I don’t want my wanderlust to end. All I want is to travel, to have more lust to wander. Travelling has taught one thing to me, that, you are a completely different person when you return home.
Travelling makes us realise, how far we have come from home and how far we have to go in order to return back completely changed. It is the best getaway from hustle and bustle of daily life. It soothes the person inside you. It calms the soul we are living with.
To travel is to see what you have never seen before. To travel is to explore which is unexplored. To travel is to discover the undiscovered. To travel is to take a journey into you. To travel is to experience the breathtaking moments. To travel is to realise who you are.
India is a land of hidden gems. It is a paradise for travellers. It offers a different aspect of her personality- exotic, extravagant, elegant, eclectic- to each traveller of the country. To know what is hidden in the womb of India for you, have a look at the following beautiful places:
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a hill station situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is popularly known as “meadow of flowers”. It is a well known skiing destination in India.
Places to visit:
- Gulmarg Gondola: It is one of the major attractions of Gulmarg. It is the second highest cable car in the world. The Gondola ride gives the most breath-taking views of Gulmarg and Khilanmarg combined. The first phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft.
- Khilanmarg: It is a fairyland for tourists with flowers of varied colours in spring which transform into a skier’s dream destination in winters. The very famous Nanga Parbat which is 7100m high is close to it and portrays the most serene bounty in the background.
- Golf course: Well known as the highest 18 hole golf course in the world, this golf course is also the longest in India. This place was used by British to play golf since 1911. The golf course is very beautiful and consists of a meadow with various varieties of beautiful and rare species of flowers. The flowers are in full bloom during the months of June to September.
Food to eat:
For vegetarians: Dum aloo and Raazma-Gogji (kidney beans with turnip).
For non-vegetarians: Rogan josh, Qabargaah (Fried Rack of Lamb) and Seekh kebab (spicy ground lamb on skewers).
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Srinagar International Airport (56 km away).
Nearest railway station: Srinagar railway station (60 km away).
Bus route: Regular bus services from Srinagar, Sonmarg and other neighbouring towns in Kashmir.
Kodagu district
Kodagu, also known as “coorg”, is situated in the state of Karnataka. Coorg is a tourist attraction, known for its coffee and its ethnic warrior people.
Places to visit:
- Iruppu falls: It originates from the Lakshmana Tirtha River. Monsoon season is the ideal time if you are planning to visit Iruppu Falls. The Rameshwara Temple is located near these falls. Coorg is a haven for several other waterfalls alongside Iruppu, including Mallalli Falls and Burude Falls.
- Nagarhole National Park: The Park houses tiger, Indian bison and Asian elephants. Other species include leopards, wild dogs, jackals, grey mongoose, sloth bears, striped hyena, spotted dear (Chital), sambhar, four-horned antelopes, wild boars, Indian porcupine.
Food to eat:
For vegetarians: Bamboo shoot curry, kadumbuttu (steamed rice dumplings) with chutney and kumm curry (a preparation of wild mushrooms).
For non-vegetarians: Kadumbuttu with chicken curry and coorg pork curry (pandhi curry).
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Mangalore airport (about 160 km away).
Nearest railway station: Mysore railway station (95 km away).
Bus route: KSRTC deluxe buses run daily from Bengaluru, Mysore and Mangalore.
Lakshadweep Islands
It is a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea, 200 to 440 km off the south western coast of India.
Places to visit:
- Kadmat Island: This island is also known as Cardamom Island. It is one the major islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago in India. It is a coral reef island. Tourists can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming.
- Agatti Island: This island is well known for its remoteness, white-sand beaches and crystal clear water. Tourists can enjoy deep sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving and water skiing.
Food to eat:
The local food of Lakshadweep primarily comprises a variety of fried and barbequed fish.
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Agatti is the only airport in Lakshwadweep. Cochin airport links Lakshadweep Island with the mainland.
Water route: Passenger ships such as MV Amindivi, MV Arabian Sea and MV Bharat Seema etc operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar or mini Switzerland of India is a hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The place has a combination of three rare ecosystems: lake, pasture and forest, all in one place.
Places to visit:
- Dauladhar Mountains: Khajjiar is situated at the base of the Dauladhar Mountains. Tourists can enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains.
- Khajjiar Lake: It is a small lake situated in the middle of the lush green beauty.
- Trekking and horse-riding are other activities one can enjoy while in Khajjiar.
Food to eat:
Most of the restaurants serve Indian cuisine. Certain street stalls serve extremely delicious noodles and soups.
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Gaggal airport (180 km away).
Nearest railway station: Pathankot railway station.
Road: One and a half hour drive from Dalhousie and Chamba.
Munnar
Munnar is situated in the state of Kerala. It is a haven of peace and serenity. It is famous for its tea estates, exotic scenery, and abundance of flora and fauna.
Places to visit:
- Mattupetti Dam: It is a very popular picnic spot among tourists. It hosts activities like speed boating and horse riding.
- Atukkad Waterfalls: It is well-known for its pristine water. This crystal clear waterfall is popular among honeymooners.
- Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park: The park houses elephant, Nilgiri languor, Nilgiri martin, Atlas moth and lion-tailed macaque.
Food to eat:
Vegetarians: Idli vada sambhar and cardamom tea.
Non-vegetarians: Fish curry and Malabar fish
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Cochin Airport (110 km away).
Nearest railway station: Aluva railway station (110 km away).
Bus route: State-run buses from Kerala and Tamil Nadu are available.
Riya Kakkar
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