Insight India : A Travel Guide to India: April 2014

Places to Visit in India in May

Summer is the perfect time for a holiday. Usually, people pack their things and search for hideouts away from the burning heat of sun. What could be a better place than the hill stations of India? Indeed, the hill stations up north and down south are some of the best place to explore in summers. Not only because they offer respite from the burning sun heat, but they take care of your life. In this blog, we have listed top 10 tourist places to visit in India for your kind perusal.

Ooty

Fondly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Udhagamandalam, also known as Ooty, is a beautiful hill town in Ooty. In Ooty, tourism is the backbone of economy and contributes a significant share in the economy of the Tamil Nadu state.

The town is famous for its abundant natural beauty and is clearly apparent through some of the most popular tourist places in Ooty. Some of the major tourist attractions in Ooty include Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Mudumalai National Park, Rose Garden, Sim’s Park and Emerald Lake.

[Read more about Ooty]

Kodaikanal

One of the finest hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is located in the Palani hill range in the southern part of India. It is located at an altitude of 7,200 square feet above sea level. The most salient feature of this hill station is that it witnesses the full blooming of Kurinji flowers once in every 12 years. The hill town is well promoted by Kodaikanal Tourism Board which promoted it efficiently. The hill station has a host of adventure activities to offer to its tourists.

[Also check out top 5 hill stations in India]

Puri

One of the holiest pilgrimage places in India, Puri, for Hindu pilgrims, is a religious destination where life revolves around the great Jagannath Mandir and its famous Ratha Yatra.

The other attraction of Puri is its long and sandy beach. This destination is situated in coastal plains of Odisha and certainly a traveler’s delight. Some popular temples in Puri include Shri Jagannath Temple, Sri Lokanath Temple and Sun Temple at Konark. One of the four sacred Dhams in India, Puri is also famous for its beautiful beaches.

[Interested in knowing more about the top 10 Temples in India]

Shimla

The popularity of Shimla is unconquerable. When it comes to North Indian hill stations, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh takes edge over other hill stations in this state. It is fondly known as a traveler’s paradise and is teeming with greenery, recreational facilities and enamoring flora and fauna.

The hill station abounds with medieval churches and superbly built mansions that will make you fall in love with city’s history and culture. There are endless opportunities to satisfy your desire. Besides, there are a handful of recreational activities such as paragliding, birding and trekking.

Tirthan Valley

One of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh, Thirthan Valley draws its name from Tirthan River, which originates from glaciers of Himalaya. It is a persistent river of cold and clear glacier water. It houses abundant of trout fish and is a virtual paradise for anglers. There is a Himalayan Trout House, which is a friendly place for locals and visiting fisherman, campers, trekkers and other holidaymakers. The Trout House offers different options of accommodation such as The Eco Cabin, The Mud Hut Suites and The Stone Cottage Suites. It is also Wi-Fi enabled.

Bandhavgarh National Park

One of the most famous national parks in India, Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It was declared as a national park in 1968. It sprawls over an area of 437 square kilometers and has a large bio-diversity. Bandhavgarh houses the highest density of tigers known in the world. Once the hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa, today, Bandhavgarh was declared as the national park in 1968.

There are also certain species such as Elephant Black, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chital, Chausingha and Wild Boar. The avian population of this national park include little grebe, egret, dove, Indian rollers, black vulture, black ibis and kingfishers. Here tourists can enjoy jeep safari to experience the charm of emerald green forests. Drive deep in the jungle and encounter the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.

[Plan your trip to Bandhavgarh National Park with our packages]

Mussoorie

A popular tourist spot located in Uttaranchal, Mussoorie is a famous hill station and claims to be the ‘Queen of the Hills’. It is a perfect holiday getaway for many people around the country. With its picturesque backdrop and a variety of tranquility & mysticism, Mussoorie is a perfect hotspot for honeymooners, holidaymakers and trekkers alike. Some popular attractions in Mussoorie include Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Jwalaji Temple, Municipal Garden and Camel’s Back Road. The best time to visit this place is either between mid-April to mid-May and September to November.

[Also check out our feature on best places to go for summer holidays in India]

Munnar

Situated in Central Kerala, Munnar is one of the most visited tourist destinations of the South Indian state. The literal meaning of the word ‘Munnar’ is three rivers. The hill town is located on the confluence of three small rivers- Kundala, Nallathani and Mudrapuzha.

[Read more about Munnar]

This beautiful hill station is located at the foot of the Western Ghats and was the most favorite summer destinations for the British officials. It is also home to the highest peak in South India-Anamudi-which is around 2,900 meters above sea level. One of the major aspects of this hill station is a blue flower-Neelakurinji-which flourish once in every 12 year.

Meghalaya

One of the most beautiful and serene land of abundant natural beauty in North-East India, Meghalaya attracts the tourists with gushing waterfalls, enchanting caves, intimidating mountains, fresh air and rusting pines. The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is an awe-inspiring hill station.

There are several beautiful waterfalls in the state that offers wonderful vistas to the guests. Nohkalikai Waterfall in Meghalaya is the fourth longest waterfall in the world. The exotic variety of flora and rare species of birds make it a botanist and ornithologist delight.

Mysore

The second biggest city in Karnataka, Mysore serves as the capital of Wodeyar dynasty. It is also known as the city of palaces and known for its exquisite architecture. Once a sleepy town, Mysore evolved into a city of apartments, complexes, malls, supermarkets and IT companies.

Some popular tourist places to visit in Mysore include Brindavan Gardens, Jaganmohan Palace, Lalit Mahal Palace, Mysore Zoo and St. Philomena’s Church. The city is also famous for its silk saris and sandalwood carvings.

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Weekend Getaways from Bangalore: Best Places to Visit near Bangalore

The capital of the south Indian state ‘Karnataka’, Bangalore is known for its blooming gardens and IT parks. The city is home to several prestigious software companies, educational institutes, tele-communications and defense organizations. The city is ideally known as ‘Silicon Valley of India’ and can be rightly called the ‘Country of the Geek’. The breathtaking botanical gardens and inspiring temples adds more charm of the city.

With rapid industrial development, pollution and hustle bustle of the cramped and crowded city, it becomes quite difficult to cope up with the pressures of day to day life. The city of Bangalore is encompassed by architectural gems, wonderful landscapes and beautiful places that are diverse and have not been explored as much as they deserve. A Bangalore Weekend Getaway package is a good opportunity for tourists who want to spend some quality with their dear ones, away from the hustle bustle of the city life.

Mysore

Located 143 kilometers southwest of Bangalore, just about 3.5 hours drive from the city, Mysore offers a perfect juxtaposition of traditional culture still preserved and fast growth towards modernity. It is one of the most important tourist hubs in Karnataka and noted for its beautiful architecture.

It was once a sleepy city and later evolved into a city of apartments, complexes, malls, supermarkets and IT companies. One of the most important attractions in Mysore is Mysore Palace, a beautifully built palace with rosewood doors having ornamental carvings and inlaid ivory works. The palace is illuminated with nearly 1 lakh bulbs during weekends from 7 PM to 8 PM.

Coorg

If your idea of a weekend getaway from Bangalore is all about high hills covered with greenery, Coorg, also known as ‘Scotland of India’, is an ideal place for your family to spend a memorable weekend. Nestled amidst the lush Western Ghats, Coorg offers wonderful natural beauty with waterfalls and lush green coffee plantations. Some popular attractions in Coorg include Abbey Falls, Mallali Falls, Honnamana Kere and wildlife parks such as Nagarhole National Park and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ooty

Positioned 265 kilometers away from Bangalore, Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station in the Nilgiris district. It is one of the most picturesque hill resorts which wrap vast tea gardens, lovely breeze, green pastures and scenery. The town is famous for its abundant natural beauty and is clearly evident through some of the most popular tourist places in Ooty. Some of the popular attractions in Ooty include Botanical Garden, St. Stephen’s Church, Rose Garden and Ooty Lake.

[Check out some of the best hill stations in India to plan your summer holidays]

Bandipur National Park

Located just 217 kilometers away from Bangalore, Bandipur National Park is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is highly protected by the Indian government. It is home to 70 Royal Bengal Tigers and over 3,000 Indian elephants. The park is also famous for its sandalwood trees and rare species of timber and bamboo trees. Due to fine weather conditions throughout the year, the Bandipur National Park can be visited anytime from April to October.

[Don't missout to see top national parks in India]

Wayanad

Waynad - Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

Located 265 kilometers away from Bangalore, Wayanad is one of the most exotic and picturesque hill stations in Karnataka. It has been the most charming place for nature lovers. The aesthetic locales, rippled topography, craggy terrains and picturesque scenery from all across the country. A sheer heaven for all nature lovers, Waynad is home to some major tourist attractions such as Pookat Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam and Soochippara Waterfalls.

Jog Falls

Cascading from a height of 253 meters, Jog Falls is arguably the tallest waterfall in India. It constitutes of four different cascades- locally known as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. These four cascades combine to form a huge waterfall. The waterfall is locally known as Geruoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. Other places to visit near the falls include Dabbe Falls, Tunga Anicut Dam, Thyvare Koppa Lion and Linganamakki Dam.

Tirupati

Located 251 kilometers east of Bangalore, Tirupati is an important cultural and pilgrimage site in Chittoor District. It is located at the foothills of Eastern Ghats and houses richest temple, Venkateswara Swamy Temple, and thus regarded as one of the best options for weekend getaway from Bangalore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and the main attraction which compels thousands of pilgrims to set on a trip to the region. Tirupati is the busiest and one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the world.

[Also check out the top 10 temple in India]

Hampi

It would not be an overstatement to call Hampi as the land of architectural delight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi summons scores of tourists from all around the world. It is a charismatic land known for its 500 plus monuments of the 15th century Vijayanagar Empire. The monolithic sculptures and monuments of Hampi represent creative talent of human being which makes this place the most stupendous one. It is located at a distance of 344 kilometers away from Hampi.

[Read more about Hampi Group of Monuments]

Kabini

One of the most popular wildlife destinations in Karnataka, The Kabini Forest Reserve is known for its accessibility, verdant landscape surrounding a lake, and sights of elephant herds. It is situated on the banks of the Kabini River and is spread over 55 acres of forestland, water bodies and steep valleys. Considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, Kabini, located 218 kilometers away from Bangalore, is famous for its spectacular wildlife and birdlife.

[Here are some more wildlife vacation ideas in India]

Madikeri

Abbi falls in Madikeri

Located 266 kilometers away from Bangalore, Madikeri is beautifully situated in the centre of Coorg, a popular hill station in Karnataka, India. Also known as Mercara, Madikeri is a congested market town that is spread out alongside a series of ridges. It is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore and is highly popular among trekking enthusiasts. Huthri, a weeklong festival that commemorates the start of the rice harvesting season, is celebrated in Madikeri around November and December.

Pattadakal

Also known as the ‘City of Crown Rubies’, Pattadakal is a World Heritage Site famous for the Chalukya monuments. The town consists of 10 temples, each of which displays interesting architectural features that are a mix of different northern and southern Indian architectural forms.

9 out of 10 temples are Hindu temples and the remaining one is a Jain temple. The 7th and 8th century monuments still stand tall with the passage of time and attract tourists in numbers. It is located 443 kilometers away from Bangalore.

Srirangapatna

Located 125 kilometers away from Bangalore, the fort town of Srirangapatna is steeped in bloody history and is built on an island straddling the Cauvery River. The former seat of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s power, Srirangapatnam was the de facto capital of south India during the 18th century. There are lots of resorts and lodges that make for budget accommodation in the town.

Hassan

Located 189 kilometers away from Bangalore, Hassan is a quiet and peaceful town that dates back to the 11th century, during the Hoysala dynasty. It lasted from the 11th and the 14th century. The city is named after the Hindu goddess ‘Hassanamba’, the city’s goddess and presiding deity. Some people consider it the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka.

The list of weekend Getaway from Bangalore ends here. However, if you do not wish to step outside your home, then you can also spend the day in the city at many of its popular hangout places. Some top places to visit in Bangalore include Cubbon Park, Lal Bagh, Vidhan Soudha and Tipu Sultan Palace.

Interested in these ideas? Plan your escape by selecting one of the 75 weekend Getaway from Bangalore at IndianHoliday.com

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Places To Visit In India In April

Summer vacations have just begun and if you are wondering which place to visit in India in April then look no further.

With the winter completely forgotten, April ushers in the bright sunny days of summer and simultaneously the hill stations regain popularity as popular visit destinations for summer holidays in India.

Also school and colleges close down making it the best time for family holidays in India as well as trekking and adventure for adventurous youngsters.

India, the land of diversity, has a huge list of travel destinations and attractions that serve as great summer getaways. Here is a run-down of travel destinations that you could plan to visit to make your vacation a memorable one.

Saputara, Gujarat

A Lake in Saputara, the finest hill station Gujarat

Gujarat is more than just the Rann Utsav. If you are planning your summer holiday in India then, Saputara is a a good choice if you live in Gujarat or near Maharashtra. infact Saputara is one of the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai.

Situated at an altitude of 1000 m above the sea level, ‘Abode of Serpents’ is the literal meaning of Saputara as the town is positioned in Dangs, the footrest regions of Sahyadri Ranges. This hill station is a place to be visited throughout the year as the climate is cool and pleasant.

[Check out some awesome hill stations in India to plan your summer holidays]

According to the Hindu Mythology, it is said that in the dense Saputara forests, Lord Ram had spent his 11 years of exile. At the banks of Sarpaganga River, one can also find a deity of a serpent.

[Also check out wildlife in Gujarat]

The Serpent God is revered by the local tribes and the festival of Maha Shivaratri and Nag Panchami are celebrated with great show and vigor. The list of the popular attractions includes Saputara Lake, Pandava Caves, Sunset Point, and Echo Point.

[Also check out top 10 places to visit in Gujarat]

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Being associated with Lord Krishna, Vrindavan is one of the most popular destinations for pilgrims. Apart from religious significance, the natural beauty of the town also attracts tourists in great numbers throughout the year. The divinity of the destination is also one of the major aspects that win the heart of the visitors.

Apart from temples and religious sites, Vrindavan is highly popular for architectural splendors and gardens. Visitors can also indulge in shopping spree as there is a myriad of option available in devotional items such as incense sticks, devotional items made of brass, silver shoes for deities, silver tulasi necklaces and silver puja items.

Further, to make the trip a memorable experience, visitors can also plan for side trips to Mathura, Mahaban and Gokul.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Located at an elevation of 6,854 ft above the sea level, Kodaikanal is one of the gorgeous cities in the Western Ghats. Being the calm and charming hill station, Kodaikanal is one of the appropriate destinations for vacations for family and honeymooners.

The list of must-see attractions in Kodaikanal includes Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Bear Shola Falls, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Green Valley View, Coaker's Walk, Kodai Astrophysical Observatory, Fairy Falls, Pillar Rocks and Silver Cascade. In addition to this, the hill-town is also a favorite travel destination for tourists wanting to indulge in entertainment activities such as rowing, playing golf, and a many more.

Check out this awesome 8 days summer tour package of South Indian hill stations at Indian Holiday.com to plan your trip to Kodaikanal, Ooty and Munnar... three of the best hill stations in South India.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Yak ride is one of the popular activity in Manali

Manali is one of the popular hill-towns in Himachal Pradesh. Located at a close proximity of around 40 km from Kullu and about 250 km from Shimla, Manali provides exciting side-trips and excursions. People can also reach Manali through air as the nearest airport (Bhuntar) is situated at a distance of about 50 km. Visitors are mesmerized by the amazing views of the surrounding as the town is located at a height of 2000 m above the sea level.

The natural canvas is complimented with the snow-capped peaks. Town experiences cold weather throughout the year and thus, May to November are regarded as ideal months of the year to visit. Moreover, visitors interested in witnessing snowfall should plan to visit Manali during December to January. From here, there are a number of treks in Himalayas that adventurous souls could embark on.

[Here are some more ideas for holidays in Himachal Pradesh]

Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok in Sikkim is one of the top places for families for summer holidays in India

Nestled in the lap of snow-capped mountains of the Kanchenjunga, Gangtok is one of the prominent hill-stations to visit and enjoy a memorable vacation. Being at an elevation of around 5600 feet above the sea level, the town offers amazing views of the surrounding. The huge list of attractions has also won the hearts of the visitors.

The list includes the Deer Park, Dul Dul Chortena, Pemayangtse Monastery, Labrang Monastery, the Royal chapel - Tasuklakhang, Tsomgo Lake, Kechopari Lake, Tashi Viewpoint, and a lot more. The breathtaking views of the mighty Kanchenjunga also win the heart of the visitors. Travelers can also opt for an excursion to Changu Lake (35 km) from Gangtok, to ensure a memorable vacation.

[Check out packages in Sikkim to plan your summer vacation in North East at IndianHoliday.com]

Kausani, Uttarakhand

Kausani is one of the top places for honeymoon in India in summer

Situated in a proximity to Nainital, Kausani is one of the charming hill-stations in Uttrakhand. With an elevation of 1890 meters above the sea level, the destination assures for captivating the minds of the visitors by providing excellent views of the surrounding. The natural canvas is complemented with dense forests and Kumaoun Himalayas in the backdrop.

Along with nature lovers, Kausani is also a favorite travel destination among honeymooners. Among the attractions in the town, Gandhi Ashram is one of the most popular and must-visit attractions.

Moreover, from Kausani, the snow-clad mountain peaks of the Kumaoun Himalayas are clearly visible. One can also spot some important Himalayan peaks such as Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Panchchuli, Nanda Kot, and Trishul.

[Check out packages in Uttarakhand at IndianHoliday.com]

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Tiger seeking respite from heat, Ranthambore National Park

A tiger seeking respite from the summer heat in a pond at Ranthambore National Park

If you are wondering why we have included this wildlife sanctuary as one of the top places to visit in India in April despite the fact that its really hot in April in Rajasthan then let us enlighten you a bit.

The secret to spotting tigers in any of the national parks in India is that as opposed to the best time to visit a sanctury which is mostly suggested weather wise- which is from November till February - the best time to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger is from March till May and that is why we have included Ranthambore, one of India's top wildlife sanctuaries in our list of things to do in India in April.

Do the jeep safari and embark on a wild trail accompanied by guide to catch the sight of elu a guide is also provided on request to help the visitors get the best of the information about the national park. The national park also provides shelter to a myriad of birds, including native and migratory. The national park is also a retreat for wildlife photographers as they get to capture some of the amazing shots in their camera.

[Check out Rajasthan tour packages to plan your holiday in India]

Nagaland, Assam

A picturesque hill-state, Nagaland is located in the extreme north east region of India. The state is surrounded by Assam in the west and Myanmar in the east, and thus is bestowed with rich cultural heritage. In spite of being a small state, there is huge footfall experienced throughout the year. Saramati (12600 ft) is the highest peak in the state.

Moreover, the rich flora and fauna also makes the state a must-visit travel destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The list of major attractions in the state includes Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, State Museum, Khonoma, and more.

Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The list of travel destinations to visit in April also includes Pench National Park. The national park is situated at the bottom of the Satpura Ranges in Madhya Pradesh and beside the wide stretch of the Pench River. The rich flora and fauna in the national park has attracted wildlife lovers from India and abroad to visit Pench.

The national park also provides shelter to various native and migratory birds, providing great opportunity for bird lovers to enjoy their trip. Wildlife and nature photographers are also delighted with the abundant chances to capture some of the best stills. Visitors can also opt for safari in the park to satisfy their love for wildlife.

Kalimpong, West Bengal

The green meadows, dense virgin forests and undulating valleys mark the unique identity of Kalimpong. Located between the Deolo and Durpin Hill, at a height of 1250 m above the sea level, the visitors can enjoy the amazing views of the Khangchendzonga in the backdrop. During April, the destination has its own natural beauty to showcase and captivate the minds of the guests.

The list of must-visit places includes various view points, from where the visitors can enjoy magnificent views of down town and surrounding. Additionally, there also are orchid plantation, monasteries, museums, churches, mountains, and parks worth to be visited. Do not miss to shop. The local markets are flooded with traditional artifacts and similar items that could be purchased as souvenirs.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park - The oldest National Park in India

Formerly known as the Hailey National Park, Jim Corbett National Park is sprawled over an area of 1288 sq km. Being the oldest national park in India, the park experiences huge footfall from all parts of the globe. Apart from rich flora and fauna, the national park is also praised for its scenic beauty.

Contributed By Neelam Talreja