17 Incredible Places to Visit in Kasol (2022 List)
Kasol is probably India’s most famous backpacking destination. Favorite among students and travelers alike – Kasol offers everything a traveler wants from a place – clean air, peace, tranquility, and closeness to Nature! This picturesque town is located in the Parvati Valley in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. Besides being a backpacker’s heaven, Kasol has some amazing places of interest. In this blog post, we will look at some absolutely breathtaking places to visit in Kasol. Table of Contents: Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Trek to Kutla Trek towards the Glacier Point (Hidden Gem) Parvati River Bed Tirthan and Jibhi Valleys Choj Village Kasol Bridge Walk to the amazing Chalal village Trek to Grahan village Visit the mysterious Malana Village Stop at Kalga, Pulga and Tulga village Trek towards the adventurous Waichan Valley Stay in the most unique domes in Jari Trek towards the Rasol pass Visit Tosh Trek to Kheerganga Best Places to Visit in Kasol Kasol is a small village in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a popular tourist destination because of its scenic beauty and its proximity to the Himalayas. Kasol is also known for its trekking and camping opportunities. Let’s have a look at some of the best places to visit in Kasol. 1. Manikaran Sahib Image by Harsh Patel Manikaran Sahib, a famous pilgrimage site located just a few kilometers from Kasol is among the most popular places to visit in Kasol. It is believed that Manu recreated human life here after a flood, thus the name Manikaran. Furthermore, according to Sikhs, Guru Nanak visited this place with his disciple Bhai Mardana. Hence, Manikaran is a place holy to both Hindus and Sikhs! In addition to this, Hot springs are also a major attraction here! Location: 4.5 km from Kasol 2. Nature Park Kasol Image by Ashwini Chaudhary Nature Park offers a peaceful atmosphere in the hills of Kasol. You can listen to the songs of birds, and the rustling of leaves, and feel the cool mountain breeze on your face! Nature Park is a great location for jogging and strolling while being shaded by towering pine trees. Visitors can also relish some unique foods if they want because the region is accessible to numerous well-known cafes. In addition to the tranquil setting and weathered rocks, the Parvati River flows through the park, making it a wonderful area to unwind. In short, if you love nature, Nature Park is a place that you just have to visit when in Kasol! Location: Kasol Check out our Offbeat trail to Parvati Valley 3. Trek to Kutla Image by Raimond Klavins Kutla is a quaint little town that has just a couple of travelers going towards the village from the town of Tosh. The trek to Kutla takes around 1.5 hours of steep climbing but the majestic view and the clean air are definitely worth it. A two-hour hike via the winding path from Tosh will lead you to the Kulta Village, which is encircled by the Himalayas looking down at you and is situated in a lush meadow. In the out-of-the-way village of Kulta, tucked away amid the mountains, you can experience the undisturbed beauty of nature. If you’re staying in Tosh then Kutla should definitely be on your itinerary. Location: 1.5hr trek from Tosh 4. Trek toward the Glacier Point Image by Balouria Rajesh The glacier point is a clear meadow from where you can see a mammoth glacier in front of you that will make you feel like the snow-clad mountain is just a fingertip away from you. Kutla glacier is a fairly easy trip that takes a day to reach from Tosh and takes around 2 hours to accomplish. You’ll be charmed by the pristine beauty of Himachal along the route so it will be worth it. The sound of the river gushing with such an amazing view will make you stay there and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. PS:- You’ll always find a dog helping you find the way towards the trek. Location: 30-minute walk from Kutla 5. Parvati River Bed Image by Shubham Tharani Spend some time listening to the burbling of water and basking in the Mountain Sun on the bed of the Parvati River. The river’s flow begins at the Man Talai Glacier, runs through Parvati Valley to the north, and then merges with the Beas River close to Kulu. The river’s banks make for an excellent campsite. One can even go white water rafting in Kasol. This location is nothing short of perfection for adventure seekers. When in Kasol do take your time out and spend time relaxing with your feet soaked in the crystal clear water of Parvati. However, beware of the trout that swim there. Location: Parvati Valley 6. Tirthan and Jibhi Valley Image by Tirachard The twin valleys of Tirthan and Jibhi are the major attractions in Banjar. Tirthan Valley, also known as the Trout Fish Valley is regarded as Himachal’s best-kept secret by bloggers and travelers! This valley is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With beautifully carved small wooden houses and mesmerizing beauty, these villages are like the ones mentioned in the fairy tales. Hence, these valleys are at the top of the list of places to visit in Kasol. Location: 80km from Kasol 7. Choj Village Lucas Hemingway Just a small walk from Kasol lies the Choj Village. It is a hamlet free of cars and bikes and all the noise of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Kasol if you’re on a trip to rejuvenate your soul in nature. For people willing to spend a day or two at Choj, there are lots of homestays and hostels at affordable rates. If you are looking for peace and quiet,
7 Must-visit Places in Manali that will make you go wow!
Also called the Valley of the Gods, Manali is a resort town located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by the towering mountains of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges of the Lesser Himalayas. As a result, Manali has everything required for becoming the perfect all-weather tourist destination – Majestic Views, Cool Temperature, and Snowy Winters! So let’s have a look at some places to visit in Manali that will make you fall in love with the place: Hadimba Temple Manali Gompa Vashisht Temple & Village Rohtang Pass Old Manali Solang Valley Mall Road Manali Top FAQs to know before visiting Manali 1. Hadimba Temple : By Biswarup Ganguly The Hadimba temple, dedicated to Goddess Hadimba is one of the most popular tourist places in Manali was built in AD 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. According to Mahabharata, Hadimba was the wife of Bheema, the strongest Pandava brother and mother of Ghatotkacha! The Hadimba temple is among the most famous tourist places in Manali and hence has visitors all around the year. The number increases during Navaratri, when people in Manali gather around the temple and pray to Goddess Hadimba, the protector of the region. Location: Just 2.5km from the city of Manali. Timings : 8:00 a.m. to 6:00pm. Entry Fee: None Photography: Allowed Personalize an experience to Manali 2. Manali Gompa : Manali Gompa, also known as the “Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa” is a beautiful Buddhist Monastery that was built during the Tibetan Uprising in the 1960s. Above all, this place is sacred to the Buddhists and pilgrims from far and wide who come here to seek blessings from Lord Buddha. This is definitely a place you must visit in Manali! Location: 200 meters from the Mall Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Sundays) Entry Fee: None Photography: Allowed 3. Vashisht Temple and Village : The Vashisht temple is located in the village of Vashisht near Manali and is among the most popular places of interest in Manali. Above all, this place finds its mention in the Hindu epic of Ramayana. It is believed that the village was founded by Vashisht Muni, the Guru of Lord Rama and his brothers. In addition to this, the village has hot water springs where tourists can take refreshing baths in the lap of nature! Location: 3.5 km from the city of Manali Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day Entry Fee: None Photography: Allowed 4. Rohtang Pass : We have all heard about the Rohtang Pass, the most popular tourist place in Manali. But did you know? Rohtang in Ladakhi means ‘a field of corpses’. This is due to the fact that hundreds of people used to die due to bad weather conditions attempting to cross this pass! However, things have changed now – wide and well-maintained roads have solved the problem of accessibility. As a result, every year lakhs of tourists flock to this place to enjoy the snow and experience the breathtaking views of Rohtang and this has become a popular tourist destination in Manali. Location: 60km from Manali Timings: N/A Photography: Allowed and Recommended Check out Manali Experiences 5. Old Manali : One of the most offbeat places to visit in Manali is the Old Manali, situated on the opposite bank of the River Beas. Free from the regular buzz of city life, this is a place most preferred by solo travelers and backpackers seeking peace and tranquility. Moreover, the city is home to popular cafes like Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted Coffee House, The Johnson’s Cafe, and the Lazy Dog Lounge. Location: 2km from Manali Timings: N/A Photography: Recommended 6. Solang Valley : Solang Valley, located just 13km is a hub of adventure sports in Manali. Tourists from far and wide flock to this place to indulge in adventure activities like Paragliding, Skiing, etc. Especially during winters, this place becomes crowded with tourists and has earned its reputation as one of India’s most popular ski resorts! As the snow melts in the summer months of April and May, skiing and snow-biking are replaced by summer sports like horse riding and paragliding! For those who want to reach the summit, there are cable-car services too! The cable-car provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges! Hence, for people seeking fun and adventure, Solang Valley is one of the best places to visit from Manali! Location: 14km from Manali Timings: N/A Photography: Recommended 7. Mall Road Manali : The Manali Mall road is perhaps the most important and happening place in Manali. The Mall Road is a shopper’s paradise! It contains showrooms, departmental stores, shops, and cafes for those who are looking for a stress-relieving shopping session when in Manali. You can find handicraft products – shawls, pottery, wooden products, etc. prepared by the local artisans. For tourists visiting the city, this is among the must-visit places in Manali! Location: Heart of the City of Manali Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Photography: Recommended Personalize an experience FAQs about Manali : Q1. What is the best time to visit Manali? Ans. The best time to visit Manali during Summer is from March to June when temperatures are moderate. However, if you want to experience snowfall, the winter months of December to February will be the best for you. Q2. How to reach Manali? Ans. You can reach Manali from Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot through cabs or buses. The cab fare ranges between 7000-10000 rupees from Delhi and between 3000-5000 rupees from Chandigarh. Q3. Which is the nearest airport to Manali? Ans. The Kullu Manali Airport, located at a distance of 50km from the city is the nearest airport to Manali. It is well connected with domestic flights
Travel Guide Kashmir: The Heaven on Earth
When someone asks you if you would like to take a trip to Kashmir, what comes to your mind? Before considering the alternative, do you think twice? Do you recommend a destination elsewhere? Oh, shouldn’t you. I recently had a group trip that made me understand how scared most of us are of going to Jammu Kashmir on a trip and what a waste of a great chance it is! Kashmir tourism depends heavily on its visitors and thrives on individuals like us, you need to visit to see the stunning views and scenery provided by the area. The location has a variety to offer and the beauty of it all is the best aspect of the landscape or the scenery of the breath-taking Kashmir. The Scenic Beauty Srinagar, Kashmir is rightly crowned as “Heaven on the Earth” with its picturesque scenery and mesmerizing Dal Lake. Situated on the bank of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. The center of Kashmir’s tourist attractions is the lively shikaras on Dal Lake. Green mountains create the ideal sound of romantic chill-outs, along with colorful Shikaras and houseboats. Srinagar draws thousands of tourists each year as the birthplace of several Mughal Gardens, exquisitely embroidered shawls, and floating vegetable markets. How to Reach: By air: The closest airport is Srinagar International Airport. As an international airport, it shares close relations with many foreign countries, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and many more, as well as most of India’s major cities. By rail: In Srinagar, Kashmir, there is no railway. Srinagar’s closest railway destination is Jammu, which is about 290 kilometers away from Kashmir’s summer capital. Jammu railway station, being the region’s main railway, is well linked with the other parts of the country. Kashmir Valley in Autumn Regarding Visa: To travel to Earth’s paradise, foreigners require a visitor visa. Apply for an E-visa online along with the necessary documentation and fill in the form correctly. For residents of more than 150 countries, it is applicable. Before your stay, you will register for a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 120 days. An Indian tourist visa is valid for 60 days and does not come with an extension period option. A standard tourist visa that is valid for 6 months is applicable if you are planning a long trip. Kashmir Valley in winter Best time to visit: You might have too many questions about this like the Best time to visit Kashmir, the Best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall, the Best time to visit Srinagar, the Best time to visit Gulmarg, the Best time to visit Gulmarg for snowfall, and a lot more : Srinagar is a popular tourist destination due to the friendly climate and relaxing weather during the year. While people from all over the world visit Srinagar during the year, the best time to visit Srinagar Kashmir is considered to be from April to October. When you pay a visit during this season, along with other things, you will enjoy nature to the fullest. Summer and winter are two of this valley’s major seasons. Summer temperatures vary from around 14 to 30 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures range from -4 to 15 degrees Celsius. Not much rainfall is witnessed in Srinagar because of its location. Over the summer, cool and nice weather helps to admire the majestic beauty of the Kashmir valley. Visiting makes the sightseeing hassle-free during summer. In addition to visiting other spectacular sites, the Tulip Festival held in summer is the center of attractions. Things to See in and around Srinagar Shikara ride in Kashmir A sunset shikara ride on Dal Lake: On Dal Lake, a shikara trip is a no-brainer. Visitors to Kashmir are greeted by Kitschy vessels, littered in bright carpets and rugs. In the evening, we recommend going for a ride so that you can continue when the sky is still blue and spot reflections of the surrounding mountains and plans in the water, and hang around until the sunsets. With my wife, we visited Srinagar and this was one of her favorite activities in Srinagar to do. Dal Lake: The first alternative for tourists in Srinagar is Dal Lake. An excellent scene is formed by the colorful wooden boats or Shikara floating on the lovely water of Srinagar Dal Lake. An intimate chill out in the houseboat is an unforgettable experience that you want to experience on your journey. In terms, the seductive essence of the surroundings and the sunset and sunrise from Dal Lake is indescribable. Shikaras of Dal Lake Floating Market in India Floating Market on Dal Lake: Then visit the floating vegetable and flower market at Dal Lake at sunrise if you don’t mind setting up your alarm for an unearthly hour. This busy marketplace is genuinely special because boat shops are set up by manufacturers and buyers often come by boat. As this is one of the tourists’ most famous experiences, for this experience, expect to shell out around INR 2000-2500 (£25-30). Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Shalimar Bagh: During the Mughal Period, Shalimar Bagh was also installed. In order to impress Noor Jahan, Jahangir designed this Persian style of architecture. This garden, situated beside Dal Lake, is surrounded by trees and has a canal in the center as well. You will appreciate various facets of the beauty of the garden from the three terraces of Shalimar Bagh. Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden: A must-visit tourist spot in Srinagar is the Tulip Garden, named after the former Prime Minister of India. In this garden, you can discover almost 60 varieties of tulips. This garden is considered the largest tulip garden in Asia, occupying almost 12 hectares of land. A host of bright tulips covering a vast land leaves your mind with a lasting impression. Pari Mahal Kashmir
8 Best Things to do in Darjeeling, The Queen of Hills
Credits: Michael Janich Tired of your banal 9-5 routine? Do you often feel restive and tied to the shackles of mundane life? Then, Darjeeling is the ideal place for you to unwind, relax, and reconnect with your lost true inner-self. This Hill Station nestled in the foothills of the Lower Himalayas, West Bengal, bears testimony to its majestic history. The once summer capital of the Bengal Presidency is now a tourist paradise. It would be blasphemous not to talk about the world-renowned palatable ‘Darjeeling Tea’ while referencing Darjeeling, or Wes Anderson’s famous 2007 movie ‘The Darjeeling Limited’. This is a perfect destination to visit once restrictions are relaxed for travel, as it is the perfect medley of culture, nature, and fun. The best time to visit Darjeeling is from November to May. The Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri is the nearest airport to Darjeeling, which offers a pre-paid cab facility for the tourists to reach Darjeeling. New Jalpaiguri is the nearest major railway station and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connects New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Trains also ply from Sealdah and Howrah stations to Darjeeling. Do not miss out on embarking a road trip along the meandering hill path from Siliguri to Darjeeling. The prospect of a 4-5 hour journey may seem excruciating, but plug in your favorite playlist, enjoy the bounties of nature, and once you reach the destination, you will be forced to think otherwise! Without further ado, here are our top 8 picks of activities to do when sojourning in Darjeeling! 1. Visit The Padmaja Naidu Zoo, Batasia Loop, and Japanese Peace Pagoda Named after the former Governor of Bengal, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a haven for endemic and rare species of animals, be it the Royal Bengal Tiger or the Red Panda. The entry fees are quite nominal for both Indians and foreigners, and tourists need to pay a few extra bucks to carry their cameras inside the zoo. Credits: Senorita @unsplash Batasia Loop is popular among the tourists for the war memorial and the local market. The cenotaph standing in the middle of the garden stands as a testimony to the bravery of the Gurkha soldiers who sacrificed themselves for this country. It is a must-visit – to observe an essential piece of history, and take in the beauty of such solidarity. The history of this architecture is fascinating, and so is the 360-degree view of Darjeeling you can get from the high altitude point, well worth visiting. Credits: Shuvankar Sarkar Japanese Peace Pagoda is an enduring symbol of world peace and global unity. Inaugurated in 1992, the Pagoda houses the four avatars of Buddha. The structure is similar to the traditional Buddhist structures seen in North-east India and Tibet, telling a fascinating story of cultural richness and the melding of history. Do spend some time meditating in the temple. The sonorous beating of the Taiko drums with the redolence of the incense sticks is bound to elevate the visitors to a state of spiritual transcendence. Credits: Chaitanya Khemani 2. Witness the sunrise at Tiger Hill Credits: Judith @unsplash Kanchenjunga is indeed a sight to behold. Adding icing on the cake is to witness the sunrise at Tiger Hill with the sun rays embellishing Kanchenjunga’s beauty. Do leave your hotel rooms by 4 am as the routes to the Tiger Hill start to get crowded and you may end up missing the picturesque scene. 3. Shopping in Darjeeling Mall and Chowk Bazaar Credits: Sujay Chandra Want to grab some memorabilia or buy woollies and a pack of Darjeeling Tea? Darjeeling Mall and Chowk Bazaar are the places to be. The mall is also known as Chowrasta – The Mall and Chowk Bazaar offer an exciting range of stores for tourists to go on a shopping spree. Some of our store recommendations for the tourists visiting Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta include: Nathmulls Tea and Sunset Lounge in Darjeeling Established in 1931 as a trading venture of tea and other commodities, Nathmulls Tea eventually coalesced as a Tea business. Nathmulls Tea and Sunset Lounge today enjoys a special place in the heart of tourists and Darjeeling residents. Glenary in Chowk Bazaar While in Darjeeling, visit Glenary. An establishment that has dated the pre-independence era, Glenary continues to be relevant among the gastronomers and the tourists and offers an eclectic range of delectable food items from cakes, pastries, and pizzas. Do make it a point to try out the English breakfast at Glenary. Glenary also houses a bar in the basement. Oxford Books and Stationery Stores in Darjeeling Mall A paradise for all bibliophiles. Bhutia Market in Darjeeling Mall (The New Mahakal Market) A must visit to grab woolies at a pocket-friendly price. Mahakal Market in Chowk Bazaar Mall Road Shops 4. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Tea Estate Visit Credits: Vikramjit Kakati A visit to Darjeeling is incomplete without taking a ride in the Toy Train and Tea Estate. The Tourists need to purchase the tickets well in advance from the IRCTC Website to take a Toy Train Ride. Darjeeling and Tea are inseparable. Do make it a point to visit the tea estates and bask in the taste of the first lush of exquisite tea. Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate – one of the best in Darjeeling! 5. Darjeeling Cable Car Ride Credits: Jyoti P N Rope Cars ply between the “North Point” in the town of Darjeeling and Singla on the banks of the Ramman river. These take nominal charges to board, but the views are unforgettable – in the short ride, you can experience seeing the tea estates from an ariel point, take in the rolling green hills of Darjeeling, and gawk at the picturesque view of the city below! For a great way to top off this experience, enjoy a cup of piping
Tosh-Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh
A perfect hideout for solo travelers. Every place has its own beauty and relevance for a traveler. Tosh is a place of magnificent mountains, beautiful terrain, and escaping landscapes. If you are lucky enough to travel in winters, you might come across snow-covered mountains all along your trek. A place of happy faces, generous localities, and a hub of solo travelers is all you would be in need of to escape your routine life. ???????????????? Tosh, situated a couple of hours away from Kasol, is a quick stay for a traveler who can eventually explore nearby villages like Kalga, Pulga, Nathan, and Kutla. You can engage in late-night discussions with the #Toshis or you can take a hike to #Kheerganga with other travelers. You can even discover little waterfalls and explore the nearby forest areas. And well, do not forget to savor the delightful and mouthwatering food that the Cafes offer! If it is #Shanti that you crave for, this has to be on your list! ???????? So when are you planning your trip this Summer? #TheTarzanWay #Explore #Nurture #Inspire Read more about the travel experience from Himachal Pradesh in the blog written by Sandeep!!
