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India is rich in wildlife and wilderness. The vast and diverse country is home to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. Jungle safaris in India are very popular as you enjoy a wide diversity of flora and fauna. While most species of the animal kingdom abound in the landscape, there is a particular fondness for Tigers. Besides, the majestic cats, there are elephants, the only habitat of Asiatic Lions, one-horned rhinoceros along with spotting the wild species in their natural habitats, get to enjoy at eco-friendly wildlife resorts in India, campsites, treehouses, etc. Go for jungle treks in India, bird watching, elephant rides, jeep rides and even boat rides which adds to the fun of the wildlife safaris in India.

To enjoy the pleasures of wildlife tours in India, here are the top choices:

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 luxury jungle resorts in India, visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

Book at here: Bandhavgarh National Park

Ranthambore National Park

Once the hunting grounds of the royal family of Jaipur, Ranthambore is the most popular option for best wildlife tours in India. The favourite resident of the jungle, tigers bring visitors in huge numbers from all across the globe. The many water sources in the jungle are home to a huge number of crocodiles, nilgai, sambhar, birds and more.

Stay at the heritage jungle resorts in India, the very ones used by the royalty on their hunting trips is particularly exciting as is exploring the 10th century Ranthambore Fort atop a hill overlooking the wilderness.

Book at here: Ranthambore National Park

Gir National Park

The exclusive home of Asiatic lions in the natural habit, Gir National park in Gujarat is among the most visit places for a wildlife getaway in India. Besides, the king of the jungle, there are many inhabitants such as leopards, jackals and the Indian fox. Jeep safari brings you close to the lions.

Book at here: Gir National Park

Kanha National Park

Said to be the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha National Park lures quite a huge number of wildlife lovers and animal enthusiasts. Apart from spotting tigers in India, you can find gaur, palm squirrel, striped hyena, chinkara, mouse deer, black buck, jackal, porcupine, sambhar and others. The best way to spot tigers is by taking the early morning elephant safari from Mukki entrance of the park.

Book at here: Kanha National Park

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur)

The bird sanctuary with a status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, earlier known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to go for jungle safaris in India. Bird watching is a pleasure here as the nature reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds including migratory species that fly in for a winter visit as far as from Siberia and other cold countries. Keeping the natural beauty intact and noises at the minimum, safari at the bird paradise is available only on cycle rickshaws.

Book at here: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

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 tours 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 India 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.

Book at here: Periyar National Park

Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of 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.

Book at here: Corbett National Park

Kaziranga National Park

Home to one third of world's population of one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park is a must visit detsination for wildlife safari tours in India. The UNECSO listed wildlife sanctaury is spread in India's North Eastern state of Assam.

Book at here: Kaziranga National Park

Maldives has won the title of World's Leading Destination 2020 at the World Travel Awards. The country is well known for its crystalline waters with beautiful shades of blue, swaying palm trees, and sparkling white sand under the limitless blue skies. With good weather throughout most of the year, Maldives makes a great choice for an idyllic beach getaway. It is the ultimate dream of luxury and tranquility.

Here, we share with you eight reasons why Maldives should be on your travel bucket list.

1. Most Romantic Place on Earth

A visit to the Maldives is a dream come true. Each resort is a private enclave perched on an individual island, providing its occupants with exclusive tranquility. This is a great place to relax and spend quality time with your other half or family. Imagine waking up on the private island, surrounded by swaying palm trees, azure blue sea and pristine soft white sand every day. Maldives is where you create magical memories with your loved ones.

2. Amazing Marine Life
No trip to Maldives would be complete without a dip in the waters teeming with rich marine life. Maldives is world-famous for its amazing myriad of marine life, and is considered to be one of the best snorkeling/ diving locations in the world. Resorts with private house reefs are exceptionally attractive because you get to snorkel at any time of the day. Swim freely in the Indian Ocean among the colourful arrays of corals, sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and a multitude of other underwater species! It’s almost like swimming in a giant aquarium.

3. Unrivalled Luxury and Pampering
If there were one luxury destination in Asia that comes to mind, it has to be Maldives. Over here, you will be treated like royalty. From the moment you arrive at the Male Airport, resort representatives will be there to escort you to your luxury speedboat or seaplane. This is where your fuss-free vacation begins. From the unparalleled top-notch personalized service to the romantic Dhoni cruises to dining on a private sandbank, you will enjoy unrivalled luxury and pampering.

4. Living on the Ocean

Overwater villas are all over the world but you should not miss out on the ones in Maldives. Everyone should experience staying in these villas at least once in their lives. Waking up to the paranomic view of the vast turquoise sea with only the sound of the waves lapping against your resort and gentle sea breeze blowing against your face, while watching the resplendent egg yolk sunrise, is the ultimate Maldivian experience. What’s more, the colourful corals and rich marine life are right at your doorstep.

5. Beautiful Scenery in Paradise
Well known for its picturesque beaches with sparkling soft white sand, beautiful azure sea, and impossibly clear skies, the term “tropical paradise” for Maldives is almost an understatement. Basking on your sundeck while enjoying the heart-stopping views of the Indian Ocean is like a dream. Every single angle seems to be the perfect vantage point for taking picture-perfect postcard-worthy photos.

6. A Paradise’s Race Against Time
You don’t want to miss out on this paradise, do you? Maldives is the world’s lowest lying nation, at just 1.3 metres above sea level. If the sea level rises by just another metre, the island nation would become uninhabitable. With global sea levels rising rapidly due to unpredictable climate changes, Maldives may disappear from the world in the near future. Start saving, start planning and visit Maldives before it’s gone forever.

7. The Ultimate Privacy and Seclusion

A trip to the Maldives is an ultimate vacation where you get to enjoy a combination of nature, luxury and privacy. Sandbank dining is definitely one of the most serene and romantic experiences in Maldives. Enjoy the sandbank in private with your special other half on the stark white sand while being surrounded by the endless Indian Ocean. Savour your meal as you witness the first rays of morning light on the horizon.

An unforgettable travel experience, Maldives on your travel bucket list because life is too short to miss out on this paradise! Maldives is truly one of the best vacation destination in the world and you will have unforgettable memories here.

India has fascinated travelers since centuries. Be it the history, heritage, culture or other charms, the country is matchless for its incredible experiences. While the Covid-19 Pandemic has kept you to the safety of your homes, there is no reason for you to not enjoy the charms of India. Here’s how you can experience India at the safety of your home; there are a number of popular Hollywood movies that has India has a backdrop and has intricately captured its charm. The fabled land has so much to offer that visitors are left in awe of the sights, experiences, cuisines, adventure, hospitality and more for a lifetime. The love for the country is shared by many movies and filmmakers.

So, if you are missing India and would like to experience the feeling, here’s a list of movies

     1. Octopussy

The classic James Bond movie is shot at the Lake Palace in Udaipur. The beautiful Taj property makes for the perfect setting for the thriller spy movie. If you haven’t been to the ‘City of Lakes’ Udaipur or not actually had a stay in the Lake Palace, this movie is exactly a good look into the luxuries that the royal city of Rajasthan has to offer. The floating lake palace has been covered in its entire grandeur and with the movie you can actually relive the royal splendor.

             2. The Jungle Book

Inspired from the book of same name, this blockbuster movie is an all time favorite. The movie and the books are inspired from the jungles of Pench and the lush wilderness of Central India. If you have not been on a wildlife safari in the jungles of India, this movie will take you on a wild adventure. There is the wild child raised by the wolves, the pack of loving wolves, the severe panther, the loving black bear and the dangerous Royal Bengal Tiger. Relive India and its exotic greenery along with the thrilling adventure.

     3.The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A sweet and memorable movie of discovering India, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel captures the journey of travelers that make their home in the country. With the movie explore the labyrinthine of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and historic sights of the colorful ‘Pink City’ Jaipur and the romantic ‘City of Lakes’ Udaipur. A showcase of quintessential India at its best, this movie is a memory to cherish as are the sights you must be waiting to explore.

     4. The Darjeeling Limited

Based on the plot of a journey across India, The Darjeeling Limited is more of a photo album of the charms of India. Covering various landscapes from the desert to the mountains of the Himalayas, ancient temples to the fascinating luxury train ride, with the movie embark on a journey of India that teaches you, inspires you and makes you fall in love.

     5. The Dark Knight Rises

While this movie is not based in India, it shows a glimpse of the Mehrangarh Fort looming over the Thar Desert. The popular movie shows a scene where the magnificent fortress of Rajasthan in all its glory. And, even that glimpse fascinates you to explore India.

6. Slumdog Millionaire

Probably one of the best Hollywood movies to have shot in India, Slumdog Millionaire is a must watch to enjoy the charms of India. In the movie India, especially Mumbai is painted as a canvas for adventure, aspirations and dreams. The exciting pace of the movie is just a glimpse of the thrills of Mumbai.

While there are aplenty of Hollywood movies with India as a backdrop, this is the list that you can watch anytime and enjoy the quintessential charms of India.

Over the last several years, I’ve been asked by several friends as well as clients for recommendations on restaurants in Goa, so I finally decided to put together my own little list of places that I can recommend, both in North as well as in South Goa. While South Goa has the better beaches, the North certainly seems to have the better restaurants most of Goa’s iconic bars and restaurants are located in North Goa, in the stretch from Baga / Calangute to Vagator beach. Many of them have now become so popular, that reservations need to be made well in advance.

North Goa

1. Thalassa: Stylish Greek and Mediterranean Restaurant on Vagator beach in North Goa, about a 20-minute drive north of the Taj Holiday Village. Get there just before sunset for the best views of the sun setting into the Arabian Sea.

2. Brittos: Multi-cuisine shack on Baga beach in North Goa. Great food, great desserts, moderate prices, live music & more.

3. La Plage: The La Plage is undoubtedly the most stylish beach shack serving the finest French cuisine in Goa. Located on Ashwem beach in North Goa, about a 40-minute drive north of the busy Baga and Calangute beaches, the La Plage serves great food in an excellent ambiance overlooking the beach.

4. Tito’s: One of the most well-known landmarks of North Goa, Tito’s is located right in the tourist belt of Baga and Calangute, and offers not one, but several eating options and bars. Tito’s also houses Goa’s best-known nightclub, as well as a sports bar.

5. Fiesta: Very well known Italian restaurant, again in the tourist belt of Baga and Calangute, offering excellent wood-fired Pizzas and other Italian food, in an excellent beachside ambience.

6. J & A’s Little Italy: Set in the lush tropical gardens of a charming colonial cottage close to the Baga river, J & A’s offers excellent alfresco fine dining Italian cuisine in an excellent setting. Lovingly managed by the husband-wife duo of Jamshed and Ayesha, this is a place for a quiet romantic evening in Goa.

South Goa

1. Fisherman’s Wharf: Set on the banks of the Sal river, very close to Cavelossim beach and across the road from the Leela hotel and the Holiday Inn in Goa, is the Fisherman’s Wharf. Excellent Goan cuisine, with live entertainment, and a bar that rakes up great cocktails.

2. Martins Corner: Located in the Majorda beach area, a short walk from the Alila Diwa hotel, and a less than 10 minute drive from the Park Hyatt as well as the Taj Exotica, Martins is a family-style Goan seafood Restaurant, that has been around for almost 30 years , and is a favourite with tourists and locals alike. Martin’s has a live band playing almost every evening.

3. Zeebop by the Sea: In a beautiful setting on Utorda beach, accessible with in a 10 – 15-minute drive from the Alila Diwa, Park Hyatt as well as the Taj Exotica, Zeebop by the Sea is one of South Goa’s most popular beach shacks. Excellent seafood, with crabs and lobsters being their specialty. Moderate prices, excellent food, and service.

4. Sun and Moon, Benaulim: A very nice beach shack on the sands of Benaulim beach, a 2-minute walk from the Taj Exotica, and within a 15 – 20-minute drive from the Leela and the Alila Diwa, Sun and Moon is a great place for sundowners, and also for casual seaside dining. Again, excellent seafood and very reasonable prices for both food, and drinks.

5. Da Tita’s: Truly Italian: A very basic, but, nice Italian Restaurant, located about a 5-minute drive inland from Majorda beach, Da Tita’s is run by Giovanni Battista, an Italian who made Goa his home a few years ago. Undoubtedly South Goa’s best wood-fired Pizza’s and excellent desserts too. Excellent value for money.

The author, Kapil Goswamy is the CEO of Trans India Holidays, New Delhi.