Category: Adventure

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Adventure Western Ghats Western India

Camping getaways in Mumbai that are a promising stress buster

So where are you heading this weekend? We all plan in advance to explore new things on weekends. But sometimes things get really monotonous as we indulge more often in things we have done before. If your idea of outing is to unwind yourself and breath in the goodness of pure nature, then camping is the right deal for you. So let the fragrant breeze touch your face and enjoy the warmth of bonfire in the dark chilling nights. We bring some of the hottest camping gateways near Mumbai for you. Here we go:

Blend the Warmth of Thrill and Tranquility Together in Kolad

Situated on the banks of picturesquely Kundalika river, Kolad camp is an exotic treat for travelers from around the country. It is a haven for kayaking, rafting, and boating enthusiasts. You can also trek to the hills, explore the villages, and experience the spirituality of nature scattered around. Some of the adventure activities at this spot, to boost your adrenaline are white water rafting, boating, kayaking and many others. As the night unfolds its charm, you can listen to the music of the river as you sit in the company of friends with a bonfire warming you up. You are bound to return with a handful of unforgettable memories. Kolad is at 130 km from Mumbai. If you are driving to Kolad, you can reach the destination in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes or also board a direct train.

A Night in Cave at Gorakhgad Fort

What makes this spot stand out is that you spend a night in a cave, not in your camp. The very idea of camping in a cave is thrilling and trekking to Sahyadri Mountain just adds to the fun. Touted as more than 100 years old, you can have ane experience of a lifetime as you view the world from the pinnacle of the mountain. This camping site is one of the most popular near Mumbai. Loads of people come here for camping on and off. Chanting of shlokas and music of devotional Shiva songs sung by villagers from distance in the night leaves you mesmerized.

Gorakhgad fort is an ideal place for those friendly bonfires with beers and ghost stories. Kalyan station is located at the central line of Mumbai Local system. One can easily get an ST bus from outside the Kalyan station and reach Murbad in about 45 minutes. From Murbad, one has the option to board another bus to Dehri village or one can hire a tum-tum (local transport).

The Barbecue World at Pavana

Right in the heart of Lonavala, this place is a rage amongst the youth of Mumbai and Pune. They throng this camping site on weekends to escape the monotony of a fast paced life in cities. This place also makes for a great barbecue site. You can gaze at the clear sky, experience the beauty of the open vast lands, and enjoy the breeze. Forts like Lohagad, Tikona, and Tungi are also in the vicinity of the site. You can explore and have your share of some history.

The driving distance between Mumbai and Pavna lake is 109 kilometers and it takes about 3 hours to cover the distance between Mumbai and Pavna. One can follow Sion-Panvel Expressway and Mumbai – Pune Expressway to NH4 in Khandala, Lonavala. Next take an exit from Khandala-Lonavala exit ramp from the highway and continue on to NH4 to arrive at your destination in Kol.

In the Heart of Green Hills at Karnala

A few kilometers away from Mumbai, it is every Mumbaikar’s dream gateway to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is also a bird sanctuary where you can listen to their exotic music or simply watch them in their natural habitat. Karnala sanctuary is a popular destination for amateur bird-watchers and ornithologists. People who decide to camp at this destination do indulge into some bird watching for a delightful break. You can trek to Karnala fort and also enjoy a waterfall during monsoon. Karnala is located at a driving distance of 60 Kms from Mumbai and it takes 1.50 hours to reach here.

A Trip Down the Orchards of Strawberries in Panchgani

Panchgani is one of the most popular gateways near Mumbai. You can spend some really good time trekking into the wilderness without any feeling of guilt. The place takes you back to the old British era in no time. You can explore the strawberry gardens, hit some stores to shop for jams and jellies, lay back and enjoy the pleasant view of this gorgeous hill station and explore the wonderful trekking trails that this town has to offer. Visited by a large number of tourists, it Panchgani makes your camping experience a blissful one. The road distance between Mumbai to Panchgani is 259 km, and also there are 7 direct buses plying between Mumbai to Panchgani.

These camping sites jotted with nature’s beauty also offer mind blasting activities for adventure junkies which add to the fun factor.

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Adventure North east

The wettest state of the country, Meghalaya has an abundance of natural attractions

If Kerala is god’s own country than Meghalaya must be the goddess he fell in love with. You cannot help yourself from not being bewitched by Meghalaya’s magic spell.The place that literally means the home of clouds is a tourist’s delight. Not often you find majestic hills, gushing waterfalls, tranquil lakes, exotic flora and fauna in the same place.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Guwahati, at a distance of 180 km.While Shillong is the epitome of most travelers map, there are these 5 offbeat places that certainly deserve your footfall.

MAWJYMBUIN

Why date the World’s Second wettest place when you can romance the first! Yes Mawjymbuin, as it is known locally, has officially dethroned the famous Cherrapunji as the wettest region on planet earth. For honeymooners, this is a wet dream. The underplayed romance in the lush greenery vouches for it.

You don’t need to be a poet to appreciate it, it just brings out that poetic side in you that for years has been buried under those office files and house bills.

The Mawjymbuin Cave there is something not to be missed out. It’s made of calcareous sandstone, one of its stalagmites has shaped into a Shiv Lingam and holds a highly divine place for the Hindu devotees.

MAWLYNNONG

After playing dirty in the world’s wettest place it’s but natural to visit the cleanest village of Asia. Despite that tag, it’s a place still off most tourist’s radar. The landscape and more importantly its native; the Khasi people hold so much of love that even their small gestures will touch you in a big way. They make sure that their abode is free of plastic and other wastes.

Try staying atop a tree house after a tiring day of hiking across the dense forests. Away from the polluted sky of cities, there are countless stars waiting for you!

DIRANG

Best known for its orchards and hot springs, this is a remote village in Ranikhor tehsil, its strategic location is great to watch the eastern range of the Majestic Himalayas.Bird watchers will be glad to meet many feathered friends who visit the various water bodies. There are some places so serene that you feel like completely surrendering yourself. This is one of them!

MAWSHAMOK

A picturesque hamlet on the East Khasi Hills, inhabited by mere 38 houses to be precise and to meet them you will need to cross the ‘Living Root’ bridges that Meghalaya is famous for. It connects the isolated village spread in the cluster of houses. Trust us, Mumbai’s sea link and Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge are no matches for these ‘Organic’ bridges made of Ficus Elastica (Indian Rubber Tree.

Away from the internet, wifi and mobile signals. This is how you need to detoxify, the digital life you have been living in cities

DAWKI

As you reach Dawki you realize that you are a shout away from the Bangladesh border. Best known for exporting coal to Bangladesh which is mere 2 km away, Dawki is a next door neighbor in true sense!

The boat ride across the emerald colored river Umngot introduces you to this small town engulfed by the Jaintia hills. There is a suspension bridge over the river that connects India and Bangladesh. Summer holds special interest for the locals and tourists as an annual boat race is organized amidst much fanfare.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya sits on the edge of the Himalayas and is known as one of the wettest places on the planet. It is the only place in India to receive prodigious rain throughout the year. Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges which are the most fantastic sight around. These root bridges form natural pathways and can bear 50 people at a time.

Mawsmai Cave

Situated around 6 Kms from Cherrapunjee, the Mawsmai Caves is a popular spot for domestic tourists. Mawsmai Cave is known to be the only cave in Meghalaya that is lit enough to allow tourists to enjoy the natural formations. Another reason why they are a major crowd puller is that it remains the most accessible cave for many travelers and one can explore it without a guide.

Eco Park

Designed by the Meghalaya government to facilitate tourists to cherish the ‘Green Canyons” of Sohra, Eco Park is a popular tourist attraction of Cherrapunji. There is also a crystal clear water stream inside the park that one can enjoy. You will have to cross a bridge to get near the edge of the canyon and admire the scenic beauty from the edge.

Sitting by the riverside, doing nothing but looking at the serenity all around you wish you had planned a longer holiday!

Categories
Adventure Central India Corporate Outings Travel Trends

Adventure Sports in India, that will make you high!!

With the commencement of many adventure activities in India, the country is becoming a popular site for such sports in the world. It offers many options for exciting recreations because of the diverse landscape across its stretch. Following is a list of some of the thrilling tasks that an adrenaline junkie must undertake in India.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a kind of underwater diving in which the diver uses an apparatus called scuba to breathe underwater.

The best places for Scuba Diving in India include the Andaman Islands, Netrani and Lakshadweep Islands. While Netrani is an ideal choice for those diving for the first time, the waters of Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands are worth exploring for their exquisite coral topography.

 

Paragliding

Paragliding is a competitive and recreational adventure sport of flying paragliders which are free-floating, lightweight, glider aircraft launched by foot with no definite primary structure.

Bir- Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the best Paragliding site in Asia and the second best in the world. Other sites in India include Solang, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh; BedniBugyal, DayaraBugyal, Naukutchiyatal and Dhanolti Ridge in Uttarakhand; Bikaner, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur in Rajasthan; Mahabaleshwar, Deolali, and Matheran in Maharashtra.

Skiing

Skiing too is a recreational as well as competitive activity. It is a transport mode in which the partaker uses skis to drift on snow.

Gulmarg in Kashmir, Auli in Garhwal region, Kufri and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are some of the best places for skiing in India.

Sky Diving

This adventure sport gives one a chance to fly with birds, therefore, it takes a lot of courage to skydive. A part of it involves a free fall till the time the parachute of the diver opens up.

Dhana in Madhya Pradesh, Deesa in Gujrat, Aamby Valley in Maharashtra and Mysore in Karnataka are the places to visit in India if one wants to take part in this sport.

River Rafting

River Rafting is one of India’s most famous adventure sports because of the numerous rivers flowing down from the mighty Himalayas. It uses a blown up raft to traverse across a river and requires team- work to sail through.

Rishikesh, Zanskar, Manali, Kolad, Coorg and Brahmaputra are some of the best river rafting sites in India.

Bungee Jumping

This activity involves jumping from a height while being connected to an elastic rope. The adrenaline rush comes from the free- fall and recoil.

In India, Rishikesh has the highest spot of 83 metres for bungee jumping. Other sites comprise Lonavala, Bengaluru, Goa, and Jagdalpur.

Caving

Caving is an amusement activity of exploring wild and desolated cave systems. Probing in a cave gives another kind of a thrill which cannot be replaced by any other pastime.

Meghalaya in India offers many caving sites which are real gifts of nature. Mawsynram, Siju,  Syndai, and Mawsmai are some of the most famous caves here.

All the adventure lovers out there, time to cross these off your bucket list now!

Categories
Adventure Corporate Outings Rejuvenate

Cool Indian River Rafting spots

India, other than being one of the few places in the world that give a strong glimpse into the history, is also known for having some great water sports. River rafting is one of the most popular activities that the tourists absolutely like to do. There are many spots all across the country that offers some of the safest and the most enjoyable river rafting opportunities. Safety is paramount, so research well before you move on to raft about what places are the safest and with lesser number of incidents.

Here are our picks out of the countless number of places from the country.

Rishikesh– If one mentions river rafting in the northern part of the country, there always is the first mention of the city called Rishikesh, located in the Uttarakhand state. Whenever somebody says River Rafting, Rishikesh pops up in the mind. And that is there for some reason. Rafting in the holy water of the river Ganges while surrounded by all natural beauty is one of the things one shall experience at least once in their lifetimes. Other sports such as trekking and hill jumping are also quite popular here. The grade 2 rapid of the river makes the rafting last for about 2 hours.

 Ladakh– Oh yes, you remember that road trip from Delhi to Ladakh on your bullets. But you have barely heard the mentions of it as one of the prime locations for the river rafting fanatics in the country. Well, you aren’t alone. The rafting experience in the Zanskar River is something worth having. Because the place is located at a high elevation spot and there is some next level fun while witnessing the river merging with the Indus River at the end of the raft. The rapids here are known to cross the grade 4 and 5 at some spots. The average time frame is 2 hours with the longest rafting route being 3 hours long.

Dandeli- The Western Ghats are among the craziest places in all over the country to do some intense high-level rafting. The Kali River flows at full force and the rafting route over here in Dandeli river rafting, the trail is about 12 kilometers long. This happens to be one of the most exciting rivers rafting experience one can have. All the testosterone heating up your body while the beautiful sceneries calming your nerves down, it doesn’t get any better than that. The class 3 rapids are most common in the river here.

Darjeeling- Teesta and Rangeet rivers flows down the Darjeeling hills providing the rafters the great view throughout the trail. The foaming white water is formed as the river falls down from the hills. The amazing view of some dense forests is all the addition that you will need in order to make the rafting experience all it’s worth. The rafting here is incredibly long for about 2 hours at the minimum and other options are also there to make it last for 3 hours or more. The rapids vary from class 2 to class 4 at different spots.

There are many other places across the country such as Sikkim, Orchha, and Garhwal where rafters can enjoy a few exciting minutes in the rivers. Almost all the places having services for the rafting are located in between the beautiful scenery which just a pleasant add-on and provides the rafters some added fun.

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Adventure Architectural Central India Itinerary wildlife

5 Days Itinerary to Madhya Pradesh

Located right in the centre of the country, Madhya Pradesh is quite an enigmatic state. Be it the religious places, places to eat or to grasp in the natural beauty, the place tends to offer everything to everyone. This is one of those places that never disappoint the tourists. One of the highest populated and largest Indian states, Madhya Pradesh, also known as MP is a tourist’s paradise. The people here are nice and the language that is spoken by the largest chunk of the population is Hindi, so there must be no trouble in communicating with the locals. The 5-day tour may not be enough to grasp the entire beauty of the place but enough to get most out of it. So, here is how a we divided our first ever trip to Madhya Pradesh.

Day 1

The first day starts with the arrival in the beautiful and historical city of Gwalior. The city reeks of royal splendor through every corner and there so many remains of the bygone era that will remind you about the glorious history the place once had. Rest for a while and then get out of the hotel in order to witness some monuments such as the Gwalior fort, Jai Vilas Palace and the museum. The remaining part of the day will be spent on the things you like. You could find a place to eat or a park to sit down and relax.

Day 2

Second day, we started early and reached Orccha and loved the famous temples there. Sunrise and sunsets are not to be missed.

Day 3

Day 3 was planned for the famous Khajuraho, where you can get a glimpse in the lives of ancient Indians and how they lived and survived in those deadly circumstances. At the Khajuraho temple complex, a show full of light and sound takes place is a good food for thought. One day a Khajuraho, we moved to Bhedaghat.

Bhedaghat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Jabalpur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, situated by the side of river Narmada which has all the essentials to spellbind you. The place is famed for its splendid marble artefacts. As dusk descends, these marbles seem to glitter in the moonlight which is no less than a blessing to watch.

At Bhedaghat, you should visit the picturesque and spectacular Dhuandhar which is a famous attraction at Bhedaghat, 30 km away from Jabalpur. The white water knocks down to form a gorge known as the Marble Rocks. Localities visit this place as a popular picnic spot and it is also a popular destination surrounded by evergreen trees and shrubs.

Day 4

The lush greenery of the forested regions that are incredibly the natural home for a variant of wild species..that is what all Bandhavgarh National Park is about. A magnificent trip to Bandhavgarh will let you catch the amazing glimpses of the majestic creatures which is a simply incredible sight. With safari options in Bandhavgarh, you can enjoy your trip in a very organized way

Day 5

This was the last stop of our itinerary, and we planned to spend in the beautiful hills of Pachmarhi.

MP is one of the largest states in the country geographically and it may take months to completely understand everything the state has to offer. It still remains one of the golden crowns in the India historical and religious scenario. This is one state

Categories
Adventure Himalayas Inspiration National Parks North India Treks

Hemkund Sahib, The Highest Sikh Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand

Located amidst the pristine valleys of the beautiful Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Hemkund Sahib area, also known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib, is one of the prime locations for the tourists to visit. The gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who happens to known as one of the ten Sikh Gurus. It is the highest and the greatest Gurudwara of the Sikh community, located right on the shores of the prestigious lake.

The weather changes quite rapidly at the place and almost every season is great to have a trip to the place. The highlights of the place are its waterfalls, deep forests, the crystal clear and an amazing view of the Himalayas. Any time a year is perfect to have a visit to the place but the season from June to October is generally considered the perfect one to do so.

How to reach?

The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station which is situated 273 km before Govindghat on NH8. Taxis and buses can be availed from Rishikesh to Govindghat. Jolly Grand Airport happens to be the nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib but the roads are only connected up to Govindghat from where you will have to begin the trek.

Govindghat is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib and it well connected by motorable roads. The trek from Govindghat to Ghangharia is a steep one and covers 13 km. The remaining 6 km route is the steepest and can be the toughest one to travel.

After having a visit to the beautiful lake and the Gurudwara, you may feel the need to explore some places nearby.

Places to see

Ghangaria- On the long trek to Shri Hemkund Sahib, Ghangaria is the last stop where the traces of civilization exist. Located at an altitude of about 3000 meters above the sea level, Ghangaria is a beautiful place for sightseeing and for taking a few hours rest before you continue the journey to Hemkund Sahib. The trek up to this point is the toughest one. The region remains open from May to October and closed afterward due to the heavy snowfall that keeps occurring in here.

Valley of Flowers- Valley of flowers is a beautiful paradise situated at a 4 kms trek from Ghangaria. Also a reputed world heritage site, the valley of flowers is a must visit place on your way and purely a botanist’s delight. The entire valley is a valley of rare flowers and generally a rug of colors – green, yellow, red, blue etc. The entry ticket to the valley is 150 INR per person (for Indians) and 600 INR per person (for foreigners) and valid for 3 days entry. Whereas still cameras and movie/video cameras are free to carry, charges apply for professional video camera charges, that is 500 INR for Indians and 1500 INR for foreign nationals. The opening time of the valley is 6 am.

Please note that one should not litter anywhere in the valley and it is advisable to

carry some food from Ghangaria as you won’t get anything to eat up there.

Food served

A simple meal, comprising of Khichdi(rice dish) and tea is served here to all the pilgrimage, as a part of the langar. In case if you do not want to opt for this it is highly advisable to carry your own food and eatables as you will not find any restaurants there.

No visitor is allowed to stay overnight at gurudwara except the caretakers of the place, hence one needs to come back to Ghangaria for a night stay.

Places to stay at Ghangaria

A few options for a good and comfortable stay are Hotel Deepak Lodge, Valley of Flowers Holiday Home, Hotel Kuber Annex, Sarovar Portico Badrinath and Hotel Narayan Palace.

Hemkund other than a beautiful valley full of amazing landscapes and breathtaking visuals also happens to be a sacred place for the Sikhs, especially from northern India. The virgin beauty of the place is indeed reminiscent of the beautiful country we are living in.

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Adventure Itinerary Travel Tips

An enchanting road trip to Leh!!

Last year, in Sep 2016, we #ghoomophirosisters went on a road trip to Leh, and it was one hell of the experience for us.The Leh-Ladakh road trip was on our #bucketlist for long and finally we made it.  Finally, I’m chronicling my road trip adventure for CEAT Tyres in association with BlogAdda in this blog post. This Blog-Post not only describes the detailed itinerary that one should follow while planning for Leh-Ladakh but also talks about the quick checklist while driving on the uneven, rough terrain of Ladakh region.Since we had fewer days in hand, we flew to Leh, and rented the bike from there.

Itinerary

Day 1 : We landed at Leh around 7Am, and went to our hotel at LaBudha. Loved the hospitality of hotel staff. They ensure we acclimatize to the altitude well and offered honey ginger tea. Several tips like taking Diamox tab, monitoring oxygen levels etc. Took rest in the hotel itself and kept drinking lots of water. The food was good at the hotel. Keep monitoring your Oxygen levels. In the evening, we went to the bike-shops and rented the bike. before renting the bike, we ensured that bike is up and running and is flawless. Obviously, there were CEAT Tyres to be our partners in crime in our dream road trip.

Day 2 – Next morning, all geared up, we headed towards Nubra valley via Khardungla. Khardungla is the highest motorable pass road of the world. Plz make sure, not to stay there for long due to high altitude. While on the way, you will cross Hunder, do not miss to take the ride on double humped camels. We stayed in camps in Nubra.

Day 3 – Plan was to drive back to Leh via the same route. However, we also stopped for Dikshit Monastery and the majestic Maitreyi Buddha.

Day 4 – Next morning, we drove from Leh to the most talked about Pangong Tso Lake is popularly known as 3 Idiots lake.On the way back, we did stop for the quick look at Hemis Monastery. Stayed overnight in Pangong in a homestay. Evenings are really cold, so make sure you are wearing sufficient layers.

Day 5 –  By this time, we were little exhausted, and drove back to Leh. Our stop over was Thicksey Monastery. We reached on time at Leh and were so acclimatized that Leh felt like home to us.

Day 6- This was supposed to be our last day at Leh, so we utilized time for local sight-seeing like Shanti Stupas, Market.

Day 7- And finally we bid goodbye to Leh with a promise to come back again and drove back to Manali. Btw, one can rent a bike in Leh and drop them at Manali.

Do’s and Don’ts for your self-drive

Don’t be overconfident

You might have been a veteran biker, but don’t underestimate the terrains here. Even the smoothest and simplest of roads can hurt your vehicle badly and force you to be in the midst of nowhere. Hence, avoid taking unnecessary risks

Don’t Rush and Be Patient

While driving, the lot of endurance and patience is required. Don’t rush. Instead whenever in doubt, take a step back and analyze the terrain, to plan your ride further. CEAT Tyres really proved to be the boon for us during our drive and thankfully we did not land up in any tricky situations.

Knowledge of your vehicle

It is very important to be well acquainted of your vehicle, as you shall be the one fixing it on the way.

No Drinking and Driving

Drink and Drive is a clear No, while on the high altitudes as alcohol may not be completely digested and may lead to AMS or you being collapsed while driving.

Be Helpful

Always extend a helping hand to the people in need while on the way. You may find army men, fellow bikers who are stuck. Be kind to them

Must Have’s

Do not miss to carry following things while on self drive.

  • Basic Toolkit including Jack and Spanner
  • Air Compressor and Foot pump
  • Hydraulic Jack
  • Puncture Repair Kit
  • Screwdriver Set
  • Torchlight
  • Jump Start Cables
  • Tow Away Rope approx. 3-6 ton Capacity
  • 1-2 Jerry Cans / Coke Bottles to carry spare fuel
  • Funnel
  • Spare Coolant and Engine Oil
  • A Long Stick/Rod
  • A Shovel and a Hammer
  • Elfy
  • Drinking Water and Snacks/Dry Fruits

I hope this checklist helps you in your upcoming trip to Leh. Last but not least, do not miss the chance to follow the amazing signs that Border Roads Organisation has put up for our safety. Enjoy the safe trip to this one life time place.

 

Categories
Adventure Historical South India

The Wonders that are Badami Caves

India has always been the center of curiosity for the history enthusiasts as being called one of the most historical countries across the world comes with its perks. The Badami Caves located in Karnataka are among the best historical marvels in that part of the country. Bagalkot district houses them and it’s not very hard to reach. The train will take you to the Bagalkot district and the bus routes are easier from the capital city of Bangalore. The time between October and February is the best time to visit these caves.

The place is known as Badami nowadays where these caves are located. Out of the total four Badami caves, there are three Brahminical caves and one Jain cave. The three Brahminical caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu while the last one belongs to the Jain monks.

Cave 1

The oldest of all the four caves, this one was built in about 578 AD. Made of red sandstone, the cave is an exceptional showcase of the Indian architecture of those times. The tourists are left spell blinded as they see the intricate carvings and the paintings on the walls of the cave. The roof of the caves is laced with the paintings and the carvings of the Hindu lord Shiva and his wife Parvati.

Cave 2

The second cave dedicated to Lord Vishnu will give you a good glimpse of how he used to get worshiped in the country in different shapes and forms. In one of the many artistic wonders, lord Vishnu is seen covering the earth with one foot and the sky with another. The boar incarnation of the lord, known as Varaha is also there. But the painting that takes the cake is the one where the lord is seen riding Garuda.

Cave 3

This, for many reasons, is the best caves among all, the reason being it containing some great paintings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This beautiful cave is about 70 feet wide and also contains some wall paintings and inscriptions about the way people lived back in those times. Many avatars of Shiva and Vishnu have been portrayed here making it a sure shot delight for the history and mythology enthusiasts.

Cave 4

The last one dedicated to the Jainism followers was created about 100 years after the first three caves were built. The main centers of attraction in the cave are a statue of Mahavira and Lord Parshavnath. The paintings and carvings also belong to Padmavati.

Other places to visit

During the visit to Badami, one can also visit the Agastya Lake which faces all the caves of Badami surrounded by the red sandstone temples. The place is also said to possess healing powers.

The religiously inclined can pay homage to four interconnected cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

At Badami, you can look out for rock climbing, cave exploring, and trekking. You can even enjoy picnic lunches with your family. The red sandstone cliff system is perfect for rock climbing as its surface is not very rough. Trek lovers hunting for trek adventure can also visit the Kalhatti falls for trekking and picnics with their family.

Badami caves are an important reminder of how rich our historical culture is, and always have been. While raking in more tourists that any other place in the state of Karnataka, these beautiful structures are masterpieces of architecture and human efforts.

Categories
Adventure South India

Nandi Hills: A picturesque heaven for adventure junkies

Located in the southern state of Karnataka is a bunch of small hillocks, collectively known as Nandi Hills that continue to be an ideal holiday retreat for tourists. The historical significance, salubrious climate and the mystic charm of hills invite you to this destination, any time of the year.

How to Reach

Nandi Hills is located at a distance of approximately 61 km from the metropolitan city of Bangalore. There is no airport in Nandi Hills, so the closest one is in Bangalore (approximately 40 km). There is a daily bus service from Bangalore that goes by the name of Anand Travels. The nearest railway station is in Chikkaballapur, which is approximately at a distance of 19 km. But it must be known that the journey to Nandi Hills is best enjoyed by an early morning drive while one can experience the sunrise from the top of the hill.

Best Time to Visit

The pleasant climate of the hills invites tourists all year round. You will find the maximum crowd on weekends. And, no matter what time of the year you come here, some experiences should not be missed- sunrise, panoramic view of the surroundings from the hilltop and after shower view.

Places to See

Some of the spectacular sights to see in Nandi Hills are listed below-
Tipu’s drop – This vantage point of the Nandi Hills which today provides the most iconic view of the surroundings has a dark historical past. During the time of Tipu Sultan’s reign, as a punishment, the prisoners were thrown down from this cliff to death.
Tipu’s Summer Residence – An ideal piece of architecture, this grand palace on a hilltop is where Tipu Sultan used to spend his summers away from the scorching heat. It is a must visit place for all history buffs.
Temples– Apart from the history that it bores, the place is also popular as a religious site. There are two temples both dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and Yoga Nandeeshwara. So now no worries if you are coming along with your parents, who can’t accompany you in adventure activities.
Amrita Sarovar– Known as the ‘The Lake of Nectar’, the lake is formed by perennial springs. It is the main source of water in the nearby area. Come to the lake at night to enjoy the view of sparkling water in the moon light.

Activities to Do

Trekking– The maximum tourist crowd you will see here will be of trekkers. And, why not? Who wouldn’t want to walk amidst the clouds?



Paragliding– Yes, you heard that  right? You can always fly in the air when in Nandi Hills. Get a spectacular view of the hills, while you tighten your belt to fly.                        

Cycling – There is nothing equivalent to riding a bicycle in the hills amidst the lush greenery and fresh breeze of the surrounding. Take your cycle, don’t forget the helmet and explore the hills.

Where to Eat

From South Indian to North Indian, there are a number of restaurants and local dhabas in Nandi Hills, that offer local cuisine. Hotel Mayur Pine Top, Shantisagar, and Truptisagar are some of the dining options. Don’t forget to try the local Chaat. A quick tip for every traveler, carry some snacks and drinks for long excursions.
Accommodation

From resorts to hotels, there are a number of accommodation options in Nandi Hills. Some of them are listed below –
Silver Oak farmsHotel Mayura Pine Top
Mount Palazzo
Capital Hill Home Stay

Some Tips for Travelers

  • Travel early to not to miss the sunrise.
  • Carry a camera to capture nature through your lens.
  • You can also explore the place during monsoon as it adds to the beauty of the surroundings.
  • To avoid later hassles, make prior bookings

For those who are already dreaming of the next adventurous holiday, Nandi hills serve as a great trekking destination. With the promise of a blissful retreat into nature’s abode, it serves as the most desirable tourist spot

Categories
Adventure

Baratang Island- the most unexplored place in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago

Baratang Island is a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The irony is that the Baratang Island is the most unexplored part of the Andaman and the most beautiful as well. Ignored from a tourism point of view, the place offers some natural wonders and is known for its untouched beauty.

Get in

The pristine island is located at about 100 km from Port Blair. Port Blair is the gateway to the islands and though surrounded by dramatic scenery such as lush forest and rugged coastline, Port Blair more or less just gives you the feel of your typical Indian town. Regular bus services operate from Port Blair to Baratang Island.

Places to explore

Limestone caves- The limestone caves located in Baratang are a traveler’s paradise. These caves were naturally formed and have been around for centuries surprising the people about the amazing feats nature has achieved. The people who are into geomorphologists would find it to their delight and interest. During rush/peak seasons, from December to March, the cave is usually more crowded. There are small huts to take rest and enjoy refreshments, in case you are tired. Tender coconut, snacks, lemon juice, cucumber are available nearer to the cave.

Parrot Island- The parrot island offers some of the most eccentric views of the Andaman Sea. Although, this isn’t the reason most travelers visit the place, the reason is why this is called the Parrot Island. Apparently, every day when the sun sets, the tourists can see the amazing views of thousands of parrots returning home, this forms magical scenery. The tourists need to take a ferry from Baratang to the parrot island in order to witness the phenomenon.

Mud volcanoes- The mud volcanoes in Baratang are located about 4 kilometers away from Jetty. A shared taxi is needed to be hired by the tourists in order to witness the natural phenomenon that is Mud volcanoes. These are the only caves of their types found in all India.

Activities

Dongi rides, beaches, birds, caves and trekking, Baratang has all of these activities to offer. It is a popular destination for a one-day trip, especially for those who come with limited time on hand. Those who do decide to stay for a night or two can make the most of the virgin beaches, some exciting bird watching opportunities, a rural way of life, adventure mangrove boat rides and ample of cheap authentic Indian dishes.

Eat

The tourists are strictly advised to bring their foods to the island as there are about 3 or 4 restaurants on the island. The places deal mostly in sea-food, so the vegetarians may find it hard to get some good stuff to eat. Some restaurant options in Baratang Island, Port Blair are A.R. Restaurant, Gharami restaurant, Island restaurant, and Nandini restaurant.

Stay

Dew dale resorts- The setting of the resort is quite rural, far from the maddening crowd. The calm and serene place offer some good alone time to the tourists.

Best time to plan a visit

The best time to visit the Baratang Island would be from October to May. This time will offer the best view over on the parrot island as the parrots will make their arrival right at the sunset.

This island between South and Middle Andaman is a must visit at least once in a lifetime. You’ll end up with a wonderful experience amidst the beautiful beaches, mangrove creeks, mud volcanoes and limestone caves

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