Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you are planning to spend your workstation or staycation in Andaman, we have you covered. We have narrowed down the best time to visit Andaman just for you so that you can make the most of your vacation. You can visit Andaman all year round but as a popular saying” It is better to wait until you get the right thing, at the right time and in the right place; than to race for the wrong thing, at the wrong time and in the wrong place”. If you want a complete experience of Andaman it’s better to wait for the best time. A picture from Unsplash- Sebastine Jermer Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Winter season Summer season Monsoon season Winter season(October-February) A picture from Unsplash-Jeremy-bezanger The best time to visit Andaman is from October- March. It is the time of Winter in Andaman. The Winter seasons are the best time to visit Andaman. The weather is calm and pleasant during the daytime with mild temperatures ideal for all the water and adventure activities. This is also the best time to visit Andaman for scuba diving. But Andaman doesn’t have a typical winter season as such. The temperature during this season ranges between 20-30 degrees Celsius which is perfect for sightseeing. A bonus of this time is that you can witness turtle nesting during this season. Winter will be the best time if you are looking for an Eye-delight Vacation. If you are looking for a less crowded time to Visit Andaman, the Winter seasons are the best. You can also take part in the Andaman film festival and the Island tourism festival if you visit Andaman during this time. Most tourists flock to the Andaman Beaches in the winter after Goa for Christmas eve and New Year welcome Parties. Considering the peak season for tourism, the prices are usually high during Year-end. Best Things to Do: Attend the film festival and tourism festival. Celebrate and Welcome New Year’s. Best time to experience dry sports and activities. Summer season(April-June) A pic from Unsplash- Ahmed Sayeed Summer in Andaman starts in April and ends in July. The temperature during Summer in Andaman is slightly hot when compared to other seasons. Apart from that summer is also the best time to visit Andaman. The minimum temperature during this time is 24 degrees Celsius maximum can go up to 37 degrees Celsius. So it is better to stay indoors in the afternoon. Since it is vacation time, people come pouring in during the summer season. The pleasant sunny and bright climate is ideal for all the water activities. The clear skies bestow a better sky diving experience and balmy days offer great underwater views. If you visit Andaman during the summer, you can witness the Andaman beach festival and Subhash meal to celebrate and commemorate the birth of renowned leader Subhash Chandra Bose. Plan an Adventure trip to Andaman Best Things to Do: Try hands-on Fishing and Scuba Diving(Fewer water levels). Snorkeling and Sky Diving. True colors of Marine life. Monsoon season(July-September) A Picture from Unsplash- Mickey-o-neil Monsoon season is not a very recommended time to visit Andaman. Monsoon in Andaman is a very unpredictable time to visit. The rainfall can be moderate or heavy but it is not the right time to enjoy and explore the island. The Southwest Monsoon is from May-September and another Northeast Monsoon is from November to Mid-January affecting the Water activities. The temperature ranges between 22 to 33 degrees Celsius with humidity at its peak. The tourist influx is comparatively less during this time but tourists still come to see and enjoy the different beaches and food festivals. If you are someone who loves spending time close to nature, then this is an ideal season. You can be in the comfort of your room and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the iffy monsoon rains. Best Things to Do: Relish contemporary cuisines on water. Spend less, experience more(Off-season). Good time for Pre-wedding shoots. Best time for Family and Group Trip: A family time during summer vacation at Andaman, you can find your favorite little sports for all age groups like a safari at the national park, a Cruise experience, meals other n water, and camp nights. A group trek to the hilltops, a deep dive into the waters, or a disco night at the club can be planned in April to expedite your plans. Best time for Honeymoon: The best time for the love birds to fly to these secluded places and plan their wedding shoots is during the Off-season from Mid-April to June end. As it’s less crowded and prices are Comparatively less for the stays and resorts. A few islands and water activities are closed due to high tides. Best time for Solo Travel: Traveling at the peak season with the most crowd would be good for hitchhiking and Safe travel for solo travelers. April and the end of September can be a great time to land on these white sands and dunes with fewer tourists and activities to take part in. FAQs 1.Do we need any special permits for Andaman? A: Local do not need any permit yet for non-Indians to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands, The permits can be obtained from the immigration office at airport, or waterways port/stations for 30 days, subject to availability of valid visa. 2.What is the weather like in Andaman? A: The temperatures an average hover from 24C-37C on in a year. 3.Cheapest flights for Andaman? A: The Flights rate range between₹ 2,880 one-way, and ₹ 6,590 for round-trip. 4. How many Islands do we get to see in Andaman? A: Out of 372 we get to see only 36. Conclusion: Andaman is beautiful all year round but more people visit
Famous Food in Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 9 Must-Try
Andaman & Nicobar Islands is home to a wide variety of amazing food. The islands are known for many things, one of which is their food. The food here is as special as the beauty of Andaman. Being an Island seafood is a major attraction here. The seafood in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is greatly influenced by the different cultures that came in touch with this region. Their food and cuisine are as different and diverse as the island. The local people in Andaman prefer spicy and tasty food and it is also a major reason for the tourist influx. In this blog post, we have covered some of the famous foods in Andaman & Nicobar islands that you will surely don’t wanna miss. Furthermore, we will cover 7 of the best restaurants in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for your convenience. Use the below list of dishes to navigate directly to them: Amritsari Kulcha Fish Curry Chili Fish Curry Macher Jhol Chicken Tikka Masala Coconut Prawn Curry Barbeque Grilled Lobsters Rice Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 9 Famous Foods (Dishes) Andaman & Nicobar Islands are famous for their unique cuisine. However, most people don’t know about the food here in this part of the world. If you are visiting Andaman & Nicobar Islands, then it is important to try these dishes. Here are 9 must-try dishes that have a special taste and flavor. 01. Amritsari Kulcha Image Source: Amritsari Kulcha Restaurant Amritsari Kulcha is a bread filled with vegetables that makes a yummy and tasty meal for the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is made from wheat flour and has a slight tang to it which makes it very flavourful. The ingredients in this bread are the vegetables that are used in the preparation of this bread. These vegetables are baby spinach, carrots, green peas, jalapeno, cilantro, oregano, and some chives. Baby spinach is a type of leaf which is mostly found in gardens and has a mild flavor. This spinach is the main ingredient in this bread. Amritsari Kulcha is the favorite bread of the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There are different types of Amritsari Kulcha which are made by adding different ingredients to this bread. It is a famous veg food in Andaman and Nicobar islands. When in Andaman you should definitely try this! 02. Fish Curry Image Source: Unsplash Being in a sea of fish, seafood is the most preferred food item in Andaman. The different seafood preparation is a must-try. The tasty fresh fish curry is absolutely mouth-watering. It will be your favorite food in Andaman and Nicobar islands. You can opt for the favorite fish of your choice. This is applicable for any preparation. Fish Curry in Andaman and Nicobar islands is a traditional and popular dish. It is made with the fresh fish of Andaman and Nicobar islands like dalmatian and brill. The dish is served with rice, onion, and tomato curry. Fish curry is a dish that is made with a lot of fish. It is a lot of work for the fish curry chefs because the curry is made with a lot of spices and ingredients. They have to clean the spices and ingredients to make sure the dish is tasty and delicious. The fish curry chefs are very skilled in the kitchen because they are able to make the dish without using a lot of ingredients. Fish curry is a very healthy dish because it is made with a lot of fish. Fish curry is served with rice and onion. 03. Chili Fish Curry Image Source: Unsplash Chili Fish Curry is a dish that is made by frying a mixture of fish and chili paste and then adding tomatoes, coconut milk, and a dash of sugar. It is a popular dish in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and a must-try if you are in the mood for Indian food. This recipe is a little spicier than your usual curry. If you are not a spice lover, you can easily modify the recipe and make it a little bit spicier. In order to make this dish spicier and more flavorful, I used some of my favorite spices: cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. These spices add a lot of flavor to the dish and make it taste more authentic. This is as same as Fish Curry but a little more spicy version of it. Even if you are a spice lover or not this is a must-try. 04. Macher Jhol Image Source: Kitchen of Debjani As the name suggests it is a curry of Bengali origin. It is basically a fish curry that is loved by many due to its rare taste and different flavor. Macher Jhol is traditional spicy fish curry and is a popular dish in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. s in the form of a very spicy stew or gravy that is served with rice. Macher Jhol is liberally seasoned with turmeric, garlic, onions, and grated ginger, but uses a tomato-based gravy that does not contain any onions. The dish is typically made with a variety of fish, such as mackerel, sardines, or tuna, though it may be made with shrimp, lobster, or other shellfish. The fish is often fried in butter or oil, before being simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The sauce is made with a mix of onion, ginger-garlic, salt, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, chili powder, and other spices. The dish is normally eaten with a squeeze of lime and eaten with the hands. 05. Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish originating in the Indian subcontinent. It is a mild and spicy chicken dish with a tomato and cream sauce topped with whole cumin seeds, garam masala, and dried fenugreek leaves. It
20+ Unique Things to Do in Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2022 List)
Andaman being a gem of the Bay of Bengal is a heaven to all travellers and nature lovers. Owing to its distinguished topography this place is home to many adventure activities, water sports, and much more. Andaman and Nicobar are two of the most beautiful and pristine islands in India, which are home to a wealth of natural biodiversity and majestic landscapes. What’s more, these Islands are a destination to be visited again and again. These are rich in natural resources and offer a variety of breathtaking vistas. From the spectacular beaches to the deep blue waters, to the dense forests, these islands offer the visitor a wide variety of things to do. In this blog post, we will have a look at some of the unique things to do in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. 20+ Things to Do in Andaman & Nicobar Islands Andaman is an amazing destination to explore when you’re looking for a holiday destination. It’s so diverse, you can explore the beaches, the marine life, and the numerous islands in the Andaman archipelago. Here are 20+ unique things to do in the Andaman & Nicobar islands. Sea Karting in Andaman Snorkelling under the clean water Sea-walking with the fishes Swim with elephants Enjoy mangrove kayaking Dolphin watching Semi-submarine ride for newbies Glass water boating Fishing for the soul Volcano barren Island tour Island trekking for the travel junkie Bioluminescence in Havelock Rubber plantations visit Watch Turtle nesting Island hopping Romantic walks in Ross and Smith Island Stay in Beach Facing Resorts Visit Limestone Caves Shopping Banana Boat Ride Bird Watching in Chidiya Tapu Parasailing in Andaman Let’s take a closer look at each of these activities along with their location, duration, and cost. 01. Sea Karting in Andaman A couple enjoying seakarting If you like to give yourself an adrenaline rush, then the first thing you need to try in Andaman is Sea Karting. Seakarting is becoming a popular water sport in Andaman. The major attraction of this water sport is that you get to venture into the deep ocean of Port Blair with speed and comfort without compromising on safety. You also get a chance to self-drive, as an instructor accompanies you along your ride. Location: Port Blair, Andaman Duration: 1.5 hours approx. Cost per person: INR 5000/- 02. Snorkelling under the Clean Water A lady snorkelling under clean water Snorkelling – the brother of Scuba diving. If you are afraid of diving into the deep ocean but still want to explore the inner sea, Snorkelling is the answer. It lets you swim on the surface of the water with the help of a breathing device and swim fins giving an experience similar to scuba-diving. Snorkelling in Andaman will be a unique and fun experience for you. Adding it to your list of unique things to do in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands should be a top priority. Location: Havelock Island, Port Blair, Andaman, and Nicobar Duration: 1 hour Cost per person: INR 1000/- 03. Sea Walking with the fishes A man enjoying the company of fishes It is a new fun activity introduced in Andaman recently. While Sea walking in Andaman you will be given a helmet where you can easily walk on the seafloor at a depth of 7 meters. It is a one-of-a-kind activity every fellow traveller should experience. It is indeed one of those unique things to do in Andaman. Location: North Bay Island, Havelock Island Duration: 1 hour Cost per person: INR 4000/- 04. Swim with Elephants Rajan th elephant swimming in water Swimming with elephants!! How cool is that! Here in Andaman, you are offered a fun yet thrilling swimming experience that you can cherish for the rest of your life. Rajan the elephant was the major attraction of this activity but he passed away in 2016. But there are 60 other elephants who are friendly and love the company of people. This is one of the inevitable activities to do in Andaman. Location: Any beach Duration: 30 minutes 05. Enjoy Mangrove Kayaking A beautiful view of the mangroves All of you must have heard of kayaking, But mangrove kayaking in Mayabunder is definitely going to break your idea of Kayaking. Did you know that ⅕th of India’s Mangrove is in Mayabunder? Kayaking through the lush green mangroves leaves us in Aww with nature. It is one of the best places to visit in Andaman. Being a secluded area this place is a resort for all peace and nature lovers. Location: Mayabunder Duration: 2.5 hours Cost per person: INR 2500/- 06. Dolphin watching The happy mammals posing for a family picture Dolphins are known to be the happiest animals alive. Watching them dance, jump, and wade across the water, make us so happy. You also get a chance to play with these happy mammals. A lot of Islands in Andaman offer ample opportunities for Dolphin watching. Watch these happy creatures tease you as you watch them. Location: North passage, Lalji bay Cost per person: Free of cost. 07. Semi-submarine ride for newbies An image of the semi-submarine Marine life is astonishing and marvelous in itself. You should actually set out to explore the beautiful deep ocean at least once in a lifetime. Indulge in the marine life of Andaman by taking a semi-submarine ride. It will be the most memorable and cherishable moment of your life. Be ready to witness the fascinating marine life very close with uncompromised comfort. This is also an ideal activity for people who are scared to venture alone into the deep ocean. Make sure to add this to the things to do in Andaman & Nicobar Islands with the family list. Location: Port Blair Duration: 2 hours Cost: INR 2000/- 08. Glass water boating People
Corn Village Sainji, Mussoorie: Everything You Need to Know!
India is a land of vast cultures. Every nook and corner of this country has its own unique sense of culture. Such is the Sainji village, a small offbeat village in Uttarakhand. The very first sight of this village will leave a deep imprint on your mind. When you think about the name of this place, rows and rows of cornfields crop up in your imagination. But that is not how this place gets its name. This village is not just about cornfields, it is so much more. There is an unusual thing about this village that will leave you thinking. The village entrance is marked by a huge gate-like structure, all covered with corn, showing the importance of corn in the village. The village houses and all buildings are covered with corn and it is being used as a piece of art in every house. How to reach the corn village? Best time to visit the Corn village, Sainji Things to Do in Corn Village Things to Keep in Mind while in Corn Village FAQs Corn Village Sainji How to Reach the Corn Village? Sainji Village is just 5 km away from Kempty falls, Mussoorie, in the Tehri Garhwal District. Once you reach the falls you can take a cab, hire a taxi, or avail of public transport like a bus to the Sainji Village. You can reach Mussoorie by road, rail, or air. By Road: Mussoorie is well linked by a network of state and private buses to its nearby cities. Several buses, ply frequently from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Tehri, and Haridwar. Buses are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. By Rail: Dehradun Railway Station, situated at a distance of about 28 km, is the nearest railway station to Mussoorie. From outside the railway station, one can hire private taxis or take buses to reach Mussoorie. These taxis are available for sharing as well as on an individual basis. By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (50 km away) in Dehradun is the domestic airport closest to Mussoorie, which is well connected with major Indian cities. All the major carriers offer regular flights to this destination from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. After reaching the airport, travelers can hire taxis to reach Mussoorie Grazing fields in Sainji Village Best Time to Visit Corn Village Sainji The best time to visit this beautiful village is during September and October as it is the harvest season. You will see more corn and even the inhabitants at work. Every house has one or a bunch of corn hanging upside down in each corner. It looks quirky but innovative. Things to Do in Corn Village There are many amazing things to do in Corn Village Sainji, including visiting the beautiful cornfields, taking a scenic hike through the mountains, and enjoying the stunning views of the valley below. Lets have a look at some of the most popular things to do in Corn Village! 01. Taste the Delicious Food While visiting this village, make it a priority to sample their local dishes. Corn is the major part of their diet with Makke ki roti (corn flour bread) and chutney being their daily meals. It is a simple meal, but it touches your heart. You will find corn in their other side dishes as well, but it is impossible to get over them. 02. Interact with the friendly locals The locals of the Sainji Village are very simple and humble. They are very friendly. You will experience humanity and hospitality in its truest form in today’s world. The shy smiles of the women, mustering up the courage to start a conversation is very amicable. Talking with them and sharing the laughter. They bond with you so well, that you will no longer feel like a stranger in their land. 03. Explore the architecture The houses of Sainji village are very colorful. While most of them are made of concrete, there are a few wooden houses with short doors made of Deodar wood. The short doors are believed to keep evil away. These small cottages are decorated with paintings on the wood and the corn is tied in bunches to dry and stock for the rest of the year. The natural décor instantly warms your heart and makes you smile. The streets are very neat and cobbled. You will not spot any garbage lying around. 04. Take a walk in the Fields You do not want to miss out on long walks in their mesmerizing Corn Fields. The salubrious air, the smell of earth, and flawlessly lined cornfields give an entrancing perspective. It looks almost unreal. One usually stays here for a few hours or a day. But if you are a nature enthusiast and love panoramic views, be prepared to spend quite a few days here. You will enjoy a certain serenity and warmth here even surrounded by chatty locals. The homely atmosphere will warm you to the place immensely. 05. Traverse to the water canal There is a small canal running through this village that provides water. It is too small to be called a river. But it is cleaner as compared to some big rivers. The villagers get the majority of water required for irrigation and for washing clothes and utensils from here. The walkways around the irrigation canal are properly laid. Things to keep in mind while in Corn Village Do not disrespect the community and its beliefs. Interact with the locals to have a better understanding of their culture Take permission before clicking any personal picture or video. Thank them for their hospitality before leaving The locals have kept the village very clean, Do not litter around. Sainji village is ideal for anyone seeking a rural tour of authentic mountain culture and getting to know the rustic lifestyle of the people. It
Kaso(u)led: 9 Best Treks Near Kasol for a soul-searching experience!
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Kasol is the perfect place to go. Nestled in the Parvati Valley of the Himalayas, Kasol is a small town with a lot to offer. From hiking and camping to rafting and kayaking, there’s something for everyone. And, if you’re looking for a soul-searching experience, there are plenty of treks near Kasol that will help you find what you’re looking for. Also known as Mini Israel, Kasol is also a Backpacker’s paradise! In fact,ā Kasol is the origin of many trek routes – both long and short. In this post, we are here with 9 of the best treks near Kasol that you should definitely try once in a lifetime. Let’s dive right in! Best treks near Kasol for a soul-searching experience For many of us, the mountains have always been a place of solace and peace. There is something about their raw, unadulterated beauty that just fills us with a sense of wonder. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and go on a soul-searching journey, there are plenty of great treks near Kasol that you can embark on. From easy day hikes to multi-day treks, there’s something for everyone. Below is a list of some of the best treks near Kasol that will help you find some inner peace. Kheerganga Trek Malana trek Waichin Valley Trek Tosh Valley Trek Rasol Valley Trek Sar Pass Trek Chalal trek Pin Parvati pass Kutla Glacier Trek *mentioned trek distances are for one-way only 1. Kheerganga Trek A man enjoying the beautiful snow – clad mountains in Kasol The Kheerganga Trek is one of the easiest treks and is among the best treks in Kasol for beginners. Located in the heart of the Parvati Valley, Kheerganga offers more than just mountains and valleys. Kheerganga is also believed to be a magical land where Lord Shiva was believed to have meditated for thousands of years. This great Himalayan hideout can be accessed in 2 routes, a daring Rudranag route and an easy Kalga- Pulga route. Whether it is the beautiful milky white streams or the majestic panoramic views – this trek is sure to captivate you with its elegance! Distance: 10km Duration: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Easy The best time for Kheerganga Trek is from April to October. 2. Malana Trek A beautiful valley you come across trekking in Kasol The Malana Trek might be a short trek route but it is definitely a daring one and isn’t any less than the others. The trek ends at a steep village called Malana located at an altitude of 10000 ft above sea level. The enticing views the trek provides from the top of the village make you feel like going back to the place again and again! Hence, it is among the treks you must try in Kasol. Distance: 5km Duration: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Easy Malana is accessible all year round. However, for snow, one must visit this place in the winter months of December, January, and February. 3. Waichin Valley Trek Waichin valley in it’s supreme beauty Free from the daily buzz and chaotic city life, Waichin Valley offers the peace and tranquillity that most of us seek. The Waichin Valley lives up to its name The Magic Valley and is sure to entangle you in its mysterious spell. Surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountain range and the dense pine forests make Waichi valley is truly a trekker’s paradise. To conclude, this trek route is one of the best offbeat treks in Kasol. Distance: 4km Duration: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Easy The best time to visit the Waichin Valley is from the end of August to November. 4. Tosh Valley Trek The lush greens of Tosh to cheer your soul The Tosh Valley Trek is another short trek starting from Barshaini and ending in Kasol. The place will surely leave you awestruck. The lush green forests, chirping birds, snow-capped mountains, and the burbling of crystal clear Tosh River and valleys are sure to make you addicted to trekking and hiking! The rather calm environment of the Paravati valley adds to the tranquilizing element of your trekking journey. Distance: 3km Duration: 1-2hours Difficulty: Easy Tosh Valley is accessible all year round. For snow, the best time to visit Tosh valley is from December to February. 5. Rasol Valley Trek The snow clad mountains of Rasol valley Rasol Valley is a beautiful hamlet located in the picturesque Parvati valley in Himachal Pradesh. The trek offers such a peaceful atmosphere that one can even listen to his heartbeat while trekking! Hence, this trek offers what every backpacker seeks – tranquillity and closeness to nature! The pine trees that line up on either side welcome and embrace every trekker’s senses. The steep trekking trail makes the experience a challenging one. Distance: 8km (one way) Duration: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Easy The best time to do the Rasol Valley trek is from April to December. 6. Sar Pass Trek A slice of heaven The Sar Pass Trek is one of those treks that offers more than you can imagine. If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding trekking spot then this is it. The uneven extreme terrains, the lush green meadows, the snow-capped mountains, the picturesque hamlets, the rhododendron fields – the Sar Pass Trek is one for the memory album! The ethereal views from the Sar Pass will surely make you forget all your problems! The beauty of the Parvati valley paves its way indeed among the best treks in Kasol! Distance: 25 km Duration: 5-6 days Difficulty: Moderate The best time to do the Sar Pass Trek is from April to June 7. Chalal Trek A calmly flowing river in Chalal Trekking to a place
Bhopal: The City of Lakes – Everything You Need to Know
Bhopal, the city of lakes!! One of the underrated gems of the country, Bhopal may not be a place that comes to mind first when thinking of travel; but the solace and serenity you will find here amidst delightfully beautiful backdrops will undoubtedly charm you and make it a special trip for years to come. Bhopal City, popularly known as the “City of Lakes” is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, which is situated at the heart (central part) of India. The ‘Nawabi’ city abounds in a variety of beautiful and interesting places ranging from national parks to zip-lining spots and has recently also captured the attention of several filmmakers, with many popular Hindi shows and movies being shot here. The city is divided into two areas, ‘Old Bhopal‘ and ‘New Bhopal‘ with the New Bhopal City being a hotspot for many tourists. So, let’s take a tour of one of the greenest cities in India, Bhopal. How to Reach Bhopal? By Air By Rail By Road Places to visit in Bhopal Van Vihar Kerwa Dam Jehan Numa Palace Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum Taj-ul-Masjid Birla Mandir FAQs Final Words Bhopal: The City of Lakes How to reach Bhopal? By Air: Bhopal has direct connectivity with the major cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Raipur, and Hyderabad, with several flights available around the year. From the eastern and southern parts of India, you can get connecting flights via these cities to Bhopal. By Rail: The ‘Old Bhopal’ and ‘Bhopal Habibganj’ stations are regarded as World-Class Stations with well-maintained amenities, and have connectivity with most cities in India. Trains like the ‘Shatabdi Express’ and ‘Bhopal Express’ have a wide reach and are very convenient and reliable modes of transportation. By Road: Bhopal is linked to several cities via road. The roads are well maintained with multiple rest stops along the way. There are many highways like MP SH 18 which connects Bhopal to Ahmedabad, there is NH46 which connects Gwalior, Bhopal, Guna, and terminates in Betul. Bhopal is connected to many 2 and 3 tiers cities through state bus services, like Indore(190km), Ujjain(189km), and Nagpur(354km). You can easily take a bus from Bhopal to Indore, Shirdi, and various other cities. Now that we have talked about how to get there, let’s look at the activities you can indulge in when visiting the regal city of Bhopal! Plan a Bhopal Experience Places to Visit in Bhopal Bhopal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The city is home to a number of historical and religious sites, as well as a number of natural attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Bhopal: 1. Van Vihar A profound National park and Zoo in central India and is definitely a place to ‘vihar’ that is, to visit. Van Vihan National Park consists of various spots like the rescue center, zoological gardens, conservation breeding centers, and of course, the national park. The zoo houses a diverse variety of fauna ranging from the tiger, hyena, sloth bear, and leopard, as well as the fear-inducing reptilian display including pythons and many more scaled creatures. A park is set right next to the famous Upper Lake, also known as the ‘Bada Talab‘ of Bhopal. You can also engage in various events like bird-watching camps, photography competitions for various categories, and wildlife week celebrations. The wildlife celebrations begin on 1st October to spread awareness around the conservation of wildlife. Van Vihar is a beautiful spot with lush green trees, swampland and even boasts of a cycling track. Tourists and locals alike often rent bicycles to enjoy a tranquil ride amidst the forests and alongside the beautiful lake shimmering in the light of the rising sun while the whole city sleeps. Van Vihar is open throughout the year and the timings are 6 am to 7 pm from Saturday to Thursday (closed on Fridays). You can take a cab to reach this attraction. Also, you can do Van Vihar online booking now. Van Vihar National Park 2. Kerwa Dam Kerwa Dam is known for its scenic beauty and is a hotspot for tourists who want to try out zip-lining and other adventure sports conducted here. You can see different hues of green in the rich gardens, relish street food at the Kerwa restaurant, and children can have a great time at the swings near the garden. There is also a good spot in the garden for people to view the entire dam backed by the breathtaking sight of rich greenery. You can book your spot for zip lining at a booth near the dam and enjoy a splendid experience. Camping at the Kerwa Dam is another major attraction, the Serenity Camp nearby offers an exciting camping experience including fun ice-breaking sessions and sports like cricket, and water volleyball. There are bonfire nights filled with fun and frolic, and you can also enjoy your own company and indulge in stargazing in the serene night sky lit up like diamonds, away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Kerwa Dam is open on all days from 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the dam is gushing with water and its gates are opened. You can either hire a taxi or take a rental car and enjoy a lovely drive along with the fields. Travel Experiences Kerwa Dam 3. Jehan Numa Palace Jehan Numa Palace is one of Bhopal’s finest hotels with a legacy of over 100 years. It beautifully replicates the old ‘Nawabi’ style of Bhopal. Bhopal has inculcated the Mughlai touch in its cuisine and is extremely famous for its Mughlai dishes, the most famous of them being the ‘Bhopali Gosht Korma Mughlai’. Y You can relish this appetizing dish at the Jehan Numa Palace which will definitely
10 Offbeat Things to try in Kolkata
Once the capital city of India, Kolkata brings an overload of emotions to every visitor. The malls and celebrations are the essences of the city of joy. But beyond the popular culture of the Science city and Victoria Memorial, lies the undiscovered rawness of the city. This guide to 10 unique things to try in Kolkata will help you to experience the beauty of the city to its fullest. 1. Take a Boat Ride at Babu Ghat Sunset at Babu Ghat Built during the British Raj, the Babu Ghat gives a magnificent view of the river Ganga. The professional masseurs near the ghat have been providing relaxation to visitors for 200 years. There are numerous wooden boat rides and ferry stations near Babu Ghat. Unlike the popular Princep Ghat, the bonus here is that there is no line for the boat ride. If you’re taking a boat ride, you can ask the rower to take you near the Howrah Bridge. The view of the sunset from here is truly majestic. Ticket price: Rs. 400 – 600 2. Capture the Beauty of Craftsmanship at Kumortuli Idol Designing at Kumortuli Durga Puja is the heartthrob of Kolkata. But even if you visit the city at some other time of the year, you can experience the emotions of Bengal’s biggest festival. The potter’s colony, known as Kumortuli, is the epitome of unrefined art. The craftsmen here cast an enchantment on clay and hay to shape beautiful idols throughout the year. The potters settled around 300 years ago, and to date bless the city with their ancestral profession. An annual art festival called Rang Matir Panchali takes place in April, featuring installations, idol-making displays, paintings, photographs, wall graffiti, and street art. 3. Take a Tram Ride Tram Ride in Kolkata Established in 1873, the Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) is Asia’s oldest tram network. It’s also the only operating tram network in India. CTC has been an integral part of India’s history for decades. It has also been featured in numerous movies. This cheap and underrated experience can be quite enriching. If you want more to the ride, you can opt for the Kolkata Heritage Tram Tour which starts and ends at the Esplanade Tram Depot. The tour includes local food (snacks), and Kolkata Heritage Tram Tour Momento. It covers various heritage places of historical significance in Kolkata, like Mother Teresa’s House, Shaheed Minar, and South Park Street Cemetery. Riding a tram in Kolkata is truly a surreal experience. It bears a charm that bounds every visitor to shoot. Timings: 6.30 A.M. to 9.30 P.M. Duration: 6 hours 4. Get Spooked at South Park Street Cemetery Tombs at South Park Street Cemetery Over 250 years old, this abandoned cemetery is listed as one of the haunted places in India. It houses over 1900 graves, mostly of children and young adults who died of tropical diseases. It’s the first non-church Christian cemetery and houses the graves of many notable people like the second son of Charles Dickens and William Jones. After a few decades since it was established, the graveyard was closed as it was flooding with dead bodies. According to some, everyone in the Dennison family died within a week of each other from unknown causes. It is said that the tomb bleeds and oozes blood in monsoons, thus getting the nickname of the ‘bleeding tomb’. Though there is no physical evidence of this place being possessed by ghosts, people have fainted and felt dizzy in many instances. Apart from the spook it offers, one can visit this place for its architectural variety. From Roman tombs to pineapple cores, every tomb is designed uniquely. Visitors can take a guide at the entrance for free. Timings: 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Ticket price: Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners 5. Pay a visit to the Black Hole of Kolkata Monument Plaque at the Black Hole If you’re into dark tourism, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the Black Hole of Kolkata. Fort William, which was originally controlled by the British, was taken over by the Nawab of Bengal. The prisoners of war were locked up in the dark and dingy dungeons of the fort, where many died of exhaustion and suffocation. Later, a memorial was made in the St. John’s Church graveyard to pay respect to the deceased. You can visit the remains of the Old Fort William and take a walk to the new building. 6. Go for a food walk Sweets in Kolkata Bengalis have always been known for their food, thus, local food makes is an integral part of traveling in Kolkata. A proper food walk in Kolkata will satiate all your taste buds from sweet to spicy. Start with a breakfast at the Chinatown of Tiretti Bazar. A cacophony of colors, this place offers a variety of delicious sea foods. After that, head to Park Street to get a taste of the spicy street foods of Kolkata. Do try out the specialties of Bengal- Rasgullas and Misti Doi. If you’re visiting the city in winter, do try out the unique range of sweets called “pithas”. Have biriyani near Indian Museum at just Rs.50. Finally, you can take a yellow taxi ride to the prince ghat and enjoy masala chai while watching a beautiful sunset over the Ganga. 7. Visit the 250-year-old Great Banyan Tree The Great Banyan Tree Located in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, the Great Banyan Tree has been mentioned in books dating around the 19th century. Though its main trunk had decayed and was removed in 1925, there are several remaining branches canopying around the garden. This miraculous tree still survives and manages to grow. It occupies a huge
