History of Himalayas

The Himalayas are not merely a geographical feature, a range of mountains; they epitomise a people’s civilisational identity that goes back to the dawn of history. If these majestic mountains were not there, the rain clouds sweeping up from the Indian Ocean would have passed over the Indian subcontinent into central Asia leaving it a burning desert. Archaeological evidence reveals that urban civilisation first emerged in the valleys of the rivers coursing down from the Himalayan mountains. When man elsewhere was cautiously emerging from his cave shelters, spectacular cities flourished at Mohenjodaro and Harappa in the Indus valley.

Backwaters in Kerala

Hear the soothing sound of water rippling alongside your houseboat, as you drift on a Kerala backwaters. Feel completely relaxed as you enter a world of serenity and natural beauty in Kerala. See the green countryside, swaying palm trees, emerald rice fields and children waving from the banks of the backwaters of Kerala, India, as you sail on traditional Ketuvalloms or houseboats, on a Kerala backwater.
Be transported to a paradise where land, sea and sky, come together in a union of elements. As you float on a Kerala backwater, the beauty of the serene waterways and quaint inlets and creeks along the coast of Kerala will enchant you. Experience an unforgettable journey, along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala

Ganpatipule

Ganpatipule, a charming little town along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, is important to Indian nationalists as the birthplace of the leader Lokmanya Tilak. It is also of significance to Hindus as the site of a famous Ganpati temple. But what really sets Ganpatipule apart from the numerous other coastal towns and villages along India’s seashores are the unbelievably beautiful beaches of the place.
Ganpatipule is idyllic… sparkling waters against silvery shores; jagged palm fronds framed against magnificent sunsets. This is the spot where you can soak in hours of sun and sea-spray, watch time drift by, wonder at sunrises, marvel at sunsets, drink in the moonlight and dance on the moonbeams. And if you are looking for a spot of action, Ganpatipule is a venue for paragliding.
Part of the excitement of going to Ganpatipule is the scenic drive through the Western Ghats – the chain of green hills along the Konkan coast. The beaches on the coastline are amazingly clear, of both rocks and hordes of visitors. All along the way are tiny fishing villages; groves of casuarina and tropical fruit; and stretches of clean, golden sand. Whether you go to Ganpatipule by rail or road, the route is as breathtaking as the destination itself.
Besides fabulous beaches and the ancient Ganpati Swayambhu temple, Ganpatipule affords a number of opportunities for excursions into remote fishing hamlets, villages and towns of the Konkan. The entire coastline is breathtakingly beautiful, with pristine beaches, overhung by cliffs and interspersed by pretty little creeks. Enthusiastic beach-lovers can actually hire a car and drive along the coast- it’s lovely all the way.
Access:-

Ganpatipule is 375 km away from Mumbai, the closest metro with an international airport. It lies 30 km off the Mumbai-Goa Highway, 50 kms short of Ratnagiri, which is the nearest railhead. You can take an overnight MTDC bus from Mumbai's Nariman Point. Or catch the magnificent Konkan Railway from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus). Disembark at Sangameshwar or Ratnagiri and take a bus to Ganpatipule.
Ganpatipule is a small town, and you do not really require transport to get to the beaches. Rickshaws are available for short distances, but be prepared to haggle over fares. The State Transport buses are not particularly recommended. If you are making longer excursions, your best option is to hire a vehicle. The tourist taxis and cars are reliable though you do need to fix the fare in advance.
Best time to visit:-

Though winter is the touristy time to get to most beaches in India, Ganpatipule can be spectacular during and just after the monsoons (June to October). This is also the time when fewer tourists come to Ganpatipule, so accommodation will be easier to get, and crowds don’t inundate the beaches.
Accommodation:-

Low-to-middle budget accommodation is freely available in Ganpatipule. MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) has a resort right on the beach itself. It offers accommodation ranging from tents, dormitories and comfortable air-conditioned suites at affordable prices starting from about Rs 250 for two beds. Other accommodation, much of it privately owned, is off the beach; in most cases private properties offer more amenities and are proportionately more expensive. Other accommodation options include renting a room from the locals, who are geared for the tourist influx.

beach's in goa2

PANAJI:-

Panaji, the capital of Goa, is a tiny city that packs in a large punch. The church on the main square, the Baroque architecture, pretty villas, cobbled streets and interesting buildings give Panaji a distinctly Portuguese ambience. The city lies along the left bank of the Mandovi River, and close at hand are a bunch of good beaches, perfect for lolling around and soaking up the sun.
Dona Paula: -Dona Paula is a pretty and peaceful beach shaded by palms and casuarinas, 9 km southwest of Panaji. Dona Paula is quite a hotspot, not only for its beauty but also because of a romantic legend that gave the beach its name. Dona Paula de Menezes was a viceroy’s daughter who jumped off a cliff when refused permission to marry a local fisherman. The hapless maiden is said to be entombed at the nearby Raj Bhawan’s Cabo Chapel.
Dona Paula beach offers water sports facilities, especially water scootering.
Miramar: -The beach closest to the capital Panaji (3 km), Miramar is conveniently located in the heart of the state capital which is also why it is rather crowded and often dirty, though you can watch some spectacular sunsets, as the sun goes down at the confluence of the River Mandovi and the Arabian Sea
Bambolim: -7 km from Panaji along the Panaji-Vasco road to the airport, Bambolim is a minor beach frequented more by the local populace rather than by tourists.
Caranzalem: -Though not very pretty, Caranzalem (between Miramar and Dona Paula) is quiet and safe for swimming. It has water scooters and other water sports facilities as there is no undercurrent.
Vaniguinim: -The Vaniguinim beach overlooks the Mormugao Bay but is accessible only from the Cidade de Goa Hotel.
Bogmalo:- Just 4 km from the airport is the small cove at Bogmalo, not easily accessible, and, therefore fairly empty. Bogmalo lies between Panaji and the port town of Vasco da Gama; it’s good for swimming, and not too crowded.

Colva:-Colva beach, 6 km from Margao, has a throbbing nightlife but a somewhat downmarket ambience by day. Colva’s highly commercialised with resort complexes, large holiday crowds, trinket stalls, discos and restaurants, but a walk of a few hundred metres along the beach in either direction takes visitors to the quieter, more private spots. If one can get away from the crowded main beach, Colva is a great place to shack up. There’s good accommodation, great restaurants, the waterfront is clean and the water’s safe for swimming.
Benaulim:- Benaulim lies right in the centre of Colva, 7 km west of Margao. Benaulim remained a sleepy hamlet for centuries, then woke up with quite a bang- and is today a popular tourist hotspot with a crop of luxury resorts, time-share apartments, guesthouses and moderately priced hotels. Dozens of restaurants and beach shacks dot the seafront, serving authentic Goan seafood besides a variety of other cuisines. Despite its popularity, Benaulim still has an air of tranquility: the beachfront is beautiful, with silver sands, shady palm trees and safe waters.
Mobor:- Mobor is the spot where Colva ends and the River Assolna meets the sea, and the site of an exclusive luxury resort. The beach at Mobor lies in a sheltered cove overlooked by cliffs on one side - it makes for a picture perfect setting.
Majorda::- Majorda lies 2 km north of Colva, and is a pretty beach dominated by a luxury resort, hotels, restaurants, shops, boutiques and the best European bakeries in Goa.
MARGAO:-
Margao, the capital of Salcete taluka and the chief town of South Goa, has a decidedly Portuguese flavour and an old world charm. It’s a vibrant cosmopolis with a migrant populace from Maharashtra and Karnataka, peppering the existing Konkanese and Portuguese cultures; and this is also where some of Goa’s top beaches are.
South of Margao lie a host of quieter, more isolated beaches; venture beyond Cape Rama to the peace and beauty of the beaches at Palolem and Galgibaga- perfect for a day away from the crowds of bathers flocking around the more touristy beaches.
Nearby Agonda and Rajbag beaches lack shelter from the sun, making them rather isolated and inconvenient.

beach's in goa1

Mapusa:- in the northernmost part of Goa, is the state’s main market town. The administrative capital of Bardez Taluka, Mapusa is 13 km south of Panaji.. The town's name, pronounced `Map-sa’, after the Konkani words for `measure’ and `fill’, is an indication of its commercial nature. Besides being a busy market town, Mapusa is conveniently close to some of Goa’s most popular beaches.
Calangute:- About 8 km south from Mapusa, Calangute is Goa's most popular beach, a highly commercialised but sizzling beach that offers good sunbathing, passable swimming and the most delicious food along the coast. Though the beach itself is not spectacular, and the coarse golden sand drops steeply creating an undertow, there is something about Calangute that attracts the Indian tourist and Western sun-worshipper alike.
Baga: -A happening beach 10 km west of Mapusa, crescent-shaped Baga is less crowded than Calangute, but comparatively safer for swimming. Baga has soft white sand and a green backdrop of paddy fields. Baga is popular for water sports - parasailing, jet skiing, body boarding and surfing, though the waves aren't good enough for the professional surfers. Another hit with tourists are the dolphin cruises on a boat out at sea, bringing you within touching distance of these smiling creatures. Baga's nightlife is more sophisticated than Calangute's, with music, dance and wine.
Anjuna:- The "hip" beach that has lived up to its swinging reputation since the 70s, Anjuna has traditionally been a rave centre and attracts partygoers and backpackers to its famous beach parties, especially around the Christmas-New Year season. Anjuna's golden sands and tall coconut palms make the beachfront a pretty hangout place and the sea is safe for swimming.
Small Vagator and Big Vagator:- A little ahead of Anjuna lie the two Vagators - the big and the small Vagators. Both are secluded, palm fringed, quiet places tucked away in the northernmost tip of Mapusa. Small Vagator is a small cove - its fine silver sands and rocky sea shore surrounded by black laterite cliffs.The main Vagator beach (Big Vagator) is overshadowed by the 500 year old Portuguese fortress of Chapora that sits atop a rocky outcrop.
Arambol: -Way off to the north, near the border with Maharashtra, lies Arambol (also called Harmal), pretty but not overcrowded. Arambol’s stretches of soft white sand would be just what the doctor ordered for your peace of mind. It is also the paradise for the hippies, as there are regular "trance" parties and even "full moon" parties.
Also near the Maharashtra border is Querim beach (pronounced ‘Keri’) an idyllic beach but with barely any facilities or supplies available. Equally peaceful and bereft of logistics are Mandrem (just south of Arambol) and Morgim (Morji), on the Chapora estuary. Mandrem, a lonely stretch of white sandy beach with a couple of beach shacks, is frequented mostly by tourists who want to get a full body tan, away from prying eyes of interested locals.
At the foot of Fort Aguada lies the pretty palm-fringed Sinquerim beach, and near it Candolim beach, both popular with tourists.

Goa

Goa- the name conjures up images of sun-baked sands, heady feni, and palm fronds waving in a cool sea breeze. All that may sound a wee bit clichéd, but Goa definitely isn’t. One of India’s hottest destinations for well over two decades now, Goa was- and still is- where everybody goes to party. A sunkissed land dotted with coconut trees and rice fields; old Portuguese churches and the prettiest of beaches- where February means Carnival and every day is an occasion for celebration.
Goa’s beaches are where much of the action is; some of the best beaches in India, these are the major reason why Goa attracts so many thousands of tourists- Indian and foreign- every year. The state’s beaches stretch all along the coastline, from the northern border with Maharashtra right down to the south, where peaceful stretches like Palolem are a godsend for anybody looking for an escape from the crowds.
The three main areas where Goa’s best beaches are concentrated include Mapusa, Panaji and Margao. Along most of the major beaches are resorts, hotels, cottages, restaurants and souvenir shops by the dozen, and usually an interesting flea market as well. All of which means that you can get a fairly complete vacation- with accommodation, dining, entertainment and shopping- all on one beach. What more could one ask for?
Best time to visit:-

Goa is a year-round destination, but the best time to go is in winter, between late October and early April. The winter weather is balmy, the days are sunny and the nights cool, especially on the beach. The summers are very hot and humid and it rains heavily from June to August, making it unsafe to swim.
The carnival period in the month of February through to early March is another peak time, attracting a lot of tourists to Goa. It is a great season with parades, pageants and merrymaking late into the night.
Access:-

Goa is well connected to Mumbai and other major cities by air, rail, road and a limited catamaran service, the latter only from Mumbai. Dabolim Airport, 30 km from Panaji, is the only airport in the state, but it’s got plenty of flights coming from the rest of the country.
Goa is also well connected by train, with Margao being the main station for the Konkan Railway plying between Maharashtra and Karnataka. Trains come in from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Trivandrum and other major cities of the country. National Highways link Goa with other cities and there are regular overnight coaches and buses. Driving down from Mumbai is also a good idea, since its useful to have a vehicle in Goa.
The best way to get around Goa is to hire a vehicle, as public transport systems can be a bit unreliable: there are no metered taxis and the bus service is erratic. Riding pillion on motorcycle taxis is extremely popular and inexpensive. You can also rent cars or two-wheelers for the day.
Accommodation:-

Options for accommodation are virtually unlimited in Goa and you can find a room to fit any budget. There are luxury hotels in prime locations near the beach, holiday resorts, tourist bungalows, beach shacks, dormitories and paying guest accommodation with local families. Also available are hostel and dormitory style accommodation that is perfect for students and backpackers on tight budgets. All three areas- Margao, Mapusa and Panaji- have low-priced, state-run GTDC tourist hotels. Most tourists prefer to stay around the beaches in north or south Goa.
Book in advance during peak season, as accommodation can get very scarce at this time.

Gopalpur

Dubbed the `best beach resort in Orissa’ by the cognoscenti, Gopalpur-on-Sea is a lovely laidback seaport village, far removed in spirit from the nearby temple towns of Orissa. Starting life as an obscure little fishing village, Gopalpur-on-Sea became a prominent trading port during the days of the British East India Company. Today, neither the British nor the wealthy Bengalis who once made Gopalpur a vibrant, happening place are here any more. Gopalpur has gone back to being a quiet, relaxed place, but with one major difference- it’s today growing into one of India’s prettiest beach resorts. Nowhere as commercial and trendy as Goa, but with a charm all its own.
You can forget yourself at Gopalpur and have a lovely, lazy holiday. This languorous beach with coconut groves, casuarina coppices and gentle sand dunes is deserted for miles. Picture blue waters and high waves, sleepy lagoons and tiny creeks, a place where you can loll on the sand, stroll down the beach and gorge on seafood. Or tackle the high waves on a yacht moored at the crumbling ancient jetty… and then climb up the ancient lighthouse for a spectacular view of the bay.
The best thing about Gopalpur, besides the golden beach, is the seafood. This is a seafood lover’s paradise, but, like everything else in this resort, don’t expect meals in a hurry. The restaurants, shacks and even the locals are quite willing to cook a special meal for you – just remember to give them plenty of notice.
Best time to visit:-

Gopalpur is a year-round destination, but the best time to go is from October to April. The temperatures range from a summer high of 35°C to a winter low of 16°C. The monsoon season (June to September) sees some hot and some very wet days.
Access:-

The nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar, 180 km from Gopalpur. Bhubaneshwar is a one-hour flight from Kolkata, to which it is also connected by rail and road. From Gopalpur-on-Sea, the nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 km) on the Kolkata-Chennai line. You can drive in to Gopalpur on National Highway 5 from Berhampur, Bhubaneshwar and Barkul (75 km). Buses, minibuses, tourist taxis and even auto-rickshaws can be hired from Berhampur.
Auto rickshaws are available for moving around within the town - remember to agree on the fare beforehand.
Accommodation:-

There is no dearth of places to stay from star class hotels, tourist resorts and beach shacks. Luxury hotels offer rooms facing the sea, and come with all the frills you’d expect of a fine property. Quaint old bungalows built at the turn of the century have been refurbished and are let out to tourists, while backpackers can head for economy options like the youth hostel.

Gokarna

`Cow's Ear'- for that's what `Gokarna' actually means- is a mundane way of describing a place as pretty as this. Named for the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers which marks Gokarna, the place is a small town, known more as a pilgrimage centre than as a beach. Which is a pity, really- because Gokarna, with its coconut palms, its blue seas and clean sands, is perfect for an idyllic vacation by the sea. Situated along the Karwar coast, in northern Karnataka, Gokarna is beach-utopia if you're looking for minimal luxury but maximum privacy, with only the sun, the surf and the seagulls for company.
A somnolent one-street town consisting almost entirely of wooden houses, Gokarna is in close proximity to four beaches. Of these, Kudle, a kilometre-long stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees, is the nearest; just about 20 minutes' walk from Gokarna. Half an hour further from Kudle is Om beach, so named because it's shaped like the auspicious `om' symbol. Gokarna's two other beaches- Paradise and Half-Moon- are smaller and lesser known, but equally great for a bit of sunbathing and swimming.
All of Gokarna's beaches remain pretty empty, except for the odd `in-the-know' traveller, the hippy who's tired of Goa, or the many pilgrims who come to Gokarna for `darshan' at the Shiv Temple. Gokarna, like nearby Udipi, is a sacred place for Hindus, who believe it to be the place where Shiva emerged from the earth after a long penance in the netherworld. The town's main shrine is the Mahabaleshwar Temple, home to a very holy lingam that was reputedly rescued by Shiva's elephant- headed son, Ganesh.
Best time to visit:-
Gokarna is pretty much a round-the-year destination, although you'd be well advised to avoid it during the monsoon, when heavy rain can make it muddy and messy. In February-March, festivities mark Maha Shivratri, and along with other celebrations, there's a colourful procession in Gokarna. January and February, when the weather's good, are anyway a great time to visit the town.
Access:-
Gokarna is 60 km south of Karwar and 7 hours from the city of Mangalore. One of the best ways of getting to this town is aboard the Konkan Railway, which traverses the prettiest parts of India's western coast. Konkan Railway trains pass through Gokarna Road (10 km from the town), Ankola (25 km), or Karwar (23 km). From either of these railheads, a bus can be taken to Gokarna. Gokarna has good bus connections to a number of towns within Karnataka and along the west coast; Goa, for instance, is only about 5 hours away.
Accommodation:-
Gokarna's still fairly undiscovered as far as the beach crowd goes (although Hindu pilgrims flocking to the temple come here in substantial numbers). Consequently, accommodation options are neither exciting nor extensive. There are hotels- mainly budget or mid-range-, guesthouses and beach huts available, but quality can vary considerably. Expect to pay anywhere from Rs 20 to Rs 600, depending upon how much you're willing to rough it out. Among the best places around is the KSTDC hotel with accomodation starting from Rs 105 for one person. Along Kudle beach are a number of beach huts, all very basic- you'll even have to arrange for your own bedding. Eateries, like accommodation, are fairly rudimentary, but you'll invariably find good local grub, including seafood. A few beach shacks serve croissants, sandwiches and no-frills Western food.

Kovalam

Once a hippie paradise, Kovalam’s increasing popularity has been a major dissuasion of late. No longer an undiscovered rural idyll, Kovalam has made rapid strides towards `resort-isation’ and is now one of the biggest draws to `God’s own Country’-Kerala. Highly commercialised and very crowded through most of the year, Kovalam manages, against all odds, to retain much of the charm which made it a popular beach in the first place.It still has a lovely shoreline and beautiful beaches lined with coconut trees, and local fishermen from the villages still go out at night for the daily catch. A towering promontory of rock dominates Kovalam, looking out over a bay of clear blue water. Golden sand slopes down into the sea for as far as 100 mt, and dotted along the coast are a few interesting coral reefs, which make for good snorkelling. Surfing and swimming are among the other water sports possible off Kovalam beach
Beachwear, light cottons, sandals and sun protection are, obviously, essential luggage to this beach town, although surfboards are available on loan for water buffs. And that’s not all. Kovalam has also acquired a reputation as being one of the best places in Kerala-or India, for that matter- for an invigorating ayurvedic course of treatment or rejuvenation. Ayurvedic massage parlours, spas and yoga centres are a dime a dozen in Kovalam, and there’s really nothing that can buck you up as much as a course of therapy- with herbal oils and soothing massages- at one of these! Many hotels and independent set-ups also offer yoga classes.
Best time to visit:-
Being near the sea makes Kovalam really a year-round destination weather-wise. The actual season is from September to March. The prices shoot up during the Christmas-New Year week as do the number of tourists, so it might be wise to avoid this period.
Access:-
Kovalam’s just 16 km south from Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, so the nearest airport is obviously the international one there (10 km). Thiruvananthapuram’s railway station is well connected to the rest of south India, with a number of trains coming in from other parts of the country too. The capital also has extensive road connections to other cities and towns in Kerala and its neighbouring states.
Inexpensive buses run every half-hour from Thiruvananthapuram to Kovalam. There are also direct services from Kollam, Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), Ernakulam and Thekkady. Taxis and auto-rickshaws will also make the trip but at comparatively greater expense.
Kovalam is small enough to cover on foot without much effort. There are local buses for trips out and one can hire two wheelers by paying a security deposit and producing a valid driver’s license.
Accommodation:-
The Indian Tourist Development Corporation has tried to develop an `integrated’ tourist area at Kovalam with a range of hotels, beachside cottages, ayurvedic hothouses, pools and shopping complexes at the Ashoka Radisson Beach Resort.
Properties further away from the beach are invariably lower-priced. There is a range for every pocket from very basic accommodation which comes for less than Rs 400 a night, to more fancy rooms with air conditioning and meals, right up to luxury hotels with 5 star facilities and prices. Expect to pay anywhere between a couple of hundred rupees to a couple of thousand- depending upon the facilities offered.
The beach is lined with restaurant shacks that serve varied fare: anything from eggs and muesli to idli- sambhar for breakfast and a range of seafood thereafter. Prices (which are negotiable) and quality vary from joint to joint.

Mamallapuram

Lying along the pretty Coromandel Coast, Mammalapuram is known primarily for its ancient rock-cut temples. The eight Rath Temples date back to the 8th century and have been carved out of monoliths. Each one is associated with one of the Pandava brothers, heroes of the epic Mahabharata. Close to these are the two-spired Shore Temple, the Krishna Mandapam- the world’s largest bas-relief with detailed carvings of gods, animals, insects, and birds- and eight rock-cut caves decorated with depictions of scenes from various legends.
The temples are all very well; a good way to while away the time between hours when you’re sunbathing, swimming, or simply lolling on the beach. But what really matters to beach buffs is the sand and the sea, and both are good here. Spend your day lazing on the beach, or go for a leisurely swim, followed by a satisfying lunch of freshly caught fish- you can’t go far wrong here.
About 20 km north of Mammalapuram is the beach of Covelong, a fishing village which is not as touristy as Mammalapuram, but is great if you want to get away from the crowds. Covelong Beach is good, and there are facilities for water sports such as windsurfing.
At about the same distance from Mammalapuram is Muttukadu, a water sports complex which offers a range of sports, including boating, kayaking and windsurfing.
Best time to visit:-

The best time to visit this pleasant seaside temple town is in the winter, between November and February. And within this period too, mid-January and mid-February are when Mammalapuram’s at its best. The weather’s great, the sand’s nice and warm, the sea’s deliciously cool, and there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy yourself. This is also the time when the annual Mammalapuram Dance Festival is held; exponents of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathakali perform on weekends through the month.
Access:-

Mammalapuram is fairly well connected to the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu. The closest airport is at Chennai, which is 58km from Mahabalipuram. The road is good and you can rent a car and be driven along the coast – it’s a pleasant and pretty drive.
The nearest railway station is at Chengalpattu.
Mahabalipuram is well connected with the rest of the state. Buses from Chennai, Pondicherry and Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram are frequent.
Accommodation:-

A wide range of accommodation facilities is available in Mammalapuram, including an ITDC-owned beach resort and a state-run complex. There are, in addition to these, a number of privately owned beach resorts, guesthouses and economy hotels- virtually any degree of comfort to fit almost any budget. Prices range between Rs 200-500 for basic accommodation to Rs 1,100 and above for more luxurious rooms.

Stay near the beach

Talk beaches, and you talk golden sunshine, soft sand, clear waters- days of lolling around with nothing to do except soak in the sun, go for a leisurely swim, or gorge yourself on fresh seafood…. Suntans, green coconuts. Windsurfing and snorkelling. Beach parties and lively music.
There are plenty of good beaches along the coastline of India- some famous, some barely beyond an obscure fishing village- but they're there, all right. And they're worth visiting. Silver sands, casuarina groves, coral reefs teeming with a dazzlingly colourful range of marine creatures- and lots to see, lots to do. Paradise? Not quite, but close to it

DHANAULTI

Dhanaulti - a dreamy, misty mountain retreat in the Garhwal Hills is the perfect honeymoon hideaway. Tucked away in the midst of deep forests of oaks and conifers, rhododendrons and deodars, Dhanaulti is a woody paradise that makes you forget where you are. Caressed by a bracing mountain zephyr, this hill station is just ideal for long walks up shady slopes or quiet tête-à-têtes amidst grassy glens.
Dhanaulti is on the Mussoorie-Chamba track at an altitude of 2286 m above sea level. It is the kick-start point for many a trek into the snow-capped Himalayas. But the town itself remains blissfully secluded especially compared to the throngs that mill around the Mall at nearby Mussoorie.
Getting there:-
Dhanaulti is 25 km from Mussoorie (1hour drive), 60 km from Dehradun ( 3 hour drive) and 325 km from Delhi (10 hour drive). The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 82 km from Dhanauti and the closest railhead is at Dehradun. From here you can drive up to Dhanaulti, or take a tourist taxi or bus.
Accommodation:-
Dhanaulti is a medium-to-low budget holiday option. Accommodation is limited to a few tourist guesthouses, the GMVN tourist bungalow and the Forest Rest House for which you need permission from the Forest Dept. Prices range from Rs 300 to Rs 1500.
Best season:-
Dhanaulti is a great destination at any time of the year, but avoid the monsoons. You are likely to get marooned because of a landslide or broken road at that time of year! The summer temperatures range from 31° C to 7.5° C and winter temperatures hover between 7° C and 1° C. Carry light woollens for summer and heavy woollens for winter.

GANGTOK

Mesmerising, picturesque, colourful - Gangtok is the exuberant capital of Sikkim that lures you for an unforgettable honeymoon. Cool breezes blow over the lush mountainside and the air is fragrant with the profusion of wild orchids and rhododendrons. The bazaars bustle with the animation of trendy youngsters, elderly matrons in their traditional bakus and lamas in colourful maroon and mustard robes. Prayer flags flutter in front of pretty Buddhist shrines and pagoda-style houses that cling to the hillside.
At 5,800 ft, Gangtok offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially from Tashi Viewpoint. Though you will be charmed by Gangtok’s serenity, for energetic moments make a trip to Pemayangtse Monastery to see its
priceless antiques and idols, and to the nearby ruins of Rabdantse, the 17th century capital of Sikkim. The Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, and the Rumtek Monastery are other interesting places. The Do-Drul Chorten is a splendid temple capped by a golden tower, with 108 prayer wheels. The sacred Changu Lake at 12400 ft, 40 km east of Gangtok remains frozen through the year and comes alive during summer when rhododendrons, irises, primulas and poppies burst into bloom on its banks and on the adjoining hill slopes.
Getting there:-
Gangtok is 721 km from Kolkata, 589 km from Guwahati and 584 km from Patna. The closest airport is at Bagdogra, 124 km and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (125 km), with connections to all the major cities of India. You can drive to Gangtok from either of these West Bengal cities in 5 hours or from Siliguri 114 km away or Darjeeling, 139 km from Gangtok. The drive is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with chauffeurs.
Accommodation:-
There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation available at Gangtok, ranging from luxury and deluxe to standard and economy, depending on your budget. Prices are in the vicinity of Rs 2500 for luxury, Rs 1300 for mid-rung and Rs 500 for basic accommodation.
Best season:-
The best time to visit Sikkim is between October and mid-December when clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed or again between March and May when the flowers are in bloom. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes and visits to many of the tourist spots are not possible. June to September brings heavy rains causing landslides that often disrupt communication. Carry light woollens for summer and heavy woollens for winter. Rainwear is a must in any season.

GOA

Goa, a little state with so much soul, is the ultimate honeymoon haven for beach lovers. Laidback, Goa is a merry blend of Portuguese and Konkani, with the atmosphere of a lively carnival town.
Think Goa and you think beaches. All the beaches have a different character and are known by the quality of sand on the beach and the passions of the people who groove there. Anjuna is known for its shingle-sand and sixties-style flower culture. Peaceful Agonda, rocky and sandy Arambol, happy and happening Baga, red sand and coconut grove Calangute, popular Vagator, untouched Polem and Palolem and enchanting Colva are the other beaches.
The towns and beaches are flooded with shacks and restaurants where you can gorge on Goan and Mediterranean cuisine, especially seafood and sample some local feni (cashew brew), port wine and passoa - liquor from passion fruit.
Goa is ideal for a passionate honeymoon, strolling hand in hand down the beach, dancing by the fireside at midnight, singing old songs to the beat of a strumming guitar. There is much to see and do - backwater cruises down the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, dolphin cruises on the high seas, adventure sports and water sports - para sailing, wind surfing and water skiing - or you can simply hold hands and dance over the crashing waves! Chances are that you may never want to come back to terra firma once you have been transported into raptures at Goa. But so what… you can re-live your honeymoon in Goa again and again.
Getting there:-

Goa is well connected to Mumbai and other major cities by air, rail, road and a limited catamaran service only from Mumbai. You can fly to Goa’s Dabolim airport or take a train on the spectacular Konkan railway. National Highways link Goa with other cities and there are regular, overnight coaches and buses. Driving down from Mumbai is also a good idea, since its useful to have a vehicle in Goa.
Getting around:-

The best way to get around Goa is to hire a vehicle. There are no metered taxis and the bus service is erratic. Riding pillion on motorcycle taxis is extremely popular and inexpensive. You can rent two-wheelers for the day.
Accommodation:-

Hotel options are virtually unlimited in Goa and you can find a room to fit any budget. There are luxury hotels in prime locations near the beach, holiday resorts, tourist bungalows and beach shacks. Prices range from Rs 100 for a shack on the beach to Rs 300-1500 for middle-rung hotels and Rs 2000 and above for luxury hotels. Book in advance during season.
Best season:-

Goa is a year-round destination, but the best time to go is from October to March. The winter weather is balmy - the days are sunny and the nights cool, especially on the beach. The summers are hot and humid and it rains heavily from June to August, making it unsafe to swim (ideal for a torrid indoor romance!).

LAKSHADWEEP

After the hectic wedding celebrations, when you have had a surfeit of sweets and relatives, rituals and revelry, all you want to do is drift and dream in a quiet honeymoon interlude. Let your thoughts turn to Lakshadweep, a gorgeous archipelago of coral islands in the sunny Indian Ocean, where you can float and tumble, dive and soar. Here you can take long leisurely walks on soft sand, gentle waves kissing your feet. Sway gently in a hammock, sip coconut water together, swim languidly in the moonlight, linger around the glowing embers of a campfire and chase that last drop of ambrosia.
If this sounds romantic, you simply have to come here to believe the incredibly beautiful reality of Lakshadweep. Lying 350 km off the Kerala coast, strung in a shimmering strand of jewels, the islands are coral atolls that encircle a fabulous aquamarine lagoon. Out of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited, and that too, sparsely – great news for honeymooners who want to just lose themselves.
Bangaram is the most sought after island, with rafting, snorkeling, deep-sea diving and deep-sea fishing. Sail in glass-bottomed boats, swim with turtles and dolphins, snorkel in the reef through colonies of fish. Surf the aqua marine waters, romp the white sands. Just revel in the anonymity of Lakshadweep, for that honeymoon of a lifetime.
Special Permits:_
A trip to Lakshadweep requires a tourist permit. This can be arranged at the Lakshadweep Tourist Office in Cochin (Kochi). The only way to visit is to hook up with a package tour group. Tour operators start the first of the trips in October and continue till May. Bangaram is open to both Indian and foreign tourists who have permits. Though Kadmat, Kalpeni, Minicoy and Kavaratti are open to Indian tourists only, movement is restricted to the tourist area.
Getting there:-
The usual way to get to Lakshadweep is to fly from Cochin (Kochi) in Kerala to Agatti Island. The airport takes small aircrafts and helicopters, which allows only up to 10 kg baggage weight per person. The govt tourist dept operates cruises from Cochin to all the islands that are open to tourists. This is strictly a package deal though, and is not really a ‘getting there’ solution, plus it’s open to only Indian tourists. Kerala Tourism offers special 5-day cruise packages for the islands of Agatti, Kavaratti and Kadmat, with on-board accommodation.
Accommodation:-
People usually stay at the resort island of Bangaram, the only island that offers overnight accommodation at a private resort. There is no indigenous local population so this is an out and out tourist facility. The hotel has cottages on the beach; a multi cuisine restaurant with a bar, a library, scuba diving gear on hire, and tons of ambience. Catamarans, kayaks and sailboats are free: grab and go! Government accommodation is available at Kavaratti, Kadmat and Agatti. Prices range from a minimum of Rs. 3500 to Rs 10,000 for the cottages.
Best season:-
The most popular months are from January to the middle of May when the diving and fishing is good but it’s possible to visit any time in the year. Lakshadweep has a tropical climate with temperature ranging from 25° C to 35° C in summer and winters are just marginally cooler.

MANALI

Romantic, beautiful Manali. Nestling like a rose bowl in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, makes it a cosy, winter honeymoon hideaway. Outside, snowflakes fall softly, adding flecks to silvery deodars. Inside, crackling logs light up an open hearth, while you keep warm with steaming cups of coffee and snug rugs to huddle in. What can paint a more romantic picture than the hush of Manali under a blanket of snow?
Manali is surrounded by fruit orchards, deodar and pine forests, hot water springs, mineral springs, splendid mountains, caves and temples. The mighty Beas hurtles through the town, carving a deep gorge in its wake. The river is great for fishing and rafting adventures in summer, but is
freezing in winter. The Mall or main bazaar is the hub of activity, flooded with shops, restaurants, trekking and mountaineering outfits and wayside food stalls. But you can escape down many a cosy walk in the nearby forests, up pretty, secluded mountain trails, charming villages and Tibetan settlements. Manali is an adventure and mountaineering sports paradise, so if you are up to an energetic honeymoon, remember to pack those extra woollies.
Getting there:-

The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, near Kullu, 50 kms from Manali. Regular bus services and fixed-fair taxis connect the town to the airport. The Bus stand is in the centre of town on the Mall, with road connections from Kullu, Chandigarh (284 km), Shimla (270 km), Delhi (585 km via Mandi) and most major north Indian cities. The nearest railhead is on the narrow gauge line at Jogindernagar (135 kms).
Accommodation:-

Manali has no dearth of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and up-market hotels, to guesthouses, tourist lodges and low budget hotels. Prices range between Rs. 600 to Rs. 3000.
Best season:-

Each season in Manali has its own charm. Winters are snowy, summers are crowded and the monsoons are heavy. The best seasons are March-April and after the monsoons between September and November. Always travel with sufficient warm clothing.

OOTY

Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, enveloped in blue mist, the lovely laidback hill station of Ooty exudes its own special charm. Ootacamund is Tamil Nadu’s most sought after honeymoon destination, the stuff a dream holiday is made of. Hill slopes veiled in a profusion of wild flowers, plantations of cardamom and tea, and eucalyptus forests take over the landscape.Ooty offers the most scenic walks, into dense forests, pretty mountain trails and to fabulous viewpoints like Wenlock Downs, Snowdon, Ketty Valley and Dodabetta Peak. From here you can sweep across the Blue Mountains, wander through the misty forests, chance upon unexpected waterfalls and brilliant bird species. Canter away on ponies or have a romantic little picnic in the woods. Ooty is tranquil enough for a pair of lovebirds to get lost among the other dreamers who are seeking quiet havens and parks. Look for secluded corners in the Botanical Garden with its amazing collection of trees and shrubs, and the beautiful Rose Garden. For times when you want to join in the action, walk down to the lake and soak in the excitement from the safety of the banks or venture onto the lake and tandem in pedal boats, rock together in rowboats and motorboats. And finally, catch the picturesque little Blue Train, a beautiful journey through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests and hills.
Getting there:-

The nearest airport is at Coimbatore, 89 km from Ooty, with connections to Bangalore (290 km from Ooty), Chennai (535 km) and Mumbai. You could also take a train up to Mettupalayam and catch the quaint hill train upto Ooty, 35 kms away, You can also take a bus or hire a private car or taxi and have the luxury of your own transport.
Accommodation:-

Ooty has many luxury hotels; some with an old-world charm, wooden furniture, manicured gardens, rooms with fireplaces that work. Budget accommodation is comfortable and quiet. There are numerous mid-rung properties with good facilities, and the option of taking a cottage on the grounds. Prices start at Rs 500 for an economy room and go up to Rs. 3000 and above for deluxe rooms.
Best season:-

You can come to Ooty at any time of the year, especially in the winter when most tourists keep away. Ooty is cold in winter, but beautiful nonetheless if you enjoy the clouds and the mist floating into your face. Summer is peak season and the hill station gets rather crowded in May and June, especially during the summer festival when there are flower shows and boat races. Carry light woollens for summer evenings and layers of woollens for winter.

India, with its teeming millions, may seem an unlikely choice for anybody looking for a bit of privacy, but tucked away in the yet-unexplored nooks and crannies of this vast and beautiful country are wonderful destinations just perfect for the honeymoon of a lifetime.
Get snug before a pinewood fire in a snowbound Himalayan hill station, wander through forests of fragrant sandalwood, flaming rhododendrons, or cool pines, take a quiet stroll through the tea gardens and coffee plantations of the Nilgiris. Carry a cosy picnic lunch to a secluded spot hidden away in the wilds or go along on a relaxing cruise through quiet backwaters. Let your hair down and enjoy yourself on a golden beach: go swimming, surfing, and sailing. Visit ancient temples and monasteries, sightsee or just wander along a pretty mountain path.
Indulge yourselves.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh lies in the heart of Madhya Pradesh- traditional tiger country. This is where Rudyard Kipling found inspiration for his famous Jungle Book (remember Mowgli?), and this is where the tiger still roams- although now protected by dozens of laws, some effective, some not.
Once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, where an alarming number of tigers were hunted down in pre-independence India, Bandhavgarh was mercifully declared a National Park in 1968. Today, the Bandhavgarh National Park is a compact reserve (448 sq. km) of sal trees, bamboo thickets and grasslands, teeming with birds
and animals and the highest population of tigers anywhere in India. The park is now home to 22 species of wildlife, including the regal ‘gaur’, umpteen varieties of deer, and carnivores such as the striped hyena, jungle cat and sloth bear and over 250 species of birds. Within the park itself is the Bandhavgarh Fort, now in ruins and largely overrun by the surrounding forest.
Although Bandhavgarh is in the area where the famous white tigers of Rewa were first found, don’t expect to see any of the exotic beauties around. What you will see, however, is an amazing diversity of flora and fauna which can certainly make a trip to this wildlife preserve utterly worthwhile.
Entry Requirements:-

All visitors to Bandhavgarh need a permit to enter the wildlife national park; this can be obtained at the entrance to the park. Entry fees for foreigners are Rs 200; for Indians and members of SAARC countries, Rs 20. Additional charges are levied for the entry of vehicles, for cameras and for elephant rides.
Access:-

If you’re looking to sight the majestic tiger in his natural habitat, head for Jabalpur by jeep, bus, plane or train and from there onwards to the Bandhavgarh National Park, 165 km northeast. The nearest airports are in Khajuraho (210 km away) and Jabalpur. Buses from Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh do the trip in about five hours.
The closest railhead is the town of Umaria, which is 30 km from Bandhavgarh; it’s linked by train to cities in Madhya Pradesh and other states, including Delhi. Private and state owned bus services operate regular buses to Bandhavgarh from Umaria, Jabalpur, and other towns in Madhya Pradesh. Taxis too can be hired to get to Bandhavgarh. The wildlife park’s entrance is at a tiny settlement called Tala, which has facilities- although limited- for accommodation.
Within the bounds of the Bandhavgarh National Park, vehicles may be hired at the entrance to drive around; in addition, private vehicles are allowed in. You could also ride through the jungle on elephant-back -- and if you kept completely quiet and are very, very lucky, you could even spot a tiger!
Best time to visit:-

Like many of India’s other wildlife preserves, national parks and sanctuaries, Bandhavgarh National Park too closes for visitors during the monsoon months, July to October. Between November and June is the best- and only-time to visit the park.
Accommodation:-

The Madhya Pradesh Tourist department has a forest lodge in Bandhavgarh; the PWD and the Forest Department also have guest houses within the park, where the accommodation, though not the height of luxury, is adequate. Rooms range from some interesting cabins on stilts to individual cottages.

Bandipur National Park

Once the private game reserve of the Mysore maharajas, Bandipur, the large forest (866 sq km) south of the river Kabini is now part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and one of WWF’s Project Tiger sites. It neighbours the Nagarhole National Park, the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu and Wynaad in Kerala. All together this area makes for the largest protected forest in India.
Bandipur has a sizeable population of wildlife - elephant, spotted deer and sambar, gaur and flying squirrel, four horned antelope, Nilgiri langur and sloth bear. Amongst the reserve’s most prominent animals are its 1,900-odd elephants.
The Royal Bengal tiger (75 in the Park) and leopard are even more elusive here than elsewhere because the moister region that they inhabit falls under the protected core area where casual visitors are not allowed. Mostly dry deciduous forest with an abundance of teak on the periphery, the moister core area of Bandipur, has large tracts of fragrant sandalwood and rosewood. However, some summers this area too gets unbearably dry and during these times the animals migrate to the neighbouring wetter Mudumalai Park.
Entry Requirements:-

All visitors to Bandipur have to get entry permits at the entrance to the park. These cost about Rs 150 (for foreigners) and considerably less for Indians. Additional charges are levied for cameras, vehicles, and elephant or jeep rides.
Access:-

The nearest railhead is Nanjangud, 55 km away, while the nearest roadhead is the town of Gundulpet, 20 km from Bandipur. Both are, however, fairly small places, with few transport connections to the rest of the state. A better idea, therefore, would be to arrive at Bandipur via Mysore or Ooty.
Bandipur is 80 km from Mysore, and a similar distance from Ooty, and takes 2 ½ hours by road. Mysore is further connected to the rest of south India by train, while a narrow gauge train comes to Ooty from the plains station of Mettupalayam. Mettupalayam has train connections to a number of other towns in Tamilnadu. Once you’ve got to Mysore or Ooty, you can take a bus or hire a car or taxi to get to Bandipur.
Private vehicles are not allowed to tour the park, so buses abound, rumbling and roaring their way around, drowning out any chance of seeing animals. Better options for getting around in the park are the forest department jeeps and vans. The Forest Department also organises elephant rides of about an hour (or more) each, which take you deeper into the forest than you’d otherwise be able to go.
At Bandipur, you can book a machan near a watering hole for the best viewing of all.
Best time to visit:-

The best season depends on what you are looking for; if it’s wildlife you seek then the hot months from March to May are when animals flock to the watering holes, and hopefully to the ones close to your machan (but be aware: droughts also push animals into Mudumalai); for cool comfort the months of November-February are great when the flora is resurging after the rains; the rainy months of June-September bring the elephants to the fore, bring the temperatures down and the metalled roads of Bandipur don’t get washed out either.If you are really interested in the animals, you must avoid the weekends when hordes of visitors come down from nearby cities for the day.
Accommodation:-

Accommodation options in Bandipur include Forest Resthouses and KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation) cottages, besides a few private resorts and hotels. The forest resthouses here are deluxe bungalows and also have dormitory beds; both should be reserved in advance at the Forest Office in Bangalore or Mysore. Rooms at the resthouses cost between Rs 300 and 400 a night.
Luxury resorts around Bandipur National Park are more expensive but offer many more luxuries; they also arrange their own elephant safaris and jeep rides. A double room at one of the resorts will cost about Rs 3,000 per night, which will usually include meals, wildlife safaris, and fees for cameras, vehicles and entry.

Chilka Lake National Park

The Chilka Lake in Orissa is Asia's largest inland salt-water lagoon. Studded with small islands- including the picturesquely-named Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island- the lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 sq km, and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilka one of the best places in India for a bit of satisfying bird-watching. White bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons and flamingos are among the many species which make the lake a bird watcher's delight: Chilka, in fact, is home to one of the world's largest breeding colonies of flamingos.
Other than the birds, Chilka's shores are home to blackbuck, spotted deer, golden jackals and hyenas, and the lake is rich in aquatic life- its waters harbour around 160 species of fish, crustaceans and other marine creatures, including the famous Chilka dolphin. Prawn, crab and mackerel fishing are an important source of livelihood for the local people, and hundreds of small fishing boats set sail each morning to bring in the day's catch from the lake. he Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve harbours India’s second largest pachyderm population, and the chances of seeing elephant herds is pretty high, especially during the dry season.
AccessChilka is approximately 120 km from Bhubaneshwar, the nearest airport; state transport, OTDC tour buses and private operators ply the roads between Chilka, Puri, Behrampore, Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack. The nearest railway stations are at Rambha and Balugaon, both of which have train connections to cities as distant as Kolkata, Puri, Hyderabad and Chennai. From both Balugaon and Rambha buses are available to the lake. Local transport is basically limited to three wheel rickshaws and auto rickshaws, bicycles and cars are sole modes of private transport. The services of local boatmen and the OTDC's motorboats are available for access to the islands though outboard motors are not allowed near the bird sanctuary. OTDC boats can be hired at Barkul, and cost between Rs 410 (for a 7-seater boat) to Rs 790 (for a 34-seater boat) per hour. A special tour is operated by the OTDC between Barkul and Kalijai, and costs Rs 40 per head.
Best time to visitThe weather remains moderately warm the whole year round, so come any time of the year except during the rainy season from June to September. The best time, however, is from October to March, when the lake is crowded with migrating birds, usually at least 50-70 species. Pilgrims flock here in January during Makar Mela (at the time of Makar Sankranti) to pay obeisance to the Goddess Kalijai, whose temple is situated on Kalijai island in Chilka Lake.
AccommodationThere are a few hotels on the banks of the lake including an OTDC run hotel and two tourist bungalows (the `Panthnivas' at Rambha and Barkul) that have stunning views and a relaxed vacation ambience. Air-conditioned double rooms at the Barkul tourist bungalow cost Rs 700 a night; non-airconditioned rooms cost half that price. The bungalow at Rambha is somewhat cheaper, with air-conditioned double rooms for Rs 500 and non-airconditioned rooms for Rs 250 a night. A number of state-run as well as privately-operated resthouses and tourist lodges also dot the shores of the lake, and tariffs vary considerably, depending upon the facilities offered.

Corbett National Park

In the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, close to Ramnagar, lies the Corbett National Park. The first Reserve forest of its kind, the park was established in 1936- when it was known as the Hailey National Park- mainly through the efforts of Jim Corbett, the conservationist. Corbett lived throughout his childhood in the area of Kaladhungi between Nainital and Ramnagar. He had a deep insight into the ecology of the area, and in later years he was called upon by the locals to shoot down man-eating leopards and tigers that stalked the villages. Locally referred to as "Carpet Sahib", he turned to photography and writing, authoring books on wildlife, like "My India", "Jungle Lore" and "Man-eaters of Kumaon".
Corbett National Park was the first to be designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973. Situated at a distance of 260 kms from Delhi and 128 kms from Nainital, the Corbett National Park is best known for its big cats, especially the tiger. Despite the efforts of conservationists, the tiger population of India is dwindling rapidly, and Corbett National Park is one of the few parks where the tiger can still be seen. There are around 50 tigers in Corbett, besides other wildlife like leopards, several lesser cats, the wild dog, porcupines, jackals, civets, sloth bear, black bear, wild boar and a few hundred elephants.
Stretching over 520 sq km with a core area of 330 sq km, the Corbett National Park consists of mixed deciduous and sal forests and stretches of savannah grasslands where antelope, chital, hog deer and sambar graze. The Rhesus monkey and common langur are ubiquitous, while the long-snouted gharial, marsh crocodile, cobras and pythons can be seen on the mud banks of the Ramganga. The Ramganga reservoir, in the main Dhikala camp area of the park, has over 600 species of birds, including the pied kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, fishing eagle and Himalayan grey headed fishing eagle. The river is also home to the famous river carp mahseer, a favourite catch for anglers.
Entry Requirements:-

Entry to Corbett is strictly regulated and permits are needed from the park administration in Ramnagar. For foreigners, the fees are Rs 350 for the first three days at Dhikala and Rs. 75 for every additional day. Charges for boarding and lodging are additional.
Access:-
The nearest railhead is at Ramnagar, 50 kms. from the main park campsite at Dhikala. Convenient trains connect to Delhi, Lucknow and Moradabad. It is also possible to rent a car and take the road from Delhi, passing through Moradabad; the bus journey from Delhi takes about 7 hours. There are daily buses from Ramnagar to Moradabad and Ranikhet.
From Ramnagar, buses run to Dhikala (within the park); jeeps too are available for hire, at a tariff of about Rs 800 per day.
Elephant rides and jeep rides can be arranged once in Corbett National Park; private vehicles and jeeps are also allowed. Elephant rides are the recommended way to see the animals, the charges are Rs. 100 per person or Rs. 400 per elephant for two hours.
Note that movement within the camp is restricted and moving out on foot is forbidden. Best time to visit:-
The Corbett National Park is out of bounds during the monsoons- usually from about June 16th till November 14th. Once the park reopens after the rains, the best time to visit is between January and mid-June. In the winter months from December till February the Ramganga reservoir is full of migratory birds. Summer is the best season to view wildlife, especially the tiger, that come out of the deep forests for water.
Accommodation:-
A range of tourist accommodation is available at Corbett's main campsite in Dhikala, which includes three-room cabins, forest rest houses, huts, tents and log hut dormitories. There are, in addition, Forest Rest houses at Khinanauli, Sarpduli, Gairal, Sultan, Bijrani, Malani, Kanda, Dhela and Jhirna. Accommodation is also available in private lodges and resorts outside the Park.
Rooms in the forest resthouses cost between Rs 100- Rs 500 per night, depending upon the accessibility of the resthouse. The most popular camp, Dhikala, offers rooms for about Rs 500 and dormitory beds for Rs 50. Rates for foreigners are thrice the amount.
Private resorts and hotels in Ramnagar are much more luxurious than what you’ll get in Corbett, and they charge a proportionately higher rate too- between Rs 3500 to Rs 5000 is the average- per night.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Stretching over an area of some 811 sq km (with a core area of 648 sq km), Dudhwa National Park lies amid the warm, tropical forests of the terai, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Sprawling along India’s border with Nepal, Dudhwa is a tiger reserve, and lies north of the Suheli river.
The park’s thick sal forests, extensive grasslands and wet marshes harbour a wide range of wildlife, including tiger, swamp deer (barasingha), elephant, jackal, sloth bear, leopard cat, jungle cat, civet, fishing cat and a vast number of birds.
Dudhwa’s birds, in particular, are a delight for any avid birdwatcher- plenty of painted storks, sarus cranes, owls, barbets, woodpeckers, minivets and many more, including some rare species like the Bengal florican. Much of the park’s avian fauna is aquatic in nature, and is found around Dudhwa’s lakes- especially Banke Tal.
The great Indian one-horned rhino, which was hunted out of existence in this part of the country by the end of the 19th century, has also now been reintroduced in Dudhwa from other sanctuaries in Nepal and India. Brought to Dudhwa in 1985, rhino populations have increased marginally over the years since. Visitors, however, are not allowed into the rhino zone yet, so don’t count on seeing any.
Dudhwa had, in the recent past, been facing problems of encroachment and poaching, both of which have had an adverse effect on the park’s ecology. Swamp deer populations, especially, had fallen, but recent surveys show that the park’s recovering, slowly but surely.
Entry Requirements:-
All visitors to Dudhwa National park have to get entry permits from the Director of the Park, whose office is at the district headquarters of Lakhimpur Kheri. Entry costs are roughly Rs 100 for three days, for foreigners. Indians pay less, and extra charges are levied for vehicles and cameras. A daily fee of between Rs 50 and Rs 100 is charged for a vehicle, depending upon its size.
Access:-
The town of Bareilly is the nearest major railhead and has train connections to most major cities in northern India, including Delhi and Lucknow. Dudhwa has its own station too, but connections to it are scarce. Palia, 10 km from Dudhwa, also has a few trains coming in from other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The nearest airport is at Lucknow, 250 km from Dudhwa.
Both from Lucknow and from Bareilly (besides other cities like Delhi) there are good road connections to Dudhwa via Palia. Private coaches and buses operated by the UP State Road Transport Corporation connect Palia to Bareilly, Delhi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur and other towns.
Vehicles can be hired in Dudhwa to go on a tour of the park; a more eco-friendly- and much more exciting- option is to take a ride on one of the park elephants. Elephant rides are arranged in the morning and the evening, when there are more chances of spotting animals.
Best time to visit:-
The best time to visit Dudhwa is between November and May. The park remains open to the public from November to June, but by June it’s usually a little too hot for comfort. Remember to take your woollens along if you’re going between December and February- it can get pretty chilly here, in the foothills of the Terai.
Accommodation:-
Accommodation in the park is available at log huts, lodges and forest resthouses at Dudhwa, Sathiana, Bankatti, Kila and Sonaripur. All are pretty minimalist (except the one at Dudhwa, which has a small canteen attached to it), and charge a nominal tariff of a couple of hundred bucks a night. Also in the park, on its southern periphery, is a lodge owned by `Billy’ Arjan Singh, the conservationist who has largely been responsible for the setting up of Dudhwa.
Another option is to stay outside the park; Palia has a handful of hotels, and luxuries that you won’t get in the park- provisions, medical facilities, and telephones included. The hotels in the town, obviously charge more than what you’ll pay in Dudhwa; about Rs 500-700 a night is a fair estimate.

Great Himalayan National Park

Hemmed in on three sides by the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh's Great Himalayan National Park is undoubtedly the place to go for a rendezvous with the wildlife of these mountains. Here, amidst dense forests of blue pine and cedar, in high alpine meadows and mountain slopes which remain covered with snow throughout the year, lives one of the densest and most impressive populations of Himalayan wildlife.
Created in 1984, the Great Himalayan National Park (officially known as the Jawaharlal Nehru Great Himalayan National Park) includes, in a wide swathe of land covering 765 sq km, the previously-established Tirthan Sanctuary.
Adjacent to the park are two more important protected areas- the Pin Valley National Park and the Rupi Bhabha Sanctuary- a vast expanse of land sheltering many of the species, both animal and plant, endemic to the Himalayas. The Great Himalayan National Park lies in Seraj Forest Division (in Kullu District), in the upper catchment areas of the Jiwa, Sainj and Tirthan rivers. A park where the altitude varies from 1,500 mt to about 6,000 mt, encompassing within it snowcapped mountains, river valleys, and steep cliffs. The diversity of terrain and altitude is reflected in a corresponding diversity of vegetation. Deciduous broadleaved forests of oak and bamboo alternate with pine and deodar woods, while grasses and colourful wildflowers crowd alpine meadows in the upper reaches.
Inhabiting this stretch of land is a dazzling array of animals and birds. Among the most prominent mammals are leopards, Himalayan black bears, brown bears, langurs, rhesus macaques, and wild sheep such as the Himalayan thar, bharal and the ibex. Rarer animals like the highly endangered musk deer are also found in the park, and there have been reports of snow leopard sightings. The Great Himalayan National Park is unsurpassed in its bird life, with almost 68 resident species and close to 50 migrant species being sighted here. Pheasants, such as the gloriously beautiful monal, the kaleej and the Western tragopan, are among its many attractions.
Entry Requirements:-

Special permits are required by visitors to the Great Himalayan National Park. These permits can be collected, for a nominal fee of Rs 2 (for Indians) or Rs 4 (for foreigners) from the office of the Park Director at Shamsi, or the range officers at Larji, Sairopa and Sainj. Charges for guides (who are provided by the park authorities, and are mandatory for anybody visiting the park) are extra, as are fees for cameras.
Visits to the Great Himalayan National Park are allowed only between sunrise and sunset.
Access:-

The town closest to the Great Himalayan National Park is Kullu, which is about 60 km from the park. Kullu, as one of the most popular tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh, is very well-connected to the rest of the country. Kullu's airport, at Bhuntar, receives flights from across India, while the local bus station has links to most major cities in northern India, such as Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi and Ambala. The nearest major railhead is at Chandigarh, although there's a smaller rail station at Jogindernagar.
From Kullu, National Highway # 21 (to Manali) leads to Aut, from where a motorable road leads part-way to the park. A vehicle can be hired at Kullu to do the trip to Gushaini or Neuli, the end of the road. From here onwards, visitors need to go on foot, as no motor transport or horses are allowed.
Within the Great Himalayan National Park, the only form of transport is your own two legs- so make sure you're physically fit and wearing a sturdy pair of boots. A qualified guide is mandatory for everybody visiting the park; you'll be able to hire one at the park's office. A trek through the park is definitely the best way to see the beauty of this area, and with some luck you should be rewarded with some great sightings of birds, bharal, langurs, and even a leopard or bear.
Best time to visit:-

The Great Himalayan National Park is best visited in early summer or autumn- April to June and September to November are the times when the weather's at its best. Beyond November, and right up to April, heavy snowfall can block roads and trails, besides making it a little too cold for comfort! Rainfall hits the park between July and September, sometimes resulting in landslides and muddy trails.
Accommodation:-

Accommodation within the Great Himalayan National Park is inexpensive, though limited in its scope; about the only place you can stay is one of the dozen-odd forest resthouses scattered across the park. In actuality, these are patrolling huts designed for the use of park staff and visitors- the facilities are minimal, and you'd be well advised to bring your own bedding and food. Rooms here must be reserved well in advance by contacting the Park authorities.
Other options for accommodation lie outside the park's boundaries, but these too are resthouses, and not too different from those within the park. Forest resthouses exist at Aut, Sainj, Sairopa and Shangarh; for all, reservations need to be made well before you arrive

Gir National Park

More than two thousand years ago, the Asiatic lion, Panthera leo persica, ranged all across the Indian subcontinent right up to Greece. The Lord of Beasts was celebrated as the symbol of power and might, feted in verse and art, feared and admired.
Two millennia down the line, the Asiatic lion has fallen prey, despite its strength, to urbanisation, poaching, and all the ills human populations cause as they expand. India’s national emblem- the four-lion Ashokan capital- is one of the places lions can be readily seen. The other, of course, is the famous Gir Forest in Gujarat, the last stronghold of this majestic creature.
Nearly exterminated by 1910- a result of drought, irate villagers and sheer indifference- the Gir lions were brought under protection by the Nawab of Junagadh, who banned all hunting in the area. After independence, in 1965, the Indian government declared the area a national park. The lion population- which had sunk to an alarming two dozen in the early 20th century- has slowly climbed over the years since, and now numbers about 300. The Gir National Park and Lion Sanctuary is collectively known as the Gir Protected Area. Gir stretches over 1,412 sq km of scrub and grassland, dry deciduous forest and some marshland. Besides lions, Gir harbours antelope, deer, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles and jackals, along with a spectacular array of birds.
An important part of the Gir Protected Area is the 4 sq km spread known as the Gir Interpretation Zone, about 12 km from Sasan Gir Village, the headquarters of the park. The Zone has a cross-section of wildlife within the park, and a visit here almost guarantees a lion sighting, which is otherwise a hit-or-miss affair in other parts of Gir.
Entry Requirements:-

All visitors to Gir are required to obtain entry permits from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. The permits cost Rs 15 for the first day, and Rs 7.50 for every subsequent day. Extra charges are levied for cameras and for hiring vehicles: a jeep ride will cost about Rs 100 per person, and still camera fees range from Rs 50 (for Indians) to $5 (for foreigners). Guide charges are, respectively, Rs 50 or $10.
Access:-

The nearest airport is Keshod, at a distance of 90 km from Sasan Gir; the other airport is Rajkot at a distance of 140 kms. Sasan Gir has a railway station of its own, with train connections to a number of other cities and towns in Gujarat and its neighbouring states. The towns of Junagadh, Veraval and Delwada have daily trains to Sasan Gir, from where the park is only about a km away.
In addition, fairly good roads link the park to the rest of the country. Junagadh itself is only about 60 km from Gir, and there are frequent buses connecting the town to the park.
Vehicles are available for hire at Gir, and are easily the best way to see wildlife in the park. Some of the most popular routes for a drive are the Sasan-Kamaleshwar Dam, the Sasan-Kankai, the Sasan-Chodavdi and the Sasan-Tulsishyam routes. Time your jaunt through the park for dawn, when there are more chances of seeing lions and other wildlife.
Best time to visit:-

Gir is open to visitors throughout the year except during the monsoon (between June and October). By far the best time to visit the park is in the winter, from December to March.
Accommodation:-

Accommodation within the national park runs the gamut from budget to luxury, and almost everything in between. The forest department operates two lodges, the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge and the Gir Lodge, while some private lodges also exist. A room at the Sinh Sadan Lodge will cost between Rs 575 – Rs 1,000 per night. If you’re a foreigner, you’ll be expected to pay in US$: an airconditioned room will be $50, a non-a/c one will be $30. Rooms at the privately owned lodges cost about Rs 2,000- Rs 3,000 per night, although rates often come down to half during low season. Accommodation is in short supply, so it’s advisable to book well in advance, particularly during the winter months

Kanha National Park

The largest wildlife sanctuary in Asia, Kanha National Park was one of the first Project Tiger reserves in India. It is, in many ways, Project Tiger’s biggest success story, with the tiger population having doubled since 1976. Over 1,945 sq km of bamboo thickets, extensive grasslands and dense sal forests make up Kanha- a series of plateaus which stretch across the eastern segment of the Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh. This is the land of the tiger, the leopard, and the wolves which inhabit the pages of Jungle Book.
Of this area, the core- about 940 sq km- is the national park; around it is the buffer zone. Porcupines, jackals, sloth bear, jungle cat, macaque, dhole (wild dogs), bison and a stunning spectrum of birds inhabit Kanha, and make a trip to the sanctuary a must for any wildlife enthusiast. It is a truly thrilling experience, made more so by sightings of the tiger, ‘gaur’, or even the tiny mouse deer (muntjac) or the rare hardground barasingha, found only in Kanha. Go birdwatching on a misty winter morning, and you’re likely to see beauties like the racquet tailed drongo, crimson breasted barbet, crested hawk eagle and golden oriole.
Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Shere Khan off on one of his up-to-no-good prowls…
Entry Requirements:-
Visitors to Kanha National Park are required to obtain entry permits- a very nominal Rs 2
for Indians- at the entrance to the park. Additional charges are tagged on for vehicles (about Rs 15), for cameras, for guides and for elephant rides. Tourists are allowed to go on excursions in the park only at designated times, generally from sunrise to noon, and then from afternoon to sunset. Check with the park authorities about when you can go. Driving at night or moving around the park on foot is prohibited.
Access:-
The nearest airport is at Nagpur (266 km from Kanha), which has connections to a number of major cities in India, including Mumbai. The nearest railhead is Jabalpur, at a distance of 169 km; Jabalpur has trains coming in from all across the country, and from here there are convenient buses to Kanha. The MPSRTC operates two buses daily, the earlier of which leaves Jabalpur at about 7 in the morning, to reach Kanha by noon.
Other cities and towns which are connected to Kanha by road include Raipur (219 km) and Mukki (25 km). From all these towns, there are regular buses to Kisli, and to the two park entrances, at Khatia and Mukki.
Once you’re in the park, you can hire a jeep from the MPSTDC office at the park. Jeeps can be booked through the manager of the MPSTDC log huts at Kisli, though elephant-back is a far better and quieter vantage point, to explore the park. You can go on mapped circuits accompanied by guides from the forest department who help you to identify the animals and birds. If you are a birdwatcher, Kanha will give you hours and hours of fun – the early morning being the best time to spot the birds. Also within the park is the Kanha Museum, which focuses not just on the flora and fauna of the area, but also on the local tribal population.
Best time to visit:-

Kanha Tiger Reserve is closed to visitors during the monsoon months, from July to November. Winter, between November and January, is a comfortable time to visit the park, when the weather’s pleasant. April to June is when the summer sets in; it can get pretty hot at this time, but if you’re a die-hard wildlife fan, this is when a visit can reward you with satisfactory wildlife-watching at the park’s waterholes.
Accommodation :-
Accommodation for tourists visiting Kanha consists of MPSTDC log huts (befittingly named the `Bagheera Log Huts’, in tribute to Kipling’s leopard from Jungle Book) and a youth hostel. Rooms here cost between Rs 700 to 900, and can be booked through the MPSTDC offices in Delhi, Bhopal and Jabalpur. Dorm beds at the youth hostel cost Rs 300, inclusive of meals.
In addition to the log huts, there are other forest rest houses and cabins, at Khatia, Mukki and Kisli. These are managed by the park authorities; reservations may be done through the Field Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve. Khatia and Mukki have a number of privately owned resorts and hotels as well, with a wide range of tariffs.

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Cervus eldii. Eld’s deer. Thamin deer. Brow-antlered deer. Sangai. Dancing deer. A whole lot of names for a single species, but that’s how it is for this unusual deer, a graceful animal which is found only in one state of India- Manipur. A highly endangered species, the brow-antlered deer is found exclusively in a small area which stretches across the extreme north-eastern corner of India; Myanmar and part of Thailand. In India, the place to see this beautiful creature is the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Keibul Lamjao is famous not just because of the brow-antlered deer; its other claim to fame is the fact that this is one of the very few `floating’ protected areas in the world.Approximately 50 km from the state capital, Imphal, Keibul Lamjao lies on an island on the fringes of the Loktak Lake.
Gazetted a sanctuary in 1969, Keibul Lamjao officially became a national park in 1977. It today stretches over an area of about 40 sq km, surrounded by marshes, hillocks, and the lake itself. A number of streams too crisscross Keibul Lamjao, which, combined with extensive marshes, make the park a typical wetland. The Loktak Lake, which is really what the park is all about, is covered almost completely by floating mats of the dense aquatic grass known locally as `phum'. Other wild grasses, including a variety of wild rice, form the bulk of the vegetation, which supports an astoundingly large and diverse fauna.
The most prominent- if not the most easily spotted- of Keibul Lamjao's many denizens is the brow-antlered `sangai' deer. A much-loved creature in Manipuri folklore and dance tradition (so much so that it's even known as the `dancing deer'), the sangai had been reported extinct in 1951, but after being re-discovered, has finally become Keibul Lamjao's prime attraction. Other animals in the park include otter, civet, wild boar and hog deer, besides a number of small reed-dwelling birds. The Loktak Lake is home to a large piscine population.
Entry Requirements:-

All foreigners visiting Manipur are required to obtain special Restricted Area Permits (RAPs), which are valid for entry to Keibul Lamjao National Park as well. Permits valid for a period of ten days are issued to groups of four or more people travelling together on a tour arranged by a recognised travel agent. Entry permits are issued by Indian missions abroad; by the Ministry of Home Affairs; FRROs; and the State Government of Manipur.
Indians visiting Manipur are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit, also available from the offices listed above. Like the RAPs, these too are valid for visits to Keibul Lamjao.
Access:-

The closest major town is Manipur's capital Imphal, about 50 km from Keibul Lamjao. Imphal has good air connections to major cities in India, through its airport, which is served by Indian Airlines. The nearest railhead is at Dimapur, about 230 km away in Assam and linked to Imphal by road. A motorable road connects Imphal to Keibul Lamjao, and although public transport between the two places is infrequent and undependable, vehicles can be hired in Imphal to do the trip to Keibul Lamjao. Alternatively, opt for one of the day tours conducted by Manipur Tourism to Loktak and Keibul Lamjao.
The best way to see Keibul Lamjao is by boat- and that too in the early morning or in the evening, when the lake's at its loveliest. The sangai, which live in small herds, lie low through most of the day and come out to feed either around dawn or at dusk, which makes a circuit at this time even more satisfying for wildlife-watchers. Local boatmen acting as guides can be engaged to take you around the lake.
Within the park are observation towers which offer a good view of sangai habitat, and for the more adventurous, a guided walk through the park is possible. Look out for the somewhat shaky floating phum, though- a wrong step and you could end up in rather a lot of water!

Best time to visit:-

The winter and spring- approximately October to February- is the best time to visit Keibul Lamjao. Visits are possible up to May too, although it may be a trifle too hot for some people, and the lake shrinks by almost a third because of evaporation in the summer heat. Beyond May, heavy monsoon showers hit Loktak, making visits here extremely difficult.
Accommodation:-

Two resthouses- one at Phubala and the other at Sendra (the main island of Loktak Lake) -are about the only accommodation options available in Keibul Lamjao. However, Keibul Lamjao's proximity to Imphal means that it's possible to visit the park on a day trip. Imphal itself has a number of good hotels where rooms are available; rates for a single room start at about Rs 100 per night and can go up to Rs 1,000 or so.