Category: Rejuvenate

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Rejuvenate

Munroe Island—The Pearl of Kerala Backwaters

The beautiful pearl of an island located near Kollam is a hidden beauty in the backwaters. It is situated between the Kallada and Ashtamudi River, and is not just one island but composed of 8 smaller islands that are separated by lakes and water channels. The island gets its name from Colonel John Munroe who was the Diwan of Travancore. While the islands had no roads or means of transport except for boats before, now there is the main road along with some secondary roads where cars, motorcycles, and buses run. A calm silent and serene place, with birds flying in the sky and slow music coming in from the temple heightening the ambiance of the water while the wind blew our hair was the first impression we had of Munroe Islands. The island has barely a population of ten thousand and it doesn’t even seem like that because the houses are far away. The islands are usually not crowded and very calm.

If you are visiting Kerala, do check out the Munroe Islands. Here is a detailed guide you can follow:

Things to do in Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

1) Canal cruise

The highlight of our visit to the Munroe Islands would have to be the Canoe tour. It was a total delight to explore the various canals, silently gliding through the water, exploring all the islands with a criss-cross path. We left early in the morning and our guide pointed out trees and birds to us. There were fruit trees and prawn farms which we looked at with much excitement. It was a total delight to move through the water like that, absorbing every view with the sun shining beautifully on the water.

2) Exploring the island

We saw fishermen taking their boats and heading off into the river. Some of them dived in to collect seafood. There were people making ropes from coconut fibers which were the wondrous view to watch. The island lives a quiet life, stuck in everyday routines. We also went to the local temple which had a festival going on with people in costumes reenacting Hindu Myths and stories. With drummers and actors acting in a rhythm, it was quite a show for both us travelers and the locals since people were gathered in quite a crowd to witness the whole thing.

We walked around the place, taking in the beautiful views of the water and the lush scenery all around us. The magnificent view of watching the sunset got magnified with the reflection it made on the water. Trips like these make one realize how much beauty there is in the world if one just looks. This was one of the most relaxing destinations we have been to, not just for our body but our minds as well. 

3) Other things to see

Animal Life:  The backwaters are rich in biodiversity. There were diverse animals, plants, and birds that we saw on our trip. There were eagles, kingfishers, cranes, and hawks and our guide pointed out the various cloves growing around the region. We saw some coconut, papaya and mango trees as well. We also learned that there is a fruit called suicide fruit which is poisonous and looks like a mango. So safety tip, don’t eat it until you know for sure. The place is a haven for bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Water Sports: Though we took to canoeing because we wanted a complete and slow experience of the whole place, there are various sports activities including motor boats and water cycle around the place as well.

We saw the rare sighting of dolphins in the water as well and then resigned for the day, relaxing at the Kollam beach. 

Best time to visit Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

Munroe Islands are the kind of place which can be visited any time during the year but for certain special experiences, like Onam (the major festival), if you visit during the month of August or September, you will get to witness the Kallada Boat Race.  Also, the damp season during the months of October to May is also considered good for visiting these Kerala Backwaters.

How to reach Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

By Rail: The nearest Railway station is just 3 km away and is the Munroe Island Railway Station. There is also Kollam railway station which is at a distance of 25km from the island.

By Boat: One can take a boat or a ferry to reach the island from the banks of Ashtamudi Lake.

By Air: The only airport nearby is the Trivandrum Airport which is 84 km away from the Munroe Islands.

Where to stay in Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

There are plenty of places to stay in the Munroe Islands and one can choose according to one’s needs.

Munroe Homestay with Vijeesh and Family: There is this homestay which is run completely by family and Vijeesh acted as our host and guide showing us the islands. The place was clean and very nice with good food available. The family had been providing canoe tours for 10 years now and had just recently started the homestay operation as well.

There is so much beauty in Kerala and it often gets lost in the crowded places like Trivandrum. We had beautiful experience during our walking tour of Munroe Island and if not for our habit of planning the travels and having everything in place, we would have stuck around for a couple more days. The place is a true sanctuary for people wanting to take a break from their everyday life to just explore the wilderness and the waters.

Categories
North India Rejuvenate

Lakes of Kumaon Valley

The Lakes of Kumaon hills lie in Uttarakhand which is also known as the “Lake District” of India. Amidst the beautiful mountain divisions of Kumaon are these four incredible lakes. Apart from the most popular Nainital lake, there are other big and small lakes too. It is a wonderful experience to walk around these lakes and seeing the tourists enjoying the views and boating while we did the same.

  1. Nainital Lake.

Nainital Lake is the famous lake among tourists since it lies in the district of the same name. This is the spot for your picnic and hill station desires. It is a kidney-shaped lake with hills surrounding it. You can sit at one point and just enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains, the lake and the reflection upon the freshwater surface. The surroundings of the lake were as rich in flora as the lake in Aquafauna.

  1. Bhimtal Lake

Bhimtal Lake has its roots in Hindu Mythology as it is named after one of the Pandavas ‘Bhim’ and it is said that Pandavas came here during their exile. There’s a temple called Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple belonging to that Pandava and the Banyan tree in the middle of it shows how old the temple really is. There is also a hill called “Hidimba hill” nearby named after Bhim’s wife.

The best time to visit the lake is during early morning as you can walk around and breathe the fresh air with no one but the birds to keep you company. There are a few platforms where you can see the lake in its full glory. The water was crystal clear and the hills reflected in it looked magnificent. There is also an island in the middle of Bhimtal lake which is, in fact, an aquarium that you can reach via a boat ride.

  1. Nakuchia Tal

Located at the mere distance of 4 km away from Bhimtal, this is a comparatively smaller lake. The lake is irregularly shaped and you have to be there at sunset to fully enjoy the different views at each step. This lake is also known as the “lake with nine corners”, though we were unable to count the exact corners. It is the deepest lake of them all and the valley offers many adventure sports activities like paddling, yatching that you can indulge in. There is also a Lotus pond near Nakuchital filled with lotus flowers of different colours.

  1. Sat Tal lake

The name ‘Sat Tal’ itself indicates that this lake is a group of 7 lakes. These are Hanuman Lake, Ram Lake, Sita Lake, Lakshman Lake, Bharat Lake, Garuda Lake and Nal Damyanti Lake.  These are the seven freshwater lakes that are all interconnected to each other and as the name suggests, it is believed that Lord Ram stayed near this lake during his exile.

The lake surrounded by tall oak and Pine trees offers a mesmerizing view. Along with good spots to eat up, there was a zip line where we saw people getting dipped into the lake and joyously cheering. Ram Lake and Hanuman Lake are easily accessible by road but we had to go down a hill to reach Nl Damyanti Lake. When we saw the Garuda Tal Lake, we were stunned by its beauty. It sat like an aquamarine bowl within the trees and since they call the area nearby Dev Bhoomi, we could actually feel the heavenly presence.

A walk around these lakes is just simply therapeutic and you feel one with nature. Since they have become a popular tourist spot, there are all kinds of facilities available.

Categories
Adventure Asia Rejuvenate

Bandung-The perfect love for nature starts here

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. The city is nicknamed as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have flowers in abundance. Visitors can take a flight to Bandung from the major cities of Indonesia and can get to Bandung by plane through Bandung Husein Sastranegara Airport.

All full of the volcanoes and the craters formed due to the years of existence, the Bandung city is a bittersweet mixture. The other side of the city belongs to the wildly beautiful green landscapes, the tea plantations, and the beautiful people all around. The city is known locally to be among the most beautiful cities in the country along with being known as the third largest city in Indonesia. The people here are all cultured and elegant. Winters are especially suitable to visit the place. The chilly wind will give you goosebumps as you move forward to explore more of the city with your naked eyes.

Here are some reasons why one must never miss a trip to the place whenever they can-

Have a walk into the live crater- This experience is something really uncalled for, but once you have it, you feel the electricity running through your nerves. Tankuban Perahu is the name of the volcano located at closer to the city of Bandung. Up on the crater, there are ample stores where you can buy the artifacts to make the journey more memorable. The white smoke constantly erupting out of it may be frightening to you but also is a fascinating feeling. Don’t miss that at any cost!

See Dusun Bambu- The very relaxing park at the feet of the mountain is a very happy go lucky kind of place. The picturesque valleys around the park compel you to just lie down and stare at them for hours. And if the soft music is on, you want nothing else. The valleys all around echo peace and tranquillity and this must be the last place before you take off from the city.

Food at the Peak- This one restaurant is the most famous one in the city and the most favorite one of the tourists. All the national cuisines along with the popular international ones are served here in all their deliciousness. The live bands play music as you sit in the beautifully lit place along with your loved ones enjoying the fascinating food and drinks.

Witness the Saung Angklung Udjo show- The happiest place in the entire city is this! The Angklung is a local musical instrument made of bamboo and produces some great sounds which are enchanting and seductive for the ones listening to them for the first time. The music show takes place almost every day and everyone should visit it once at-least.

Kawah Putih- Literally translated as White Crater, Kawah Putih is one of the most interesting things about the city that may be the sole reason to visit the place. The land engulfed in whiteness is surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes and opens all the senses. From the beautiful lake to the photogenic trees surrounding the area, the place is just perfect.

These are enough reasons to give the Indonesian city of Bandung a try. Indonesia may not be a very popular destination at present, but the land of volcanoes is still one of the most photogenic Asian countries to not miss.

Categories
Beaches Rejuvenate

A memorable escape to bliss on the Indian Islands

The mainland India, especially the northern part is brimming high with all the picturesque tourist spots to hang out. And needless to say, the huge traffic of the foreign and local tourists have enabled the hospitality industry there to come up with luxurious attempts to lure in more and more of those tourists. In all that gloss of the mainland India, people usually tend to forget that there are some islands in the Indian Ocean which are no less than any other place in terms of luxury and comfort. Let’s get to know about a few of them.

Lakshadweep- Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful places you can expect to find in the country. The 36 small and big islands collectively constitute Lakshadweep, whose name is defined literally as The Island of a hundred thousand lands. Out of all of them, Kavaratti is the most developed and has the most comfortable facilities to stay and spend some time at. Agatti and Bengaram are other two very popular little islands which are just recently getting the popularity that they deserve. It happens to be located near Kerala.

Andaman and Nicobar- If we talk about the Indian island most frequently visited by the international tourists, Andamans would be the one. They are located in the Andaman Sea on the east of the country. There are many popular stories about this set of islands that have made their way into the popular literature. Once upon a time, they were known as the dreaded Kaala Paani and now, as the times have changed, they are full of luxurious five-star hotels and resorts. However, the stories about the cannibals still existing in here may attract the most adventurous ones as well.

St. Mary’s Islands- These are a small set of four beautiful islands, located near the state of Karnataka. Also known as the coconut islands, these little pieces of landfall in the Arabian Sea, to the west side of the country. The biggest attraction of these islands is the massive pitch black lava stones that resulted with an eruption of the very aggressive volcano over the centuries. There are a great number of hotels on the islands promising a very comfortable stay.

Netrani Island- Located about 20 kilometers from Murudeshwara in the Arabian Sea, the Netrani Island also happens to be known as the Pigeon Island. For the tourists hailing from Goa and Kerala, the nearby places, the islands serve as a perfect place for some daring water sports such as Scuba diving. The biggest highlight of the island is only visible from the space though, as it looks like a heart located right in the middle of the sea. The island remains closed during the monsoons due to the heavy rains that fall in here annually. Any other time in the year is perfect for a visit to this little beauty of an island.

So, forget the hills and all the snow, have a visit to one of these islands and you will know how there is much more to our beautiful country what we are still unaware of.

Majuli Island

Majuli Island is one of the most coveted islands on the list of Indian Islands. It’s one of the biggest river islands in the world and the most unique of all the islands in India. We are sure to enjoy this place for its breath-taking sunrises and stunning sunsets. Out of all the islands of India, this one is the most unconventional one where you will find moss instead of sand on its coast and traditional north-eastern cuisine instead of seafood.

Diu Island

Who doesn’t want to visit an island so cool? Diu Island is a small island which has traces of Portuguese culture infused in it.

This island has a little bit of everything that appeals right from the architectural beauty and serenity. The beautiful beaches and tropical sea-food with a hint of Gujarati influence will make it a notch diverse from other islands in India. if you are looking to have a good time with your alcoholic friends, the best part is that alcohol is legal here, unlike in Gujarat!

So, which of these islands captivate your senses and allure you to visit them at least once? 

Categories
Adventure Beaches Deserts Rejuvenate Travel Trends wildlife

These places could be a perfect holiday escape for families

A good trip is a remedy for almost every other problem you face in life and if that trip happens with the people whom you love the most in the entire world, there is nothing better than that. Today, we bring you the list of the best holiday destinations across the country that you can visit with your entire family. Have fun!

Rajasthan- Rajasthan is India and India is Rajasthan. This north Indian state has something about it which makes it feel like the real India. Whether it is the massive forts or the amazing food, this place is for families having the time of their lives. You could enjoy a lovely boat ride on the Nakki lake in Mount Abu and get dazzled by Udaipur’s Lake Pichola and the fine monuments such as Jaipur’s City Palace and Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort.

If you could spend a little extra, there are enough luxurious options that you can choose from in order to give your family a grand experience.

Goa- Many may disagree with this one and argue that Goa is a party destination and no kids should be allowed there. But the reality is that not all the beaches are filled with alcoholic adults. There are some great beaches in Goa where families can be seen together having a great time. If you are heading for a family vacation in Goa, you should visit places as Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the oldest churches in Goa, Calangute Beach perfect for a great family time together and Palolem Beach which is famous for dolphin sightings.

One other plus point is the food. From the north Indian to the Chinese to the seafood, it is a paradise for the foodies. The cherry on top is some lush visuals which are perfect spots for clicking photos to create memories.

Jim Corbett national park- Children love nothing more than seeing a tiger all out in the open in its natural habitat. Jim Corbett is the most popular Indian national park and offers some great sightings of rare and interesting species of birds and animals. The safety arrangements are top notch along with the night stay options. Just the very perfect place for a family outing!

Kerala- Whether it is the dense forests or the exotic backwaters, Kerala must be at the top on the list of places you should visit next. The beaches are all lush and beautiful plus the rainforests, everything is far better than you may have imagined in your dreams. However, for the relaxation and health tourism also, Kerala is the best, thanks to the Ayurveda and spa treatments that are given here in its purest form.

Kutch- If you are one of the very few who doesn’t happen to have much interest in the greenery and animal kingdom, head to Kutch in Gujarat to experience what rugged beauty can do to your senses. The barren and wide lands are exotic and the sunsets and sunrise at those places is a sight to savor. This is one of the most underrated tourist spots in the country and could be a perfect spot for your family to spend some time away from the usual life.

Darjeeling- Made popular all over the world thanks to the wide tea plantations, Darjeeling is one of the best tourist spots in the eastern India. The toy train ride is something the kids would enjoy and the adults can go for some more adventures. In short, there is everything for everyone to take some great memories back home.

India is diverse and beautiful, and reeks of true beauty from every corner, ideal for family outing. 

Categories
Corporate Outings North India Rejuvenate Uncategorized

Tranquil Mashobra – Getaway from Shimla

Home to two presidential retreats, Mashobra is a small town in Shimla and while the architecture of the building of presidential retreat attracts many tourists, the president himself is helpless to its charm.

Known for its beautiful hills and trees, this small suburb fills you with the rustic beauty as you find your way exploring undiscovered hills and treks. The sun-kissed mountains and views of royal summer houses give you a certain delight. How wonderful is it to look upon a wooden house among the hills and even if you are an admirer of architecture, the damage done to these hills in the name of ‘development’ will be inevitably visible even to you.

I reached Mashobra during night time by bus from Shimla and then stayed at Tranquil Countryside Homes to get the gypsy feel. It is surrounded by forests giving you a great view. Moreover, there is a bonfire during an evening and the food is delicious.

Mashobra has a history with the British. It was built by Lord Mountbatten and Lady Edwina during the British Raj and even today no person can deny the beauty of The Wildflower Hall at Chharabra. Yet personally, I would rather look at the majestic charm nature has to offer than the usual tourist spots. As I took a climb through Mashobra valley, I came across several regional trees and even crossed Hamlets. Among it all lay, a ‘sacred grove’ whose magnificence had been undisturbed by the cruelty of time.

Mashobra also houses a temple of deity Seep at Deothi.  The deity’s persona is believed to be merged with that of Lord Shiva and there is an urban legend regarding the temple. It is believed that the temple was first in Nehra but the deity talked through its followers and conveyed that there will be a march of ants who would circle a mound and that is the place where he shall reside. Such instance occurred and that is the reason behind the temple’s current location. Hearing the story by a local gave me goose bumps and belief in his tale. The temple wasn’t the only thing that caught my interest as there was also a room for folk musicians nearby.

While I was engulfed by such cultural heritage of these small hamlets, the natural magnificence of this valley also did not evade me. I visited the summerhouses and Presidential retreat and other such spots in Mashobra mainly just to satisfy my curiosity. I stopped at Krishna Bakery a few kilometres ahead of Wildflower Hall because I could not resist those delicious baked goods. The cream rolls and pastries that I tried were just perfect.

As I tried to absorb all the charisma from the place, I decided to capture some shots which might not be as glamorous as being in that moment but would still do the necessary job to refresh my memories of the place once I looked upon it. But after the views from the valley, every time I tried to click a picture of the mountain or just the simplicity of this suburb, the ugliness of brick houses caught the lens. No, I do not wish to say that they were ugly in the literal sense but to me, they looked ugly as they defaced the natural charm of the place.

To me, a naked mountain with nothing but grass and trees would woo me more than one with a cement house built on it. Years ago when I had visited Mashobra as a child, I was mesmerized not just by the valley and this teacup shaped town but also the wooden houses that blended right in with the feel of the place. I would look out the window and the placed felt like a true retreat from the city. But unfortunately, now the city has crept up and disturbed the calm of the place.

You can still find certain untouched beauties and small areas where you can sip your tea in peace and let the surroundings do wonders to your soul.

Walk upon Jakhu Hill to see the breathtaking picturesque views or plan a picnic at Annandale.

Categories
Central India Corporate Outings Culture Festival Rejuvenate

Postcards from Jalmahotsav 2016

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is famous for its creative ideas to promote tourism. Be it their TVCs or the place in itself, one shall never be disappointed by the place. In the series to promote tourism, the board came out with a fantastic initiative call “Jal Mahotsav” in Hanuwantiya island in Khandwa district. This year it is happening from 15th Dec to 15th Jan 2017 and is a perfect place to experience tranquility and rejuvenate over any weekend.

How to Reach Jal Mahotsav:

Nearest airport to reach Jalmahotsav is Indore, from where island is just 3 hrs drive away. Thanks to great infrastructure, drive is amazing. In case you coming from train, you would like to get down at Khandwa. Team is available for pick-up and drop to make your life easy. It is an idyllic getaway for a day or a weekend.

Where to Stay

Luxurious tents area available in 3 clusters, all named on the jungles of Madhya Pradesh. These tents are well organised and have all basic amenities including AC. Bed is cosy enough to give you a good night sleep. Toilets are clean with toiletries.

You may also opt for staying in a houseboat. All details available at www.mptourism.com

What to eat

Though there is a special dining arrangements for guests opting for tent, wherein buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner is available. But still, you can go to the food zone to satiate your hunger pangs.

Activities to Indulge in

Most of the activities, you would like to indulge in, are waiting for you at Jal Mahotsav to keep yourself busy. If you are water lover, do not miss the chance to get yourself soaked in water. Banana Boat ride, Jetski, Speed boat ride, Water Zorbing awaits you. If you looking for more adventure, go for water parasailing.

When it comes to Air activities, you can opt for paramotoring, Land parasailing, and hot air balloon.

Well, in case all you want is the luxury, and no adventure then, go to the club house and enjoy pool or sunbath yourself.

Relive your childhood, as you fly kites and go for a bullock cart ride. For Sky gazers, in the night you can enjoy the clear sky and capture some wonderful shots.

Evenings are happening with the culture performances.

Needless to say, the place has everything for all age groups. Do not miss the chance to visit the heart of India.

Categories
Adventure Corporate Outings Rejuvenate

Cool Indian River Rafting spots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Categories
Corporate Outings Rejuvenate Western Ghats Western India

Lonavala – The Family Getaway for Mumbaikars

Everybody should make a Lonavala trip once in a lifetime. The resort town of Lonavala in the Sahyadri Mountains is Mumbai’s most popular weekend getaway. Numerous waterfalls that plummet and trickle through thickly forested hillsides are good to escape the madness of the busier lifestyle. Lonavala is a popular holiday destination and a luxe way to enjoy the vacation amidst the cool green valleys which delight the eye. Lonavala is also called the Jewel of the Sahyadri Hills.

It is a hill station which happens to be located at about a 3 hours distance of 64 kilometres from Pune and 96 kilometers from the state capital Mumbai. The expressway running through it is quite an easy way to reach here and the railway is also there to make it a bit faster and easier to reach. Like every other gorgeous hill stations, there are many points on the hills here where you can have a great visual of the entire valley and soothe your senses. There are many small villages which are seen tucked in between and this offers a great visual experience to the visitors. A few kilometers away is a point that gives a great of the fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji known as Rajmachi. The place is a great tourist spot and known as the pride of Maharashtra.

And as is happens to be the case, there is absolutely no dearth of eateries in probably the best holiday destination in Maharashtra. Restaurants like Hotel Chandralok and Cafe 24 and various roadside dhabas will make the foodies go crazy. The cuisines are the impeccable mixture of Gujarati and Maharashtrian food items. And how could one forget the famous sweet, Chikki? Lonavala happens to be one of the biggest exporters of the Indian sweet that has got the entire country drooling over it.

For the picnic, there is the very famous Ryewood Park in Lonavala known for its great views and services. The park is full of tall trees and occupies a great deal of space. There also happens to be a very old and grand Shiva temple in the middle of the park, which is a good place for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Valvan dam is also a very popular tourist spot in the area that attracts a lot of people from all over the country each year. About 12 kilometers away from the mainland Lonavala, is the Duke’s nose. The place is quite popular among the most adventurous of the tourists and is quite a lot of popular among the hikers.

During the visit to Lonavala, one can choose to stay at Fariyas Resort Lonavala that also has a nice banquet venue for partying. For a luxurious stay, one can opt to stay at Aamby Valley City known for its excellent location, great hospitality, and great food.

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations, there is no dearth of places to stay in the hill station. There are five-star hotels, some good lodges among other places where the tourists can have a good stay.

Tiger’s point is one other wonderful place to see in here, which sometimes is also known as Tiger’s leap. Just beside it, there happens to be the wonderful waterfall that only remains active during the monsoon season and is dry for the the most part in the year.

The ancient caves of Karla and Bhaja are other attractions about the place. It gives the tourists a great peak in the ancient history of the Indians about how they lived when the world was devoid of any sort of technological stuff. The very popular caves date back to about 1st century BC and are as beautiful as they get.

Lonavala is to Mumbaikars what Haridwar and Rishikesh are to Delhiites. Most of the people living and working in these two metropolitans do need some time off, and they are lucky to have these places at a few hours’ distance.

Categories
Central India National Parks Rejuvenate

Tryst with Satpura Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Situated right in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park was set up in the year 1981. It is considered to be one of the most bio-diverse heritages of the country with a variety of animals living in an area spread across 1,427 km2. The name of the national park ‘Satpura’ has been derived from Sanskrit, which means seven-hills. It is an integral part of Pachmarhi   Biosphere. This is an ideal place for all wildlife lovers who wish to spend the moments of their life in the lap of the peaceful nature.

Flora

The Park is the highly dense forest in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Sai and Teak species are commonly found. The forest can be divided into three important categories: Moist deciduous, dry decidous, and central Indian Hub Tropical hill

Fauna

Satpura National Park is the most populated wildlife forest in the country with more than 50 species of mammals, 254 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, and 50 species of butterflies among others. Some of the animals that can be spotted in the national park are Spotted Dear, Indian Bison, Tigers, Leopards, Wild dog locally called Dholes, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Black buck, Porcupine, Sambhar, Smooth otter, Pangolin, Marsh crocodile, languars, four horned antelopes, etc.

The Indian Giant squirrel spotted here is a special feature of Satpura National Park as sights of this squirrel are rare in India now. A glimpse of leopards, gaurs, wild dog, sloth Bear is good in comparison to other national parks of Central India. Also, the park is an important sight for one of the best bird watching experiences.

Places to Visit

Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura Tiger Reserve is recognized as one of the most precious gems of the state Madhya Pradesh,  which encompasses Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Satpura National Park and Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. This tiger reserve is unique for a variety of experiences it offers to its beholders. Boat Safari, Elephant Safari, and Jeep Safari are some of the most popular fun adventures of the place.

Asirgarh Fort

Regarded as the key to Deccan, one of the best attractions in Satpura National Park is Asirgarh Fort that holds a significant history of Mughal Empire. The architecture of the fort is inspired Persian and Mughal Empires.

Nandigarh Pahar

Nandigarh Pahar is situated in Pachmarhi, which is one of the main entrances to Satpura National Park. With a variety of adventure activities, this is the best destination for you and your family member to spend some quality time together.

Things to Do

Elephant Safari

One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Satpura National Park is by taking an Elephant Safari. If you are here in Satpura National Park then you should not miss it at any cost.

Jeep Safari

Jeep Safari is another good option for those who want to explore the landscapes of Satpura National Park. Information given by your tourist guides will make your journey even more exciting.

Best Places to Eat

Satpura National Park is in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, which is often described as the hub of some of the most exotic cuisine in the world. Some of the best places to eat near Satpura National Park are:

Dine Inn, Pachmarhi

This is one of the finest places to eat near Satpura National Park. It is situated in Pachmarhi, which is one of the key entrances to Satpura National Park. Dine Inn serves Chinese and Indian cuisine at an affordable price.

Hotel Maharaja, Pachmarhi

Another best place to eat near Satpura National Park is Hotel Maharaja in Pachmarhi. It serves authentic Indian cuisine.

Shri Vrindavan Palace, Hoshangabad

This restaurant is situated in Hoshangabad. It serves authentic Indian vegetarian food at a very reasonable price. The ambiance is very relaxing.

Places to Stay

Woodland Hotel, Pachmarhi, Welcome Heritage Golf View and Satpura Retreat are some of the options to stay, while you are here. If you are looking for luxury then, Forsyth Lodge is a good property to experience.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to reach Satpura National Park is Bhopal airport, which is just 200 km away from here.

The nearest Railway station to reach Satpura National Park is Pipariya, Itarsi, Sohagpur, and Hoshangabad. Satpura National Park has three entrances. First one is from Pachmarhi, second from Madhai, and the third one from Tawa Resort  located in Tawa Dam.

Satpura National Park can also be reached by road from Bhopal (170kms) and Jabalpur (250kms) cities.

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