Exploring India the wilder way!

If you love being close to nature then experience the Indian wildlife which is blessed with richness of all sorts of flora and fauna. They are worth visiting during spring when the weather is favorable, wildlife and vegetation both at their blooming stages and the sun is just right. 

There are  around 103 (as of July 2015) national wildlife parks and around 537 wildlife sanctuaries. Exploring the wildlife will certainly give you the real picture of nature’s aura and species that have survived the test of time. Let us review India the wilder way:

1) Western India Wildlife:

Discovering the wildlife of Western India is an enriching experience. From Asiatic Lions, Blackbuck to Desert Cats, one can explore different species that represents the Indian wildlife. Places for a must visit are: Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa, Gir National Park in Gujarat and others.

2) Southern Wildlife:

The long stretched Western Ghats is blessed with its rich biodiversity that attracts tourists in large numbers. Visit Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats is must to explore and get enchanted by the beauty of wildlife.

3) Central India Wildlife:

There are over 15 national parks and 35 wildlife sanctuaries in the central part of India that has taken responsibility to preserve the endangered species. Explore places like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, also called the 'Paradise of Peacock' and make your trip memorable.

4) Eastern India Wildlife:

Eastern India is well known for its vegetation and dense forests. You can explore north east along with these popular national parks and sanctuaries such as Sunderbans National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park. Some endangered wildlife species of the world are found here like the One-horned Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalos, Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog.

5) Northern India Wildlife:

There is a long list of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Northern India which attracts tourists and wildlife and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Some popular ones to visit being Keoladeo National Park, Chail Wildlife sanctuary, Corbett National Park and Dudhwa National Park.

4 things to do when in Varanasi

Varanasi better known by Benaras and Kashi is one of the holy places to visit in India. Known for its ghats and Gharana, this place is a sought after location for both pilgrims and foreigners to catch a glimpse of the sacred city.

What to do? Where to go in Varanasi?

River Ganga and its Ghats:

Holy Ganga is an indispensable part of the Varanasi city. All the ghats are built along the bank of river Ganga. It is here that the Ganga aarti, cremation and holy bath are taken by people.

The main Ghat of the city is Dasaswamedh Ghat. It is one of the most vibrant and colorful ghats in the city and is located close to Vishwanath Temple. Ganga artis are held on every Tuesdays in front of idol of Ganga Maata and Ganga river.

Other popular ghats include Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Assi Ghat and Shivala Ghat. Take a stroll along these ghats. There is not only lots to see, but also lots to learn about each Ghat along the Ganges river.

Temple tour:

Varanasi has umpteen number of temples which vows the tourists and pilgrims. The most famous being Kashi Vishwanath, Lord Shiva Temple, Durga Temple or Monkey Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir and New Kashi Vishwnath Temple.

Shopping and great food:

You can go around the city to explore the best of both local goods and imported souvenirs. Benaras is famous for its Benarasi silk sarees and also for its sweets and Kachauri. This is a great destination if you have a sweet tooth.Try out the famous Benarasi paan. This is not to be missed at any cost!

Sarnath:

Sarnath is located 13 kms from Varanasi city and one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage center in India. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath and the city is part of buddhist pilgrimage tours.

From Wine to Shrine, top 4 places to visit in Nashik

Nashik is a city with diverse culture. From mythology to oenology, this place attracts all sorts of tourists from around the country. We take you roughly through what you need to cover in Nashik with your friends and family.

1) Wineries:

Nashik is very well known for its wineries and is considered the wine capital of India. There are lot many vineyards here where you learn the whole process of wine making plus a great stay if you want to enjoy the whole ambiance.

2) Temples:

Nashik has a mythological history and attracts a lot of pilgrims and saints every year. There are more than 100 temples and many of them are located near Godavari river.
  
There is Sita Gumpha, a claustrophobic cave where Sita is said to have hid from Ravan. Then, there is Trimbakeshwar temple which is one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India. Each Jyotirlinga is considered to be a different manifestation of Shiva. Other famous temples include Kalaram temple, Kapileshwara temple, Saptashrungi Temple, Muktidham temple to name a few.

3) Caves:

The Pandavleni Caves are located around 10 kilometers southwest of Nashik, just off the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. The caves represent the Hinayana buddhist beliefs. There are 24 caves in total, out of which three are major centres of attraction.

4) Falls:

The Dudhsagar falls offer a huge attraction by tourists during monsoons. You can explore the varied flora and fauna around the waterfall and enjoy the spectacular view. Other falls in and around Nashik are Someshwar Water Fall and Vihigaon Waterfall.

Top 5 Wine Destinations to head right away!

Wine tourism in India is fast taking pace in India with people developing a taste for fine wine. There are a lot many wineries in India who provide tours of their vineyards and cellars, picturesque vineyard views, tasting rooms, customized wine dinners and stay to quench your thirst for wine. Here's a list of the top five wine destinations you ought to take for the love of wine!

1) Sula Vineyards

Takeaways: Try attending the immensely popular SulaFest that is held in early February each year. Sula Vineyards has also got its vineyard resort, called Beyond which is a must visit place to enjoy the ambiance and feel of the vineyards.

Location: On the outskirts of Nashik, off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, 20 minutes from Nashik. 180 km northeast of Mumbai.

Address: Gat 36/2, Govardhan Village, Off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, Nashik, Maharashtra

What to drink: Dindori Reserve Shiraz, Sula Sauvignon Blanc, Sula Blush Zinfandel, Sula Brut and Late Harvest Chenin Blanc.

2) Fratelli Akluj

Takeaways:It has various packages like day visits, weekend getaways, Rejuvenation and Rent-a-vineyard packages. It is recommended that you stay at least one night in the winery's modern accommodations.

Location: Located in Akunj, 175 km south of Pune. Approximately 300 kilometers (6 hours) from Mumbai.

Address: Gat No. 131, Zanjewadi Taluka: Malshiras, Distt Solapur - 413 107 Maharashtra (India)

What to drink: Vero Sauvignon Blanc & Vero Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Rose; Fratelli Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc-Shiraz; Chardonnay; Sangiovese Bianco, Sangiovese; Gran Cuvee Brut, Vitae Chardonnay, Vitae Tre

3) Grover Zampa Vineyards, Nandi Hills

Takeaways: You can see some of the most beautiful species of birds, including Asian Paradise Flycatchers, Bulbuls, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, Tawny Eagles, and Puff-Throated Babblers, among the others during your visit to winery. The guided tour includes lunch.

Location: Nandi Hills, around 50 kilometers north of Bangalore in Karnataka.

Address: 95, 1st Main, SBM Colony, Anand Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560024

What to drink: Chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and sparkling rose.

4) Chateau D'Ori

Takeaways: A luxury guesthouse with an artificial lake in the middle of a vast expanse of grape vines, makes it the perfect destination.

Location: Around 25 kilometers (30 minutes) north of Nashik on the Nashik-Dindori Road.

Address: Gat No 529, Dindori - Shivar,Dindori Taluka Nashik Maharashtra India

What to drink: Sauvignon blanc, rose, merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon.

5) York Winery and Tasting Room

Takeaways: Ideal for serene sunset tastings.

Location:On the outskirts of Nashik, off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, 20 minutes from Nashik.

Address: Gat No.15/2, Gangapur-Savargaon Road, Gangavarhe Village, Nashik, 422222

What to drink: Arros reserve blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, released in late 2014.

Top 4 places to visit in Sikkim

Break the monotony this summer and head to the North Eastern part of India where the picturesque beauty will enchant you! Yes, we are talking abut the second most smallest state of India, Sikkim. With endless number of things to do and places to explore for every traveler, you will surely have innumerable treasures and sights to behold. Sikkim is sure to leave a permanent mark on your soul! Here's our favorite four:

1) Gangtok

Gangtok is the hub of Sikkim’s tourist activity and the most prominent of all places in Sikkim.

The place is a visual wonder – with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga surrounded by scenic landscapes and geographical terrain making it an ideal holiday hot-spot – with perfect climate, the cleanest of surroundings, friendly people and innumerable things to do and places to explore!


2)YUKSOM

The town of Yuksom is also known as the “gateway to the Kanchenjunga”. Not just that, the place also houses significant Buddhist centres symbolic as the “third eye of Sikkim”.

One can also take up treks along the Zongri Pass or Goche La Passes and indulge in trekking.

3) Pelling

The scenic town of Pelling is bestowed with several waterfalls, breath-taking views, natural beauty and adventure options like rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking etc. 

It has innumerable tourist attractions like Buddhist pilgrimage centres, natural havens of the Darup village, Kaluk, the Sewaro Rock Garden etc. and breathtaking sights like the Singshore Bridge, the Rimbi and Kanchenjunga waterfalls to name a few.

4) Trip to Gurudongmar Lake


Gurudongmar Lake is said to be one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. 

While one plans their trip to the strikingly beautiful Gurudongmar Lake, you can stop over at places like Lachen and Thangu trailing through the lush greens and beautiful landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks in the background.

Top 6 places to visit in Ooty

Ooty, also known as the queen of hill stations is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. We decided to opt for this place as it had plenty of places to visit and the weather is fairly nice as compared to Bengaluru. The route to Ooty has Mysuru and Bandipur Tiger Reserve on its way so you could see certain spots on the way! Though the number of places mentioned in the Ooty's day trip are many but honestly I came down to just five of them worth visiting based on popularity and view. So, here's a list:

1) Doddabetta Peak

It is the highest peak of Tamil Nadu and hoards a great number of tourists round the year.

2) Pykara Lake and Water Falls

This place is a true treat to eyes. The fall, the breeze, the view everything is just mesmerizing.

3) Ooty Lake

Lake, games for kids and adults, some shopping, haunted show, mirror maze, 7D show and small toy train type ride, this place is a must for everyone.

4) Benchmark Tea Factory

Learn the making of packaged tea here and try out the famous Nilgiri tea also! This place also has some good shopping for all products famous in Ooty such as Tea, homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oils and joint pain oils, ayurvedic creams and medicines, woolens etc.

5) Pine Forest

6) Botanical Garden

It is a lush green garden with lots of visitors at all times. People come here to relax and enjoy.

Avalanche Lake is also a place worth going but the lake is dry during summers. Best time to visit the lake is in monsoons. You can let us know if you liked any other place in Ooty in the comments below.

Beach Vacation Travel Checklist

Summers are here and don't we all need a beach therapy? Here's a checklist of what you ought to carry!

1) Beach Bag
2) Flip flops
3) Spectacles or contact lens (extra pair)
4) Sun glasses
5) Hat
6) Swimsuit
7) Swim cover up/towel
8) Power Bank to keep your phone going
9) Extra battery for electronics/cameras if operated
10) Phone Charger
11) Hair Dryer
12) Sun screen
13) Comb and brush
14) Body Lotion
15) Face Cleanser
16) Deodorant
17) Lip balm
18) Personal Hygiene items
19) First Aid Kit
20) Shampoo and Conditioner

Hope this comes handy!! :)