Category: North India

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Adventure North India Treks

A Snowy adventure trek to Kedarkantha

As winter takes it full form in the Himalayas, it opens its gateway for the adventure seekers to the Kedarkantha Trek. This trek is especially meant to be experienced during winters when the meadow is completely under the blanket of snow. The trek lies in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

The Trek

Day 1
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri that goes via Mussoorie, Barkot, Purola, Mori, Netwar along the Tons river. Once you reach the campsite, set your camps to stay overnight. The campsite is surrounded by lofty snow peaks and is a perfect space for bird watching.

Day 2
Resume your journey next day for a destination known as Juda Ka Talab. The picturesque place is surrounded by huge pine trees and provides beautiful views of snow clad peaks right in front of you from the camp.

Day 3
The day three is a trek to Kedarkantha Peak base, which takes approximately 4 hours to reach. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beauty of nature in its full form.

Day 4
Gear up in full form for the next day as it is going to be a long day trek up to the summit of Kedarkantha peak.  The same day you can come back to the base camp. On your way back from Kedarkantha to Sankri, follow the route via Hargaon.

Difficulty level of trek

As compared to other snow treks, Kedarkantha trek is one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas to explore under the blanket of snow. This could be your first snow trek. The duration of the trek is less, but the altitude goes above 2000ft every day you trek.

Who can all go for this trek?

Anyone who is above the age of 7 and is physically fit can go for this trek. Make sure to start working out on regular basis 2 months prior to the trek.  As most of the trek is a steep climb, start preparing by climbing flights of stairs or jogging about 4 km every day.

Best time to go for trek

The best time to go for the trek is during winters. Here, the snow starts in the middle of December and stays until the third week of April. So it is ideally the best time to go on a snow trek.

Risks/ Precautions/Tips

Like any other trek, Kedarkantha trek also demands precautions as there are the number of risks involved.

1. The temperature ideally falls below zero, so it is advised to carry more minus degree clothes
2.  Starting from soil to snow with micro spikes, it might take time for one to get used to it.
3. Temperate at night falls below -7 degree and so there are chances of hypothermia. Prevent it by wearing dry clothes especially before going to sleep.
4. Start working out regularly at least two months before the trek.
5. Purola and Sankri have last mobile connectivity and ATM point. So make sure to make all important calls before you proceed.

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Festival North India Spiritual Hubs

Memories from Ghats in Varanasi

One of the best experiences that one has while travelling to the holy city of Varanasi is taking a boat ride across the ghats for which the city is famous. These ghats, which happen to be over 100 in Varanasi, are of great significance to the people of Varanasi and the Hindus in general.

There are a few of them though, which you should not miss at any cost if you happen to be in the city even for a very short period of time.

Assi Ghat- The Assi ghat is located right at the place where the Holy River Ganges meets the Assi River. It’s not as crowded or chaotic as the other ghats in the city and it being located at the southern corner of the series of ghats, it’s one of the most beautiful of them all.

Chet Singh Ghat- Other than the obvious, Chet Singh ghat is also known for one other thing. It was the place where Maharaja Chet Singh fought the British troops in the 18th century. There is very grand fort nearby, marking the defeat of the king.

Darbhanga Ghat- Darbhanga ghat is arguably the most impressive, beautiful and architecturally significant ghat in the city. It has a grand palace in its proximity which was built by the royal family of Bihar in the early 1900’s.

Dasaswamedh Ghat- This one is the ghat where the grand aarti takes place every other evening. It is one of the oldest and the biggest tourist attraction in the city. The chaotic vibe of the ghat is not irritating; it’s the extreme opposite, soothes the senses.

Man Mandir Ghat- The amazing Rajput architecture influence makes this ghat separate from the rest. This also happens to be one of the oldest ghats in the city and there is a grand palace right nearby it which is said to have been built by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur in 1600. An additional observatory got added later in the 19th century.

Scindia Ghat- Scindia ghat is picturesque and peaceful to its core with absolute distance from the chaos of the nearby Manikarna ghat, the ghat that burns. Other attraction besides the ghat itself is the submerged Shiva shrine which happens to be partially visible. The temple sunk underwater in 1830 due to some construction work that took place.

Bhosale Ghat- Bhosale ghat looks distinctively fresh and got built by the royal Maratha family of Nagpur. The artistic nature of the ghat makes it quite popular among the tourists as the windows at the top of the building are amazing to watch.

Manikarna Ghat- This is the ghat where most of the bodies get cremated in the entire city. Hindus hold a firm belief if the bodies were burnt here, it would make them free from the cycle of birth and death.

Do’s and Dont’s

Do’s

Do respect the rituals taking place at Cremation Ghats in Varanasi. The fact that they even allow tourists to watch such a personal affair in their lives is incredible but at the same time, you should respect the holy surroundings. Before entering, you should put your earphones in your backpack and avoid indulging into music at such places.

Dont’s

While planning to visit these cremation ghats, do not carry your camera and do not click photographs of cremations and rituals nearby, not even from the river, as it believed to interrupt the soul’s journey to Nirvana and also it is disrespectful to the family members in grief. Also, do not indulge in littering the holy sites.

One can see thousands of people bathing in the Ganges usually at sunrise at these ghats which is a beautiful sight to watch. Don’t miss on going for a boat ride (at early morning or after sunset) and explore the different sounds and tempting smell coming from the alleys.

For bookings to Varanasi, connect with us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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Adventure Festival North India Spiritual Hubs

One of the wealthiest Tibetan monastery – Hemis Monastery

The Hemis monastery is one of the wealthiest Tibetan monastery located 45km away from the Leh in Hemis, right on the bank of river Indus. The monastery has been dedicated to the prestigious Dugpa Kargyutpa order and is built surrounded by some of the most beautiful visuals in the entire country. The monastery is also ones of the oldest one founded in the year 1630 by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa, Nawang Gyatso.

The place is religious primarily, but from a tourist’s point of view, the place has to offer much more. Set amidst the enchanting greenery in the arms of the Himalayan range, the monastery has more than 200 branches, where about 1000 monks pray and live in peace. The richest and wealthiest monastery in India is the Hemis monastery of Jammu.

How to Reach

The monastery is about 45km away from the Leh in the south direction. By road, the visitors can opt for taxis, buses and one can travel through their own vehicle.

It is advisable to keep map while traveling to this place as the route is confusing. By air, flights run on the daily basis from Delhi to Srinagar from where Zoji-la pass road connects to Leh. Interestingly, for those who want to seek some adventure, they can reach the Leh by cycle with a large group of friends through highways.

The monastery is surrounded by majestic mountainous region and is well connected to motorable roads. The bike rides to the monastery are a common sight and one of the most memorable ones at that.

The monks here believe in living the life of grandeur and there is no dearth of necessities being provided to them.

Sightseeing

Impressive and intriguing, the sprawling complex of the monastery is segregated into two parts – the Tshongkhang and the Dukhang. As you take a walk along the corridors, the vividly painted corridors depicting the stories of the Kalachakra and the Lords of the Four Quarters are delight to watch.

The Hemis Monastery is the biggest and the richest in the Ladakh region and it is much evident in the eye-catching gold statues adorning the stupas, embedded with precious stones. The Hemis Monastery also has an interesting library that hosts that an inspiring collection of Tibetan books, relics, manuscripts and more.

You can also find an extensive museum inside the monastery, a little place that documents the history of the Gompa and has some very precious religious treasures. Do not miss the souvenir shop where you can buy curios.

The Hemis Festival

The famous Hemis festival shouldn’t be missed at any cost.  It is celebrated on every 10th day of lunar according to their calendar. The festival is celebrated annually somewhere near the end of June or early July. The monks perform the Chham dance wearing heavy brocade gowns and masks which are a visual treat to the observers. This dance depicts the victory of good over evil.

The festival lasts for 3 days in the month of June.

The monastery provides a great place to stay for the tourists who intend to spend the nights here. The food and butter tea provided by the monks to the tourists are in the house.

Food

Hemis shares cuisine varieties with Leh. Do not miss the different styles of cuisine including the thukpa (thick soup with vegetables), Pava which is made of sattu) ,  khambir and tasty sandwiches prepared with apricot jam.

Here are a few best restaurants to explore while you are here.

  1. Bon Appetit, Leh, Ladakh
  2. Lamayuru Restaurant(Indian Restaurant)
  3. The Nook
  4. Tibetian Kitchen
  5. The Zen Hotel Leh Ladakh

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Leh is the ‘season’ time starting from June, and this is also the time when the Hemis Festival is held. It’s an ideal time to visit as one can cherish the clear skies and take delight in the mountains sparkling in the sun.

Important details you need to know

The Monastery can be visited from 8 AM onwards and it is open every day for the visitors. There is no entry fee for visiting the monastery, but to visit the museum, you will need to buy tickets.

Places to stay in Hemis Monastery

The monastery provides a great place to stay for the tourists who intend to spend the nights here. However, if you do not want to stay in the monastery, there are other resorts and hotels to stay near Hemis Monastery.

Some of the best options to stay are Ratna Hotel Ladakh, Hotel Shangrila, Hotel Royal Palace, Hotel Ladakh Imperial and Hotel Cho Palace.

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National Parks North India wildlife

Dudhwa national park is a great paradise for wildlife enthusiasts

Dudhwa national park is a big natural habitat for India’s diverse flora and fauna and lies on the India-Nepal border in the Terai district of Uttar Pradesh. It happens to be a part of Dudhwa tiger reserve and one of the most visited national park for the researchers and tourists alike in the entire country.

The rich and extremely fertile Indo-Gangetic plains play a pivotal role in supporting a flamboyant growth of forests diversity of fauna. Some of the best forests of ‘Sal’ tree in the world, amongst other flora can be found here.

Sprawling across an area of 811 square kilometers of marshes, grasslands, and dense forests, Dudhwa National Park is acknowledged as an unexplored paradise beholding the nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and bird watchers. The main attractions of the park are Swamp Deer and Tigers species.

How to reach

The place is at a distance of about 600 kilometers from Delhi and a drive of 9 hours will take you here. Or take a train to Shajehanpur from where the park is at a distance of 40 kilometers. The nearest airport is Lucknow airport, from where it may take 4 hours to reach the park.

Sightseeing

Dudhwa National Park is home for over 38 species of mammals, 16 species of reptiles and 400 species of birds. The park comprises two core areas: Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur wildlife sanctuary.

Out of the many attractions, the park has for you, tigers and swamp deer are two most beautiful and endangered species one can see. Hispid hare, one of the most exotic species of rabbits which was considered to be extinct three decades back, was later found right here in the park. So, in a way, there may be some pleasant surprises waiting for you here.

The other animals one could see here are sambar deer, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, tiger, Indian rhino, sloth beer, ratel, jackal, civets and jungle cats among many other common wild animals. Other that, there is barasingha, a rare deer species that is hardly found anywhere else in the world. A study that was undertaken on the population of barasingha revealed that of all the barasinghas present in the world today, half of them are right here in Dudhwa national park. One can easily spot the herd of this rare animal walking around casually in the park in its very natural habitat.

Birds

Dudhwa national park is a paradise for birds. Some rare species could be found here, along with the migratory birds that cover a distance of about half the earth to be here. There are more than 350 species of birds that can be witnessed here any day. Of them, there are some special species that are rare such as swamp francolin, great slaty woodpecker and Bengal florican. In winters, the migratory birds settle their bases in the park and leaves as soon as the winter ends such as bulbuls, sales and minivets.

There are also the drongos, barbets, cormorants, ducks, geese, hornbills, bulbuls, teal, woodpeckers, heron, bee-eaters, minivets, kingfishers, egrets, orioles, painted storks, owls. There are other common species as well. In short, it can be said that Dudhwa national park happens to be a sure shot delight for the avid bird watchers and photographers. The Bengal florican has always been in the highest demand when it comes to wildlife photography and a survey revealed that most of the photographers head here from across the country and the world to catch the beautiful bird in their cameras.

Conclusion

India is a diverse country, and so is the animal kingdom that lives here. Among all the other national parks, Dudhwa is one of the ideal in the country for wildlife enthusiasts.

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Corporate Outings Culture Itinerary North India

The Venice of the East “Udaipur City”

Rajasthan speaks of royal hood like no other place in the country. A home to Nawabs and Rajputs, who are known to be quite colorful rulers, have given the state so much to preserve that it still remains unmatchable. Talk about the forts, palaces, and temples, everything is mesmerizing. One of the most historic cities in the state is Udaipur. Udaipur is the reason why the tourists make their trip to Rajasthan longer than they plan. There has been much said and written about the place but there is still a lot that remains unexplored. Here we present to you some charming things about Udaipur that you must not forget to visit on your next trip to this rugged beauty of a state.

City Palace-This royal place is located right in the heart of the city. Entrance to the place is done as you pass through the Hathi Pol, elephant gate. This is a massive palace and it may take you about 2 to 3 hours to take a complete round of the place. Keep your mouth closed as you witness the man-made the masterpiece with your naked eyes. There are many cafes available in the palace serving great cuisine. Some of the best-known cafes are Grasswood Cafe, Cafe Satori, CafeRA, Yummy Yoga, Udai Art Cafe, Espresso Love Cafe, Brewmen and Cafe Edelweiss.

Bagore ki Haveli- This marvelous structure got itself built sometime in the 18th century and it has stood here since then in all its grace, tempting the tourists to visit it again and again. The Haveli happens to be set on the edge around the Gangaur Ghat. The place was built by a Mewari prime minister about 200 years back and after that, it got restored by the government since. The place has been preserved quite neatly.

Boating in Lake Pichola- The boating in the sweet lake is one of the many things that are unforgettable about the city. On the mirror-like crystal clear surface, the lake reflects the cool blue and grey mountains that stand nearby. The boating experience becomes far more exotic when you have someone special to accompany you.

The Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake in Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake. It is built by Maharana Jai Singh, with Moti Magri hill at its one side and Udaipur city on another side. The beautiful picturesque lake was named after Maharana Fateh Singh, who later made the modification to this alluring lake. The charming widespread water sheet is bejeweled with three small islands. The travelers can reach there by taking a boat ride in the lake. The Fateh Sagar Lake has 3 islands. The largest among the three islands artificially made on the lake is a beautiful park named Nehru Park. The garden has a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo for children. It is a favorite picnic spot of Udaipur dwellers.

The second island is a public park with excellent and ravishing water-jet fountains and the third island is named as Udaipur Solar Observatory. The calm and soothing surroundings of Fateh Sagar Lake make it the best and an ideal place where people can recharge their minds and enjoy the scenic view of the lake.

Jag Mandir- Does the name of the place ring any bells? International pop star Katy Perry got hitched to the comedian Russell Brand here in a grand ceremony. This place is located on an island in the lake Pichola and stays crowded almost all the time due to the heavy crowds coming here to visit the temple.

Dine in beautiful Taj Lake Palace

Prince of Udaipur, Maharana Jagat Singh 2 was known for his lavish lifestyle and romantic nature. In order to fulfill his luxury and fancy desires, in 1746 he built a palace on the Lake
Pichola for his pleasure, which he named “Jag Niwas”. The beautiful picturesque palace is now one of the most famed romantic hotels across the world, which is famous with the name “The Taj Lake Palace”. If you are paying a visit to the city of lakes with your better half, then this alluring amorous destination can act as a cupid in your life’s chapter.

Travel Tip

The best time to visit  Udaipur is in the months of September, October, November, December, February, and March. At this time of the year, the temperature remains pleasant and enjoyable.

Udaipur is one of the most eccentric cities in the beautiful state of Rajasthan. The alluring city is also called as the Venice of the East, because of its culture, heritage, eye delighting architectures, palaces, serene lakes like, beautiful temples and resplendent gardens, has a lot to offer. If we talk about lakes the tranquil of Fateh Sagar lake and Pichola adds charms to this scenic place.There are many attractions at the place but what can we say, the less is more and the more is less when it comes to the true beauty.

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Adventure Deserts Himalayas North India Treks

5 things you must do in Spiti Valley

Himachal Pradesh, the north Indian state has been the center for the north Indians to sneak in for a weekend or longer. There is some reason for that, and that reason being there are places that are more beautiful than the rest. Everybody knows about it. Why else would it be known as the most favorite tourist destination for the Indians? Spiti Valley is one other hilly area in the state which caters to tourists in great ways. Whether it’s food, sightseeing or to have pure unadulterated fun, there is everything which one can expect to have to a holiday destination. So, Here is a quick checklist of items one should not miss out while being at Spiti.!

This should definitely inspire you to travel to Spiti

Rafting- River rafting is always a fun activity to do especially if done amidst the vast landscapes, high ridges, glaciers, pastures and mountain tops. Pin and Spiti rivers offer some of the most awesome rapids that can be the ride of your life. As you move through the narrow passes and heavy glaciers you come to know that what sort of fun rafting is capable of providing. The rafting in these rivers gives access to beautiful places that can’t be reached otherwise. The best rafting spots are on the Pin River. From January to June, the river rafting can be enjoyed from 09:00 am – 05:00 pm. whereas from September to December, the rafting experience can be enjoyed from 09:00 am – 05:00 pm.

Visit Giu Village- A village located at a height of about 10,000 feet above the sea level promises a lot of things in general. Located between the towns of Sumdo and Tabo, the village is quite ancient and historical. The Tibetan mummy placed in the museum is over 500 years old the thing it has becomes known for largely and quite rightly. The mummy was discovered by workers of Indo-Tibetan border police constructing a border surveillance post near Sumdoh. It is believed that the mummy represents a Lama mediating. The long preserved dead human bodies are in fact the things that scare you to death and amazes you at the very same time. Whatever might be the truth, it’s worth visiting the mummy once.

Camp at Chandratal- Chandratal is a lake, and not just any other high altitude lakes, it is said that this has always been the most photographed lake in the entire world. Well, that says a lot. The beauty of the lake is mesmerizing and once you enter the place, you will see hundreds of camps set up there. The location is perfect for camping and in the early morning hours, the place looks nothing less than magical.

Visit the world’s highest post office- The post office located as the place is popular to be known as the world’s only post office that is located this high. Hikkim is located at a height of about 4400 metres above the sea level. So, never forget to say hello to the staff as they sit proudly and do their work honestly sitting at this height.

Trek- Where there is a mountain or a hill, trekking is unavoidable. Trekking here in the valley is one of the most tiring and the longest ones maybe, but high on the excitement level. There is not an inch of the place that will get you bored. Trek to Dhankar and back is one of the most crowded treks in the Spiti valley.

Located amidst the majestic Himalayan range, Spiti valley is as exotic a place can get. Never forget to give it a try during your next trip to Shimla or Manali. Once you enter the Spiti Valley, it’s not so easy to take an exit from this beautiful place. You could easily plan to stay for 11-12 days in this cold desert. The best time to visit Spiti is in between July and September.

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North India Spiritual Hubs Travel Tips

Some best travel tips for Varanasi

All right! Traveling alone to just any part of Varanasi is more adventurous than finding crystal skulls with Indiana Jones in the kingdom of Akator. There is an exotic cultural amalgam in one corner and a deep feeling of the renaissance in another. But your unprepared trip to Varanasi can turn you into a spiritual Zombie without a map in the desert. We bring you some of the best tips that come in handy if you are exploring the destination of Gods, holy Varanasi in India. Here we go:

Best way to arrive in Varanasi

If you are already in India exploring other places, then take a flight to Delhi and from there you can take a direct train to Varanasi. From the Varanasi railway station, you can opt for a variety of modes of transport. From tumtum to fancy motor rickshaws with some gravity-defying passengers, you are on your own all the way.

Go the street way

Varanasi is a small holy destination. Not really an ideal city for those looking for some really good authentic Indian food restaurants. To say, there are just none. You have to roam around on the streets filled with devotees around the world and naked Aghoris openly smoking marijuana on the ghats. Try the food you get on small roadside eateries. That’s the real flavor of India and Varanasi. Some of the best Indian dishes are there on the street. Gorge on some spicy Kachoris and cool yourself off with delicious lassis (buttermilk) in the glasses designed for Hulk.

It is recommended that you reserve a room in the hotel in advance so that you can grab a better deal. Otherwise, you will have to be a really great bargainer. You can though get some really affordable guides right when you step out of Varanasi station. Invest in one.

One of the best things about Varanasi is that you can cover it on your feet. There is just no need to plan anything special for sightseeing in the holy place. The real thing is right there on the ghats. People from around the world come to wash off their sins here. The cremation rituals connect you to the world of spiritual nirvana. You get to see a colorful tableau of different beliefs, religions, and cultures altogether. You live it all right there on the ghats.

No pictures of the cremation rituals allowed on the Ghats

Part of your daily walk will entail seeing the cremations on the Ganga but remember you cannot take pictures of cremation rituals being performed by just anybody on the ghats. It is considered as the disrespect by the family members of the deceased. Keep both camera and phone turned off, if you are planning to just witness the ritual. Ask for permission before clicking Aghoris and Sadhus

The streets of Varanasi are all filled with colorful Sadhus and Aghoris smoking marijuana like chimneys. Some of them are scary while others are interesting. However, do not click their pictures without valid permissions. They can charge you a hefty fee or just get offended for no reason.

The Vishwanath Temple is the most celebrated and it is said that it is not open to foreigners.

Rickshaw-wallah scams: Here is one tip to avoid the scam.

One should be aware of the rickshaw wallah scams. If your driver tells you that your hotel has burned down or the road is closed but they know another hotel it just means they are asking for the commission. Do not fall in the trap, rather refuse to pay unless you arrive at your destination and check you really are at the right destination before getting out.

You might get lost in the alleys

The alleys are small and in plenty, they will give you a feel of the real Varanasi. You’ll almost certainly get lost but ultimately they lead you to the main road from where you can start all over again. Make sure to ask for your business card from your guesthouse and carry it along with you. So that in the case of any confusion you can ask people for directions when it’s time to get back home.

Too much PAAN everywhere

People here love Paan! You will find all the dudes chewing it and the sad part, they split it all over the place and roll it at lots of booths..so just be careful!! Although paan is popular all over India but you would have never seen so much of paan as they indulge in at this place.

Varanasi is one of the most popular places to visit in Northern India. It helps you get on the road of self-discovery and the travel tips above make the journey a lot easier.

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Culture North India Spiritual Hubs

The mythological celebration that is Varanasi

Hinduism happens to be the most dominant of all the religions in the country, and Varanasi is the holiest of the holy spots for them. It has been there for thousands of years as the centre of holistic and religious practices, Varanasi is located in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. A bus ride from Lucknow will take you here in a few hours of time, and you won’t even have enough time to pump yourself up for the great marvel of a city that you are going to witness.

The hot humid weather welcomes in the months of May-September which are deemed as the best for a visit to the place. As you set foot out of the bus into this wild dream of a city, you know you are in for something very beautiful and an engaging experience which you will take with you to your graves, no one can take that from you. The chaos in the city was exhilarating yet annoying. The economic conditions in the place are not among the best in the country, but beneath that mindless chaos, there is a soul in Varanasi that lies deeper. It touches on the places inside that you didn’t know existed.

The lifeline of the city is the Ganges, the holy river. That works as a two-edged sword, the excuse for the people in here to feel superior to rest of the country and it also provides them their means of living. Let’s explore the things about this enigmatic city that you may visit as you go in there to have an experience.

The Ghats- The highlights of the city, its lifeline for which Varanasi holds a special place among the Indians. Hindus believe that taking their last breaths on one of these ghats is the only medium of achieving true salvation from the cycles of life and death. Located along the banks of the river and spread through the entire city, these Ghats have become synonymous with the city.

Religious centers- Being a religious place, Varanasi has a lot of temples, mosques and other religious monuments within it. Some of the most mentionable temples are Gauri Matha temple, Durga temple, Kaal Bhairav temple, Nepali Hindu temple, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Sankat mochan temple.

Chunar fort- Known as the oldest structure of its kind, the fort got built about 2000 years ago. This is a wonderful place for the ones who wants to explore the city beyond its religious nature.

Ghats – Look out for different ghats which come in the way across the holy river. Each of these ghats holds an own special place in the religious geography of the city. Visit Ganges River Varanasi to experience the Aarti Ceremony at Dashaswmedh Ghat. The Aarti Ceremony starts after sunset & the duration in the aarti ceremony is 45 minutes approx.

Boat Rides- The boat rides that take place in the sunset or the sunrise are eccentrically beautiful. Listen to the guide who will row the boat (in case it isn’t a motorboat though) as he tells you some wonderful legends about the place.

Shopping in Varanasi is a totally exhilarating experience in itself and Banarasi silk sarees form a crucial part of an Indian bride’s collection. Varanasi offers richly worked saris are known to have passed on from generations to generations.

To satisfy the hunger pangs, one can visit the Dosa Café located at Dasaswamedh Ghat. The special upma, and the variety of dosa’s are delicious. Niyati Café in Varanasi has fewer tables but once the food arrives, you’ll live it and relish every bite. You can try its potato curries, palak paneer and naan to please the foodie in you.

Sarnath located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is 10 kms away from the holy city of Varanasi. Sarnath has been a world famous Buddhist site in Varanasi and is embedded with many Stupas worth visiting. The most pleasant time to visit the Sarnath temple is during October to March.

The most important Hindu Pilgrimage in the entire country, Varanasi is also a tourist’s delight, whether they are religious or not.

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Itinerary North India

The winter wonderland, Srinagar

Kashmir is undoubtedly the most beautiful place in the world and the Capital city Srinagar vindicates the statement completely. The magnificent and alluring beauty of nature has been just breathtaking, you just can’t put your eyes off!!. The beautiful valley of the Srinagar, located in the northwest region of India and at the distance of 566 Km from New Delhi. The Snow covered mountains, dense forest, lakes, gently flowing Jhelum, and everything around is just mesmerizing, you will just fall in love with the magical landscape!! The beauty of the paradise is endless, let’s explore the few facet of this heavenly land.

Enjoy the Tranquility of Dal Lake!!

The alluring and calm mirror like a clear sheet of water “Dal Lake” is the heart of Srinagar valley. It is a real jewel of the region and most loved destinations among travelers. The tranquility of the lake expands over 15 km around, reflecting the clear image of Pir Panjal peak. The magical view of the lake is the eye delight for the travelers, the floating boats “Shikaras” on the lake carrying people from one shore to another is the best experience of visiting Srinagar for sure.The trip to Kashmir is incomplete if you have not been to the world famous floating market of Dal Lake. The floating Vegetable market is one of the significant attractions for tourist visiting Kashmir. The people board Shikaras to for shopping vegetables from vendors; it is unique in its own way. Travelers can hire the Shikaras to explore around the lake, visiting floating garden,  floating flower, and vegetable market. The best view of the lake is witnessed during sunrise and sunset.

Mesmerizing Mughal Gardens!!

The Mughal gardens are the significant landmark of Srinagar. The alluring Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens, and Chashm-e-Shahi arguably the best tourist attraction of the Valley. The perfect blend of architecture, Mughal design, can be witnessed in terraced lawns, fountain pools, marble pavilions and gorgeous flower beds. The Shalimar bagh is most famous for the three gardens, as it was constructed by Jehangir for his beloved wife Nur-Jahan. These gardens are an eye delight for every traveler coming to Srinagar. The colorful and vibrant flower beds, beautiful fountains, and flawless architecture just leave you lost in the magnificent scenic view.

Water skiing on Nagin Lake!!

The city with numerous beautiful rivers, landscape and lakes is the perfect holiday destination for all. The magical water of  Nagin lake adds the charm to the gorgeous city of Srinagar. Located at the few distance from Dal Lake, the Nagin Lake is popular for water skiing, sparkling clear water and picturesque surrounding.

The Eye luring Pari Mahal!!

The Pari Mahal literal meaning “Palace of the Fairies” is one most significant tourist spot of Srinagar. It is located southwest of the Dal lake, right above the Chashm-e-Shahi bagh. The 7 level terraced garden has alluring picturesque surroundings, which was built by Shah Jahan’s son Dara in the 17th century.

“Kahwa” the traditional flavor of tea

Kahwa is a green tea, which is prepared in a unique way. The flavors of saffron, cardamom, and other exotic spices will just soothe your taste buds. If you’re planning to visit Srinagar don’t miss to taste this traditional green tea “Kahwa” tspecialtyity of alluring Srinagar valley.

Authentic Kashmiri Cuisine at “Ahdoos”

The food is  just mouth-watering you would die for it for sure.Every dish is unique in taste and flavour. If you’re planning a tour to Srinagar, don’t miss to taste exotic Kashmiri Cuisine at Ahdoos

Enjoy the mouth-watering cuisine at “Mughal Darbar”

The delicious cuisine is yet another speciality of Srinagar. The finger licking traditional dish “Wazwan” of Mughal darbar, you definitely don’t want to miss.

It is said that tourist who travel to Kashmir and return back without tasting the traditional yet famous cuisine Wazwan has in fact missed the real essence of the beautiful land. Many Wazwan lovers also claims that the real taste of the dish Wazwan can be experienced at the Mughal Darbar.

Srinagar is the most loved travel destinations of all times as it offers a diverse experience to the travelers.The most popular time for tourists to visit this place is from April to June as the weather is cool and temperatures ranges between 10 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius.

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Architectural Corporate Outings Culture North India

The Amazing Golden Triangle

For the national and the international tourists who like to explore more of the northern India, the Golden triangle serves as a holy grail. It gives them a great glimpse into the ancient and the medieval Indian histories. The popularity of the great Indian Golden Triangle is so much that it almost gets as many tourists every year as the Himachal Pradesh, which happens to be the top tourist destination in the whole country.

The Golden Triangle basically covers three very important tourist destinations across north India, the National capital New Delhi, Agra and the Pink City Jaipur. Here we will give you a glimpse into how the 5-day tour to the golden triangle is usually divided.

Day 1- The tour takes off from the National capital New Delhi. The passengers get to see many historical places such as the Red Fort, the Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar and many others. Delhi is the most historically significant cities in the country with many different rulers across the centuries making it their capital for their Pan India operations. The tour will also make the tourists have a glimpse of the Connaught place, the old Delhi, and some other important places.

Day 2- Leave for Agra in the morning. The journey is taken through one of the best Indian national highways. It’s a 4-5 hours drive and then you check into a hotel for some rest and relaxation. The day begins around 3 in the evening and you get to see the Agra Fort. Built by Akbar, one of the most important Moghul rulers, this is a marvel of architecture and elegance and gives away a majestic vibe. The great Taj Mahal is the next destination followed by Mehtab Bagh.

Day 3- The day will start with the sight of the Taj Mahal in its early morning glory. It looks more beautiful in the morning when the golden sun rays fall on the pure white marble. It is the perfect amalgamation of the man-made and the natural marvels. Move to Jaipur afterward and make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, one other historic place with lots of stories to tell. Reach Jaipur by evening.

Day 4- The 4th day is dedicated to the Pink city of India, Jaipur. Amber fort is the first step to take in the morning which happens to be a former capital of the state, popular for its painted elephants. Hawa Mahal is the place you move to in the late afternoon. The city observatory is where you make a trip to in the evening.

Day 5- After the breakfast, it’s time to complete the triangle as you start your drive back to the national capital through the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Taste some delicious food cooked by the amazing dhabas on the way and by noon of the late afternoon, step back in Delhi.

However, there are many more places that fall the victim of the time constraints and gets missed. But still, in these 5 beautiful days, you amazingly cover best all three of the historical Indian cities.

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