India is huge country. There is something for every traveller and sometimes there is nothing for some to escape to other asian destinations. But the later is very rare and it is mostly for the Kiosk which is another name of my country.
However, in most of times India is a dream country for every one. My friends abroad ask me where to start and what to do as a beginner. I always suggest them to start with a Big city like Delhi or Mumbai and then to go places which are less touristy. Another thing a foreign traveller should take care is to go easy with Indian food ;)
But now in my this post of Sharing is Caring, I have found an article which explains 20 stunning ways to experience India. Of course to do all of them is not possible as the India is not only a country but also a subcontinent. Making it one by one would be full of experiences.
Here is the list below from www.cntraveller.in
However, in most of times India is a dream country for every one. My friends abroad ask me where to start and what to do as a beginner. I always suggest them to start with a Big city like Delhi or Mumbai and then to go places which are less touristy. Another thing a foreign traveller should take care is to go easy with Indian food ;)
But now in my this post of Sharing is Caring, I have found an article which explains 20 stunning ways to experience India. Of course to do all of them is not possible as the India is not only a country but also a subcontinent. Making it one by one would be full of experiences.
Here is the list below from www.cntraveller.in
1. Bike the Manali-Leh highway
For bikers, this is a rite of passage. The 476-km Manali-Leh highway stays open for just about four and a half months each year. The tiny window pulls in riding enthusiasts from all over the world to make this daring, but stunning journey. The route takes you through five high-altitude passes, which guarantee some jaw-droppingly beautiful views. At its highest, the Manali-Leh highway reaches an altitude of 16,000ft. Disorientation, altitude sickness and mechanical failure is routine. Weather can be fickle and road conditions can change within hours.
2. Gape in awe at the Taj Mahal on a moonlit night
You may have made that mandatory school trip to the Taj many years ago. This time, pay a visit at night, when the crowds have left and this Wonder of the World takes on a surreal form. On full moon nights, bathed in moonlight, the marble mausoleum is a sight to behold. It sparkles, shimmers and glows unlike anything you have ever seen.
3. Spot the tiger (if you’re lucky) in one of the many national parks
India offers some stunning wildlife experiences, but the top draw remains the elusive (and endangered) Royal Bengal Tiger. Its muted ferocity coupled with a notorious reluctance to show up make it the most prized sighting. And when you do see one saunter across the road or hide in the under-bush, it’s a moment to cherish (and Instagram).
4. Take a ride on a luxury train
A bit pricey, perhaps, but this is undoubtedly a fantastic way of experiencing the romance of a train journey. At one point, these royal trains were used to ferry maharajas and their entourages across the length and breadth of India. Today, they let you explore the country in the same regal style.
5. Trek to the Valley of Flowers
Between June and October, go on a six-day trek to Uttarakhand’s famous Valley of Flowers, located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere. What you will be rewarded with is the most stunning carpet of wildflowers you have ever seen. Home to 300 species of wild flowers including 45 medicinal plants, the valley is becoming more and more popular with each passing year, so make this trip now. The journey is equally interesting—you’ll pass quiet villages, brooks, lakes, and forests. With luck, you may even spot some endemic wildlife like the tahr or even the much-less seen Himalayan black bear.
6. Walk over a frozen river
If the name of this trek gets you curious, you’re not alone. Chadar means blanket in Hindi, which is exactly what this trek is—a journey over the frozen Zanskar River. Though the ice is thick, you can see the river raging underfoot, and those who have trekked through this famous gorge with towering rock on all sides describe the experience as surreal, even life-changing. Keep in mind, though, that it’s not only difficult in terms of the trek itself, but it’s also the small things—like your boots freezing solid overnight and you having to thaw them by the campfire before you can put them on. If you enjoy trekking, this is the big daddy of them all. Suit up!
7. Float over a fort, a camel fair and a national park in a hot-air-balloon
Hot air-ballooning has finally taken off in India and is currently available in Jaipur, Ranthambore, Kamshet, Pushkar and NCR. Whether you want to soar over the ramparts of Jaipur’s sprawling Amer Fort, the colourful Pushkar camel fair, the wilderness of Ranthambore or the countryside of Kamshet, it’s a thrilling experience.
8. Dine in the middle of Lake Pichola, Udaipur
If you’re wondering why dining at the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, has made it on to this list of 20 amazing Indian experiences, it’s because this luxury hotel—which sits in the middle of Udaipur’s serene Lake Pichola—has not one, but five dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Out of these, however, the Gangaur Cruise stands out. This former royal barge of the House of Mewar can now be chartered by guests of the hotel, upon prior booking, to ferry you out onto the lake for a dining experience like no other. With a live grill and live musicians on board, your oarsmen will take you however far out on to the lake you wish to go.
9. Visit the Kumbh Mela
Hindu mythology says there was once an epic battle between the gods and the demons. During this cosmic jostle, four precious drops of Amrit (the nectar of immortality) fell on Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. These places became the locations for the Kumbh Mela which is held every three years, alternating between these four cities. Those who have attended the Kumbh say its a life-altering experience. And if you wonder why 2013's Maha Kumbh was called the world's largest religious gathering, get this: last year, over eight million people took a dip in the Ganga on day one itself.
10. Fish for the prized golden mahseer in Arunachal Pradesh
The golden mahseer, one of the great game fishes of the world, can be found in the Upper Siang, between Yingkiong and Boleng in Arunachal Pradesh. The fastest way to get from one place to the other is by riding the white-water rapids. The best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh is between October and March, as the weather is less humid, the rivers are full and the fish are biting.
11. Pamper yourself at a Himalayan spa
This wellness resort is one of the most famous in the world and has played hosts to innumerable public figures. Ananda in the Himalayas frequently ranks amongst the top spas in the world, and its treatments cover everything from Ayurveda to stress management. People who have been, swear by it. And those who haven’t, swear to go. Each of their programs is customised, so whether you’re tackling weight management or you just want to let go and relax, their programs (ranging from five to 21 days) are ideal to leave behind the stress and worry of modern-day life.
12. Ride the World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Fondly known as the Toy Train, this narrow gauge railway runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The most popular route, however, remains from Ghum to Darjeeling.
13. Soar over Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh
In May and October each year, Bir-Billing in Himachal Pradesh is abuzz with paragliding enthusiasts. Though still relatively unknown in India itself, Bir-Billing is a world-famous paragliding destination and paragliders flock here from all over the world.
14. Scuba-dive off the Andamans
The remote volcanic island of Narcondam is the easternmost point of the Andaman islands. The area—both, above and under water—is rich in life, and you can expect to spot the Narcondam hornbill and schools of parrotfish darting about.
15. Explore Kerala’s gold-filled temple vaults
While most people go on temple tours in south India, we bet you’ve never heard of anyone embarking on a gold trail through said temple vaults. It’s a little-known secret, but you absolutely can.
16. Stay at a farm
A relatively new concept (for urban India at least) is an organic farm stay. Many are eschewing the frills of five-star holidays and opting instead for simpler, more rustic holidays. Some do it to get back to their roots, while others simply want to try something new, something different.
17. Brave the rapids at Rishikesh
The Alaknanda River joins the Ganga near Rishikesh and offers grade III and IV rapids. The best time to go is between October and May. The river is also a hub for other acqua-adventures. Cliff-jumping, body-surfing and kayaking are just some of the many sports on offer.
18. Watch the airshow at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is home to over 230 species of birds. Each summer, thousands descend upon the marshes and grasslands of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep your eyes peeled and you could see herons, storks, oriental ibises and even sarus cranes.
19. Ski in Gulmarg
There’s no question about it. Gulmarg is India’s premier ski destination. And it’s seen a huge upswing in footfalls over the past few years. Everyone from amateurs and professionals to some of India’s big names like industrialist Adi Godrej hit the slopes each season. Its gondola is one of the highest in the world and the ski-town now offers world-class facilities.
20. Surf the waves off Puducherry
Serenity Beach, 10km north of Puducherry, draws surf addicts from across India. After the devastating 2004 tsunami, the Tamil Nadu government built two long piers to protect the beach, which created a surf break that provides great conditions for learners and professional alike.
No comments:
Post a Comment