Serene Sikkim

Sikkim

Sikkim is the top most tours & travel destination in India. It is one of the most politically stable and peaceful place in India. This landlocked state is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes, flora and fauna making it a haven for adventure enthusiasts and naturalists. Lying at an elevation of 8,586 meters, the state's highest point is the summit of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak of the world. Sikkim tourism has lots to offer a discerning traveler. Foreigners here can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom -Zongri trekking route on the basis of restricted area permits which can be obtained. There are numerous Lakes and Monasteries which make the hill station vibrant and lively.

• Best time to visit :

As suggested by Sikkim Tourism, the best time to visit Sikkim is either between March and May or October and mid-December. If you want to witness the blooming natural beauty in Gangtok best season to visit would be in spring, from March to May. Autumn, on the other hand, brings the clear view of Himalayan Range. If you want to capture the picturesque view of Himalayan Range, then October to December is the best season to visit Sikkim. During this time you can be part of various festivals like the Maniram Bhanjyang Tourism Festival where you can enjoy local home stays among many other things. You can also be a part of the Cherry Tea Festival as well as Red Panda Winter Festival. These festivals showcase a different side of Sikkim. Sikkim is the beautiful state and every season of this state has something different to offer its tourist. In winters you will witness Sikkim roads and Himalayan peaks covered with thick snow. 

• How to reach :

Sikkim is one of the seven states in North East India. Snuggled in the lap of Himalayas, the state is an unexplored beauty because of its remote location and the hassles to getting there. The state has fair transportation facilities in most of its region. When you are planning a trip to Sikkim, here are the best option available to reach Sikkim by road. You can travel by air (Flight) and train as well; information regarding the same has been provided below.

1. By Flight

The Gangtok Airport, known as Pakyong Airport makes it possible for travelling to Sikkim by flight. From the air terminal reach the cities by road. Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major cities in India, providing easy connectivity in North East India, at a distance of 124 km. Airline companies like Indian Airlines, Spice Jet, and Go Air etc. are functional here with frequent services. 

You can further reach Gangtok by availing helicopter service, which is subjected to weather conditions. You can hire a taxi, Approximately 4 hours’ drive drive from Bagdogra.

     2.  By Train

Travel to Sikkim by train is possible by getting to major railway heads near Gangtok- New Jalpaiguri (188 km) and Siliguri (145 km). These railway stations are well connected with major cities and towns of India. Frequent trains connect the railway stations. You can further board a bus or hire a taxi to reach Sikkim.

     3.  By Road

If you are confused with how to reach Sikkim, then by road is the most convenient option. There are frequent public and private bus services connecting Sikkim with other neighboring towns and cities. You can also get easy access to taxis and jeeps for inter and intra state travelling.

National Highway 31A is the most functional national highway in Sikkim. Major neighboring towns from Sikkim are Darjeeling, Kalimpong, New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, etc. Hire a private taxi to make the most of your holiday with comfortable travel in Sikkim and even North East India.

                                    

• Top Things to do :

1.  Gaze at One of the World's Tallest Mountains 

Gangtok, Sikkim's capital, is situated on a cloudy ridge 5,500 feet above sea level. When the clouds clear, it's possible to see all the way to Khangchendzonga's soaring peaks—at 28,169 feet (8,586 meters), it's the world's third-highest mountain. Khangchendzonga National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016. The city is refreshingly clean and well organized, and most tourists spend a couple of days there to make travel arrangements and see the sights. It's a popular base for those heading off on treks.

                     

2.  Check out the Chinese Border

Nathu La—a mountain pass in the East Sikkim district three hours east of Gangtok—was a major passageway on the Old Silk Route between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. The pass connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The border consists of a lone barbed wire fence, and you'll get the strange thrill of seeing the Chinese soldiers on the other side. Unfortunately, only Indian citizens are allowed to travel to the pass, and only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A special permit is also required, which can be obtained through a registered travel agency in Gangtok.

                               

3. Visit Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries

Sikkim is renowned for its astounding variety of animals—including nearly 550 species of birds and 700 species of butterflies. The state also boasts 600 varieties of orchids and 30 species of rhododendron. Check with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department regarding tours, or explore gorgeous landscapes, flowers, and wildlife on your own at any of the many sanctuaries. For breathtaking mountain views and to see numerous birds and other animals, check out Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in the Singalila Range in the southwest corner of West Sikkim, during late spring. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary near Ravangla in South Sikkim and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary by Lachung—with colorful flowers and mountain views galore—are also highlights.

                                  

4. Discover Mount Khangchendzonga at Sunrise

Pelling, a 4-5 hour drive west of Gangtok, may be a charmless small town, but it's the place to go for unparalleled views of Mount Khangchendzonga at dawn. Monasteries are the other main attraction, along with the ruins of Rabdentse, the royal capital of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. Its location on a ridge provides a wonderful viewpoint.

                            

5.  Meditate at a Monastery

Proving that Sikkim is a marvelous place for meditation, over 200 monasteries dot the divine hilltops. The monasteries hold many festivals, particularly around Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist holiday honoring the new year in February/March. Enchey also hosts a Buddhist Cham festival featuring music and dance in January/February. It is recommended that visitors confirm event dates with individual monasteries they plan to visit.

                               

• Festivals in Sikkim :

Sikkim is a north-eastern state with an amalgamation of individuals’ and a heap of fairs and celebrations. This best place to visit is wealthy in history and culture, in particular they commend celebrations with incredible energy. Here, you can encounter the kaleidoscope of hues, its enhanced culture and rich customs in their variety of celebrations, for example, Pang Lhabsol, Bumchu and so on, for example Losar is an acclaimed celebration in Sikkim. Sikkim is an unquestionable traveller’s destination encompassed by delightful religious communities and sanctuaries garlanded with petition banners with different celebrations that continues lifting the spirits of the Sikkimese individuals.

                               

If you want to enjoy the natural ambiance and the vicinity of Sikkim, Tripgyani.com's cheap & luxury tour packages allow you to explore the ethical blend of the Lepchas, Bhutias, Nepalis and their culture, tradition, the way they live and many more things about them..

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Wondrous Wayanad

WAYANAD : NATURE'S ABODE

                                         

Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. The district was formed on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district in Kerala by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. About 885.92 sq.km of area of the district is under forest.^[6] Wayanad has three municipal towns—Kalpetta, Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery. Regarding geographical location, Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges and rugged terrain interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys. The place also enjoys a strategic location as the leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore, Coorg and Kannur are situated around this region.

CLIMATE :

                                  

Wayanad enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year. The mean average rain fall in this district is 2322 m.m. Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. Annual rain fall in these high rain fall areas ranges from 3,000 to 4,000m.m. High velocity winds are common during the south west monsoon and dry winds blow in March-April. High altitude regions experience severe cold. At Ambalavayal in Wayanad, the mean maximum and minimum temperature for the last five years were 29oC and 18oC respectively. This place experiences a high relative humidity which goes even up to 95 percent during the south west monsoon period. Generally, the year is classifed into four seasons, namely, cold weather (December-February), hot weather (March-May), south west monsoon (June-September) and north east monsoon(October-November). The dale Lakkidi, nestled among the hills of Vythiri taluk, has the highest average rainfall in Kerala.

PLACES TO VISIT :

• Banasura Sagar Dam :

At a distance of 22 km from Kalpetta, 21 km from Mananthavady, 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and second largest in Asia. This is one of the most popular tourist places in Wayanad and often represented in the promotion of Wayanad Tourism. About 1 km walk from the dam entrance will lead to the boating area which offers speed boating facility in the breathtaking backwaters of the dam. There are also Jeeps available that charge Rs. 100 per person to take visitors from entrance to the boating area. There is a small garden and children play area near the dam. This place is also famous for fish spa. Many people visit the place to go trekking at the Banasura Hill.

The best time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam is from November to May. The dam is a place of great natural beauty. The dam is near Aruval, which is connected by few buses with Kalpetta.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Boating Time: 9 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Adults, Rs. 30 for Children, Rs. 40 for Camera & Rs. 40 for Parking

Boating Fee: Rs. 900 for 5 persons (Speed Boat)

                                    

• Soochipara Waterfalls or Sentinel Rock Waterfalls :

The Sentinel Rock, a huge rock which is about 200 meters in height, is ideal place for rock climbing. The route between Meppadi and Soochipara is lined up with beautiful tea estates with a breathtaking backdrop of Chembra Peak. The drive to Soochipara itself is a wonderful experience. There are few tree-top accommodation facilities provided by the forest department. One can have a spectacular view of the valleys of the Western Ghats from the tree-top hut.

Best time to visit Soochipara waterfall is during monsoon season as you can see the waterfall at its fullest. The waterfall would be mostly dry in summer season and usually closed for visitors from March to June.

Timings: 9 AM to 4.30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 80 for Person & Rs. 50 for Camera.

                                 

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :

Entry to the sanctuary is only permitted as part of a jeep safari. The forest department has arranged one hour jeep safari into the sanctuary from the entrance at Muthanga. This is an excellent option to remain safe as well as increase the chances of animal sighting. The tickets for Safari are issued at Forest office situated on main road. There is no advance booking for safari and the tickets are issued on first come first serve basis. Ensure you reach booking counter at least 30 minutes in advance.

The safaris are arranged in the morning and evening and only limited number of approved jeeps are allowed into the park. Only 40 jeeps in the morning and 20 jeeps in the evening are allowed for safari. After taking the entry fee for the sanctuary, jeep cost has to be paid outside while starting the safari. The jeeps run through a fixed trail in the forest and exit into the main road at different points. Elephants, Deers, Sambar, Mongoose & Peacocks are common wildlife spotted in the sanctuary while rare animals like Tiger are frequently sighted in the early morning safari.

The forest department maintains rest houses in the vicinity of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Sulthan Bathery is considered as the base for Muthanga Sanctuary and several accommodation options are available here.

The best time to visit the Sanctuary is from March to May.

Entry Fee: Rs. 110 for Adults, Rs. 40 for Children, Rs.300 for Foreigners, Rs. 38 for Camera & Rs. 225 for Video Cam,

Jeep Cost (1 hour): Rs. 600 for a maximum of 7 persons.

Safari Timings: 7 AM - 10 AM (40 Jeeps) and 3 PM - 5 PM (20 Jeeps)

                             

• Chembra Peak :

Trekking to the Chembra Peak is a moderately difficult task and recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness. There is a heart shaped lake on the way to the top of the peak, which is believed to have never dried up, is a major tourist attraction here. Earlier, the trek used to be till Chembra peak. But, now visitors can only trek till the heart shaped lake.

The actual trek starts from the watchtower at the foot hill of Chembra Peak which is about 7 km from Meppadi. The trek entry point can be reached by private vehicles (jeeps) from Meppadi town. Visitors can get the permission from the entry gate itself. The peak is about 4 km one way and takes about 2 hours to trek (one way). A forest guide will be provided for each group near the entry point. Camping is not allowed on the peak.

Best time to trek the Chembra Peak is during the post monsoon time of November to February. Monsoon period should be avoided as the path to the peak can get very slippery and reaching the top, as well as the descent, might be difficult.

Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM (should come back before 4 PM)

Entry Fee: Rs. 750 for a group of 10 Indians & 1500 for a group of 5 Foreigners

                                   

FESTIVALS:

Our festivals celebrate the traditions passed down by our ancestors. Be it Onam, Eid or Christmas, all of Kerala rejoices with one spirit to bring the entire coastal State to life. From seeing mystical figures come to life during Theyyam performances to strolling across various churches and mosques where the lights and displays are at their best during perunnals and memorials, every nook and cranny of our State has something to offer to each traveller. Onam is the State festival which is celebrated by every household across the land. According to mythology, Mahabali was an Asura (demon) king who brought about peace and prosperity in the land. He makes his yearly rounds to check on his loyal subjects during the harvest festival of Onam. Malayalis invite him into their houses with aplomb to celebrate his homecoming and show him that the prosperity and contentment of his reign continues even to this day. Onasadya or vegetarian feasts with up to 60 separate dishes that are served are a highlight of this festival.

From religious occasions to festivals for specific deities, Kerala is home to a great heritage of festivals. The festivals of Kerala personify the very spirit and essence of the land and these experiences will be forever etched in your heart.

                                   

Replete with enchanting waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and home stays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. A great place to spot wild elephants, cool breeze, beautiful scenery, Wayanad is guaranteed to please your travel senses. Overall, a perfect weekend idea from cities of South India. Plan your perfect weekend getaway only with TRIPGYANI.

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Karnataka : One State, Many Worlds.

KARNATAKA TOURISM

Nestled in the South-Western region of India, Karnataka is an ideal holiday destination for all kinds of travelers - the history buffs, the nature lovers, the photography fanatics, and the adventure seekers. Karnataka, the eighth largest State in India is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Both in area and population Karnataka is an enormous state. The states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala surround Karnataka from all sides.The eastern and Western Ghats that fence Karnataka are the source of many east and west flowing rivers. The most important rivers that originate from these mountains are the Krishna, Kaveri and their tributaries. Karnataka is also considered as one of the most fast growing states in the Indian subcontinent.

Best time to visit Karnataka:

Located in the Western Ghats of India holding breath-taking scenic views Karnataka can be visited throughout the year. The best time to visit Karnataka is from October to April. A traveler having great wanderlust will love exploring this place irrelevant of what season it is. Follow the season-wise segregation to book your Karnataka Tour Packages better.

• Karnataka in summer [March to May] : Summers are a bit humid in Karnataka as the temperature rises. The coastal areas are a bit hot while the weather remains cool in the high altitude regions like Coorg, Kodachadri, Chikmagalur and many more. You can beat the humid climate of Karnataka by indulging in a few water activities. Karnataka serves to be a great getaway even during summer time.

• Karnataka in monsoon [June to September] : Karnataka receives adequate rainfall that results in a drop as far as temperature is concerned. This further makes the entire climate soothing and relaxing. It is also the best time to take up treks to the Western Ghats as the views are spectacular and pleasing to the eyes.

• Karnataka in winter [October to February] : Winters are the best time to visit Karnataka. More tourist flow is experienced during winter months. The climate is extremely pleasant for sightseeing and exploring the diverse flora and fauna. It is also the perfect time for river rafting, snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. You can also relax at the beaches for a peaceful sojourn.

Tourist Attractions in Karnataka:

A land known for its silks, spices and sandalwood, Karnataka adds up as an experience to remember for a lifetime. Tourism in Karnataka stands out with its diverse offerings that include wildlife & national parks, monuments & heritage sites, beaches and pilgrimage sites. Yet another notable point is that tourist attractions in Karnataka are located at geographically extreme ends which interestingly makes silicon capital Bengaluru, the focal point of tour itineraries and travel packages in Karnataka.

The second largest city Mysore with its Raj era influence is another major tourist attraction in Karnataka. Scattered all around are plantations and jungles teeming with diverse wildlife that include Asia's largest population of elephants. A further ahead, Hassan is renowned for several historical monuments built by Hoyasala kings. They built extensively and exquisitely and several standing as well as dilapidated temples and structures located in Belur, Halebidu and remarkably at Sravanabelagola stand testimony to that period of Hoyasala cultural dominance and artistic flair.

Kodagu (Coorg) in the Western Ghats is the most popular and picturesque hill station of Karnataka which also happens to be a renowned romantic holiday destinations popular for honeymoon in South India. Gokarna located close to Goa border is an important pilgrimage site as well as an offbeat beach destination with balmy beaches and tranquil surroundings. Swaswara Resort located in Gokarna is plush property renowned for rejuvenating yoga and spa therapies.

However when it talk about attractions and tourist places in Karnataka, Hampi undisputedly emerges as the state’s tourism highlight with the Stone Chariot at the site used as state’s tourism departments logo. This sprawling ghost town of Vijayanagara Empire is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do in Karnataka:

• WELLNESS : Karnataka has evolved into a health destination. Numerous specialty services, different streams of heath care, state-of-the-art equipment, hospitals of global repute and the undeniable cost-advantage have aped up Bangalore’s health tourism prospects. Right from allopathy to alternate healing like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Naturopathy, spas and other unconventional forms of therapy are offered in the city. Add a salubrious climate that’s conducive to healing and recuperation to this, and you have a thorough rejuvenation experience called Karnataka.

• FESTIVALS : 11 colorful, vibrant and prestigious festivals are celebrated all over Karnataka and the most famous one is Dasara (Dussehra), on which day the Mysore Palace is decorated and the entire city of Mysore comes together to pay homage to the guardian goddess. The Hampi Festival celebrated in the month of November remembering the Vijaygarha Kings. The Tulu Sankramana Coorg Festival or Theerthodbhava is a festival of joy in celebration of Goddess Cauvery which is ideally celebrated in the month of October. Believers and followers from all around the world come to take the holy dip in the waters and seek the blessings of the deity. Pattadakkal Dance Festival is an extravagant festival of dance celebrated at the temples of Pattadakkal which is 135 kms away from Hampi and is celebrated in the month of January. The Vairamudi Festival, celebrated in the month of March is in the worship of Lord Vishnu where the idol is decorated and decked up with a diamond-studded crown and brought outside of the Mysore palace. Buffalo Race otherwise known as Kambala is one festival that has been followed and continued in Mangalore and Udupi mainly apart from other surrounding regions, up until today since the days of the royal Kings, as a royal sport. These races are held typically from November to March. Hoysala Mahotsava is another dance festival celebrated in grandeur in the month of March in Belur and Halebidu, portraying the vivid Hoysala culture of Hoysala rulers, temples, culture and architecture.

                                       

• WILDLIFE: Karnataka is widely known mainly for the famous Bandipur National Park but did you know there are totally 17 various Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks spread across the state? Karnataka gives huge importance to preserving the wild and wildlife and these sanctuaries are proof of the same. Starting all the way from Bandipur National Park to Bannerghatta National Park and extending further. They also offer a wide range of options for luxurious jungle resorts. Kabini is one such place that is about 1 hour away from Mysore is an absolute treat to the eyes. Surrounded completely by greenery and close to Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve, this uncommon place offers you so much to explore in the wild and be one with nature.

• CUISINE : Food is the way to anyone’s heart and food in Karnataka especially is like a tour through various delicious flavors and spices. It is a combination of sweet and spice and everything nice. Just like the rich heritage are the delectable dishes/cuisines of Karnataka with their staple food items being Ragi and rice. Karnataka is known for its homely feeling and so is their food, bringing to you the taste of authentic and traditional Kannadiga cuisine. Be it the sumptuous Mysore Masala Dosa or the appetizing Kundapura Koli Saaru from Mangalore or the mouth-watering Udupi Sambar, you have a plethora of food choices to indulge in. So if you come across dishes like Ragi Mudde and Soppina Saru or Chow Chow Bath or the most famous Obbitu and Holige, remember, you are going to be diving deep into the most mouth-watering and healthy dishes that signify the distinct flavors of Karnataka.

• SHOPPING : Bangalore is not known as the Shoppers’ Paradise for nothing. A mall around every other corner, the world’s best and most popular brands, plenty of street shopping options and a rather creatively prolific culture in terms of handicrafts – one’s quiet spoilt for choice at Bangalore. Mysore, though not as popular a shopping destination for brands, has some of the best places to pick up handicrafts, silks and sandalwood.

                                   

Our packages cover all the major exotic locations of Karnataka like Bangalore, Mangalore, Kabini, Mysore, Coorg, Hassan, etc. Whatever is the need of an hour, Tour My India travel packages are available at your disposal. Right from hotels to transfers, our tour package will cater to your every travel needs. It's Tour my India that understands tourists' zeal to do something new and offers tourist best deals on holiday packages. Our Karnataka packages offer you nothing less than the best. Can't wait to travel to Karnataka with us? 

For more details kindly contact : 9967333442 / 8655556688 or Tripgyani@gmail.com

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