Goa

                            Goa

Everyone gets fascinated on hearing the name of Goa.  Goa is not just a state but entirely an emotion within itself. Filled with beautiful beaches, renowed temples, and amazing sea food, it is a pleasure to tour this place. It just gets everyone weak in the knees.Goa is gifted with abundance of natural beauty and heritage. The breath-taking sites of beaches, the mountains, seas, valleys, trees fascinate many tourists from India and abroad. Lets have a look at some of the tourist sites and beaches of Goa which you will cherish for long!

1) CALANGUTE BEACH:  It is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. People can enjoy various water sports, rides here.  There are also many shops lined up towards the beach selling footwear, clothes , goggles, drinks, caps and bags. A walk by the beach is cherished by many tourists. There are also many restaurants located on the beach selling mouth-watering sea food and drinks, of course.

2) MIRAMAR BEACH:   This is also one of the most well known beaches of Goa. One can get a beautiful view of the dolphins, the central jail, the ancient lighthouse , and the lush greenary around. This beach offers an incredible view of the sea and its scenic beauty. Make sure that you visit this beach atleast one in your lifetime.

3)COLVA BEACH :  It is the second longest beach in India after the Marina beach in Chennai. The length of Marina beach is 15 kms long while the Colva beach is 13 kms long. It is a beautiful beach covered with coconut trees, white sand , bushes, flowers and eating joints.

4) VAGATOR BEACH:  Vagator beach is also among the most famous beaches of Goa. It is well known as among the best places for viewing the charm of sunsets.  It is a beach famous for its seclusion with the Chapora fort.

5) ANJUNA BEACH: Anjuna beach is very popular among the foreigners. It is a beautiful picnic spot where large number of families come here for dining, exploring and relaxing.

6) MARINE FISH ACQUARIUM : It consists of different varieties of fishes which highlight the beauty of beauty of Goa's marine life. The various types of fishes displayed here are piranha, goldfish, sharks, lobsters, jelly fish ,crabs and pomfrets. I had an enjoyable time at this place.

7) BOAT CRUISE:  It is an enjoyable and pleasing ferry ride through which we can see different iconic places of Goa while travelling by the lakeside. We get a view of Goa's culture, heritage, tradition, lifestyle in the boat cruise. It is surely an enjoyable experience.

8) DONA PAULA BEACH:

Dona Paula Beach is one of the best beaches in Goa for honeymoon tourists. Nicknamed "Lovers' Paradise," this coastal destination in the suburbs of Panaji even has its own love legend.

The tale is about Dona Paula, the daughter of a Portuguese viceroy, who threw herself into the Arabian Sea after her father forbade her from seeing a Goan fisherman who had stolen her heart. The viceroy was so saddened by the loss of his young daughter that he named this entire beautiful area after her, and treated it as a tribute to eternal romance. 

9) BAGA BEACH:  It is a popular beach and tourist destination in North Goa. Baga beach is famous for water sports, such as parasailing and banana rides, and dolphin cruises.

Manali

   MANALI

Manali is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India as well as abroad.   I love the sight of its snow capped mountains, pine trees, and lush greenery. It is a bliss for travellers, trekkers, photographers , adventure lovers and also the common people. It is also a delight for people who love shopping. The very popular Mall road  is lined up with shops selling shawls, clothes, footwear. It also consists of many restaurants where people can relish their favourite food. 

Manali is like a home for me. The culture and vibe of this beautiful hill station pleases me the most. Tourism is the major source of income here. The famous Hidimba temple among the tall pine trees is an ideal place of worship. The most famous landmark of Manali is the Rohtang pass which is covered with snow throughout the year and is a heaven for tourists who love to do skeing and trekking.  A plate of maggi in one hand and a  cup of hot tea on the other while enjoying the cool breeze of the snow clad mountains is the most enjoyable thing to do here. Samosas,  momos, bread omelette, gulab jamuns, cantonese noodles and  the Bombay bhel puri are the lip-smacking delicacies of Manali that one should definately have.

Tourists from India and also from abroad visit this beautiful hill station. The ideal months of visiting Manali is from April to October. Winters are very cold here with temperatures going below -5* Celsius. The 50 km journey from Manali to Rohtang pass is one of the most breathtaking spectacles of nature. It is a delight to do activities such as biking, hiking and camping on this beautiful stretch. Rahala waterfall is a popular attraction in the Rohtang pass. The local people are simple and very friendly with the tourists. Each time I remember my trip to Manali, I feel like going there again and again. Another important landmark of Manali is the Great Himalayan National park and the Manali wildlife sanctuary. They are home to many mountain animals as well as exquisite green landscapes.

Each time I entered  the balcony of my hotel room, I would be  mesmerised looking at the breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunsets. After visiting this beautiful hill station, I was in a bliss. I wish I never left that place. The beautiful landscapes of Manali shall always remain fresh in my mind.

Matheran

  MATHERAN

Matheran is one among the smallest yet a unique hill station of  India. It is 90 kms from Mumbai and 120 kms from Pune. Known for its scenic beauty and green cover, Matheran has become a very popular hill station in  a short span of time. It is a perfect getaway for people from Mumbai away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. 

You can get there by cars and taxis. There is also a toy train facility arranged from Neral to get to Matheran. It is also known as the 'Land of Monkeys since monkeys are present there in large numbers in every nook and corner. Covered with trees, bushes , Matheran is less polluted compared to the other hill stations of India. It is one of my favourite hill stations because of its  superb planning and cute structure. There are large number of hotels, lodges, restaurants and cafes present here. The vibe and environment of this place is calm and peaceful. Matheran  is also the best hill station to enjoy the sunsets and sunrise views.

It is also a boon for travellers , trekkers and photographers.  You can go to Mall road where you shop some amazing stuff. Eatables like chikki, vada pav, tea, coffee and juices are popular here. Louisia point, Echo point, Charlotte lake, Monkey point, Matheran Market and Khandala point are the famous landmarks here. The  Sunset point offers a mindblowing view of sunset which will surely steal your heart.  You can visit this entire hill station on foot or by horse carts.

 

Popularly known as 'the cutest little hill station', Matheran is an absolute delight for its visitors. Also , do remember one thing  in Matheran; never leave any food, mobile or your wallet open or else the monkeys would snatch it away. I never get bored of visiting this place again and again. My scary as well as a fond memory  of Matheran is when monkeys snatched a full bunch of bananas from my hand . That was an epic moment. The whole hill station appears like a tunnel of greenery. Matheran shall always remain close to my heart.

Mahabaleshwar

 MAHABALESHWAR

Mahabaleshwar is another beautiful and mesmorising hill station located in Satara district of Maharashtra. The soothing climate and the green hills are a pleasure to watch here. I remember having spent my best time here. The jungles of Mahabaleshwar are known for their density and various species of birds and wildlife. Near to this  hill station lies Panchgani , which  is another  famous tourist spot. The strawberries of Mahabaleshwar are the best. 

Mahabaleshwar is also known for its vast plateaus , beautiful roads and forests. It is surrounded by greenery all around . Visiting this hill station will surely improve your health. Lets have a look at some of the features of Mahabaleshwar:

PLACES TO SEE:  For places of worship, you can visit Shri Shankar mandir and Panchaganga mandir. For  adventure activities such as hiking , trekking and climbing,  Wilson point, Castle rock,  Connought peak, Elphinstone peak, Carnac point are perfect. Pratapgad fort is also present.

SHOPPING :  Strawberries, raspberries and jams are the most popular food items here. Head to Main street to purchase them. Local shoes made of wood are also very popular in the region and can be brought at cheap  prices.

EATING OUT:  Mahabaleshwar is a little more modern then most hill stations of Maharashtra. If you are looking for  local food, try Hirakanis. For fast food lovers, there are food stalls selling pizzas, burgers and sandwiches.  There are also restaurants selling Chinese, Italian, North Indian and South Indian dishes. The Batata Vada is very famous here, don't forget to try it.

ACCOMODATION: There are many hotels and lodges here where you can have a comfortable stay.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT: All year around.

 HOW TO REACH: By road , Mahabaleshwar is connected by various bus services and private taxis from Pune , Mumbai and Satara. By rail, direct trains are available from CST(Mumbai) and Pune to Satara. You can easily get private cars , cabs and state run buses once in Mahabaleshwar.

       The people of this hill station are extremely hospitable and friendly. Besides that, the  cool climate shall  make your trip a memorable one. Don't forget to buy the delicious strawberries from Mahabaleshwar. Do visit this hill station with your family or friends and create wonderful memories.

Navi Mumbai

                      Navi Mumbai 

Navi Mumbai is a city which I really admire.  It is a dream city which everyone would wish to live in. It is the largest planned city in India as well as the world. It is also one of the cleanest cities in India after Chandigarh. Navi Mumbai is very close to Mumbai . They are connected to each other by the Vashi creek bridge and the Airoli bridge. The main aim of creating Navi Mumbai was to decongest Mumbai and reduce the burden of urbanisation and migration in Mumbai.

Navi Mumbai boasts of having a variety of well known educational institutes offering courses in streams which include engineering, medical, hotel management, architecture and media. Various multinational companies like Siemens, Mcdonalds, Reliance, Accenture  and Larsen and Toubro have their head offices and branches across the city , making it an active business hub.  Navi Mumbai also consists of a variety of tourist places to explore such as golf course,  Central park and Pandavkada waterfalls in Kharghar, Parsik hill near CBD Belapur, Wonders park in Nerul, Nerul lake, Palm beach road between Belapur and Vashi , and the Karnala Bird sanctuary in Panvel.  SIES college, Nerul and Pillai's college in Panvel are the best colleges in Navi Mumbai. Navi Mumbai is connected by all means of transport such as buses, trains and rickshaws.  The railway stations in Navi Mumbai are beautiful and are a proof of wonderful engineering marvels and architecture. Lets have a look at some of the tourist places in Navi Mumbai:

1) Central park, Kharghar

2) Wonders park, Nerul 

3) Pandavkada falls, Kharghar

4) Karnala bird sanctuary

5)Belapur fort

6)Palm beach road  (Vashi to Belapur)

7) DY Patil stadium, Nerul

8) Nerul lake

9) Parsik hill (between Nerul and Belapur)

10) CIDCO Golf course, Kharghar

11)Utsav Chowk, Kharghar

12)Airoli Knowledge park

13) Nerul Balaji temple

14) Inorbit mall , Vashi

15)Seawoods  Grand Central mall, Seawoods

I studied my degree college in SIES college in Nerul and got a feel of how Navi Mumbai looks like. Navi Mumbai is truely a jem  of a city as it consists of recreational places as well as commercial and residential complexes. Just like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai too,  has developed rapidly,  in a span of three decades. All forms of life can be seen here.  In a short span of time, this city has seen a rise in the demand for residential and commercial sectors. Navi Mumbai is also less polluted, calm, peaceful and exactly the opposite of the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city. . It has a life and a charm  of its own. A trip to Navi Mumbai always makes me happy.

Shimla

    SHIMLA

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations of India and is visited by millions of tourists every year. It is also known as the queen of hill stations. Situation in  the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, the flora and fauna  and the beauty of this hill station cannot be described in words alone. Its lush green valleys, snow clad mountains, pine trees, and the amazing hospitality by the local people here is what carries its name forward. The famous Kalka-Shimla railway line which was built during the British era has been  inscribed to the list of the UNESCO World heritage sites.

Shimla also attracts tourists from abroad.  It is also the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Everyone praises the beauty of this place.  The weather is amazing here all throughout the year .  Its the best during the winter months between November and February.  Let's have a look at some of the tourist places to explore here:

1) Scandal point

2)Mall road

3)Himachal state museum

4) Skiing in Kufri

5) Pabbar valley

6) Horse riding in Shimla

7)Cafe Hide Out

8)Green valley

9)  Kalka -Shimla toy train ride

10) Himalayan bird park

11) Cafe Simla times

    Shimla is also known for possessing all types of food  items such as Chinese, Italian , Mexican , North  Indian and South Indian delicacies. It is connected by all modes of transportation such as roadways, railways and airways. There are plenty of hotels available as per your choice.  Shimla is also one of the best places for shopping . Himachali hats,  woolen items , local handicrafts, traditional jewellery are some of the famous items which you can purchase here.  Best places for shopping in Shimla are  the Mall road, Tibetan market, Himachal Emporium, Ram bazaar, middle bazaar and the lower bazaar.

Shimla is one of the hill stations which you must visit atleast once in your lifetime. The natural beauty and pure environment  of this place will never leave you disappointed.  The next time you plan a trip with your family or friends, do not forget to add Shimla on the list. 

                                        

Darjeeling

 DARJEELING

Darjeeling is one among the most organised hill stations in India. It is situated in West Bengal and is quite close to Kolkata city. It is very famous all around the world for its lush green vegetation, serene and scenic beauty. Tourists flock to this place in large numbers to enjoy the splendid beauty of the Himalayas with the slow moving toy train , Hindu temples, flower gardens and zoos.

The scenic beauty of this wonderful hill station brings peace to my mind and soul.  It is much more greener and well kept compared to other hill stations in India.  It is a perfect honeymoon spot. Some of the well known destinations of this place are:

1)  The Darjeeling toy train

2)  Happy Valley tea gardens

3)Victoria falls

4) The Lloyd's Botanical gardens

5) Passenger ropeways

6) Everest Museum

SHOPPING: Tourists can buy beautiful Himalayan artifacts like town-brass statues, religious objects, jewellery , woven fabrics and carpets.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:  Best season to visit Darjeeling is from September to June.

WHERE TO STAY:  There are 5 star and luxury hotels as per your convenience. The hospitality is great. All hotels in Darjeeling ensure an easy access to view the various fascinating points  of the city.

HOW TO REACH: 

By air: The nearest airport in Darjeeling is at Bagdogra. There are regular flights  that connect Bagdogra with Kolkata.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Siliguri.  Catching the toy train from Siliguri is the best way to reach Darjeeling.

By road: Regular bus and private vehicles connect Darjeeling with all the cities in and around Darjeeling.

I fell in love seeing the lush greenery and beautiful valleys of Darjeeling. It was truely a heavenly site. Do visit Darjeeling if you want to soak in nature's beauty and heritage.

Kashmir

 

Kashmir is rightly known as the heaven on earth. Also called as 'Paradise on earth" Jammu and Kashmir is one of India's most treasured and favoured  tourist destinations. Blessed and gifted with immense natural beauty of the snow clad peaks, apple orchards, and lush greenery, Kashmir proves as to why it is the most cherished place in India as well as the world. The state is popular for its picturesque beauty, the Pashmina shawls and the crystal clear blue lakes that dot the Himalayan terrain. It is a religious state consisting of people practising Islam , Buddhism and Hinduism. And don't forget the mouth watering Kashmiri cuisine 'Wazwan'.

HOW TO REACH: 

By air: You can fly to Sheikh Ul Alam airport in Srinagar, the Jammu airport in Jammu or the airport in Leh depending on which part of the valley you are headed to. Some of the popular airlines flying to this state are Jet Airways , Air India  and Spice Jet.

By rail:

If you are travelling by train, you need to disembark at Udhampur , Jammu Tawi or Banihal railway station.

By road:

If you are travelling by road , you have to go via National highway 1A as it connects to different cities of Jammu and Kashmir. There are comfortable and cost effective private buses travelling from neighbouring cities like Manali, Shimla , Ludhiana and Delhi.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The winter months are the best time to visit the Jammu region whereas the summer months from April to October are ideal to visit the Kashmir region. March and April mark the spring season and early summers in the Kashmir valley.- the hills are lush green and flowers blossom all around , making this a beautiful time to visit.

WHAT TO EAT: Rogan josh and Yakhni are the most popular mutton dishes , whereas 'dum olav' can be enjoyed by vegetarians. Don't forget to try the street food served in this state.

SHOPPING: Kashmiri shawls and carpets should be a must in your shopping list especially the 'Pashmina' wool shawls. Dry fruits and handicrafts are also popular shopping items here.

 

PLACES TO VISIT:

1) Srinagar

2) Leh 

3) Ladakh

4) Gulmarg

5) Sonmarg

6) Dal lake

7) Vaishno Devi

8) Jammu

9) Kargil

10) Nubra valley

11)  Udhampur

12) Rajouri

13) Pulwama

14)  Kupwara

15) Amarnath

16) Pahalgam

17) Mughal gardens

18) Kashmir valley

 

THINGS TO DO : Shikara ride, adventure sports , visit Buddhist Monasteries

Kashmir is famous for its scenic beauty, flower gardens, apple farms and more. Its so beautiful that anyone would fall in love with this place. On seeing Kashmir, I felt like  I was the king of the world. It is sad that this place is facing a lot of turmoil due to conflicts between India and Pakistan as to who would conquer this region.  Along with enjoyment , this area has become scary as no one knows what would happen next. Inspite of all odds, the people of Kashmir have risen up positively by  maintaining the beauty of this place and facing whatever comes in their way.  Tourism is the main source of income here.  This place has become a source of inspiration for the entire world by showing that inspite of all ups and downs in life, we can always come up strongly and carry on with our life. The beauty of Kashmir will always remain in my heart and soul.

Mussoorie

 MUSSOORIE

Mussoorie is rightly known as the Queen of hills. It's splendid natural beauty leaves everyone in awe. Mussoorie is one of the top hill stations in India, famous for a weekend getaway , honeymoon destination , Himalayan views and Mall road. It is situated in the state of Uttarakhand and is quite close to  Dehradun. It has  always been the favourite tourist destination for many people in India, especially the people of North India. Once you visit this hill station, the fresh views of the mountains, valleys, lakes shall always remain in your mind. Mussoorie also has developed into an important centre of business and education. It is the most popular tourist spot in Uttarakhand for tourists and honeymooners.

WHERE TO STAY: There are a large number of luxury hotels and resorts with excellent facilities . 

ACTIVITIES IN MUSSOORIE:

Shopping: One can find plenty of shops , stores  where one could purchase apparels, artifacts and handicrafts. Mall road in Mussoorie is a well known shopping area visited by many tourists. 

Adventure sports: Day hikes, rock climbing, rappelling, sky walking and caving are some of the sports adventure lovers would love trying.

Nature walk: Mussoorie is enveloped in lush greenery . The road leading towards the Happy valley from Library Head , and from Valley view to Clouds End, and from  Waverly Convent to Company Bagh are some of the most beautiful and picturesque roads in Mussoorie enveloped in the morning mist.

FOOD IN MUSSOORIE: Tourists can relish various international cuisines including Italian, Thai, Continental and Chinese. Travelers can also get the taste of North Indian and South Indian dishes. People love the diversity of food here.

PLACES TO VISIT/ SIGHTSEEING: 

1) The  Mall road

2) Gun hill

3)Camel's back rock 

4) Jharipani falls

5) Lal Tibba 

6) Kempty falls

7) Cloud's end

8) The Company garden

Mussoorie offers spectacular views of the snow ranges to the north-east ,glittering view of the Doon valley and the Shivalik ranges to the south. The lush green hills, and the varied flora and fauna is just a treat to watch . This hill station is very impressive as all the faciltities and aspects needed for a perfect vacation can be achieved here.  The beauty of the lush green hills and the fresh clean air of Mussoorie shall always remain with me forever.

Andaman and Nicobar islands

 ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

Crystal clear skies, pure blue waters, white sands, and the unfolded history is what Andaman and Nicobar islands are made up of. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in India as well as the world.  Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar would be wonderful if you are looking to spend time at the beaches. A trip to this place would guarantee you perfect relaxation and a perfect holiday.

Apart from its beautiful beaches and water sports, Andaman and Nicobar islands have a history of colonial occupation by the Danish, Austrians and the British.  The islands became well known as the most stringent cellular jail during the British Raj.  You can try out a variety of water sports here and the seafood is  amazing. It is an ideal vacation spot to visit with friends or family members. A trip to this place would definately make you happy.

HOW TO REACH: 

By air: Veer Savarkar airport at Port Blair has direct flights to all major metro cities of India. Though it does not have any direct international flights, it can be easily accessed from any of the Indian cities like Mumbai,  Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata , Bengaluru.

By sea:  While a ship from Kolkata would take around 66 hours to reach the islands, ships from Chennai would take about 60 hours while from Vizag, it would take upto 56 hours. The journey would take an ample lot of time but this route is more suited and perfect for  people who love adventures.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Best time to visit these islands is from January to May. Months of June and July should be avoided due to excessive rains and unfavourable weather conditions.

THINGS TO DO: A visit to the cellular jail and Havelock island is a must. Scuba diving and snorkelling are the most enjoyed water sports here.

PLACES TO VISIT: 

1) Port Blair

2) Havelock island

3)  Jolly Buoy island

4) Baratang island

5) Little Andaman island

6) Neil island

FOOD: Seafood is a speciality of this region as it is situated near the coastline. Try the whole lobster at New Lighthouse restaurant or the seafood platter at Red Snapper. You can also get fresh fried fish from the morning's catch . Many tiny local restaurants serve healthy Indian thalis at reasonable prices. Many local joints also offer Italian, Thai and continental cuisine. When you reach Havelock island do check out the delicious samosas.

ACCOMODATION: Hotels are available in plenty to suit your budget and to give you a comfortable stay.

WHAT TO PACK: 

1) Light cotton clothes for summer and light cardigan for winters. 

2) Lots and lots of sunscreen.

3) Dark sunglasses, umbrella , raincoat and trekking shoes.

SHOPPING: There are plenty of things to shop here like pearls, spices, fishbone articles, timber crafts, shells, jute items , Nicobari mats, hats and cane goods.  The best places to shop are Aberdeen bazaar, Sagarika, Electric plaza, Shell based product markets,  MG road and Queen sea covering craft.

Andaman and Nicobar islands have turned out to be famous for its peaceful atmosphere, glorious beaches and the mind blowing picturesque  landscape views. The beauty of this island shall definately make you fall in love with nature. Once you visit this place , you will have a whole lot of memories to take with you back home. The cool and pleasant vibe of this place shall always freshen my mind.

Nainital

 NAINITAL

Uttarakhand is blessed with many beautiful hill stations and one among them is Nainital. Surrounded by snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas and crystal clear blue lakes, Nainital is known as the 'Lake capital of India'. It is an impressive hill station  which attracts plenty of tourists from India as well as abroad. Known for its fresh clean air, the huge mountain ranges and scenic valleys, Nainital should surely be in your 'must visit places' list. It has been well maintained and captures the heart of every tourist. It is one among the best hill stations in India for its pure natural beauty and gorgeous sights.

HOW TO REACH: 

By air:  The Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport to Nainital, which is at a distance of 70 kms  from Nainital. The Pantnagar airport is well connected to all the major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Chandigarh.

By train:  The nearest railway station is the Kathgodam railway station . It is 35 kms from Nainital and is connected to most major cities with trains plying frequently.

By road:  Nainital is well connected to most major cities such as Delhi, Dehradun and Lucknow. There are bus services to  this hill station from most major cities in North India.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: If you love winters , then it is the perfect time to visit Nainital. Nainital is pleasant throughout the year with temperatures going only upto 23 degrees Celsius in summer and 10 degrees Celsius in winter.

THINGS TO DO: 

1) Boating

2) Trekking

3) The Ropeway

4) Explore nature

PLACES TO VISIT:

1) Naini lake

2)Mall road

3) Nainital zoo

4) Eco cave garden 

5)Cheena (Naina) peak

6) Sukha Tal lake

7) Tiffin top

8) Snow view point

9) High Altitude zoo

10) Naina  (China)peak

11) Kainchi dam

12) St John Wilderness church

13) Naina Devi temple

14) Himalayan view point

15) Jim Corbett national park

FOOD: There are a number of different cuisines  such as Thai, Chinese, Italian , Continental and Indian. There are many eating joints lining the mall road along with some fine dining restaurants where food is enjoyed with the marvelous view of the Naini lake.

SHOPPING: There are three major markets in Nainital- the Mall market, the Tibetan market, and the Bara Bazaar, each of them having their own specialities. The mall road has shops that sell everything you can think of , but the wooden handicraft and the colourful candles are popular. For trendy scarves, bags, shawls, mufflers and ethnic clothing, head to the Tibetan market. The Bara bazaar is known for its fresh cherries, apples , mulberries and blueberries. The homemade jams are also very popular among tourists.

 Nainital is a charming hill station. Its lush green hills, snow clad peaks, beautiful weather and the people is what impresses me the most. It is such a wonderful place because of its natural beauty and elegance. It is also known the 'Gem of Uttarakhand'.  Visiting this hill station feels like we are going on a stairway to heaven. Words alone cannot describe the beauty and heritage of this place.  After going to this place, we shall understand the true beauty of life. Nainital shall always on my mind, heart and soul.                                                    

Alibaug

 ALIBAUG

Alibaug is one of the most popular and wonderful hangout places in Maharashtra. Located at just 95 kms from Mumbai, it is well known for its beautiful and serene beaches, sea forts and local seafood. It is a good weekend getaway spot for Mumbaikars as well as Punekars. It is famous especially among the youngsters, who love adventures and the beaches. Surrounded by the Arabian sea on all sides, it is also known as the 'Goa of Maharashtra'.  Alibaug is famous for its breathtaking sunrise as well as sunset views. A stroll on the beaches here is like the best things in the world to do.

HOW TO REACH: 

By road: If you are travelling from Mumbai, you can reach Alibaug by NH 17. One can reach Alibag via Pen (30kms) , located on the Mumbai-Goa highway.

By rail: The nearest railway station is located at Pen. The railway station is connection to Panvel  in Mumbai through the Central railway station. One can then reach Alibaug by local transport like buses, rickshaws and taxis.

By sea: The nearest jetty is located at Mandawa from where ferry services are available to the Gateway of India. Another port around Alibaug is in the district of Rewas.

FOOD: Alibaug is famous for its seafood catch that include lobsters, prawns, pomfrets and crab. Many restaurants serve the 'Bombay Duck' , made with the freshest spices and the local curry.

SHOPPING: Shopaholics will be able to find local, handmade garments, bags, antique jewellery, leather items and furniture. The 'Kolhapuris' chappals are also easily available at throwaway prices.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit Alibaug is from October to March.

PLACES TO VISIT:

1) Alibaug beach

2) Kolaba fort

3) Nagaon beach

4) Kashid beach

5) Mandwa

6) Varsoli beach

7) Raigad bazaar mall

8) Murud beach

9) Awas beach

10) Korlai beach

Alibaug seems like a second home for me. It is such a beautiful place that its images always remain on my mind. It's like one of the most beautiful places in the world. Away from the city's hustle and bustle, it is a perfect vacation spot to hang out. Its a very rejuvinating and peaceful place that will bring your mind at ease. I feel in love with nature after visiting this place. The vibe of Alibag is very cool and relaxing which will remove all your stress.

Dharamshala

 DHARAMSHALA

Dharamshala is a popular hill town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is well known for its scenic views of the snow clad Himalayas, lush green valleys and the soothing climate. It is one of India's most beautiful destinations which has quiet and peaceful surroundings compared to other hill stations. The HPCA cricket stadium is what Dharamshala is mainly known for. I remember my trip to Dharamshala which was calm and  one of the best moments of my life. 

HOW TO REACH: 

By air: The nearest airport to Dharamshala is at a short distance of 15 minutes from upper Dharamshala and can be reached via flights from Delhi.

By rail: The nearest railway station is located in the town of Pathankot which is connected by trains that run via Delhi.

By road: The best way to reach Dharamshala is by road as it is well connected with the surrounding towns and can be reached by bus that passes through winding hill passes. Taxis are also available from Pathankot and Delhi.

ACCOMODATION: Being a tourist town , Dharamshala has no shortage of accomodation facilities from luxury resorts to budget lounges and inns.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Dharamshala can be visited during all times of the year except for monsoons. The best time to visit is usually the autumn months of October and November because it snows which is a beautiful sight to watch.

PLACES TO VISIT:

1) Dharamshala cricket stadium

2) St John in the wilderness church

3)War memorial

4) Bhagsunag temple

5)  Gyuto Monastery

6) Dal lake

7) Dalai Lama temple

8) Tibet museum

9) Bhagsu falls

10) Tea garden

SHOPPING: Singing bowls, Buddha statues, local Tibetan handicrafts, jewellery, colourful bags, purses , carpets, tea, woolen wear are some of the popular items you should definately shop here.

Dharamshala is a place  blessed with immense natural beauty and heritage. Coming to this place felt like coming to a beautiful garden lined up with trees, bushes and flowers. I felt totally at ease after visiting here. The view of the snow clad mountains, trees and valleys from the balcony of my hotel room was the best sight I could ever see. It was so peaceful that I was in awe . I don't mind coming to Dharamshala again and again.

Mangalore

 MANGALORE

Mangalore is another beautiful city along the coastline of Karnataka. It is the biggest port city of the state of Karnataka and is renowned for its beaches and cuisine. It was home to many colonial powers such as the Portuguese, Tipu Sultan and the British. Mangalore is also famous for its temples. It is an ideal city boasting of possessing  a traditional as well as a modern lifestyle. Passing the leisure time here with long walks at the parks, a paddleboat ride at the sea and munching the awesome, spicy seafood is the famous pastime here.

HOW TO REACH: 

By ship: Mangalore is a calling station for cruise ships from many countries around the world. Sailing a cruise ship is fun . It is well connected to all the coastal towns and cities in India as well as across the world by sea.

By air: Mangalore international airport serves domestic flights to most major cities in the country and international flights to many countries of the world.

By rail: You have access by rail to Mangalore through the Southern railway that connects the city to the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Otherwise , travel the Konkan railways running between  Maharashtra, Goa and Mangalore in Karnataka.

By road: There are KSRTC and private buses from most neighbouring states to Mangalore. It will be a pleasure driving up the coconut tree-lined roads,  with a pleasant sea breeze blowing in, along the way to Mangalore.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The period from October to March is probably the best time to visit Mangalore. 

FOOD:  Mangalore's cuisine is deliciously varied with Manglorean fish curry, Akki roti, Neer dosa, Mangalore buns, Chicken ghee roast, the Mangalore Poli and various varieties of seafood. A piping hot Mangalore Bajje with a filter coffee goes great on a lazy winter evening.

PLACES TO VISIT: 

1) Milagres church

2) Ullal beach

3) Sammilan Shetty's butterfly park

4) Light house hill

5) Panambur beach

6) Tannirbhavi beach

7) Pabba's ice cream parlour

8) Suratkal beach

9) Suktan battery

10) Kadri Manjunath temple

11) Mangalore beach

THINGS TO DO:

1) Museum visits

2) Tour a 3D Planetarium

3) Go Trekking

4)  Beaches and birds

5) Kadri hill park

6) Fishing festival

SHOPPING: The best shopping centres include Central market, Seafood market, Dubai market and the malls in Mangalore. The top things to buy in Mangalore are electronic items, mobile repairing items, mobile phone accessories, watches, laptops, toys , clothes and cosmetics.

Mangalore is indeed a cool place to visit. The people here are simple and friendly. It has many sight seeing places with plenty of fresh air. I loved the flora and fauna of nature in Mangalore. It is a beautiful nature spot which you should surely visit. The best views of Mangalore can be seen by travelling from a car or  by a train. It's lush green patches and pastures is a delight to watch. I always love the relaxing and calm vibe and environment of Mangalore.

Bangalore

 BANGALORE

Bangalore is known as the IT capital of India. It is the capital of Karnataka and is also known as the 'Garden city of India'. It has become an important city in the fields of education, tourism and the commercial sector. It has many lakes and parks. It is also a well planned city. Bangalore has a good metro rail system which ferries lakhs of commuters throughout the city. It has also become a good residential area now. It has managed to maintain its tradition and heritage as well as a modern lifestyle. Bangalore has also become an important city in trade and commerce. More and more people are migrating to this city for jobs, education, housing as well as tourism.

PLACES TO SEE:

1) Lal Bagh

2) Bangalore Palace

3) Cubbon park

4) Jayaprakash Narayan biodiversity park

5) Bangalore fort

6) Kempe Gowda watch towers

7) Vidhan Soudha

8) National military memorial

9) Kempegowda museum

10) Karnataka Folk museum

11) Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

12) Ulsoor lake

13) Nandi hills

14) Bannerghatta national park

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The city enjoys a moderate climate all throughout the year. The months between September and February have the best weather conditions since it is winter.

HOW TO REACH:

By air: Bangalore airport is 13 kms east of the City station. It is connected to all major cities of India. It is also a stopover for many international flights.

By road:  Bangalore has a large bus terminus which is near the railway station. It is connected to all major cities via the highways.

By rail: Bangalore is connected by rail to all the major cities of India such as Mumbai , Delhi , Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

FOOD: Idli dip Sambhar, Bisi Bele Bhath, momos, Gobi manchurian, Bun Nippat, Steak, Gourmet pizzas and cold stone ice cream are the popular dishes you must try in Bangalore.

SHOPPING: Commercial street, Indiranagar market, Residency road market, Dubai market, National market , MG road are the popular places for shopping here.

Bangalore is a city worth visiting. The vibe of this city is cool. You will get to learn a lot after visiting this place. You can get almost everything that you need here. It is also a good vacation spot. I shall always love visiting Bangalore.