Travel Resolutions for ‘2017 in India

January ‘2017

Relax and recharge at Goa!

After spending the night celebrating New years at the beach side on Candolim beach amidst music, masti and sky lit up with dazzling firework display its time to relax an unwind. On the brand new day of new years enjoy sun, sand and sunshine, spend time basking in the sun on beautiful beaches. As the intense winters engulf North India the sun is tamed in south and west of India.

Go beach hopping in Goa, the entire coastline of Goa is dotted with shimmering blue water and golden sand. Explore the old Goa, heritage churches of Goa and don’t miss out on the delectable cuisine of Goa.

If you have explored the beaches then head towards the thick forests on the Goa Karnataka border. Visit Tambdi Surla for Spice plantation and also enjoy the lunch at the plantation, en-route visit 13th century Shiva temple. The trip to Goa is not complete without seeing Doodh-Sagar, situated at the Karnataka border amidst the beautiful Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary and Mollem National park.

February ‘2017

Romantic break at boat cruise in Kerala backwaters!

Love is in the air, celebrate valentine with your special one head for a romantic boat cruise in God’s own country, Kerala. Choose your romantic trip style from the options available in Alappuzha. The canal networks are linked to Vembanad Lake. The experience is absolutely mesmerizing with paddy fields lined with swaying coconut trees casting shadows on the lagoons.

The cruising options are available from small boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboat to big passenger motorboats.

If wanting to do just day cruise then go for small boat as it gives better cruising experience in canals. Then spend evening at beach resort and enjoy candle light dinner with your partner.

March ‘2017

Celebrate Holi with riot of colours on Goa beaches!

If Holi and riot of colours excite you then head for Goa. The most amazing parties are hosted in Goa, add colour to your holi at Goa with friends and family. Run riot of colours at beach party at Anjuna beach.

If you have more days in hand to enjoy then attend the Shimoga state celebrations done for 5 days.

April ‘2017

Go wild at Ranthambore in Royal style!

As warmth seeps in chilled north India, its time to explore wildlife at Ranthambore, Rajasthan. The National park is ranked as one of the best tiger reserves of India.

The majestic fort of 10th century stands 710 feet above ground in the forest area. The ancient temples constructed in 12th and 13 centuries inside the fort are devoted to Shiva and Ganesh. While enjoying the safari also witness the Padam Talao, largest lake situated in national park. The huge banyan tree that’s considered India’s second largest and a red stone Jogi Mahal are situated on the edge of this beautiful lake.

Its time to witness the park in morning and evening safari to capture varied moods and sighting of flora and fauna at this national park

May ‘2017

Kashmir Tulip Gardens and more this Summer!

The snow starts melting in the lower reaches of Himalayas and the wild flowers start rearing there head from the fresh crop of grass. Its time to head towards Himalayas.  It’s time to head towards Kashmir, the most beautiful Himalayan valley.

Reach Srinagar and spend time on houseboat at Dal lake. Explore the majestic gardens, Pari Mahal, Dachigam national park and local markets for exotic handicrafts of Kashmir. Enjoy witnessing the exotic Tulips garden with kaleidoscopic hues dominating acres of land.

While in valley visit Gulmarg, the pristine white snow clad mountains intercepted with fresh green grass is truly enchanting. Do enjoy the gondola ride and experience khilanmarg.

The trip is incomplete if you don’t visit Pehalgam, the mini Switzerland of India.  Do spend two days exploring Betab valley, Aru valley and Pehalgam local. This is the most refreshing and relaxing trip and truly rejuvenates you.

June ‘ 2017

Get a taste of Trekking & Camping at Manali!

Infuse excitement in life with an active holiday break in Himalayas. Reach Manali and head for Solang valley adventure camp, acclimatize for a day, walk on the ridges and experience zorbing, ATV ride, river crossing activities. Next day head towards Rohtang La, a high mountain pass, as you cross over to the other side of the pass you see emerald green meadows and quaint wild flowers strewn around. You cross another beautiful mountain pass Kuzum and reach batal, base the trekking base. As your things get ported to the most beautiful lake Chandratal you trek towards it for overnight camping. After trekking for 2-3 km you reach the stunning azure blue mountain lake.

Explore the surroundings and the help setting up the camp for the night. Camp close to the lake and witness the full moon magic at moon shaped lake. Next morning trek back to base and return to base camp.

Relax and return to you home that night. It’s a short but truly inspiring holiday.

July ‘2017

Ladakh Jeep Safari!

Ladakh land of high mountain passes and glaciated peaks is a dream location for adventure seekers. Road travel gets you close and personal interaction with this beautiful cold dessert.

As rains are lashing across Indian subcontinent this part of country enjoys dry cold climate at Ladakh in the month of July. Explore Leh, the valley base and capital of Ladakh with cosmopolitan culture. Beyond Leh witness the most beautiful wetlands of Tso Moriri, cross over mighty Indus and camp at beautiful village of Karzok, also visit the 400 years old Monastary.

The drive from Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso is the most scenic drive. Camp near this azure blue lake and witness the reflection of seven colours transforming it  into a beautiful piece of art. Cross over the second highest motorable road in the world. The snow-clad mountains greet you at the pass, enjoy hospitality of Indian Army here with steaming cup of tea and hot snacks in absolutely chilling cold temperature.

Experience rafting in high altitude river Zanaskar and camp under clear skies at Nemu. Reach out to white sands and double hump camels in the beautiful Nubra valley and explore Dikshit Monastery.  Return home with amazing pictures and most memorable time of life.

August ‘2017

Valley of Flowers, Uttrakhand!

As the sky opens up and drenches the valley with water the earth opens its heart in the shape of flowers, herbs and shrubs in myriad hues covering every knock and corner of the lush green bugiyaal. The valley of flowers in Uttrakhand presents most amazing site with acres of land carpeting with flowers and lush green grass. As I write this I wish to share my first encounter with Valley of flowers.

A trip to valley of flower was sensational and mesmerizing. Starting at the Govind Ghat, 22 km ahead of Joshi Mat me along with my friend trekked to Ghaggar village following the beauteous course of exuberant Byunder river. After covering about 15 km we reached the local market and reached the forest guesthouse. In the evening we scouted around the Gurudwara and market to gather information and also had dinner. Next morning we started really early with packed lunch, water and lots of snacking items as advised by local people. The national park with Parvati river, glacier bodies, gushing streams and plethora of flowers was an embodiment of eclectic beauty and grace. The bountiful nature seemed to be at its best and the day spent was of dream quality. After trekking about 20 km up and down we returned to our base Ghaggar village. Both of us were exhausted and quite but still in euphoria of the experience we had today.

The trip is a must for every trekking enthusiast and is part of resolution list.

September ‘ 2017

Exhilarating trip to Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

The mountain spine rising from the south end of Kerala and extending till Andhrapradesh are picturesque Western Ghats. Covered with thick deciduous forest these are spectacular mountain range. It’s time to witness scintillating greens of rain-washed Western Ghats at Mahabaleshwar. The quaint hill station with relaxing laidback atmosphere is ideal to rest and relax. Stay in lake facing resort to enjoy the view.

The jungle walk to king’s seat plateau is quite refreshing, witness Arthur seat point, go boating at Veena Lake, enjoy the view of valley and dam from Elephant view point. The waterfalls are invigorating. Complete the day with a visit to strawberry farm and enjoy fresh strawberry preparations like ice-cream, milkshake etc.

Next day you head toward Pratapgad or the Valour fort. Enjoy 360 degree view of the valley from Vijay towers. After spending a day exploring history and beauty return home.

October ‘2017

Explore Niagara falls of India at Chitrakoot, Chattisgarh!

Reach Raipur the capital city of Chattisgarh and proceed towards Kanker, the Royal palace set in the tribal zone. Enjoy a day exploring the traditional tribal villages and tropical forests.

Further reach out to Chitrakoot and stay in a resort facing the gigantic falls. The width of more than 1000 metres and fall of 100 ft makes this the most amazing site in India. The area is known for its beauty and craft. As this is the time when unique 75 day Bastar Dushera celebrations will be in progress you can witness various rituals and local haat bazars with local flavor and crafts.

A unique visit in the land of tribals and gigantic water-fall is simply astounding.

November ‘ 2017

Udaipur, beyond city lights

The city of lakes is avidly remembered for its Lakes, museums and quaint by-lanes of walled city. You already must have witnessed it, so move out of City area and explore the area where chivalry and valour were personified the era of Maharana Pratap.

Drive down to Haldi Ghati, experience the history, walk on the ridge where the most courageous Rana Maharana Pratap fought the famous battle. The walk from the dry arid forest with mud that looks like Haldi( turmeric) is quite an experience. Retrace the history in this valley and visit the garden where Mughal army rested and further visit the garden where blood bath of this battle took place. The place once known to be drenched with blood is resting ground of the legendary sena nayak of Maharana Pratap’s army. En-route visit the place with many shops selling distilled rose water and many other products made from special quality pink roses that only grow in the month of April, the Chaitri Gulab.

While in this tribal rural belt inhabited mainly by Bhils watch old watering system, and many monuments dotting the area. Next visit the Shahastrabahu (God with thousand hands – Vishnu) temple commonly known as Saas Bahu temple here. The ruins of temple are located on the lakeside and wetland housing many rare species of birds. The cluster of temple is magnificent work of architecture and craftsmanship. Next go to the most legendary fort of Kumbhalgarh. The fort is known for its unique architecture and legendary lineage. Spend a day visiting the fort and in next morning indulge in some exploration of the jungles giving cover to this amazing fort. It’s truly an amazing trip worth taking for adventure freaks and history buffs.   

December ‘ 2017

Jungle Safari in Kutch, Gujarat!

An ideal time to spend a week exploring the house of Asiatic Lions, witnessing bird migration to India, exploring Indus valley civilization roots at Lothal and much more woven in the cultural fabric of Gujarat.

The trip starts at the buzzing town of Ahmedabad on the banks of Sabarmati river and takes you to the forested hilly area of Sasan Gir sanctuary, the hose of Asiatic lions. As you proceed witness migratory birds from central European lands at Nal Sarovar and Khijadia bird sanctuary. The one of its kind Marine Conservation Park is part of Rann of Kutch, the silver sand heaven. Just bask in the awe inspiring Gujarat wildlife trip and come back rejuvenated and charmed.

It’s an ideal way to close your year with Rann of Kutch desert festival.