Goa Tourism Introduced Cashless Transactions Several Months Ago

Cashless Transactions

• GTDC is Goa's first Government organization to adopt 100% cashless transactions
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• Initiatives taken more than a year ago by GTDC to go cashless
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• Introduction of e-commerce portal and mobile app gives boost to cashless transactions

GTDC sees encouraging response from tourists using online and off-line systems for cashless payments like POS machines, wire transfers etc

Panjim, Nov 30: Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), a premiere tourism board in India which has been the forerunner for many new tourism initiatives, products and services, is today at the forefront of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s ‘cashless India’ mission.

Following 31, 2016, Goa Tourism Development Corporation has already taken the lead bringing all tourism business’ under the ambit of cashless transactions.

Whether hotel reservations, package tours, cruise rides or any other tourism service, GTDC has introduced systems that have facilitated cashless transactions, both on-line and off-line.

Cashless facility is made possible by GTDC through online web portal, booking of services and products through mobile app available on iOS and android platform at GTDC residencies and restaurants through point-of-sale (POS) machines thus enabling a 360 degree approach to the new cashless system.

The GTDC is also working to introduce pay wallets and talks are underway with leading pay wallet providers so that pay wallets can be accepted as another mode of cashless payments.

The Santa Monica Jetty also offers payments through credit cards and debit cards.

To further this process, the launch of the new e-commerce portal and mobile app in February this year has provided a full proof platform for e-business and cashless transactions also bringing other tourism stakeholders into the cashless circuit.

Official records from the GTDC reveal that cashless transactions to the tune of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh are executed daily for various services provided by the GTDC which is in addition to cashless transactions recorded on GTDC’s e-commerce portal and mobile app.

Mr. Gavin Dias, General Manager (Hotels)- GTDC said, “All GTDC residencies are provided with point-of-sale (POS) machines to facilitate cashless payments and most tourists prefer to use this facility. It is encouraging to see tourists opting for cashless transactions.” Mr. Dias added that in the months to come GTDC’s cashless systems will be an exemplary one for other departments to emulate.

Mr. Dias pointed out that in addition to cashless business for GTDC’s hotel accommodation, GTDC through the e-commerce portal has direct tie ups with more than 160 hotels and also has tie ups with channel managers like Staah and Maximojo for tourists to book accommodation using cashless modes of transactions.

He further added that cashless transactions has already become very popular and an easy way out for both tourists and tourism stakeholders.

Goa attracts more than 5 million tourists annually and Goa Tourism and GTDC is eventually looking at bringing in every tourism stakeholder whether tourist taxis, souvenir shops, guest houses, restaurants etc under cashless business.

Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation said, “Goa Tourism Development Corporation moves ahead of time and we have one more feather to our cap. I am extremely pleased that GTDC introduced cashless transactions several months ago. Today the world has already logged in to cashless processes and India would have eventually introduced the same. GTDC has succeeded in professionalizing the services through cashless systems and we are fully geared to deal with it post 31st December 2016.”

Experience The Cool Climate At Mandovi River In Cruise

CRUISE 

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MANDOVI RIVER

The Santa Monica takes you on a leisurely cruise along the Mandovi River. While the boat sails down the river, local boys and girls perform folk dances and sing mandos. Their performance is followed up a live band. The Santa Monica then takes you past the Panjim riverfront to Miramar to witness a spectacular sunset.

This cruise is generally included in the North Goa Tours arranged by the GTDC. This is an hour long cruise on the Santa Monica which takes guests out on a leisurely sail down the River Mandovi from the Santa Monica jetty in Panaji. While the vessel sails serenly down the river past the beautiful Adil Shah Palace that was once the first building in Panjim City.

This was the summer palace of the Sultan which was then used by the Viceroy of Portugal and finally by the government of Goa as its Secretariat. Now that a new Secretariat is in use on Porvorim Hill across the river Mandovi, the Adil Shah Palace wil be turned into a cultural centre with art galleries and concert halls, etc.

While you sail down the river local boys and girls treat you to some Goa's best known folk dances, the dekhni and the fugdi. They sing mandos and finally give over centrestage to live musicians or a DJ and the guest can then sing and dance and generally make merry. This cruise is a huge success with people of all ages, men, women and children.

The Santa Monica then takes you past the Panjim riverfront past the jetty and old colonial buildings on past the Promenade with its lovely tree lined avenues past Miramar where you sit and watch one of Goa's spectacular sunsets.

You can see the spread of the Mormugao Port and the mass of the Aguada Fort and as the shadows lengthen you find yourself transported back in history to the time when all visitors who landed on these shores loved Goa so much they wanted to possess her.

The Santa Monica then turns around and sails back to her jetty along the silent Mandovi, past the pretty cottages of Betim.

TARIFF

Dep: 6.00 pm onwards( 1 hr duration) upto 7.30 p.m. (Queue system)
Rs 300/- per head

Book Now

Ahobilam – It Is One Of The 108 Divya Desams And Narasimha Worshipped In Nine Different Forms

AHOBILAM 

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KURNOOL

Ahobilam or Ahobalam is an important pilgrimage center located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Ahobilam is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh and also one of the best Places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.

Ahobilam is the holy abode of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in man-lion form. According to legend, this is the place where Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Though the initial temples were built by Chalukyas in 8th century, most of the current structures were rebuilt by Vijayanagara kings around 15th century.

Situated amidst dense Nallamala Forest, Ahobilam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is also called as Nava Narasimha Kshetra since Lord Narasimha is worshipped in 9 different forms and separate temples exist for all the forms within a radius of 5 km from the main temple. 

Jwala Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Kroda Narasimha, Kaaranja Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Yaogananda Narasimha, Chathravata Narasimha and Paavana Narasimha are the nine forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam. Few of these temples have easy access, but most of them have to be reached by difficult treks through thick forest and rocky paths.

The town is divided into two parts, Lower Ahobilam and Upper Ahobilam. Of these nine shrines, Yogananda, Chathravata and Bhargava Narasimha swami shrines are situated in Lower Ahobilam and the remaining six are in upper Ahobilam. There is also another temple of Lord Narasimha Swami in the lower Ahobilam where the idol of the Lord is believed to be installed by Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati. 

Ahobilam is a small town and food is available at small hotels and canteens. There is a Brahmana Nitya Annadana Satram in the Upper Ahobilam where food is provided daily for nearly 400 people. In addition, Sri Ahobila Matham has established a trust called Annamacharya Nitya Annadana Trust. Food is provided free of cost to the devotees of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.

Brahmothsavam is celebrated in the month of February to mid-March. All the 9 shrines can be visited in 2 days with help of guide. The best time to visit Ahobilam is from October to March while the peak season is from February to May. Usually it takes 1 day to visit Ahobilam.

By Air

Hyderabad Airport is the nearest airport, 333 km from Ahobilam.

By Train

Nandyal Railway station is the nearest railway station, located 66 km away from Ahobilam. It is connected to major cities like Howrah, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Goa, Machelipatnam, Vijayawada, Hubli, Puri, Vizag and Bhubaneswar.

By Bus

Ahobilam is very well connected by bus with nearest town Allagadda (25 km). There are state buses available from Chittoor, Nandyal, Kadapa, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Nellore, Chennai and Kurnool for Allagadda.

Hussain Sagar Lake – White Granite Buddha Statue Is Standing In The Midst Of The Lake

HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE

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HYDERABAD

Hussain Sagar Lake is situated just 2km away from the heart of the city, It is one of the most popular tourist places in Hyderabad. The lake connects two parts of the city (Secunderabad and Hyderabad) to each other. The largest artificial lake in Asia, Hussain Sagar lake was excavated in 1562 AD during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. Built on the tributary of River Musi, the lake has been named after Hussain Shah Wali.

Hussain Sagar Lake was initially to build to cater to the irrigation needs and other water needs of the city. Until the year of 1930, it was used for the same purpose. Having been bordered by Indira Park in the east, Sanjeevaiah Park in the north and Lumbini Park in the south, the lake presents a setting quite rare to find in the middle of any city.

There is also a bund on its banks, which was built to control the flow of water. This artificial lake now beautifies the city gracefully. Not just for beauty, it is also known for its historical connection. On the banks of this Hussain Sagar Lake the treaty between Mughals and Golconda was signed.

At the middle of the lake, you will find a huge statue of standing Lord Buddha which has height of 16 m and weighs almost 350 tonnes. Made up of white granite, the statue is on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. The lighting show at the statue is something that is worth watching. Along with this,there are almost 30 statues of various famous personalities around the lake as well.

A popular recreational spot, the Hussain Sagar Lake attracts visitors of all age groups. Whether a family picnic or outing with friends or your partner, this lake is visited by every Hyderabadi. Boating at the lake is quite enjoyable.

There are various options of boating at Hussain Sagar Lake such as speed boats, motor boats, etc. Another major attraction of the lake is the 48 seater launch which also offer its guests with dinner as well as available for private parties if required.

One can also do parasailing at Hussain Sagar Lake or water skiing, although the timings and availability of these activities do vary from time to time. Cruising at the lake makes the visit all the more enjoyable.Hussain Sagar lake is easily accessible by buses and taxis from all parts of Hyderabad.

Dramatic Alila Fort Bishangarh To Welcome Guests From February 2017

OPENING IN FEBRUARY 2017

Located at Bishangarh Village in the Jaipur District, barely 6 km off the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway, Alila Fort Bishangarh is easily accessible from both Delhi and Jaipur. It is 180 km (3 hours) from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi while it is only 55 km (1 hour) from Jaipur Airport. 

The drive to Amber Fort at Jaipur is only 45 minutes away and Bishangarh is a good base to explore Jaipur’s innumerable tourist attractions.

Alila to reopen 230-year-old fort in Rajasthan

Alila has unveiled a dramatic new hotel in India, set in a 230-year-old fort in Rajasthan.

Scheduled to welcome its first guests in February 2017, Alila Fort Bishangarh will be positioned on a peak in the Aravalli hills, with 360-degree views of the Rajasthani landscape. The building is surrounded by original two-metre thick stone walls with turrets.

Once inside, the luxury hotel will feature just 59 suites, all with large openable windows, bathtubs and day beds. There are four suite categories and 22 different layouts.

F&B options at the hotel include an indoor restaurant, outdoor grill, a lounge and a bar with a “cigar and cognac turret”, while other facilities include a spa, a large banqueting hall and a conference room.

Outside the hotel walls, at the bottom of the hill, lie banqueting lawns, a swimming pool and terrace, another bar, a fitness centre, children’s clubs and an organic garden.

“The quest in the preservation of this ancient warrior fort inspired the creation of a world-class boutique resort for guests to appreciate the beauty of the Aravalli hills,” Alila said in a statement. “The project grew out of a love for the heritage of the building and the surrounding landscape, with sustainability as a core commitment.

“The original fort has been left intact and much care has been given to the reconstruction of new residential areas to ensure it is everything a modern-day Maharaja or Maharani could wish for and more,” it added.

Alila Fort Bishangarh will become the company’s second property in India, following the Alila Diwa Goa which opened in 2010.

Chausath Yogini Temple - Yoginis In This Temple Are Gracefully Carved And Portrayed An Exceptional Position

CHAUSATH YOGINI TEMPLE

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JABALPUR

Chausath Yogini Temple is Located between the Bhedaghat and the Dhuandhar Falls and it is in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh State of India.The temple has a view of the beautiful Narmada river flowing through Bhedaghat. 

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has intricately detailed carvings on its walls, giving it an artistic splendor besides a huge religious significance.One of the oldest heritage sites in India.

Chausath Yogini Temple is situated on a hilltop in Jabalpur. Built in the 10th century A.D., the temple is the abode of Goddess Durga along with 64 yoginis or shaktis considered to be the different forms of the Goddess. Though the temple has been partially damaged, it speaks greatly of the ancient dynasties that ruled in Jabalpur.

The complex of the temple consists of 64 shrines in circular motion, one for each yoginis and a main shrine where Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati are seen riding on Nandi, the sacred bull. 

The temple was constructed during the reign of Kalchuri Dynasty and was mainly made with local granite. Mughal invaders, later on, destroyed and deformed most of the temple.

The design of the temple has been kept simple but the idols of yoginis are exquisitely carved, each one depicting a unique posture. The environment at the site is very calm and composing with lush greenery around. 

Standing at the open-sky courtyard you can witness a panoramic view of the River Narmada and the surrounding landscape. Being the oldest Yogini temple in India, this place is a must visit for all heritage lovers!

Climbing the 100 odd steps to reach the compound is an easy climb and the temple looks beautiful in sunlight. The idols of the Mother Goddess and Lord Shiva seated inside lend a divine aura. 

There are 64 sculptures of Yoginis inside the temple which are placed along a semicircular compound wall have been ravaged by time.  Walking along the wall, behind the temple, the view of Narmada and the greenery around is soothing and calm.

By Air

The nearest airport to Amarkantak is at Jabalpur, which is 245 km away from City of Amarkantak. Pre-paid taxi services are available from the jabalpur airport to Amarkantak. 

By Train

The nearest railway station to Amarkantak is Pendra Road at a distance of 17 km from the heart of the city. Anuppur at distance of 48 km from Amarkantak is also convenient for the tourists. Taxi charges are Rs 300 from Pendra Road and Rs 600 from Anuppur.

By Bus

There are state owned transport buses from Pendra Road, Shahdol and Bilaspur. Amarkantak is connected by buses to Jabalpur (245 km), Rewa (261 km) and Shahdol (67 km).

Odisha Is Home To A Mountain Destination Which Recives Snowfall Every Year

 Odisha gets as cold as any other hill station in the country

Yes, you read that right. Odisha is home to this offbeat hill station which receives snowfall every year.

Mountain lovers in India wait for the winters to come. One of the biggest reasons for this is the opportunity to witness snowfall and be close enough to the blank of white on some mountain.

The most common hill stations snow-loving Indians head travel to are Shimla, Manali, and the other popular hill stations in the northern part of the country. But did you know that Odisha is also home to a mountain destination which receives snowfall every year?

Daringbadi is a picturesque hill town situated in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, which has earned the title of Kashmir of Odisha for being as cold and as exciting as any other hill station in other parts of the country. And believe it or not, tourists from the state who are aware of this make it a point to visit this place during the cold months.

Seems like the destination is all set to get prominence in the tourist map of India. According to a report by The Times of India, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has opened a tribal museum at the hill-view park of Daringbadi.

Not only that, the CM has laid the foundation stone of a nature camp, with the aim of promoting eco-tourism at this offbeat hill station.

Built on 1,100 square feet at a budget of Rs 30 lakh, the museum showcases the depth and beauty of the local Kandha and Kutia Kandha tribes by putting on display their dress, ornaments and musical instruments.

On the other hand, the nature camp, which will be set up by the local forest department, will have six cottages, a restaurant and facilities for forest treks.

Only six months ago, the forest department has developed a nature park in the area with an investment of Rs 55 lakh. Spread across an area of four hectares, the park includes a butterfly park, a medicinal garden, 3D movie halls, and exhibits of lifesize images of wild animals.

Here is a list of the most famous and iconic temples in Mumbai.

 Five most famous temples in Mumbai you must visit

Mumbai, the commercial and economic capital of India, is also the city of dreamers and a melting point of culture. Although, this metropolitan city is known for the fast paced life, it stands still during religious processions. You will find people, on their way to the office, bowing their head to the deity at a roadside temple and thronging to a Hanuman temple on Saturdays. There are several temples in Mumbai where you can witness this city’s religious passion. Mumbai is home to thousands of temples and each of these temples has diverse architectural style, tradition and religious legacy. Some of them are iconic and are a must visit to experience the spiritual grandeur. Here is a list of some of the most famous temples in Mumbai.

Mumbadevi temple

Dedicated to Mumba, the patron goddess of the native Somavanshi Kshatriya, Koli (fishermen) and Agri communities, Mumbadevi temple is said to be constructed in 1675 At Bori Bunder. The temple was rebuilt later at Bhuleshwar. The Koli community considers Mumbadevi as a guardian. Goddess Mumbadevi is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and Mumbadevi temple is a Shakti temple. Situated on Bhuleshwar Road, the temple is very popular among devotees and tourist alike. Mumbadevi temple is among the oldest temples in Mumbai and the main deity of here is made of black stone and her face has orange color. The deity, adorned with jewelry like nose pin, crown and necklace, stands on a decorated altar. The idol of the goddess does not have a mouth to symbolize earth. The temple complex also includes idols of other deities. The city’s name Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi.

Location: Mumba Devi Marg, Zaveri Bazar, Mumbai

Timing: The temple remains open on all days of the week except Monday. The timing for darshan is between 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm. The temple sees maximum rush on Tuesdays.  Thousands of devotees visit the temple on Tuesday, as it is a significant day at Mumbadevi temple.

Siddhivinayak temple 

Siddhivinayak temple is one of the most important landmarks of Mumbai. Located in PrabhaDevi, Mumbai, the temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant headed god. The temple is known to fulfil wishes and prayers of the devotees. It was founded in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Devbhai Patil. The temple is among the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra. The Siddhivinayak temple is also called Navasacha ganapati and Navasala Pavanara Ganapati. Tuesdays are special at this temple as the timing for Aarti as well as darshan is different from the other days of the week. Thousands of devotees throng to this temple on Tuesdays to offer prayer and seek blessing.

The main deity of the temple is Ganesha or Siddhivinayak with his consorts Siddi and RIddhi. The idols are placed on a small mandapam. The most striking feature of the Ganesha idol is that his trunk is on the right side. The trunk of almost all other Ganesha idol is on the left side. The idol has four hands holding a lotus, a small axe, a bowl of modaks and prayer beads. Earlier the temple was small and it had a small idol of Ganesh made of black stone. The temple also has a statue of Hanesha’s ride or vahan, Mushak. People believe that if you whisper your wishes into the ears of the mushak, it will come true. Today Siddhivinayak temple is Mumbai’s richest temple. It is said that the temple receives up to Rs 25 crore as donation annually. This temple has a unique and innovative architectural style. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is gold plates and the wooden doors have images of Ashtavinayaka. The temple is very popular among celebrities. Bollywood actors usually visit Siddhivinayak temple before their movie’s release.

Address: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Timing: The temple is open on all days of the week. From Wednesday to Monday, the timing for darshan is from 5:30 am to 10 pm and on Tuesday, it is between 3:15 am to 10 pm.

Iskcon Temple

Located near Juhu Beach, ISKCON is the places you should visit if you are searching for inner peace. The spiritual aura and the serenity of this place will take you to another world. You can sit and meditate in here. One of the most famous temples in Mumbai, ISKCON attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. This beautiful temple is made of pristine white marbles. The intricate carvings and the architecture of the temple is a sight to behold. The main deity is Krishna along with Radha. The temple also has idols of other deities.  This ISKCOn temple in Mumbai was established by the Acharya A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, in the year 1978.

This sprawling structure includes an auditorium, guest houses, libraries and a restaurant. The auditorium hosts many religious performances. The temple is also known for its delicious food.

Address: K. M. Munshi Marg, Girgaon Chowpatty, Babulnath, Dadi Sheth Wadi, Malabar Hill, Mumbai

Timings: The temple is open on all days of the week from 4:30 am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 9 pm.

Babulnath Temple

Babulnath temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva and is located just a stone throw away from Girgaon Chowpatty. The temple is just a 15 minutes’ ride away from Marine Lines railway station. The temple is among the iconic temples in Mumbai. The beautiful architecture and the intricate interiors of the temple is a sight to behold. This magnificent temple will remind you of Mount Kailash, which is considered to be Shiva’s abode.

Originally, the idol and the Shiv Lingam of Babulnath temple were consecrated by King Bhimdev II of the area in the 12 th century. This temple was lost over the course of time. However, during the period between 1700 and 1780, five of the idols were unearthed. Out of the five idols, one was broken so it was immersed in the sea. The other four idols, which are the Shiv Lingam and idols of Hanuman, Ganesha and Parvati, are kept in the temple. The temple’s first phase was built in 1780, after the five original idols were rediscovered.

People flock to this temple on Monday as this day of the week is dedicated to Shiva. The temple remains open for a longer duration on Mondays. The best time to visit this temple is the period between August and September.

Address: Babulnath Road, Charni Road, Malabar Hill, Near Chowpatty, Mumbai

Timings: The temple remains open on all days of the week from 5 am to 10 pm. On Mondays, it remains open for a longer duration.

Mahalakshmi temple

Photograph courtesy: mahalakshmi-temple.com

Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswati, Mahalakshmi temple was constructed in 1831 by a Hindu merchant, Dhakji Dadaji. The temple overlooks the sea and is one of the landmarks of the city of dreams. Located on Bhulabhai Desai Road, near Worli, the temple has a unique architecture. This iconic temple is a heritage structure and a popular tourist attraction.

There is stone-carved deepmala near the entrance of the temple. You will also find a wooden block wrapped in silver sheets. The Sabhamandap has a statue of a lion at the center, facing the main deity. The most important feature of the idol of Lakshmi of this temple is that it is ‘swayambhu’. The idol is decorated with bangles, nose ring and a golden mask. The three main deities sit on beautifully carved thrones. You will find the idols of Vithal-Rukmini and Ganesha outside the garbhagriha.

According to legend, Lord Hornby Vellard wanted to connect Malabar and Worli via Worli creek. Ramji Shivji Prabhu was appointed to do the work. After Prabhu and hi engineers failed to build a road connecting the two islands, he dreamt of the idol of Mahalakshmi in the creek. Prabhu recovered the idol from the creek and constructed a temple for it.

The temple is decorated during the Navaratri period. Devotees from near and far flock to this temple to offer their prayers during this period. There are many shops near the temple selling puja items and flowers.

Head To One Of These Nature Resorts Near Delhi In One Of The Upcoming Weekends.

5 nature resorts near Delhi where you can spend the next weekend

For those who like to travel, weekends make for the time which can be dedicated towards exploring new destinations. Located at a location surrounded by attractive destinations, the city of Delhi has plenty of weekend getaways around. In fact, some of them are known for offering experiences to travellers based on the location of a resort and the services provided by it.

Here's a list of a few resorts near Delhi that offer amazing experiences to nature lovers. We would love to know where you are heading to in the coming weekend.

Jim's Jungle Retreat

The wildlife season is just around the corner and Jim's Jungle Retreat happens to be one of the best places to spend some time with the forest life of Jim Corbett National Park. Located at the southern periphery of the Park, the Jim's Jungle Retreat is an eco-conscious wildlife speciality lodge that provides accommodation in 18 sophisticated lodges and cottages, thus allowing guests to stay in close connection with nature at all times. Staying there, you will always be surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the forest and the mountains, while there will be plenty of opportunities to go on nature walks and enjoy bird spotting. Needless to mention, the resort also provides forest safari facilities to the guests. 

For details and bookings, visit jimsjungleretreat.com

Kikar Lodge Nature Resort & Spa

You don't need to go anywhere else when you stay at the Kikar Lodge Nature Resort & Spa. Located at the foothills of the Shivalik range in Punjab, this place offers accommodation amidst nature and at the same time, offers a wide range of adventure activities as well. The property spread over 1800 acres of forest and provides a secluded retreat to its guests, far from the maddening crowd of cities and towns. The adventure activities offert by the resort include Flying Fox, quad biking, rappelling, paint ball, horse riding, night safari, cycling and archery. Besides, the forest area within which this resort is set, is a birder's paradise with more than 180 species of resident birds.

For details and bookings, visit www.thekikarlodge.com

Sitla Estate

Perched high within the lush green environs of Mukteshwar a distance of about 350 km from New Delhi, the Sitla Estate is a nature lover's paradise. It's that cosy little retreat that every mountain lover dreams of. The 150-year-old house has rooms made up in colonial style giving a guest the feeling of spending time within the walls of a rugged mountain cottage. For those with different tastes, the contemporary rooms have been built beautifully. Each of these rooms has glass windows that overlooks 39 acres of the verdant terraced estate. There's a quaint library to read books in leisure, and enough space to walk around the gentle slopes while soaking in the beauty of Mother Nature.

For details and bookings, visit www.sitlaestate.com

Water House Resort

Think of Jaipur and what mostly comes to mind are hill-top forts. But there is lushness amid the aridity too. On the drive from Delhi to Jaipur, stretches of green and hillocks appear along the highway, tempting one to spend a few hours amid the serenity. The Water House Resort has a similar appeal. A sharp right turn opposite the gate of Amity University, Jaipur, leads to a hidden gem. Built within the area of the famous Tree House Resort, the Water House Resort provides accommodation in nine wooden cottages, each with a thatched roof, built on a small rivulet. Inside, you are pleasantly surprised by décor which combines rustic charm and plush living. Also provided with each cottage is a jacuzzi, an outdoor shower and a private patio. Within every room is glass underfoot, which lets you see the water a level below, with fish in it. Ducks waddling around is a common sight here.

For details and bookings, visit www.waterhouseresort.in

Glasshouse on the Ganges

There can't be a better way to make the most of your stay at Rishikesh than a few days spent at the Glasshouse on the Ganges, owned by the Neemrana group of hotels. Offering accommodation in cottages, individual rooms and tents, there's no other resort in Rishikesh that lets you stay this close to the river. Besides, the entire property is set within a lychee and mango orchard owned by the Maharajas of Tehri Garhwal. That's a perfect marriage of royalty and nature for you. There's a garden full of tropical plants, rare species of birds and butterflies, and a private white sand beach--a feature no other resort can boast of. Needless to say, the resort offers some of the finest white water rafting tours.

For details and bookings, visit www.neemranahotels.com

Top Most Places To Choose In India For October Month

Top most places to visit in October in India

Where will you go?

After a lull of a few months, October is the beginning of the festive season when most places in India have some or the other celebration or event lined up. It is also a good month to travel to places just before the peak tourist season begins and things start getting overtly expensive. October is the right season before extreme winter sets in and the monsoon is also over. True, in some parts of the county the October heat can be unbearable but for the most part of it, October is a great time to travel in India and explore the hidden gems. We have jotted down five such places that are great to visit in October in India. So pack your bags, book your tickets and leave for a memorable trip right away.

Alappuzha

Also called Alleppey, Alappuzha is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in India. It is in the state of Kerala and is known for its backwaters and called the ‘Venice of the East’. October is a decent time to visit Kerala as November onwards the peak season begins and can get extremely crowded. If you are planning a trip to Alappuzha, here’s what you can do.

What to do in Alappuzha

The most popular thing to do in Alleppey is to take a cruise on the backwaters or stay in a houseboat. But here’s what else you can do on your trip.

Visit Krishnapuram Palace Museum: Known for its grand architecture, this is a palace and museum and houses the biggest mural paintings of Kerala. Admire its structure and learn about the history of the royal family when here.

Stay in a houseboat: Alleppey is known for this and while some offer day cruises, the experience of staying in a boat overnight is even better. Opt for a hotel that offers a room on a houseboat when in Alleppey.

Sample authentic Kerala cuisine: Food plays a major role in Kerala’s economy and one of the must-do things here is to sample some amazing dishes freshly prepared for you. Whether you love seafood or are a rice-lover, do try the authentic taste on a banana leaf.

Where to stay in Alappuzha

Being a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of hotels and resorts of all budgets in Alleppey. From basic stays to luxurious ones, you can choose one that fits your pocket. Lake Palace Resort (0477 2239701) overlooks the Vembanad Lake and is surrounded by coconut trees and paddy fields. One of the main attractions of this resort is its swimming pool which is in the middle of the lake. Isn’t that fascinating?

Ahmedabad

The land of Gujarat comes alive during Navratri and this year, the festival falls in October. The nine days of the festival are some of the most colorful and vibrant days thanks to the electric vibe in the air. Ahmedabad has several dandiya and garba nights in different parts of the city where people dance to their heart’s content dressed in ethnic wear. To truly experience the cultural vibe of the city, visit it during Navratri.

What to do in Ahmedabad

Play garba and dandiya: Goes without saying, one of the must-try things in Ahmedabad is to play garba which involves swinging one’s arms and turning around in circles and dandiya which is played with wooden sticks. Look for events that are close to where you stay and buy a pass for at least one evening. Do try the colorful ethnic attire to blend in with the rest of the crowd.

Try street food at Manek Chowk: Gujarat is land of foodies and Ahmedabad in particular is famous for its street food. Manek Chowk is one of the most lively markets that converts into a zone of street food in the night. In fact, it is one of the few streets in the country that is allowed to be open during the night. From chat to kebabs to kulfi, you will find everything here and there is space to sit and enjoy all of it in the night. Truly, a foodie’s delight.

Visit the Sabarmati Ashram: Located along the banks of Sabarmati River, this ashram was the abode of Mahatma Gandhi where he worked with his principles of truth and non-violence. He stayed here for 12 years and began the Dandi March from here. Today, it is a national monument and is converted into a museum where you can learn more about Gandhi and his teachings.

Where to stay in Ahmedabad

Several hotel chains have their properties in Ahmedabad and you can get accommodation suiting different budgets in this city. Ginger Hotel (079 66663333) is a mid-range business hotel with decent rooms while Radisson Blu Hotel (079 40501234) is a high-end property. You can also look for cheap places in the city close to the railway station where options are aplenty.

Shillong

One of the lesser-explored and underrated tourist destinations of the country, Shillong in the northeast should be on your list this October. It is the capital of Meghalaya and home to some of the most beautiful sites in the world. Surrounded by hills with waterfalls breaking out, it makes for a lovely escape. Find your peace and quiet this time at India’s hidden gem which is also called the ‘Scotland of the East’.

What to do in Shillong

There are many things to do and see in and around Shillong. The scenic, natural beauty of this hill station will leave you mesmerized and so will the different culture of the Khasi people. Don’t miss out on these attractions when here.

Head to Shillong Peak: To get a bird’s eye view of the town, head to the Shillong Peak that stands tall at 6449 ft above sea level. Being a radar station for the Indian Air Force, visitors have to submit their identification when here. The panoramic view from here is simply breathtaking and if you want a closer look, you can view the area from a telescope. There are some stalls that serve tea and snacks to tourists.

Go to Umiam Lake: Another prime attraction close to Shillong is the Umiam Lake which is known for its water sport activities like boating, kayaking, water scooting, etc. It attracts a large number of tourists as well as locals who come here for a stroll or to try these activities. The lake is surrounded by hills that increase its beauty and make for a picture-perfect backdrop.

Visit Asia’s cleanest village: A short distance away from Shillong lies Mawlynnong touted to be Asia’s cleanest village. Here, you will find bamboo bins all around the citizens right from children to the elderly doing their bit to keep their surroundings clean. They have adopted many eco-friendly ways to do so and it is commendable how responsible they are about their village. Surely, one can learn a thing or two from them about cleanliness.

Where to stay in Shillong

Most of the properties in Shillong are two or three star hotels and offer majestic views of the hills. Depending on your budget you can book a stay for yourself. Police Bazar is one of the main areas of Shillong where many shops and restaurants are located. Hotel Alpine Continental (0364 222 0991) is one of the three-star hotels located in this area.

Nainital

Fondly called the ‘Lake District of India’ Nainital is a beautiful hill station that revolves around Lake Naini and offers majestic vistas of the hills surrounding it. The hill station is quite popular among honeymooners as well as families who come here during their vacations to enjoy its natural beauty. October is the last of the touristy months before heavy winter begins. It is the perfect to enjoy the pleasant weather before it gets too cold.

What to do in Nainital

Apart from soaking in the natural beauty of Nainital, there are plenty of things you can do at this hill station. We list a few of them for you.

Go boating at Lake Naini: The hill station’s prime attraction from where it gets its name is the Lake Naini. It is in the heart of Nainital and enjoys a sweet spot surrounded by hills and markets. A trip to the lake without going boating is incomplete. It is also the perfect place to catch the sunset.

Visit Kainchi Dham: A mere 20 km away from Nainital lies Kainchi Dham that is home to an ashram built by Neem Karoli Baba, a saint from the ‘60s. It has become a prime tourist attraction thanks to Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg who paid a visit here on their India trips. Devotees from all around the world flock here to attend meditation and spiritual camps organized here.

Take a cable car to Snow-view Point: One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Nainital is to take a cable car ropeway all the way up to Snow-view Point. This is the perfect place to get a panoramic view of the hill station. You can buy a ticket, go all the way up, halt there for some time and then come back. Make sure you wear warm clothes and carry your sunglasses and also don’t forget your camera as you will get some stunning photos here.

Where to stay in Nainital

Being a popular tourist spot, there are several hotels and resorts in Nainital that cater to all budgets. From lodges to luxury hotels, you can find everything here. The rates are rather high during peak season and fall during off peak months. It is better to book in advance to avoid disappointment later. The Manu Maharani (05942 237342) is one of the best properties here and offers large, lavish rooms.