1. Coonoor
Less than 20 kilometers from Ooty, Coonoor makes a great day trip. Coonoor is a very laid back place where most activities are centered around nature and its appreciation. This is the ideal place to feel one with Mother Nature and indulge in some rest and relaxation.

“Tea estate in Ooty”

2. Niligiri Toy Train Ride
Nilgiri’s famous Toy Train is a great way to reach Coonoor. The charming train started operating over a century ago and considering the terrain of the region it is rightfully considered an engineering marvel. The blue-cream train oozes old world charm with delightful wooden coaches and large windows that provide enchanting views. It’s called a toy train because it’s so slow that you can high-five the children outside. It stops every hour and so you can easily hop in and out for a short photo session. A ride of the usually crowded train should be considered as a rare experience as well as a functional mode of transport.

“Ooty Toy Train”

3. History of Nature
Ooty is a feast for those interested in horticulture. Many varieties of fruits and flowers are grown at the Government Botanical gardens, which were opened in 1847. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old.

“Government Botanical Gardens”

4. Lake Ooty
If you like the outdoors you will love the Ooty lake. It was built in 1825 and is almost 3 kms long. Boating, angling, strolling around the perimeter are popular activities here. This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for families who want to spend time together. Fishing permission is required ahead of time.

“Ooty Lake”

5. The Dodabetta Peak
Perched at an altitude of 2,623 meters, this is the highest point in the district, and the best place to visit in Ooty for a spectacular vantage point. It is located 10kms from Ooty and is a great place for photographers and nature lovers. On a clear day you can see as far as Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

6. Lamb’s Rock
This is another vantage point that’s shared by Coonoor and Ooty in terms of distance. It serves as a lovely picnic spot and offers splendid vistas of the plains of Coimbatore and the region’s tea states.

“A beautiful scene on the way to Lamb’s rock, Ooty”

7. Kodanadu
16kms from Kotagiri is Kodanadu. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Nilgiris. This is also a good viewpoint, which offers enchanting views of the Moyar river and endless tea estates. The Rangasamy peak is visible from the watchtower here.

8. Festivities
In January, you can enjoy a Tea and Tourism Festival. But other important regional festivals are Thaipoosam in Elk Hill Murugan Temple (February), Bookkapuram Mariamman Annual Festival (February), Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival (April), Coonoor Mariamman Temple Festival (April), Boat Races and Boat Pageantry in Ooty (May), Flower show in Ooty (May) and Fruit show in Coonoor (May).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Ooty is a 3 to 4 hour drive from Coimbatore, depending upon traffic and weather conditions.
• Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 kms). The major broad gauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities.
• Mettupalayam to Ooty is connected by a Mountain Railway which is a scenic 4 hour journey. The ‘Nilgiri toy train’ connects these two destinations, at the foot of the Nilgiris.
• Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani).
• Ooty enjoys superb weather all year round. December and January are its winter months. The temperature in winter hovers around 5C. In summer, the temperature can go up to 25C.
• A homestay offers the perfect accommodation for a trip to Ooty. A mere five minute drive from the main Ooty town Aarani Cottage makes an ideal base to stay.
• Many visitors opt to stay in Coonoor and take day trips to Ooty. Check out our wide range of Coonoor homestays.

Related posts:

1. Karnataka tourism – places to see and explore
2. Hill Station Weekend Breaks From Bangalore
3. 10 Coonoor Things To Do: Nilgiris’ Favourite Hill Station

1. Paragliding: at the Evergreen Estate in Kottayam, Kerala one can enjoy a 1 hour paragliding ride. The right time to experience this is from August to April. The ride is priced at Rs. 5,000 (approx £70) and starts at a point that’s just 20 minutes from the homestay by car.

2. Yak Safari: In Ladkah’s rural homestays you can explore the area in a novel way, on the back of a yak. An Indian holiday experience you won’t forget! These yak safaris start at Rs. 750 (approx £11) and last for about half an hour. Rides start in the village of Ulleh and the right season for this is between June to August.

3. Diving for lobsters and clams: At the gorgeous Vembanad homestay in Alleppey, Kerala one can go diving for lobsters and clams. This is a very rare experience in India and the three hour dive costs just Rs. 500. (approx £7) This is a seasonal activity, which can be organised in August with the local fishermen at night is almost magical.

4. Night trekking: At the enchanting and unique Periyar Tiger Reserve, night trekking is organised by the hosts of Pepper Country homestay, Thekkady, Kerala. The price starts at Rs. 700 ( approx £10) and the 3 hour trek commences 2 kms from the homestay. The activity can be enjoyed all through the year but there are some regional limitations in monsoons.

5. White water rafting: This thrilling activity is available in many parts of India as a lot of cities are fed by rivers. But with the Eco Habitat in Coorg, Karnataka the experience is as majestic as it is convenient. The hosts organise the experience for guests and just Rs. 600 (approx £9) and the landscapes set it apart from any other place in India. There are options from 1 hour rides to 2.5 hour rides, which start at just 10 minutes from the homestay. This is only organised during monsoons and 30 minutes of training are required.

6. Mountain biking: With the Hill View homestay in Wayanad, Kerala one can enjoy a thrilling wat to explore the divine region – on mountain bikes. These are done under the supervision of guides and expert supervisors. The cost starts at Rs. 1,200 (approx £17), which includes charges for hiring the bike. This is a 6 hour activity and needs a fair amount of stamina. Rides are organised all through the year except during monsoons which last from June/July to August.

There are plenty of other activities offered by these homestays as well, such as cooking lessons, yoga and spa treatments. Find out more about the homestay experience with Mahindra Homestays.

Related posts:

1. Indian lakes and rivers for a water based vacation
2. Monsoon Magic! 50% off Indian homestays
3. Sikkim travels: Discover the highlights of this beautiful state

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

Related posts:

1. Sindhudurg tourism: Things to do and see
2. Indian lakes and rivers for a water based vacation
3. Madhya Pradesh tourism: Discover a rich history and many things to do

Sindhudurg Jetty

Ocean Fort
The Sindhudurg or Ocean Fort is located off the Malvan port. It is enveloped by a two-mile long wall. Inside the fort you can find temples dedicated to many rulers. The Fort epitomised Maratha naval power during the reign of Shivaji proved impregnable to the mighty Mughals as well as the British. Just off the fort are the beautiful beaches of Vijaydurg. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) conducts snorkeling around the Sindhudurg Fort.

Puppetry of Pinguli
This is an important part of the region’s culture. Carefully crafted leather and wooden puppets are some of the world’s best storytellers.

Tarkarli beach

Tarkarli
This beach is often called The Tahiti of India. It is locate at the mouth of River Kali and the Arabian Sea. This white sandy beach is fringed by Casuarina trees and the azure waters harbour playful dolphins.

Waterfalls in Amboli

Amboli
This British-era hill station is located 690 meters above sea level. It is a serene and beautiful place for a quiet escape. The Nagartas Waterfalls area a major attraction here particularly during monsoons.

Dhamapur Lake
This beautiful lake can be found just 20 kilometers from Malvan. It is a great place for a family picnic and day tour. Boating is a popular activity here.

Thakar Adivasi Kala Aangan
In 2006, the Thakar Adivasi Kala Aangan was opened by Culture Aangan. This is an art arena at Pinguli which aims to revive and preserve the dying folk art traditions of the region and provide locals artists to exhibit their age old craft.

Discover more about the region of Singhudurg

Where to stay:
• Nandan Farms Homestay
• Dwarka Homestay

Related posts:

1. Perfect Weekend Breaks From Mumbai
2. Madhya Pradesh tourism: Discover a rich history and many things to do
3. Ladakh tourism: Things to do in this wild land of wonders

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook.  This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

Special offer
This itinerary is currently on special offer with a 50% discount on the featured homestay accommodation valid until 15th October 2010. The package offer price is from £515 / 36200 INR / $795 USD and can be customised to suit your needs.

Accommodation only
Indian guests who don’t require ground transport may wish to to take this tour as an accommodation only package . The cost for 9 days starts at an astonishing Rs 16400. Accommodation only package rates are available on other routes as well.

Day One: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Darshan Homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts Col. Mohinder Walia and his wife, Sonia Walia in their sun-lit home. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application, participating in an Indian cooking class or shopping in the local art and craft shops.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Ladhi Garden and the Red Fort. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you to the sites you choose to visit.

Day Three: Agra
Travel from Delhi to Agra, home to India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal. Make sure you also visit the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb. Once again your own personal driver will accompany you around the city. Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden.

Day Four: Corbett
Arriving in Corbett you will be welcomed by Bunny and Amu in their sprawling farm bordering the Corbett National Park. Wheat, sugarcane, litchis, mangoes and a variety of other fruits and plants flourish around The Homestead and you can enjoy the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spa or getting involved with the activities on the farm.

Day Five: Corbett
Take a trip to the Jim Corbett National Park, a favourite getaway for explorers and wildlife lovers. The park houses many endangered species such as tigers, chital and sambar. Explore the landscape on a jeep or elephant safari and keep your camera ready with stunning panoramic views of the Shivalik and the Himalayas.

Day Six: Corbett
Spend the day exploring, take a bullock cart ride or cycle around the 150 acres farm. Fishing enthusiasts can take a short trip to a nearby river. A popular sport with the family, you will have plenty of records to try and break.

Day Seven: Delhi
Return you back to Delhi for your flight back home.

Your north India tour includes:
Six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

Special offer
This itinerary is currently on special offer with a 50% discount on the featured homestay accommodation valid until 15th October 2010. The package offer price is from £515 / 36200 INR / $795 USD and can be customised to suit your needs. The normal price for this itinerary is £680 / 47,770 INR / $1,040 USD so book now to grab a bargain! If you would like to create your own bespoke itinerary contact our travel experts who will be happy to assist you.

India Sojourn – North India Tour Telephone Reservation Assistance:
Open from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 – 17.00 (GMT).

Related posts:

1. Golden Triangle India – your own private tour
2. *SPECIAL OFFER* Goa Holiday Tour: Go Goa!
3. *SPECIAL OFFER* South India Tour: The Kerala Spice Trail

View from Hanuman Tok, Gangtok

Sikkim is one of the “Seven Sisters” in India. This term is used to describe the seven tiny states that together form India’s North-East. The small and truly untouched state of Sikkim has majestic landscapes and lush green hills. It is indeed blessed with nature’s bounty. Even after a considerable rise in tourism over the recent years, its sanctity and beauty have been preserved by its proud people and conscientious authorities. Sikkim is divided into four districts – North, South, East and West. We explore some of the highlights to help you with your Sikkim travels.

Buddhist temple in Sikkim

North Sikkim: Here you will find the revered Guru-Dongmar Lake, which is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. Its mystical powers are heightened by the fact that even in the harshest winters parts of the lake remain unfrozen. The lake is considerably inaccessible and requires a two-day expedition. A popular destination closer to the capital, Gangtok is Yumthang – the Valley of Flowers. In spring, Yumthang is bathed with scarlet rhododendrons and wildflowers, a sight to behold.

East Sikkim: Gangtok, the capital of the state lies in this part of Sikkim. In Gangtok, one can enjoy the local cuisine and shop for handicrafts. Many beautiful tourist destinations like the Rumtek and Enchey monasteries, Jhakri Falls and Tashi Viewpoint are a short drive from the city. Perhaps the most enchanting attraction of the state is the Nathula Pass-Tsomgo Lake-Baba Mandir trinity. Although these destinations aren’t in this part of the State, taxis and tours to reach them are best hired in Gangtok itself. Nathu-La is located at over 14,200 meters and offers one of the most breathtaking sights in India. En route to Nathu-La stop at the still and crystal-clear Tsomgo/Chhangu Lake, where you can ride on a yak, shop for locally produced goods and catch a bite to eat. Tourists require special permits to visit Nathu-La. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday

Sikkim’s State Assembly Building, Gangtok

South Sikkim: This is the sleepy and peaceful part of the serene state. The hub of this district is Ravangla, which is located at the height of 7,000 meters. The township, famous for the Temi Tea Garden and wildlife, comes alive during the Lhabsol festival in August-September. Before leaving the district make sure you visit Samdruptse. In the Bhutia language, Samdruptse means ‘Wish Fulfilling Hill’. Here stands the 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava, made of concrete and copper.

The monastery at Ravangla

Western Sikkim: While South Sikkim is a haven for peace lovers, Western Sikkim is for thrill seekers. Rafting and kayaking on River Teesta draws people from far and wide to this small region. For visitors who prefer to tame the mountains, rock climbing and mountain biking expeditions can be organised.

Teesta River

If you want to explore Sikkim contact our reservations team who will help you build a custom itinerary.

Related posts:

1. Head For The Hills! 8 Things To Do In Sikkim
2. Punjab travel guide: A state of history and heritage
3. Indian lakes and rivers for a water based vacation

Ganga Dashara Festival

Haridwar: One of the holiest places in India is Haridwar (the gateway to God). Millions of people come here to wash away their sins with a dip in the Ganga. Haridwar is particularly crowded during the Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Melas. These two festivals attract a sea of humanity and is popular with both devotees and photographers.

Rishikesh: Rishikesh attracts a very diverse crowd. It is packed with pilgrims as well as adventure seekers. This is one of the most popular places in North India for white water rafting. Rafting and kayaking here are seasonal sports because during monsoons the Ganges becomes extremely dangerous. Rafting camps are organized in Shivpuri, which is very close to Rishikesh.

Chhota Chaar Dhaam: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath together form the Chhota Chaar Dhaam (the smaller holy four centers). The religious centers offer visitors divine beauty and an adventurous experience. One has to brave highly testing terrains to reach these locations. The glaciers that are the actual source of the Ganga and Yamuna are slowly melting, which has added to the urgency in people to see them as soon as possible. Of all the locations, Kedarnath is the hardest to reach and is off limits to people for several months of the year.

Rental boats on the shores of Nainital

Nainital: Nainital is possibly North India’s most popular hillstation particularly amongst families. Nainital is the land of nine lakes and the most popular activity here is boating on the Naini Lake. One can hire row boats, pedal boats or sail boats to explore the massive lake.

Bhimtal: The Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake in the district of Nainital and people come here in large numbers from Nainital for boating. On the lake’s island there is a beautiful aquarium, which replaced a famous but overcrowded restaurant. The aquarium houses many species of fish from all corners of the world.

Naukuchia Tal: just 4 kilometers from Bhimtal is Naukuchiatal. The serene lake rests at an altitude of over 1,200 meters. Activities like boating and walks around the lake are popular amongst young couples as well as families. Naukuchiatal attracts large numbers of migratory birds from all over the world and is a haven for birdwatchers.

Gurudongmar lake

Sikkim: One of the 7 states that make up India’s North East is Sikkim. And in North Sikkim one can find the revered Gurudongmar Lake. To reach this enigmatic lake one has to undertake a two-day expedition as this is one of the highest lakes in the world. Another spiritually significant lake in Sikkim is Lake Khecheopalri. It is a two-hour drive from Gangtok and is respected as a wish fulfilling lake.

Manali: White water rafting on the River Beas is a popular adventure sport in Manali. The 10 kilometer trip down the river starts at Mohal offering grade II and III rapids. Rafting season usually lasts from April till June and September to October but monsoons highly influence the possibility of undertaking a trip. A famous source of hot springs in Manali is Manikaran. It is located between River Beas and River Parvati at an altitude of over 1750 m. The spring is believed to have curative powers and is important for its piligrim centres.

Reflection on Dal Lake

Jammu and Kashmir : Located in the state’s capital of Srinagar is the beautiful Dal Lake. This is the sight of quintessentially Kashmiri scenes which have captured the world’s imagination for decades. The view of floating shikaras, houseboats and the floating gardens is simply mesmerising. These shikaras and houseboats are easily available for rent. Unfortunately, the river has suffered extensively due to years of eutrophication but the government has now undertaken multimillion dollar drives to restore the lake to its original glory. In Srinagar one can also find the beautiful Chashme Shahi (Royal Spring). This is the smallest Mughal garden in Srinagar but is home to many springs, cascades and fountains.

Leh and Ladakh: Ladakh is one of India’s most enigmatic regions and it’s a splendid retreat for adventure seekers who love truly daunting challenges. In Ladakh one can choose from many rafting options that are carried out on the River Indus and its tributaries. While the easiest trip would be in Karu, a popular stretch is the one between Spituk and Saspol. The rapids beyond Saspol can turn the nerves of the most hardened thrill seekers to jelly. Another such stretch is the route between Padum and Nimo. This journey requires advance preparation. The most intimidating route is the one involving the mighty Zanskar. Even with professional guides and participants, rescue crews are a pre-requisite on this journey.

Staying in a homestay provides an excellent base to explore India from as your hosts will be able to help you plan activities and can advise you on local sights.  You can build your own custom itinerary staying in our network of award winning homestays with the help of our reservations team.

Related posts:

1. Sikkim travels: Discover the highlights of this beautiful state
2. Things to do in Bhimtal: The small hillstation with a big heart
3. Uttarakhand tourism: Things to do in this State of bliss

Punjab travel guide: Things to do and see

1. Join the celebrations: Punjabis love to share their joy and celebrate every important moment of life. No wonder, they celebrate festivals with great zest and revelry. One of their most important festivals is Baisakhi. This marks the Punjabi New Year and is celebrated with lots of music, dancing and feasts. It falls on the 13th of April, every year. Another important regional festival is Basant Panchami, which is celebrated in February or March to welcome spring. Kite flying is an integral part of the festival and people are dressed in bright yellow, which signifies joy and a golden harvest.

2. Eat to your heart’s content: Punjab is filled with fertile fields and people here love to eat. Feasts are a big a part of every celebration and the state’s most famous dish is “makke ki roti and sarso ka saag” which is topped off with a giant glass of lassi. In big cities like Chandigarh and Amritsar you can find many international food chains but nothing beats the local cuisine of Punjab. If you are staying with a homestay take a cookery lesson to learn first hand how to make some of the local delicacies.

3. Visit the Golden Temple: The Golden Temple in Amritsar is one of the most famous gurudwaras in the world. The temple is visited by millions of people and people from all backgrounds volunteer to serve guests of the temple as well as the needy. It is one of the most beautiful gurudwaras in India and no trip to Punjab is complete without visiting it.

4. Jallianwalla bagh: Jallianwalla bagh was where the massacre of 13th April 1919 took place. On that day 1000s of peaceful protestors, including women and children, were gunned down by the British army. Remnants of the horrific day are preserved at the protected site.

5. Wagah Border: This border separates India from Pakistan and is for the Beating of the Retreat ceremony. The ceremony is a wildly exaggerated show of strength from both sides. The ceremony starts at sunset and the audience participates enthusiastically with music and dance. The Wagah border is located 29 kms from Amritsar and tours combining a trip here with a visit to the Golden Temple can easily be arranged.

6. Sheesh Mahal: Located in Hoshiarpur is the Sheesh Mahal or Glass Palace. This palace was built in 1911 and is home to many valuable pieces of art and history. Some of them are depictions of King George V’s coronation ceremony, statues of various deities, and even life-size statues of King George V, Queen Victoria and their courtiers.

7. Fatehgarh Sahib: This is a sacred town located about 50 kms from Patiala. There is a famous gurudwara here which honours the victory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur over Sirhind. The town has four memorial gates that stand as tributes to four important people from the Sikh history associated with Sirhind. Other than historical and religious value, the town’s natural beauty attracts visitors from all over.

8. Chandigarh: Chandigarh serves as a capital to both Haryana and Punjab. It is a city with a big heart and is constantly buzzing with activity and music. The most popular places to see here are the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. Rock Garden is a 40 acre park which was founded in 1957. It’s famous for sculptures made of recycled material like broken glass, bangles, ceramics and plastic bottles. The garden is located near the Sukhna Lake, which is a manmade Lake. It is a popular place for locals to enjoy a morning or evening walk.

9. Farming: Punjab is an agriculturally oriented state. This is particularly true of Punjab’s hinterland where most families own acres of fertile fields and farmhouses. You can stay in a farmhouse-style homestays and participate in daily chores like farming, milking cows and churning the butter and more.

Punjab travel guide: Interesting facts

• Sukhna Lake was such a beloved part of the city that Pierre Jeanneret, who was one of Chandigarh’s planners asked for ashes to be immersed in the lake.
• Chandigarh was india’s first planned city.
• On the festival of Hola Muhalla in 2009, the Sikh community created a world record by achieving highest number blood donations made in a single day.
• Recent archaeological excavations revealed that punjab’s history can be traced as far back as the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Further information

Find out more about Punjab or browse homestays in Chandiargh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur or Hoshiarpur

Related posts:

1. Sikkim travels: Discover the highlights of this beautiful state
2. Srinagar tourism guide: Things to do and see
3. Madhya Pradesh tourism: Discover a rich history and many things to do

The most well known treasures of the State are the famous Khajuraho temples. The unique temples keep the world’s imagination captured even today due to their erotic art and lifelike carvings. However, there’s a lot more to the temples than just their art and architecture. A beautifully presented Light and Sound Show takes people through the mythical and factual history of the temples. The show is held twice a night on the ground of the main temple complex. A few hours’ drive from Khajuraho is Orchha, a city which exudes grandeur and history.

Khajuraho temples

The Orchha Fort is one of India’s most spectacular. But what attracts people to Orchha in millions is the Ram Raja Temple. The temple is supposed to have wish-fulfilling abilities and it is the only place in the world where Rama is worshipped as a king and not a God. Another city that speaks of royal splendour, even today, is Gwalior. The city has an enviable history yet it has many modern developments. It has one of the most respected schools in India and palace which has some of the most spectacular artefacts. Mementos of the dynasties that ruled over Gwalior in the past can be seen in their grand creations such as palaces, temples and monuments.

Other than glimpses into the splendours of Indian royalty, Madhya Pradesh also possesses a chapter, invaluable to human history. One of the things to do in Madhya Pradesh is, without doubt, a trip to Bhimbetka.

The Orchha Fort

In this small city over 500 caves from the Neolithic age were recently found. In these caves we can see paintings made by pre-historic man. The paintings depict pre-historic life through scenes showing dancing, music, hunting, domestic life and so much more, a chilling sight to behold. Another such location is in Pachmarhi. In Pachmarhi’s Mahadeo Hills you can see a bounty of rock paintings. Many of these creations date back to as far as 10,000 years.

Sanchi Stupa

Comparatively close to Bhimbetka is Sanchi, a city famous world over for its treasure of Buddhist monuments. Here, you can find a plethora of Buddhist monasteries, stupas and architecture. A lot of these creations were built in the 3rd century B.C. and the most well known amongst them is the Sanchi Stupa 1, which was built by Emperor Ashoka. A sandstone pillar near the stupa bears Emperors Ashoka’s caveat against divisions in the Buddhist community.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Amongst Madhya Pradesh’s most valued treasures is Bandhavgarh, a small but rich national park where you have the highest chance of spotting a tiger in India. This National Park also houses a lavish Fort Bandhavgarh, which is about 2000 years old. Before leaving Bandhavgarh you must meet Mohan, a stuffed White Tiger that’s placed on display at the Palace of the Rewas. The Kanha National Park was created as a Tiger Reserve. Although Tiger spotting is rare here Kanha is the sole sanctuary for the hardground Barasingha and a haven for bird lovers. One of the most majestic natural wonders of the world is also located in Madhya Pradesh. This sight is none other than the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat. Rising high above the Earth and bisected by River Narmada are these magnificent natural creations. The Marble cliffs, glittering brightly are an unforgettable and incomparable sight.

From natural wealth to prehistoric treasures, Madhya Pradesh is one of the richest States in India. Its vast array of wonders is nearly impossible to fit into a short trip and deserve at least a week to soak in comfortably.

Madhya Pradesh tourism: Practical Information

• Madhya Pradesh is a large State and it is well-connected to major Indian metros. Khajuraho and Gwalior have small airports. But flights to Gwalior are very few in number.
• To come in from Delhi one can take a train to Jhansi from where private cabs can take you to the Alipura Palace homestay. Alipura Palace is a good hub for those travelling to Orchha and Khajuraho, while those looking to cover Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh will find Mahindra homestays such as Rajmandir in Nagod a delightful option.
• Public transport is not easily accessible as the cities are far from each other. The best modes of transport are trains or, if the budget permits, private cabs. Bookings made by homestay owners go a long way in travelling safely yet at a reasonable price.
• The Light and Sound Show is performed twice a day and a ticket costs roughly Rs 90 per person.
  There are three major temple complexes in Khajuraho and one shouldn’t leave the place without seeing them all.
• Tripods are not allowed within the complex unless prior permission is obtained after going through a complex and tedious process.
• Travelling to the State between late March and July is ill-advised as the summers are unforgiving and the situation is worsened by daily power-cuts.

Get more information on Madhya Pradesh

Related posts:

1. Things to do and temples of Khajuraho: Seven reasons to fall in love with this intriguing heritage site
2. Punjab travel guide: A state of history and heritage
3. Sindhudurg tourism: Things to do and see

1. A True Attraction
One of the most intriguing occurrences in the world is the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, which is located 30 kilometres from Leh. Here, switched off vehicles move up a steep mountain at the speed of 20 kilometres/hour. The ride is an unbelievable, almost magical experience.

2. Trekking Trails
Trekking in Ladakh is an exceptional and incomparable experience. Choose from all-day treks as well as shorter ones to manoeuvre mountain slopes and reach a remote village or monastery. Longer treks can last up to 21 days and sometimes even more. These spectacular but testing trans-mountain journeys will offer up some of the most dazzling landscapes in the world and involve camping in the middle of nowhere. Treks limited to the Indus Valley, are possible to arrange in May and other routes are safe and accessible after July. A route called Chaddar is considered one the world’s most exciting trekking trails. Irrespective of what trail you choose, prior arrangements and supplies are essential. The terrain is tricky and deceptive, and you should not make the mistake of underestimating the conditions.

3. River Rafting
Rafting options are widely available on River Indus and many of its tributaries. The stretch between Spituk and Saspol is the most suitable for rides and the ideal location for tourists to experience the sport without pushing their luck. Beyond Saspol, even ardent adventure seekers would require highly skilled professionals to guide the journey. The most tumultuous route is between Padum and Nimo. To take on this journey, advance preparation is imperative. Even with professional guides and participants, rescue crews are a pre-requisite when taking on the mighty Zanskar.

4. Photographer’s Paradise
Ladakh is considered one of the most stunning places in India for photography, if not the best. Even though, or perhaps because it was, opened to the general public only in 1974, it is not over-exposed and has mystique. In just the last decade its elusive beauty has become the toast of the film making and photography world. Photographers brave the long journey to reach far flung corners of Ladakh and capture its unreal beauty of film. Ladakh’s natural terrain resembles lunar landscapes with spurts of azure pools set within golden mountain-sides. To take back images of the local life in Ladakh, opt for one of the communal homestays here. These are homestays where the entire village operates as a team to promote eco-tourism. These native villagers have access to the beautiful local monasteries and by staying with them you can obtain an insider’s view into rituals and festivals; a priceless experience.

5. Drives of a lifetime
A trip to Ladakh is incomplete if one hasn’t driven on the Manali-Leh route. This journey is possible the best part of a trip to Ladakh. The journey is set along breath-taking locales. Driving isn’t the only option of undertaking this journey, private taxis can also be hired in Manali to reach Leh. More often than not, taxi drivers can be cajoled into letting guests take the wheel. The route of Delhi-Manali-Leh is significantly longer than a Delhi-Leh flight. But without a shadow of a doubt it is worth the extra time and money spent. Another unbelievable driving route is in Khardungla. At 18380 above sea level this the highest motorable road in the world and offers the most splendid and incomparable vistas to visitors.

6. Life in Leh
Leh is famous for the Victory Peak, which was built in the 16th century by King Tashi Namgyal. A very important religious and historical monument Leh’s Sunni Mosque that is over 400 years old. Other than due to its age, the mosque is important because it a rare amalgam of Islamic and Tibetan architecture. Most Buddhist monasteries in Leh can be covered within two days. An idyllic way to experience the real life and culture of Leh is by living with a local family. Many families have opened their homes to visitors as homestays. By staying with them, one can experience Leh’s rich culture through food, music, and conversation as well as learn about their history through elders who have lived it first-hand.

Find out about booking a homestay in Ladakh.

Email our reservations team to find out more: reservations@mahindrahomestays.com

Related posts:

1. Indian lakes and rivers for a water based vacation
2. Uttarakhand tourism: Things to do in this State of bliss
3. India Fact: Leh’s Magnetic Hill