Prominent Hill Stations around Delhi

Delhi being the capital of India has the dual distinction of a city near the Himalayas, a mighty mountain range. Tourists all across the world flock the city for a brief sabbatical before venturing out towards the many of the hill stations for their final reprieve. Delhi is well connected by rail, road and air transport to almost all the major hill stations of northern India. Amongst a host of hill stations which are accessible from Delhi, Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Nainital, and Mata Vaishno Devi are most sought after destinations for the visitors. Almost all of these hill stations near Delhi find their existence in the Himalayan belt ranging from northern parts of India and venturing into its eastern contours.

Kullu Hill Station

Kullu and Manali are the ultimate summer retreat destinations and are located on the banks of river Beas. Also called the “The Valley of Gods”, Kullu and Manali shower the tourists with its wide ranging flora and fauna, not to mention the enigmatic view of the snow covered mountains of Himalayan range. Manali is an excellent honeymoon destination for the newly weds and is resplendent with a variety of tourist places and activities like skiing, trekking, rafting and mountaineering for the adventure enthusiasts. Manali is also famous for its beautiful temples, not to mention the colourful handicrafts which are carefully crafted by local tribal artisans. The Ideal time to visit this beautiful place is between the month of May and October.

Shimla Mall Road

Shimla is another town situation in the Himalayan mountain range and is called “Queen of the Hills”. Once the summer capital of the British, It is located at an altitude of 2,100 meters above the sea level. Shimla as a town is bestowed with pleasant weather throughout the year, the only exception being winters, where one can see the snow covered mountains as a white majestic beauty. There are lots of tourist spots which the visitors can treat themselves while their stay in Shimla. The mall road, which is the life line of the city is the main shopping centre in Shimla and has numerous showrooms, restaurants and churches attuned to the British Architecture. The best time to visit Shimla is from April to November. During this period the tourists can be spellbound with various activities the town offers, such as trekking, ice skating etc.

Mata Vaishno Devi

Mata Vaishno Devi is regarded as one of the most prominent religious destinations in India, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir; it is located at an altitude of 1615 ft on the Trikuta Hills of Shivalik Range near the town of Katra. It is one of the popular tourist shrines and revered place of worship in the Himalayan Kingdom. People from all over the world witness the “Darshan” of holy deity during the “Navratras” (“9 Nights”) festival. Devotees have to trek from Katra, to have a glimpse of the goddess and thereafter trek towards the “Bhaironath” temple to finally complete the yatra. With a religious fervour, Mata Vaishno Devi attracts million of devotees and tourists throughout the year and is always a sought after destination for the spiritually inclined.

Nainital at Night

Nainital is also one of the prominent hill stations which is quite accessible from Delhi by almost all means of transport. It is famous for its lakes and is often termed as “Lake District” of Uttrakahand, a northern state of India. The small town is a frequented place for the nature lovers and tourists seeking solace in the lap of nature. Once loved by the British, the town boasts of its much talked about lakes, trekking and sightseeing contours.

White River Rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a small town situation near the foothills of the Himalayas and has been much talked about due to its mystic value and adventure sports. As the popular saying in Rishikesh, the sun does not shine on you but rather it shines inside you. Rishikesh is considered as the rafting capital of India and it offers the rafting enthusiasts a plethora of avenues to test their rafting skills. The place assumes significance due to its natural design with Rishikesh camping which suits both professional and first-time rafters.

Rafting Adventure in Rishikesh

River Rafting in Rishikesh can be an unforgettable experience for the adrenaline crazy. Every year thousands of tourists flock the world capital of yoga to treat themselves with the yogic insights as well as dwell in the lap of nature. Over the years rafting has become a very popular sport for white water rafting along with host of other adventure sports. Gushing water from the Ganges is a sporty delight for the first timers and one can test their endurance by battling out the ferocity of the downstream water. Punching and muddling through the madness, most of the rafters feel enriched with renowned love for life and take back unforgettable memories to cherish for rest of their lives.

Rafting in Rishikesh as assumed a professional sport and every year thousands of tourist flock to take part of this mesmerising experience. White water rafting has different levels of difficulty and depending upon your training and capabilities; it has been formulated into different modules. While there is a professional rafting challenge waiting for the do or the die ones, small training are also imparted to the new born rafters. The basic stretch starts from Brahmpuri which is 9 kilometres upstream from Rishikesh and has mostly mild rapids. It just takes two hour of your day to go through the trip down from Brahmpuri to Rishikesh.One can also do cliff jumping and body surfing during this stretch. Along with river rafting bungee jumping in Rishikesh can be enjoyed as well.

Cliff Jumping During Rafting

The complete stretch has been demarcated according to various levels of difficulties and ones professional capabilities. The Standard stretch starts from Shivpuri, 16 kilometres upstream from Rishikesh and has some famous Grade IV rapids like Roller Coaster & Golf Course. For the first timers, there is an artificially designed “recovery Pool” or still waters and this stretch lasts about 3 hours and is ideal for first-timers seeking adventure.

For the serious rafters, Rishikesh offers a challenging rafting experience. The stretch which starts from Marine Drive, 25 Kms upstream from Rishikesh is captivating and offer a plethora of challenging tasks such as cliff jumping points and high end rapids like cash flow, “Three blind mice” etc. This stretch takes about 4 hours and can be termed as the challenge of a lifetime.

If you are a rafting professional, the advanced stretch from “Kaudiyala” is the place. This stretch is the advanced stretch and has few of the greatest rapids termed as “The Wall”. The Wall is a Grade V rapid and most of the rafts get flipped in this rapid. It takes around 7 hours to complete this 36 kilometres long stretch.

The best time to visit Rishikesh for rafting is from September to November and from March to May. So next time you plan a visit to be a part of this splendid experience, hold your boots tight and be prepared for the experience of a lifetime!

Jim Corbett National Park- Its Various Zones, Visiting Places and Accommodation

Corbett National Park is located in Ramnagar in the district of Nainital, Uttarakhand, and is considered to be the paradise for the wildlife lovers in India as well as those from abroad. Built in the year 1936, Jim Corbett National Park was before independence known as Hailey National Park. Later, after the independence, the National Park was known as Ramganaga National park before it was given the name of Jim Corbett National Park.

The total covered area of national park is extended over 1318 Sq. Kms. and this also includes core and buffer area. The park is easily approachable from Delhi to Ramnagar and there is also easy train connectivity from Varanasi via Lucknow to Ramnagar. Wildlife tourists can also take road drive from Delhi and by passing Gajraula, Moradabad, Kashipur to before ultimately reaching Ramnagar. As an alternate route, the tourists can choose to travel to Haldwani/Kashipur/Kathgodam and from there take road drive to Ramnagar. After reaching Ramnagar, the tourists can hire paid taxi service to national park.

Dhikala is amongst the first and most popular visiting places located in the vicinity of Jim Corbett. Dhikala is situated in the Patli Dhun valley and the tourists will definitely be mesmerized on seeing the stunning untouched nature of the valley as it creates a truly spell bound atmosphere that is worth living. Lying adjacent to the national park is river Kosi, which has on its bank splendid and well known Garjia temple. Other popular rivers flowing through the region include Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, and Palain respectively. The tourists can also take road journey to Almora for visiting Ranikhet, which is again a scenic and amazing hill station. While within the Jim Corbett National Park, the tourists can take the elephant safari or a jeep safari to enjoy the local wildlife and routine rustic life inhabiting the national park. Further, a trip to Kalagarh Dam would be a gift in disguise to the visitors who will have the option to witness bird watching. Kalagarh Dam area is also great places to explore for adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, slithering, hot air balloon, river crossing and rafting.

The Jhirna rest house located in southern premises of Jim Corbett National Park is a beautiful place to visit and the place comprises dry and the vegetation, mostly scrubs. The hills which lay North of Jhirna are roofed with dense patches of bamboo which gives more of terrific effect.  Making the visit to Corbett Museum at Dhangarhi would indeed be an informational tour by all the means. The museum offers rare history Jim Corbett National Park.

The ideal time suited for visiting Jim Corbett National Park is Mid-November through Mid-June.

There are several Corbett resorts and hotel accommodations available in and around the vicinity of Jim Corbett National Park and you need to make sure which type of accommodation you would like to go with. For choosing the best and economical accommodation, it would rather be great idea to opt for the services of authorized tour and travel operator.

Do Dham Yatra and Its Many Manifestations

Do Dham Yatra comprises Badrinath Kedarnath tour and Yamnotri Gangotri tour. The yatra has spiritual and religious importance The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple tour expands over eight Days and begins from New Delhi and going further to Haridwar, Guptkashi, Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Badrinath, and Rudraprayag. The Do Dham Yatra covering Gangotri Yamunotri Temple Tour expands over seven Days and begins from New Delhi and going further Haridwar, Barkot, Syanachatti, Yamunotri, Barkot, Uttarkashi, and Gangotri.

The Do Dham Yatra is considered to be the spiritual bliss for those who want to break from the clutches of mundane life and want to come close to divinity. The pilgrimage will take the pilgrims through the mesmerizing climes and gives the view of the snow covered mountains. Do Dham yatra is one of its kind as it not only provides spiritual bliss but also brings in the element of adventure. Therefore, the pilgrims apart from seeking the blessings of various gods and goddesses also get the opportunity to explore white water rafting and tracking. 

Char Dham Yatra is revered pilgrimage which is undertaken by the Hindu devotees every year for the purpose of getting the spiritual ordainment and with the purpose of attaining freedom from the vicious circles of life. However for the devotees who have time constraint, and cannot complete the Chardham yatra with all the fervor and religiousness, should definitely go for Do Dham yatra.

Badrinath Kedarnath Dham:

Badrinath & Kedarnath are strategically located in the pristine environs of great Himalayas. Badrinath is holy seat to Lord Vishnu and located in Garhwal hilly region, whereas Kedarnath lies adjacent to holy Mandakni River. The most significant spot of Char Dham Yatra, Badrinath shine is holy place to seek blessings of Lord Badri or, manifestation of Lord Vishnu Lord Vishnu and close to holy place enshrines Lord Vishnu’s rest place located in mountain ranges of Nar & Narayana. Kedarnath, which is an abode to Lord Shiva and the pilgrims need to trek for 13 kms. for reaching the holy shrine. Pilgrims will find it completely revitalizing to take holy batch in the sacred hot water springs namely Tapt Kund and Surya Kund. Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra takes seven to eight days to complete.

Gangotri Yamunotri Dham:

The Gangotri which is holy seat of Goddess Shakti Ganga is strategically situated in magnificent Himalayan region where it originates. The Yamunotri Dham is holy place dedicated to Goddess of Shakti Yamuna and there is temple dedicated to Goddess. Gangotri and Yamunotri attract the Hindu pilgrims every year. Gangotri is known for its green and highly dense alpine forest range interspersed with green valleys, Yamunotri offer rich and resplendent scenic beauty of the cascades of snow capped mountains. The prasadam made in 55 C hot water spring is craved for, by the pilgrims who visit Yamunotri. Gangotri Yamunotri Yatra takes six days to complete.

Chardham Yatra by Helicopter- Importance and Facts

The Chardham yatra is a blissful journey to the four pedestals of divinity namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri respectively. The pedestals of divinity are revered and frequented by the pious Hindu devotees every year to seek the holy blessings of gods and goddesses who hold the seat. The Chardham Tour by Helicopter offers unique experience of the pilgrimage as the devotees fly past the majestic and snow capped Himalayan ranges and they explore the mesmerizing topography of divine land from closer distance. Chardham Yatra by helicopter not only saves total traveling time, but also give the opportunity to the pilgrims to explore the richness of calm and composed surroundings and give a splendid feel altogether.

The Helicopter service is easy way to take the celestial journey abode to the shrines and holy places in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. For the Hindu devotees, especially those who travel from across the seas to be the part of annual holy ensemble do not have much of time in their hands, and therefore, Chardham Yatra by helicopter is their preferred choice by all the means. The Helicopter service is available for devotees from the Agastya Muni to Kedarnath; and the holy journey offer them the best of both worlds- journey by feet and aerial journey. The Chardham yatra by helicopter truly offers unique experience to the devotees and it is heart rending too. 

The Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter offers the opportunity to the devotees to get mesmerized in the nature’s marvelous escapes and scenic beauty.  The Helicopter Service for Chardham yatra begins from Agastya Muni, lying 17 kms. from Rudraprayag and the total time is approximately 45 minutes. Devotees who to take off from the cumbersome travel procedures should prefer Helicopter service for Chardham yatra. The devotees boarding the helicopter from Agastya Muni are offered a halt of approximately one and a half hours at Kedarnath for spiritual and adventure sighting. Devotees who want to explore the divine serenity of Kedarnath can also choose to reside in the splendid resorts or hotel accommodations and catch the helicopter return to Agastya Muni on the following day at 11:10 AM. With the introduction of helicopter service for Chardham yatra, the comfort of undertaking spiritual journey has increased for the devotees. 

Helicopter service for Char Dham tour is organized by the local tour and travel operators and the helicopter services are arranged in conjunction with the private and government aviation operators. Maximum of 6 to 7 pilgrims can take the pilgrimage of Chardham Yatra in the Helicopter. You need to consult the tour operator about the latest rates and the availability of time for the Helicopter service.

Keep in your mind that you look for cost effective deals on Chardham tour by searching and comparing at the reliable tourist websites. In this manner, you will also save the precious time as well have the spiritual endowment. You can also book for the helicopter service online and it will not take more than few minutes.

Solitude and Romance in the Himalayas

Nature and romance has a very special connection. Being closest to the nature makes you realises life’s greatest blessings and seeing the world from a close distanced makes us want to celebrate our vital emotions like love, faith and fear. May be, that is why the greatest of the temples rests in the high mountains or by the gurgling rivers. Because, staying close to nature makes you realise the existence of the special power that keeps us grounded to this earth and life. May be this is why, the most romantic places on earth are always found in distance meadows.  And for the same reason, we seek thrill to overcome our fears by overcoming some of the most feared natural forces in the world. Nature has this magic to make us realise our true existence. 

Thus, celebrating a union with nature has always been a favourite practice by men. From getting married by the beach to discovering romance in the deep seas- some of the most romantic affairs in the world are celebrated in places full of natural bounty. Speaking of such celebrations, most of the honeymooners are often headed to places away from the hassled city life and try discovering romance through rejuvenation. Among many popular honeymoon destinations in India, Himachal Pradesh tops the list by being the most easily accessible, pocket friendly fairytale spot in India. Honeymoon in the valley by the lofty mountains and red rhododendrons may sound like a picture torn from a romance novel but that special feeling really exists. 

Life can be indeed a fairy tale romance when you rattle through the snow by a colonial train. A train ride up to Shimla from Delhi during the winters is the perfect thing to kick off your honeymoon. And a different world waits at the end of those snow covered railway tracks. A languid evening by the fire place in a well maintained hotel is a common activity in Shimla as the place is full of specially designed honeymoon accommodations. Further, strolling the famous Mall Road with your partner hand in hand or riding on a Yak in Kufri, in the upper Shimla- a honeymoon in Shimla can be the most beautiful to happen to you. 

These days, honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh has been made further special by the addition of many adventure sports activities where couples can explore their wilder sides by paragliding over the breathtaking valleys or hiking in the wining pathways.  For those seeing more privacy and solitude, picnic spots away from popular towns like Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala can be a better option. Cottages and special spa facilities are also available in different isolated spots where the only sound you hear is of the gurgling rivers and frolicking birds and the chuckles of your partner. There are other many tourist places in Himachal for honeymooners.

A spa experience is probably the ultimate honeymoon experience where you get to combine the benefits of the Himalayan climate, Ayurveda and great company. The result is a relaxed and happy you. Thus, when you return from an exotic honeymoon in the Himachal, the only thing you remember is the bliss you were gifted with. And what can be a better option than shopping to make your partner happy and ask yourself in the glory of togetherness.

Although, it is not necessary to seek romance outside the confinements of your daily life, a gateway definitely helps in putting together the special parts of your life. Thus, celebrating your honeymoon in the wilderness is the most beneficial exercise you can effortlessly perform. 

Special Himachal packages for honeymoon are available all around the year and each of them only specialize in blowing your mind away. A honeymoon package can be booked from any authorized tour operator but make sure you discuss the facilities beforehand. 

Article Source: http://majestictourindia.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/solitude-and-romance-in-the-himalayas/

Up Close With Nature at Corbett National Park

Rejuvenation is a state of mind when you get rid of stress and fatigue through different relaxation techniques. It can be a holiday in a serene place, a simple massage or reading your favorite author- any special thing that relaxes your nerves is a rejuvenation exercise. However, a holiday, being the most popular technique with stressed out city birds, always scores the highest points for relaxation.  Getting away from our routine life into the wild or a closer distance to nature can actually help our stressed nerves and spending some time with family or alone in such serene environments can actually encourage us to celebrate life’s simple joys. Thus, when it comes to nature, what can be a better place than a wild life sanctuary to feel the pulse of nature? Luckily, India is a naturally rich topography with diverse regions of many wild life wonders. If you count all the accessible wildlife zones in the country, a few places always top the list and the Jim Corbett National Park is one of them.

Named after the hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, this park is the oldest national park in the country. Situated in Nainital district of the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is famous for being a protected zone for the critically endangered Royal Bengal tiger of India. Thanks to the initiative taken by the park authorities. The conservation project at Corbett is known as Project Tiger which makes a trip to this park even more special.  No wonder, the park is considered one of the safest and most visited ecotourism destinations in India, Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and nature lovers from all over the world. However, tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas inside the park. Splendid landscapes, suitable accommodation facilities and adventure sports options in the park, thus, make it an ideal location for seeking relaxation. Not to mention, the diverse wildlife to keep people hooked.

What makes this park unique is the combination of hills, marshes, grass lands and lakes-an exotic canvas for nature spotting. Moreover, the ideal climatic conditions make it accessible all round year. So, from wildlife safaris to fishing in the nearby rivers- a visit to Corbett National Park ensures a complete rejuvenation package. And, most importantly, the line between the human existence and the nature has been drawn clearly at Corbett where accommodation facilities are located at a reasonable distance from the wild habitats. 

Apart from the options of bird watching, elephant safari, jeep safari, there are other options available too. These include, camping near the park to rappelling. However, nothing beats the joy of locating a special tiger in an early morning safari. The best time to visit the park is during the winter months when the sun is less harsh and the animals love to come out of their shades to enjoy the winter noon.

This most popular zone inside the park is situated at the fringes of Patli Dun valley. An old rest house in the area only adds to the charm.  Otherwise, the spectacular view of the valley keeps people engaged. Owing to the demands, there is no dearth of accommodation facilities around Corbett. Combined packages are also available which are well suited for different requirements go the visitors. Hence, a few days in the lap of nature can be really therapeutic as the cacophony of the jungles is barely called noises.