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Foodie Rejoice Travel Tips

Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh

Besides an exotic variety of art, forts, palaces, Hindu temples, Jain temples, gurudwaras, wildlife, and natural vegetation, Madhya Pradesh is home to the greatest variety of mouth-watering sweets you can imagine showing why we think India is a country born with a sweet tooth. Here we bring you a list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh:

1. Mawa-Bati

Forget worrying about diabetes, you only live one time – and Gulab Jamuns, the king of all sweets, has received an upgrade in Madhya Pradesh in form Mawa Bati, the first item in our list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh. If the sweet syrup was not enough, this one is all filled with dry fruits and cardamom powder.

2. Poha Jalebi

Poha Jalebi is the signature breakfast dish of the city of Indore and is thus one of the natural members of our list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh. This sin of a delicious dish is born of a marriage of two unlikely partners – Poha and jalebi, one from Maharashtra and the other of Arabic origins. It is light, mild, not to say sinfully delicious and served with spicy crunchy missal.

2. Khoprapak or coconut Barfi

Next, in our list of 10 Sweets, you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh is Khoprapak. Also known as a Coconut Barfi,  it is a traditional sweet dish of Madhya Pradesh made by whipping out of coconut and Milk Solids.

3. Shrikhand – especially along with Hapus Icecream

The third in our list 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh is Shrikhand This mouth-watering yogurt food item was invented 2400 years ago and is one of the most delicious food items you will find there. It forms a favorite for a desert. A saffron flavored shrikhand with pistachio and cashews partners each other well. We very highly recommend Agarwal Ice Cream shop at Indore Night Sarafa Food market which has been serving it for over 55 years.

4. Petha Paan:

The fourth in our list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh is Petha paan. it is is a very unique kind of paan made of cashew, almond, gulkand (rose jam), etc. These ingredients are encased in a thin layer of green petha. The Petha is held together with clove and makes a perfect end to your food marathon. We recommend trying Petha Paan at Anna Ka Paan shop at Indore Night Sarafa Food market.

5. Jaleba:

Have you had fantasies for a really big Jalebi? Jaleba, a specialty of Madhya Pradesh, especially of its Indore Night Sarafa Food market is just the thing for you. Jaleba is a king size jalebi fried in desi ghee. It is large and crisp but soft within and is sugar syrup sweet thus making it fifth in our list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh.

6. Malpua

Malpua, the sixth item in our menu of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh, is the deliciously Indian version of pancakes, It is a chewy snack widely popular in the Central parts of India because of its Crispy Edges and Soft, fluffy insides which partner well with a number of its like Rabri, Cream, and Fresh Fruits. It is made of flour, khoya (milk solids), semolina, etc. It is deep-fried and then dunked in sugar syrup.

7. Khoya – Jalebi

The very name of the seventh dish in our list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh should be enough to get your saliva glands going. Khoya Jalebi can be prepared in a number of ways of which two are capable of killing you by deliciousness – Malwa-Nimar Platter and BadkulMishthaan at BadaPhuvaara.

8. Imarti

Eight in our list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh is Imarti. This saffron flower dish is so beautiful – that you feel a dilemma as to whether to eat or just go on staring at it. It is made by deep frying a floor preparation.

9. Makhanvada

Makhanvada is hardened on the outside and spongy soft on the inside, flattened balls made out of Flour, Ghee and Yogurt making them an irresistible member of our list of 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh. A single bite is enough to fill your mouth with the taste of heavens.

10. Til-Gajak

Last, in our list of 10 Sweets, you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh – a winter-time favorite of the state. This traditional dish is made of sesame seeds and jaggery that are seeped into every layer. Gwalior and Morena are the most popular experts of Til-Gajak.

And Just because you just can’t have too much of sweetness in life

A bonus sweet: Kalakand

Our bonus dish in our list of  Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh is Kalakand, which is made by stirring out of sweetened Milk and Cottage Cheese, this incredible sweet will give an orgasm to your tongue – garnished as it is with Dry Fruits.

Conclusion

Calories might come and go, but a chance to enjoy such heavenly sweetness comes only on a few occasion. And so do not let your body weight worries stop you from enjoying the 10 Sweets you should eat while in Madhya Pradesh next time you are there. That is all from us, friend. Eat sweet, live sweet.  ☺

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Rejoice

Review : Parichay kmvn tourist rest-house Naukuchiatal,Uttarakhand

Nakuchiatal is a nine-cornered lake which is located 4 km from Bhimtal and around 26 km from Nainital. KMVM has two rest-houses in Nakuchiyatal and one of them is Parichay. The location is in such a quaint place that it offers a spectacular view of the surroundings. It is located at a high altitude of approximately 4500 ft above sea level. The most amazing thing about this rest-house is that it is a 135-year-old bungalow shaped into a rest-house for tourists and travelers. That is what KMVM does. They restore such places and make them habitable. Parichay is a 3-star rest-house and one of the best places to stay at in Nakuchiatal.

How to reach:

Exact address: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Nainital 263136, India

It is easy to reach Parichay rest house by road, air or railways.

By Air: Pant Nagar Airport is the nearest to Nakuchiatal and is situated at 75 km.

By Rail: The closest railway station is 34 km away.

By Road: The place is heavily connected by roads with major cities. So, traveling by bus and cars is also an option readily available to travelers.

Bookings: The place can be booked online and the best time for it is in the months of October and November.

Rooms:

Parichay rest-house offers many options for super deluxe suites, deluxe rooms, family deluxe suites, standard rooms and even a 12-bed dormitory. We chose to stay in a Deluxe room and it was quite spacious with a nice attached bathroom. The room had a double bed which was comfy, and it also had a cable tv, not like we were there to watch TV anyway. The bathroom had availability of hot water and was clean and sanitized. Though remodeled from an old Bungalow, the rooms were quite modern with modern facilities available. The hotel staff took care of our every need.

The best part was the view of the room which showed the entire lake in its splendor. Since our room was on the first floor, we also had a small balcony attached which was a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

There are plenty of other rooms one can choose from depending on their budget and style of accommodation they want. But we loved our room, especially the balcony which it turns out, is only available to the people with rooms on the first floor. So, while we just got lucky, you can always request a room on the first floor.

Usually while travelling, we don’t spend too much of our time cooped up in the room, but this time was different because the bungalow turned rest-house itself was heritage of Nakuchiatal, moreover it gave such a great and unobstructed view of the lake that we could enjoy from our rooms without having to deal with noise or the crowds of other tourists. That doesn’t mean that we didn’t go to the lakeside, just that staying in this place increased our enjoyment twofold.

Food and Amenities: They had a buffet system for breakfast and dinner which is cost-effective but limits the food options. But the food was delicious and fresh so no complaints there as well. For lunch, they had both veg and non-veg options which weren’t too expensive. There was also a beer bar on the location but we didn’t check it out. We did try their Chinese food menu and were glad to have made that decision because it was delicious. We also ended up trying some of the local dishes on the menu and they were just yummy.

Room service was quick, and the staff was nice and cooperative. They made sure we got our meals on time and were very accommodating. They always had a kind smile on their face and kept the atmosphere friendly and nice.

Highlights: The thing that we liked the most about the rest-house was its built. The Bungalow feels made us feel grand instead of feeling like we were staying at a hotel of some sorts. Moreover, the incredible views, the huge garden with its flowers pleasured the aesthetic in us.

What to do nearby: The major attraction is, of course, the lake with nine corners and it is at a short distance from the rest-house. People also come there for bird-watching which is a pleasurable experience of its own. Water sports activities like Kayaking, zorbing and boat rides are also offered right near the hotel so one doesn’t have to go looking too far. We talked to the hotel manager about places to see nearby and what other things there were to enjoy, and he was quite helpful and nice about it. There is also an option for trekking up the hills nearby or one can just go take a walk around the lake or sit there relaxing. There are several adventure activities available for the thrill-seekers, but for people like us who chose to relax in the serene location with a great weather making us feel even more awesome, it was good that even in crowded mornings, our peace was not disturbed.

Overall Verdict: For a government property, it was quite well-maintained. We had decided to stay there because of great reviews from people who had already enjoyed their stay in Parichay and we have to say we were not disappointed. Our actual experience was much similar, and we had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The only small complaint would be mosquitoes and insects so remember to pack your mosquito repellent with you.

Tips:

1. If you pay the staff a little extra, they would arrange a bonfire for you and you can have your food around that.

  1. Talk to them in advance about extra mattress if you are traveling with children or your family.
  2. The usual booking cost does not include tax so keep that in mind.
  3. You can have your evening tea or coffee on the lawn while relaxing and enjoying a complete view of the garden and the lake.
  4. The lake is just a short path away, so if you wake up early, you can go for a morning walk and see the sunrise view.
  5. It is a hidden paradise for bird-watchers so keep your camera and binoculars handy.

With an affordable price, Parichay rest-house offers the best facilities in a preferable location for the travelers. If you are visiting Nakuchiatal, staying at Parichay would be the best decision to make, whether you are traveling solo, with a partner or with family.

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Adventure Corporate Outings Rejoice Western Ghats

Places where you can indulge in team sports in Pune

To discover an enthralling paradise and a peaceful retreat with your team, Pune is one of the best highlights. It lets you indulge in a lot of adventurous activities and enriching moments. So why wait? Take a day or two away from work and head off from Pune to taste some fun. Below are some of the things you can do in Pune as a team.

Corporate Day Outing and Team Building activities near Pune

The day begins with your arrival at Golewadi at around 10.30 am. The much-needed break from corporate life begins here. Following, allocation into smaller groups, engage in Raft Building and compete with your opponents.

Embark on the breathtaking river-crossing at the Dhom Dam, and indulge in a delicious lunch for a change.

Participate in team building activities like Australian Plank, Egyptian Walk, Bomb in the City, Caterpillar Walk, and 3D Pool with colleagues for enriching moments.

Kamath Residency Resort- Located right next to the very famous Alibaug beach, the resort is a pure fun place to hang out with your office mates. Raigad fort is also quite nearby to serve the history enthusiasts quite well. There are a few beaches around the place and a lot of other places which can prove to be great for some refreshments and sightseeing. This retreat offers the much-required change for the corporate team with a host of activities such as white water river-rafting on the River Kolad, It offers adventure activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, rappelling, rifle shooting, water sports and sightseeing for guests.

Della Resorts- Situated in Lonavala, a great picturesque location and one of the most important tourist attractions in the state, Della resorts is another superb place to satisfy your cravings for some unadulterated fun. There are more than 100 adventurous and fun activities which can be performed in groups. A restaurant, a coffee shop and other symbols of convenience are also there. Its an iconic place to bond with your colleagues over several adventure games be it on land, water or in the air. Chase adventure sports activities like zorbing , ziplining, bungee jumping, treasure hunt, and keep the fun going with several rides that will blow your mind away. The Della Adventure Resort is unquestionably one of the best resorts for the corporate outing in Pune.

Empower camp- Kolad has this wonderful camp where office and the college groups can be seen crowding the place almost all the time. The place is located at a very short distance from Mumbai and Pune and a great place to release the clustered stress due to the insane working hours. Sumptuous Buffet meals are just add ons to the services that are made available for the visitors. The camp is the perfect option to immerse in unlimited fun, thrill, and enthusiasm with activities like raft building and rafting.

Water Rappelling and Trekking in Lonavala- One other super fun activity that could be done in Lonavala is the trekking and waterfall rappelling. The trek will begin at 9 in the morning and will take you through some great locations and adventurous spot to tickle the risky bones inside you. Lonavala is one of the most picturesque hill stations in the entire country and trekking in here is a mind blowing experience. The waterfalls which cascade down the ridges of Sahyadri Ranges offer charming views of the valley below. One can indulge in climbing up the forest trails and rappel down with a harness through the refreshing falls.

Adventure Plus- One of the most popular spots for team outings near Pune and the biggest adventure camp in the entire country, the Adventure plus is the perfect place to spend a good day at. Very nice accommodations are provided to the visitors and a host of services along with the great visuals is the highlight of this wonderful camp. The site offers numerous water activities right from Hydro Bike rides, Kayaking, Paddle Boating, Paddle Caddie, Water Ball to water inflatable sports. Air based activities comprise aero modelling and zip lining. Group activities comprise army obstacle course, excursions, forest walk, paintball and treasure hunt.

Tapola River Camp- Also known as Mini Kashmir, the Tapola river camp is located near the great tourist destination Mahabaleshwar. The comfort and enjoyment factor is quite high in this one and it offers some great fun activities to do in teams. The madness and stress from the tiring work routine takes a backseat here as the groups enjoy themselves to their fullest.

Water scooter rides, kayaking or swimming, you can enjoy a horde of activities as you soak in the natural beauty of the region. In addition, there are several tourist destinations in the vicinity of the resort which are perfect for sightseeing and trekking trips. The adventure begins here at Tapola. It serves as the base camp for several trekking trails.

Team outings are important on so many levels. For one, they give a chance to the employees to connect on a wider level outside their small offices. Also, the productivity increases as the manpower goes to spend some quality times in the arms of nature.

 

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Beaches Corporate Outings Foodie North-West India Rejoice Travel Trends

From the popular beaches to the famous nightclubs, North Goa has a hang of everything

From lively beaches to the ancient historic churches, North Goa has a plethora of options for all those who want to see Goa from their perspective. North Goa stretches from the Fort Aguada at the tip of Panaji city to the borders of Maharashtra. It attracts the maximum crowd all year round and especially during the peak season of winters.

Baga Beach

For all those party animals out there, Baga Beach is a must visit for them. This is the place from where the hippie movement actually started. The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach. Don’t forget to visit the flea market organized every Wednesday on the shores of the beach. Pick souvenirs, funky jewelry, fashionable clothes, devour some authentic Goan food at the shacks and party all night at the party hubs like Titos. For adventure lovers, the place offers a lot of water sports like para-sailing, banana rides etc.

Dona Paula

Named after a girl named Dona Paula de Menezes, with a tragic love story, this place is a lover’s paradise. This is an ideal place for couples to relax and sunbathe on the beach. There is a famous bird sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you can spot migratory and local birds. It is a perfect escape for all wildlife lovers. Dona Paula is quite popular for its water sports as well.



Calangute Beach

Another discovery of the hippies in the late ’60s was Calangute beach which is a paradise for nature lovers. Alongside the main road of the beach, you will find showrooms of handicrafts from Indonesia, Tibet, and Kashmir. Pump up your adventurous spirit and hop into water activities like kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, water snorkeling, water-skiing, and fishing. You can even simply relax and laze around in the sun at the lounge areas that are spread on the stretch



Vagator Beach

Lined with an umpteen number of nightclubs along its shore, Vagator Beach is a hub for late night trance parties. Local art, music, and nightlife are what defines the place well. The beach stretches for almost 30 kms and is distinctly divided into big and small Vagator. Head to those big cliffs of red rocks if you want to spend some alone time and enjoy the magical view of the sunset.

Some of the adventurous water sports that you must try on the beaches of, Goa are Jet Skiing, Banana Tube Boat Ride, Parasailing, Flyboarding, water skiing, paddleboarding, kneeboarding, kayaking, bumper, speed boat, scooter.

Backwaters of Chapora River

Yes, you heard it right. Goa is not only about sand and beaches. Experience the rustic beauty of Goa in the serene backwaters of Chapora River. Hire a boat for a day to sail in the river or stay in a houseboat, it is up to you. Let not the party fever churn all your time, it is equally important to spend some quality time with your loved one in the solitude of nature.

Fort Aguada

An uphill drive from Sinquerim Beach through the backwaters and lush greenery of Goa will take you to Fort Aguada. The road ends at Fort Aguada lighthouse which offers a breathtaking view of the coastline of North Goa. It is a Portuguese fort that was originally constructed in 1612 to protect against the Dutch and the Marathas.

The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

The first church in Goa, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is an example of simple yet fine architecture. The church has two altars, the one on the left dedicated to Jesus Crucified and on the right to Our Lady of Rosary. Don’t miss to visit the church on your next trip to Goa.

Nightclubs

SinQ – Located in Sinquerim, North Goa, near the Taj Holiday Village at Candolim, is the SinQ Beach club. It’s not just a club to experience but a perfect combination of a Goan tavern, a poolside deck, and lounge plus a nightclub.

Love Passion Karma –LPK at Nerul is one of the most exotic party destinations in Goa situated on the banks of the river Candolim. The view of amazingly sculpted terra cotta statues all around and the incredible water-front with a 400-year-old Indo Portuguese church in the backdrop will make you fall in love the moment you step here.

Club Cubana – Situated at Arpora Hill, North Goa, Club Cubana is Goa’s pride, the best place to party and let loose. Experience a night under the starlit sky along with white canopied loungers and beach-styled cabanas. The place also boasts a tempting Jacuzzi to cool off fevered brows and poolside.

Apart from the above listings, there are an endless number of places to go in Goa. So choose the ones you want to go and plan the itinerary in a way that you get to explore the maximum you can.

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Beaches Rejoice Western India

Zuari river, Goa

After going to so many beaches in Goa, while we were driving from North Goa to South goa, we reached a bridge. The bridge gave such a picturesque view of the Zuari river. The river with its yellow hue (because of the silt), looked spectacular. It was a panoramic view so we decided to make a pit stop near the river. We spent some time on the beach looking at the landscape and the greenery that surrounded the river. Then we decided to take a boat trip.

The boat trip is a must for anyone who visits Zuari River as you get to experience the beauty of the river first hand up close and not from a distance. It is also apt for bird watching and we got close to many birds and were able to take pictures as well. The river is so calm and serene that it soothes your soul and as you see the sunlight reflecting on the water’s surface it is like millions of tiny diamonds are floating on the river.

A guided tour takes you to the mangroves for watching birds. Kamat is the man if you wish to find a tour guide. He runs a place called ‘Crocodile Station’. We saw 6 species of Kingfisher alone. We also saw Greater Crested Earnns and other species of birds that stood on the wooden stumps as we watched and clicked pictures. Also, the river is popular as a habitat for crocodiles and we spotted four of them while we were there. It was also a very strangely exciting incident. We could also see the Portuguese churches on the hills along the river side. The reflection of those trees and hills on the river made for a great view as well. There were some local fishermen with their canoes as well. Little fishes jumped around the boat making the experience very light and joyful. Then we saw a bunch of flying foxes bats hanging from a tree and though it scared us a little bit, the bats were inactive and were not bothered by anything. One can easily spend a few hours here looking at such diverse bird species and just enjoying the calmness of the river.

There is also a sunset point from where you can see as the sun sets and the horizon it forms as if it is dipping into the river itself. That is the best time to visit the river. Since not many tourists know about this spot, it is not very crowded but a charming place nonetheless.

As we drove along the road on the Zuari river, that is also an image that got framed into our minds. It is such a beautiful view that one cannot forget it Zuari river is not exactly a tourist attraction but can be good for a pit stop while you are on a road trip. It is such a natural thing of beauty and the high and low tides bring new changes in the river making it look rejuvenated. We found a local seafood restaurant nearby and sat down to try some fresh and delicious seafood. The prawns were just delicious.

We highly suggest travelers visit this place when you are in Goa. You can have a fun time on the bridge or go on the boat safari or do little birding.

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Itinerary North India Rejoice

Trippy Chail

After our last trip to Mashobra, we were excited about further exploring more hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. So we took a bus from Delhi and headed to another one of the places influenced by the British Raj- Chail which is also the summer capital of Patiala. We will share with you the story as told to us by a local Chai wala as we enquired about the history of Chail as soon as we stepped there. It turns out that Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had made Lord Kitchener angry over some matter and he refused him entry into Shimla. But hey, who wouldn’t want to stay at such a beautiful place but instead of bowing down to the Lord, the Maharaja decided to build his own summer retreat. That’s how we got Chail View Palace. But as Irony would have it, the place was gifted to the Maharaja by Britishers earlier.

After hearing that fun tale, we moved on to my Hotel (Ekant Chail) as we were hoping it would be isolated like the name suggests. Good thinking because we got a good room with great view and total calm. After relaxing, I decided to keep the sightseeing for the next day.

The cricket and polo ground built by Maharaja who was an avid cricket fan himself (isn’t that a trait of every Indian?) is the world’s highest cricket ground at an altitude of 2250 meter. The next thing on the list was Palace Hotel view which was built by Maharaja in Victorian style (probably to make the Britishers jealous). Though the palace has been turned into a luxury hotel, it still has the vintage artwork that reminds you of the time it was built in. People can stay here at a normally priced rate and have the luxury of living like a king.

Next, we visited a place of great significance among the locals. It is believed that the king’s palace was supposed to be built where Sidh baba Temple is but the saint came in King’s dreams and told him that it was his resting place. The king stopped the construction of the palace and built a temple dedicated to the saint instead. It is a place of religious significance but all is well since the King’s palace turned out to be spectacular anyway.

While the Maharaja’s hunted the wild animals at this next stop, it was made into a Wildlife century later on and we saw a variety of beautiful birds there. I stayed there for two hours marveling at the beauty of the place. we asked around to find some more wonderful places to see and some other traveller told me that they were travelling to the Kali Mandir.

Trekking to Kali Mandir was not a difficult job but the view from there was breathtaking. The temple itself was beautiful as well but watching the sunset from there is what won me over. While there isn’t some big mall or grand markets there for shopping in Chail, we did find places that sold handmade Pashminas and rugs and shoes there. But I was more interested in trying the apple wine which was delightful. I also bought some jellies and jams to take home.

This beautiful hill station surrounded by deodar forests and valley beneath it, hills covering it and where the river flows down is truly a marvellous place to spend your time. Chail is one holiday destination that you will want to revisit. From a British territory to a gift, to a royal retreat and then finally a tourist resort, Chail has come a long way.

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Adventure North India Rejoice Travel Trends

Gear up for a great experience amidst the natural beauty of Leh

Leh is not just one of the world’s most exotic destinations on the map today but also the one that emanates spirituality from its every fiber of existence. Surrounded by the Great Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges, its beauty cannot be expressed in words even by the seasoned wordsmiths of the country. Full of spectacular attractions, Leh is considered as the heaven on the planet earth. This is only in Leh that people suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. This place holds many other unforgettable surprises for its beholders.

We bring you some of the best sightseeing options for you in Leh. Here we go:

Zanskar and Ladakh Mountain Ranges

You will not even know when these two mountain ranges become your friends during your trip to Leh. They do not always appear as your beautiful friends. At times, there massive structure might intimidate you. You might feel very small in front of these mountain ranges. However, you should always look at the bright side of their beauty. There are sparkling rivers running through the mountains, snow capped terrains imitate skies above them, and breeze sounds like music to your ear. You cannot get enough of echo points here.

Pangong Tso Lake

Although this lake was always the major attraction of Leh, it got popularity after a scene of the famous Bollywood movie 3 Idiots was shot here. This lake floats across the border of Bhutan. This is probably the most popular site in all of Leh-Ladakh for camping. This lake is visited by millions of tourists from across the world every year. Boating in the lake is not allowed. However, you can do ice skating on the lake in the winters when it freezes.

Tso Moriri Lake

This lake is the heaven on earth for many travelers in the world. People can live here forever. This lake is like the beautiful painting of Picaaso in sparkling vibrant colors. The sky above snowcapped-blue Mountain is blue and white while pastures are green with light hues of yellow, and water is like gold from the distance.  Tso Moriri Lake is not as famous as Pangong Tso Lake but if you are in Leh-Ladakh then you must visit this place without which your trip will be incomplete.

Khardungla Pass

Khardungla Pass does not really look like a road. However, the truth is that this is the highest civilian motor road in the world. It is also called as the gateway to the north. However, you must take extra care of your health if you are paying a visit to this point.

Nubra Valley

Mountains, rivers, lakes, snow, green pastures and what else can you expect in Leh-Ladakh? Nubra Valley is the 8th wonder on the Earth treasured by this beautiful world. It is a beautiful desert that can give you Arabian like adventure right in the heart of snowy mountains.

Magnetic Hill

This magnetic hill should be declared a world wonder. If you park your car at the base of the hill without brakes, then your car starts moving uphill. The science has not been able to define the reason behind it yet.

Untouched and mesmerizing scenic beauty, snow-clad mountain peaks, lush greenery and secluded spots, so much to experience at Leh. Visiting this beautiful hilly region can be a great experience this weekend.

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North India Rejoice

The small picturesque hamlet, Pangot

The small village of Pangot is located in the arms of some fresh and beautiful mountain ranges, at the distance of 15 km from the beautiful hill station of Nainital. This alluring Kumaon village happens to be an unabashed paradise for the tourists.

Things to do in Pangot

The family trips can’t get any better than this. The long walks through mesmerizing oak trees, cedar, pine, and bamboo, make one think whether a place like this exists. Still unknown to a great extent for many a travel junkies, Pangot is a treat to the eyes. The walk between Pangot and Kilbury forest rest house is quite eccentric and accessible.

This article is an attempt to guide you to explore the unexplored. So let’s talk more about what is there to see in Pangot, how to reach there and other important details if you are planning to visit the place.

Bird watching

The travelers across the world visit this place for bird watching and explore the immense diversity of mother nature.It is now one of the famed destination for nature lovers.

Birds happen to be the biggest source of attraction for the nature lovers all over the world who come here. They come here to study the different habits of almost 250 species of birds which are very rare and one of its kind, can be seen around here. Other than that, ample services are provided to cater to the bird watchers that come from different parts of the country and the world.

Experiencing the adventure of Trekking

If you are adventure lover and Trekking is your passion, then you are at right place. This is the time to have some thrilling experience. Trekking to Naina Peak is one of the most loved activities for adventure lovers. Pangot is the base camp for the travelers, who come to explore the unexplored mystery of the Himalayas. Early morning is the ideal time to start your trekking from Pangot Valley, don’t forget to pack your lunch and water.

Shopping

There aren’t many shops in the Pangot area, the reason being its closeness to nature in all its purity and poetry. To buy, you must move to Nainital which is not too far away from the place. There is a Tibetan market nearby, and it will not disappoint you. You can buy anything from here, and there is one condition, though, you should be good at bargaining.

Nearby Places to Visit

A trip to Nainital

Located at just about 15 km from Pangot is Nainital, one of the most favorite and widely popular tourist spots in the entire country. Located in the arms of Kumaon hills, this place resembles paradise and no doubt it has made its secure place among the most beautiful locations in the entire country and also as one of the most popular tourist destinations.

A trip to Ranikhet–

About 20 kilometers away from Pangot is this one other beautiful place, Ranikhet. Known for its lush greenery and some of the most photogenic visuals, this is one heaven of a tourist spot. It also is home to the Kumaon regiment of the Indian army, and most of the tourists come here to witness that. The hygiene and the cleanliness around the place are fantastic.

Sattal– This is a place which got its name from being located in the midst of seven lakes, in the middle of a ancient and mysterious oak forest. It happens to be located at a distance of about 30 kilometers from Pangot and one of the main stops for the tourists who visit the area.

Despite having a significant lack of places to see, Pangot remains one of the most beautiful locations in the country and as the tourism industry here is on the rise, the coming years may bring something more for Pangot.

How to Reach

Pangot has situated 17 km away from Nainital at NH-87 and is within easy reach from Nainital. It just takes a half an hour drive, and you are there at Pangot. Pangot is well connected with major cities of Northern India. The Pangot can be reached either by bus or private taxi via NH 87.

The nearest airport has Pantnagar situated 58 km away. The distance from Pantnagar airport to Pangot can be easily covered in one hour. The taxi services from the Pantnagar airport are easily available, and it will cost around Rs.600.

Nearest Railway Station: Haldwani(48 km), Kathgodam(50 km), Ramnagar(70 km)

Travel Tip

Winter is the ideal time to visit the beautiful valley of Pangot!

Don’t forget to carry your Camera!!!

If you are nature-centric and love to unfold the mysterious chapters of nature, then a trip to the small village of Pangot will be worthwhile for you.

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings Rejoice Western India

The scenic mesmerising attractions at Daman and Diu

Two small enclaves in the westernmost part of the country, Daman and Diu are bounded on all sides by the Indian state of Gujarat. The places fall on the mouth of the Daman Ganga River and combined together, they form two of the most exquisite tourist spots in the country.

How to reach

The Daman airport is well connected with the Mumbai and the Vadodara airport. The nearest domestic and international airport to Daman and Diu is Mumbai, located at a distance of 193 Kms. From Mumbai, there are six weekly flights that would take you to Diu.

The nearest located railway station to Daman is Vapi, which is only 12 km away from the city. The Delwada railway station is closely located to Diu.

Places to visit

Devka Beach (Daman)- Devka beach is a pure beauty. The view of the sunset while sitting on the beach is a sight to savor. The untouched beauty of the beach is mesmerizing as it has been kept unspoiled, pure and charming. The well-maintained cleanliness and the crystal blue water makes want to not ever leave the place. The beach also has a special Amusement Park where you can indulge in a variety of recreational activities.

Cathedral of Bom Jesus (Daman) – Due to the strong Portuguese connection since the earlier times, the churches display a remarkable and brilliant roman styled architecture. One such beautiful monument is Cathedral of Bom Jesus, which is amongst the most significant religious monument for them.  The church was built long back in 1603 and the structure still stands beautifully.

The Lighthouse (Daman) – Located at Daman Ganga Bridge, the Lighthouse is one of the major landmarks of the district of Daman. Situated in the premises of a Fort, the Lighthouse is a serene place to visit, especially during the evening. The sunset view from the top of the lighthouse could be one massive reason for its popularity.

Mirasol Lake Garden (Daman) – The calm and serene man-made place makes the tourists spend a few hours in the silence amidst the trees and flowers. The boat rides and fountains add to the overall charm of the garden in a great way. The computer game parlors are also there inside the park to lure in the younger tourists.

St. Jerome Fort (Daman) – Also known as Nani Daman fort, the magnificent monument holds a massive statue of Saint Jerome, one of the earliest fathers of the Catholic Church. The main attractions of this fort are the Church of Our Lady of the sea which is a notable example of Portuguese style architecture and the Portuguese war cemetery which is almost as old as the fort.

Golden beach (Diu) – The golden sand beach is one of the highlights of Diu providing a mesmerizing view of the deep oasis of the Arabian sea. The astonishing view of the sunrise and sunset from the beach is breathtaking.

St. Paul Church (Diu)- One of the best pieces of architecture in the entire region, St. Paul church is a great reminder of the Portuguese influence in Diu. One of the highly visited religious monuments in the area is dedicated to ‘Our lady of immaculate conception).

Nagoa Beach (Diu)- One of the centers for the thrilling water sports in the crystal blue waters of the Arabian sea, Nagoa beach quite popular among the tourists. When the beach is not in chaos due to the water sports, its quite calm and peaceful.

Naida caves (Diu)- The Naida caves are located on the periphery of the great Diu fort. The biggest attraction about this place is a long channel of tunnels which are a cause for amazement for an average tourist.

Activities to do in Daman and Diu

Diu- Water sports are quite popular in the region and the adventurous waters of the Arabian Sea, at the Nagoa beach offers some of the best water sporting events the tourists could hope for. The parasailing, surfing, banana boat rides, jet skiing, water zorbing and the hot air balloon rides over the ocean could take the adrenaline junkies to a marvelous ride.

For the kids, there are little boat rides and beach biking where they could have something of themselves to enjoy. The early minutes of evenings are considered to be the best for having a go at these water sports. Apart from the water sports, the tourists can enjoy the bird spotting and dolphin spotting in Diu and along with that, the liberation day festivities shouldn’t be missed as well.

Daman- Talking about the outdoor activities, Daman has no dearth of options to offer the tourists. The adventure junkies can head to the Bordi beach, the Mandva beach and Tarkali beach where snorkeling, para-sailing, water skiing and wind surfing are rather common. The exquisite wildlife is also one other highlight of Daman which offers wildlife photographers and enthusiasts a great opportunity to feel the wild animals in their entire wilderness. Tadoba national park, Sanjay Gandhi national park, and Navegaon national park are the perfect spots for that.

What to eat

There are two basic cultural influences on Daman and Diu, Gujarati and Portuguese and the cuisines also reflects the same. The people here mostly have the access to the sea food for obvious reasons and it is delicious, to say the least. Tawakkal, Pind Punjab da, Hotel Miramar and Daman delight are some of the places you can consider where you could have north Indian cuisines as well.

Best season to visit

The place boasts of a moderate climate throughout the year and can be visited any time. The months of October to February which mark the winter season of Daman are considered the peak time to visit Daman as sightseeing is more comfortable during the day time. You can also take pleasure in water sports and other tourist activities during this time.

Stay

There are many beautiful hotels facing the sea. The rooms are clean and nicely air conditioned. Hotel Emerald, Hotel Sai Kripa and Hotel Blue Lagoon would be our best bets.

The place is perfect for a brief holiday and you must not be hesitant to come here due to the low popularity of the place compared to other holiday destinations in the country.

Categories
Central India Historical Rejoice Travel Trends

An Insight to Ghughua Fossil Park

Ghughua Fossil Park, a National Park, is situated near Shahpura in Madhya Pradesh. The site was founded in the 1970s by Dr. Dharmendra Prasad, the then honorary secretary of the district’s archaeology unit and was announced a National Park in 1983 after the Indian Government identified the greatness of this natural wonder.  It is spread in an area of about 2,74,100 sq. metres across the villages of Umaria, Chargaon, Barb Spur, Deorakhurd, Ghuguwa and Deori Kohani. Ghughua Fossil National Park is the second largest Fossil Park in the world and the largest in Asia.

Here, plant fossils which are a part of 31 genera of 18 families have been recognized.   A number of plant, seed, fruit, leaf and shell fossils can be spotted in this park, some of which are 65 million years old. Palm fossils are the most prominent amongst them. Other fossilised plants include ancient forms of jackfruit, date palm, aonla, jamun, neem, banana and rudraksh. Although most of the plant and animal fossils do not have living relatives now, some of  them here have relatives existing which continue to live in Sikkim, the Western Ghats,  north- east India, Australia, Madagascar and Africa. Fossils of Eucalyptus trees have been found here which are native to Australia.

There is an interpretation centre in the park which has comprehensive information on the fossils which are found here. Also, you should visit the self-guided fossil trail to see them in their natural setting although the dinosaur egg is the main attraction.

Hundreds of tourists mainly scientists, paleo-botany students and archaeologists visit this place every year. According to scientists and archaeologists, Ghughua in ancient times had an equatorial and humid climate with a uniform temperature range throughout the year with an annual rainfall of above 2,000 mm.

How to reach:

  • ROAD: Ghughua Fossil Park is located on National Highway 11, 76 km from Jabalpur. The nearest Bus stand is at Niwar and the closest town from it is Shahpura (13km). It is located on a slight diversion between the route connecting Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks.
  • AIR: The nearest airport is at a distance of 115 km in Jabalpur which has good connectivity with the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Indore and Bhopal.
  • RAIL:  Umaria (65 km) and Jabalpur (115km) are the nearest railway stations to the National Park.  It is well connected by rail to the major tourist destinations and cities like Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, Varanasi, Indore, Agra, Jaipur, Gwalior, etc.

Most suitable time to visit:

The months between October and February are the best ones to visit the Ghughua Fossil Park.

Accommodation:

Tourists usually do not stay here as they conclude the visit to this park within 45 minutes. Still, the forest department has made arrangement for a stay which is a paid service and a limited number of rooms are there. Alternatively, you can visit this park while staying at hotels in Jabalpur, Shahpura, Mandla, Umaria  Bandhavgarh, etc.

Timings:

The National Park is open throughout the year from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

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