Visakhapatnam is the most significant city and the financial capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam is also known as Vizag and is located on the Eastern Ghats along the Bay of Bengal coast. The port city is home to the only natural harbour in India. It also has the oldest shipyard in the country. Visakhapatnam is known for its pristine beaches, scenic landscapes and a rich cultural and historical heritage. There are many big and small hotels in Visakhapatnam.
The city is known as the Jewel of the East Coast. The town has beautiful natural and architectural tourist attractions from hills, beaches, and beautiful green landscapes to historical architectures including temples, mosques and churches. Visakhapatnam also serves as a base for the Indian Navy. Major tourist attractions include Venkateswara Temple, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah, Church of the Virgin Mary, VUDA Park and Kailasagiri Hill Park.
Find out more about the famous tourist attractions in Visakhapatnam here:
1. Kailasagiri:
Kailasagiri Hill Park is 15 km from the city. Kailasagiri is an attractive hill station and the favourite among locals. Kailasagiri demands a mesmerising view of the sea. A cable car connects to the top of the hill.
2. Rishikonda Beach:
Rishikonda Beach is 21 km from Visakhapatnam. The beach is located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, amidst of blue sea and complete greenery. This place is favourite among water sports lovers. Water sports like a swim in the Bay of Bengal, boating, water surfing, speed boating and jet skiing are possible at the beach. The golden sands of the Rishikonda Beach are present under Rushikonda Hill.
3. Araku Valley:
Araku Valley is 80 km from the city. Araku Valley is the closest hill station to the town. The place is surrounded by thick forests of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. The area has beautiful streams, enchanting waterfalls and pleasant weather. Araku Valley is located at the height of 3100 feet in the hills of Ananthagiri. The Tribal Museum is dedicated to the area’s indigenous tribes.
4. Kursura Submarine Museum: Kursura Submarine Museum is 12 km from Visakhapatnam. It is the only Submarine Museum in the entire of Asia located on RK Beach, Visakhapatnam. The museum was inaugurated on 9th August 2002 and opened for public on 24th August 2002.
5. Borra Caves:
Borra Caves are 69 km from the city. Borra Caves are located 1400 metres above the sea level in the Ananthagiri. Stalactite and stalagmite formations can be found at the top of the caves.
These and other attractions in Visakhapatnam are splendid. Visit these places on your next visit to this coastal town of Vizag. There are plenty of hotels in Visakhapatnam to take care of the influx of tourists from all over the country and the globe.
Varanasi, also known as Banaras is a sacred city in the Uttar Pradesh State of India. It is a major religious hub and the holiest of seven holy cities in India. A lot of devotees visit Varanasi throughout the year. There are plenty of big and small hotels in Varanasi. The town is famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.
The city has been a cultural centre of North India for thousands of years. It is believed that Buddha founded Buddhism here in around 528 BCE. The town is closely associated with River Ganga. The city is well known for its ghats. Pilgrims come to the ghats of Ganga to wash away their sins in the sacred waters of Ganga or to cremate their loved ones. Hindus believe that death in Varanasi brings salvation.
Following is listed some information on Varanasi, you would like to know:
1. It is one of the most colourful and vibrant cities of India. It is also one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities.
2. Mark Twain once said about Banaras—“Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
3. A boat ride across the sacred Ganga is so fantastic that it captures the spirit of Varanasi.
4. A popular pilgrimage route of Varanasi is Nagara Pradakshina, which covers 72 shrines along the way.
5. Varanasi is a great centre for learning since ancient times. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands
of years.
6. Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi is one of Asia’s largest residential universities.
7. Varanasi is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important places of worship in the country. It is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
8. The city has produced great saints and personalities like Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsidas, and Shankaracharya.
9. Varanasi is known for its fine-quality silks and ‘paan’.
10. The city is considered as the abode of Lord Shiva.
11. Varanasi is the oldest city in the world, more than 3000 years old and is famous as the city of temples. The Jnana Vapi well is believed to have been dug by Lord Shiva himself. The thirty-three hundred million shrines are found to have been at Varanasi.
12. The Ganga Ghats are also the centres of music and learning.
13. The most sacred path of the city is Panchkoshi Parikrama that covers 108 shrines along the way with Panchkoshi Temple as its main shrine.
Varanasi is a city of temples, a city of abundant beliefs, a city of ancient culture, a city of India that genuinely captures the essence of the country. Visit Varanasi and uncover things you would never have imagined about India. There are plenty of hotels in Varanasi to intake visitors coming to discover this holy town.
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also an important city of India in terms of religious beliefs and traditions. According to the Hindu religion, people who die in Varanasi or whose last rites are performed in the sacred river of Ganges receives liberation from the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. But religious traditions are not the only attractions of this city. There are also many other things to do in Varanasi.
The archaic buildings of the city gives it a unique appearance that is quite different from many of the other popular cities of the country. Though the city is quite ancient, it has a vibrant culture that gives the tourists a very positive vibe. This makes Varanasi quite a crowded tourist destination. Nevertheless, it continues to be one of the most visited places of the country.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi/ Banaras
Varanasi can be best explored between the months of October and March. This is the time of the year when the country experiences pleasant weather. You can avoid the hot and humid climate and enjoy the time spent across the river more peacefully. This is also the time when some of the popular festivals are celebrated in Varanasi. These include Diwali, Annakut, Chhath Puja, the Ganga Mahotsav, Makar Sankranti, Bharat Milap, Nakkatayya, Shivratri, and Holi.
Best Things to Do in Varanasi/ Banaras in 2-3 Days
Here are some of the most interesting things to do in Varanasi in 2-3 days.
#1. Watch the Aarti Ceremony:
There is no particularly best time to visit Varanasi if you are interested to catch a glimpse of the serene aarti ceremony. Aartis are performed in the morning as well as evening across the ghats of the city. You can gather at the Assi Ghat to enjoy a peaceful morning aarti ceremony and at the Dasaswamedh Ghat for a bright and colourful evening aarti.
#2. Visit to the Ghats
The ghats are an integral part of the city of Varanasi. You cannot think of making an unforgettable memory of your trip to Varanasi without paying a visit to its breathtakingly beautiful ghats. Since a lot of the traditional rituals are performed on the ghats, you can see the place buzzing with life throughout the day. Be it the rituals of cremation or taking a bath in the holy river to wash away sins, the lives of people in Varanasi are deeply tied to the ghats. Harishchandra and Manikarnika are the common ghats for pyre burning.
#3. Enjoy Classical Music
Varanasi is significant not just to the Hindu traditions, but also to the musical culture of the country. The famous Banaras Gharanas has given the world many notable musicians such as Rajan-Sajan Mishra, Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, and Ravi Shankar. The sounds of sitar, sarod and other instruments will accompany you in your journey across the streets of the city.
#4. Taste the Authentic Banarasi Foods
One of the biggest unavoidable things to do in Banaras is tasting the authentic street foods of the city. Allu-Tikki, Chena Dahi Vada, Baati Chokha, Tamatar Chaat, Choora Matar, Dahi-Chutney Gol Gappe, Kachori Sabzi, Lassi, and Banarasi Paan some of the delicacies that you must try when in Varanasi. With the settlement of Marwari traders here, you will also get to enjoy the mouth-watering Banarasi Marwari Thali.
#5. Shop at the Local Market
If you enjoy collecting souvenirs, then Thatheri Bazaar and the Temple Bazar are the places where you must spend at least a few hours. You can shop various beautifully handcrafted items from these places. Visiting the local market is also one of the best things to do in Varanasi.
Places to Visit in Varanasi/ Banaras in 2-3 Days
If you have 2 to 3 days to spend in Varanasi, there are several places in and around the city that you can explore.
#1. Burning Ghat
The burning ghat is one of the popular places to visit in Varanasi in 2-3 days. Photography is not allowed in this area. You need to keep your camera and smartphones packed in your bags. However, you can immerse yourself in the serenity of this place. The faith of human beings, especially the believers of Hindu traditions, that support the large number of cremation in this place is heart-warming. The ghat is accessible by both the streets as well as the river.
#2. Varanasi Temples
The establishment of more than 3,000 temples rightfully gives Varanasi the title of the City of Temples. Some of the popular temples that you can visit include Mrityunjay Mahadev Mandir, Bharat Mata Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna Devi Mandir, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Mandir, and Kaal Bhairav Mandir. These and many other temples of the city witness a huge number of devotees gathering throughout the day. While there are many other spiritually significant temples in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi as it houses one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. A visit to this temple will offer you a spiritual upliftment along with a great view of the river Ganges.
If you travel a distance of 13 km from Varanasi, you will reach an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination called Sarnath. It serves as the birthplace of Buddhism and, hence, holds great significance for Buddhists across the world. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum, Buddha statue, Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Jain temple, and the Chinese Temple are some of the prominent places to visit in Sarnath.
#4. Banaras Hindu University
The Banaras Hindu University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities of the country. The alumni of this university includes some of the most eminent scientists and scholars of the country. You can visit this iconic place to view an example of the marvellous ancient architecture of India. The university campus is open for tourists between 10am and 4pm. While the striking architecture and the greenery surrounding the university are the most prominent features of this place, the street foods that are available in the mall road, or Lanka, also serves as a big reason to include this place in your Varanasi itinerary.
FAQ’s
#1. How to reach Varanasi?
You can reach Varanasi via train and flight. Varanasi Cantt and Varanasi Junction are the two train stations located here. The nearest airport to Varanasi is the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport that is 18 km away from the city.
#2. What are the places to stay in Varanasi?
There are many hotels and resorts in Varanasi where you can find accommodations. The hotels are suitable for all kinds of budgets.
#3. What are the timings of temples and other tourist spots?
Different temples in Varanasi have different timings depending on the festivities and the time of the year. Also, the museums of the city are closed on Fridays.
#4. Is Varanasi safe for solo female travellers?
Varanasi is quite safe for solo women travellers. However, you must take the necessary precautions and avoid roaming around the city at odd hours.
#5. What are the things to do at night?
Many of the best places to visit in Banaras/ Varanasi are open till late night. This includes the food stalls, local market, and places where live classical musical concerts are organized.
Mangalore is a major port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Mangalore was an important port on international trade routes since the 6th century. It is also a beautiful tourist place with exquisite physical beauty and hence is present lots of hotels in Mangalore. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats mountain range. It is one of the most multicultural non-metro cities in India.
The town is filled with coconut trees, temples and churches, and beautiful beaches. Also, many classical dance forms and folk art are practised in the city. Tannirbhavi Beach in the town is famous for its sunset views. The town is renowned for its spicy seafood dishes. Mangalore port handles 75 percent of India’s coffee and cashew exports.
Below are listed top 12 worth visiting attractions in Mangalore:
1. Sultan’s Battery: Sultan’s Battery is 4 km from the city centre. It is the remnant of Tipu Sultan’s fort and a small post with views of scenic backwaters.
2. Milagres Church: Milagres Church are located in the city centre. The churches are Roman styled.
3. Kadri Hill Park: Kadri Hill Park is the most abundant park in Mangalore. Adjacent to the park is an animal conservatory where numerous kinds of reptiles, birds, spotted deer, anteaters and other animal species can be found.
4. Ullal Beach: Twelve km south of the city is located Ullal Beach. This stretch is an excellent destination to escape from the city heat.
5. Kadri Manjunatha Temple: This is a Kerala-style temple that houses a 1000-year-old bronze statue of Lokeshwara.
6. Light House Hill Garden: The lighthouse is also known as Tagore Park and was built in the 18th century by Haider Ali. During the British rule in India, the tower was used by the officers to monitor incoming ships.
7. St Aloysius College Chapel: The Portuguese arrived in the city in the early 1500s. St Aloysius chapel has an impressive structure with walls and ceilings painted with brilliant frescoes.
Also, there are a few beautiful, clean and scenic beaches in Mangalore: 8. Panambur Beach: The beach is at a distance of 2 km from the New Mangalore Port. One can enjoy street food near the beach.
9. Surathkal Beach: Surathkal in Mangalore is known for its technological institutions. The is around 15 km from Mangalore. Surathkal Beach and the lighthouse are a tourist attraction.
10. Ullal Beach: The beach is located next to Someshwar Beach, where remnants of Rani Abbakka Fort, Queen Abakka’s Jain temple, and Sayyid Madani Darga are also present for a visit.
11. Tannirbhavi Beach: Tannirbhavi Beach is a calm and secluded beach far from the city.
12. Someshwara Beach: Someshwara Beach is located in Ullal and is famous for its sunset view. Its rocks are known as ‘Rudra Shilas’. At the end of the beach, is located an old Someshwara Temple.
Thus, Mangalore is an underrated tourist destination with a lot of beaches and attractions. There are many hotels in Mangalore that can be used for accommodation.
Summers in India tend to get extremely hot, and thus people flock to different hill stations to keep themselves cool and avoid the heat. While there are plenty of international destinations that offer a cold weather when it’s summer in India; there are also many destinations within India that are cool enough to help you avoid the heat. India is a land of diversity with regards to the lifestyle as well as locations. It is also one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in the world. So, before you complete your flight ticket online booking to different international destinations, take a look at the locations within India which have successfully be regarded as some of the best places to visit to avoid the heat.
1. Ooty
Ooty is a bustling hill station in the Nilgiri mountain range in Tamil Nadu. Although you might find a bit of crowd in its heart, the hill station does offer a pleasant climate. From well-maintained parks to gardens, sunset points, and mountains covered with greenery, Ooty is undoubtedly a place to be if what you’re looking for is a charismatic experience.
The best time to visit this hill station is from October to March. Its main attractions include Avalanche Valley, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, Rose Gardens, Kalhatti Falls, Doddabetta Peak, Emerald Lake, etc.
2. Nainital
Nainital is one of the well-known hill stations in India and is visited by many. It is famous for its picturesque beauty, enchanting lakes, and green hills. Most of the hotels situated at this hills station offer a room view of the lush green mountains. Nainital is adored by many and is often referred to as the ‘Lake District of India’. Be it visiting with family or with your special someone; it offers attractions, the atmosphere and the environment that suits every individual.
There are a number of attractions to visit in Nainital. Some of the most famous attractions include Nainital Lake, Naini Peak, Raj Bhawan, Tiffin Top, Gurney House, Snow View Point, and more.
3. Munnar
Situated in Kerala, Munnar is a place known for its tea plantations, well-preserved natural beauty, and its pleasant climate. There are gardens, scenic valleys, waterfalls, and greenery that exudes a good feeling, thus leading to a good stay.
There are multiple attractions that one can visit when at this cool and pleasant destination. Some of them include Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Tea Museum, Blossom Park, Attukal Waterfalls, etc.
4. Srinagar
Srinagar is the known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This chilly destination welcomes its tourists with its lovely lakes graced by relaxing houseboats. There are plenty of lakes and gardens at this destination, thus giving Srinagar its name-Land of Lakes.
Some famous attractions grace this city. Some of them include Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Hari Parbat, Roza Bal, and many more.
5. Manali
Manali is known as a renowned destination for tourists. It is famous for its charm and beauty that is present at every nook and corner. From skiing to ancient temples, find everything to keep you occupied and entertained at this beautiful, chilly destination called Manali.
6. Matheran
Matheran is the closest hill station in Mumbai and offers plenty of famous attractions apart from offering a chilly climate. It is one of the rare hill stations in India that can be visited over the weekend or within a short duration.
The best time to visit this beautiful and pristine destination is during September. However, Matheran does receive tourists throughout the year, and thus, you will find some resorts and holiday homes open all year.
7. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is also famous for its lush tea gardens and cool climate. It is blessed with a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, which is the world’s third largest peak. Some of its famous attractions include the toy train, botanical gardens, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car.
Besides these attractions, this hill station is also a beautiful place to walk around and explore the tea estates and markets.
Visiting all of these hill stations of India will undoubtedly refresh your mind and provide unforgettable memories. Forgetting about flight ticket online bookings to different international destinations. Before you step out of the country, experience the true beauty that our country possesses. The country is flooded with numerous such hill stations that will give you countless memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Get your holiday tickets booked at the earliest and don’t miss out on the natural beauty these hill stations have to offer.
Leh in the Himalayas is the capital of the Leh Region of Jammu and Kashmir. In the past few years, domestic tourism in Leh has increased by leaps and bounds. The Leh Region comes under Ladakh area of the state.
Ladakh is made of mountains and connected with high mountain passes. It has spectacularly mesmerising lakes. The landscape is ruggedly beautiful. The ancient Indus offers plenty of adventurous activities. Ladakh also has spectacular monasteries, and Buddhist cultural festivals and traditions are celebrated with great zeal.
Ladakh Road Trip is known to be the ultimate road adventure in India. It is said that the scenic beauty on the way to Ladakh is more beautiful than the place itself. The road trip includes crossing some of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world and driving through large semi-arid planes.
Scan through some pointers listed below that will help you plan for your adventurous Leh Ladakh Road Trip.
Some unique aspects of travelling to Ladakh by road are sights of barren mountains, sweeping valleys, and Tibetan Buddhist populace that meets along the way.
Two roads can be taken to reach Leh Town. One is the Srinagar-Leh Highway, and the other is Manali-Leh Highway. Srinagar-Leh Highway is 434 km long, while Manali-Leh Highway is 476 km long.
Out of 464 km of Manali-Leh Highway, 350 km is deserted, and for 365 km of the route, there is no fuel pump as well. Sarchu is equidistant from both the destinations and an excellent halting destination.
Riding bikes through these roads is a real tough task. There are narrow roads with steep curves, and you have to ride continuously till your next stop. These ride tests you physically and mentally.
Road trip to Leh is possible from Mid-May to October. Srinagar-Leh roads are open from Mid-May. Rohtang pass on Manali-Leh route is accessible only after May as the roads are slippery until then. The roads remain open until November.
Clothing and accessories required for your trip include heavy gumboot shoes, a few pairs of woollen socks, woollen clothes like jackets, sweaters, shawls, comforters, and gloves, and also rain jackets for unexpected showers of rain/snow.
Pangong Lake (156 km): The lake is entirely still and serene, also there are locations like Thiksey, Sakti, and Chang La en route Pangong Lake.
Nubra Valley (140 km): Places like Khardung La—the highest motorable road in the world, Diskit, and Hunder—well-known for dunes and camel safari come en route Nubra Valley.
Tsomoriri Lake (240 km): Destinations like Hemis, Gya, Rumtse, Taglang La, and Tsokar Lake comes en route Tsomoriri Lake.
All of the above places have their unique beauty and are a must visit, when you have time and Royal Enfield. There are plenty of hotels in Leh that offers excellent accommodation and can be availed for cheap in off season.
India is home to some of the oldest civilizations and has been ruled by several dynasties in the past. Hence, the history of this nation is elaborate and rich and you can experience it through the monuments when you travel in India. To help you out in this endeavor, we have enlisted 10 amazing historical destinations you must visit in India.
1. Taj Mahal
Beautiful is the word that crosses one’s mind on seeing or even imagining the Taj Mahal. This monument in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was built by Shah Jahan for his wife but she died before it could be completed. Later on she was buried in the complex and Shah Jahan joined her post his death. Hordes of tourists from across the globe visit the Taj Mahal every year to have a look at the grandeur of white marbles and the intricate carvings.
Mysore is a place you must visit when you travel in India. It is famous for beautiful temples and the celebrated Mysore Palace. Ambavillas Palace or the Mysore Palace is a royal residence of the Wadiyar Dynasty and sits facing the Chamundi Hills. There is a light and sound show that you can check out while the palace itself flaunts an awe-inspiring architecture.
3. Hawa Mahal
Constructed by red and pink sandstones, the Hawa Mahal sits in the centre of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The Palace of Winds is constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for the women’ of royal families to sit and relax.
4. Victoria Memorial
Kolkata has a major place in Indian history and hence a visit is must when you travel in India. This city was a major trade station during the British Raj. There are many structures in Kolkata constructed by the British but Victoria Memorial is one of the most impressive. It is dedicated to Queen Victoria and is now a museum with an excellent collection of manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures. Do check our 10 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Kolkata
5. Sanchi Stupa
One of the best preserved, the Buddhist vihara at Sanchi is a famous site in India. It is located in Snachi Town in Raisen District and is worth a visit when you travel in India.
6. Gwalior Fort
Sitting on a hill in the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the Gwalior Fort is an amazing place to come face to face with history. In existence since the 6th century, this fort is one of the oldest in India and consists of temples and palaces. It features inscriptions that are 1500 years old and is an intriguing place to visit when you travel in India.
7. Nalanda
A world famous university in Bihar, Nalanda takes you straight back in time. Now in ruins, the prestigious university hosted students from across the world. Over 10,000 students and 2000 teachers lived here during its peak and the library here is believed to have a collection of books that were burnt during a siege.
8. Konark Sun Temple
In Odisha, lies the temple shaped in the form of a chariot and is dedicated to Sun god. This temple was constructed in 1255 C.E. and features wheels and horses to depict Sun god’s chariot.
9. Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the largest monastery in India and the second in the world. The 5th Dalai Lama had ordered for its construction in 1680. It sits at 10,000 ft. and overlooks the Tawang River valley. The complex features a three-storey building with an 18 ft. statue of Buddha and there is also a library, which has a collection of rare scripture from the ancient age.
10. Brihadeeswarar Temple
The Brihadeeswarar temple is located in Thanjavur, which has a status of a historic city. The construction of this temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, was completed in 1010 C.E. Many tourists visit this site every year in Tamil Nadu and are amazed by the frescoes, paintings, and sculptures that adorn its spectacular architecture.
11. Rani ki Vav
This structure was constructed by a queen in the memory of his dead king. Located in Patan, Rani ka Vav was built in the 11th century and is a step well that is alluring to look at. The structure resembles an inverted temple to highlight the importance of water.
