Spending weeks in Delhi with the same monotonous routines can make anyone stressed. And if you are bored from lazing around on the weekends, here is something exciting you can try. Take a one-day weekend getaway and go camping, sit near bonfires beneath the stars with your loved ones and get some adventure back into your life. Escape from the city and get in touch with the wilderness at these incredible places just a short distance from Delhi.
Camping in Ranikhet, Almora
Distance: 360 km from Delhi
Ranikhet is also known as “Queen’s meadow” is a camper’s delight. With beautiful locales, this place is popular for its camping sites. Surrounded by lush green mountains and okay, pine and cedar trees, you will get the complete feel of the forest. There are also adventure sports options like Mountain biking and trekking available so you get the complete thrill of camping.
Camp Tikking, Gurugram
Distance: 60 km from Delhi
Just a short trip away from Delhi, Camp Tikking is a place for those who don’t wish to travel far and wide for simpler pleasures. Experience the village life with camel cart rides and nature walks. There are also options for more thrilling adventure sports like Zorbing, paramotoring, paintball etc. Since it is one of the unexplored camping sites, you won’t find yourself in a huge crowd.
Dharamsala
Distance: 270 km from Delhi
This is one of the most incredible places in northern India with spectacular hills and monasteries. The weather is ever changing and there are incredible treks open through Mcleodganj. Apart from camping in the mountains, you can go for ropeways, rock climbing or rappelling.
Mountain Camping at Mussoorie
Distance: 327 km from Delhi
Combining the mountain and forest experience, this getaway in Mussorrie is another wonderful place to go camping near Delhi. With the Himalayas surrounding the place and Deodar and Pine trees nearby, you can absorb the scenic beauty while detoxifying yourself from the city air. Enjoy the bonfires in the night sky or if you feel adventurous, go valley crossing and rafting. You can also visit the Tehri dam nearby or Surkhanda Devi Temple.
Camp Purple, Mukteshwar, Nainital
Distance: 341 km from Delhi
Camping in the Himalayas has to be the dream come true for every person. Mukteshwar is one of the high ridges in the Himalayas popularly known for its fruit orchards. The view of the snow clad Himalayan mountains along with the peach and apple orchards nearby makes the experience even more delightful. The nights spent stargazing beneath the beautiful night sky in these mountains is a memorable experience. The view from the top of the hill is absolutely breathtaking.
The Jhajhar Khas Desert Camp, Rajasthan
Distance: 273 km from Delhi
This beautiful desert side camp is the perfect spot for couples or even for friends who can catch up on each other’s lives while enjoying Rajasthani food and folk music. With the desert breeze and luxurious bonfires, who wouldn’t enjoy? You can also visit the nearby villages to get a whiff of their history or go bird watching. The camp isn’t like the usual nature camps as it gives off more of a royal vibe.
These campsites may not be popular but will give you the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy adventure sports or just spend quality time with your partner amidst nature. The weekend is coming, so start planning and pick the right spot that works for you! Take a break from the busy city life and just spend this time relaxing in forests, near streams or surrounded by forests. Drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com
Lakes are a serene source of relaxation, near the water but away from the crowds like on a beach. Because of the wide and vast landscape of India, there are many natural as well as man-made lakes in India, where one can sit by the waterside to relax or go boating. Each lake on this list of top 10 exudes a different kind of charm that can only be experienced when one is present there.
Dal Lake, Srinagar
This lake has been named as “Srinagar’s Jewel” and is one of the most popular tourist attractions that bring tourists to Jammu and Kashmir. You can ride a shikhara for the whole day and stay on a houseboat. With the Azaan resonating all around and the water reflecting the sun rays, it is one of the most beautiful experience ever. You also get to see the Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
How to reach: Srinagar is well connected to the road and is just 298 km away from Jammu. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi (165 km) and Srinagar is the nearest airport, connected by Indian Airlines.
Pichola Lake, Udaipur
Pichola Lake is a place of serenity and raises the beauty of Udaipur. You must reach the lake before sunset so you can enjoy its beauty at sunset and during the night. Otherwise, you can go during the day and admire the islands that are on it like Jag Niwas, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas.
How to Reach: The lake is located 3 km away from the bus station as well as the railway station and 25 km away from the Airport. Udaipur is connected by NH8 and Indian Airlines.
Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktak lake is one of the most serene and unaltered lakes in Northeastern area of India. This lake is popular for its floating swamps also known as Phumdis. The largest of these floating islands also has a floating park named Keibul Lamjao National park. This place is where you go to get a break from loud hectic cities.
How to Reach:
It is located a few kilometers away from Moirang Bazaar and the floating islands can be reached through a boat ride.
Vembanad Lake, Kerala
This is the longest lake in India situated in Kerala. There is also a bird sanctuary nearby and you get to hear birds chirping and witness various species along with the pristine lake. You can also spend a day or two on water by hiring a houseboat.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is Kochi Airport (133 km away.) You can get a train to Kottayam railway station which is 10 km away. Regular buses also come from major cities.
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Enjoy the snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake as well as the semi-frozen lake. And for a little excursion to the Indian-Tibet border that lies just a few miles away. It is an exotic yet unexplored place located at a height of 5210 meters above sea-level.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri which is 168 km away. You can reach Gurudongmar via road as it is connected to all major cities. The nearest city is Guwahati which is 672 kms away.
Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and popular among tourists who come to watch bird species that it inhabits. It is also popular among honeymoon couples for its boat rides. It offers a spectacular display of hues and charms that are sure to leave an imprint on your mind.
How to Reach:
Chilka Lake is collected via train to Chilka Railway Station and the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar which is 95 km away. The nearest bus stand is Satapada.
Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh
This lake extends from India to China and was made popular by the movie 3 Idiots. As the sky’s reflection falls upon the lake, it creates a spectacular view. It is a calm and serene place where you can sit all day and admire the beauty. Though, Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit.
How to Reach:
Regular flights are there linking Leh with Jammu, Delhi, and Srinagar. Kalka is the nearest railways station. And from there, buses can be hired to Manali and then to Leh. Pangong Tso is 5 hour drive away from Leh.
Venna Lake, Maharashtra
The lake is located in Mahabaleshwar and makes an important addition to the hill station. You can try fishing here or go boating. The lake dates back to 1842 when it was built by the king of Satara. The lake is surrounded by trees all around.
How to Reach:
Buses stop at Venna Lake while going to Mahabaleshwar. It is 2 km away from the bus stop and easily accessible through roads.
Tam Dil, Mizoram
This lakeside is the perfect spot for bonfire and camping. It is a 7-hour ride from Aizawl. It is not only a popular place for tourists but also a great picnic spot for the locals. It is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in India.
How to Reach:
Lengpui Airport is just 1 hr away from Aisawl and the nearest railway station is Silchar in Assam which is 6 hour drive away.NH54 connects Aizawl and the rest of the main cities.
Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Prashar Lake appears to be a blue mirror set in greenery. It is a lake with the mystery surrounding it, as it has undetermined depth. It is a moderately popular tourist spot. It also has a sage temple near it that is worth a pit spot. Talk to the locals and hear some interesting myths about this water body.
How to Reach:
Prashar Lake is 49 km away from Mandi and no public transportation is available. From Mandi, you can hire a cab to reach the lake.
That wraps it up. Enjoy wandering near these lakesides and take in the serene atmosphere. Go boating, fishing, camping or just sit back and relax. For all bookings write to us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com
Waterfalls are beautiful, wherever they are. In a country like India, where there is no lack of natural marvels and thick forests, there are many waterfalls that could make the visitors have their mouths open with all the magnificence and brilliance. India is one of the very few countries that have been blessed by the Mother Nature herself. Even after all the economic and financial growth, due to which most of the natural beauty has been destroyed; there are still many places in the country that offer some excellent time spent in the arms of mother nature.
Speaking about the waterfalls, there are many in the country that may make you get lost in the magnificence and here are a few of them.
Jog Falls- Located in the breathtaking south Indian state Karnataka, the Jog falls a thing of pure bliss and beauty. There are many great waterfalls in the country, but this one located in Shimoga takes the cake to be the most beautiful one of them all. The second-highest plunge waterfall in the entire country, it falls from a cliff that is 300 meters high. You can imagine the speed at which the water touches the ground and the effect that erupts out of it.
Dudhsagar Falls- Goa is known as the perfect holiday spot for the western Indian states. And no wonder it looks all filled with people from different walks of life. But we are not sure how many of those people are aware that there is a natural marvel in the place worth a visit. At Mollem, Goa, the falls come down from 300 metres high cliff and the name that translates to an ocean of milk is enough for us to understand how beautiful it looks.
Iruppu Falls- Coorg is one of the most beautiful places in the country and also the most visited ones. The Iruppu falls located in the city is very close to a national park and serves as a great spot for hanging out or setting up the camps. People come here to take dips in the holy water before going to the nearby Shiva temple.
Jang Falls- From the tourism point of view, the eastern India remains largely unexplored, but that doesn’t mean that it is devoid of all the beauty that rest of the country has been blessed with. One such example is the Jang falls. The waterfall also serves as a source of electric power production for the local villagers.
Dhuandhar Falls- Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this can be termed as the most magnificent and massive waterfall in the entire country. The Jabalpur district is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a big reason behind all that popularity is the Dhuandhar falls. The smoke erupts out as the water touches the ground and it gives away a psychedelic effect.
Waterfalls are a great gift of nature to the humanity and other than soothing their eyes and other senses, they can also be used for many other purposes. Many falls in India are being used for electricity production, and this is why we are on a progressive rampage.
Chandigarh, the city beautiful, as the name suggests has beautiful destinations to be visited and cherished. With an amalgamation of scenic beauty, historical monuments, and religious places, the city boasts of all that you would like to take back home as memories. Following is a list of places that must be included in your Chandigarh itinerary.
National Gallery of Portraits
Established in Chandigarh’s Sector 17, the National Gallery of Portraits is a memoir of India’s independence struggle. It depicts the journey of freedom struggle through photographs of historic events and freedom fighters. It also houses speeches of great leaders along with artifacts, documents, and sculptures that date back to the freedom struggle era. The film showed on the freedom movement in India at the gallery is not to be missed.
The Tower of Shadows
The Tower of Shadows was built by Mr Le Corbusier- the creator of Chandigarh- in Sector 1 and is a monument that augments the beauty of the city. Its architectural brilliance intends to demonstrate Le Corbusier’s theories of sun control. The tower captures the shadows formed with the sun’s movement. It is located between the Parliament and the High Court.
Open Hand
Besides the Tower of Shadows, is Le Corbusier’s another monument of Open Hand. It is Chandigarh’s emblem and signifies the principle of ‘open to receive and give’.
Although the city houses many such Open Hand sculptures, the one that you should not miss visiting is located at the Capitol Complex that is 26 metres high. This structure was specifically designed to move in the wind’s direction. Therefore, you would need to keep that in mind while clicking pictures there.
Sukhna Lake
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sukhna Lake is one of the best spots of Chandigarh and is regarded as the weekend’s hot destination. This place is to be definitely visited if you are looking out for some peace and tranquillity. There are many activities that can be undertaken there as the Rock Garden and a golf Course are located on the either sides of the Lake. So enjoy a stroll at the lake and the cool breeze after a visit to any of the other two nearby spots.
Rock Garden
Founded by Mr Nek Chand, the Rock Garden is one of the most popular tourist spots in Chandigarh. It is a compilation of sculptures built from waste materials such as ceramic, bottles, electrical waste etc. After remaining hidden for almost 18 years, it is great that now it is available for people to see and appreciate. It is truly a treat to the eyes and you would be left awestruck by Mr Chand’s creativity.
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
One of its kind in Asia, the Rose Garden is a must visit during your stay in the city of Chandigarh. It was established in 1967 and named after India’s former President, Zakir Hussain. There are about 50,000 rose bushes here with almost 1600 varieties of roses along with about 17,000 other plantations. It becomes a major attraction of the city especially in March when the annual Festival of Gardens is conducted here. A number of competitions are held during the festival such as landscaping, Rose Prince and Princess, photography, etc.
Pal Dhaba
The oldest eatery of Chandigarh, Pal Dhaba, apart from being loved by the locals has been very famous amongst Bollywood celebrities too. It is divided into 3 different dining sections, among which the roadside sit- out is the most demanded one. The food is alluring and delicious; a perfect end to a hectic day!
Getting There:
While you are traveling from Delhi, a place is hardly 300 Kms( approx. 266 Kms) and you would not want to miss the beautiful drive across the highway. For people coming from other places, Chandigarh does have an airport but most of the flights are from Delhi and hardly any direct flight to the place. One may also travel via train “Shatabdi express. Apart from this, any bus going to Shimla from Delhi does have a stop at Chandigarh and Himachal Tourism has regular buses plying to the most planned city of the country.
Where to Stay:
The hotel accommodation in Chandigarh City is purely based on the person’s budget. You may choose from Luxury retreats to budget hotels to business hotels, totally depending on the amount you would like to shell off from the pocket.
The pink city ‘Jaipur’ is a traveler’s delight and no one call their trip to Rajasthan complete without staying in Jaipur for at least two days. Jaipur doesn’t only represent the beauty and grandiosity but is actually Rajasthan’s symbolic state.
The royal Rajasthan exists in its truest form in this city, still preserved after all the years. We the #ghoomophirosisters got a chance to first-handedly see this grandeur during one of our backpacking trips and had a close look at the city’s beauty. We took flight from Delhi to Jaipur. We chose to stay at Radisson Blu, Jaipur. So while you visit the city, here are a few recommendations from our experience to help you explore :
Must See:
Hawa Mahal: This widely recognized facade of red and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is Jaipur’s most iconic landmark. Within the hidden chambers of this palace, the royal women would often observe the street secretly, and it was all possible through the latticework openings of the palace. This five-storeyed palace is designed in a pyramidal style, as an example of Mughal architecture and its finesse.
Nahargarh Fort: Nahargarh Fort is a striking piece of architecture built on the edge of Aravalli hills. The was a summer palace for the royal families and the fort has a main palace inside it called Madhavendra Bhawan. Apart from it, there are nine other living spaces with the fort that are double-storeyed. Not only are the views from Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur city breathtaking, but it is also connected to Jaigarh Fort. The marble engravings and royal frescos on this fine example of Indo-European architecture are also visible on the interior walls.
Amber Fort: The undeniably charming Amber Fort is set on a hilltop. Both the size and structure of this 15th-century fort are impressive. The path to the fort lies passes through imposing ramparts and cobbled pathways, leading to its gates through which it can be accessed. The Mughal style architecture is visible through its golden frontage combined with elaborate interiors. The ornate archways lead to chambers that have mirrorwork ceilings and hand painted walls and are expansive in size. You can visit the ‘Diwan-e-Aam, or ‘Hall of Public Audience’, the Diwan-e-Khas, or ‘Hall of Private Audience’, and also the Sheesh Mahal, the ‘Mirror Palace’ that are housed inside the palace. Do not miss the light and sound show that glorifies the splendid fort some more.
Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation site that witnessed the scholarly brilliance of the 18th century. This one of a kind UNESCO world heritage site has the world’s largest sundial along with 20 other instruments.
City Palace: City Palace is one of the Rajput style architectural marvel built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Its design is complete with layers of chambers and halls. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in the palace even today and a portion of the palace remains inaccessible to visitors. But visitors may wander Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Maharani Palace. A fine collection of artifacts are also preserved in the museum inside City Palace and the palace houses a temple as well.
Perfect Do’s
Visit an Elephant Camp: A privately owned forest and wilderness camp spread over 160 acres are situated behind Amber Fort. Mamy domestic animals, camels, and elephants have made it their natural habitat and visitors may ride on the elephant back to explore Aravali Forest. They can also ask about the caring routines of these gentle giants along with trying their hand at bathing them.
Shop for Local Handicrafts: Jaipur is brimming with local bazaars filled with things to buy. There isn’t anything you can’t find here, from clothes, shoes, handicrafts, jewelry to pottery, spices and home furnishings. And you’ll love them all. Get ready to loosen your pockets if you plan to visit one of the popular marketplaces like Baapu Bazaar and Johari Bazar.
Watch a Polo Match: The upper echelons of society in Jaipur continue to patronize yet widely play the ‘game of kings’ polo. While it may be hard to get your hands on the invites to an exclusive polo match, the city’s polo clubs like Ramgarh Resort & Polo Complex or Jaipur Polo Club would let you watch a match, free of cost.
Block Printing at Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing: The age-old tradition of hand block printing is still preserved in Anokhi Museum of Hand printing which was established solely for the preservation of this art. This art is still practiced by most of Jaipur’s artisans. At the Anokhi Museum, you can witness the intricate workings of this art and get educated while block printing artisans are at work to keep this endangered art alive. The visitor can also buy these handcrafted merchandises that are locally made.
Best Eating Joints
Ghewar: LMB Bazaar in Johari is a popular eatery to try out this delicacy. It is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known to be a traditional Rajasthani sweet, it is circular in shape and deep friend, laden with almonds as well as pistachios.
Kachori: This sweet or savory fried snack has tea as its best companion. Pick up a box of pyaaz Kachori from Rawat ki factory while in Jaipur. This Kachori is one if their specialties and too delicious to pass up.
Daal Baati: Daal Baati is one of the most popular dishes of Rajasthan and most local eateries in Jaipur serve it. It is a dish of daal served with baati (wheat rolls). The best way to eat it is when it is served hot, seasoned with pure ghee.
When to Go
During its three distinct seasons- Summer, Winter, and Monsoon, Jaipur experiences extreme weather.
October to March: Since the summer heat has disappeared by this time, it is the best time to visit Jaipur. While December and January may be extremely cold and dry because winter is at its peak at the time, the temperature is better in February and March. This pleasant weather would be the ideal time to enjoy your holiday.
July to September: High humidity along with the hot weather, this is the Monsoon season.
April to June: Summers in Jaipur can be brutally hot with the temperature rising up to 40C. May and June are the hottest months.
Getting There
By Air: Located approximately 12 kms from the city centre, in Sanganer is Jaipur international Airport. It is well connected to flights from all across India as well as a few international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat.
By Road: Many Air-conditioned, as well as non-air conditioned buses, are run by The Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation from nearby towns and cities. The National Highways connecting Delhi and Gujarat make for a smooth ride if you are driving to Jaipur.
By Train: The city’s largest railways station, Jaipur Junction has direct trains FROM major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai as well as Kolkata. For a truly grand experience, enjoy the scheduled stop in Jaipur by Palace on Wheels.
Getting Around
There’s no problem for transportation in Jaipur since both public and private transport is readily available. Take your pick among air-conditioned radio cabs, cycle rickshaws or local buses. Jaipur metro is still in its first phase of rapid transit system. It covers the track from Mansarovar to Chandpole Bazar which is 9.6 Kilometres
What to Pack:
The temperature may rise up to 40C so carry lightweight cotton clothing in summer.
Mosquito repellent, sunhat sunscreen, and sunglasses are the basic essentials along with a good pair of walking shoes.
Winter can be brutal and temperature can drop to 4C. Pack a Jacket for harsh winter nights.
The royal life experience awaits you in Jaipur. Like the city’s warm and blushing hues, embrace the architecture, fine cuisine, and hospitality of people.
Located in the royal estate of Kuthar in Kasauli, this resort is 25.7 km from Shimla. Chandigarh airport is the nearest one and is 37 km away from the resort. The Spa and resort are a new construction within Kuthar Heritage Fort which is an 800-year-old property.
Location:
The main highlight of the place has to be the location. We literally got to stay inside a royal estate and though, we weren’t lucky enough to meet the current Rana Mr Arun Sen, just knowing that we were in presence of royalty was enough. Amidst the fresh Himalayan air and beautiful architecture, how can one not be happy? Plus the beautiful garden area, arches, pillars, temples and colonnades are a nice cherry on top. However, the Tanya, part from current management team has been really helpful during our entire stay.
Accommodations & Dining
The room had elegant interiors of the place with modern amenities and a spacious bathroom. There were wonderful paintings on the wall and traditional looking chairs and table. The cream and brown contrast in colour was soothing to eyes and we spent our night comfortably in the room. The window opens to a garden view and with the fresh breeze, it was a refreshing experience. The nicely furnished room with LCD TV, WiFi (at the reception), Tea and coffee maker, toiletries included made us feel pampered. Glimpses from our room
Story Behind the Scenes
Though the resort is a new construction, it derives its inspiration from the 800-year old fort with wonderfully carved wooden ceilings. That mixes luxury and simplicity in one. The Kuthar ambiance is present throughout as you walk to the games room or the tea lounge. In fact, the main building has been built over what was used as the horse stable years ago and you can sense it from the architecture. Management has ensured the place keeps the essence of heritage and this is why even furniture of the rooms has been adapted from those times.
Things to Do
The resort has all facilities to keep you engaged during your stay. There is a Games room where we spent some of our time playing Darts. There were also other games like Table Tennis, Carrom Board, and Billiards. But since we felt more adventurous, we decided to go Mountain biking afterwards. The resort had some on-site cross country trails, incredible road cycling areas, and downhill biking trails.
Another highlight was the jungle walk in the lush vine forest where we spotted beautiful birds. We saw a few people shooting cans as well though we weren’t specifically interested in it ourselves. We were lucky to visit small 800-year-old Vishnu temple during our jungle walk. You may also opt to take a walk to the organic farms too.
This small video will definitely tempt you to pack your bags for Alcor resorts in the upcoming weekend.
Relax, Rejoice & Rejuvenate
After the tiring day, it was all we could do to control ourselves before jumping into the pool. The time spent soaking in the pool truly rejuvenated us and took the tiredness away. And then a Thai Massage and body scrub soothed our skin. The pampering body scrubs made our skin glow afterward. The fresh teas in the tea lounge also added to the calming and peaceful experience.
You can also opt for Yoga and meditation or like us, just sit on the garden benches enjoying the scenery and just living in the moment. The view of mountains and trees from here was just breathtaking.
Highlight
The best part about the resort had to be the package system that includes meals and all activities, so afterward; you don’t have to pay a dime. The staff was always courteous and welcoming. They greeted us with warm smiles and polite words always. The food itself was delicious as well. Each meal was freshly prepared and up to mark. Not to miss, spa & feet, reflexology was indeed the highlight of the stay.
Ghoomophiro Verdict
Alcor Spa & resort is the perfect place for relaxing and rejuvenating. The best place to stay if you are in Kasauli. We had our fun and there is no place that you can do better than this. Take a respite from your everyday life and come here for luxury and comfort. Stay in the bar lounge on comfy sofas, walk in the garden, get a massage and enjoy being treated royally.
Chittorgarh Fort popularly known as Chittor Fort is the Pride of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest forts in India and counts as a World Heritage site. It is spread over an area of 691.9 acres over a hill that is 180m in height. The fort is of great historical importance as it was ruled by the Mewar Kingdom since the 7th century. During the rule, there have been three prominent attacks on the fort by Muslim rulers such as Allauddin Khilji, Bahadur Shah and Akbar. The entry of the Chittorgarh Fort is by crossing four gates called ‘Pol’. The main gate is known as ‘Ram Pol’.
What makes Chittorgarh Fort so different from the rest of the forts in Rajasthan is that the build of the fort is pure Rajputana and there is no Mughal Art mixed with it. The architecture and even the stones tell the story of the great Mewar. Unlike Jaigarh Fort or Ajmer Fort, the palace is not in pristine conditions. In fact, most of it seems like nothing but a glorified ruin but those ruins tell the stories of great war and bloodshed. During those times of attacks, firstly by Allauddin Khilji when he defeated Rana Ratan Singh, the fort suffered great destruction and the soldiers lay down their lives trying to protect their kingdom. It is believed that Khilji led the attack in order to make Rani Padmini (wife of Rana Ratan Singh who is believed to be the most beautiful queen of Rajasthan) and make her join his Harem. When it was clear that there was no way to victory, the queen along with other royal women and some commoners decided to accept death as their fate instead of bowing down to some other ruler and facing the dishonour of defeat. They preferred to die in the Rajputana way of Jauhar (dying on a pyre by jumping into the fire). Again with the other two attacks, the walls of the fort heard war cries of soldiers and the echoes of women folk were heard as they took their own lives. Well, ultimately no matter how many times they were defeated, the fort was won again by Mewar rulers.
There is also another Mythological importance of this fort related to a popular figure ‘Meera’ who was a saint in love with Lord Krishna and who spent her life devoted to the same. She believed Lord Krishna to be her husband and there is a temple called ‘Meera Temple’ within the grounds of the fort where she used to chant hymns, dance and worship Lord Krishna. It is said that this is the same temple where she totally submerged herself into holy matrimony with God.
Another part of the fort is the Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower) which has nine-storeys and is 122 ft tall. It was used to keep an eye on the enemy’s army. It ensured their victory in many attacks and therefore was named Victory tower. Among the premises of the fort, there is also a Jain temple and a Peepal tree has been planted. The tree itself is of great importance as it is said to give relief to the many wandering souls in the fort. With such atrocious deaths that occurred between those walls, it brings a sense of calm to the place.
Located nearby is Fateh Prakash palace that was built by Rana Fateh Singh. From there, The Gaumukh Reservoir is visible which offers a picturesque view.
In the end, I would like to add that Chittorgarh Fort is an important part of the History of Rajasthan and anyone visiting there should absolutely walk among those walls.
Being the financial capital of the country, Mumbai works day and night. The people sitting in those tall buildings are some of the hardest working people and they work day and night in order to make their company grow. But there are times when the going gets tough and everyone needs a break. So here are some places that we are about to mention which are perfect spots for the office groups to spend some quality times at. So, it’s our try to let everyone know where the corporate sector of Mumbai can go in order to spend a day outdoors.
Adlabs Imagica- If the team is looking for a place full of excitement and nerdy action, this theme park is a must visit. Also known as the Disneyland of Mumbai, it consists of a snow park, a water park and a theme park. One of the very few places for corporate outings near Mumbai is always full of life with all the college groups, school children and families. Enjoy the watersports, the heart stopping roller coaster rides among many other things and have great day out at a corporate outing.
Lonavala- This beautiful hill station can be seen all covered with camps set up by the business corporate employees and the families almost all the time. For the history lovers, there are very ancient caves that they can see, for the more adventurous ones; there are more than enough places to do some trekking. The adventure lovers can visit the Della Adventure in Kunegaonndia’s largest adventure park and indulge in exciting sessions of paintball and dirt biking. The thrill is right there at this place and it is a great spot for the team outings.
Panchgani- A few kilometers away from all the hustle bustle of the city, the place is having an odd old worldly charm about it and is known to be one of the very few all natural places around. The place seems untouched by the forces of industrialization and makes for a perfect spot for spending some quality time alone or in a group, whatever you are looking for. Visiting Tableland, paragliding, group games, team building activities, sightseeing and trekking around the place is a must do along with a host of other activities and fun games.
Matheran– The best thing about this beautiful and soulful hill station is that, in order to maintain its all natural beauty and essence and to keep it pollution free, it has been termed as a non-vehicle zone. There are several places where trekking can take place and also the camping sites located in here also serve as great attractions to enjoy in the groups along with the adventure camps set up and some other good team building activities. The place is as calm and peaceful as it can get and all natural down through to its core.
Karjat- Also known as one of the very prime locations for the shoots of most Hindi films, Karjat also serves as a great hangout spot for the lovers of nature. There are many resorts at the place along with the sightseeing tourist attractions. Bike riding track is also there where one can ride their bikes down the valley while witnessing some beautiful sites. Bicycle ride, camping among other team building activities can be performed here in the arms of nature.
These above-mentioned places are most visited not only by the corporate sector teams and groups but individual families and friend groups as well. Hard work seems lovely if such lovely refreshments keep coming from time to time.
Situated in the heart of Karnataka’s dense Western ghats, Jogingundi Falls is one of the most loved tourist’s attractions, a scenic small but wide waterfall in Karnataka, about 3 km from Agumbe which is sometimes called the Cherrapunji of the south due to the amount of rainfall it receives. Therefore the waterfalls are blessed with a large volume of water flowing throughout the year. One of the main reasons why this fall is so popular amongst local people is its uniqueness. It is a completely different experience from what you normally see elsewhere in and around the region.
Unlike your traditional waterfall where water falls from a height or in multiple tiers, the cave is a unique one as this one flows out of a cave that runs through the hill and hence is known as a cave waterfall. This is what makes Jogigundi Falls a treat to your eyes. People are thrilled to experience the sheer excitement of a fall flowing out from the mysterious cave. The whole concept runs a chill down your spine and makes you feel the adrenaline rush. Tourists can indulge in a variety of adventures here. You can spend a whole day here basking in some other activities.
This picturesque destination basking in the glory of sparkling nature is situated about 4 kms from Agumbe. You will have to cover 3 kms by your vehicle and the last km should be trekked down. Trekking to reach Jogigundi Falls is not less than an adventure in itself. You will have to cross several steep and narrow trails.
Once you complete your trek down the trail you will be welcomed by a majestic natural pool brimming with loads of adventures. You can indulge in activities such as swimming. You can comfortably swim in the very pleasing swimming pool there in front of the waterfall, but be careful as the waters here are pretty deep, upwards of 50 feet and the edges of the pool have sharp rocky edges. It is advised that you don’t use soap, shampoo, detergent, and other chemical stuff while bathing in the pool. It will not only pollute the water but also harm the environment in many ways.
This exotic place is surrounded by green forests. It is made up of dark rocks. There is a small stream that you will have to cross to have a full view of the landscape. After crossing this stream, you will spot all small caves (holes) in the rocks below. You will be thrilled to see the water flowing from these caves.
There is enough water to swim in the front of the waterfall. However, the water here is as deep as 50 feet. So make sure that you take all the precaution before setting out to swim in the water. The edges of the rocks are sharp. You can collide with them anytime. Apart from indulging water sports, you can even set out to wildlife safari of your own style. There is lot to explore in the forest. You can spot some rare birds and animals too.
Local people in Agumbe explore the waterfall during dry season. They climb all the way up to the cave and jump from there to the pool. This is truly one of the most beautiful experience one can have.
One of the best ways to explore Pearl Valley in Bangalore is by driving to this precious gem in your car or bike. You get to experience the world that surrounds it with its majestic scenic views. However for a road trip to Pearl Valley, you got to keep a few things in your mind and plan your itinerary accordingly.
First of all, plan things in advance so as to avoid last minute rush. This way you will not forget things essential to your trip and save your experience from ruining. Plan your trip on a good weather day so that you can save yourself from applying sunscreens. Otherwise, you can really have sun burns as the distance to Pearl Valley from Bangalore is quite long.
Leaving early in the morning for the trip is advisable. It will help you avoid unnecessary traffic that you anyway will face during the afternoon on the highway. So at least have a good congestion free start by kicking off your trip in the morning.
On the way, you will pass through one of the most popular temples—Meenaskhi temple. You can stop here for a while to experience the serene surroundings and to let yourself drown into the silence of the peace. You are likely to get confused if you are driving to Pearl Valley for the first time. It has a number of cross roads. However, you can ask for directions to any passerby as it is very famous. Everybody knows it in Bangalore.
On the way, you will be required to pay a toll to enter a barricade. It costs Rs 30/- only. Remember, this is not a toll to the government. For parking, you will have to pay Rs 10/-.
You will not spot any restaurant and hotel on the way. However, there is a number of them at Pearl Valley. There is a privately run KSTDC restaurant beside an array of some pretty good shops. It is advisable that you visit this place with your own food and drinks arrangements. You might not like the menu of the hotel. Some of them are bars and pretty expensive. So pack your food before you leave for this place.
Once you reach Pearl Valley you realize why it so famous amongst nature lovers. It is one of the most popular picnic spots for people in Bangalore. This beautiful getaway boasts a number of sparkling waterfalls. The most interesting part is that the water falling from the valley, when it is splashing down on the rocks, will look like pearls. This is why this place has got its name Pearl Valley.
This exotic picnic is around 5 km away from Anekal, South Taluk of Bangalore.
Tips while you are there
It would be a good trekking place for young and adventurous visitors. So do try trekking once you are at this place. You will find many visitors climbing down the hills through the rocks and shouting in joy although it’s a quiet and calm place.
You can find many monkeys around at Pearl Valley so be careful while you are having your lunch.
The Pearl Valley can be described as a paradise for people who are fond of exploring natural beauty.
