest.

» Beaches at Kasaragod
Bekal Beach (14 km from town): The beach embellishment is the ancient Bekal Fort with canons on its ramparts reminiscent of the trading ships approaching the shore under strict guard against pirate ships and rival merchant ships. A nearby mosque built by Tipu Sultan adds to the historic attractions of Bekal Beach.

Snore by the Shore
Beach Resorts with Ayurveda centers, spa joints are the ideal lodging spots. Budget accommodations, though not very popular, also exist in plenty.

At an elevation of 6812 ft., this West Bengal hill-station, with its monastries and tea gardens set against the snow-capped vistas of the world’s third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga (27,400 ft.), is just the perfect retreat if the mention of a cozy vacation peppered with adventure escapades ticks you on. Just as the flight of your imagination begins to take off, a quaint whistle of a century old little train penetrates the vista and you are reminded once again – it is Darjeeling!

Attractions
The Toy train: The century old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly nicknamed ‘toy train’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This engineering marvel begins from Sukna (533 ft.) and chugs up the hill to reach Darjeeling(6812 ft.) passing Asia’s highest railway station Ghoom at 7407 ft. – making it one of the most treacherous rail jouneys in the world. The hung-ho apart, the toy-train trail is something should not be missed if you want to feel the spirit of a this paradisiacal land and of its humble denizens.

The Toy train
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Tiger Hill: Roosted at 8482 ft. near the Ghoom Monastery and about 13 km from the town, the magnificient views of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga makes it a photographer’s dream-come-true. On a sunny day, the world’s highest peak, the Mount Everest, can be spotted in the distant horizon. Flanking the Tiger hill is the Senchal lake with a 9-hole golf course (one of the highest in the world), a clubhouse and an exotic tourist lodge – that is a popular weekend escape.

Monastries: The Monastery at Ghoom, about 6 km south of the city has a 4.57-m high statue of a seated Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha) that attracts adherents from far and wide. Aloobari Gompa, about 3 km from the city centre, is a good place to drop by for some interesting Tibetan and Sikkimese religious accessories you can also buy as souvenirs. About 11 km from the city, with the backdrop of Kanchenjunga, is the colorful Bhutia Busty Gompa, whose library has the original Tibetan Book of the Dead, amongst thousand other Buddhist texts.

The Observatory Hill: For a good visual sweep of the entire purlieu climb up the Observatory Hill or the Mahakal Baba ko Sthan, held sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. The Kali shrine and the colorful fluttering Buddhist prayer flags strung between the pine trees make a beatific spectacle.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Perched on the Jawarhar Parbat, about 2 km from Chowrasta, is an institute for training the adventure mongers. Why you should go there for is the institute’s collection of historic mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna, a relief model of the Himalayas and a record of all attempts to scale the Mount Everest.

Zoological Park: Neighboring the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park that houses the Siberian tigers, Himalayan Black bear and the Red Panda. Not to be missed is the Snow Leopard breeding centre here.
Indian Cubs in Zoological Park

Dhirdham Temple: Located just below the Darjeeling railway station, the temple is a replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu (Nepal).

Passenger Ropeway: Situated at 3 km from the city center at the North Point is the 5-km long India’s first passenger ropeway that connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar on the Ranjit River at the bottom of the valley. A ride on this cable-car repletes the theme of adventure so typical of this roof-top city.

Adventure escapades: Trekking begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut. Teesta river is ideal for whitewater rafting.

Festivals: The Beni Mela is held on the banks of the River Teesta in January, the New Year for the Bhutias and the Lepchas. Tibetan New Year is celebrated in February and is marked by great festivities, religious ceremonies and colourful folk dances in monasteries. Every 14-20 November, the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is held here with cultural performances, tea estate visits and organised tours, treks and walks around the region.

Shopping
Shop for Himalayan curios like thangkas (Tibetan paintings), brass statues, Nepali khukris and masks, jewelery, woodcarvings, woven fabrics and bamboo baskets, carpets and of course, the famous Darjeeling tea. Chowrasta and The Mall are the shopping spots. For Tibetan souvenirs visit Habib Mullick and for local handicrafts go down to Hayden Hall.

Cuisine
Darjeeling momos (a steamed dough dumpling stuffed with pork, beef or vegetables) and thukpas (noodles in soup) are famous. Wai-Wai is a packaged snack comprising of noodles which can be munched dry or boiled. Churpee, a kind of cheese made from cow’s or yak’s milk. For the freezing evenings try Chhang, a local beer made from millet or the royal Darjeeling tea.

For Indian and Chinese food, check out Park (Laden La Road) and for wholesome vegetarian thalis and Indian snacks head to Hasty Tasty (the Mall).
Noodles in Soup

Getaways
Kalimpong (51 km): A quieter hillstation at an altitude of 4,100 ft., Kalimpong is known for its magnificent views of Mt Kanchenjunga, abundance of wild orchids and educational institutions.

Mirik (48 km): At an altitude of 1,730 m this sequestered hill-station is carpeted with forests of Cryptomeria Japonica, orange orchards, tea gardens and cardamom plantations. Sumendu Lake, with its 3.5 km of cobbled promenade, offers boating facilities. Also visit the carpet-weaving centre at Krishnanagar. Trekking tracks to Kurseong and Sandakphu begin here.

Kurseong: The toy train hisses past this station midway between Darjeeling from Siliguri is Kurseong (1,458 m) famous for the Deer Park and Makaibari Tea Estate.

Phalut & Sandakphu: About 60 km away is a joint that commands the best views of the Himalayan grandeur. Giant flowering Rhododendron trees and a pointillism of reds, pinks and whites Dwarfs comprise of the en route trail. On attaining heights of over 3,048m, one is surrounded by skeletal trees devoid of leaves and branches, which are especially eerie when the clouds roll in and envelop the area. Sandakphu with over 650 avian species is an ornithologists paradise.

Rock Garden, Barbotay (15 km): The Chunu falls cascading over the boulders provides an ecstatic view.

Your very route to this 11,155 ft hill-station – Tawang, will hint you about what to expect. Picture postcard landscapes flaked with sprightly colored monasteries (Gompas) and the sound of thundering waterfalls and hot water springs freeze your senses and you will have to shake your head to remind yourself, “This is real”! Bathed in the quintessential halo of Buddhism, Tawang is still more Tibetan than Indian. The grandiose of the myriad orchids and the warmth of the local Monpa tribes help you ward off the bone-numbing breeze of the Himalayas. God, the Himalayas and the devoted jawans (army-men) stand as undaunted sentinels protecting this land from the Chinese and evil-eye.
Gauri Chen Range Tawang

Attractions
Tawang Monastery : ‘Dramatically outlined’ against the verdant landscape is the 400 years old Galden Namgyal Lhatse, popular with the tourist-tongue as the Tawang monastery. It is said that the whole structure was brought from Tibet, piece by piece, on horseback and assembled here. Besides its famed assemblage gold lettered Buddhist scriptures, images, tapestries and the rare hand-written and block-painted thankas or manuscripts of revered books (in the Parkhang Hall), it is held significant in the Mahayana Buddhist world for the 26-ft high gilded Buddha housed in its inner sanctum over headed by a mural rich ceiling. The name of Tawang means “horse chosen”, a reference to the way in which Meera Lama’s horse wandered off on its own and discovered the perfect spot on which the monastery now stands.

Urgelling Mobastery : The 6th Dalai Lama was born of a Monpa mother in this monastery, 5 km away from Tawang.

Nunneries of Tawang : The Brahma Dungchung Ani Gompa, the Gyanganga Ani Gompa and the Singsur Ani Gompa are the important ones amongst the flock of nunneries near Tawang whose nuns are known to follow stricter norms than their male counterparts.

Se La Pass : Your very route to Tawang will be via this enigma perched 13,714 ft high (world’s third highest). The vista is best termed ‘enrapturing’ — raise your head some 45° and behold the Se La Peak; next droop it 90° to discover the glorious curves of the Se La Lake.

Zimithang & the Lakes : The impressive Gorsam Stupa, the Tatsang gompa, the Khinme monastery and the Singshur nunnery here attract tourists visiting Tawang to this place just a stone-throw away. As your vehicle grinds its way up to the “Heap of Stones”, the LAC with China, lakes appear – bright turquoise or brooding gray according to the mood of the sky. The Sangeshar Lake, more popular as the Madhuri Lake after the Bollywood actress who starred in a film song (Koyla) canned here is one must-replenish beauty. The Lake freezes in winters.

Tawang for Adventurers : The rivers Tawang-Chu and Namjang-Chu are ideal for river-rafting activities. There is also an option for rock-climbing, paragliding, skating and other winter sport activities.
River Rafting Tawang

Shopping
The Craft Center of the Tawang Monastery produces fine woolen carpets in various colorful designs. Items that could make excellent buys are Serdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets, wancho bags.

There are Craft- Centers at Bomdila and Tawang producing very fine carpets of colorful designs and works. Carpets in ethnic Tibetan designs are very popular, made of pure wool.

Cuisine
Tibetan food is what you will find here at Tawang’s every eatery. Related Chinese cuisine, and lately, due to tourist demands, Indian food of the plains is also served. Apong is the local drink made from rice or mallet. Butter-tea is an Arunachal speciality and momos, a local favorite. The restaurants of your hotels are the best bet, while those with a street-food fixation can hunt for

Getaways
Bhalukpong (52 km): En route Tawang from Tezpur, you can stop by at Bhalukpong before or after your main destination. Another postcard-perfect locale, for the North-Eastern vacationers this is one of their favorite weekend picnicking joint. The Pakhul Sanctuary’s wildlife embellishments and the Orchid Research Center at Tipi with some 600 species (including indigenous ones like “Ladies Sleeper”), are the prides of Bhalukpong, besides its gurgling streamlets.

Dirang (143 km): A concoction of some unique attractions make Dirang an excellent stop-over on your trip back from Tawang. Look out for the Kalchakra Monastery, Ngingmapa Monastery, kiwi and apple orchards, hot-water springs, Yak Research Center, medicinal plantations, Dirang Dzong (former Tibetan Jail), Sangti Valley (home of Black Neck Siberian Crane during winter). Dirang hosts the Buddha Mahotsav Festival every February-end with activities like Monastic Dances, Bay-Warrior dance, Sherbang Procession, flower and orchid show, food festival, hiking and trekking, traditional games and sports, you name it!

Bomdila (190 km): Another orchid-apple love-story will arrest your jaunt on your way to Tawang. Bomdilla is just excellent for your trekking, picnics and eco-tourism camps and the plummetted orchards, monasteries, forests, waterfalls and more than inviting for a day-long exploration – all on foot. The Craft center here is recommended for your souvenir buys. Irresistible, yes, but better save it to douse your Tawang hangover on your way back.

Bum-La (la, incidentally means a pass): This is where the Indian and Chinese force commanders on either side of the border meet every six months to sort out any minor problems. Bum-La does not have the non-commercial innocence of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh separated from the plains by the Brahmaputra, reserve forests and the gradually ascending Himalayas. At Jaswant Singh Garh, near the Bumla Pass, the story of heroism of some Indian soldiers is retold. This is where Jaswant Singh of the 4th Battalion Garhwal Rifles held off the enemy for 72 hours single-handedly. Army convoys on the way to the border make it a point to stop and pay homage at the beautifully maintained memorial. The jawans (soldiers of the Indian army) at the outpost treat everybody passing through with tea.

Across the Kashmir Valley and over the famous Zoji La pass lies Ladakh the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, nestled between the world’s highest mountain ranges – the Karakoram in the north-west, the Himalayas in the south-west and the Trans-Himalayas at its core. The Indus is the life-saving water-way that veins this high-altitude desert with a blazing sun and freezing wind. Leh, at an elevation of 3505 m, is the main city, and hence the appellation ‘Leh-Ladakh’. The very road route to Ladakh is an adventure escapade.

Leaving the geographic brouhaha apart, Ladakh is about robed monks flocking about the undulating streets, brightly painted monasteries, hand-made wall-hangings in colorful woolen threads, and the aroma from the gurgling vessels of gurgur cha filling the air. And as adventurers reach sequestered Leh from their arduous expedition, a warmth seeps into their being inspite of the freezing weather. This is the magic of ‘Little Tibet’!

Attractions
Leh Palace: The once nine storied 17th century Leh Palace, now in dilapidated state, rises from the edge of a hill and commands a breath-taking view of the entire locale. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh’s victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century.

Monastries
Monastries (gompas): These are the repositories of Buddhist religion and home to some thousands of monks. The 13th century Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (also called the Leh Gompa), with its paintings and a three-storey high seated Buddha image is beautiful, add to it the classic sweep of the entire valley that can be had once you are there. The residence of the head of the Gelukpa (yellow hat) order is the 17th century Sankar Gompa. The paintings in the main prayer hall are worth a dekko. To the west of Changspa, lies the large white stupa (commemorative cairn), Shanti Stupa, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in the 1980s. This monument was conceived as part of a Japanese-inspired peace movement to spread Buddhism throughout the world. Needless to say, Ladakh is a revered name in the Buddhist world with a constant pilgrim bee-line, especially during festivals.

Hemis National Park: Situated 40 km SE of Leh on the bank of river Indus is the home to an exotic assemblage of cold desert fauna like the snow leopard, Tibetan wild or kiang, ibex, serow and Tibetan antelope.

Festivals: The gompa courtyards burst into a thousand hues during festivities. The biggest and most famous of the monastic festivals is that of Hemis monastery (Jun-July) dedicated to Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, when the resident Lamas perform ritualistic masked dances. Every 12 years, a magnificent embroidered silk thangka (tantric wall hanging) is displayed to the public; the next such unveiling takes place in June 2016, when the Year of the Monkey comes around again.

Adventure escapades: River rafting in the Indus and Zanskar rivers, mountaineering in the Great Himalayan Range, the Zanskar Mountains and the Karakoram Range are the raging favorites. The best trekking tracks are the 3 week trek from Indus Valley to Darcha (Lahoul), 10-day Markha Valley trek, the 11-day Lamayuru- Padum traverse, Hemis-Markha-Padum trek and the 4/5-day Stok-Khangri trek.

Shopping
Leh has superior quality woolen garments, hand-woven carpets with dragon motifs, rugs, wall-hangings and Pashmina shawls – the popular hunts in Ladakh. Tibetan handicrafts like prayer wheels, Buddhist masks and Thangka paintings. Traditional Ladakhi jewelry with turquoise carvings and Tibetan silver jewelry are sheer delight for connoisseurs. Packets of Ladakhi apricots make scrumptious souvenirs to gift away back home. Bargaining is not an alien concept, but at the govt. Emporiums the prices are fixed and considering the quality, one shouldn’t really mind.

And the major locales are Tibetan Handicraft Emporium and Ladakh Art Palace on the Main Bazaar Rd., Cottage Industries Exposition and Women’s Alliance in Changspa.
Woolen Shawls

Cuisine
The tables here emanate the unmistakably refreshening aroma of boiled vegetables. Tibetan food mainly consists of Momos (dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables) with fiery chilli sauce, Thukpas (a thick noodle soup with vegetables), Tsumpa (roasted barley flour, Ngampe in Ladakhi), Skyu (a heavy pasta dish with root vegetables), fresh breads with apricot jam and strong black tea flavored with butter and salt (gurgur cha). And if you have a taste for continental diet, you will love this version of boiled cuisine. The alcoholic beverage, Chang, made of fermented barley is considered heavenly, the succor to the taste buds and warmth to the body being the divine connection.

For traditional Tibetan food go to Himalaya Café, Shangri La for Korean cuisine, Budshah Inn for Chinese and Kashmiri cuisine, Dreamland Restaurant for Tibetan, Kashmiri, Indian and Italian food, Penguin Bar and Restaurant for fresh breads, Mentokling Restaurant for pizzas cooked over a traditional wood-fired oven and Pumpernickel German Bakery for lasagna and mini-meals.

Getaways
Nubra Valley: A 5-hour jeep drive over the world’s highest motorable pass, Khardung-La (5,578m/18,000 ft.), leads to northern Ladakh’s lush Nubra Valley, a fertile region with gompas, hot sulphur springs (at Panamik), and double-humped Bactrian camels. This route was a part of the legendary Silk Route used by caravans of traders operating between the Punjab and various regions within central Asia for many centuries. Rent a bike or hire a jeep and discover the off-the-beaten-track purlieus there. The Bactrian camel safari at the sand dunes in the Nubra valley is a must-dare!

Stok Palace: About 17 km from Leh, across from Choglamsar on the opposite side of the Indus is home to the 74th generation of the Namgyal dynasty – the Stock Palace (Open daily, May-Oct, 8am-7pm). The museum has an interesting collection of thangka, weapons, jewels and the queen’s perak (a turquoise-studded headdress).

Monastery Circuit: All the monasteries fall on two routes and can be covered in two days. One is the route to Shey, Thikse, Stakna, Matio, Chembray, Tak Tok and Hemis. The other route leads out from the airport road and includes Spituk, Phyang, Likir, Alchi, Ridzong and Lamayuru. Inclusion of Lamayuru (125 km from Leh), in your itinerary makes it impossible to return to Leh the same day.

North of Leh, along the road to Srinigar are Phyang Gompa (16km from Leh), and 15th-century Spituk Gompa (8km from Leh), roosted on a rocky hill. Alchi (70km NW of Leh), along the left bank of the Indus, a short way off the Srinigar-Leh Rd. has is of the pilgrim hot-hubs with monasteries as old as 11th century.

The once majestic Shey Palace and Monastery (Open daily,May-Oct, 8am-7pm) is 15 km from Leh. The Thikse Gompa (Open daily,6am-6pm), 25km south of Leh, with its 12-story edifice all perched on a hilltop is an imposing spectacle.

Approaching the Tibet border, about 45 km from Leh is the Hemis Gompa, the wealthiest Ladakhi monastery. It bursts into a riot of colors during the Hemis Tsechu festival every summers in June and July.
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Zanskar: A stark contrast to Ladakh’s verdant valleys is Zanskar’s treeless expanse – a trekker’s delight. River rafting is possible from Serchu to Nyimu via Padam. Monasteries around Zanskar are Karsha (9 km), Stongde (20 km), Burdan (10 km), Zongkhu (20 km) and Phuktal (70 km).

The Drokpa Circuit: Banking the Indus near Khaltse, is the Drokhpa community of Aryan origin. Ethnically, linguistically, religion-culturally at variance from the rest of Ladakh and those in the surrounding villages, and this is what makes this locale worth a dekko.

Shimla – the aging Charmer

The seven picturesque hills of Shimla are in Southern Himachal, 117 km from Chandigarh. This once favorite summer retreat of the erstwhile Britons have so changed over the years that if the souls of its founders are to be come back for a dekko, they would either be saddened or gladdened to see it transform into the poshest of tourist magnets amongst the Himalayan hill-stations. The Mall street is lined with branded showrooms, the city is studded with hep resorts and out of every seven heads, one is a rtourist. Considering the phenomenal tourist hobnob, at times, slicing out your space – so wanting of such laid-back vacations – may be difficult in a place Shimla. This difficulty is promptly attended to with the neighboring getaways, the resorts, the golf at Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda, and Shimla continues to charm her visitors.

Attractions
The Mall: A languid stroll through the main pedestrian avenue, the Mall that runs along the top of the ridge, is sine qua non for everyone visiting Shimla. This hustling promenade is lined with shops, old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and eateries, once used to be animated with gossip-loving Britons. The Scandal Point, at the junction of the Ridge and the Mall is a legendary favorite and the views of the entire locale from here are as exotic. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. And just below the ridge is the sprawling Annandale, the venue for races, polo matches, cricket and so on.

Gaiety Theatre: Located on the Mall road, is one of the oldest theatres in the world that was inaugurated way back in1887, Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Year. Notable personalities of Indian cinema like K.L. Saigal, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Jennifer Kendall, Raj Babbar, Anupam Kher, Manohar Singh, Nasseerudin Shah, have performed on the stage of the Gaiety theatre. An evening watching a local drama can be exhilarating.

Shimla

Jhakoo Hill: A short, but steep climb east of The Ridge will take you to the base of the Jhaku Hill, the highest point in Shimla, at an altitude of 2,445m (7,800 ft.). You need to trudge up a steep 1.5 km (1mile) path to reach the summit, where is perched a little Hanuman temple – a curious blend of Hindu faith and Christian elements suggested by the tinsel and streamer decorations. Once there, adjust your lenses for the photo-shoot for natural beauty of this kind should not go unrecorded.

Institute of Advanced Studies: The grey Gothic-style Viceregal Lodge, set amidst sprawling gardens, houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Even in 1888 it had electric light and an indoor tennis court, both rare and advanced for that period. The ambience creates an aura of antiquity not to be missed. The grounds are open for visitors only on Sundays.

Himachal State Museum: Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.

The Shimla Toy Train: The Indian Railway and Himachal Tourism revamped the 1903 toy train (fondly called), into a luxury train for tourists. The train sketches a track from Kalka to Shimla through 20 stations, 103 tunnels, 969 bridges and 919 curves in its entire journey. This ’small wonder’ also appears in the Guinness Book of World Records as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India. This train journey through the panoramic hills should not be missed.

Adventure trails: Camping, Bungee Jumping, Cycling, Horse Riding, Para Gliding, Safaries, Skating, Trekking, Wild Life, Yak Riding are the various options you have once at Shimla.

Shopping
Hunt for colorful Kinnauri shawls, mufflers, and caps; Pangwali blankets from Chamba; Kangra-school miniature paintings; Buddhist thangkas (banners) from Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti and multicolored hand-knitted woolen socks from Lahaul at The Mall street locale. The Himachal Emporium, a little beyond Scandal Point, has the best buys. Right below the ridge is the Lakkad Bazaar which offers just anything imaginable carved out of wood. Diwanchand Atmaram is famous for its woollen ware. If you still have time head for the Tibetan market, right down the Scandal Point, for casual jeans, T-shirts, bags, shoes, jackets et al. And if you are a brand-freak, The Mall has lots of them lined up for you.
Kinnauri mufflers, and caps

Cuisine
Non-vegetarian dishes, with a generous dose of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and red chilies, are an integral part of Himachali cuisine, considering that vegetables are hard to get by during the harsh snow-bound months. These include exotic dishes like Chasnidar Maas (mutton in a sweet and spicy gravy) and mutton cooked in yoghurt. In Himachali cooking, spices are not fried in ghee or oil. Instead, these are added to the dish at the end, to retain the flavour. Another distinctive feature of Himachali cooking is that the rich, highly flavoured and seasoned preparations avoid the excessive use of onion and garlic, favouring the use of lassi (buttermilk) instead. Himachal is known as the fruit-bowl of India with a thriving food processing industry that churns out fruit-based drinks, squashes and concentrates. The popular flavours are plum, litchi, strawberry, mango and guava. For alcoholic drinks, try the locally brewed wines such as apricot, plum and apple & ginger cider. In predominantly Tibetan areas, a rice wine known as “Chang” is popular.

Go to Devicos, beyond the Scandal Point, for its pao bhaji. Baljee’s, on the eastern end of The Mall, is popular for its delectable Indian and Western cuisine. As for the local cuisine, you only need to follow the direction of the aroma.

Getaways
Mashobra (12 km): The sequestered Mashobra village, with one of India’s loveliest hotels – Wildflower Hall, is an ideal base for treks up the area’s highest peak Shali at 10,000 ft. or for a stroll to the “sacred grove” of Sipur, which is crowned with a small indigenous-style temple dedicated to the local deity, Seep.

Naldhera (22km): Beyond Mashobra is the the popular recreational resort of Naldehra. Other than the Golf Course and the cedar forests, the charming log huts studded in the lush grasslands, make it a warm overnighting locale. The hot sulphur springs of Tattapani, noted for their curative effects, lie a farther 28 km away.

Chail (45 km): Go there to see for yourself how the world’s highest cricket pitch at 7,800 ft. and the highest polo ground looks like. A romantic legend (a scandalous one for the Britons) goes that the Maharajah of Patiala, eloped with (or abducted, again depending on who’s telling the story) the daughter of Lord Kitchener. Predictably, he was forced to return the daughter and was banished from Shimla for ever, which made his construe his own summer capital at Chail.

Kufri (12 km): Only half-hour drive away from Shimla is Kufri with a fine forested slopes and a ski-resort. It also has a Himalayan Nature park and close by is the Indira Tourist Park with HPTDC’s Cafe Lalit. Here one can enjoy a Pony or a Yak Ride. Incase your trip is timed somewhere between January to March, don’t miss out the winter sports festival held every February. One can also hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak – the highest one in Kufri.

Narkanda (64 km): Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a winter ski resort. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. A winding route with some breath-taking views link Narkanda with Shimla.

It’s all about a horn

The Karbi hills of Assam dilute into a plush wooded grassland to shelter the endangered one-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros Unicornis), on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river. They call it Kaziranga, an UNESCO World Heritage Site for serving as the only sanctuary of its pride-of-place – the rhinos. Come monsoon and the forest is submerged by the backflow of the Brahmaputra. But Kaziranga and her denizens have learned to live with the floods and it raises itself phoenix-like every year.

Hunted mercilessly for its horn, that resembles that of the legendary Unicorns, and is believed to have aphrodisiac properties, India once woke up with only a handful of them. A lore dates back to the British era when the then Viceroy’s wife, Lady Curzon was so disheartened to find no rhino at Kaziranga, that she impressed upon her husband to help save the animal. Today a 100 years later, in what can be called this Century’s Greatest Conservation Success Story, the Rhino population at 1600 is the single largest in the world!

Attractions
Wildlife Attractions: Kaziranga National Park is the home for the famous five – rhinoceros, the elephant, wild buffalo, tiger and the swamp deer or barasinga. Among these, it is always the boisterous rhino that steals the show. These otherwise quiet animals, however, do not like to be hassled. It is however their bad eyesight that startles them easily and that has got them an undeserved reputation for having a bad temper. Including the stalwarts, a total number of 52 mammalian species can be seen in the park, like parti-colored flying squirrel, Gangetic dolphin, hog-badger, hoolock gibbon and Chinese pangolin.
Indian Rhino

A lesser known fact about the Kaziranga National Park is that it is a bird watcher’s paradise. With its 450 different species, both migratory and resident, it is second only to the Corbet National Park in its bird population diversity. The most seen species are Himalayan griffon, brahminy kite, Oriental honey buzzard, grey-headed fishing eagle, Pallas’s fishing eagle, white tailed eagle, black kite, black-shouldered kite etc. A large number of traveling birds come down to the parks lakes during winters, including northern shoveller, Ruddy shelduck, red-crested pochard, greyleg geese, bar-headed geese, falcated duck and gadwall.

Elephant Festival at Kohora: Conceptualized in the year 2003, it is held every January end and entails some enticing activities like adventure sports, procession of decorated elephant, cultural shows, food festival etc.

Sightseeing in Kaziranga: You can enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush rubber and coffee plantations of Karbi Anglong, and the tea gardens of Hathkhuli, Methoni, Difalu, Behora Borchapori. A trip to the nearby Karbi or Mising Villages and acquainting with their living style in the hills can also be very interesting. The Kakochang waterfalls are about 13 km from Kaziranga.

Elephant Festival at Kohora: Conceptualized in the year 2003, it is held every January end and entails some enticing activities like adventure sports, procession of decorated elephant, cultural shows, food festival etc.

Sightseeing in Kaziranga: You can enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush rubber and coffee plantations of Karbi Anglong, and the tea gardens of Hathkhuli, Methoni, Difalu, Behora Borchapori. A trip to the nearby Karbi or Mising Villages and acquainting with their living style in the hills can also be very interesting. The Kakochang waterfalls are about 13 km from Kaziranga.

Safaris:
Elephants and jeeps are the only via media to tour the forest. The vast open areas make it one of the best sanctuaries to observe wild animals. The Elephants drivers or mahouts also act as guides, who not just know the exact who-is-where’s of the Park but also load you with interesting jungle bytes. These rides are taken out thrice in a day from Mihimukh, which is located 3 km from Kohora. As Forest Department vehicles are generally not available, jeeps can be hired at Kohora. Jeep safari timings are 7:30-9:30 AM & 2-3:30 PM.

Elephant Safari

Travel Info
¤ The park is divided into three main tourist ranges, Kohora, Baghori and Agaratoli. All the major tourist facilities and entry formalities are based here. It is also the point of start for early morning safaris, where as vehicles can also be hired here for movement inside the park.

¤ Park charges are Entry Fee : Rs. 20 (Indians) & Rs. 250 (foreigners), Vehicle Entry : Rs. 200, Still Camera : Rs. 50 (Indians) & Rs. 500 (foreigners), Video Camera : Rs. 500 (Indians) & Rs. 1000 (foreigners), Safari : Rs. 120 (Indians) & Rs. 750 (foreigners).

¤ Park Timings are 7:30 AM to 4 PM

¤ The forest guard (can be hired at Baghori & Agaratoli) traveling with you on a safari doubles up as a guide. There are no fixed charges and you can tip him anywhere between Rs. 50-200

¤ Although foreign currency is acceptable, it is recommended to carry a reasonable sum of Indian money.

¤ Consult the authorities before moving to remote areas in Assam.

Getaways
Kohora: Almost every afternoon, the domestic elephants at Mihimukh Camp, Kohora, are given a bath in the nearby stream. It is not just an enjoyable sight but you can actually replenish a shower with the giant pachyderms.

Baghori: Lying west of Kaziranga, go to its high watchtower before sunset to view the most enigmatic of nature’s spectacles – a sylvan landscape peppered with the rarest of wild animals, all bathed in the golden rays of the setting sun.

Numaligarh: Not far from the park are the ruins of the ancient Numaligarh. These ruins are of great archaeological importance.

The Panbari Reserve Forest: There are rare woodlands at The Panbari Reserve Forest, a few minutes drive from Kohora and can be a great destination for the botanical researchers. This 10-sq-km-long patch is one of Kaziranga’s few remaining highland forests not invaded by the tea plantations or the human settlements. You can find birds like silver-breasted broadbill, pied falconet, sultan tit, Asian fairy bluebird and pale-capped pigeon here easily.

Spread over some 1330.10 sq-km and composed of some 54 alluvial islands, Sunderban is world’s largest delta located in Piyali, West Bengal, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghana rivers and watered by the mighty Bay of Bengal. Some 120 km away from West Bengal Capital Kolkata, Sunderban’s claim to fame are its priceless reserve of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger.

During the spring, the the leaves of Genwa and the red Kankara flowers carpet the swaps red and tiny yellow blooms of Khalsi flake the entire locale, bejeweling the swampy islands and with the growl of the Bengal Tiger in the backdrop, the jungle looks too beautiful to be true.

Attractions
Widlife Attractions: The Bengal tigers have adopted themselves excellently to the aqua and the saline environs of the Sunderbans. At present there are about 200 Bengal Tigers that inhabit the national park. They are expert swimmers (can swim up to10 km), hunt for fish and can also steal honey from the bee hives. The best spots for tiger sightings are Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani and Haldi. As you explore the jungles, you have chances of spotting a variety of fascinating wildlife like the rhesus monkey, wild pigs, wild boars, chital, swamp deer and so on. If you have never seen what a river terrapin looks like, here is your chance. The endangered Batagur Baska (river terrapin) is seen at the Mechua Beach, while the barking deer is found at Holiday Island in Sunderbans. The Olive Ridley Turtles nest at the Kanak island shores during the winters. The swampy marshlands and dense mangrove forests at the Sunderbans offer an ideal habitat for the various interesting bird species.

There is a museum where they have preserved heart, lung, kidney of the Tiger in Formaldehyde solution, along with many other reptiles. Do not miss it!

Piyali: Piyali is a small river that is considered the gateway to Sundarbans, 72 km from Kolkatta by road. This along with Kaikhali make ideal romantic holiday destination. A beautiful tourist complex with accommodation and recreation facilities is also situated over here.

The Sajnakhali Sanctuary: Protected from all sides by netted wires, the Sajnakhali Sanctuary complex houses a museum, a watchtower and the Herbivore Acclimatization Center. It is actually a part of the Sunderbans National Park and boasts of a very significant avian influx. Don’t miss out the Canopy Walk to its south-west where you can stroll through the mangrove thickets.

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project: A few hours drive from Namkhana will bring you to a hatchery of the world’s largest estuarine crocodile, flanked by the Saptamukhi River.

Netidhopani: At Netidhopani, discover the ruins of a 400-year-old temple.

Bhagabatpur: This little spot boasts of the hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Haliday Island: Haliday Island is famous as last retreat of barking dear in India.
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Safaris
The WBTDC organizes guided tours- mostly of a duration of two or three days, starting and ending at Kolkata. They’re a good way of visiting Sunderbans without some of the adventure which accompanies making your own arrangements. Within Sunderbans, the only way to get around is by boat; you can take a boat ride, along with an official from the Project Tiger office.

Travel Info

* Foreign tourists have to get a permit for entry into the park from West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation in Kolkata.
* Park charges Entry Fee: Rs. 15 (Indians) & Rs. 150 (foreigners), Boat Fee: Rs. 100/boat/day plus Rs. 45 for 3 crew members, Camera: Rs. 300 (video) & still free, Guide : Rs. 200
* Park timings are 7 AM – 5 PM.
* Be careful with the drinking water and carry all the basic medicines along.
* Carry all the essentials including mosquito repellent cream, light clothes, sun hat, thick rubber sole boots etc.
* Get prior information about the park and take an experienced local guide along.
* Prior permission is required, which can be obtained from the Forest Officer at Khulna
* The entry fees and other charges are to be paid at the relevant forest stations.

Getaways
Gosaba (50-kms): If you have time visit this quaint village of fishermen near the Sunderbans and buy Tiger Prawns and Honey, the best in quality. These were erstwhile denizens of Sunderbans who lived on fish and honey, and got relocated in Gosaba due to a noble Englishmen Sir Daniel Hamilton, effort and now their survival depends on our co-operation.

Kolkata (120 km): Kolkata, aka Calcutta, is the West Bengal Capital, third largest urban agglomeration in India. With attractions like Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu), this is one of India’s tourist hot-hubs. Go there for a look and feel of a different and unique cultural India.