Great Places In India For Long Weekend Getaways

Long weekends are the perfect excuse to spend lots of time with your close friends and family. Sometimes it’s healthy to just relax and take a break from all the hustle-bustle. Taking time out from our hectic lifestyles can be a really good way to reconnect with ourselves 

India has a great deal to offer in terms its history, culture, wildlife, and aesthetics. With another long weekend approaching, all we can think about is getting away from our daily routines and traveling somewhere close by. Here is a list of few places to do so.  

Mukteshwar: Offbeat Hill Station

Mukteshwar is a pleasing destination, situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It has a grand view of the Himalayan range, its beauty is unpolluted and unaffected till date. From waking up to the sound of chirping birds to sleeping amidst majestic mountains, this rather gorgeous town has a lot to offer. Apart from its drop-dead beauty, rock climbing at ‘Chauli-Ki-Jali’ and visiting ancient temples is mainly the reason why people come here. 

Jim Corbett: Wildlife

The Corbett National Park offers numerous staying options, these are one of the best resorts in Uttarakhand. Some luxury places are The Ramganga resort and The Manu Maharani resort.

There is an extraordinary variety of animals and reptiles present here. Jim Corbett is most famous for its tigers and people from all around the world come to see our majestic national animal.  

Bishnupur: History and Culture

Bishnupur is the ‘temple town’ of West Bengal. It has many famous temples such as The Lalji temple, The Madan Mohan temple, The Jorebangla temple, The Radha Shyam temple and many more. Apart from its temples, Bishnupur is also famous for Rasmancha, a stunning architectural structure built in ancient times. This small city has a lot to offer in terms of its extensive history and culture.

Gokarna: Serene Beaches

If you’re just looking to renew, reflect and rejuvenate, Gokarna is the best place to visit. Its picturesque scenery, attractive beaches, sprawling green landscapes and peaceful long roads, are the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend.  You could just sit on and enjoy the sunset or go for romantic long drives with your significant other. 

Agra: Monuments

While most people from around the world visit Agra to see the grand ‘Taj Mahal’, that isn’t the only monument is famous for. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the other spots you could go view as well. Agra is one of the most visited cities in India and this amazing place has numerous great sites.    

What To Pack For Your Next Vacation In The Hills

Summers are here and so is the sun and heat. In no time will the city turn into a kiln and we wouldn't want to get out of the comfort of our air-conditioned confines. That's exactly the time when we should escape to the hills and stay till we can. But going to the hills requires a lot of things to be packed in your suitcase. Read on to know the must haves and don't forget to take them along.

Leather jacket 

Instead of piling multiple layers of woolen clothes, it's better that you carry a leather jacket for you. A single leather jacket will protect you from low temperatures and will also make you look extremely stylish and chic. 

Windcheaters 

When you go up the high mountains, it can get severely cold. The best way to enjoy high altitudes is to carry windcheaters with you. Ensure that it has a hoodie so that it protects from any downpour. 

Mufflers 

A muffler has the quality to not just keep your neck area warm but also glam up otherwise boring sweaters and cardigans. They are available in multiple colors and cloth material adding the much-required pop to your dull woolens. 

Woolen socks 

The more you have them the better it is. Pack at least 2 for each day. It'll help to keep you cost and warm. 

Umbrella 

Nothing's more unpredictable than the weather in the hills. This is mainly due to the proximity of the clouds to the hills. It suddenly starts raining at any moment. But rains should not spoil your fun. An umbrella will not only make sure that your enjoyment doesn't experience a rainy hiccup but also will keep you from getting drenched and consequently falling sick. 

Camera and extra batteries 

Mountains provide for the most beautiful landscapes. It would be a shame to go this far and not click wonderful pictures. So make sure you carry your camera extra batteries and keep charging them at your Nainital Homestay Cottage. 

Also, many times the scenic locations are more than your memory card can hold. So, carry extra storage cards so that there's nothing left uncaptured.

Where To Take Your Kids For Summer Vacations

Kids love summer vacations. In fact, the best part about school is summer vacations. The entire year is spent eagerly waiting for those 2 months of absolute bliss. There is no pressure of homework, exams and most importantly waking up early. What also makes these holidays exciting is going to exotic and beautiful places. Each year the question of where to go bugs parents a lot and they are transported to a state of a conundrum. If you are one of those people struggling to come up with a place to take their kids to, we’ve listed a couple of them below. Read on to know them 

Nainital 

If you live at a place like Delhi that gets really hot in Summers then heading towards the hills sure sounds like a great plan. And when the place you are heading to is Nainital, nothing gets better than that. Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations not just in Uttrakhand but the entire country. It is surrounded by Kumaon hills from all sides providing breathtaking views to the tourists. At the heart of the city lies the Naini Lake. Kids love to boat in it. You can also visit the Naina Devi Temple, Eco Caves, Snow view point etc. Take a Cottage in Nainital for rent to experience Nainital at your own pace. 

Munnar 

If you have explored North India and want to set foot in the wondrous land of the South, then Munnar is your place to be. The entire hill station seems like a painting frozen in time. The tea estates on the mountains provide surreal views. Matupetty Dam, Kundala Damn Lake, Rajamalai National Park, Tata Tea museums are among the few places you must give a visit. Children would love to see the tea making process.  Also, when in Munnar do not give the scrumptious food a miss. You’ll find plenty of homemade chocolate shops in Munnar. Your kids are going to absolutely love this trip. 

Get the Best of Nature at Nainital

Referred to as the land of Gods, Uttarakhand serves as a charming sight for the eyes too. One of the popular tourist destinations, Uttarakhand has possessed beauties to itself. City sparkling golden in the sun, while tress shining green and high are sights that can be seen in the various cities of the state. 

However, like every land, Uttarakhand also has some of the places that are unseen, untouched and are still far from the grasp of man. From calm and peaceful home stay at Nainital to spectacular view of Himalayas, nature can be seen at its best at these places. Let’s take a look at the list of such places below.

Chaukori

A tiny and spectacular hill station in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It abodes between the uneven Western ranges of the Himalaya and gifts us one of the most serene and peaceful time while stay. To its northern is Tibet and Southern boundary hold Terai. The Eastern side of this place nestles Mahakali River. As the state is home to different Gods and Goddesses, Chaukori also has temples like Kedar temple, Ulka Dev Temple, Kamaksha Temple, Mostamanu Temple, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple and Jayati tmple Dhwaj.

Khirsu

Situated at the altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level Khirsu is located at the distance of 15 km from Pauri. One of the most distinguish thing about Khirsu is that it’s really small and relatively hidden from the eyes of tourists. However, ones who get lucky treat themselves with the panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. Again, beautiful temples, open and wide green fields and exotic birds will make you want to stay there forever.

Pangot

If you love colors and nature, Pangot is the place that you must visit. Situated 15 km above city of lakes, Nainital, the way to this place passes through the forested areas of Peak of Cheena via the Snow View Peak and Kilbury, both of which are famous spots for Birding. Main feature of this place is bird spotting that includes beauties like Lammergeier, minta with blue wings, Himalayan Griffon, Forktail with slate back, woodpeckers with Rufus bellies and many more. Rare species like yellow throat Himalayan Marten, Leopard, Sambhar and barking deer can also be seen in this space. A complete habitat of rare but beautiful species, Pangot is truly magnificent. 

These places truly define the meaning of connection to nature. Also, because they are not yet commercialized, we should try and keep them the same way. Like Himalaica’s Nainital Cottage and Resort property is within the nature, without taking the essence away.