Top 10 Places to See in Kashmir

No words are enough to describe the beauty of Kashmir. This northern most state of India is known for its picturesque landscape and attractive natural phenomena. Therefore, it has been an object of interest for numerous travel enthusiasts. The whole of Kashmir is worth watching. So Let’s know 10 most popular places to see in Kashmir.

Srinagar:

Srinagar is the summer capital of the state, Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the authentic Jammu and Kashmir. The city is located on the banks of Jhelum river, surrounded by snow-capped mountain valleys. Srinagar is blessed with numerous tourist attractions including Mughal gardens, mosques, temples and the most renowned Dal Lake. Dal lake gives you an opportunity ride on Shikara boats and houseboats. While riding you can observe numerous beautiful birds such as breasted Kingfishers and large striking birds.

Gulmarg:

Gulmarg is one of the prominent places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, noted as a popular skiing destination in the world. It comes under the Baramula district and is surrounded by Pirpanjal ranges in the western Himalayas. It is approximately 52 km from Srinagar having numerous points of interests such as a Baba Reshi Shrine, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Strawberry Vallery, etc. Along with skiing, Gulmarg is also very popular for mount biking, trekking, snowboarding, etc.

 Leh and Ladakh:

Leh and Ladakh are two of the most prominent tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. The culture of these reasons is closely related to that of Tibet. Ladakh is often considered as the Land of high passes. There are numerous beautiful monasteries in Ladakh, which are the main attraction of the region, drawing tourists from all across the world. Some of the popular Buddhist monuments in Ladakh are Sankar Gompa, Spituk Gompa, Hemis Monastery, Shey Gompa, Thiksey Gompa, etc.

 Sonmarg:

Sonmarg is a beautiful hill station in the Ganderbal district of Jammu Kashmir. It is said that it was a gateway on the ancient Silk Road that used to lead to China. Sonmarg, which means ‘meadow of gold’ has magnificent snowy mountains in its backdrop also attract tourists all around the country. Sonmarg is also very popular for its trekking routes that lead to some of the beautiful lakes of Himalayas’ such as Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake.

Kupwara:

Often credited to as ‘The Crown of Kashmir’ is a prominent tourist destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lolab Valley and Bugas Valley are the two prominent tourist destination in this region comprising of beautiful meadows, mountains and waterfalls. 

Pahalgam:

Pahalgam is usually known as the Valley of Shepherds is approximately 3 hours drive from Srinagar. It is also the departure point for pilgrims going on the Amarnath Yatra that takes place annually in the months of July-August. There are also some must visit places in Pahalgam that will leave you into another world like Kolhoi Glacier, Betaab Valley.

 Kargil:

Kargli is an another point of interests in Kashmir, which is the witness of Kargil War of 1999. Today, it is a flourishing town in Ladakh district, located approximately 204 km from Srinagar.There are lots of tourist attractions in Kargil sector that can be explored such as Pashkum, Mulbek, Shargole, Fokar Urgiyan Rzong and Royal Wakha, Drass War Memorial, Karste Valley, etc.

Kathua:

If you want to have a glimpse of Kashmir's history, you must head to this beautiful place in Kashmir. Kathua is also called as the city of Sufis, as there are many Sufi shrines of peers in the region. The beautiful place is situated on the banks of a river offering scintillating views and calm atmosphere.

Pulwama:

Pulwama is an alluring town in Pulwama district, approximately 40 km from the summer capital of Srinagar. It is also known as ‘Dudha Kul of Kashmir’ because of its high milk production. The morality of the people of Pulwama is associated with agriculture and grow saffron, apple, almonds, walnut and cherry.

 Anantnag:

Anantnag is one of the picturesque places to visit in Kashmir. It is located an elevation of approximately 5253 ft. The whole of the area has beautiful lush green gardens and fresh water springs. Anantnag is also very popular for its Martand temple, which now in ruins. Martand was a Kashmiri Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Sun, which was demolished by Muslim ruler Sikandar Butshikan in the early 15^th century.   

 Poonch:

Poonch is located adjacent to Indo-Pak Border, but instead of that, it draws travel enthusiasts from all over the globe. The place is surrounded by beautiful alpine mountains, stunning lakes and green meadows. In addition to this, there are many shrines and temples in the region such as Budha Amarnath, Gurudwara Nangali, Gurudwara Deri Sahib, Ziarat Sain, Illahi, Bakhsh Sahib, Battalkote, etc.

Weather in Kashmir:

Kashmir is an abode of many valleys and is surrounded by the Himalayas and Pir Panjal ranges. In addition to this, the Kashmir has forests such as Himalayan subtropical pine forests, Karakoram forest plays an important role in the weather of the Kashmir. Winter all quite cool in Kashmir, sometimes temperature goes up to - 20° C. From moderate to heavy snowfall is normal in Kashmir in Winters. Even the only road that connects with Srinagar with the rest of India gets blocked. Summers are pleasant in Kashmir and is the best time to visit from a tourism point of view. In July day time to 24.1° C. The highest temperature recorded in Kashmir is 38.3° C. The average rainfall is around 720 millimetres.

 Languages Spoken in Kashmir

Kashmir is the Muslim majority area in India and Urdu is the official language of the state Jammu and Kashmir. However, the local language of Jammu and Kashmir is Kashmiri. It is said the Kashmiri was originated from Indo-Aryan people and is used to be called as kosher. Ladakhi is the second most spoken language in the state, spoken, especially in the Ladakh region while in Jammu region Dogri is largely spoken a language.  Kashmiri Pandits and Gujjar people within the state mostly speak Hindi.

What to Eat in Kashmir

Kashmiri Cuisine is generally based on an ancient tradition of Kashmir. It is not only popular in India Kashmir but among the Kashmiri diaspora spread in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Wazwan is one of the prominent meals in Kashmiri cuisine, which is a multi-course meal. It is usually seen as identity and culture of Kashmir. All the dishes included in Wazwan are meat-based using lamb or chicken. Wazwan is famous meal throughout the state and in many hotels and restaurants in India.  The interesting thing about this meal is that this meal is shared by groups of four people and the meal is taken out of a large copper platter called the team. Some of the popular Kashmiri cuisine dishes are given below.

·         Dum Olav

·         Gogji Raazma

·         Goshtaba

·         Lyodur Tschaman

·         Matschgand, lamb meatballs in a gravy tempered with red chillies

·         Modur Pulaav

·         Monji Haak/Gogji Haak

·         Mujh Gaad, a dish of radishes with a choice of fish.

·         Nadir Yakhin

·         "Shaem", which is similar to Goshtaba

How to Get Around in Kashmir

Roads are the best and only medium to visit different tourist destinations in the state, Jammu and Kashmir. In the state, you will find a good roads connection the prominent destinations like Gulmarg,  Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Kargil, etc with each other. From Srinagar Bus Stand, which is located at Lal Chowk, buses are available for all the major destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. The Leh-Srinagar National opens only from 15^th May to 15^th November depending on the weather conditions. The Jammu Kashmir Road Transport Corporated operates buses continuously between Jammu, Srinagar and Leh. In addition to this, mini buses, coaches and tourist taxis are widely available for various tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Adi Badri Temple Chamoli Uttarakhand

India is the land of countless great pilgrimage sites but for many reasons, some of them are not explored yet. Today, we are going make you familiar with such pilgrimage place which is less popular but has a strong significance in Hindu mythology. 

Adi Badri is one of the Sapta Badri Hindu temples of the Uttarakhand, India. Adi Badri is located in a hilly area of Uttarkashi District of Indian State, Uttarakhand. It is compound of beautiful sixteen temples and prominent among them is Narayan temple which is dedicated to lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu deities. Badri is the local name of lord Vishnu mostly referred by people of Uttarakhand.

Front View Adi Badri Temple

History of Adi Badri Temple

Adi Badri temple is devoted to lord Vishnu and it has strong importance among the Hindu pilgrimage places in India.  It is believed that Lord Vishnu resided the place during the Satya Yuga, Treata Yuga, and Dwapar Yuga and in Kali Yuga he shifted to Badrinath. Yuga means age or era according to Hinduism. According to legends, seven among sixteen temples were constructed by Hindu Guru Adi Shankaracharya during the period of Gupta (5th century to 8th century). According to another story, Maharshi Veda Vyas, the great Hindu guru worte shree Mad Bhagwat Geeta at Adi Badri.

Statue at Adi Badri

Worship at Adi Badri Temple

All sixteen temples of the Adi Badri are built in pyramidal shape and their height varies 3 to 6 meters. Lord Vishnu is ensconced here in the form of idol, made of beautiful black stone. South Indian Brahmins are chief priests of the temple. On Kartik Mash (full moon day of November –December) a big fair is organized at a temple in which thousands of pilgrims take part from nearby areas.

Timings and Best time to Visit Adi Badri 

The temple’s door opens in May and closes in the month of November after the festival of Kartik Month. May, June, September, and October are considered the best months to visit the temple, as per the climate aspects.

Places to stay at Adi Badri

Few temple committee houses have been set up near the temple premises. Apart from this, guest houses and private hotels are available in Karnaprayag.

How to Reach Adi Badri

Complete View of Adi Badri

By Road: It is located between Karnaprayag- Ranikhet road. It is located at the distance of 19 Km from Karnaprayag can be easily visited by private taxi.  Apart from this, it is well connected to Nainital and Ramnagar, nearest towns to the place.

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Adi Badri which is located at the distance of about 209 KM.

By Rail: Rishikesh Rail head is the nearest railway station to the place located at the distance of approximately 122 Km.

Dumas Beach Surat Haunted Mystery

Surat is one of the fastest growing cities in India which is known for its building and flyovers, and therefore it is also called as “City of Flyover”. Surat is considered the best place to visit in India as it has various places of interest in its surrounding such as Blues Adventures, Dutch Garden, The Surat Fort, Jawaharlal Nehru Gardens, and Science Center, etc.  

Today, we are going to take you to another mysterious place in India which is also the best tourist destinations in India. Dumas Beach is one of the beautiful beaches in India which is located 2 Km Southwest of Surat City in the Indian State of Gujarat. Pav Bhaji, Bhajiya, sweet corn roasted and tomato bhajia are few local foods which tourists can easily get to the beach. Tourist can also enjoy Gujarati tradition food in nearby restaurants. Apart from the beach, there are many places to visit in the area like Dariya Ganesh Temple, Moraji Desai Circle etc.

photo credit road bloke

Story Behind the haunted Dumas beach Surat?

Dumas Beach Surat

Hello, readers! Though above we have talked much about the beauty of Dumas beach yet there is a dark side of the beach. It is considered that the few parts of Dumas beach were earlier a Hindu burial ground and therefore it is believed to be most haunted places in India. According to local people and much-reported news, many people have been disappeared at beach inexplicably who never come back to their homes. Apart from this, many local people and tourist have felt many paranormal activities on the beach which have been reported by many national news channels. According to the people, they heard whispers of unseen people on the beach. There are many haunted stories associated with the beach which is popular among the local people.

How to Reach Dumas Beach Surat

Dumas beach is easily accessible by all medium of transport. It is located at the distance of 16km south of the Athwa Gate and is connected with many major Indian cities. One can get the local bus from Surat Railway station for Dumas.

Some Amazing Points of Interests in Kovalam

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach town near the Arabian sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India. The word, Kovalam came from a grove of coconut trees which are commonly spotted here. The place is famous for its Halcyon Castle, a beach resort built by Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore in the 1920s. It is among the top places to visit in India, and the frequent visit of hippies has made the place one of the choices of European guests.

Kovalam 

Fast Facts of Kovalam

Country:               India

State:                     Kerala

District:                 Thiruvananthapuram

Altitude:                 776 meters

Languages:            Malayalam, English

Weather:                Summer 20-36°, Winter  16-32°C

Pincode:                  95527

STD code:               0471

Rainfall:                  175 centimetre

Places to visit in Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam is consists of three beaches that attract tourists not only from India but from foreign too.

Lighthouse Beach: It is one of the most visited beaches in India by foreign tourists. As the name suggests, the lighthouse beach owns a lighthouse which is located on a rocky promontory here. The presence lighthouse's beam makes beach's night more beautiful and mysterious. A pleasant view of a group of wooden catamaran boats enchants the heart.

Hawah Beach: The beach is also referred to Eve’s Beach. The place is heaven for fishing lovers. It is among the most beautiful beaches in India having blue water and its beauty in moonlit night is worth to view.

Samudra Beach: It is a beautiful beach in India usually used by local fishermen. You can choose this place for the picnic as it is less crowded.

Shri Dharma Sastha Temple

Shri Dharma Sastha temple: It is a beautiful temple situated at village Sasthamcotta, Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to deity Shri Dharma Sastha, and it is surrounded from three sides by eye pleasing Sasthamkotta lake which makes it a unique place among the places to visit in India. The temple is one of the ancient Sastha temples in Kerala, Including AchanKoil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, Sasthamcotta and Sabarimala.

Napier Museum: It is an art and natural history museum comes under Thiruvananthapuram district in the Indian state of Kerala, and makes Kovalam most preferred tourist place in India. The museum was established in 1855 and named after Lord Napier, the former Governor of Madras from 1866-1872. The museum includes a very rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, old ornaments, and bronze idols. Besides this, It also houses the work of Mughal and Tanjore art.

The Koyikkal Palace: It is other major tourist attraction in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. The palace was built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. Now it is converted into folklore museum and numismatics museum which is run by the Department of Archaeology, India.

How to reach Kovalam

By Bus: Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest town from Kovalam situated at the distance of 16 Km. One can come here through state transport which is run by the government of Kerala or can hire private taxi and cab which are easily available.

By Train: Thanmpanur railway station is the nearest station, situated in Thiruvananthapuram which is further well connected to numerous major cities in India.You can make all the inquiries related to train's arrival and departure on the Phone number of Thanmpanur Railway Station: (0471) 2334680, 2323066.

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram airport is the nearest airport situated at the distance of Just 15 km from Kovalam, and connects it numerous major cities in India through its domestic flights. The phone number of Thiruvananthapuram airport numbers are +91- 471 – 2501424/ 2501220/2502323.

6 Most Popular Beaches in Goa You Must Visit with Your Friends and Family

Beaches have always been a vital part of Goa tourism, as we never can imagine Goa without beaches. Goa is a small state in India which falls in the Western part of India. Panaji is the capital of Goa; and Vasco da Gama is the largest city in Goa, which is dedicated to Vasco da Gama, an explorer from Portugal. Goa is considered the most visited place in India catches large number national and international tourists every season. Casinos, churches, street food, resorts, and beaches are few major things which make Goa different from rest of India. Besides this, the Goa is also notable for its heritage, architecture, sea life, and its culture and music.

Goa Beach

Beaches in Goa 

Beaches in Goa are the best beaches in India. There are many beaches in Goa some of them are popular and few are still unexplored.

Anjuna Beach:

It is beautiful beach named after a small village, Anjuna which is established on the banks of this beach. The beach is popular for its hotels, markets and trance parties. It also has a flea market which is placed every Wednesday and is quite popular for jewellery, clothes, and gadgets. A typical Shack hotel has also built at a beach which attracts all the eyes 

Palolem Beach:

It is another popular beach in Goa which is situated in Canacona. The beach is located adjacent to the Chaudi marketplace which falls in South Goa. It is the best tourist destinations in Goa, attracts thousands of people every day. Apart from this, it is considered an ideal place for fishing and other beach activities. Sunset at Palolem beach is one of best parts of this beach.  

Chapora Beach: 

Chapora is a white sand beach which is located at just 24 KM drive from North Panaji. It is also known for its black lava rocks and silence which remains prevailed in the atmosphere here. There are few good restaurants near the beach serving multi -cuisine food.  

Candolim Beach: 

It is located at the distance of 13 Km from North of Panaji. The beach is popularly known for its Aguada fort and is also the longest beaches in Goa. Sunburn festival is also celebrated every year on the beach.

Vagator Beach:

Vagator beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in India surrounded by beautiful coconut trees. It is  white sand beach regarded as ideal place for sunbath, swimming, and other water activities

Baga Beach: 

Baga Beach is the worthiest beach to be mentioned as it is a popular beach in Goa for parties, shacks, and music and water sports. It is an exquisite beach in India serving tourist with good food and accommodation. Dona Paula: It is most popular beaches in Goa, praised for water sports. It is located at the distance of 6 Km from South Panaji, known for its rocky shores and harbour.  

Bangmalo Beach:

Bangmalo Beach is another popular beach in Goa which is located just 14 Km drive from South Panaji. The beach is surrounded with clear seawater and is the best place for swimming in Goa. It is also the training camp for the Institute of diving. There are few small handicrafts shops around the beach which earn a decent crowd here.

Goa Places to Visit in India

It is quite true that your visit to India is incomplete until you pay your visit to its most gorgeous beach town Goa, a small Indian state falls on the western coastal area of India encircled with states like Karnataka and Maharashtra. It is among the top places to visit in India frequently visited by tourists from countries like the United States, England and many major countries of the Europe. Goa was epicenter of Portuguese and their trade. After India’s independence from the British Empire in 1947, India made military operation called Operation Vijay over the Goa to make it 25th Indian State in 1987.

 

Goa Tourism

Tourism is the major source of State’s income; as per the report 7% of total foreign tourists of India visit Goa. It is among the most attractive tourist places in India surrounded by beautiful beaches, architectural buildings and beauty of Sea. Goa is always known for its temples, churches, and eye pleasing beaches. Night life in discos, walk around the beaches and celebration of Christmas are the few things attract tourists across the world.

 

Goa Weather

The weather of Goa is affected by Indian western sea, as it owns tropical monsoon climate; most of the time Goa remains hot and humid. Goa faces its hottest days in month of the May, where temperature reaches up-to 35 °C (95 °F). Even in winter season, when north get reaches to minimum level of temperature, Goa generally heats up-to 21 °C (68 °F).

 

Things to do in Goa

beautiful beaches, street markets, lovely hotels, resorts, and nature around the Goa, allows tourist to enjoy their tour over the Goa as there are many things to do in Goa for tourists.

Water Sports in Goa:  Goa beaches are always considered the best beaches in India which allows many things to do in Goa, as it offers variety of water activities near beach like Jet Skiing, Para sailing, water Skiing and dolphin cruises. Banana boating is other one of the most popular adventure sports in Goa liked by tourist all over the world.

Shopping in Goa:  Goa welcomes shopping lovers with their local market places, where tourists can buy souvenirs, ethnic wear of Goa; jewelry and many other hand made or wooden items. These markets look very attractive and colorful which give lovely experience of shopping in Goa.

Gambling in Goa: Gambling in Goa is legal and since many casinos have been emerged around the town. Most of the resorts and hotel arrange gambling on boat facility which may like by the gamblers. Some of famous casinos in Goa are Casino Royale, Casino Carnival, Casino Caravela ec.

 

Places to Visit in Goa

Goa is always considered the most preferred places to visit in India, as it posses numerous worth seeing places around the town.

Aguada Fort:  It is among the oldest forts in India got construct near 1612 during Portuguese possession over the Goa. It is the tall structure which was built by portuguese to escape from Maratha and Dutch attackers. The beautiful thing about the fort is it has a fresh water spring which quenches the thirst of passers.

Mahalaxmi Temple: It is a beautiful temple dedicated to Mahalaxmi, a Hindu deity considered the Goddess of Power and Strength. It falls at Pandora village of the Goa. It has an attractive chowk (a round about) which is the major attraction of the temple. Mahalaxmi temple is one of the oldest Hindu Pilgrim places in India built in 1413 A.D. which is most visited during the Navratras, nine great nights of all nine incarnation of Mata Shati, wife of Lord Shiva.

Churches in Goa: Christianity has strong hold over the town as the place has large numbers of Christians in India. Goa has plenty of churches which depict the long history of Portuguese during their stay in Goa. These churches are always praised for beautiful architectures.

Mangeshi Temple: It is the well architect temple dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

 

Beaches in Goa

Goa is incomplete without its eye pleasing beaches, which are like the heart of the town. It is always known for its world famous beaches in India which make it to stand among the popular places to visit in India.

Candolim Beach: It is a beautiful beach in Goa which provides eye pleasing view of Arabian Sea. Candolim beach is always known as birth place of Abba Faria, a freedom fighter.

Agonda Beach: It is among the most popular beaches in India always considered as serene and cleaned beach. Most of the visitors come here around the country to enjoy water sports and sun bath.

Mandrem Beach: Mandream beach is among the best Goa beaches for foreigners, where visitors can enjoy the company of hippies.

Baga Beach: This beach is popular tourist spot in Goa known for its lots of beach activities. There are many foot outlets are setup around the beach which are ready to serve tourist with their best sea food. Apart from this, one can also enjoy of night party over the beach. Many adventure activities like wind surfing, banana boating are also offered here.

Cavelossim Beach: The beach gives scenic view of Paddy fields and coconut groves. Though it is less crowded beach in India yet it equally liked by the tourists.

Other beaches in Goa: Apart from above mentioned beaches, there are few other beaches are in Goa which is also quite popular among the beach lovers; some of them are Morjim, Anjuna, Chapora, Colva, Mobar, Varca, Cavelossim, Bogmalo etc.

 

How to Reach Goa

By Air: Goa owns an international airport which is situated at Dabolim at the distance of just 29 Km from the Panaji, the capital of Goa. The airport is connected with many major cities around the country, and its international flights lead to United Kingdom, Germany etc.

By Train: Madgaon and Vasco-D- gama railway stations are two major railway stations in the Goa which connect the state with rest India. It has direct trains to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc.

By Road: Goa is the well connected through road with rest India; Kadamba bus stand is the major bus stand of the Goa. Kadamba operates many state owned buses of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. All types of buses including super deluxe are available from the station.

Jadav Molai Payeng-The Forest Man of India

Development that comes with the loss of nature is not development. On the name of development, more than 15 billion trees are cut down each year resulting global warming, deforestation, water shortage, extinction of species. In short a big change in overall eco-system. 
A few days back I was reading an article that there

5 Wonderful Places To Visit in Kasauli

Kasauli is a small hill station and cantonment in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, which was established during British Era in 1842. Still, you can see here some buildings of the colonial period. The whole of the area is well preserved by Indian army personals. Today, Kasauli has turned into a popular destination for weekend trips

River Rafting in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand- Enjoy the splash of water this summer

Are you looking for something adventurous this summer? Then you are at the right place as today we are going to make you familiar with a popular hill station of India, that will not only accord you pleasant weather in this hot summer but also brings lots opportunity to lift adrenaline.

6 Most Popular Hill Stations in India- Best Options for Summer Vacation

Unlike the western countries, summer in India is the hottest season and gives your permission slip to be lazy. But do you really want to spend your summer vacation sitting idle and feeling hot at home? I think no, plan your summer vacation toady to some beautiful hill station and relish this long break (summer vacation) of the year.

The Street foods that Classify Kolkata

Being served as capital of an exquisite Indian state West Bengal, Kolkata is located on the bank of Hooghly River. It is said that if you want to explore Kolkata, don’t do anything just attend the Durga pooja at navratras, taste street food and roam over its Howrah Bridge.