Trekking In Ladakh – Thrill And Fun Unlimited

by John on May 12, 2012

Located in the hilly terrain of Himalayan range, Ladakh is one of the most suitable places in Asian region for trekking. It’s called trekkers paradise. Ladakh is located on a higher altitude, which is ranging from 9000 feet at Kargil and 25,170 feet in the Karakorum Range. Summer season is the best time for trekking in Ladakh otherwise in winter the temperature level goes down below minus 27 degree. Besides Himalayan Range and Karakoram Range, Ladakh Range and Zanskar Range are the two other mountain ranges which are being considered as the most convenient trekking points of Ladakh. Not only the high rise peaks and rocky mountain cliffs, the fast flowing rivers of Ladakh are enough luring for indulging in water rafting which is as thrilling like trekking.

Some Famous Trekking Routes Of Ladakh

Those who love trekking will find Ladakh a trekker’s paradise because here trekking is not a passion for excitement, it is in the bloodstream of the Ladakh people and thus they often admire these trekking activities from the core of their hearts. Local Ladhaki people are called Sherpa and even most experienced mountain trekkers also know how far these sherpas can help them in getting success in trekking ventures. I know some people will differ in their opinion for selecting some best trekking trails in Ladakh; I have given here the names of some famous trekking routes, as per my own discretion. Some of the famous trekking routes of Ladakh are:

  • Spituk Stok
  • Lamayuru Zanskar Trek
  • Kang Lat Se Trek
  • Tsomoriri Rumtse Trek
  • Stok Kangri Trek
  • Parang La Trek
  • Sabu Nubra Valley

The best part of Ladakh trekking are the frozen rivers and lakes, which get frozen in winter and it allows the experienced trekkers to enjoy snow trekking on the frozen river surface.

The Best Time For Trekking At Ladakh

Trekking on frozen river is only possible in wintry season, otherwise, the best time to enjoy trekking in Ladakh is the period between May to October end. However, although trekking in Ladakh is a memory for life time still it is always wise to seek assistance from trade expert trekking tour operators. During June-July months, often Ladakh experience snow storms, and the hostile climate most often create dangerous consequences for the trekkers. It is recommended to arrange all best quality trekking equipments before opting for trekking ventures in Ladakh region, specially before July.

Trekking Formalities

Indian Tourists do not require any sort of entry permits in Leh. However, entry permit is an essential requirement for the foreign trekkers. If you know some of your foreign friends are coming to trek at Ladakh and Leh, you may inform them in advance that they are required to register their details at Drass, Rumtse and in Sarchu in case they are coming by road. Those who have availed airways can get themselves registered at Ladakh airport, as this airport has necessary service arrangements for this purpose. The trekkers who are willing to trek in restricted zones must take their registration via registered travel operators. It is necessary to carry 6 passport sized photographs and other identity proves and visa paper while applying for registration.

The wonderful climate, easy to climb trekking routes and warm assistance of locales are the factors which make Ladakh trekking a great experience for the trekkers. Apart from the scenic beauty, exotic flora and fauna are the other impetus which keeps the trekkers enthralled all though the trekking journey.

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Tirupati Darshan – A Quick Over View

by John on May 11, 2012

Tirupati Darshan is all about the darshan of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is situated in the hill station of Tirupati in the Chittor District of Andhra Pradesh. This temple is considered one of the most sacred temples of India and devotees from India as well as from other corners of the world come at random to visit Tirupati. According to statistics, everyday fifty thousand to one lakh pilgrims visit the temple for Tirupati Darshan and for natural reason Tirupati Darshan is an elaborate process these days for proper management of multitude of people and to maintain the sanctity of the temple. However there are special occasions, when at time five to six lakhs of people come for Tirupati Darshan per day because it is a popular belief that Tirupati Darshan helps people to attain ultimate peace of mind and inspires to get optimum success in life.

When The Tiurupati Darshan Takes Place

Tirupati Darshan starts from morning and lasts up to 1.30 am at night. There are different types of Darshan as Balaji Maharaj changes his dress many times during the day and devotees can watch his different statures at different times. Moreover there are exclusive arrangement of Darshan for the senior and physically challenged people. There are ordinary Darshan and there are arrangements of paid Darshan also. Tirupati Darshan is available 24×7 days and for the latest timings and different kind of Darshan details, it is always wise to consult temple management or their authorized websites.

Why Tirupati Darshan Is Considered As Sacred

Although the ancient history about this famous temple is not very vividly known, since ages it has been maintained as one of the sacred places of South India. It is believed that the place was the earthly abode of Lord Vishnu hence this place is called Baikunthadham. The temple was exceptionally rich by its wealth because it was believed that whatever is presented to Balaji Maharaj, He returns to His devotees the double of that. As this temple has a long list of affluent and extremely rich and influential patrons, the temple treasury has turned extremely wealthy with their patronage, etc. Apart from wealth, the place is famous for its religious significance, hence it is always considered as a special place for pilgrims of Lord Vishnu.

Online Booking For Tirupati Darshan

Now with the backup of technology, credit goes to the increased access to Internet, the devotees can plan their Tirupati Darshan by online booking also. This is the way the rush in festive season is managed. Those who want to avail special Darshan may book their request by online arrangement. There are special websites available for Tirupati Darshan booking which is maintained by the Temple trust. Travel operators can also help their clients by booking online tickets for this pilgrimage.

How To Access Tirupati Darshan

Tirupati Darshan can be reached by railways, roadways, and airways. I have visited the place by all these three ways so narrating the ways for your ready reference.

Renigunta is the nearest airport of Tirupati Darshan: once you will reach at Airport, you may avail bus, taxi, luxury sedan to reach the Balaji temple.

Tirupati is attached by multiple train services with all major cities of Andhra Pradesh. You can avail train services for hassle free Tirupati Darshan.

The Hill station Tirupati is connected by all major towns by roadways. Bus, car or other ways of transport can also be availed to reach at Tirupati Darshan.

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The Golden Chariot Train – Enjoy Luxury Railway Travel In India

by John on May 10, 2012

The golden Chariot is a luxury train for king-style travel in tourist spots of Karnataka and Goa. The luxury train has total 19 coaches and all coaches are colored in purple and gold along with a mythological character of half lion half elephant embossed on the exterior wall. The golden chariot train operates once in a week, and it covers historic and cultural hubs in south India along with a glimpse of wildlife, natural beauty, ancestral culture, and unique heritage. The train was inaugurated in the year March 10, 2008, it is operated by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, marketed by Luxury Train, and hospitality service and is coordinated by Mapple Group.

Journey details: The Golden Chariot Train

Presently, Golden Chariots has two journey routes:

  • Southern Splendor, which covers prime tourist spots of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
  • The Pride of South that runs through Karnataka

Each of the journey plans by The Golden Chariot luxury train comprise of 7 days and 8 nights schedule, covering Bangalore, Kabini, Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Badami, and Goa before it comes back to Bangalore again. During the journey the route covers tourist attractions like Nagrahole National Park, Badami Cave Temples, Gomateshwara, Srirangapattan Forts, Mysore Palace, etc. Passenger may avail their journey with this Golden Chariot train either from Goa or from Bangalore. Recently, a two week duration travel plan has been introduced by The Golden Chariot Luxury train covering Coimbatore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Trivandam, and Kochi.

The Train Details – The Golden Chariot

The train is built with best arrangement possible while on wheel with 100% focus on Indian tradition so that the train comes as the connoisseur of Royal Indian Tradition and the passengers are entertained with Royal style. There are total 44 cabin in the train and each of these cabins are named in the name of Royal dynasties, that once upon a time ruled the Deccan region. These names are Hoysala, Bahamani, Kadamba, Rashtrakuta, Vijaynagar, Adil Shah, Chalukya, Stavahana, Sangama, Yadukula, and Ganga. The train has two luxury restaurant, a conference hall, a lounge bar, a modern gym, and a spa. The train has wi-fi connectivity on board and it has satellite antennae for live television service. The ambience of the train is a perfect fusion of royal tradition mixed with modern luxury and comfort of international standard. The luxury train can accommodate 88 passengers in total.

The Facilities Of The Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot is being equipped with best standard of accommodation arrangement. The rooms are accommodated with:

  • Air conditioned rooms
  • Plasma/LCD television
  • DVD with satellite television
  • Wi-Fi system
  • Writing desk
  • Attached toilets
  • 26 luxurious beds with heritage Indian themes

Dinning And Recreational Arrangements

  • Two luxury restaurants are also available, named Nala and Ruchi providing both non vegetarian and vegetarian foods.
  • Madira Bars are available with best quality alcohols.
  • The train comes with a modern gym.
  • There is even a good quality Ayurvedic Spa Center.
  • Business facilities are also available on Golden Chariot Train.

The Golden Chariot Train journey starts on every Monday from Bangalore and ends again in Bangalore on the next Monday morning, It is always wise to book the ticket at least three months in advance.

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Sundarban Tour – Journey To Thrilling Mangrove

by John on May 9, 2012

The name of the forest Sundarban itself explains how beautiful the forest would be in its wild charm. Abundance of Sundari Tree is one of reasons behind such naming of the forest. It is a big delta of Ganges, Padma, and Brahmaputra and the whole big delta along with some nearby islands are cordoned by dense forest covering almost 10,000 sq km, a portion of it is located in Bangladesh too.

The forest has several points to reach in order to watch the wildlife of Sundarban and for the sake of tourism; the spots have been named differently. For example, Hiran point is famous for watching tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds; Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey; Dublar Char is famous for watching herds of deer and for anglers, and Tinkona Island is famous for watching deer and Royal Bengal Tiger. Sundarban Tour is about reaching at these spots and enjoying more of jungle’s wild life.

Sundarban is quite a big area, and the entire area has plenty of tidal creeks, small islands, and mudflats. Therefore Sundarban tours are boat based travel programs and it has some restrictions as the whole area is the subject of tidal deluge. Besides the vast mangrove forest, its rare and diversified flora and fauna is the subject of these Sundarban tours. The most known and famous exhibits of Sundarban tours are Royal Bengal Tigers, rhesus macaque, wild boar, otters, spotted deer, Irrawaddy dolphin, Ganges River dolphin, Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin, finless porpoises, different types of kingfishers, white bellied sea eagles, etc.

Sundarban is known as the house of some most poisonous reptiles like king cobra, pit vipers, and wise variety of insects, venomous and non-venomous categories, crocodiles and alligators. Besides mangrove forest and tidal water, watching the wildlife is the main motto of Sundarban tours and it can be best done via availing tour package of reputable tour operators operating in Sundarban area.

Best Seasons For Sundarban Tour

Although Sundarban tour operators conduct different types of tours round the year, it is always better to avoid monsoon period in order to escape tidal waves, and venomous snakes. Wintry season is the best season for visiting the place, although birdwatchers often prefer summer and autumn seasons for bird watching and recording the nitty-gritty of birds nesting within the lush green forest. However, it is a restricted area therefore prior permit is necessary for availing Sundarban Tour. The forest and the adjacent region is known for its best biodiversity hence visibility of wildlife is mostly available at this side.

Different Attractive Spots at Sundarban

Although Sundarban Tours are always refreshing and enjoying, some of the special seasons can make them even spicier. I have narrated a few events here.

  • Honey collection tour is arranged during wintry season; it’s a research based tour program known for its eventful courses. The tour is quite strenuous; however, it’s all about a traditional way of earning livelihood based on wildlife.
  • Fishing programs with trained otters has earned huge popularity these days. These otters are wonderfully trained by expert fishermen and they help in catching fishes.
  • Bonbibi mela is arranged in the month of January and it is one of the most popular folk festival; those who have nose for Indian folk culture, may arrange their Sundarban travel during this time to enjoy the special flavor of the festival.

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Ladakh Tourism – Experience For Lifetime

by John on May 8, 2012

Mountain, snow, chilled climate, and rocky terrains are the theme of Ladakh landscape and for obvious, Ladakh tourism is all about visiting old monasteries, green valleys, serene lakes, wild flowers, enjoying celestial beauty of nature, and warm innocent hospitality of locales. Since a long time Ladakh was known for its own culture and tradition, it was a center of Buddhism. Things have taken a new turn after the introduction of hydro electricity and the place is being treated with a global focus as global spot of travel and vacation. Besides sightseeing, cultural tour, mountain trekking, watching Ladakh wildlife are regarded as the core essence of Ladakh tourism.

Sightseeing In Ladakh

There are several tourist attractions in Ladakh, Hemis monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh, which is not only famous for its wealth and ambience, but for its huge Buddha painting. As per religious custom, this huge painting is displayed for public once in 11 years. Similarly, Thiske monastery and Shey Monastery are well known for their historical significance. There are some Gompa, which were the sacred places for Lamas residence and education; Lamayuru, Alchi, Likir, Sankar Gompa are some of the most known religious and historical attractions of Ladakh.

Nubra Valley is famous for its landscape beauty. The Tso Morari Lake, Tsomorari Lake, and Kyaghr Lake are known for their spectacular beauty and these two points are famous point for trekkers.

Wild Life Watching

Ladakh is known for its exotic flora and fauna although the average environment of the place is quite harsh. While wintry season keeps all plantation snow covered, spring and summer time is the time when these plants are found in the lustrous green with attractive blossoms. Rare quality orchids and wild flower plants are also available here.

Apart from plants, the wild life of Ladakh deserves special mention. Wild yak, ibex, wild sheep, blue sheep, docile, marmot, mouse hare are found here in plenty of numbers. The snow leopard is Ladakh’s special rarity although most of time they are found ferocious. Kyang or the wild horse, the musk deer, and wide variety of birds are seen as the display of the wild life of Ladhak. Black necked crane, bar-headed geese, ducks Bactrian magpies, grey tits, chough, raven, sparrow, kite, kestrel, Turkoman rock pigeon, and chukor are frequently seen in Ladakh lake areas although these days indiscriminate poaching has posed great danger for wildlife and birds of Ladakh. Wildlife tour and bird watching is one of the prime essences of Ladakh tourism.

Cultural Tour Of Ladakh

Due to its geographical position and unique community culture Ladakh has developed a different stream of ethnicity since ages. While sightseeing, jeep safari, and wild life watching, are the core essences that help us to enjoy Ladakh and its natural beauty, enjoying its cultural integrity is the best way to explore Ladakh by its heart. Ladakh people takes special pleasure in playing polo, open air dance and displaying skill of archery by friendly competition, etc. People of Ladakh celebrates host of functions: Losar, Sant Naro Nasjal, Buddha Purnima, and Matho Nagrang deserve special mention.

Ladakh Trekking

If Paris and fashion are complementary terms for each other, similar can be said about Ladakh and trekking. Due to its geographical position amidst rocky terrain and existence of passes in Himalayan range, the place Ladakh has become one of the most convenient spots of trekking. In other way, Ladakh offers numerous high-altitude trekking points, white water rafting, exciting mountain biking, and arrangement of mountain climbing. Markhe valley trek, Nubra valley trek, Frozen River Trek, Rupshu Trek, Wild Ladakh Trek, and Lamayuru Pedum Trek, are famous trekking tours in Ladakh area.

Ladakh Accommodation

Once upon a time accommodation in Ladakh was an unpredictable factor because travel industry of Ladakh was not that developed. Things are diagonally opposite now; a tourist can find hotel, guest houses, Paying Guest Accommodation, Government Run Tourist Bungalows, and accommodation in Tourist Complexes or in Hikers’ Hut. Easy availability of accommodation and good comfort level has made Ladakh tourism a good option for splendorous vacation.

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Kashmir Tour Package – Explore Kashmir At Safe And Budget Rate

by John on May 7, 2012

Kashmir, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is globally famous for its picturesque beauty. Regardless of seasons, the place offers spectacular landscape beauty, pleasant weather, and warm hospitality of the locales. There are lot many things to see in Kashmir and lot many things to do; hence it is a well known tourist destination. Kashmir tour packages are travel packages and these tours are designed in such a way where the tourists can select their own route of travel and can cover Kashmir in its different aspects as per their personal discretions.

Utility of Travel Packages at Kashmir

Travel agency and tour operators offer different Kashmir tour packages; however, it is basically to provide their clients best return against their travel expense. The main intention of designing these tour packages is to indulge the travel plan and intention of the individuals. For example while newly married couples will be happier to avail a honeymoon package, a group of senior citizens will love to avail pilgrimage packages and adventure lovers will certainly go for Kashmir trekking packages.

In remote past when Kashmir was a calm and quite community without any sort of political disturbance, then spending 10-15 days in Kashmir was not a big deal and was certainly regarded to be one of the best holiday destinations of the world; but in the changed condition, tourists seeking peace and pleasure in their holidays does not always feel free to visit this place. But recently the Kashmir tourism department has been taking great pain to promote the charismatic beauty of Kashmir through various ads to attract tourists from all parts of the world. Therefore the popularity of Kashmir tour packages is increasing each day.

Popular Kashmir Tour Packages

Although the name of the Kashmir Tour packages do vary from one tour operator to another, but some of the common Kashmir tour packages are mentioned here. I have done a lot of homework before planning for our Kashmir Travel, with these packages:

  • Kashmir extravaganza is a budget travel plan in Kashmir. It takes 5-6 days time to complete the tour.
  • Kashmir honeymoon package is for newly married couple or for those who want to share some intimate moment with each other against the celestial beauty of Kashmir.
  • Kashmir Pilgrimage tour incorporate Vaishno Devi Darshan and those who are physically eligible may seek permission from Amarnath Yatra; however Amarnath Yatra requires special permission from concerned authority for the participants.
  • Most of the Kashmir tour packages are centered between Pahelgaon, Srinagar, and Gulmarg….those who want to explore Kashmir more in its core; they should seek assistance from the tour operator. The risky part of Kashmir travel is the disturbance created by hooligans and militants. Therefore it is always wise to select reputable travel agencies only to enjoy a hassle free Kashmir tour.
  • Those who want to enjoy trekking in Kashmir mountain ranges should take detailed information about permits and other legal formalities. There is several Kashmir tour packages available, specially meant for adventurers and trekkers; however, it is always wise to take prior information about the area of trekking before availing any of these packages.

These days you can select best Kashmir tour packages online; in fact it is a better option even to learn while you search mostly about Kashmir and pros and cons of different tour packages. You can compare the costs and facilities offered in these packages by different travel agencies in a hassle-free comparative shopping manner.

General Kashmir Tour Packages

If you are going for Kashmir first time, you may not take any chance to miss any part of this incredible Kashmir. Before finalizing your tour package just check if the tour incorporates:

  • Vaishno Devi Darshan
  • Srinagar visit
  • Gulmarg visit
  • Pahelgaon sightseeing

Kashmir travel can be a life time memory, so it is always wise to go for the best travel and tour operators while selecting best Kashmir tour package for your family.

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