Few Indian Hill Stations You Must Visit During The Monsoons

These Indian hill stations are beautiful during the 

monsoons. Let this list help you plan the perfect 

monsoon vacation.
 

The common perception suggests that travelling to the hills is a bad idea during the monsoons. Agreed. We all know that the slippery roads and the landslides make them inaccessible. So, what does a mountain lover do in these times?

Well, not every hill station in this country is inaccessible during the monsoons. Instead, there are many places that become even better during this season. The rains simply bring out the best in them. Knowing this for a fact, here's a list of hill stations in India where you can travel to this monsoon.

Also read: Madhya Pradesh and Kerala among the big winners at the National Tourism Awards.

Wayanad

When somebody talks about the most picture-perfect monsoon destinations in India, Wayanad has to be on the top. The slopes of this destination in Kerala are carpeted by a layer of greenery that is so fresh that any nature lover would find it impossible to take her eyes off the view. While the tea gardens look gorgeous, trekking up to the Chembra Peak can promise you with stunning panoramic views of the place. And if you are in the mood for a sea beach visit, you can drive to Kozhikode, which is just 76 km away.

Mahabaleshwar

Located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is any Mumbaikar's favourite weekend getaway. After all, the place is home to the best of what the Sahyadri mountain range has to offer. Although the regular tourists avoid this place during the monsoons due to torrential rainfall, but it's also the best time to enjoy the charms of its unparalleled natural beauty. The waterfalls are fully alive, the slopes are filled with a thick vegetation of numerous floral species, and the air is filled with the sound of soothing bird calls.

Ladakh

When the discussion is about the best Indian destinations to visit during the months of August and September, it's a sin to miss out on Ladakh. A favourite among bikers, adventurers and tourists in general, this cold desert with its moon-like landscapes, towering peaks, snow-laden mountain passes, peaceful monasteries and beautiful lakes, can never fail to disappoint a person who likes to travel and explore. The month of September is even more suitable for a trip to this place, mainly because the roads are in better condition as compared to the other seasons, and the famous Ladakh Festival is also held during this time.

Agumbe

Home of verdant valleys and numerous waterfalls, Agumbe in Karnataka is one of the best monsoon trekking destinations in the country. Trekkers love the place because of its verdant charms and amazing views of the Arabian Sea from some of the high points on the trail. 

Blending beautifully with the natural beauty of the place are the heritage spots of this place which are there in the form of ruins of ancient temples dating back to the Hoysala Empire. Besides all this, Agumbe can also trigger nostalgia for many as it once served as a setting for the famous TV adaption of the book Malgudi Days.

Pahalgam

Anyone who has ever wanted to visit Jammu and Kashmir, must have heard about this place. Pahalgam is one of the most popular destinations in the state and is visited by travellers from all parts of the world every year. Situated at the confluence of streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, it is a place with some of the most stunning views you can get. Quiet surroundings and a pleasant weather make Pahalgam an ideal vacation spot during the monsoons.

Madhya Pradesh And Kerala Got Big Winner At The National Tourism Awards

Among the big winners in this year's edition of the awards were Kerala Tourism and Madhya Pradesh Tourism in particular.

 

 

Madhya Pradesh won the first prize in the category of Best State/Union Territory for Comprehensive Development of Tourism for being able to provide a complete and varied travel experience to tourists. The official awarding criteria by Ministry of Tourism stated, "With emphasis on better infrastructure especially in the field of power and roads, destinations in MP have become more accessible and tourist friendly.

 The state is aware of the employment generation potential of the tourism sector and pays special attention to training programs. Further, the aggressive and innovative branding campaigns make Madhya Pradesh the desire of every travel lover across the globe."

Having known that, take a look at Madhya Pradesh Tourism's latest ad campaign:

The second and third prize in this category were bagged by the state tourism boards of Gujarat and Karnataka respectively.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism was also among awards in other categories with the Heritage Walk of Bhopal winning the Best Heritage Walk award along with India City Walks for the Built Legacy of Mughals (Old Delhi Heritage Walk) being the joint winner in this category. Apart from this, the monuments of Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh won the award for being the Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Monument.

Another interesting award winner from the state of Madhya Pradesh is Art Ichol, a destination that serves as a platform for creative individuals to create, share and promote their works of art in a picturesque environment, which won the award for being the Best Innovative/Unique Tourism Project. This video shows a sneak peek into the project:

Kerala Tourism, on the other hand, won as many as six awards in the marketing category for states. Three out of the six awards the tourism board received were for states in the Tourism Promotion and Publishing category, including the one for 'Most Innovative use of Information Technology' - social media/mobile app. The Wayanad initiative, which has transformed the hilly district's economy through intensive participation of the local people, was selected for the award in the 'Responsible Tourism' category.

Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, a small but thriving village in Kozhikode, fetched the award for Kerala Tourism in the Rural Tourism project category.

"The awards are a heartening and robust reaffirmation of our Responsible Tourism initiative, which has emerged as a trailblazing tourism product for the entire country. We also received three national awards for our brilliant marketing initiatives which are designed to woo travellers from both inside the country and abroad," Kerala Tourism Minister A C Moideen said in a press release.

Kerala Tourism Director U V Jose said the national awards have come in the wake of Kerala Tourism winning two PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Awards for its brilliant marketing initiatives.

Kerala and the Spice Routes, a coffee-table book designed by Stark, won the award in the category of Excellence in Publishing in English language.

The book takes readers through the Malabar Coast that was the starting point for Kerala's spice trade with the rest of the world.

 'The Great Backwaters', a brochure in German language, details out the unique, standalone and once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Kerala backwaters to the international travellers, was adjudged the best in foreign language segment.

The third award for Kerala Tourism in 'Tourism Promotion and Publishing' category came for its most innovative use of information technology for the website designed by Invis Multimedia and social media managed by Stark Communications.

Kerala Tourism has 12.8 lakh Facebook followers, the largest figure for any Tourism Board in India. Turtle on the Beach, Kovalam, was the adjudged the best hotel in the Five Star category; Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, bagged the award for Best Heritage Hotel in Classic Category; Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay, Kumarakom, was given the award for 'Best Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishment' approved by State Governments / Union Territory Administrations' and Somatheeram Research Institute and Ayurveda Hospital Pvt Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram, was declared the Best Wellness Centre.

Interestingly, Yes Bank Limited was also among the award winners in this year's edition. The bank won the award in the Most Responsible Tourism Project/Initiative category for its Edge of India initiative, which focuses on developing cooperative tourism models to ensure livelihood security of local communities.

The project has been carried out in four villages--Bageshwar, Ranikhet and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand and Purulia in West Bengal. The Project helps to realize the potential of heritage and set up tourism businesses through a cooperative model to ensure that the benefits percolate to the entire community. The communities get trained and assisted in creating a self-sustaining tourism business model.

On receiving the award, Rana Kapoor, Managing Director & CEO, Yes Bank said, "Yes Bank is honored to be the first Bank to receive the prestigious National Tourism Award from the Government of India, for its unique 'Edge of India' initiative which is focused on developing cooperative tourism models to ensure livelihood security of local communities. This significant national recognition further inspires us to continue working closely with the Government, industry, local communities and all stakeholders in the Tourism value chain to create an enabling policy environment to fully unlock India's Global Potential in Tourism - an engine of economic growth and job creation."

Srirangam Temple - It Is The Tallest In India Rising 73 M High With 13 Tiers

SRIRANGAM TEMPLE 

AT

TRICHIRAPALLI

srirangam is located in Trichy distirct of Tamil Nadu state of India.Srirangam is famous for Sri Renganathar temple which is one of the 108 vaishnava temples and is called Earthy Heaven (Boologa vaikundam) Srirangam  rangam means island and srirangam is the island between Cauvery and kollidam (coleroon) where sri Ranganatha is lying on His Adi Sesha (snake) couch.

The main sanctum of sri ranganatha is surrounded by 7 large enclosures and 21 majestic gopurams. On the south is tanga vilasam and seshagiri royal mandapam with marvelous sculptural splendour.

The main deity is enshrined within the first corridor. The vimanam shaped like omkara is plated with gold. The temple was constructed by the chola king Dharma varman and even before that it is said that the temple existed buried under the sand. 

 Almost  all the kings who held’sway  in Tamil Nadu  have spent lavishly to embellish the temple and even the British king Edward 7 has presented a gold plate. Saint Ramanuja, the author of vishistadvaitham tenet functioned from here to spread vaishnavism and his mortal remains are entombed in a sanctum here.

The unfinished tower started by Krishna devaraya has now been completed 1987. It is the tallest in india rising 73 m high with 13 tiers. The other gopurams were built between the 14^th and 17^th centuries by various kings.

The artistical splendour of this temple excels beyond description. The east facing Krishna shrine is a display of feminine grace in stone. The seshagiri rayar mandapam opposite the 1000 pillared mandapam is unique withits equestrian statues. The tiger hunt sculputure is a marvel in stone.

 The hall is a living testimony to the dexterity of the vijayanagar craftsman. The amrita kalasa garuda is a superb carving in the vehicle mandapam. The eight-armed venugopala and lakshminarayana on Garuda are inimitable.

The temple is enormous in size. The temple complex is 156 acres in extent. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. this temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.

Vaikunda ekadasi festival is very famous in this temple. At that time, the paramapada vassal (paradise gate) is opened and lakhs of pilgrims rush to enter it as it is believed that one who enters here will reach vaikunta after death.

Tiruchirappalli is well connected with Road, Rail and Air Routes

Srirangam Temple is located 9 Km. from Tiruchirappalli Rail Junction

Srirangam Temple is located 15 Km. from Tiruchirappalli Air Port

Srirangam Temple is located 0.5 Km. from Srirangam Railway Station.

Srirangam temple timings

Viswarooba seva – 6am to 6.30am

Seva – 6.30am to 7.30am

Pooja time – 7.30am to 8.45 am

Morning seva – 8.45 am to 1.00pm

After noon seva -  2.30pm to 4.15 pm

Pooja time – 4pm to 5.30pm

Upto 9pm

Viswaroopa seva – Rs.200/ per head

General entrance – free in all seva time

Special entrance – Rs.50/ per head

You Can Create Four Memorable Days After Visiting Gujarat's Ahmedabad And Bhuj

Here's a program for a 4-day trip 

to Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Bhuj.

/Creative Commons

Day 1
Begin your day at the historic square called Manek Chowk. From here, you can traipse the market lanes of Ratanpol, Rani-no-Haziro, Sindhi Market, Revdi Bazaar, the cloth market of Sarangpur and Ramakda market in search of attractive chaniya choli, salwar kameez, sarees, blockprinted fabrics, embroideries, bandhani tie-dye fabrics, traditional jewellery and utensils.

 You could even pick up painted pots and dandiya sticks for Navratri. While wandering through these markets, you can catch glimpses of Ahmedabad's historic architecture-the superbly carved wooden façade of a haveli, the domes and minarets of 600-year-old mosques, decorous Jain and Hindu temples, and medieval fort gates.

In the afternoon, cross the Sabarmati River to Ashram Road and CG Road, which are Ahmedabad's famous shopping streets for jewellery, sarees, shervanis, kurtas, garments and designer wear, For those looking to get an outfit for Navratri, Jagruti Exports & Jainam Handicrafts near Suvidha Shopping Center in Paldi specialises in chaniya-choli sets and related accessories.

 For khadi and handicrafts, explore Kamdhenu Complex at Panjarapol Cross Roads. If malls are more your style, Alpha One near Vastrapur Lake is one that has a section for Gujarati and Rajasthani handicrafts besides the ubiquitous national and international brands.

In the evening head out for the night market around Law Garden, where pavement-side vendors sell embroidered fabrics and handmade products. Bargain hard.

Day 2
Travel to Bhuj, the base to visit villages that specialise in specific crafts like Ajrakh block printing, mirror work embroidery of Hindu pastoral groups like Rabari and Ahir, woodcarving, wool weaving, bandhani and metalwork.

 The HM Craft Park at Bhujodi, the Craft Resource Centre at Kukma and outlets of NGOs like Shrujan, Kala Raksha and Qasab Craft are worth visiting. Explore the markets of Bhuj where you can get jewellery and hand-embellished fabrics.

Day 3
From Bhuj, travel north to craft villages in the Banni grasslands-here, the Meghwals, the Sodha Rajputs, Islamic pastoral groups like the Jaths and the Mutvas, and other communities have their own distinctive embroidery styles. In the villages here, you can get exquisite embroidered fabrics and leather goods.

Day 4
From Bhuj, take the National Highway to Sayla in Surendranagar district, one of the state's largest handloom producing districts. Visit villages like Wadhwan, Muli, Sayla, Somasar, Sejakpur, Dasada and Ambala.

Tangaliya shawls, ikat silk sarees, khadi, hand-woven linen, bandhani, Rabari embroidery, decorative beadwork objects of the Kathi durbars, brass utensils, jewellery and stonecraft are good buys from this district. Continue from here to Ahmedabad or take the train back from Surendranagar.

Mumbai To Lonavala Tour Package From Maharastra Tourism

MUMBAI TO LONAVALA 

TOUR PACKAGE

Departure Dates: 5 Aug, 13 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sept.

Day 1: Mumbai – Lonavala 

Pick up from Dadar T.T (8.00 AM) & Thane (8.30 AM) To Lonavala.
On arrival check-in at hotel.

Later visit to local sightseeing of Lonavala and Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2: Lonavala

After breakfast visit for some beautiful Sight seeing of Lonavala and Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3: Lonavala – Mumbai

After breakfast drive back to Mumbai for your onward destination
Tour Ends

Pick up points
1. Mumbai: MTDC reservation Counter,Opp Pritam Hotel,Dadar TT.

2. Thane: Iternity Mall,3 Hath Naka.

COSTING :

EX-Mumbai - Lonavala -Mumbai (2N 3D)	Standard	Deluxe
Cost per Pax on twin sharing basis	7133 +tax	8230 +tax
Cost per Pax on triple sharing basis	6555 +tax	7652 +tax
Child between 5-11 yrs with extra bed	5285 +tax	6382 +tax
Child between 5-11 yrs with no extra bed	4707 +tax	5804 +tax
Single Room Occupancy	10020+tax	11695 +tax

INCLUSIONS

Standard Package

• Meet and Greet Services at the given destination
• Transfer and Sight-seeing by Non A.C. vehicle as per itinerary
• Accommodation in Non-A.C. room (in good condition and with basic amenities) except for Malshej Ghat Tour Package.
• Meals on MAP Plan, (Breakfast & Dinner Veg Only). For Malshej Tour we will be providing Breakfast & Lunch.
• Vehicle shall be provided as per group size.

Deluxe Package

• Meet and Greet Services at the given destination.
• Transfer and Sight-seeing by A.C. vehicle as per itinerary.
• Accommodation in A.C. room (in good condition and with basic amenities) except for Malshej Ghat Tour Package.
• Meals on MAP Plan, (Breakfast & Dinner Veg Only). For Malshej Tour we will be providing Breakfast & Lunch.
• Vehicle shall be provided as per group size.

EXCLUSIONS

• Any Airfare.
• Personal Exp/Telephone/Heater/Laundary/Backwater/Wetersports/Porterage Drinks.
• Entry Fees, Camera fees, Guide Fee, Fort Fee & Jungle safari at Tourist Places.
• Any meals other than those specified in cost includes.
• Any Portage, Tips, Mineral Water, Soft Drink, Ice-cream.
• Any other expenses which is not specifically included in the Tour Cost.
• Any additional meals/ Enroute meals, Sightseeing & activities other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any still/Video Camera frees, entrance fees for monuments and any activities (Wine Testing) suggested in the itinerary are chargeable directly.

The following deduction will be made in case of cancellation, If the Tourist wishes to cancel his Booking. The Cancellation rules for tour packages shall be as under 1. Cancellation Charges : Terms Cancellation Charges Up to 15 days before ( excluding departure date) 5 % of the package cost. 8 – 14 days before (excluding departure date) 25 % of the package cost. 4 – 7 days before 50 % of the package cost. Less than 4 days before departure date 100% of the package cost.

a) If the bookings are done through debit / credit card, cancellation of such bookings will be charged as per applicable charges.
b) In case of bookings made through M.T.D.C.’s travel agents, the cancellation / refund will be made by the concerned travel agents only.
c) Under exceptional circumstances, MTDC may cancel bookings done by Tourist / Agent or Online, however the guest will be given full refund amount(without cancellation charges ) paid to MTDC.
d) M.T.D.C . reserves the right to alter the itinerary under unavoidable circumstances and is not liable for any type of natural calamities / strikes / cancellations / insurgency of any such nature which is beyond control during tour period. Management is not accountable for any theft or damage of luggage during the trip.

2. In case of insufficient number of participants for a tour the MTDC has the right to postpone or cancel the tour or merge them in other departure date. In event of cancellation of tour by the MTDC, the amount will be refunded to the participant by cheque/RTGS/NEFT only

2. Points to note • MTDC reserve rights for any modification in Itinerary, Accommodation, Food & Transportation, if required in unavoidable circumstances. • Food will be on MAP plan(Breakfast & Dinner Veg only). For Malshej Tour we will be providing Breakfast & Lunch. • We are not offering any MTDC Resort for Accommodation. • The inventory of the all rainy packages will be 35 pax. • Online booking should be closed 72 hours prior of each departure date of rainy packages. • To operate the tour there should be minimum 13 passengers.  • If the passengers are less than 13, then they will be accommodated in next date tour as per their convinces. • The passenger will also be given alternative of customize package if passenger is not willing for both option in such condition his booking amount will be refunded without any deduction.