Travel Category

Best Places in India to explore verdant Tea Gardens

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• May 21, 2021

India is one of the top destinations for tea lovers. Lovers of the magical brew are in for a treat in India and the neighbouring Sri Lanka. India has a history of tea cultivation. There are many places that grow tea on the many lush hill slopes. From being one of the largest producers of tea to offering some amazing experiences for tea lovers, there is a lot on offer. The pleasant weather, gradient of slopes and the traditional approach of tea cultivation makes India very popular for tea.

1. Darjeeling

The British and Indians have at least one thing in common; their undying love for tea. This love brough the first seeds of tea to the hill station of Darjeeling in the British Raj. Acting on a whimsical thought of growing tea near where he resided, soon a string of people started imitating him, and voila, we now have a thriving market for Darjeeling tea which is demanded the world over! Stay at the Glenburn Tea Estate or ensure that you save up to stay here as it’s worth every Rupee! Another option is Makaibari Tea Estates.

The black variety of tea which is harvested in Darjeeling, India, is considered the best variety of tea and Darjeeling is also known as the champagne of teas. The weather is the major factor that contributes to the flavor of the tea.

2. Munnar

Munnar is best known for its tea gardens. As you drive through, you will find well manicured tea plantations on either side of the lane. With different shades of green, they look beautiful. You will get many postcard perfect images amidst these. Most of them are private properties and don't allow visitors. There are plantations which allow tourists with some offering tea tasting experience too. 

3. Assam

The largest tea growing area in the world is found in Assam. Also, Assam is the largest contributor of tea in India. In fact, contrary to myths that we started growing tea only after it was procured from China; tea has always grown in Assam. The locals would pluck the leaves, make a decoction and drink it. This fascinated the Britishers who then started their own plantations in Assam. The Assam tea is also renowned the world over. Some of the stay options include the Wild Mahaseer Tea Planter Bungalows or Burra Sahib’s Bungalow.

4. Himachal Pradesh

Himalayan tea is grown in the Kangra region. Places such as Palampur came especially into existence when Dr. Jameson planted the seedlings here. It was a hit with the British and today tea estates still exist. One can stay in tea estates such as the Darang Tea Estate or can opt for a tea tour at the Wah Tea Estate.

5. The Blue Mountains (Tamil Nadu)

In the Nilgiris too, tea estates have been established since 1835. The Nilgiris Teas are known for their delicate fragrance. In and around Coonoor are tea estates. The Badagas, a local tribe were made to work in the plantations during the British Raj because their lands were taken over by them for tea estates. Spread throughout the Nilgiris, tea estates are to be found in Wayanad, Anamalai region, and Nelliyampathy amongst many other areas. The O’land Estate is located 40 minutes from Ooty. Tenerife Plantation is an option for those visiting Coonoor.

Spirituality in India

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• May 17, 2021

India, rich in holy places, traditions and rituals, offers incredible spiritual experiences. The country is a vast treasure for those seeking knowledge and awareness in spiritual terms. In the vast diversity, there are innumerable places and moments that connect you with the divine and a higher calling. Discover the spiritual treasure with some unforgettable experiences. From sacred temples and enormous religious pilgrimages to yoga ashrams and beyond, spiritual experiences in India offer visitors healing, wellness, and the chance to forge a deeper connection with their surroundings. Begin your year afresh—and embark on an inspiring discovery tour of India’s most peaceful corners.

Stay in a Ashram

Attend Worship Rituals

Serve the needy

Natural Wonders to explore in India

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Apr 24, 2021

 India never ceases to amaze. The vast geographical expanse is an abode to diversity, some finest marvels crafted by man and nature’s wonders. when exploring India, the real India, you will surely across some surreal experiences. From the snow-covered Himalayas to the lush Western Ghats, from the azure beaches to the scenic beckwaters, the glemaing dune sof the Thar Desert to the eerie stretch of the Rann of Kutch, fmo the lush jungles thriving with wildlife to roaring waterfalls to secret caves, India is truly blessed. Travel plans to India remain incomplete without exploring few such marvelous scenic spots. We have listed down some of the wonders of nature that you can add to your travel itinerary.

Backwaters

Of India’s wonders of nature, backwaters have made a special importance. Loved by honeymoon couples, families, people seeking getaway from routines or simple in search of bliss, Kerala’s Backwaters are simply heavenly. The network of waters of lagoons, lakes, rivers and the sea is a beauty. Besides, its scenic appeal the backwaters supports an incredible ecology. Some of the rarest birds and some even migratory species that fly in from far parts of the world for the winters.

Where to go: Kerala – Alleppey, Kumarakom, Poovar and Cochin, Goa

Beaches

Nature has bestowed India with a vast coastline, stretching over 1200 kms. With access to the huge expanse of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, India has some of the most impressive coastlines. The stretch of silvery soft sands and dazzling golden hues leading to azure waters are some of the most scenic places in India. The wonder lies in the sheer diversity; from rock strewn shores to sandy expanes thriving with seasports, to secret coves of wildlife espceially the sea variety, shores witness to historic legends to ones offering a fun beach getaway.

Desert

India's desertscape is truly a wonder. Rajasthan's vast expanse of the Thar Desert

Mountains

Where to go in the Himalayas – Shimla, Dharamshala

Lakes

Waterfalls

The name ‘Dudhsagar’ literally translates to ‘sea of milk’. The waterfall gives us an allusion of the white spray and foam that the great waterfall creates, as it gushes into the waters of the lake. The falls are at their zenith during the monsoon season, although they are a popular attraction all year round. Tucked away in the crescent-shaped valley, the waterfalls are carpeted with lush green flora, thus becoming a perfect getaway for honeymoon couples.

Living Tree Bridges of Cherrapunji

Located in one of the wettest places on earth – Cherrapunji, Living Root bridges of Meghalaya can make for the most amazing pictures of nature in the world. This scenic spot is a way of boasting nature’s mysterious ways of creation. This place is famous for their ever-growing natural bridges, whilst some of them being 500 years old.

The roots of Ficus Elastic are grown by local Khasi tribes into strong and amazing natural bridges, which take around fifteen years to grow completely. These one-of-its-kind bridges are truly a natural marvel that you must visit.

Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport ( 60 Kms)

Festivals that can be experienced with the Golden Triangle Tour

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Apr 13, 2021

India's iconic travel itinerary, the Golden Triangle is a brief experience of rich heritage, colourful culture, hospitality and enriching memories. On a Golden Triangle tour, explore the vibrancy of Delhi, the royal charms of Jaipur and the mystique of Agra along with the finest of cultural bounty of India. And, when is about culture, festivals is an insight that is . After all, they are the foundation of the opulent heritage in the country.

If you too wish to know India a little closely, we’d recommend you travel it by the virtue of Indian festivals. Sounds like a plan? Then, here is a list of festivals that will make your Golden triangle trip a success. Relish every piece of information, who knows when you’ll have your India calling. Happy reading folks!

The Artistic Taj Mahotsav, Agra
 
With the backdrop of exquisite Taj Mahal, Taj Mahotsav is a 10-day gala event that celebrates the life and lifestyle of ancient India. During this festival, hundreds of imminent artisans get the opportunity to carry forward their family heritage. For anyone visiting India for the very first time, a trip to Agra during Taj Mahotsav is a feast for the senses.

Wood/stone carvings of Tamil Nadu, Bamboo/cane work from the North East India, Pashmina from Kashmir, marble and zardozi work from Agra and what not, there is no limit to the art on display here. However, this event is not just about exquisite craft work. In fact, it equally emphasizes on performing arts. In the gist of which, it entertains visitors with various cultural performances. So, if you are a sucker for folk and classical art forms, you’d definitely love every bit of this bonanza.Are you a connoisseur of good food? Then, this festival will be a gourmet delight for you. 

Date: 2nd week of February
Location: Shilpgram.

The International Kite Festival, Jaipur

The clear blue skies of Jaipur are too bejeweled every January to celebrate the International Kite Festival. During this time of the year, thousands of enthusiastic folk take part in the kite flying competition. The craze of it is such, that people from across the country travel miles just to witness this phenomenon. Besides being an enthralling escapade, the Kite Festival is also the perfect place to bond regardless of age, gender and nationality.

Do you know that this festival was strategically planned in order to get the benefits of the winter sun? Yes, that’s a hundred percent true.  It is believed that when the sun moves in Uttarayana, its rays act as medicine for the human body. Celebrated on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the kite festival is a cultural luxury that only a few get to experience on a cultural trip to India. However, if you are on a Golden triangle trip, you too can enjoy this cultural feast.

Time: February
Location: All Jaipur

The Colourful Holi

Have you ever wanted to paint the world in the colours of the rainbow? If your answer is yes, then, you’ve got a golden opportunity in hand in the form of Holi celebration in India. Although Holi is an auspicious festival celebrated with all hearts across the country, the celebration of it in Jaipur is a little off-beat and unique. Like everything else, Holi in Jaipur is celebrated with all the regal charms. It calls for a two day event, where the community bonds and basks in the glory of religious quintessence.

The first day of Holi celebration in Jaipur invites tourists to become the part of the Hindu folklore. During this time a huge bonfire is set up. Furthermore, people pray around it and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. However, the next day is marked by colours on the streets and people having the best of times. Beside the colour play, there is another aspect of Holi celebration that takes place in the Govind Ji Temple. Here, to celebrate holi with the deities, the devotees play with colours, flowers and even sandalwood.

Time: February- March
Location: Jaipur

Gangaur Festival and Teej Festival, Jaipur

Gangaur and Teej Festivals are Rajasthan’s prized possession. It is the crux of everything we love about the state, from attires to rich customs. Gangaur commences on the day following Holi whereas Teej marks the beginning of monsoon.  Out of which it is Gangaur that continues for 18 days and is very famous among the womenfolk of Rajasthan.

Both of these festivals revolve around love and marriage and venerate Goddess Parvati. During Gangaur, you will notice a procession of women raiding the streets of Jaipur, all decked up in blingy attires. Gangaur and Teej festivals are the apt representation of the Rajasthan. And, if you’d want to bind yourself with the threads of its plush heritage, it’s imperative to add this festival to your bucket list via the Golden triangle trip.

Jaipur Literature Festival

This 3 –day literature carnival invites authors from India and abroad. Literature enthusiasts from all over the world meet at this event to read, discuss, question and answer about the top literary works of the planet.  Moreover, there is even a range of stalls selling everything from food to handicrafts here, which is amazing. If you are a patron of quaint laid back vibes, then an outdoor lounge bar is also available here for relaxing. Furthermore, music performances adorn the evenings here after every literary session.

Time: Late January
Venue: Diggi Palace Hotel, Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort.

Every festival in India is unique. If you have the opportunity to experience any of these festivals on your trip to India, then no one is as lucky as you are. So, make the most of it!

Toy Train Rides in India

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Apr 05, 2021

Kalka Shimla Toy Train- UNESCO World Heritage Site

Imagine a fascinating train journey, steadily snaking up on a narrow railway line on a steep gradient, from an altitude of 2000-odd feet up to over 6800 feet on a line full of curves (917 to be precise), whizzing past dense deodar forests, cutting across misty mountains and valleys, chugging through 103 tunnels and crossing 988 bridges and aqueducts! It covers a distance of 96 km in a span of about 7 hours, this is one of the most memorable experiences of ‘Incredible India.’ There are other ways to travel up to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, but this is by far the most exciting one.

This railway line was established in 1903 when Shimla was the summer capital of India during the British Raj. An amazing engineering marvel, it winds its curvy way through 20 picturesque stations on the way like Ghumman, Koti, Dharampur, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, Kandaghat, Shoghi and Taradevi, to name a few, before crossing Summer hill, and finally arriving at Shimla station. Barog deserves special mention as this part of the journey is rife with particularly scenic vistas. Also, this is where the train traverses through the longest tunnel (no. 33) on this route, which is over a kilometre long. 

Although the toy train is usually packed during the tourist season from May to July and during September- October, during which time the journey is nothing short of breathtaking, it is simply a stunning and surreal experience during the winter season when the landscape is covered in pristine snow all around. The train has a snow cutting machine at the front to clear the tracks as it chugs its way up. 

The Kalka-Shimla toy train journey is on India’s tourism map as one of the best travel destinations of India, when it was declared as a Mountain Railways of India UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008, along with the Darjeeling and Ooty toy trains. The Kalka- Shimla NG Express now has a vistadrome to make the journey even more spectacular than it already is.