Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas. It's home to scenic mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie. Host to the Dalai Lama, Himachal Pradesh has a strong Tibetan presence. This is reflected in its Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as its vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations. The region is also well known for its trekking, climbing and skiing areas.

Himachal Pradesh is a pristine North Indian destination that would be in the bucket list of travellers of all kinds. Embellished with religious sites, shimmering lakes, sprawling apple farms, ancient monasteries and historical heritage sites, while offering numerous adventure activities, Himachal Pradesh boasts myriad of tourist places which make one fall in love with it. Himachal Pradesh Tourism isn’t just about the natural beauty but also the rich cultural extravaganza that can be best witnessed in its handicrafts, fairs and festivals, dance and music, delectable cuisine and more. The state is a world in itself and one needs to visit it to witness and believe the beauty of this much-celebrated tourism destination of India.

Capital: Shimla 

Location: Northern India

BEST TIME TO VISIT HIMACHAL PRADESH:

A trip to Himachal Pradesh can be planned all throughout the year depending on what the tourists want to explore.

WHY VISIT HIMACHAL PRADESH?

For pristine natural beauty, ancient monasteries and temples, adventure activities, unique art and craft, delectable cuisine, dance and music and exotic honeymoon destinations.

Himachal Pradesh is one of the much-admired and praised tourist destinations in India. Nestled between the snow-capped Himalayan ranges in North India, the state calls tourists from far and near to enjoy a holiday in India, the memories of which cling on for a lifetime. The major enticement for tourists lies in the splendid mountains, pristine valleys.

Some of the popular lakes of Himachal Pradesh include Renuka Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Prashar Lake in Mandi; Suraj Tal Lake and Chandratal Lake in Lahaul and Spiti. These lakes are nestled high above in the mountains and offer a breathtaking and panoramic view of the Great Himalayas.

Every occasion is celebrated with much pomp and fervour and is no less than a grand extravaganza. Some of the local fairs and festivals of the state include Phulaich/Flaich in Kinnaur, Chrewal, Lavi Fair, Minjar Mela in Chamba and winter carnival. During these celebrations, tourists are also introduced to the various dance forms of Himachal with the popular ones being, Cham Dance (mask dance), Rakshasa (demon), Kayang, Chihara, Bnayangchu, Chhanak Chham, Bakayang, Jataru Kayang, Shand and Shabu.

Pilgrims and tourists like to visit Manikaran Gurudwara to take a holy dip in the sulphur hot water, in the belief that it will relieve them from all types of skin problems. Besides this, the state is an abode of seven incarnations of Goddess Durga and has seven temples dedicated to them. These are, Mata Chamunda Devi Temple, Mata Jwala Ji Temple, Bajreshwari Mata Temple (Maa Kangra), Chinmastika Shaktipeeth Maa Chintpurni Temple, Mata Naina Devi Bhawan, Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple, and Mata Kalika Devi Temple.

An ideal holiday in Himachal Pradesh would mean exploring the ancient monasteries, temples, churches and gurudwaras. Tourists can explore some of the splendid monasteries in Kangra, Dharamshala (home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama), and Lahaul and Spiti. Be it a history buff or a spiritual seeker, the churches of Shimla offer a soothing retreat to the soul. The must-visit churches Himachal Pradesh are Christ Church in Shimla, St John in the Wilderness Church in Dharamshala and St John’s Church in Dalhousie.

A trip to Himachal Pradesh will not only be a feast for the eyes but also do wonders to the taste buds. Majority cuisines of Himachal Pradesh have Tibetan influence, especially in the highlands of Kinnar, Lahaul and Spiti. Siddu, a steamed stuffed burger is one of the popular dishes of the state. Other locally popular must-try food include Patande of Sirmaur, Sepu Vadi of Mandi, Babru and Nasastha of Shimla and Khatta Karai of Kangra, and parts of Mandi.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan

A state that invites visitors with melodic tune of ‘Padhaaro Maare Desh’(Come to My Land), Rajasthan beckons the rich culture and history of India. Most of us recognize Rajasthan as a state of vibrant folk dance and music, gigantic forts and palaces, spicy food, colourful and large turbans, extensive golden sand desert, camels and the pride of Rajasthani men, Moochh (Moustache). 

A Land of Brave Men, Exceptional Tales, Exotic Architecture, Vibrant Culture and Warm Hospitality.

The capital, Jaipur is an interface for the state as it is dotted with majestic forts and palaces, lakes and monuments and has many other attractions like Chokhi Dhani...... that beckons to the tourists as to what they are about to witness in the other cities/villages of Rajasthan. The air of Rajasthan smells of cultural opulence and it is just not the ancient architecture that is worth praising here but the cities other state like Jodhpur that are filled with modern day palaces that offer the same elegance and majesty. One thing that catches the eye while going through the Rajasthan travel guide is the urban areas of the state that have imperishable connection with the culture and tradition. There still exist number of fairs and festivals that celebrate age- old traditions and rituals. The flamboyant manner in which even the cattle fairs take place in tourist places like Pushkar and Nagaur is truly something to behold. Rajasthanis are known for observing each religious ritual without even turning a bit left or right and this very fact has added to the reason why everyone must visit Rajasthan. Amongst the most popular fairs and festivals are Gangaur, Elephant, Teej, Mewar, Marwar, Kite, Baneshwar and plenty of others that can be enjoyed around the year.

Foods

Food of Rajasthan certainly speaks a lot about the taste choice of the royals and the unique cooking style of those who served them. Be it snacks like Pyaaz ki Kachori, Mawa Kachori, Shahi Samosas, Mirchi Bada and Bikaneri Bhujia or the fame vegetarian delights that of Daal Baati Churma, Govind Gatte or Besan Gatte, Gwar ki Fali ka Saag or the royal gourmet choices of Laal Maas and Rajasthani Murg Mussallam, everything has a taste that strikes an indelible mark in one’s memory.

Rajsthan has rich culture and notable architectural structures as follows-

1. Amer Fort

2. Kumbhalgarh Fort

3. Mehrangarh Fort

4. Jaisalmer Fort

5. Hawa Mahal

There are many memorable and lovely temples in the Rajasthan as follows:

1.  Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner

2. Brahma Temple in Pushkar

3. Dilwara Jain Temple

4. Ranakpur Temple

Wildlife

Rajasthan is rich destination for Wildlife enthusiasts like -

1. Ranthambhore National Park

2. Keoladeo 

3. Sariska

4. Desert National Park

Goa

Goa

Sandy beaches, warm sunsets, beautiful villages and an atmosphere filled with joy are some of the elements that make Goa a popular beach tourist destination in India. It is not only the scenic beaches but also the tropical climate of Goa that can make one fall in love and create an urge to explore more about the place by visiting time and again. In addition to this, Goa is a perfect travel destination for those seeking for yoga and ayurveda retreat or indulge in enthralling adventure to get a holistic travel experience. For the travellers planning a trip to this priceless destination of India anytime soon, the Goa Travel Guide will cover with all that one can do to make the trip a memorable one.

Capital: Panaji 

Location: Western Coast of India

BEST TIME TO VISIT GOA:

Goa has a tropical climate and can be visited all throughout the year with each season offering an amazing experience to the travellers. Summers in Goa are more popular with families and kids whereas the destination in monsoon let the tourist indulge in some of the water activities. Goa in winter season experiences cool and comfortable weather making it a perfect time for sunbathing.

WHY VISIT GOA?

For water sports activities, shopping in flea markets, visiting the churches, adventure tourism, honeymoon destination, nightlife, casinos, dolphin sighting, luxury vacation, yoga, ayurveda, photography tour, heritage tour, enjoying on a cruise, sunbathe and sunset watching, savor the delectable seafood and organising destination weddings.

Holidaying in Goa sounds amazing and thrilling at the same time as with the serene beaches the state has a plethora of top things to do that is sure to melt the heart of the travellers. Having a tranquil atmosphere with the essence of western culture in the traditional land of India, this unparalleled state has become one of the most popular and preferred tourism destination for travellers of all genre. Right from the palm-fringed beaches to the spice garden, from seafood to nightlife, all complement each other that boosts the exceptionality of the small yet vibrant state of India.

On visiting Goa with family or friends, tourists can unwind themselves on the white sand beaches with some of the popular beaches of Goa including Anjuna Beach, Aguada Beach, Candolim Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Colva Beach. While those travellers with the love for beach parties can choose to head to Baga and Calangute Beach. Some of the beaches in Goa are less crowded which makes them a perfect place for the ones seeking privacy and tranquillity, letting them make the most of their sightseeing tour in Goa. One such is the Mandrem Beach which is calm and soothing letting the travellers make special moments of a honeymoon or a relaxing holiday utterly memorable.

Goa even renders an excellent opportunity to the travellers in attaining complete rejuvenation of body, mind, and soul by getting soaked in the soothing powers of Ayurveda and Yoga. On visiting the Ayurvedic centres in Goa, tourists can choose to undergo the relaxation and rejuvenation that revitalizes the energy and mood. For the night party lovers, Goa let the tourists come across the vibrancy of nightlife where one can descend at the pubs, bars, restaurants and discotheques. Also, Goa is home to offshore and onshore floating casinos where tourists can cheer up the Goan nightlife. Out of many, Casino Royale is known to be the best casino in Goa. The other popular ones where tourist can head to are Casino Pride, Casino Carnival, Chances Casino and Resort and Dunes at the Zuri Sands.

Other than this, tourists can even seek divine intervention in the temples and mosques that are seen tucked in the state including Mangesh Temple and Safa Shahouri Mosque. Last but not the least, for the wildlife buffs, Goa Tourism has wildlife reserves where one can spot a variety of rich flora and fauna. The popular wildlife sanctuaries in Goa include Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary & Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.

Top Hotels and Resorts in Goa

With pristine beaches, amazing nightlife, charming churches, Goa Tourism has a number of hotels and resorts with every kind of amenity one can imagine. Featuring high-end infinity pools, fine dining restaurants, world-class spas, casinos and nightclubs, resorts and hotels in Goa is sure to make your vacation a memorable one. While some may go for luxury, others would love to travel at the cost of luxury and that is why Goa also has a number of mid-range and budget hotels. Travellers can find all the luxury, mid-range and budget resorts in the areas including Bardez, Calangute, Cavelossim, Benaulim, Candolim, Bogmalo and Mandrem. These hotels and resorts have emerged to be one of the keys to the tourism boom with amazing facilities that travellers can choose according to their needs and preferences.

Punjab

Punjab

Punjab also spelt Panjab, is a state in the northwest of the Republic of India, forming part of the larger Punjab region. Punjab, a state bordering Pakistan, is the heart of India’s Sikh community. The city of Amritsar, founded in the 1570s by Sikh Guru Ram Das, is the site of Harmandir Sahib, the holiest gurdwara (Sikh place of worship). Known in English as the Golden Temple, and surrounded by the Pool of Nectar, it's a major pilgrimage site. Also in Amritsar is Durgiana Temple, a Hindu shrine famed for its engraved silver doors.

Deriving its name from five full-bodied rivers–Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab–which flow through its vast plains, Punjab is representative of abundant things. Located on the north-western edge of India, it is one of the smaller albeit prosperous states of the nation, and home to a lively, hospitable and dynamic people. Widely acknowledged as the cradle of civilization, it is a land of ethnic and religious diversity, having borne and shaped a number of religious movements that include Sikhism, Buddhism and Sufism. The Punjabi language, too, finds its origin in the Indo-European linguistic family that includes Persian and Latin. Naturally replete with fertile soils and rich water sources, it is primarily an agricultural state, and has continually and infinitely contributed towards the food security of the Indian Republic. Punjab’s many festivals–Teej, Lohri, Basant, and Baisakhi, to name some–are celebrations that mirror the farming ethos. Indeed, Bhangra, the traditional dance of Punjab revolves around, and replicates a farmer’s daily life. Historically, Punjab has played host to a number of ethnicities, including the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Afghans and Mongols, thus bestowed with a rich tangible heritage. Reflecting this history are the countless sites that dot the state: impressive forts & palaces, ancient monuments, architectural marvels and many a battlefield.


Climate

The climate in Punjab comprises of three seasons:-
a) Summer spans from mid April to the end of June.
b) The rainy season is from the months of early July to end of September.
c) The winter season is experienced during the months of early December to the end of February.
Summer in Punjab actually commences from mid April but the temperature starts rising from February onwards. Rainfall ranges from 250mm to 1000mm. Agriculture in the state highly depends on the rains. The winter season in Punjab is mostly experienced in the month of January, when the temperature falls to 5°C in the night and hovers around 12°C in the day. In the post winter transitional season, hail-storms and brief showers occur which cause damage to the crops. The wind becomes dry by the end of March. The Punjab climate has been a significant factor in shaping the economy of the state.

There is may traditional and popular food of Punjab or Punjabi's.

• Langar – The Feast of Piety in Punjab.
• Makke ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag :
• Butter Chicken – The king of all Punjabi dishes!
• Chole-Bhature – Punjabi Food Fiesta!
• Dal Makhani.
• Gobhi-Shalgam-Gajaar Achaar – Awesome Pickles of Punjab.
• Karma Prashad.
• Lassi.

How to reach

Travelers from within and even outside India can book tickets to these airports to reach Punjab in the fastest, and most convenient ways. Various airlines like Jet Airways, Indigo, Vistara, Air India, Qatar Airways, and more, operate regular flights to Amritsar.

A Mumbai to Punjab train takes a minimum of one day to reach a desired destination in Punjab. Trains like Swaraj Express, Golden Temple Mail, Amritsar Express, Bandra Vivek Express, and Jammu Tawi Special operate on a regular basis between these two places.

Kerala

Kerala

Kerala, a state on India's tropical Malabar Coast, has nearly 600km of Arabian Sea shoreline. It's known for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters, a network of canals. Inland are the Western Ghats, mountains whose slopes support tea, coffee and spice plantations as well as wildlife. National parks like Eravikulam and Periyar, plus Wayanad and other sanctuaries, are home to elephants, langur monkeys and tigers.

Kerala, located on the south-western tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land.  A unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are only a two - four hour drive from the other.

Classical art forms, colourful festivals, exotic cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travellers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also helped Kerala to gain a pan-global reputation as a worth-visit destination.

Season never ends in Kerala, thanks to the year-long moderate climate and numerous festivals and events

Republic of China

Republic of China

China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country. China emerged as one of the world's first civilizations, in the fertile basin of yellow river. China's political system was based on hereditary monarchies. China  is one of the few existing socialist states. China's landscape is vast and diverse, ranging from the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts.

When most people go to China, they only want to see the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, walk along the Bund at Shanghai or take in the Terracotta Warriors at Xi’an. Maybe they’ll throw in a visit to Guangzhou or take a Yangtze River cruise. But there’s much more to China than just these famous sites.

There are plenty of amazing tourist attractions in China, from ancient cities to forests to temples to rice fields that look like they’ve been designed by artists to sacred mountains and stunning waterfalls. This desire to explore off the beaten path where Chinese tourists outnumber foreign tourists isn’t just confined to 20-something backpackers. Any traveler armed with a good phrase book, a pot of patience and a marvelous sense of humor should do just fine.

Established in 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first national forest park in China and is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Areas. With its clear streams, weird-looking peaks, wildlife and abundant sub-tropical vegetation, China the park is a year-round magnet for visitors. Key attractions include the Golden Whip Stream where visitors can see fish swimming in the crystal-clear water.

Lijiang Old Town is one of Yunnan Province’s top tourist magnets, drawing visitors who want to sample life in a minority area. Kublai Khan was the first emperor to live in this 800-year-old town that is affiliated with the Naxi minority culture. Almost 350 bridges cross canals that meander through the city, which is a good place to see colorful Naxi architecture and residents wearing native costumes.

Travelers who’ve seen Crouching Tiger,China, Hidden Dragon already know how scenic the Wudang Mountains, located in northwestern Hubei Province, are. Besides being scenic, the Wudang Mountains is the most sacred Taoist mountain range in China. There travelers will find temple complexes, including the palatial Nanyan Temple, considered the most spectacular of the 36 temples on Wudangshan because it’s built of rock from the cliff behind it.

Mount Tai, in Shandong Province, is one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. Climbing Taishan (“shan” is mountain in Mandarin) was one of the first things a new emperor did; it’s said that 72 emperors made the climb. They left behind great temples, inscribed tablets and other cultural relics. Travelers with imperial leanings will want to climb the 6,000-step east route as that’s what the emperors did.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is situated on the Yangtze River in southwestern China. About 15 km (9 miles) in length, the canyon passes through a series of rapids surrounded by mountains on both sides that sharply rise 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above the river. It is believed to be the deepest canyon in the world – depending on the criteria applied. The hiking trail through the gorge is one of the most accessible and satisfying in China, with dramatic scenery. The hike is not to be taken lightly though. Even for those in good physical shape, it’s a workout and can certainly wreck the knees. Accommodation along the way is in guesthouses, so hikers won’t need a tent.

Suzhou is a picturesque city located on the Grand Canal about 65 km (40 miles) from Shanghai. It is famous for its silks, the canals that run through the city, and for its classical gardens with their fish ponds and rockeries. Suzhou has about 80 classical gardens; the Humble Administrator’s Garden is among the most famous. A canal boat ride is a good way to experience the exquisiteness of Suzhou.

Travelers along the ancient Silk Road will definitely want to stop at Dunhuang for a visit to the Mogao Caves, which are representative of early Buddhist cave art. Unlike the Yungang Caves, which featured Buddhas carved into hillsides, the Mogao Grottoes mostly feature murals painted on cave walls. Some of the paintings date back to the fourth century. At one time, there were more than 1,000 cave temples.

The Yangtze River runs along some of China’s most interesting and famous sites, including the stunning Three Gorges. On a Yangtze River cruise, travelers will travel through some of this immense country’s most gorgeous landscapes and may also have the option of taking shore excursions to various interesting sites. The Yangtze River is also home for a number of this country’s endangered species, including the Chinese alligator and river dolphin.