Chasing Tigers In Ranthambore

Tiger in Ranthambore

It's in the last quarter of the year that Ranthambore really comes into its own. If you haven't explored this magnificent wildlife park yet, now is the time to plan that break. It makes the perfect short getaway from Delhi, being located about 160 km Jaipur in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur District. 

Ranthambore National Park holds rewards both for seasoned wildlife enthusiast and the amateur who also has a very good chance of spotting big cats the park is known for. This is because Ranthambore's tigers, especially its famous inhabitants named Machali and Sundari, are by now quite familiar with human presence and go about their majestic way, unaffected by safari tourists. So, there's chance that you will get to see tigers lazing by the lake, lurking in the undergrowth and even hunting down their prey. Seeing these captivating creatures of the wild in their natural habitat is guaranteed to be the highlight of your Ranthambore trip. 

Tiger lazing beside Lake

Birders also have a great time here. The heritage buff will have plenty to take in at Ranthambore, for this 400-sq-km nature reserve is dotted with ramparts and ruins from an earlier era. In fact, Ranthambore gets its name from an impressive towering frot that crowns the landscape. While in Ranthambore see Bakaula,  with its many waterbodies that attract a wealth of wildlife. Padam Talao, the vast lake, is another lovely spot with the graceful Jogi Mahal sitting at its very edge. Tigers and the rare chinkara can be spotted here, so keep your eyes peeled.

Chinkara

Getting There: Ranthambore is 480 km from Delhi and takes seven hours drive to reach. If you want to save time you can fly to Jaipur and drive down from here. 

Stay: If you want luxury digs, check into the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, which has a heritage tag. For close-to-nature safari experience opt for Sher Bagh, a luxury tented camp kitted out with every modern convenience.

Luxury Hotels in Ranthambore

Eat: There are several restaurants serving multi-cuisine fare around the park. While on Safari, remember to carry some dry snacks and drinking water.

Tips from Unveil India: Of course, you can strike out on your own, but booking through wildlife specialists such as Tigerwala will ensure a stress-free break.

Manali: Backpacking Center and Honeymoon Destination

Manali

Manali is one name that is very commonly spoken of and heard when it comes to the discussion of tourism in India, and rightly so because this place is visited by thousands each year regardless of the time of the year. This article talks about the best time to visit the hill station and the various other things the hill station offers its visitors.

Situated on the river Beas, the popular hill station of Manali is one of the most talked about and sought after tourist destination in the country. The most beautiful elements of the hill station apart from its scenic landscapes are the apple orchards, the flower gardens and also the snow-capped mountains during the winters. Manali is one of the top trekking sites which makes it one of the most favorite destinations of backpackers and adrenaline junkies. The hill station can easily be approached by a Delhi to Manali taxi and you can take the same Manali to Delhi taxi on your way out. Manali also lies in the way en route to Ladakh via Lahaul and Spiti when approached from New Delhi.

Winter in Manali

Manali sees three seasons — summers, monsoon and winters. Summers lasts from April until June with a pleasant temperature of not exceeding 25-degree-celsius and remains cool and calm. The monsoon season sees heavy rains and on some occasions, it seems landslides  when heavy rains hit the hill station. The best time to visit Manali is between the months of October to March. It is during this time that the rains have gone stopped and winter slowly kicks in and you slowly start seeing some snowfall here and there especially in places with higher altitude and feel the chill of the winter winds. If you plan on visiting during the winter seasons, you will need to do some serious layering with gloves, layers of clothing, socks and mufflers as temperatures drop below freezing point.

Skydiving in Manali

Manali offers a great assortment to choose from in the food department. From Tibetan cuisine, north Indian cuisine to Chinese and Indo-Chinese cuisines, you will see a whole lot of interesting and fusion dishes. Momos are great in the hill station and being in a cold place, you should definitely try a steaming hot bowl of Thukpa. Thukpa is a soup noodle dish with clear soup, brewed for a long time in chicken stock or vegetable stock with various other condiments and spices. The quantity of noodles are literally just a handful but the broth is the star of this dish. Manali also offers an extensive shopping experience. From jewelers at the Sultanpur market selling various jewelry and ornaments to the other markets selling warm clothes like Tibetan shawls, carpets, and caps, you can get anything at Manali. Stores in Manali also sell

Dharamsala: On The Edge of The Himalayas

Dharamsala

With the snow-clad Dhauladhar range as a dramatic backdrop and the plains sprawled below, the hill resort of Dharamsala has a magnificent setting. Surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests and air that's pure and cool, this is a good place for some quick rest and relaxation. Lying in the shadow of the Himalaya, Dharamsala makes for a super getaway from Delhi, especially at this time of the year, when the frosty touch of winter adds another dimension to these high reaches.

Dalai Lama at Dharamsala

Now known as the base of the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala is also home to huge Tibetan community whose customs and culture colour the landscape as well. Meanwhile, the suburbs of McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj still retain a British colonial air about them. A major draw here is the Tsuglagkhang complex that includes the Tsuglagkhang Tibetan temple, the Namgyal Gompa and the Tibet Museum. See monks go about their prayer routines and listen to their chants resonate in the air.

McLeod Ganj Temple

Spend some hours browsing through the Kangra Art Museum, a treasure trove of Kangra Valley arts, crafts, and history, dating back to the fifth century. There's also a section housing works by contemporary artists, sculptures and contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. About 8 km from Dharamsala, between Forsyth Ganj and McLeod Ganj, is the lovely church of St. John in Wilderness. Here you will also find the graveyard of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin, who died in Dharamsala in 1863.

British Viceroy Lord Elgin's Graveyard

Reach: If long drives are your thing, then go by road from Delhi  via Chandigarh. Else, fly into Gaggal which is 13 km away.

Stay: There are choices aplenty here. Check in at the Pink House to stay in place with character.

Shopping: McLeod Ganj is the main shopping area here. Buy thangkas as souvenirs and check out the bamboo crafts.

Little Rann of Kutch: Wild at Heart

Pink birds of Kutch

This corner of Gujarat, a geographically unique landscape, and famous for being the world's last refuge of the Indian wild ass(Khur), makes a great getaway for the wildlife lover. Thanks to the conservation efforts, the area has been declared the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. It has, in fact, been nominated by the forest department to be a biosphere reserve --areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems internationally recognized within the framwork of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere(MAB) programme.

Khur

At first glace, it may seem like a bleak, unbroken landscape, salt-encrusted mudflats stretching as far as the eye can see; but explore, and you'll realise it is a zone that's rich in biodiversity, home to a wealth of fauna and attracting scores of migratory water birds like cranes, duck, pelicans, flamingos and land birds like sand grouse, francolins and the Indian bustard. Seeing a flock of flamingos up close can be a memorable sight. It is also home to the Indian wolf, desert fox and nilgai. 

duck

Holiday companies such as Rann Riders offer cross-desert safaris across the Little Rann of Kutch in open vehicles. On these safaris, you'll visit the little hillocks known as 'bets' which were once islands on ancient seabeds which have, over centuries, risen above ground and are covered with grass and scrub. It is these 'bets' that are now the habitat of the handsome khur.  Seeing a herd racing across this dramatic landscape is a sight that makes the whole trip worthwhile. So, get your safari gear, pack your camera and go explore the Little Rann of Kutch that's big on experience.

Reach: From Mumbai, it's 527 km to Ahmedabad. From Ahmedabad, it's 190 km to Little Rann of Kutch. 

Stay: There aren't too many places to stay here. So, book in advance. The Rann Riders resort is a popular choice.

Tour Guide

Tip from Let's Unveil India: Do not venture into the Rann without a guide, for it can be teacherous. Stick with the organasied safari trips.

Pelling, The Heaven of Sikkim

Pelling

In July, the package tourists of summer have departed and the Sikkimese town Pelling. So, if you want a quiet break and don't mind the occasional shower, then this is it. The main attraction of Pelling, situated at an altitude of just under 2,000 m, is that it offers eye-poppingly close views of the mighty Khangchendzonga National Park and surrounding mountain ranges. It is form here that ardent trekkers set off to explore these heights.

Singhsore Bridge

If you aren't up for that sort of adventure, you can still take in the mountain views from the comfort of your lovely hotel. Wrapped as it in natural beauty, there's much to see and do in Pelling. The Kangchendzonga waterfalls are considered among the most beautiful in Sikkim. Active through the year, they surge with renewed vigour in the rainy season. Visit also the Khecheopalri lake, amidst thick forest. One of Sikkim's sacred lakes, it is a place of beauty and sanctity. If you want to hit the rekking trails, we recommended the three-day monastery trek: Pelling-Khecheopalri Lake- Yuksum - Tashiding. It follows quiet paths through some of the most fetching parts of the Northeast. 

Khangchendzonga National Park

Visit also the Darap Village to experience up close the life and culture of the indigenous Limbu people. Here, you can visit traditional houses, watch dances, sit in on story-telling sessions and participate in handicraft making as well as local farming. There are also a number of opportunities for volunteering with community programmes. 

Darap village

Reach: From Kolkata, fly into Bagdogra. From here, pelling is 140 km away and you hire a taxi for the distance. 

Stay: For a truly unique experience, opt for the homestays organised by the Darap Eco Tourism Committee in Darap Village.

Shop: There's a range of wooden artefacts here. You can also buy wollens and Tibetan thangkas as souvenirs. 

Experience History At Ellora

This getaway, an easy break from Mumbai, is a must-do for anyone who enjoys rambling about historical sites and appreciates ancient art and architecture. Ellora is a treat for heritage lovers and will take your breath away with its grace and beauty. The famous caves, now a UNESCO heritage site, lie on the outskirt of Aurangabad and make for a weekend of exploring the past. These caves, 34 of them, date from the 5th to the 11th centuries and are a captivating collection of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain structures.

 These include monasteries, prayer halls and multi-tiered structures that boggle the mind. Serene Buddha statues are set in the Buddhist caves, while tales from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are the intricate carvings in the Hindu caves. Among these, the Kailasa caves in particularly wondrous and you cloud easily spend several hours exploring its beauty. Wander about these exquisitely crafted spaces, stopping for closer look at  fascinating detail, take photographs or simply sit quietly, marvelling at the artistry and aesthetics of generations past.

There are guides aplenty here, but you could also tour the caves at your own pace. Since Aurangabad will be your base for exploring, use the opportunity to explore the city, which still reveals glimpses of its hoary past as well as its Mughal influences. Sites here include the Bibi ka Maqbara, also known as the Taj of the Deccan, and a 17th-century watermill. You could also spend a few pleasant hours at the Salim Ali Lake and Bird Sanctuary, named after the famous ornithologist.

Getting There: You could drive from Mumbai to Aurangabad, a distance of 300-plus km which will take you about six hours. Aurangabad is also connected by air.

Stay: We recommend staying in Aurangabad, which has more accommodation options. There are hotels for various budgets, and for a bit of luxury you could check in at the Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad.

Shopping: Aurangabad's textiles and weaving techniques are famous. Shop for Paithani sarees or a prized handwoven Himroo Shawl.

Birdwatching In Bharatpur

Does birdwatching, or simply spending hours out in the wild, appeal to you? Bharatpur, in eastern Rajasthan, makes the perfect short break from Delhi and is just right, even for a tow-day getaway, far from city stress. Bharatpur town itself is a dust bowl with not much to do, but on the outskirts of it lies the splendid Keoladeo National Park, still known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary to most people.

If you absolutely love the wild and the sounds of the forest, we recommended staying at the state-run Bharatpur Forest Lodge located within the national park and barely 2 km from the entrance to the bird sanctuary. During your stay, you will spot an amazing array of birds --an astounding 250 plus species, including wetland birds, eagles, owls, falcons and a variety of small land birds. Bharatpur is also the migrating Siberian Crane that makes a spectacular sight.

Cycle rickshaws are a great way to take in the birdlife and the seasoned rickshaw wallahs double as guides, pointing to a waterfowl here and a vulture there. While the bird sanctuary will keep you engaged for most of the weekend, in the rainy season you could cruise down the lake in a boat. The Deeg Water Palace built by Raja Suraj Mal with its impressive water conservation and natural cooling systems and pretty gardens is also well worth a visit.

Getting There: Delhi to Bharatpur should take you just over three hours via the Taj Expressway from which you turn into the Hathras-Mathura Road. As you approach Bharatpur, be prepared for less-than-ideal road condition.

Tip from Let's Unveil India: Befriend your rickshaw-wallah and you will see the best of Bharatpur bird Sanctuary.

Sleep: While the Bharatpur Forest Lodge (www.bharatpurforestlodge.com) offers a close-to-nature experience, if you want a luxury stay, choose the Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel (www.laxmivilas.com), which is a heritage property and a restored palace where you can get pampered with spa treatments as well.

Eat: You will have to eat where you are staying and the Forest Lodge serves satisfying, everyday fare. For a splurge, head for Laxmi Vilas Palace where you can order Continental and Indian.

Enchanting Sunderbans

Situated at the confluence of the Matla and Gumdi rivers and surrounded by the rich wildlife of the Sunderbans is Sajnekhali, an ideal getaway from crowded Kolkata, which is about 130 km away. Lush green, teeming with the fascinating flora and fauna that is unique to this ecosphere, this is the perfect antidote to city stress. Your break here will be all about soaking in the place, listening to birdsong at every turn and keeping your eyes peeled for animal sightings.

 Ascend one of the  many watchtowers in the area and take in sweeping view of the waterways and mangroves; spot herds of deer , fishing cats and wild board and --if you are very, very lucky --then the Royal Bengal Tiger, prowling in all its majesty in its terrain. The Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary will give avid birdwatchers hours of pleasure and visitors to this area can also spend time at the crocodile farm and watch them go crazy at feeding time. 

A turtle farm, where you can watch the fascinating aquatic creatures, makes for a great outing. If you want to know more about the Sunderbans, then visit the Nature Interpretation Centre here. Places to see around Sajnekhali include Halliday Island, home to large herds of barking deer.

 Make a quick trip also to Kanak, a nesting ground for the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. Nearby in Netidhopani, you can explore an ancient temple whose origins are lost in time. In Sajnekhali, you will also have the

opportunity to visit  quiet Villages, interact with the locals and watch life move life move at an unhurried.

Getting there: From Kolkata drive to canning, about 60 km away and the hopping off point for Sajnekhali. From Canning, motorboats will ferry you to the heart of Sunderbans.

Stay: The Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge, operated by the West Bengal Tourism Department Corporation, is the best place to stay. Rooms are not fancy, but clean and perfect for this getaway.

Tip from Let's Unveil India: While September to March are ideal months to visit the Sunderbans, they also come alive in spectacular fashion during the monsoon.

The Cool Climes of Kufri

If you find the peak season crowds of Shimla maddening, then head for quieter climes. Kufri is only about 15 km from the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and still allows you to experience the Himalayas at a pace that's less frenetic that that of Shimla. It is popular in winter when the snow-covered slopes beckon ski enthusiasts from all over but is blessed with cool weather the year round, making it great summer getaways from Delhi and Chandigarh.

 Among Kurfi's top attractions is the Himalayas Nature Park, well-stocked with flora and fauna that's unique to this altitude. his and the Indiara Tourist Park promise hours of fun and discovery of nature's wonder, especially for children. Birdwatching enthusiasts must also take in the Himalayas Aviary, home to several species of mountain birds, including the monal, which is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. 

Kurfi is set amidst the most fetching cedar woods and you can trek through these to Mahasu Peak, taking a scenic route that will delight even amateur trekkers. For a more challenging climb, head to Fagu where you can stop at the Tourist Bunglow.



In summer, it is also possible to explore the rolling meadows of Kurfi on yaks, an expedition that children are bound to love. Also, if golf and holidays go hand-in-hand for you, then take in few rounds at Naldehra, which is surely one of the most beautifully located golf courses in the region. Here, Himachal Tourism runs the Golf Glade Hotel, which is ideal for those who want to turn their Kurfi break into a golfing weekend. 

Getting there: The best way to reach Kurfi from Delhi is by road. It's a distance of about 370 km and will take just under eight hours. Kurfi is 150 km from Chandigarh and makes a pleasant four-hour drive from the city.

Stay: The Kurfi Holiday Resort scores High with travellers to the hill station. It's set on a hillside and the rooms provide sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. You will also find a range of B&B options in Kurfi.

Eat: There are plenty of affortable eateries serving Himachal Pradesh food in the Main Market area. Try the momos, which are big hit here, thaks to the Tibetan influence. 

Jodhpur, The Heritage Ciy

It's usually in the winter months that Jodhpur feautures on the intineraries of tourists. Known as Sun City, it was founded by Rao Jodha, a cheif of Rathore clan, in 1949. It is well-known for its rich history and heritage and makes for a perfect getaway from Delhi via Jaipur. Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is pleasantly unspoilt by rapid urban development. One of the most well-preserved heritage sites in India --the Mehrangarh Fort --is a major atraction in the city. Standing magnificently on a clif, it is at height of 400 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur. Get a breathtaking view of Mehargarh Fort and the city of Jodhpur with the zip line tour, which is offered by Flying Fox, booking for which can be done at the fort itself.

The audio-guided tour of the fort offers an interesting insight into the history of the place. The Mehrangarh Fort also plays host to a number of music festivals, one of them being The World Sacred Spirit Festival, which is held in February.

For the heritage buff, visit Osian (67 km from Jodhpur), also known as "The Khajuraho of Rajasthan" for its famous temples. Wildlife-lovers can drive down to Bishnoi village (27 km from the city), which is home to numerous migratory birds, blackbuck and chinkara. Also take the Bishnoi village safari, which includes it all --potter families, weaver families and the Bishnoi families, who are staunch worshipers of nature and treat animals like family.

Beside these, there are numerous options inside the city itself. Visit Gypsy Restaurant at Sardarpura for an authentic Rajasthani meal, the Tripolia market to buy traditional meal juttis and jackets or just walk around the city and take a look at the historic buildings, which have been a part of our heritage for decades. Few destinations offer rich heritage and culture along with such beauty.

Getting There: Jodhpur is about nine-hour drive from Delhi. To save time you can fly to Jaipur and drive down there.

Stay: There are a number of heritage hotels in Jodhpur. Ajit Bhawan --The first heritage hotel in India, provides a luxurious stay. Other hotels like Ranbanka Palace, Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mihir Garh are also good choices.

Eat: Try the laal maas and junglee murgh. Also, the kachoris and mirchibada are spicy and delicious.

Shop: Visit the Spice Paradise near Amar Chowk and buy some spices. Mochi Wali Gali near the clock tower offers a varied range of traditional footwear.

Dalhousie, Peek Into The Colonial Past

If a town set amidst pine, deodar and oak forest, with charming architecture still exuding a colonial air, graceful churches in which you can hear the past whisper and a gentle pace of life, sounds appealing to you, head to Dalhousie, a popular hill station in western Himachal Pradesh. 

Compact and self-contained, Dalhousie, spreading over the hills of Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun, covers just 14 sq km. From its high-altitude setting, Dalhousie offers lovely views of the plains below, through which the river Ravi meanders, a silver thread in a blue-green vista. The snow-covered Pir Panjal range provides a dramatic backdrop.

Slow down, leave your city stress behind and explore the gorgeous town. Begin at its ancient churches --St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's at Balun, St. Francis Church at Subhas Chowk and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk. Go to Panchpula, three km from Dalhousie, where a gushing stream feeds a series of limpid pools. The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the ghoral and Himalayan black bear, is well worth a visit. From Dalhousie, you can visit Khajjiar, another splendid hill resort. A glade, it lies surrounded by thick forests of deodar with the snow-line above these deep woods. At Khajjiar, you can also visit the 12th century Khajji Nag temple, famous for its life-sized wooden images of the five Pandavas. Chamba, sitting by the banks of the Ravi and rich in architecture, makes for another engaging getaway from Dalhousie.

Reach: It's just under 600 km from Delhi to Dalhousie and a longish, but utterly enjoyable, drive. Break it up with a mid-point stopover if you wish.

Stay: Splurge and check into the JK Clarks Exotica which sits amidst dense, green woods.

Eat: For affordable food that hits the spot, try Kwality Restaurant in Dalhousie. Here, you can try a variety of dishes --from Chinese to Continental and Indian.

An Awesome Place of Uttarakhand: CHOPTA

Known mostly in the trekking and adventure community, Chopta, a little hillside village in Uttarakhand, is also an ideal quiet getaway Located at an altitude of nearly 9,000 ft, Chopta is unspoilt and is tucked away amidst Himalayan Peaks with fabulous views of Trishul and Nandadevi. Making i even more scenic are the forests of deodhar and pine sprinkled with carpets of rhododendrons that surround the village. 

Predictably, Chopta receives copious amounts of snowfall during winter but it is the ideal summer destination and is known as mini Switzerland in Uttarakhand. Among the things that make it unusal and great place to visit are the rare orchids that are found in the area. It is also the base camp for trekking to Tungnath but if adventure and hardcore mountaineering is not your thing, then you could choose from a variety of other staid activities.

Nearby are the dense forest of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which are home to temperate and alpine tress such as oak, pine and other Himalayan species. As a result, there is incredible diversity in flora and fauna of the area, which are interspersed with the iconic grasslands known locally as bugyal. The view of the peaks and valleys, speckled with tiny flowers, is a memorable sight. Other places to visit include Deoria Tal and Atrimuni Falls. An incredible 41 Himalayan peaks are visible from Chopta and its surroundings.

Getting There: Chopta can be accessed only by road. The nearest large airport is at Delhi (450 km). If you are at Chandigarh, Chopta is just 380 km. If you are planning to visit Dehradun you should visit Chopta because its just 210 km from Dehradun. 

Do: Trekking, snow trekking, camping, nature walks, rock climbing, rappelling. 

Stay: Try Magpie Camp( 070555600137) or Alpine Adventure Camp (08476914402), both of which are rugged for adventure activities. 

PANCHGANI, Call The Moutains

There is a reason why British chose Panchgani as a favourite summer resort. Make that many reasons.  The name means five hills and the beautiful mountains make this the perfect getaway from Mumbai when you want respite from the noise, heat and pace of the city. The mountain air is pure and Panchgani enjoys mild weather through the year. As winter creeps up, is turns colder, adding to its charms. So, pull on your warm clothes and head for the higher climes of Panchgani, where you can take quiet walks amidst woods where the silver oak stands. At this time of year, the poinsettia begins to blooms as well, brightening the hillside with its hues. 

While slowing down and watching the mist roll across the mountains is most people's idea of break in Pancgani, there's plenty to do and see as well. Sydney point, situated on a hillock facing the Krishna Valley, is a perfect spot from which to take in views of the Dhom Dam and Pandavgad.

Visit also Table Land, an imposing expanse of laterite rock, considered the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Stop for senic views at Parsi Point  en route Mahabaleswar. Devil's kitchen, at the southern end of Table Land, is wrapped in myth and worth taking a look at. It is believed that the Pandavas made the place their home for a while and also created the Pandavgad caves nearby.

Drive: Panchgani is 245 km from Mumbai. Drive up, negotiating the mountain roads once you leave the plains.

Stay: Check in at the Strawberry Hills Resort for rooms with a view and some warm hospiality from the owners.

Shopping: Panchgani is home to the reputed Mala's Jam industry. Buy some strawberry jam made from locally grown strawberries.