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Showing posts from August, 2019

Dawki, Shillong: Where beauty hangs by the living root

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100 km to the south of Guwahati lies Shillong- the capital city of Meghalaya, nurtured and groomed by the rain Gods. The mild smoky environs sprinkled air carrying beads of mist, fluttering leaves and minimalistic way of life make Dawki a unique place to begin your quest for happiness and life. Brace yourself for a cozy sojourn as you plan to explore the wide riches of the North East with your perfect travel companion. I’d recommend one because North East is certainly among the warm places to visit in January in India. Places to visit in Shillong:  Barapani, Cherrapunji, Dawki Umngot river, Elephant falls, Nohkalikai falls, Shillong peak Things to do in Shillong:  Walk Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong and Double Decker Root Bridge entirely made up of tangled roots, offer prayers to the almighty at Kamakhya Temple, boat ride, trekking, and camping How to reach Shillong By air:  Guwahati Airport is the closest airstrip to Shillong By train:  There’s no railway station in Dawki

Kolkata, West Bengal: Where joy is eminent in everything

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India’s only metro city with a great mix of lifestyle and infrastructure from yesteryears and the current era, Kolkata holds the distinction of being another top-notch place to visit in India in January. It is around this time that colorful Poush Mela is celebrated in Santiniketan. At Eden Gardens, experience the echo and thrill of numerous chants that still reside in the premises of the 2nd largest cricket stadium in the world, only after Melbourne Cricket Ground. Places to visit in Kolkata:  Nicco Park, Eden Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Science City, and Howrah Bridge Things to do in Kolkata:  Explore the flora and fauna of Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, offer prayers at Adi Brahmo Samaj Prayer Hall, lots of water activities at Aquatica Water Park How to reach Kolkata By air:  Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport is at a distance of 18 km from the city. By train:  Howrah and Sealdah are the two major railheads that connect most of the Indian cities with Kolkata By road:  

Puri, Bhubaneshwar: Natural habitat of the migratory birds

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Popular worldwide for the Jagannath temple, Puri has plenty of treasures that catch the fancy of most of the discerned travelers and puts it on the list of best places to visit in India in December-January.   Chilka lake   is a popular tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts sees a large number of footfall especially in the month of January. Thanks to the pleasant weather and the birds flocking to the place during winters. Puri also boasts of plenty of marvel from the medieval era which allows the visitors a surreal view of fine architecture and craftsmanship. Places to visit in Puri:  Puri beach, Konark beach, Chilka lake, Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary, Things to do in Puri:  Bird watching, private tours to sanctuaries and temples, cruising in lake, and fishing How to reach Puri By air:  Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at a distance of 60 km from the city By train:  Puri Railway Station is in the heart of the city By road:  Regular buses from the neighboring city freq

Sirpur, Chhattisgarh: In the lap of nature

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The historical town of Sirpur is an amazing blend of nature and monuments. The nonchalant charm of this relatively quiet sojourn makes it an ideal holiday destination in India in January. Come January, and the Sirpur National Dance and  Music Festival  enthrall and leave you mesmerized. The place basks in the festivities and the electric atmosphere leaves visitors enchanted. Places to visit in Sirpur:  Urja park, Iskcon temple, Madku Dweep, Nandanvan garden, Mahant Ghasidas memorial Things to do in Sirpur:  Explore the temples, go for nature walks, go beach camping, and enjoy spectacular nature view at Takmak Tok How to reach Sirpur By air:  Sonegaon Airport in Nagpur is the nearest airstrip located at a distance of 194 km By train:  There are trains running from other major cities to Sirpur Town Railway Station By road:  Nearest bus stand is Kagaznagar at a distance of 16 km

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh: Mecca of street food!

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Holding the prestigious distinction of being home to the Mecca of India, Hyderabad turns into an allure for travelers. The pleasant weather conditions in the month of January, which is neither hot and nor too cold, makes Hyderabad one of the warm places to visit in India in January. Golconda Fort, Madina, and lip-smacking Mughlai food are key attractions of your holiday to the city of Nizams. Places to visit in Hyderabad:  Charminar, Golconda Fort, Mecca Masjid, Ramoji film city, Hussain Sagar lake Things to do in Hyderabad:  City detours, heritage walks, try street food in Charminar area, take a ferry ride in Hussain Sagar lake, explore Birla Science Centre How to reach Hyderabad By air:  Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located in Begumpet area By train:  Hyderabad Railway Station connects the city with all the major location of the country By road:  Hyderabad has a huge bus terminus which well connected with almost all the neighboring cities and other major cities li

Mamallapuram-Madurai, Tamil Nadu: The charm of down south

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January is the time when Tamil Nadu is at its best. The place exhibits a myriad of colors offered by nature. Also, January is the time for   Mamallapuram Dance festival,   which is an absolute treat for culture lovers. Around the same time,   Pongal   calls for a statewide celebration, making Madurai and Mamallapuram the best places to visit in South India in January. Madurai celebrates  Float Festival  with huge processions that are carried out from Meenakshi temple. While the tempting aroma of crisp vada and dosa permeate the air around; the chanting of mantras cleanse the atmosphere, and to top it all the exciting designs of rangoli adorn the households immaculately. Places to visit in Mamallapuram-Madurai:  Meenakshi Temple, Gandhi Museum, Samanar Hills, Shore temple, Panch Rathas, Descent of the Ganges, and Tiger Caves Things to do in Mamallapuram-Madurai:  Try moving Krishna’s Butterball, go surfing, explore the lighthouse, watch crocodiles move around in their natural hab

Andaman & Nicobar: A honeymooner’s first love!

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This out-of-the-world place by far remains the most preferred honeymoon destination for most of the couples worldwide. Turquoise water, silky sand, quaint beaches – the breathtaking spectacle of nature makes Andaman one of the best places to visit in India in December-January with family and loved ones. Havelock island being the best of them all calls out the seekers of peace and retreat. Unblemished and spotless as it is, the place definitely has plenty of wonderful things to offer. With temperature continuously hovering between 20 and 28 degrees, nothing matches the beauty and charm of Andamans. Places to visit in Andaman & Nicobar:  Radhanagar, Neil, Elephant and Kalapathar beach, Venom Bar, Cellular jail Things to do in Andaman & Nicobar:  Try the lip-smacking delicacies at Full Moon Cafe, snorkeling, Scuba diving, enjoy light and sound show at the Cellular Jail How to reach Andaman & Nicobar By air:  Port Blair is well connected with Chennai and Kolkata By

Munnar-Alleppey-Thekkady, Kerala: To the backwaters

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January is the time when Tamil Nadu is at its best. The place exhibits a myriad of colors offered by nature. Also, January is the time for   Mamallapuram Dance festival,   which is an absolute treat for culture lovers. Around the same time,   Pongal   calls for a statewide celebration, making Madurai and Mamallapuram the best places to visit in South India in January. Madurai celebrates  Float Festival  with huge processions that are carried out from Meenakshi temple. While the tempting aroma of crisp vada and dosa permeate the air around; the chanting of mantras cleanse the atmosphere, and to top it all the exciting designs of rangoli adorn the households immaculately. Places to visit in Mamallapuram-Madurai:  Meenakshi Temple, Gandhi Museum, Samanar Hills, Shore temple, Panch Rathas, Descent of the Ganges, and Tiger Caves Things to do in Mamallapuram-Madurai:  Try moving Krishna’s Butterball, go surfing, explore the lighthouse, watch crocodiles move around in their natural hab

Goa: Beauty by the beach

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India’s most celebrated holiday destination and the fulcrum of bachelors’ most awaited tour plan is at its prime in winters. While vibrant colors of beach fashion essentials adorn the place; palm-fringed beaches make it one of the most favorite places to visit in January in India. A popular settlement of the Portuguese, Goa has plenty of attractions to offer during the month of January.  India Yoga Festival  and  Goa Lokotsav  remain the highlight of popular activities to attend in Goa in January. Places to visit in Goa:  Basilica of Bom Jesus,  Dudhsagar Falls , Fort Aguada, and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Things to do in Goa:  Beach camping, explore Margao and Vasco Da Gama, explore the diverse flora and fauna of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Naval Aviation Museum, and watch the dolphin drive How to reach Goa By air:  Dabolim Airport lies 29 km from the state’s capital By train:  Madgaon and Thivim are the two major railheads of Goa and are well connected by

Diu, Daman & Diu: India’s island prodigy

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Once a pacifying retreat for the Portuguese, Diu remains a major source of attraction for tourists who look forward to a soothing retreat far away from the madding crowd. The quaint sea beaches, calm environs and placid weather of January set up this place perfectly and puts it on the list of top holiday destinations in India in January. It’s around the same time of the year that  Festa De Diu- Asia’s longest beach festival,  takes place and during this time, the whole Diu is adorned like a bride. The picturesque territory and amazing weather call you to Diu. Places to visit in Diu:  Nagoa beach, Shell museum, Jalandhar shrine, Diu Fort, Gangeshwar temple Things to do in Diu:  Bonfire on beach, camping with friends, attend Festa De Diu, boat tour kiosk, party at Casa Luxo bar, go birdwatching, try cave hopping, and indulge in water activities How to reach Diu By air:  Airport on Diu island makes it easily accessible by air from other major Indian cities By train:  Una is t

Kutch, Gujarat: It’s sand and not snow!

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Comprising of the upper half of the westernmost state of India, Kutch is another exciting place to visit in India in January. Apart from white desert which acts as a major source of tourism in the state, there are other forts and historical building that catches the fancy of a travel freak. Kutch is blessed with rich flora and fauna, and also happens to be one of the favorite residing places for migratory birds who flock to the place especially during winters.  Rann Utsav  and  International Kite Festivals  act as the primary allure. Places to visit in Kutch:  White desert/Rann of Kutch, Centre for Desert and Ocean, Darbargadh, Kachchh Museum, Wildlife Sanctuary, Aaina Mahal Things to do in Kutch:  Attend Rann Utsav, International kite festival, watch the beautiful birds walking on  the beach in Mandvi , stay in the eco-resorts and homestays, visit- Nirona, Nakhatrana, Khavda, Bhujodi and Ajrakhpur, Dhordo and Hodka- villages popular for handicraft How to reach Kutch By air:

Jaipur, Rajasthan: A darker shade of pink

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The capital city of Rajasthan evokes an aura of nonchalant charm and imperial regalia, something that the royal state has thrived on since ages. The pink city wears an even darker shade in the month of January, which makes it one of the favorite tourist places to visit in India in January. Jaipur Literature Festival is a huge confluence of literature enthusiasts and book snobs that take place in the month of January. Besides, Jaipur boasts of imposing forts and palaces that make the sparkling grandeur of the city. Go on, book your Rajasthan tour package, and take a dip in the royal madness and live the excellence! Places to visit in Jaipur:  Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort religious, Jantar Mantar, Chokhi Dhani, and Birla Mandir are among the most popular  tourist places in Jaipur . Things to do in Jaipur: Attend  Bikaner camel fair  in Bikaner located at a distance of 335 km. Time taken to reach Bikaner from Jaipur by road is 5 hours. Kumbhalgarh festival , experience the tranquility o

Delhi: Of the past, present, and the vibrant!

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Nothing beats the charm of Delhi in the month of January. Beautiful people, vibrant festivals, and one national carnival – the capital city of India charm its visitors in more than one ways, every winter. It is this charm that puts Delhi in the bracket of the best destinations in India in January. While the Mughlai delicacies of Old Delhi tickles the taste buds, the fine ancient architecture of medieval era leaves you in awe. But if I had to underline one thing that compels anyone to visit the city in January, it has to be the  Republic Day parade . The parade exhibits numerous elements of India and grapples the onlookers with its sheer excellence and fine execution.  India Art Fair  is another awaited event for art enthusiasts that catches their fancy. And the Delhi winter is to die for! Places to visit in Delhi:  Historical monuments, architecture, and Baoli in Mehrauli, Akshardham Mandir, Jama Masjid, Iskcon temple near East of Kailash, Lotus temple, and Lutyens Delhi Things

Auli, Uttarakhand: When life gives you snow, float on it

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Also known as the skiing destination of India, Auli wears almost all shades of nature to become one of the favorite tourist places in India in January. The hill station – adorned with snow and ladened with adventure – has everything awesome about it that makes people drool over the idea of exploring it. Apart from skiing, Auli also offers the raw view of Nanda Devi range and other fine architecture of nature that includes pristine rivers and lush greenery. Auli is certainly the place to visit in North India in January. Choose from a range of  Uttarakhand tour packages  that are completely customisable as per your requirement. Places to visit in Auli:  Kwani Bugyal, Trishul peak, Rudraprayag, Joshimath, and Chenab lake Things to do in Auli:  Skiing, trekking, riding a cable, catch the 180-degree view of Nanda Devi range. How to reach Auli By air:  Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport By train:  Nearest railway station is Rishikesh By road:  State transport bus

Zanskar, Jammu & Kashmir: Walking the frozen lake

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This January, catch the nature at its fluffiest as you walk the thick sheet of snow, endure the piercing wind, and contain the elusive. Chadar Trek- the most daunting trek in the Himalayas will test your agility to the core. The trek located in the Zanskar range is a living legend made up of breathtaking trails coated with thick snow sheets on the frozen lake. Winter is the time when the entire valley and the Himalayan range is engulfed by a pristine white sheet clearly making it one of the places to go in January in India. The difficulty level, along with the thrill of walking on the snow, makes it one of the top contenders among the best places to visit in India in January. Places to visit in Zanskar:  Patnitop, Phuktal monastery, Drang Drung glacier, Panikhar, and Zongkhul Things to do in Zanskar:  Trekking, paragliding, river rafting, and rock climbing How to reach Zanskar By air:  Leh is the nearest airport By train:  Banihal railhead is 167 km from Zanskar By road: