Visit Places - Guide by an Amateur

Agra

The name is enough to get the aura of romance to flow down like a soothing stream of water. A place that rose historically with its magnificent structures and still shines brightly amongst the wonders of the world.  Agra has some of the most intricately designed monuments depicting Romance, Faith, Traditions, Royalty and many more facets of human occupation. Taj Mahal being one of the most noted works of human excellence still stands beautifully with its picturesque white structure.

Agra Fort built with Red sandstone is another noteworthy creations firmly planted by the historically renowned greats of Akbar. In another mention of Agra's inception to the arena of fame came in when Akbar built a majestic fort at Fatehpur Sikri, 35 Km from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri fort became a sure stop for History lovers and still interests many visitors of Agra.

Agra's fame can largely be dedicated to the Mughal Empire whose Kings let loose the imagination of their Architects to depict their intentions to grandeur and recognition. With the Mughal Emperor’s love to stroll into the gardens for peace and serenity, Agra witnessed beautiful and artistically designed gardens for the Kings service, Ram Bagh or the once called Aram Bagh (Garden for Relaxation).

Alleppey… Alappuzha

Alleppey or the primitively known Alappuzha is located in the renowned God's own native at the southern bite of Indian extent. As believed to be one of the oldest planned towns, it has some of the most dissolving landscapes and water bodies that will leave every one mesmerized with peace and tranquility.

Being one of the most sought after destinations ahead of every other, the Backwaters of Alleppey is more like a synonym to Alleppey’s famed existence. Alappuzha has made prominent mention in the works of art and literature, its scenic beauty and historic connections have made Alappuzha a name that commands appreciation at every corner of this beautiful town. Its touch craving blades of paddy fields, streams of low profile waters and the guarding coconut palms let the nostalgic feelings bloom with joy. The City of Alappuzha is well connected to all parts of the country through sea, air, rail and road.

The Alappuzha beach which being an attraction to itself also adds on its scenic beauty with its blink away of a few more attractive vicinities like the  Laccadive Sea, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Mannarasala Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Mullakkal Temple, Edathua Church, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church (oldest Anglican church in Kerala) and Champakulam Valia Palli.

Kochi –Cochin-Ernakulam

One of the major port cities on the west coast of India in the most nature embracing states of India Kerala, Kochi also known as Ernakulam is amongst most urbanized cities of Kerala. Its Spice trading capacity christened it to be known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea in the 14th Century. It is ranked as the sixth best tourist destinations in India as per the survey conducted by Outlook Traveler Magazine.

History has blessed Kochi with some memorable monuments and museums for lovers of the older times, some of the most famous amongst them being Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Hill Palace, Bolgatty Palace, Pallipuram Fort and many others. Bending towards the natural attractions Vembanad Lake and the backwaters of Kochi attract a good count of tourists to this City. Kochi's advancements in technology and infrastructure have coincidently added more attractions to its tourist living, one of the most prominent ones being the Marine Drive, it holds a picturesque view of Kochi's nightly living.

Kochi Ethnicity is a mixture of many kinds of religions like the  Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism and Buddhism are also practiced in Kochi. There is a dedicated place for its Jewish community called the Cochin Jewish Synagogue, built adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace temple on a land gifted by Raja of Kochi, RamaVarma.

Coorg…Kodagu

Coorg is a name that instantly brings tourism to mind, so is the formation of different beings in this district of Karnataka. With some of the most scenic places in itself, it is surrounded by a bunch of attractive spots for tourist visits, its proximity to Hassan, Mysore, Kannur and the much dreamed Wayanad of the Kerala make Kodagu or Coorg amongst the most sought after long holiday spots. Located in the eastern slopes of Western Ghats it is elevated to 900 meters above sea level, making the climate a conducive place for living.

The community of Kodagu is populated with different variants of Kodavas, who were a mix of farmers and military men. The people of Kodagu are polytheists and worship a number of deities. Its rich Agricultural significance makes it amongst the top ranked agriculture dependant places in the south. Being surrounded by naturally born landscapes of forests and mountains, Kodagu embraces nature with three of wildlife sanctuaries and a national park in its vicinity.

A top hill station destination, it has many tourist attractions to draw the holidaying crowds. The top most of these destinations is the Thalakaveri which has a historical, cultural and religious value for being the place where the majestic Kaveri River first originated. A manmade island of Nisargadhama and some scenic and beautifully dropped waterfalls of Iruppu and Abbey falls add the never ending list of attractions in this town of Kodavas.

Goa

As small as its name is so small is the state too..Located in the western geographies of India, it is sided by the Arabian Sea on one end and cornered by Maharashtra in the north, Karnataka to the east and South. With its historical significance of the first place that Vasco Da Gama a Portuguese explorer found in his quest to search for Indian subcontinent. Its Portuguese influence can be seen in lot many ways, traditions and places. Goa has been the face for Tourism amongst the western community, primarily due to its ever accepting crowd and nature of people.

With its majestic list of beaches all around it, there would be no excuse if Goa was not the top destination for holiday and party lovers. Its commercialized connectivity by Land, Sea and Air leave Goa at the helm of tourism. Goan surrounding although is primarily known for its beach life, yet it has some worthy museums that are a must to visit for any tourist wishing to complete their trip to Goa. The food in Goa is amongst the accepted variant that falls on the variants of Sea food with a mix of agro based products, leaving the savor as a remembered treat for lifetime.

Mussoorie

"Behold the splendor and beauty from Queen of the Hills!!"

Thirty Five kilometers from Dehradun, the capital state of Uttarkhand, at an altitude of about 6000 feet, at the base of the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayan Mountains lies the Queen of the Hills - Mussoorie. A lush green plateau amidst the rough Himalayas on the North East, Mussoorie is a perfect location for the romantic couple on their honeymoon trip, for the inquisitive mind studying the rich and unexplored flora and fauna of the Himalayas, for the family on their vacation and for the trekkers aspiring to conquer the peaks of Gangotri and Yamonotri.

Take the rope way to Gun Hill and the mountains will embrace you with open arms, calling you to check out the magnificent Kempty Falls on the Chakrata Road and the waterfalls laden Lake Mist. Whether you visit the well maintained Mussoorie Lake, developed by the Mussoorie Development Authority, or boat in the misty Municipal Garden near the Waverly Convent School, you will not miss the spotless beauty of Mother Nature.

And definitely do not forget to loiter on the Mussoorie mall and walk down to the Jharipani Falls. The Mossy Falls, surrounded by dense forest is equally appealing!.

Jaipur

About 250 kilometers from the national capital Delhi and Agra lies the Pink City of India - Jaipur. A city that boasts of architectural feats like the Hawa Mahal, the Jal Mahal, the Jantar Mantar and splendid forts surrounding the city like Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort and the Nahargarh Fort. No wonder, the city was ranked as the 7th best place to visit in India in the 2008 Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Survey.

Would you not want to walk the memory lanes of a city developed as per the principles of Hindu architecture by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber, surrounded by Suraj Pol on the East, Chand Pol on the West and the Zorawar Singh gate on the North facing the ancestral capital of Amber? Or will you like to walk down the cobbled paths of Amber Fort, built with red sandstone and marble, overlooking the Maota Lake, around the Sheesh Mahal, Jal Mandir and the majestic Diwan-e-Aam?

Whatever be your holidaying intentions be it family outing amidst the Aravalli range overlooking the Cheel ka Teela or tour the Canon Foundry at the Jaigarh Fort with your friends, Jaipur will always charm the tourists with its rich history and royal architecture.

Darjeeling

"Meri sapno ki rani kab aayegi tu ..."

Darjeeling truly is as enchanting and beautiful as the sapno ki rani (Dream Queen). One must take the toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to ride from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. So beautiful is the ride between the lush green of the hills and the tea plantations of the Terai that tourists are left spell bounded.

The Happy Valley Tea Garden on the Lebong Carter Road transports the traveler to a peaceful and lazy environment from the chaotic town of Darjeeling.

Wake up early in the morning and take a ride to the Tiger Hill. An amazing panoramic view of the Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga will captivate the viewer.

For the historians and religious minds, the Japanese Peace Pagoda, on the slopes of Jalapahar Hill, presents a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

Darjeeling also hosts the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park that not only raises wild wolf in captivity but also is home to endangered species like Red Panda, Siberian Tiger and the Snow Leopards.

Once done with the travel, come over to the mall in the center of Darjeeling and treat yourself with Darjeeling tea, tourist shops and Nepali cuisine.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie, also known as India's Switzerland, is a hill station built around five hills: Potreyn, Bakrota, Bhangora, Kathalagh and Terah. If you love trees, then you must visit Dalhousie. Home to trees like deodars, oaks, pines and rhododendrons, Dalhousie is extremely green and picturesque. While the river Ravi flows close to Dalhousie, one can view the beauty of the snow capped Dhauladhar Mountains from Dalhousie.

Dalhousie is a paradise for trekkers. Multiple trekking routes over Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal invite trekkers and tourists to enjoy the lush greenery of Dalhousie. There are various tourist spots within the city such as Dainkund Peak, Chamera Lake, Ganji Pahari and Gandhi Chowk Plaza.

For people who are fond of architecture, Dalhousie presents buildings and bungalows from the classical Victorian and Scottish era such as the St. Patrick's Church and the St. John's Church.

For the religious minded, Dalhousie houses the Bara Pathar Temple and the Hariraya Temple. One shall not miss to enjoy the Mystic Boats Cruise and the Sach Pass.

While May to October is the best season to visit Dalhousie, tourists who want to experience snow should visit Dalhousie in the winter months. Easily accessible by bus or taxi from Pathankot, Dalhousie has numerous hotels and cheap stays for the tourists.

Gangtok

Can you beat a bi-cable zig-back ropeway ride or a quiet moment at a Buddhist monastery or a night out at an eco tourist resort in the middle of the Himalayas? If you do not intend to ignore the beauty of nature, then visit Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, a 10 hours ride from Kolkata. For the air travelers, you may get down at Bagdogra and take a cab. A beautiful road, with its twists and turns and with numerous waterfalls will welcome you. River Teesta will always accompany you till you reach Gangtok, one of the cleanest cities of the world, where tobacco and littering are strictly banned.

For a romantic view of the Mount Kachenjunga or a bird's eye view of the sprawling town of Gangtok, visit Ganest Tok, a ridge about 7 kms from Gangtok. Also visit the Hanuman Tok, a Hanuman temple situated at a height of above 7000 feet, amidst the cloud that will take the tourist to a different mysterious world.

MG Marg, inside Gangtok, is a mall that allows travelers to chill out without the sound and noise of vehicles and enjoying the awesome weather sitting at the Titanic Park. For foodies, visit during the Food and Culture Festival in December and treat yourself to Tibetan, Bhutanese, Sikkim and Bengali food.

For the adventurous clout, do not forget to visit the Chomgo Lake, Lachung and Yumthang Valleys. The Heavens and Gods will embrace you with open arms.

Hyderabad

The largest city of Southern India, Its history is fresh as its present, with the Mughals dominating its existence for most of its time. Hyderabad has been a home to majority of monuments built before and during the Mughal era. Historically it had been a hub to Pearl and Diamond trading centre and hence the name City of Pearls. The face of Hyderabad as been stamped with the Charminar, built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad. With every corner of Hyderabad bringing one or the other flavor of monuments like the Mecca Mazjid just 200 yards from Charminar, the Golconda fort whose magnificence to light and Sound effects till date take you back to the glory ridden days of the Golconda fort. A little further away are the Qutb Shahi Tombs that are just over a kilometer away from the Golconda fort.

Apart from the mesmerizing view of its ancient self, Hyderabad has been the epicenter for IT related breakthroughs with its lavish IT parks. Not just in technology, Hyderabad has made an eminent climb in various other factors of Industrialization. Hyderabad has further more defined itself in the taste of its Biryani’s and other Cuisines that have been spread across the nation with the famous brand of Hyderabadi Biryani.

KanyaKumari

If one were asked to mark the southernmost tip of India, it would lie at the feet of Kanyakumari geographically precise and notably correct. KanyaKumari has been the favorite of many mythical and social mentions, named after the virgin Goddess the sister of Lord Krishna. Devi KanyaKumari who as believed and mentioned in the mythical books, had waited for Lord Shiva to marry her at this very place. But as Lord Shiva did not turn up for the wedding she remained a Virgin to her entirety.

Embodied by different temples of glory, KanyaKumari has been in the most discussed and visited by all Pilgrimages in southern India.  The Shakthi Peetha Temple is amongst the most noted and visited places in Kanyakumari by people all over India.  At a little distance away are the 11 Theertham's for cleansing one’s body and soul. KanyaKumari is also famous for Agastyar mala where Sage Agastya lived and also founded the Siddha Vydya, which is a growing ground for various medicinal plants. Thiruvalluvar Statue located atop a small island has become the symbol to Kanyakumari's welcoming for many nationalities. The Father of our Independence movement Mahatma Gandhi's Ashes were drowned here at the waters touching the lands of Kanyakumari, at this very place a temple devoted to Mahatma Gandhi has been built ensuring that the first sunrise falls directly on the place where the ashes were immersed.

KodaiKanal

A place in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the most scenic of all places and also the most adventurous for high risk lovers. During the 1800's this place was meant as a runaway from mosquitoes and tropical diseases. Kodaikanal runs its economy primarily on the tourism returns and is visited by people from all states across India for their holiday moods. The weather conditions of KodaiKanal make it a must visit as it has cool temperatures all throughout the year. The combination of its natural and artificial scenic beauties reaches close to the holiday lovers of all ages.

Kodaikanal had mostly developed its places of visit in an era where British marched over their occupation of India. One of the key architects who helped this development was the forest officer from Madurai, H.D.Bryant who in 1908 commissioned the creation of a 20.5 Acres of Botanical garden with more than 300 species of Trees, Shrubs and Cactuses. This park was named after him as Bryant Park and still is called so, during the peak season the flowers in this park bloom in all shades all across the park. One of other astonishing creations were the Coaker's walk of 500 meters which is a paved pedestrian path running along the edge of the Steep slopes in the southern Kodaikanal on Mount Nebo.

With many artificial and Natural lakes beatifying the view of Kodaikanal, the Kodaikanal Lake built in the 1863 is a pleasant reflection of the sun rays on it’s ever still waters. And amongst the most unforgettable of its visit places is the Guna Caves or the Devil's Kitchen as it was earlier known, The Devils Kitchen is a set of Caves at the Pillar Rocks where three giant Pillars stand 122 meters in height. Although the Devil's Kitchen is an abandoned place for visitors, yet its history of consuming wanderers to death makes it run a chill down the spine of those who near it during their visits.

Kovalam

A Place, a Beach and a retreat full bliss, Kovalam a beach town located in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India is blessed with the ever gracefully touching Arabian Sea along its beach lines. With seclusion holding off its beauty for a long time in history till the Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon Castle that diverted the attention of many towards its beautiful coast lines and beaches that make Kovalam a place for a wonderful visit. It thrives on tourism due to its three important beaches the Lighthouse beach, Hawah Beach and the Samudra Beach that form the crescent of Kovalam beach.

The Lighthouse beach gets its name from the Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky promontory whose beam of light in the nights make the beach a picturesque affair for night lovers, it is amongst the most frequented beaches of all. The Hawah beach was once the Topless beach for Europeans and Hippies, however due to subsequent Ban the Topless retreat remains in the private coves owned by resorts. The Samudhra beach however is not that frequently visited due to the large Stone separation holding it off from General visitors.

Lonavala

As lonely as it sounds so contradicting is this place, Lonavala or in Sanskrit consortium means a series of resting places, discovered by the Mughals in the early ages as a key strategic point had remained in their books for long.  Around 64 km form Pune and 96 Km from Mumbai, Lonavala is known for production of Chikki or Hard Candy. Lonavala became a favorite for many dynasties that ruled over it for their forts located all around it. Its scenic beauty due to the Shayadri Range of mountains helps his extravagance further to the likes of tourists and visitors. The Rajmachi point commands a spectacular view of the Shivaji's famous fort Rajmachi. There are beautiful gardens surrounding an old Shiva temple.

The Duke's nose is a cliff that resembled the nose of the then Duke of Wellington during the English era.  The Tiger's leap or also called the Tiger's point is a cliff top that gives a perfect view to a small waterfall active only during the monsoons. The Karla Caves are a complex series of Cave shrines for Buddhist monks. Furthermore Lonavala has a list of places to visit that will leave the Tourist gasping for time in its splendor.

  

Mahabalipuram

A temple town of the South Indian dynasty, located in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. during the 7th Century , Mahabalipuram was a famous port city of the Pallavas. The Pallava Kings have been had a very significant share in developing this traditionally and culturally bound temple town of Mahabalipuram or as also known as Mamallapuram. Its monumental prominence has been classified into UNESCO world heritage site, due its numerous sights of sculptures carved out of rocks along the Coromandel coast. Temples in the form of Chariots-Rathas, Cave Sanctuaries-Mandapas, and many thousand sculptures of deities ranging from Shiva to Vishnu can be seen all across and within the Mahabalipuram boundaries.

The temples of Mahabalipuram or as also known as Mamallapuram have glorified various Hindu events and mythologies like many depictions of events in the pages of Mahabharatha an Indian epic. The early stages of Dravidian Architecture with slight variations towards the Buddhist elements can be seen on many instances. The Pillars and Walls of the temples and as a matter of fact every inch of the monument provides great insight into the strong traditional heritage of our early kings, traditions, Beliefs and Cultures.

Manali

A hill station located in the northern end of Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India has been a mention in every book that list or describes the tourist places or Holiday packages of India. Manali had once been the starting point for a trade route to Ladakh. Named after the Sage Manu, who was believed to have stepped off his ark to recreate human life that had been washed off from the devastating flood. A temple dedicated to Sage Manu was established in the Manali Village. With Cool Summers and colder winters , Manali has been the first stop for Holiday goers in the Summer for cooling their heels and in the winters the snow capped mountains and landscapes provide a brilliant ground for Skiing lovers.

The British had introduced Apple and Trout trees to Manali and this further continues to this day, with majority of Manali farm lands growing Apples for their source of Income. Hotels and Restaurants have made entries to all corners for facilitating the visitors on their stay in Manali. Due to a healthy traffic of tourists, Manali has a good mode of commutation from all corners of India be it Air, Rail or Bus.

Masinagudi

The taste of fresh air, flowing from the wild, breathed by many creatures of kind and nature, Masinagudi is a naturally acclaimed treat for wildlife with species thriving across its boundaries. It is located aptly between the Bandipur National Park-Karnataka and Madhumalai National Park-Tamil Nadu.

For trekking lovers, its offers a wide range of landscapes and terrains that will interest and test the endurance levels of adventure lovers. With Elephant and Jeep rides for tourists to quench their thirst for the wildlife, Masinagudi forms a wonderful retreat of a lifetime into the wild and natural beings.

The flora and Fauna of Masingudi are well protected by the Government and the locals for a sight of dominant green and exotic flowers never seen before. The Birds of different nationalities fly over and brood ant Masinagudi and leave a spectacular view to the onlooker’s imagination. Furthermore the Nilgiri Plantation that is famous for its green tea leaves is at a step away from here. One of the more famous hill stations of Ooty lies in the vicinity for trip hoppers. Amongst the other places the Gopalaswami Betta and GauriBara coffee estates add on to the visiting places nearby Masinagudi.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry for the earlier self, Puducherry for the modern maps, it has been a museum for our colonial history. With the French dominating the Puducherry land from the 1600's until 1954 when finally it landed into the Indian Union. Amongst the most popular destinations in Southern India, Pondicherry and its peaceful living has been accentuated with its planned streets and roads and well planned French Avenues. The city of Pondicherry has various cultures and nationalities all across it and still thriving in their characteristic manners. Being at the coast line, Pondicherry has drawn various beaches on its transit to the Bay of Bengal the most popular of these beaches being Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach and Serenity Beach.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on rue de la Marine is a significant place to visit for the peace and enlightenment that is houses. The Pudducherry Botanical Gardens is a must visit for Green lovers, with its easy accessibility it leaves freshness in the minds of every visitor. Temples of Pondicherry have been acclaimed due to their historical significance, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam on Manakula Vinayagar Street and Thirukaameeswarar Temple being the most prominently visited and mentioned.

Tirupati

The name is not unheard of, the very mention of this name rings the bells of the famous Venkateswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. This temple located on the Tirumala hills at an elevation of 853 meters has been the prime personality that draws millions of people from India and Worldwide. Being one of the busiest pilgrimage centers in the world it has stood witness to times and devotion of people towards its glory.

History draws its existence to a Tamil Vaishnavite saint who started the settlement of Vaishnavites(Lord Vishnu Followers) around the Govindarajaswamy temple in the 11th century. Different Dynasties that ruled over Tirupati have claimed their share for magnifying the prospects and infrastructure of the temple. The seven peaks that lead to the entrance of temple are embodied in the minds of all devotees who wish to offer their prayers by walking through the seven milestones. Modern improvements have been predominantly maintained to help the majestic crowd of devotees get the blessings of the temple God in a disciplined manner. The transport facilities at Tirupati are in abundance so as to serve the year round visit of devotees from across the world.

Mount Abu

Sand, Sand all around and a beautiful station besides the sand, one can only dream of such a reality, for those who still don't believe it Mount Abu is one such natures gift that lies alongside the desert filled lands of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is a hill station in the Aravalli range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan.  This mountain forms a distinctive rocky plateau that is 22 km long by 9km wide.

Also termed as the Oasis of the desert, it has all that a desert could envy like the beautiful rivers, lakes, waterfalls and the lush green forests with thriving wildlife all over it. The Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary was established in the year 1960 allowing different species to live in protection under the Indian wildlife Sanctuary Act. The Mount Abu also houses the religious retreats with Hindu temples and the most famous out of these being the Adhar Devi Temple that is carved out of solid Rock. The oldest of the temples in its series is the Vimal Vasahi temple built in 1021 AD. Accentuating its historic prominence is the Achalgarh Fort built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar. With every possible retreating option housed at Mount Abu, it is a worthwhile visit.

Murudeshwara

Along the Coastline of Karnataka, touching the waves of Arabian Seas, is one of amongst the most visited of coastal towns known as Murudeshwar. With a Giant Statue of Lord Shiva whose back faces the Arabian sea, the Shiva temple at Murudeshwara has become a stamp to Murudeshwara's might in the aura of devotion to Lord Shiva. Furthermore with a 20 Storied Gopura dedicated to Lord Shiva, it constitutes to the must visit devotional places to people across the nation.

Amongst other visiting places near Murudeshwar are the beaches along its coast line like the Maravanthe beach, the Gokarna Beach and the ever famous Om beach. Murudeshwara's mythical history is a story that will leave a mark of Hindu Mythology over your mind. With the nearest access to Airport at Mangalore and Murudeshwar Railway station, the place of Murudeshwara forms a mythological destination to many travelers visiting the vicinity.

Ooty

Located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, this town of South India is famous all across the nation amongst all age of travel lovers. A place that is inhibited with natures best of creations, packaged for a holiday retreat that brings a consortium of various likings under one roof. Ooty in the arms of Nilgiri hills is one amongst the top rated hill stations for holiday liker’s. Ooty was once the capital of English forces leisure and rejuvenation needs. Naturally gifted with some breathtaking sceneries and landscapes, it has a charm that will keep you busy with its attractions.

With various tribal communities dwelling on its mainland, Ooty promises to showcase the different tribal cultures and their living. The government Rose garden at Ooty grooms more than 20,000 varieties of roses the collection includes many of exotic creations. The Botanical gardens, the Ooty lake, the museum, the Dams and the National parks are all worthy a stay. Furthermore the Rail services on the curves of its mountain routes have scored a place for themselves in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the very sight from the moving trains at these altitudes is  a never miss trip of lifetime.

Palakkad

Palakkad is a town in Kerala, India. Its location near the Western Ghats makes it subject to soothing rainfall at uninformed intervals making it a loved spot for artistic genres. With gushing small tributaries of the river Bharathapuzha all over Palakkad, it leaves anyone with a humble craving of why the water God's had been so generous to this watery green town.

The Palakkad fort built by Hyder Ali of Mysore was gifted to Tipu Sultan by his father and has been well preserved till date. Its occupation by the British in the late 1700's was a turning point in the forts history. for the interest of Jainism at the western border of Palakkad town there is a historic Jain temple, the area around this temple is also known as Jainimedu. The Temple is decorated with Jain preaching’s and remains a place for peace , true to the ideologies of Jainism. The Malampuzha Dam and its Gardens situated 8km from Palakkad town is the largest of all reservoirs in Kerala. The scenic beauty of the water falling from the top of the reservoir draws imagination to its peak. Furthermore there are famous temples like the Thirupurakkal Bhagavathy temple and Manappullikavu temple for an enchanting relief.

Shimla

The Capital City of Himachal Pradesh -India, it’s cool existence with ice capped places derived it the name of Summer Capital of British India. The city being home to many kings and their kingdom has a variety of Temples and Palaces to adorn. Its terrain made it an undisputable choice for South Asia's largest mountain Biking event the MTB Himalaya. It has a famous ski resort called Kufri for Skiing enthusiasts. Off the Ski resort is the Lakkar Bazaar that is famous for its souvenirs and crafts made of wood. Tatta Pani around 55 km from the main city has hot Sulphur springs with great medicinal values on the banks of river Sutluj.

Shimla’s arts and crafts grandeur is famous all across the world and is in high demand by the tourists. Especially jewellery, embroidered shawls and garments are some of the most famous artifacts produced in Shimla. Its art forms bear a testimony to Shimla's rich culture and tradition. With numerous temples all around Shimla it is not common that a tourist would fail to visit its excellent stonework. A very famous Hanuman Temple is located here in Shimla. Summer hill is a lovely township at a height of  6,500 ft, it is very well known as Mahathma Gandhi lived at this very Summer hill during his visits.

Shirdi

Devotion and Sacredness is the famed meaning to this place in Maharashtra, it sheltered one of the most subtle and divulging divinity of the known modern times. Shirdi SaiBaba as he is famously known, he set his grace on this part of dwelling to bless and guide many millions of his devotees who are still growing stronger, with his magical reach crossing international interests. Shirdi has one of the richest temples devoted to SaiBaba. With Hindus and Muslims enlightened by Saibaba's preaching’s and beliefs, Shirdi has gained prominence is stature and still continues to draw thousands of people each year.

SaiBaba lived in a mosque located in Shirdi, this mosque has a life size portrait of SaiBaba. Many such portraits and monuments have led divinity amongst devotees mesmerized by his grace. A marble statue of SaiBaba is planted on Samadhi Mandir, that’s the place where SaiBaba was buried. Shirdi is an important pilgrimage for devotees all across the world.

Thekkady

Nature is always admired in the most holistic manner that it is meant to be, Thekkady in Kerala is the map to Periyar National park that has the wildlife thriving on its national Sanctuary status. It lies nearby to the Kerala Tamil Nadu border and is a portrait worthy landscape that is surrounded by thick green deciduous forests and savanna grasslands. Periyar National park is dominated with wildlife with herds of Elephants, Tigers, Gaur, Lion tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs.

In the national park lies the scenic lake that resulted artificially after the Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed on the Periyar Dam. The elephants quenching their thirst on this lake are amongst the most photographed sights of all. Thekkady is famous for spices and their plantation can be witnessed and breathed with coffee plantations at Murikkady that is located 5 km from Thekkady. The Chella Kovil that crosses over the fences to Tamil Nadu has some of the most scenic places to adore.

 Vizag

A port city that is a scenic picture of Modern marvels, Natural self and Business prominence. Vishakhapatnam or Vizag as it is shortly called is also known as the "Jewel of East Coast". Gifted with a natural harbor, Vizag had been in the destination books of many sailors and conquerors for an Oceanic entry into the Indian subcontinent. Believed to be of Buddhist prominence in the past, due to its historical monuments that reason the still existing Buddhist community. There are various never seen before structures of Buddhist era that were the grounds for earlier proliferation of Buddhism. Places like Pavurallakonda, Sankaram, Bavikonda and Thotlakonda are some of the valued Buddhist heritage places.

Its name was believed to be derived from Sri Vishaka, Sri Vishaka was one of the "Gopis" of Lord Krishna and an Andhra king had built a temple to pay homage to this deity Vishaka. Vishakhapatnam’s sea touching Land makes it a natural hotspot for beautiful beaches R.K.Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Bheemili Beach, Yarada beach, Tenneti Beach, Sagar Nagar Beach, Gangavaram Beach and Lawsons Bay Beach. Tourism thrives on many of its beautiful spots like the Kailasagiri a hilltop park, Beach road - A long stretch of road along the beach, Submarine museums - India's one and only Submarine museum, Zoological Parks and many more places to visit.

Wayanad

History states that the Mayakshethra(Maya's Land) of the past evolved to Mayanad and then to Wayanad, some say it is a combination of the word Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land). Over the Western Ghats nearly 700 to 2100 m of altitude is the land of Wayand. With thick forest all around Wayanad is a nature’s nest with greens all around.

Its history is even more fascinating than the present, Wayanad had the honor to be protected by the great Pazhassi Raja who fought the haste of Hyder Ali's forces and then took on to his son Tipu Sultan for his forced conversions. Furthermore Pazhassi Raja's guerrilla warfare against the British occupation of Wayanad is a matter of pride for the natives of this soil. With higher altitudes comfortably cooling the climate of Wayanad except during the April when it reaches the peak of summer. for trekking enthusiasts the Chembra Peak (2,100 meters (6,890 ft)), Banasura Peak (2,073 meters (6,801 ft)), Brahmagiri (1,608 meters (5,276 ft))  are heavens to an adventurous climb. The Kabini river further wets the land of Wayanad through its tributaries Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Kalindy rivers.

 The Karapuzha Dam in Wayanad has further lifted the spirits of its beautiful existence. The Edakkal cave , The Kuruva island, the Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Pookot Lake, Kanthanpara Waterfalls and many more natures jewels of beauty to be adored lie in the heart of Wayanad.

Yercaud

The coolest heaves on the Southern part of India, Yercaud a hill station located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu is also called as Shevaroy hills. Being 1515 meters above sea level, its abundance of trees makes it a magnificently beautiful sight to watch alongside the lake. Trekking is the most common of activities amongst trekking clouts. The National Orchidarium and the Botanical gardens situated in Yercaud are a wonderful sight to watch.

The Shevaroy temple situated at the top of Shevaroy temple is host to an annual festival of Lord Shevaroyan during the month of May. The Pagoda point is a vantage view point with large temple not residing at it. The Silk Farm and Rose garden are some of other interesting selling points of Yercaud as a holiday destination. With many more viewpoints leaping the visitor’s sight into the green blanket of Yercaud it surely is a treat to soothe the eyes.