TRAVEL AT A GLANCE IN INDIA: Coming In November - Kerala Will Soon Be Home To T...

TRAVEL AT A GLANCE IN INDIA: Coming In November - Kerala Will Soon Be Home To T...: Coming in November: This new destination for nature and adventure lovers in Kerala We won't be surprised if you haven't...

Gangtok Got Award For Cleanest Tourism Destination In India

Gangtok awarded the Cleanest Tourism Destination; 4 things not to miss when you are there

The idea of travelling to Sikkim makes most of us travellers really excited. After all, the lush green mountains, the waterfalls, and the snow-capped peaks are just too beautiful. But now, here's one more thing that is all set to make the state capital Gangtok a bigger tourist attraction.

The city of Gangtok has been awarded as the Cleanest Tourism Destination by the Union Ministry of Tourism at a time when the Swachh Bharat Mission is in full swing in the country.

The award was handed over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few days back in the national capital. he Sikkim delegation participated in a workshop organised by the Urban Development and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation for implementing the flagship programme, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban and Gramin), at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated by the PM Modi and attended by Union Ministers of the concerned departments, chief ministers of many states and ministers in-charge of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Chandigarh and Mysore on the other hand, were felicitated for 'Clean Cities in million plus population' category.

In case you are planning a trip to Gangtok, here are a few things you must not miss:

Visit monasteries

You can't not explore monasteries when you are in Sikkim. Gangtok is one destination which is known to have some of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the country. And each of these monasteries has centuries of history. The oldest one is the Rumtek Monastery, which was built in 1700 and is now a major Buddhist learning centre in the whole country. Enchey Monastery, on the other hand, was built in 1840 and was honoured by Lama Drupthob Karpo, who was believed to have flying powers. Do-drul Chorten, on the other hand, was built in 1945 and happens to be one of the stupas housing some of the most ancient Buddhist relics.

Yak safari at Tsomgo Lake

When you are in Gangtok, a visit to the famous Tsomgo Lake is a must. Located at a beautiful spot within the mountains, this serene glacial lake is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks that make for a breathtaking view. When you go to this place, make sure you take the yak safari--nothing else will make you feel more beautiful than a ride on the back of an yak across the lake.

Visit Nathula Pass

After spending some time at the Tsomgo Lake, head to the Nathula Pass. Located higher up at an altitude of 14,140 feet, this pass is the Indo-Chinese border and requires a permit to visit. The tourists can actually see China from this side of the border. In ancient times, this pass was a part of the Silk Route.

Eat  at MG Marg

The MG Marg, located right at the heart of Gangtok city, is an amazing place to eat out. If you are looking for delicious bites with the panoramic views of the mountains, the Bakers Cafe is the perfect place to be. The food served here is unexpectedly good and the views from the window-side table is unparalleled. For the best Tibetan morsels, visit the Taste of Tibet, which has been also rated as the Top Pick by Lonely Planet. And if you want to have good quality Chinese food with the view of the MG Marg, Chopsticks is the place you must head to. When you are taking a walk on the MG Marg, don't forget to pay a visit to Roll House--this place serves the best momos and rolls in town.

Coming In November - Kerala Will Soon Be Home To This New Tourist Destination For Travellers

Coming in November: This new destination for nature and adventure lovers in Kerala

We won't be surprised if you haven't really heard of Karapuzha. But those who have visited the Wayanad district of Kerala, might have come across this place and felt pleased to have discovered such a beautiful place.

Whoever knows anything about Karapuzha, would remember the place for its natural beauty. And this lush green landscape owes itself to the presence of the Karapuzha Dam, built on the Karapuzha River, a tributary of the Kabini River.

The good news is, very soon, this place will be an official tourist destination. According to a report by The Hindu, the Irrigation Department is all set to tap the tourism potential of the Karapuzha irrigation project.

Now, don't make the mistake of assuming it will take time to come up. The fact is, an amount of Rs 6.98 crore has already been invested on the area to set up a new tourism site on five hectares of land.

While a rose garden with a view of the dam-top has been set up on four hectares of land, tourist attractions including an open air theatre with a seating capacity of 600, a cafeteria, a children's garden, and stalls for for souvenirs, handicrafts and spices have been set up.

Although the construction work of this project started in 2014, a fund transfer row between the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) and the Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS) delayed it.

While now it seems like a matter of time that the place starts attracting tourists from all parts, beautification of the dam-top and landscaping of the front portion are already on progress. Also being constructed are gazebos, tourism facilitation centre, walkways, and the parking area.

Talking about the tentative opening date of this tourist site, a source from the Irrigation Department told The Hindu, ""We are planning to open the destination to tourists by the first week of November". He also added that an amount of Rs.28 crore for the third phase construction works of the destination and they were preparing a master plan for the proposed project.

The Hindu report further reveals that the a 110-acre front area of the dam site is also being explored by the authorities for further expansion of the tourism project. Also coming up are several adventure activities like powered hang glider, speed boating on the dam, ropeway to connect little islets on the reservoir, and a laser fountain.

Kerala Is One Of The India’s Most Beautiful States

BEST OF KERALA

Squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala is one of India’s most beautiful states. The rivers that make up the region’s backwaters are the star attractions. Further south are the beaches of Kovalam, while inland the mountainous Ghats are covered in a blanket of spices and tea plantations.

What to see

Venice-like, the shady streets of Alappuzha (Alleppey) are set around a grid of canals that spill into the watery highways of Kerala. As the gateway to the backwaters, this is the place to soak up village life before taking a trip on a houseboat. Lakes & Lagoons offers gorgeous accommodation on traditional rice boats.

With guesthouses and restaurants perched perilously along a cliff edge, Varkala is a sight to behold. It’s also more laid-back than Kerala’s other beach resort, Kovalam.

Munnar town in the Western Ghats isn’t much to look at, but wander just a few miles outside the city and you’ll be engulfed in a sea of tea trees and mountain scenery. Book into one of the tea estates-turned-guesthouses such as Ambady Estate.

Only in Kochi can you find giant fishing nets from China, ancient mosques and Portuguese houses. Don’t miss the fantastic Hindu murals in the Mattancherry Palace.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a green medley of rice paddies and spice plantations. You’re almost guaranteed to see wild elephants here. Entry is as part of a guided jeep safari that can be arranged at the entrance.

Where to eat

For good-value, authentic Keralan food, drop by Sreepadman in Varkala. A hole-in-the-wall with a view, this is where you will rub shoulders with rickshaw drivers rather than tourists. Located near the Devaswom Building, it also has seating out the back with temple views.

Located in Munnar’s main bazaar, Rapsy Restaurant is packed with locals, lining up for Rapsy’s famous paratha and biryani. It also makes a decent Spanish omelette.

You’ll hear the buzz about Dal Roti before you arrive – it has the best food in Fort Cochin. Owner Ramesh will guide you through his North Indian menu, which includes melt-in-the-mouth Mughlai parathas and Hyderabadi biryani.

Chakara is an 1860s heritage home that’s been restored to its former glory. The creative menu combines traditional Keralan cooking, such as Alleppey fish curry, with European dishes such as tuna niçoise.

Rambling Pachyderm Palace lies outside just the gate of Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. It consists of simple rooms and a good restaurant that serves excellent curries and biryanis.

Where to stay

Just six miles from Alleppey, Green Palms Homes is a series of homestays set in a picturesque backwater village. Your host can double as a guide to the village and will also prepare three Keralan meals a day if requested. You can hire bicycles here or take cooking classes.

Villa Jacaranda is a romantic retreat set amidst a subtropical garden, near Varkala. The four large rooms are elegantly furnished with white bed linen and period furniture. The delicious complimentary breakfast is served on your veranda.

Set in the hills of Munnar, the Windermere Estate is a luxurious yet intimate country retreat. There are rooms in the main farmhouse and newer, garden cottages, all with views. The plantation grows cardamon and coffee.

The gorgeous Olavipe Homestay is set on a 40-acre farm surrounded by backwaters. The restored mansion dates back to the 1890s and is a traditional Syrian-Christian home with large, breezy rooms, all skilfully finished with original period décor.

When to go

Avoid monsoon season between June and October, and visit between December and March when temperatures are a pleasant 30ºC. In February, March and April, festivals take place in Kochi, Kottayam and Kollam, featuring traditional Kathakali dancing.