Alleppey The Venice of the East

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Alleppey or Alappuzha called the “ Venice of the East”, sure has all the qualities which can give major places around the world a run for the role of “Paradise on Earth”. Alappuzha is a quaint little coastal town immensely known for picturesque beauty and tranquillity it upholds. Be it coconut farms, paddy fields, freshwater lakes, backwaters, narrow crisscross canals, lagoons, rivers, landscapes that fit every camera lens,  villages on the river bank, Chinese fishing nets, temples, history and culture it possesses, etc, you name it, it has got it all in abundance. 

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Boat House In Alappuzha

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Here you get a chance to glide through the serene backwaters using the houseboats or normal boats to witness the unexplored regions of Alleppey. The backwater cruise experience is something that you can’t afford to miss and it has multiple backwater routes to offer. Every route has got something that is distinctive and captivating compared to others. Alappuzha to Kumarakom is considered as one of the most beautiful scenic routes of all.

Vembanad Lake

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Vembanad lake, considered as a heart of Kerala backwaters, spans through several districts, making it the longest lake in India. Stretching at 90 km in length and 14 km in width, it is also recognized as the largest water reservoir of God’s own country. A vast array of rivers, lagoons, and canals empty their tanks at Kottayam to form a picturesque Vembanad lake. With coconut palms on either side, picture-perfect landscapes, rare kinds of birds flying on top of you, dramatic sunsets, freshwater lagoons, and lush green shrubs spread all over this is an ideal spot for all kinds of travelers.

This lake has got many activities to offer like boating, fishing, sightseeing, strolling through islands, and staying in houseboats that cruise through the beautiful location at a slow pace.

Boat Race In Alleppey

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Not to mention, the world-famous snake boat races that are organized annually during the Onam festival. These races happening in different canals across Alleppey is surely the sight that gotta be in your bucket list. You can spot travelers from all over India and the world paying a visit to watch this craze filled boat race. 

Above all, Alleppey remains a destination that would bring joy in every kind of traveler, be it photo freak, backpacker, wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, seasonal traveler, wanderer, and a person who loves adventures.

Also Read:

Best Places to Explore In Munnar.

Best Places To Celebrate Holi In India

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Holi -” The Festival Of Colors” is celebrated in different ways across different regions of India. As you will be going through the list of best places to celebrate Holi in India, you will be quite surprised by how people celebrate it. Mostly you will be thinking people celebrate Holi only with colors, but that is, not the case as there are places which use flowers, sweets(laddoos), and evens laths or sticks for that matter.

Holi celebrations are associated with many mythological stories too. Some celebrate it as Lord Krishna and Radha celebrate it, some celebrate it to kill Holika and save Prahalad, some celebrate it to welcome the spring season, and some others celebrate it for the sheer pleasure of getting drenched in Colors.

Here is the list of best places to celebrate Holi and get your whole body painted with colors in India  

Best Places to celebrate holi in India

Mathura & Vrindavan Holi Celebrations

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If you love old school stuff and want to go crazy with colors in a traditional way, then this place gotta be on your list. Just because we tell you it is a traditional way of celebration, doesn’t mean it is short of fun. If by any chance you are attending the Holi Celebrations in Mathura or Vrindavan, you are guaranteed to experience one hell of a color fun ride.

And, this place Mathura & Vrindavan, as few people say can also be called the birthplace of the Holi festival due to its close ties with Lord Krishna. Mathura is a place where Lord Krishna was born and Vrindavan, which is just a few Km away from Mathura is a place where he was brought up. Apart from this, locals also believe that playing with colors was originated during the Radha & Krishna Era.

Further, we can spot a lot of locals playing the ancient Matki Phod game during Holi. In this game, an earthen pot filled with lots of butter is hung high on top using ropes. Some guys form a pyramid-like structure to break open the pot filled with butter, that is placed at a great height, while the ladies throw colors and splash water at guys to distract them.

Mathura

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Here you can see locals getting into a festive mood 40 days prior (i.e starting from Vasant Panchami day which marks the end of winter) to the actual Holi festival date. 

Dwarkadheesh temple of Mathura is renowned to provide the best holi celebration experience in the town. The whole town comes together for processions filled with vibrant color and hard beat music that starts from Vishram ghat and ends at the holi gate. And if you are an early person, never miss a chance to see how traditional drink bhang is being prepared near Vishram ghat by priests. Now that, you have seen how the Bhang is prepared, what next? drink as much as Bhang as possible and get high (get drunk and get high).

Note: Bhaang is a special drink prepared during holi using marijuana, milk, and various other herbs.

Vrindavan (Phoolon wali Holi)

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This place is famous for “Phoolon wali Holi” i.e. people throwing flowers on each

Not to mention, here it is celebrated as a week-long festival. Banke Bihari temple hosts the best holi celebration in Vrindavan and processions here look grandeur, colorful and musical. The main holiday starts with priests throwing flowers on devotees and later continued by people throwing tons & tons of flowers at one another. And, it is one of the great sights to watch people playing with flowers. After this, the next 3 days are dealt with a humongous amount of colors. Banke Bihari Temple opens the door for all the devotees and tourists to play holi in their backyard.

Unquestionably, both the places are famous throughout the country and you can spot millions of tourists and pilgrims visiting this place during holi. You can welcome the spring season by getting involved in numerous pujas, rituals, and traditional activities here.

Barsana Holi Celebrations

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Undoubtedly, a unique way of celebration can be noted here, as you have never seen before. Playing holi at Barsana dates back to the days of the Radha Krishna era. And to our surprise, the holi is being played the same way as to how it all started back then.

Laddoo holi

Laddoo holi is a distinctive one where the priests, as well as devotees, throw sweets on each other, and along with that spiritual song on Radha & Krishna are sung to mark the arrival of Lord Krishna from Nandgaon to Barsana village. And, Laddoo holi is celebrated one day before the Lathmar holi in the famous Shriji temple dedicated to princess Radha in Barsana.

Note: Laddoos are a popular sweet prepared throughout India

Lathmar holi

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At Barsana it can never get crazier than this, you can spot locals putting into use lathi’s (sticks) and shields, just for the sheer pleasure of it. Women of Barsana and Nandgaon dressed up in their brand new traditional clothes beat up men of both the villages. However, males come prepared with shields to dodge against sticks thrown at them. After that, on the main holi date, all the locals unite together in Nandgoan village to celebrate the festival of colors with lots of color and Bhaang in their hands.  

Note: Shriji temple or Ladli Ji temple dedicated to Princess Radha is the best place to experience holi in Barsana

Origination of  Holi festival 

A small story from the chapters of Radha Krishna Leela will tell you how the festival of colors originated in these regions.

There are two tiny villages near Mathura called Nandgaon & Barsana. Barsana was the birthplace of Radha. It is believed that Lord Krishna used to travel with his gang of friends from Nandgao to Barsasa to visit his beloved Radha. As Krishna was little mischievous in his teenage, he used to playfully tease Radha & her friends, hence Gopis (Radha friends) used lathi(stick) in turn to chase them away. On the other hand, Krishna used to throw color on Radha before running away.

Pushkar Holi Celebrations

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Not mentioning Pushkar on this elite list would be certainly unfair. Like many other places, the festive mood starts at least a week prior to the actual date.

The night before the main holi festival, all local people along with the temple priests and village head come together to light up a bonfire that is structured like Holika or asura. People burn the Holika statue to save Prahlada who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. This burning of Holika symbolizes the victory of good over evil

The next morning, people start early by marching their way into the streets to get drenched in colors and gulp as many glasses of bhaang as possible. You can spot the entire city on the streets partying like crazy animals with processions everywhere; loud EDMs that would blow off your ears; people dancing to the crazy tunes of DJs; drummers & musicians rising the beats, and every individual becomes performers under the sky doing some random stuff. 

Last but not least, guys who enter the processions fully dressed will have their clothes fully ripped apart and thrown on top of electric wires. Hence, this holi is called “Kapde Faad holi”.

Who is Holika?

The Holika here refers to the demon, the sister of  Hiranyakashipu, who burnt herself to death in the process of throwing her nephew Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu into the blazing fire.

Shantiniketan Holi Celebrations

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Shantiniketan, a quaint little town near Bolpur of West Bengal celebrates Holi to welcome the spring season. The festival of spring is called Vasant Utsav in Shantiniketan. 

Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore who loved various cultures across India, had introduced the festival of colors in Vishwa Bharati University as an annual event. In addition, Rabindranath Tagore and local people added a cultural touch to the whole celebrations by Including activities like singing, dancing, performing folk arts, etc and elevated the whole thing to the next level.

Vasant Utsav is a three days folk festival, where all the students dress up in colors that symbolize spring season. You can experience students joining hands along with the actual artists and performing for various arts like Natua dance,  Chhau dance, Darbari Jhumur, and sing regional songs as well as songs written by Tagore that are popular among locals. The best part of the festival is that it is completely organized by the villagers as a way of helping sustain regional art forms and themselves. And, at the end of cultural activities students are seen throwing colors at each other and even locals start their celebrations by getting drenched in colors.

All these activities attract thousands of tourists all over the world and not just that, even these tourists are given a chance to participate in some activities and get hooked to color celebrations along with locals.

What started as a cultural event in Shantiniketan has now become an integral part of the whole of the West Bengal culture.

Jaipur & Udaipur Holi Celebrations

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Do you want to see as in how the royals go about their Holi celebrations? then you gotta head to Jaipur or Udaipur to experience the grandeur of all celebrations across India. 

If you happened to be at these places before 2012 during the Holi festival then you would have spotted parades of elephants, camels, and horses decorated with lots of jewels and fabrics being taken around the city. However, all of these things are banned now because the use of animals is against animal laws. But nothing to worry as celebrations have become bigger and better suited to the present-day generation. 

Usually, the festival of color is a two-day event in these royal places. On the first day evening, a big Holika pyre is set into the fire by the royals belonging to the Mewar dynasty followed by large scale feasts; Bhaang parties, folks songs, cultural activities, and firework displays all over the city. 

The next day, all locals and tourists gather together to turn all the people and the city to different shades of colors. Apart from the colors, loud music, EDMs, songs, DJ beats, dance, and Bhaang are always part of these colorful stories in Udaipur and Jaipur. People even participate in palace processions that have royal bands and bejeweled horses that march from the royal residence of the Mewar dynasty to Manek chowk.

Hampi Holi Celebrations

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Last on the list is the ancient town and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre Hampi. 

Generally speaking, Holi celebrations are not part of South India, but still, celebrations here are massive and grand as it pulls in a huge western crowd. Hampi which usually seems like a black&white movie, but this time it turns around to reveal its rather unusual colorful avatar during Holi celebrations. Be it partying, drumming, dancing, singing, or playing with colors everything here reaches another unimaginable level. Once all this is done and dusted, all people go near the sacred Tungabhadra river to wash off the colors. To sum it up, Holi in Hampi is majorly celebrated to benefit the western crowd.

Note: If you go to Hampi to be a part of Holi celebrations, please don’t go and wash off the color in the river because it is not nature friendly and moreover it will be polluting the water resources, which millions of people use to drink.

Conclusion

Now that you have seen our list of best places to celebrate Holi, make sure the festival of colors doesn’t go to waste. If you think we have missed out on certain places, please do share it in the comment section below, we are happy to hear from you.

Also read: Best Places To Trek In Karnataka

Best Trekking Places in Karnataka

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Are you an adventure freak who is looking to conquer the misty mighty mountains of Karnataka? So, do you want to know the best trekking places in Karnataka to spend your weekend and sway away from your hectic routine life? Then you are in the right place. 

Karnataka is home to more than 200 adventurous trekking destinations and holds a sweet spot amongst the trekking enthusiasts.

Here is a list of some great trekking trails in Karnataka that you shouldn’t even think of missing.

Best Trekking Places In Karnataka

Kumara Parvatha Trek

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Kumara Parvatha is the beast as some people call it and it is considered as one of the toughest treks in Karnataka. If you are an adventure seeker then you are going to fall in love with this beast. This mountain is located behind Kukke Subramanya Temple in the Western Ghats region and is also popularly known as Pushpagiri.

Trekking trail leads you through misty dense forests, tall grasslands, large volcanic rocks, beautiful looking streams, the valley that reflects different shades of green, and a wide range of fauna. Even though this trek makes you sweat profusely, what unparalleled beauty awaits you at the top of the mountain is worth the climb.

Usually, it is a 2-day trek, where you can reach Bhattara Mane which is a halfway mark and stay overnight pitching your own tents and reach the peak the next day by seeking the forest officer’s permission. A man called Bhat runs the show in Bhattara Mane by providing trekkers with simple food, shelter, and does all arrangements for camping with a bonfire at minimum cost. Additionally, there are washrooms near this place and that certainly raises the comfort level of trekkers.

Note: You are not allowed to camp beyond Bhattara Mane’s region.

There is another route to reach the Kumara Parvatha summit i.e. through Somwarpet (Coorg) side. It is a long as well as difficult trek compared to the other side and there are no signboards or proper pathways, hence it is advisable to hire an experienced trek guide. 

 Bhattara Mane’s Phone Number For Enquiry: +919448647941 , +919480230191 , +919945618495, & +9194486 47947

Kumara Parvatha Trek Information

  • Kumara Parvatha Trek Distance – 26 km (to & fro)
  • Altitude – 1712 m (5,617 ft) above sea level
  • Trek Time – 10 to 12 hours
  •  Kumara Parvatha Entry Fee – Rs. 300 / person.
  • Difficulty Level – Moderate to Difficult
  • Best Time To Trek – Oct To Feb
  • Location- Pushpa Giri Wildlife Sanctuary near Kukke Subramanya Temple
  • Camping – Yes, camping can be done near Bhattara mane by seeking forest officer’s permission.
  • Camping Fee: Rs. 200.
  • Distance from Bangalore – 281 Km

Thadiyandamol  Trek

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The highest peak in Coorg and also the best trekking spot in western ghats for beginners to start their trekking journey. No complications at all as the trail is clearly marked, the chance of you getting lost is nil. Thadiyandamol trek base starts from a small village called Kakkabe. As you start trekking into the wild, the view of Shola forests, greeny grasslands, water streams running in different directions, vegetations everywhere, colorful birds flying over you is a delight to your eyes. Apart from this what scenic beauty awaits you at the top of the peak is pure bliss.

Once you have trekked for about 2 km from the base, there is a big rock where people prefer camping, as it is quite windy at the peak. In fact, you can pitch your tents here, have packed foods, lit the bonfire to protect yourself from chilled nights and sign off for the day under the twinkling stars But be very careful when you are camping here, as chances of elephants paying a visit at night are possible.

In addition, there is a Nalknad Palace in the village Yavakapadi, located just 2 km prior to the trek base. Nalknad Palace is a 200-year-old architecture built by Kodava rulers to seek refuge during the wartime. A lot of travelers who wants to spend more time with nature, park their vehicle near the palace and start trekking towards Tadiandamol peak from this point. The journey from the palace to Base camp is a beautiful one, as you will be walking amidst aromatic coffee plantations, colorful flowers, fruits, and huge trees. 

Thadiyandamol Trek Information

  • Thadiyandamol Trek Distance – 14 km (to & fro)
  • Altitude – 1748 m (5735 ft) above sea level 
  • Trek Time – 6 hours
  • Thadiyandamol Entry Fee – Rs. 20 / person.
  • Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate
  • Best Time To Trek – Oct To Feb
  • Location – Kakkabe 25 km from Virajpet, Coorg
  • Camping – Yes, Camping can be done near the big rock that is 2 km from the forest entry point.or near Nalknad Palace.
  • Camping Fee: Nil.
  • Distance From Bangalore – 268 Km

Kudremukh Trek

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Popularly known for the distinctive shape of the peak, which resembles the horse face. In fact, “ Kudremukh” in native Kannada language means “Horse face”.

Trek begins from Mullodi village, which is 5 km away from Balegal. To reach Mullodi either you need to take a jeep ride from Balegal or if you feel like exploring more you can take a walk. Now that you reach base, you will be allotted with a guide, who will be part of your adventurous journey till you reach base again. It is a long and hectic trek, hence it is advisable to start as early as possible to gain an advantage.

As you start your trekking trail, Kudremukh brings something new every single time be it  Streams, bamboo shrubs, tiny waterfalls, lush vegetation, meadows, coffee plantations or rain forests that look fresh mostly. Trekking here is similar to watching a movie, as you keep moving forward, sceneries in nature keep on changing. Sometimes you will be walking in the streams; the next movement you will be walking through clouds; and the next movement elsewhere. And this is what makes this place all the more amazing.

Once you reach the top, the view of the valley beneath you, as if the green carpet has been laid out on the whole mountain is mind-blowing.

If you are lucky you can spot bison, spot deer, sambar, and peacock while trekking.

Note:- In Kudremukh trek, they allow only 50 people/day.

 Kudremukh Trek Information

  • Kudremukh Trek Distance – 22 km (to & fro)
  • Altitude – 1894 m (6207 ft) above sea level 
  • Trek Time – 8 to 10 hours
  • Kudremukh Entry Fee –  Rs. 475 / person.
  • Difficulty Level – Moderate
  • Best Time To Trek – Oct To March.
  • Location- Kudremukh Reserve Forest, Chikmagalur.
  • Camping – No, they don’t allow you to camp as this destination is in Reserve Forest.
  • Distance from Bangalore – 330 Km

Kodachadri Trek

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One of the most beautiful and most celebrated trekking destinations in Karnataka. Standing tall at 1300 m, Kodachadri is the 10th highest peak in Karnataka. Sampekatte in Nittur Village is the trek base, it is at 20 km from Kollur. There are a lot of Jeeps available from Kollur which will drop you near the trek base. And there are jeeps that will carry you till the halfway mark of Kodachadri trek (i.e. near the temple) if you don’t like trekking or you want to take a bumpy adventurous off-road trail, then go for it.No need of any guide if you wish to trek as there is a proper pathway.

Kodachadri Trek Route 1

As you start your trek near Sampekatte and enter forest area, Kodachadri starts to unveil a lot of surprises to you and if you are a nature lover then for sure you will fall for it. Firstly, you will come across popular Hidlumane falls, then multiple tiny streams, grassy meadows, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

There is a temple and Kodachadri Information Bureau near halfway mark. Moreover, this is the place where you are allowed to camp pitching your tents and jeeps don’t go beyond this point. Kodachadri Information Bureau also provides simple food like rice, sambar, buttermilk, and pickle on request, at a minimum cost.

In fact, the real fun and surprises start only after reaching the summit. There is a Shankara Peetha, a place where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have meditated.Sunsets here are really mesmerizing and it has a great history, as this sunset has been showcased in many Indian films. 

Kodachadri Trek Route 2

Alternatively, there is another easy route to reach the Kodachadri peak. It is a short trek of 5 km. Trek base starts from Karekatte village and you need to pass through Santosh hotel in Valuru. After this, you need to move across a forest and tall grasslands trail to reach the summit.

No, the adventure hasn’t ended yet, there is a place like Ganapathi cave and Chitramoola caves which are 2km further away from the peak, but you need to take an experienced guide, as the path gets really confusing after the summit.

Note- Guides are available but you need to show your bargaining skills. Usually, guides charge around Rs. 500 to 1000 and in some cases, jeep drivers itself act as guides. 

Mookambika wildlife sanctuary is known for its wide variety of wildlife like Malabar giant squirrel, Malabar langur, emerald pigeons, Bison, Tiger, King Cobra and pythons

 Kodachadri Trek Information

  • Kodachadri Trek Distance – 16 km
  • Altitude – 1300 m (4406 ft) above sea level
  • Trek Time – 8 hours
  •  Entry Fee –  Nil.
  • Difficulty Level – Moderate
  • Best Time To Trek – Oct To March
  • Location- Mookambika wildlife sanctuary, 20 km from Kollur, Shimoga.
  • Camping – Yes, you can plan to pitch a tent at halfway mark near Kodachadri Information Bureau or stay at a priest house.
  • Camping Fee – Nil.
  • Distance from Bangalore – 422 Km

Mullayanagiri Trek

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Mullayanagiri, renowned as Karnataka’s highest peak, is located in Baba Budan range of western ghats. The mountain got its name as Tapasvi Mullapa Swamy had mediated in one of the caves just below the peak.

You can reach the summit either through trekking or you can take your vehicle to the top from where the peak is 500 steps away.
If you happen to choose trekking then you need to take the Sarpadhari route. After getting down in Chikmagalur, you can ask any Auto rickshaw guy to drop you near the trekking base and he might charge you around Rs. 150 to 200.

You can start marching towards the peaks, on a small muddy path in between dense forest. The path you take has a narrow stream, waterfalls and at times the trail gets harder as you need to make a 60-degree steep climb to proceed further.

As you get closer to peak the breeze gets colder and the visibility becomes almost blurry as it is covered with dense mist. There is a shiva temple, Nandi statue and two old colorful caves formed by the mixture of several minerals near the peak. The panoramic view of Chikmagalur city; aromatic coffee plantation; green patches of grasslands; small streams, lugged rocks; Baba Budan Giri peak and mist everywhere makes this look like a tiny paradise.

Above all, as the sun rises through the sea of clouds, it sure looks magical beyond explanation.

Mullayanagiri Trek Information

  •  Mullayanagiri Trek Distance – 7 km (to & fro).
  • Altitude – 1930 m (6330 ft) above sea level.
  • Trek Time – 4 hours
  •  Entry Fee –  NA.
  • Difficulty Level – Easy.
  • Best Time To Trek – Sep To April
  • Location- Baba Budan Giri Range, 15 Km from Chikmagalur.
  • Camping – Yes, you can pitch a tent finding a suitable place as there are no restrictions.
  • Camping Fee – NA.
  • Distance from Bangalore – 260 Km

Nishani Motte Trek

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If you don’t want any crowd to follow you even on weekends then this Offbeat trekking destination near Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary, in Coorg should be on your list. You need to seek permission from the Bhagamandala forest office before you start your trek from Madenadu village base camp, which is 7 km away. You need to hire a jeep to reach the base camp. 

Additionally, it is advisable to hire an experienced guide, as the paths in this region are not marked properly and there is a chance of you getting lost in the forest.

Initial stages of the trek are relatively easy compared to the final leg which is very steep. Nishani Motte trekking trail will lead you through Coffee estates, cardamom plantations, paddy fields, thick rainforests, small freshwater streams, and dashing meadows.

Even though the final phase of the trek is a little harder as you need to walk on narrow ridges, the climb to the top is absolutely worth it. The scintillating view of the misty mountain ranges and the green-topped valley will sweep any nature lover off the ground.

Sometimes you can spot bison, snakes, elephants, wild bears and leopards at far distances, while you are trekking.

 Nishani Motte Trek Information

  • Nishani Motte Trek Distance – 15 Km (to & fro)
  • Altitude – 1270 m (4167 ft) above sea level.
  • Trek Time – 6 to 7 hours
  •  Entry Fee –  Rs.200 / person.
  • Difficulty Level – Moderate.
  • Best Time To Trek – Sep To March
  • Location-Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary, Coorg.
  • Camping – No, they don’t allow you to camp.
  • Distance from Bangalore – 284 Km

Z point Kemmanagundi Trek

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 At 60 km from Chikmagalur, this lesser-known destination is a hotspot among travelers and adventure enthusiasts. The trail to the peak is zig-zag and resembles the English alphabet “Z”, hence it is called a Z point.

 It is a short trek that begins from  Kemmanagundi Raj Bhavan, located inside a dense forest of western ghats. There is a checkpoint here and you will not be allowed to carry any kind of alcohol or drugs.

The first phase of the trek until Shanti waterfalls is easy. The second phase i.e. trek towards the peak.is a little harder, as the path becomes more slippery; steep and sometimes you need to walk on narrow ridges that have steep valley on one side and big mountains leaning on you on the other side. And what makes it scarier is, there are no fences or railings that support you and one slip can land you right on the bottom of the mountain.

The summit will receive you with the cool breeze no matter what time of the day it is and sometimes strong winds can blow you off the ground. There are many factors like the bird’s eye view of the city; a steep valley with a variety of trees; at certain points walking above the clouds and the view of the sun going down the horizon will make any traveler go crazy.

 Z point Trek Information

  •  Z point Trek Distance – 6 Km (to & fro)
  • Altitude – 1500 m (4,921 ft) above sea level
  • Trek Time – 4 hours
  • Z Point Entry Fee – Rs. 100/person.
  • Difficulty Level – Moderate,
  • Best Time To Trek – Oct To March
  • Location- Kemmanagundi, 60 Km from Chikmagalur.
  • Camping – Yes, camping at z point is possible.
  • Distance from Bangalore – 274 Km

Conclusion

Bored with your routine weekend stuff, then try hitting any of these beautiful trekking spots in Karnataka with your friends who are crazy about adventures

Have you ever been to these trekking places in Karnataka? Which one did you like the most?

Please share it in the comment section below, we are happy to hear from you.

Also, read: Best One-Day Treks Near Bangalore

Varkala Beach Tour – A Photo Story

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Varkala, a quiet little coastal town, backdropped by the Arabian sea, lies at a distance of 40 km, on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. This hamlet is home to one of the best seasonal beaches in the world called Varkala beach, which is about 10 km from Varkala town. Varkala beach is also known as Papanasam beach as it is believed that taking a dip in the water here washes away all the sins.

Laidback Varkala beach is known for its lofty and lengthy red cliffs, dramatic sunsets, picture-perfect landscapes, deep green waters, prolonged beach stretches, coastal cuisines,  coconut grooves, shacks, and tiny shops. And, if you are an adventure freak then you gotta try out parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and surfing 

Apart from this, Varkala has several other tourist spots like  Janardhan Swamy which is 2000 years old, temple, Shivagiri Mutt, Sivagiri Tunnel, Archengo fort, beaches, and lighthouse. 

There are two parts to the beach namely northern cliff and southern cliff. Northern cliff has a lot of stays, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and shops that are purely dedicated to the tourist crowds. Whereas the southern cliff is a contrast to the north with less crowd, quieter surroundings, and more of local people. Moreover, the south cliff side is considered more sacred and there is a road here that leads to Janardhana Swamy temple. But, today we will see how to spend a day in Varkala beach through some beautiful photos.

Now that,  you have seen the introduction, let us get into the story right away. This is my first trip to one of the best offbeat beaches in Kerala.

Varkala Beach Tour Through A Photo Story

Staying In Hostels

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Town welcomed me with open arms. I stayed in one of the Portuguese style villas that are converted to backpacker hostels in the North cliff. They charged me around Rs. 500  for a day along with a  delicious complimentary breakfast attached to it. This place sure seemed beautiful with lots of greenery and tall palm trees around. If you are traveling alone, hostels are the best place to make new friends, laze around the town, and save huge bucks. There is a wide range of hostels, homestays, and resorts, which is similar to the one I stayed in. You can choose the one that best suits your budget.

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Streets leading to the beach are narrow and stuffed with trees on both sides. Not just beach walks, even strolling the streets of Varkala will leave a soothing effect on you.

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Get up early and try heading to the beach in the wee hours to get a me-time. You will hardly find anyone except for some Fishermans who are making arrangements to sell freshly captured fishes. You can take a walk peacefully as the waves keep crashing at your feet and Sunrises above the horizon.

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As the sun rises, beaches here tend to become a little busy. You can spot fishermen setting up the fish stalls right in the middle of the beaches. On the other hand, locals and restaurant owners lining up to cash in on fresh catches of seafood from fishermen

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Breakfasts In Varkala Beach

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When in Kerala never miss out on Puttu, one of the popular breakfasts across the whole of Kerala. Usually, they serve two kinds of Puttu, one made of wheat and another one made of rice. You can choose to have it either with banana and honey or with Kadala curry( Chana masala). I have a sweet tooth, hence I chose to have it with banana and honey.

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Ghee dosas that are huge, crispy, and tasty are the specialty of this region. And, it is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar that is absolutely delicious. I had my breakfast in a restaurant called Ottupura that is budget-friendly as well as serves tasty food.

Papanasam Beach- The Sin Healer

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 This temple on the banks of the Arabian sea is where you can spot people performing spiritual or religious rituals. If you want to wash away all your sins then take a dip in Papanasam beach. Additionally, the water washes the plants that are nearby, which have medicinal value, hence giving rise to the healing power of water.  

Time To Go For Shopping On The Cliff

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 Shop till you drop at the endless rows of shacks that are lined up on the North cliff. There is jewelry, handicrafts, clothes, food products, spices, ayurvedic products, etc lined up just for shoppers. Be prepared to bargain as they might charge a hefty amount knowing that you are a traveler.

Towards the Fisherman Village in North Cliff

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As you enter the village, you can spot plenty of fishers working on their daily chores. Few of them catching fish, few repairing the nets, few getting their boats ready to march into sea, and few packing fishes that need to be sent to market.

On the other hand, I was clicking as many pictures as I could. This is when I heard some fishers calling me to help them pull a huge fishing rope, as one of their colleagues had fallen sick. I was a bit surprised at the beginning but my “never say never attitude” made me say “Yes” to their request. I can call this one of the most unique experiences of my life. When I looked from far away everything looked easy but once I laid my hands on the rope, I got to know, I was in for a hard day’s work. I nearly worked for 2 hours on a sunny day and at the end of it, I had no regrets. I was happy and fulfilled to have tried something new in life.

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Fish Fry At Fishermen\’s House

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The story isn’t over yet. Fishers were humble and very nice to me.  After the work was done, they invited me to their home and offered me a delicious fish fry for helping them out. The fish fry was out of the world and I had never tasted such an amazing thing before. Now, this is what you call a perfect day. I thanked them for the food and started marching north towards Kappil beach, which had black sand.

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Now It Is Time For Lunch

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Varkala beach Cliff has a variety of cuisines from all around the world. Be it  Indian, Italian, Mediterranian, Thai food, Continental, or even local cuisines, you name it, it has got it. 

These are some of my favorite choice of restaurants In Varkala Beach

  •  Trattorias Restaurant
  •  Clafouti
  • God’s own country Kitchen
  • Cafe del Mar
  • The Bait & Hook: Seaside Restaurant
  • Darjeeling Cafe

Most of the restaurants here are a little bit on a costlier side, as it mainly serves the tourist. If you are a backpacker and want to save a few bucks then try heading towards the Varkala main town. There are plenty of buses or auto-rickshaws to reach the main town. However, restaurants in town serve only local food but the taste is exceptional.

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Sunsets in Varkala Beach

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Restaurants on the north cliff are the best place to watch the sunset with some snacks to munch on and chilled beer in hand.

Laid Back Nightlife In Varkala 

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\"Seafood

 

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Just outside the restaurants, you can see the local fishermen showcasing their freshly caught seafood. You can choose your own food from whatever is being displayed and have it prepared in tandoori style by the restaurant people.

 
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As the evening approaches, all the streets on the top of the cliff turn colorful with all kinds of lights being lit.

As Varkala is a holy town, none of the restaurants or beach shacks here are allowed or licensed to serve alcohol. However, most of the restaurants here do serve alcohol by charging a hefty amount, knowing that it is illegal.

 

\"Fish

I chose to have Karimeen Pollichathu or fish fried with spicy masala by wrapping a banana leaf around, one of the famous local delicacies.

\"Night

Don’t expect parties to be as crazy as the parties that happen in Goa. However. Some beach shacks like “ Rock & roll” & few other lounges do play music till late night.

Furthermore, you can go watch kathakali performances as an alternative to night parties.

Conclusion

This is the best place if you want to relax, detox,  or rejuvenate yourself peacefully. And, if you are allergic to the crowded beaches of Goa, then Varkala beach needs to be on your list.

Top New Year destinations In India

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New Year is just around the corner and what better way can it be to welcome and kick start a fresh year than traveling to amazing new destinations in India, which celebrates it in a unique and a grand way. 

It’s the perfect time for you to come out from the familiar and explore the unknown and do something different while you bid adieu to this year.

India is a country with rich culture and heritage housing some of the most amazing and gorgeous places to explore. Each region in India welcomes the New Year in a different and unusual way.

While you may be someone who loves to party hard or someone who wishes to spend quality time amidst nature in a calm and cozy destination, you may be someone who wishes to go on a trip with friends or family or even with your special one.

Whatever may be your idea for celebrating the New Year, we have included a list of top New Year destinations in India with a wide range of choices that suits all kinds of individuals.

Why wait then? Go ahead and select the best place to explore this season and celebrate the New Year in a most fulfilled, excited and energetic way!!!

Top 12 New Year Destinations In India

Bangalore

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This IT hub of India is not only known for its pleasant weather but is also well known for its most amazing and electrifying New Year parties.  

The crowd in this city believes in working hard and partying even harder.

Bangalore being a metropolitan city is filled with star hotels, rooftop bars, pubs, huge malls, gardens, and lakes.

With unique and exciting party themes, grooving to some crazy beats, drinks flowing all night and gorging on some scrumptious food ranging from roadside eateries to finest dining restaurants, the city has it all.

Some of the attractions and best places to visit in Bangalore are the Lalbagh Gardens, Bangalore Palace, ISKCON temple, Wonderla, Shopping at MG Road.

Goa( party city) is one of the best New Year Destinations In India

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India’s very own Las Vegas and a party hub; Goa is filled with a whole new level of liveliness in the month of December. 

With a series of events happening the entire month, it is one of the top destinations to visit in India during the New Year.

Goa is a perfect destination for party buffs. Firecrackers lighting up the coastline, less expensive beer, varieties of local and seafood delicacies, exotic beachside stay, night-long parties, music festivals, carnivals are some of the main attractions in Goa during the New Year season.

Some of the most happening beach parties are held here which goes on till the wee hours of the morning. 

Anjuna beach, Candolim Beach, Baga Beach host the best beach bashes whereas Palolem Beach is preferred for private New Year parties.

Puducherry (Pondicherry)

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Well known as the French capital of India, this union territory of Puducherry is a must-visit place for both party lovers as well as for those who prefer to start the year in a peaceful and laid-back way.

Pondicherry is famous for the beach-side rave parties that go on till the next morning on New Year’s Eve and less expensive booze.

 Exemplary Street performances, fireworks lighting up the sky and bonfires at the shoreline are something to look out for.

You can indulge in a new cultural exploration this year as Pondicherry still retains the old French culture. 

This can be witnessed in its architecture and buildings present in French colonial style, with the locals speaking in fluent French and the French style cafes serving French cuisine that is famous here.

Pondicherry is also a serene place for meditation lovers as well. You can head to Aurobindo yoga ashram and other meditation centres here and welcome the year with peace and tranquillity.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

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Celebrate this New Year in royal style by planning a trip to the City of Lakes, Udaipur in Rajasthan. 

This city is filled up with exotic and royal palaces, hotels, villas, and resorts that host some of the happening parties at eminent locations making it one of the best New Year destinations in India.

The Rajasthani folk dances and hospitality is something that cannot be missed. 

The best places to visit here in Udaipur are the City Palace, Jag Mandir Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Pichola Lake.

 One can go for handicraft shopping by traversing through the lanes of markets to experience the hustle and cultural vibe of these ancient bazaars and buy handicrafts.

And don’t forget to gorge on some delicious and appetizing Rajasthani Thali which is served in traditional handcrafted platers.

Gokarna, Karnataka

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If you are hoping to start the New Year with a perfect blend of partying as well as relaxation and spirituality then Gokarna should be on your go-to list this December.

This Offbeat beach paradise is a quieter version of Goa with alluring beaches which is just a perfect place for a relaxing holiday. 

Gokarna hosts some of the best all night electrifying parties during the New Year’s Eve making it popular among foreigners and tourists.

The most popular beaches here are the Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Paradise and Half-moon beach. 

You could explore this small rustic temple town by visiting some excellent pubs, go on a trek through different beaches, enjoy a peaceful session of yoga by the beach, try unique brew, watch dolphins at the horizon, pay your respects at the shrine of Mahabaleshwar temple or simply laze around the beaches.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

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For a colorful and lively start with a unique experience this New Year, head to Jaisalmer which is your ideal holiday destination. Ring in the New Year with a bang and celebrate like how Maharajas do.

Enjoy and experience the cold climate of northern winters while you explore the famous forts and palaces of Jaisalmer. 

The rich culture and heritage of Jaisalmer are reflected through their architecture, dressing and traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sonar Quila which is known as the Jaisalmer fort adds to the majesty of royal Jaisalmer and is a must-visit place.

The most popular attraction is the famed desert of golden sand that is the Thar Desert. This desert lends Jaisalmer its name as the “Golden City”. 

You can hop for a camel safari or go camping in the middle of the desert.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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Manali is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh and a pretty New Year destination.

 It is an absolute heaven during winters as one can witness snowfall during the month of December which adds to the beauty of this place.

Manali is covered with snow-clad mountains, easy flowing water streams, roads and valleys which is an absolute delight to watch. In the night this place turns into a party hub.

You can indulge in some thrilling adventure sports activities like Trekking, paragliding, horse riding, rafting, and skiing. 

You could even plan a road trip to areas like Solang Valley and click memorable Instagram worthy pictures. 

Evenings in Manali can be enjoyed by simply sitting and watching the snowfall while sipping on a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in a cafe. Do not miss the local food here.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

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The charming hill station of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is a small hill town and a very exotic tourist destination blessed with natural beauty.

Also known as the “Princess of hill stations”, Kodaikanal is a go-to New Year destination if you wish to spend time amidst nature.

The specialties of this place are its lush green forests, tall pine trees, coffee plantations, quaint cafes serving the incredible coffees of the country and beautiful misty mountains. 

You can go on a trek in a few beautiful locations here or offer prayers at the famous Karthikeya temple.

Major tourist attractions here are the Kodai Lake, Bear Shola falls, Coakers Walk, Green valley view, Pillar rocks, Bryant Park, Kurinji Temple, Silver cascade falls and Dolphin’s valley. 

Mcloedganj, Himachal Pradesh

Yet another excellent and stunning place to celebrate the New Year is Mcleodganj, a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh and lies in the lap of the Himalayas.

The hill station bustles with celebration and parties during the New Year. Quaint cafes and eateries are thronged with people enjoying live music and strumming of guitars while devouring their food and sipping a hot cup of coffee. 

Mcleod Ganj is brimmed with temples and Buddhist monasteries and you can opt for a tranquil and pleasant New Year celebration by visiting some of these temples.

The must-visit places here are the Bhagsunath Temple, Shiva Café, Dal Lake, Tibetan museum, Namgyal monastery and many more.

 You can stroll through the streets of Mcleodganj and get a glimpse of the flawless view, trek in Mcleodganj or simply relax and get lost in nature and unwind yourself.

Gangtok, Sikkim

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An epitome of scenic beauty and rightly called as the “Switzerland of the East”, Gangtok is the largest city and capital of Sikkim state. This northeastern star is all about pilgrimage, trekking, monasteries, and hills. 

Gangtok is not just known for its snow-covered mountains but is also famous for the unique view of the Kanchenjunga – the third highest mountain of the world, with an altitude of over 8,000 feet. 

Gangtok is considered one of the most beautiful mountain retreats and one of the most picturesque lands in India. 

The most popular places here are the Tsomogo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Hanuman Tok and Nathu La pass.

You can go for skiing, trekking, snowboarding or head to any of the extravagant and happening parties lit across the town. 

Adorned with scenic surroundings and surrounded by gleaming lakes, captivating waterfalls, and gigantic mountains, this north-eastern paradise is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the New Year.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

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Unleash the adventurer in you and start a sublime new year by indulging in some nerve-wracking and thrilling adventure activities like river rafting, trekking or trout fishing at this quiet and tranquil destination of Himachal Pradesh which is Kasol.

The beauty and serenity of this place cannot be expressed in words. Kasol is a hipster’s paradise and is flourishing as a tourist destination.

This small town can be considered as the Goa of the north as it is famous among tourists on New Year’s Eve for its hypnotic and ravishing parties. It is an ultimate place for party rock stars making it one of the best New Year destinations in India.

If you don’t prefer partying, you can opt for camping by pitching a tent at a secluded place under the star-studded sky and enjoy your private party. 

The primary attractions of Kasol are the Parvathi River, Kasol Music festival on New Year’s Eve, Tosh, Manikaran Gurudwara, and Jim Morrison Café.

Shillong

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Capital of Meghalaya in northeastern India lays Shillong, a hills station and popularly referred to as the “Scotland of the East”.

The hill station of Shillong has surrounded my alluring lakes and mesmerizing waterfalls and is an exceptional choice for a New Year destination if one is looking to relax and rejuvenate by spending quality time amidst nature.

You can have a whole lot of fun here by putting up tents at any of the sprawling meadows, gazing at the green manicured gardens, visit the Sacred Forest or take time to get mesmerized by hearing the waterfalls.

The popular tourist attractions here are the Elephant Falls, Lady Hydari Park, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake, Shillong peak and the list goes on.

Conclusion :

 All these destinations are selected based on different requirements of the people. So, where are you heading to celebrate this new year?  And did we miss out on any other top new year destinations in India? Please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.  

Also Read: Best Places to party In Goa

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