Travel Category

Exploring God’s Own Country Kerala

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Kerala finds mentioned among the “50 must-see destinations of the world” by National Geographic traveller. Fondly known as God’s Own Country for its amazing natural beauty, Conde Nast Traveller names it one of the world’s “top tourist destinations”. The prized highlight of South India tours, Kerala creates experiences of a lifetime.

Though one of the smallest of India’s states as far as size is concerned, the charms are in abundance. Our Kerala Tour Packages encompass all the highlights of the paradise on Earth, from the port city of Cochin to the tea gardens of Munnar, the backwaters of Kumarakom, to the wildlife reserves of Periyar. From the delicious cuisines to the rejuvenating Ayurveda massages and treatments, stay at the houseboats to luxury resorts, we make sure that you have an unforgettable experience!

Here are all the places that you can explore on your holiday in Kerala:

Cochin

Chinese Fishing nets in Cochin

Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin has one of the world’s most attractive natural ports. It is well known for its centuries-old trading of spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood. It has a traditionally rich heritage, but at the same time, it is one of the most fast-paced and contemporary cities in India. It is very easy to be spellbound by the magic of Cochin and it is the beauty and comparatively good infrastructure that makes it the ideal gateway to the state. The city offers visitors a peek into palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm-fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a modern metro city.

Kumarakom

Houseboat in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a small village on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. This beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, green paddy fields and coconut groves comprises waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Kumarakom charms tourists from all over the world. It offers a wide variety of flora, beautiful sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences. It is a part of Kuttanad region and the bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres is a safe home for many migratory birds. It is a fascinating sight for the visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat ride around the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads.

Alleppey

Ayurveda massage in Alleppey

India’s Own Venice, Alleppey is a town nestled in the heart of the scenic backwaters. You can explore the town on a houseboat ride on the backwaters. Alleppey beach is also a pretty scenic stop. Ayurveda massages are a must in the humid bliss, a sit works like magic here. You can visit any certified Ayurveda massage centre or we can happily guide you to one.

Periyar

Elephants in Periyar National Park

Periyar is one of the most popular National Parks in Southern India, but these days this is more famous for its serene feel, than for sightings of wildlife. The uniqueness of the sanctuary extends around the banks of a huge artificial lake that was created by the damming of the Periyar River a century ago. The sanctuary is known for the Tigers. It has a wide range of animals, including elephants, bison, macaque leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs, mouse deer, gaur, sambar deer, barking deer. The sanctuary treasures a wide variety of rich flora and rare fauna.

Munnar

Tea Gardens in Munnar

Named among the most beautiful places in Kerala and India, the hill town of Munnar is worth visiting. Nestled in the lush lap of the Western Ghats, the hill town is surrounded by rolling hills covered by tea estates. The town was settled in the era of the British Raj and there are many remnants of the period in the mansions, churches and the charming city.

Thekkady

Close to the wildlife haven of Periyar, Thekkady is a scenic town known for its spices. It is a quick outing where you can walk among the fragrant spices, learn about them and shop for some. The rolling hills are a beauty that deserves your time and attention.

Kovalam

Kovalam

Kovalam is Kerala’s popular tourist destination and a famous beach. In 1960 the Kovalam beach was discovered by the western hippies. It was the hippies who changed the small fishing village into the Kovalam beach. Since then it has become one of the most popular beach destinations. Presently Kovalam has acquired all the accessories of a beach resort, such as the seaside eateries serving a fusion of Indian and Continental food, fast-food vendors and pubs, etc.

These and many more delights await in Kerala! Ready to explore the 'Heaven on Earth'?


Wildlife Safari on the Tiger Trail

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Summer in India is the best time to plan a safari in India's national parks and reserves, especially for wildlife spotting. Safaris in India are loved by nature lovers for the opportunity to spot the royal bengal tigers in India. The trail of exploring the Tigers of Central India is one of the most wonderful reasons for wildlife lovers to visit the country in summer. The reason is, the fact that during the summers the suffocating sun drains most of the water resources in the jungle, forcing dozens of animals to go out and look for the remaining water sources. So, if you're patient and you can wait near these water resources, you're likely to spot these animals.

So planning a trip to a nature reserve during the summer is by no means a bad idea. India also boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves where travelers are spoiled for choice.

Safari in Ranthambore National Park

One of the largest national parks in northern India, it was once famous as the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Today it is famous as a tourist attraction for spectacular safaris. The Ranthambore National Park is also known as a famous archaeological site as pictorial ruins adorn the national park. A safari in this place could turn into a real-life experience; you can spot the famous Indian tiger as well as many other wild species of India. Whether you plan A short Ranthambore getaway or an Indian itinerary, this is one of the most interesting wildlife tours.

Safari in Kanha National Park

A safari in Kanha National Park will take you on an adventurous and exciting journey into the natural habitat of the wild creatures of India. This park is actually a haven for wildlife, and this place is famous for being the home of Barasingha, the marsh deer which is also notoriously called "the jewel of Kanha". It is also one of the best managed parks in Asia, and a Kanha safari will bring you a unique experience.

Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visiting the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of the Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.

 


Exploring Ladakh, India's own 'Shangri La'

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India is a life-changing experience for travellers of which Ladakh is truly unmissable. Think of an India tour itinerary and Ladakh certainly deserves a mention. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Ladakh is one of the remotest places on Earth and a treasure to explore. Settled at an altitude of 3542 meters above sea level it is one of the highest inhabited places on the planet. Boasting of the immense scenic beauty of mountains, lakes, rivers and a cold desert it is a wonder to visit. Adding to it are the amazing allures including palaces, and monasteries. And, lastly, an adventure of a lifetime is a guarantee. A surprising fact about Ladakh is that a trip can be planned in the official off-travel season. The land opens up for visitors from late May to October. As it is monsoon in the rest of India, if you want to skip rains, you must pay a visit.

If you are still not sure to plan a trip to Ladakh on your visit to India, here are a few reasons.

Scenic Beauty

Scenic beauty of Leh

Ladakh’s location is out of the world and therefor is its beauty. The Land of High Passes is settled in the snowy heights of Himalayan ranges and is surrounded by mountain ranges of Karakoram. Even for a land withoutt rain, it is simply one among the most blessed natural places in India and the world. The rugged  mounatins are shades ofbrown with specks of green and layers of snow. The rivers iand the lakes are crystal clear displaying myraid shades of blues. The deesrt dunes of Nubra Valley are magical with their unbeivale golden hues, home to the unique double-humped Bactrian Camels.

Culture

Ladakh has a unique Tibetan Buddhist culture with impacts from traditional beauties. Over the years, this culture has become an important backbone for tourism. The land’s traditional culture and lifestyle make the cuisine, dressing, dance forms and others. The festivals of the land gain more attention thanks to the exclusive culture of the land. This is one of the few places where you can find dancing monks enjoying festivals just like you.

Taking a pilgrimage tour is a double beauty. You get to wander around ancient monasteries, explore the culture and enjoy the unique architectural beauties. Apart from these, the nature plays an important role in adding peace and tranquility to these religious places. Every year, thousands of people visit Ladakh for pilgrimage activities. Top iconic religious sites to visit in Ladakh are Likir monastery, Thiksey monastery, Sumda Chun, Shanti Stupa, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and others.

Adventure

Adventure in Ladakh

Statistically, this is the main reason that drives more than three fourth of the travel population to Ladakh. The geographical wealth and the Himalayan nature gives access to different landscapes, which allow you to enjoy unique adventure activities like mountain biking, trekking, jeep safari, river rafting, camel safari, yak safari, ice hockey and many others. No wonder, Ladakh is called as the adventure capital of the country.

It is the place for adventure activities. Top three motorable mountain passes of the world are located in Ladakh. It is the only destination in India apart from Rajasthan, where you can enjoy camel safari. It is one of the very few places to experience yak safari too. The most common safari to enjoy in the region is the jeep safari. The Himalayan regions make the safari more exciting. Many sure to choose the right season so that you can enjoy all types of safaris here.You can find a lot of trekking trails for hiking and trekking along with frozen rivers. Name an adventure activity; and, you would find it there. Top peaks for hiking are Nun-Kun, Stok Kangri, Jang Yatse and others. You can also enjoy a trekking excursion to the base of Mount Everest; if you are up for the challenge. Apart from these, there are a lot of monasteries to explore and enjoy their rituals, explore their libraries, antiques and others.


Exploring India in search of adventure

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India offers excellent opportunities for adventures. Some of these adventures become experiences of a lifetime. Right from exploring the jungles thriving with wildlife, go rafting on river rapids, or head out on beautiful yet challenging roads leading to the dreamland of Ladakh. From seeking out vibrant marine life to trekking across majestic mountains of Himalayas, there is a world out here.

Besides the vibrant culture, the charming history and incredible experiences, you and your family & friends can experience adventures like never before.

Here’s all that awaits!

Tiger Safaris

The biggest adventure one could have in India is coming across the majestic royal Bengal Tigers. A sprawling abode for tigers and scores of other species India’s has many havens for wildlife enthusiasts. From the tiger lands of Central India's Madhya Pradesh to UNESCO world heritage sites of Sundarbans, One word of advice: don’t get so preoccupied with tiger spots that you miss other animals and just the romance of traversing through what is genuinely wild territory. The adventurous thrill of exploring wildlife is made all the more special with staying at the wildlife resorts. 

Not just tigers, jungle safaris In India comprises exploring North East India's Kaziranga National Park, the land of one-horned rhinoceros, boat safaris at Periyar National Park, spotting leopards at Jawai and many more.

Mountain biking in Ladakh

Ladakh, lying on the northern tip of India’s frontiers, is truly unparalleled in its majestic beauty and challenges. Biking in Ladakh is the holy grail of adventure cyclists all over the world. Terrifying mountain passes, thin air, and awe-inspiring beauty in a remote frontier landscape make this one heck of an adventure. Adding to the kick of adventure is the unparalleled beauty of nature which inspires even the regular tourists to become explorers and ordinary shutterbugs to become genuine photographers.

Treks in the Himalayas

The Himalayas stretched over India, Nepal and Bhutan offer the thrill of trekking, camping and many more adventures. Trekking in the Himalayas is a thrill that calls enthusiasts to walk through ancient trails.

Camping in the desert

Marine activities

Goa is the most sought-after destination in India for a vacation, any type of vacation. It has lazy beaches if you just want to relax and enjoy the waves, it also has adventurous activities for you. It is the best place to head to if you want to beat the lockdown blues. We bet this is one Goa plan that you cannot cancel at any cost, especially after being cooped up inside your house for such a long time.

Bicycling tours


Sri Lanka - the world in one country

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Sri Lanka , a small tear drop shaped island located just off the southern most tip of India , offers a very complete tourist experience, which is why I’m calling it “ the world in one country “ ! The small size of the country ensures that traveling time between its various tourist attractions is minimal ( our longest single day drive was 5 hours) , and its diversity ensures new and unique experiences and sights each day .

The reason I used the tag line “world in one country “ , a phrase I borrowed or copied from a South African tourism logo , is that , very few destinations actually provide more complete and holistic travel experiences, the way Sri Lanka does. In Sri Lanka, one can visit half a dozen World Heritage Sites ( including the famous Sigriya Rock Fortress, the Dambulla caves , Galle Fort etc ) , do Safaris in National Parks ( Yala and Minneriya , famous for Leopards and Elephants respectively) , experience Tea Tasting in real working Tea Gardens and Factories, feel a touch of “little England “ in the hill town of Nuwara  Eliya, walk in the ramparts of the buzzing old Portuguese and Dutch influenced old fort town of Galle , and then relax on the sandy beaches of either Bentota or Negombo ! 

I traveled to Sri Lanka after a long gap earlier this year ( when all was well there ) and was actually very impressed with the people , the infrastructure, the hotels and the general tourist friendly feel of the destination. For the last month or two , Sri Lanka is in the midst of economic and political turmoil, which we hope will be over soon , and things will be back to normal for potential visitors to this wonderful island .