1. Shikara on the ‘Dal’ Lake – The Bollywood endorsed ‘Dal’ Lake in Kashmir has been a legendary spot for travellers. The thin Shikaras (boats) traverse through the water carrying tourists, vegetables, supplies and locals. The whole life system on the lake is supported by these unassuming boats, whether it’s supporting full-fledged markets or serving as a school bus for children. The rides on shikaras are extremely fascinating and help understand the local life better.

2. From the Himalayan foothills, it’s down to the tropical weather of Kerala. Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ is by far one of the best destinations to experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Well equipped houseboats add to the charm of getting to know the vast network of backwater in and around the town. Recently, the house boats had come under the scanner for lack of a proper system to dispose waste from the boats. Now there are mandatory treatment methods without which these boats do not get permissions. Watch the local life pass on the banks of the waters, while you glide past in luxury. Off season rates for fully furnished house boats are quite affordable. Between October and March, it can cost anywhere between Rs 7500 to Rs 20,000/- depending on the number of hours on the boat.

3. There are some very unique experiences with respect to boats in India. The famous rock temples of Mahabalipuram near Chennai have always garnered the interest of travellers. Two of the seven temples are said to be submerged in the sea. Few know that some fishermen take eager visitors out to sea, where one you have a look at the submerged temples. An experience which comes with serious caution, as there are no life jackets on these boats, it’s not for the faint hearted. A mere Rs. 100-200 for an adventure of a life time – try it!

4. The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in the Idduki District of Kerala is one of the most unassuming wildlife destinations of India. Without fanfare but with plenty of exciting experiences in store, there are a number of ways to see the jungle. One unique way, is wildlife watching on a huge bamboo raft, with a forest guide and copious amount of sunscreen. The Periyar Lake is flanked by thick forests and animals often come for a drink of water. The raft ride starts early in the morning and goes on till about 4.00 p.m with breakfast and lunch by the edge of the jungle. This trip needs to be booked in advance. You can also take a more conventional wildlife spotting boat trip here.

5. While Goa has always been on top of the list for many, its Southern neighbour Karwar in Karnataka is fairly unknown. Serene and relatively untouched by tourism, Karwar has several water based activities. One of them includes snorkelling off the quiet coastline. Trips go out on speed boats with trained instructors to help novices.

If you would like your next trip to include some great boating activities then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

For accommodation in India take a look at our homestay collection. Your hosts will be happy to help you find the best places locally for a good night out!

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Ducks at Dal Lake, Srinagar

1. Bird watching at Hokersar
This wetland attracts thousands of migratory birds during winters from Siberia and Central Asia. This is an important natural refuge for rare breeds that use it for wintering and breeding. It is located 14 kilometres from Srinagar. Birds that are most prominent here are geese, Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon.

House boat on Dal Lake

2. Houseboat and shikara ride
These are the most famous symbols of the city and tourists come from far and wide to spend a few hours cruising on the lake. Those who have time for a longer stay can rent houseboats. The Dal lake is the ideal place to enjoy this activity. In the off season a shikara ride costs about Rs. 150 but in the peak season the price can go up to Rs. 500.

Sunset over the terraces of the Nishat Bagh Mughal gardens

3. Gardens
Mughal emperors created many gardens in the city. Prime amongst them are the Mughal Gardens, Chasm-e-Shahi, and the Nishat and Shalimar Bagh. The Tulip Gardens is a recent addition to the city and is dedicated to tulips of various colours.

Hazratbal Shrine from the West Gate

4. Hazratbal Mosque
This pure white mosque is very serene and beautiful. It is one of the most important mosques in Srinagar and is highly revered. Much like other mosques, only the outer area is open for women to enter. The nearby market is a good place to enjoy local food.

5. Roza Bal
In Khanyar is the Dastgir Saheb mosque and shrine. It also known as Roza Bal and is said to be the tomb of Jesus Christ. The belief is that Jesus survived crucifixion, came to Kashmir and lived here till he was at least 100 years old. The belief isn’t backed by many scholars but it was the foundation of books such as ‘Jesus Lived in India’ by Holger Kersten.

Colourful festival decorations

6. Festivals
Srinagar’s major festivals are the three Eids, Navroz, Urs and Ramzan. Eid is celebrated thrice a year. One is meethi Eid, which is a family fare, the other is Muharram where people flog themselves in the street and the last is Bakra Eid where a goat is sacrificed in every Muslim home. Navroz is a 9-day festival which is celebrated in March or April with feasts, new clothes and prayers. Urs is typical to Kashmir. It is held at the shrines of Muslim saints on their death anniversaries. It is also celebrated by some Hindus and Sikhs. Ramzan is a month of hard fasting and during Ramzan Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to dusk.

7. Shankaracharya Mandir
This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is perched on a hilltop. It’s not usually crowded as Srinagar no longer has a significant Hindu population but is a popular site with visitors. Cameras and cellphones should be left behind as they aren’t allowed inside.

Find out more about Srinagar and search for homestays

Practical information:

• The climatic conditions in Srinagar are mostly alpine. Srinagar is best visited during summers between the months of April and June.
• The domestic airport in Srinagar is located at a distance of 14 kms from the city and operates regular flights to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
• The nearest railway station from Srinagar is at Jammu Tawi, about 293 kms from the city. Jammu station has excellent rail connections with almost all major cities of India. Once you reach Jammu station, board a bus or hire a car / taxi to proceed on a 12-hr journey to Srinagar

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Here they are:

New Munnar Homestays
Cedar Woods

Wow – what a view. That’s what you’ll get when you stay on this cardamom plantation in Munnar, with Jean Philips and his wife Anita. Cedar Woods is a comfortable home with large rooms, full-size windows and cozy beds. The popular travellers’ attraction Kallar Water Falls is nearby – it’s always worth exploring, especially during the monsoons.

Mushroom Valley

Johney Cheruthanniyil and his wife Binni are the gracious hosts of this attractive homestay in Anachal, 11 kms outside Munnar, Kerala. Johney runs a business in finance, Binni is a housewife who enjoys cooking traditional Kerala cuisine. The food prepared in the house is a mix of North Indian, South Indian, Western and traditional Kerala dishes. Staying with their three daughters, the family are ever ready to help their guests explore the scenic beauty, culture and history of Munnar.

Pavithram

This homestay is set in an idyllic hill station, 1800 metres above sea level. Hosts Rajesh and Maya believe that the opportunity to welcome travellers from across the world is an enriching experience for them as well as the guests. Trekking, plantation visits and cooking classes are all available.

New Thekkady Homestays
Koshys

Eco tourism practitioners, the Koshys are keen to spend time with guests and explain local culture and traditions. They keep a vegetable garden which brings organic food to the kitchen table, and the surroundings of this Kumily homestay are best described as serene. Periyar Tiger Reserve is nearby.

Chitrashala

At this homestay, also in Kumily, the family stays on the ground floor and guests have the first floor of the house. There are four double bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. Tribe visits, bamboo rafting and jungle safari can all be arranged from here.

New Kottayam Homestays
The Bungalow

Located 100 kms from Kochi and 75 kms from Thekaddy by road, this 1927 Kottayam homestay is pitched on a hillock. The architecture is a mix of early Syrian Christian home architecture with the traditional spacious Keralite style of numerous cross ventilated doors and windows. There’s a swimming pool, built in ancient style with a ‘Kulippura’ (bathing ghat), and you can enjoy the local coconut drink in either the open courtyard or on the verandah.

New Cochin Homestays
Thomas Inn

This beautiful house has a well maintained garden and verandah under the shade of a mango tree. The hosts stay on ground floor and the guests stay on first floor. A separate entrance through stairs take guests to their accommodation, which includes a balcony, communal area and huge kitchen with all amenities.

New Srinagar Homestays
Almond Villa

This colonial era mansion offers a perfect view of famous Dal Lake, surrounded by lush green mountains. There are five spacious double bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Host Viv, an avid traveller, has experience in the Indian wildlife tourism industry and loves to chat about the flora and fauna of this outstanding Indian region.

See more of our unique range of India homestay accommodation and book your stay online through our main site.

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