SHARING IS CARING # 7

Good Morning!!

Here is another travel idea. This is for all seasons. Would be perfect for the new year eve. Who does not love to play with water, throw some on a friend, sway the fingers in them while the boat goes on. That is cliche as it is always done. Now there are ample of water sports being done around the water falls. 

Here is the sharing is caring # 7 from www.skyscanner.co.in. It lists 8 famous waterfalls in the country. From the legendary Jog falls in Karnataka to the beautiful Bharehipani Falls in Orissa. 

Top 8 waterfalls in India

This is just the right time of year to include waterfall watching in your holiday itinerary. Pack a picnic basket and walking shoes and head out to explore the beauty of post-monsoon greenery and waterfalls in their element. Skyscanner recommends these:

1. Jog Falls, Karnataka 

Karnataka can easily keep a waterfall-buff busy for a while – the state has been blessed with more than its share of dramatic waterfalls. One of the mightiest isthe Jog Falls in Shimoga district – which sits pretty at number two on the highest plunge waterfall list in India. The force generated by the sheer 253-metre drop of water makes one reconsider the Creator’s might. Every awestruck second that a visitor stands there, the Jog Falls spill 3.4 million tons of water down the cliff; these being full glory monsoon figures!

Best time to visit: Get your hands on the cheapest flight to Bangalore from June to September. September to December is also a good time to visit – post-monsoon thunderous glory of the fall plus lush green surroundings and a pleasant weather to boot.

Jog Falls, Karnataka - second highest plunge waterfall in India. Photo credit: Source: indiainfolibrary.com

2. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

Adding another facet to the tourist magnet state of Goa are the Dudhsagar Falls. If its beaches, water sportsand churches haven’t managed to satiate your Goa quotient, head to Mollem to check out the fifth highest waterfall in India. The water falls from a height of 310 metres, transforming it into a white spray which looks like a sea of milk, hence the name 'Dudhsagar'.  

Best time to visit: October to mid December is when you should plan to fly to Goa – when the roads are dry and safe yet the post-monsoon swell is still visible in the waterfall.

Read more on Goa: Goa holiday shopping guide, Goa for your monsoon escape, Unique hotels in Goa

Dudhsagar Falls in Goa are among the top 100 waterfalls in the world

3. Sivasamudram Falls, Karnataka

Karnataka again – this time it’s the magnificent Sivasamudram Falls near Mysore. These falls ranked amongst the best in the world and are divided into two parts – the horse tailed Gaganachukki Falls on the western side and the jagged cascading Bharachukki Falls on the eastern side. As the monsoon advances over Karnataka, the River Cauvery gathers momentum and Sivasamudram lives up to its reputation of being the most powerful waterfall in the world by dropping off up to 19 million litres of water into the deep gorge below.

Best time to visit: Fly to Mysore between June and October, when the monsoon is at its peak and the Falls are ready to show off!

Read our arti​cle Last Minute Weekend Getaways from Bangalore for things to do when in Karnataka.

The mighty Sivasamudram Falls in Karnataka are a sight even during dry months

4. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

Giving Karnataka stiff competition with its array of waterfalls, is the wettest state of India – Meghalaya. Leading the pack here are the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest of plunge falls in India. From a height of about 1,100 metres, these falls are quite the spectacle and a favourite tourist spot.

Best time to visit: The best time of year to fly to Shillong is September and October, when the skies in nearby Cherrapunji are usually clear. But continuing wet conditions allow one to visit any time during the year.

Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya - the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Photo credit: www.thoughtsovertheedgeblog.wordpress.com/

5. Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu

Hogenakkal Falls, to be found in a village of the same name in Tamil Nadu, is a series of waterfalls which come together for quite a spectacular view. These falls are also known for their curative powers since the water is supposed to have flowed through medicinal herbs on its way to Hogenakkal. Quite the tourist destination, this busy little village thrives on the healing power of its water and relaxing oil and powder massages performed by skilled masseurs to be found a dime a dozen. 

Best time to visit: Book yourself a seat on the cheapest flight to Mysore, the closest airport, or fly to Chennaifor a relaxing and beautiful holiday between the months of October and March.

The disease-curing Hogenakkal Falls in Tamil Nadu. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

6. Athirapally Falls, Kerala

Known around the world for its backwaters, Kerala has another gem it can boast about – the Athirapally Falls in Thrissur district. Quite a sight, these falls jumpstart once the monsoon hits Kerala, turning the entire district into a hot spot for tourists.

Best time to visit: Visit Cochin during the rainy season, preferably after September up to February.

Read More: Onam in Kerala

Perfect picnic spot - Athirapally Falls, Kerala. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

7. Kune Falls, Maharashtra

The holiday spots Lonavla-Khandala spring into action with the onset of the monsoon. One of the top attractions here are the various pretty waterfalls that come to life along with the rains. The Kune Falls stand out for their sheer beauty – at 200 metres high with sparkling waters, this 3-tiered waterfall still manages to draw in that occasional sharp breath!

Best time to visit: Fly to Pune during the monsoon season, mid June to September.

Adventure sport time at Kune Falls, Maharashtra. Photo credit: natureknights.net

8.  Barehipani Falls, Orissa

Bang in the centre of the Simplipal National Park, the Barehipani Falls are almost 400 metres high. This tiered waterfall with two drops is amongst the higher waterfalls in India. Untouched and well preserved, these falls make quite a stunning picture and are a favourite with honeymooners and shutterbugs.  

Best time to visit: October to June is a good time to get on that flight to Bhubaneshwar or the closest airport to the Barehipani Falls at Kolkata and check out the National Park along with its famed waterfall.

The tiered Barehipani Falls in Orissa, its tallest single drop is 259 metres. Photo credit: walkthroughindia.com

SHARING IS CARING # 6

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

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.  

SHARING IS CARING # 5

Train journeys are unforgettable. I was probably 7 years old when I took a train to go Andhra Pradesh  from Orissa in India. I remember writing essays in school about, My first time in a train as India has one of the largest railway networks after USA, Russia, China.

Really train not only connect cities but also connect many people around the globe. We make friends, conquer distances and above all it bring us immense experiences. Hours could pass by looking outside that window, the sound of the railings, soothing wind on the face and smell of different soil.

In today's Sharing is Caring I came across one of the article from www.cntraveller.in which write about the 10 most famous train rides. Here is the list below :

Pride of Africa
Pride of Africa on the Rovos Rail, South AfricaPride of Africa on the Rovos Rail, South Africa
Rovos Rail provides a luxury ride through the heart of South Africa, from Cape Town or Victoria Falls to Pretoria. Travel in private elegant Pullman, Deluxe or Royal suites, complete with a washroom, shower and mini-bar. The windows in the suites can be opened to let you breathe in some of that beautiful fresh air. You can also kick back and socialise in the sitting or open-air area of the lounge car at the end of the train, and the trip fare is inclusive of lunch and formal-attire dinner in the two restaurant cars, along with South African wines.



The Indian Pacific
The Indian Pacific runs from Perth to Adelaide and onward to Sydney. The three-night journey takes you from Perth across the Avon Valley and the wheat belt into the city of Karlgoorlie for a stop, and then into the expansive plains of Nullarbor with a halt at Cook to experience the panoramic view. The final leg of the journey goes from Adelaide to Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains, arriving at Sydney. The Great Southern Rail service offers single, twin or deluxe cabins in the Gold or Platinum Service fare—that includes meals at the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car—or regular Red Service sleeper seats. Passengers travelling in the Red Service can access the Matilda Cafe for meals and refreshments.


Eastern and Oriental express
The Eastern and Oriental Express takes you on a luxurious trail from Singapore to Thailand through Malaysia. Boarding from Singapore or Bangkok, the Classic Journey is a three or four-day trip with stops at River Kwai and Butterworth in Penang. Stay in the Pullman, State or Presidential cabins, all of which are air-conditioned and include a private en-suite shower and WC. The restaurant cars offer four-course Eastern or European cuisine, and the bar car has a daily evening performance. Don’t miss out on the Observation Car, which is located at the end of the train. It has indoor as well as outdoor seating, where you can take in some fresh air as you whizz past the lush tropical forests that the train rushes through.

The Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight, operated by Amtrak, travels through the scenic west coast of USA. Enjoy the scenery roll by from the Sightseer Lounge Car, moving from Seattle to San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, Portland, and finishing at Los Angeles. Apart from the seating, on-board accommodation options are the Superliner Roomette, with two reclining seats with a window in between, or the Superliner Bedroom that includes an in-room shower and washroom. The Pacific Parlour Car offers daily wine and cheese tastings, a theatre and an arcade room for kids.


The Hiram Bingham
Hiram Bingham, PeruHiram Bingham, Peru
With the signature Oriental Express polished wood and crystal decor, the Hiram Bingham is a classy way to travel through the wilderness of ancient Peru. Starting from the Poroy district of Cuzco, the one-day journey includes a trip down the plateau of Anta, the ruins of the great Inca city, the Sacred Valley, onward till the main city of Machu Picchu and then back. Also included in your fare is a trip to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Step into the dining cars in between for a Peruvian brunch and an Andean dinner, or the bar car for a collection of wines from South America. Don’t leave without trying the famed Pisco Sour cocktail.


Trans-Siberian Railway
This has to be the greatest train journey of all in terms of distance and time. While there isn’t one single direct train, there are international tour operators such as Russia Experience and Real Russia that ensure that you don’t go through the hassle of finding connecting trains by providing you with tour itineraries and guides. Crossing seven time zones and entire Eurasia, the Classic Trans-Siberian route by Russia Experience travels from St Petersburg to Beijing via Mongolia. Stopping by Moscow, Irkutsk, and Ulaanbaatar, this trip—called Classic Big Trans-Sib—takes 18 days. Customise your trip by choosing the cities you want to visit and how many days you wish to spend at each.
(www.trans-siberian.co.uk/trans-siberian.html) 18-day Classic Big Trans-Sib journey from Rs2,41,276



The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express, passing through AndermattThe Glacier Express, passing through Andermatt
Crawling through the Alps, is an eight-hour trip from Zermatt to St Moritz in coaches whose windows offer panoramic views. Scenic attractions include the Mattertal and Rhône Valleys, the little town of Visp, the Rhine gorge and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. Before the journey, passengers are provided with headphones which can be plugged in to the information channel that highlights the history and interesting facts of the places that the train passes through. Lunch is served at your seat, and there is a separate bar on board for snacks and drinks.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway – Lhasa Express
Plying on the highest railway on earth, the Lhasa Express journey from Qinghai in China to Lhasa in Tibet runs for three days through the Tangula Pass. The trains equip passengers with emergency oxygen cylinders to mitigate spells of light-headedness. The onboard dining car offers authentic Tibetan and Chinese meals; and drinks like beer and tea. While the travel might not sound very luxurious, the journey through the stunning China-Tibet route with a view of the Kunlun mountains, Buqiangge prairie mountains, picturesque Conag Lake and the hot springs of Yambajan makes it worth it.



The Indian Maharaja – Deccan Odyssey
Deluxe cabin in the Indian Maharaja - Deccan OdysseyDeluxe cabin in the Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey
This eight-day Indian rail journey is from Mumbai to Delhi via Jaipur and the journey includes stops for sight-seeing at Aurangabad, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra, highlighting the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Udaipur City Palace, Amber Fort and Taj Mahal. Featuring deluxe cabins and presidential suites, a Spa Car and a conference or entertainment car, the train has plush interiors and a touch of royal enchantment to it. For a sumptuous dining experience, the train offers continental or Indian cuisine.


Danube Express
This 10-day journey from Istanbul to Prague on board the Danube Express passes through the dreamy Central European landscape. The highlights of this stop-and-see trip include the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, a visit to the Bran castle, and three nights in Budapest. The train also stops in Vienna and Bratislava. The Danube Express offers spacious deluxe sleeping cars, a wood-panelled lounge car.

So what are waiting for? Try one in 2015.. :)

GOOD NEWS! YAYYYY!

There are some good news for Indian Travellers.
Not one but in fact two and its not good news but great news.

Firstly e-Visa for Indians traveling to Bahrain. Now Indians traveling to Bahrain can apply visa online and arrive there with pre approved. It is the same for Sri Lanka and it is easier than Visa on Arrival. I hope that one day Schengen, UK, USA visa becomes a cake walk like this.

Secondly, the Russia has opened its Asia's first Embassy in New Delhi, India. Earlier in order to travel in Russia one has to apply with an agent which would apply visa in Russia via travel agent in Russia. Although not very difficult but is a complicated process. Now Visa application can be filed directly in India and the decision would be made by Russian consulate. Soon there would be consulates in Hyderabad, Chennai etc

This step is for the increase in Indian travellers in Russia.

So guys keep traveling. This is the only way we would win trust with various embassies to grant us visas easily :)

SHARING IS CARING # 4

Hot air balloon.

It is becoming a major tourist thing now a days.  I see it everywhere Turkey, Myanmar, Egypt etc. So India is also trying to woe its tourists with the views of its cities from the sky.

I came across this article in www.holidayiq.com. It talks about :

6 places in India that offer Hot Air Balloon. 

1. Darjeeling

source: njh.com

Local operators here offer hot air balloon rides. They require a minimum of 15 people to fly the balloon. A good time to fly in a hot air balloon in Darjeeling is between October to May. This is when the sky remains clear and visibility is great.

2. Pushkar

source: amazonaws.com

If you’re looking to explore one of India’s oldest cities from a panoramic perspective, hop aboard a hot air balloon. It offers a range of exciting aeronautical experiences. Hover above the scenic Pushkar Lake, looking out over endless sand dunes and the Ajmer Road, with the ride giving you a kaleidoscopic view of the region.

3. Kamshet

source:cntraveller.com

Take to the skies outside Lonavala in a hot air balloon. Travelling anywhere between 12 and 15 km depending on wind conditions, the hot air balloon reaches a maximum height of 4,000 ft and soars over the Mumbai-Pune expressway and surrounding Sahyadri Hills.

4. Taj Mahal

source: deltoagra.com 

View the white masterpiece and gawk at the Mughal architectural brilliance with the glistening Yamuna river flowing by, from the hot air balloon. It is operated from the Kalakriti ground, Fatehabad Road which is around 2 km from Taj Mahal. The balloon is a little different here. It is a suspended helium balloon, which rises to about 500 m from the ground giving a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal and Yamuna River.

5. Bhopal

source:flickr

Get your adrenaline pumping on a hot air balloon in Bhopal. The ride lasts for approximately two hours but the whole experience lasts for six hours – from pick up to drop. The ballooning site is near to the Jeet Stadium. As hot air ballooning is seasonal and dependent on the movement of wind, research before you go.

6. Manali

source:wp-content.com

Hot air balloons in Manali are organised safely near wide open spaces and balloons are tied with thick solid ropes to maintain stability and safety of riders.

 “Manali is a perfect place for adventure enthusiasts. You have enthralling options from paragliding to flying the hot air balloon.”

My first Hot air balloon experience happened in Cappadocia, Turkey. It was wonderful to see the pink, yellow and white valleys from the sky. That moment was full of emotions and I went quiet for sometime.

I am sure it would be super to see India from a Hot air balloon.