You Must Try These Amazing Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 5, 2017

If you come across arid, jagged mountains kissing the skies, you know it's Ladakh. Further, here, the dry winds seem to carry spiritual messages with them. Further, the ancient gompas (Tibetan monasteries), with their whitewashed walls, are repositories of solitude and knowledge. The pristine waters of the lakes here create a perfect impression of the encompassing surroundings. Once in Ladakh, there is so much to see and so much to explore, from pure blue freshwater lakes to picturesque passes, from dreamy valleys to frozen rivers. So, one must prepare oneself for a kaleidoscope of experiences here.  Have you recently decided to take a trip to Ladakh? This blog brings you the 25 amazing things to do in Ladakh. 25 Amazing Things to do in Ladakh: In South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) held between 22nd and 24th February 2024, Ladakh has been promoted as an all-weather tourist spot.  Visit this wonderland in any season, and you have something to do to fulfill your outdoor pursuits.  1. Sunrise at Pangong Tso Lake! Witnessing the sky streaked red by the morning sun can be an exhilarating experience. Doing the same by Pangong Tso Lake embellishes the experience further.  This spectacular lake made its appearance in the movie “3 Idiots.” Apart from that, it’s a highly coveted spot for late-night camping. 2. Biking on the World’s Highest Motorable Road! Imagine biking at Khardung La – one of the world’s highest motorable roads with a height of 18,380ft. You can plan a bike trip to this place from any city in India, or arrive at Leh, and book a bike there.  There are several holiday packages for Ladakh trip. Choose any one of your linking. 3. Camping delights! Another way of absorbing the alluring beauty of Ladakh is going camping. Some of the best camping sites are found at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.  Camping by the lakes, one of the best things to do in Ladakh, is the best way to explore the surrounding landscapes and carry home some great memories. 4. Go Trekking One of the best manners of exploring the scenic landscapes of Ladakh is trekking. Be it the winter season or the summer season, trekking provides you with an outstanding experience.  Some of the most popular trekking routes here are Chadar, Stok Kangri, Tso Moriri, and Markha Valley. 5. Go river rafting! Struggling against the forceful rapids always gives you that ultimate adrenaline rush. No wonder then that river rafting is a favorite amongst tourists to Ladakh.  Nothing is more adventurous than fighting your way against the freezing waters of the Zanskar River. Along the way, you are treated to the magnificent sights of hilltop monasteries, hillside villages and glimpses of the unique wildlife. 6. Take the Ride-on Double Bactrian camel! The thrill of taking a ride on a double-humped Bactrian camel is simply indescribable. The place to do this would be the Nubra Valley, located at 12,000ft above sea level.  This wonderful wobbly ride takes you through the various landscapes of the region. This is the ride of a lifetime, making it one of the most amazing things to do in Ladakh! 7. Look, a snow leopard! Spotting a snow leopard is a real privilege. Further, these magnificent beasts, sporting white fur, camouflage themselves with the environs as they patiently wait for their prey.  One of the best places to view these lovely creatures is the Hemis National Park. This park is home to more than 200 snow leopards and is best visited during winter. 8. Explore Buddhist Monasteries! The various monasteries in Ladakh are some of the most ancient ones in the world. As such, they are a repertoire of knowledge and wisdom. One of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh is the Spituk Monastery.  It also enjoys a fabulous location and offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Another monastery worth checking out is Hemis Monastery. Besides being the biggest in all of Ladakh, it also hosts the famous Hemis Festival in June every year. 9. The Royal side of Ladakh! The magnificent Leh Palace lies in a dilapidated state in this day and age. However, its grandeur is still reflected in its wood and stone ruins. It is often visited by history and architecture enthusiasts.  Built by King Namgyal in the 17th century, this building is nine stories high. One can get panoramic views of the Zanskar and Stok Kangri ranges that traverse the Indus Valley. 10. Opt for a homestay! A great way to get acquainted with the culture of Ladakh is by opting for a homestay. Try to get in touch with a local family.  The warm-hearted people will host you with great zeal and enthusiasm. Enjoy a drink of butter tea, taste some delicious momos (dumplings), and have a great time. 11. Gaze at the starlit sky! When it comes to certified stargazing in India, nothing beats Ladakh! Engaging in stargazing here transports you to the world of stars and comets.  The infinite sky, glistening with stars, casts a magical spell on the onlooker. In Ladakh, the best place to do this is the Nubra Valley. 12. The Mysterious Magnetic Hill! Ever heard of a car ascending without any external force being applied to it? Don’t be shocked; defying the laws of physics is a common experience here.  The Magnetic Hill, as it’s commonly referred to, pulls a car or a bike towards the peak. The reasons behind this occurrence are as yet unknown. However, it’s worth giving it a try! 13. River of opportunity! One of the top things to do in Ladakh is to watch the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The frozen Zanskar River presents tremendous trekking opportunities during winter. Also known as Chadar Trek, it’s a favorite among adventure seekers. The surreal beauty of the icy world enveloping you throughout the trek leaves you overwhelmed. 14. Sipping Tea at the World’s highest Cafeteria A board stating the benefits of drinking black tea welcomes you to the Rinchen Cafeteria. Located at an altitude of 18,380ft, momos, and Maggi are also served along with tea.  This wonderful cafe has been named after Col. Rinchen for seizing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Once here, check out the various stories, paintings, and quotes by the Army. 15. Piping hot Maggie at High Altitude! Nothing beats the taste of piping hot Maggi at high altitudes. After a tiresome journey that leaves you exhausted, this humble meal is a blessing.  One of the best places to experience this treat is Khardung La. Here, not only do you enjoy the meal, but you discover a fascinating history associated with it. 16. Participate in the Mask Festival! Hemis Mask Dance Festival is one of the famous festivals in Ladakh. This colorful and vibrant festival takes place every year at Hemis Gompa, the biggest monastery in Ladakh.  The main attractions are the mask parade and the “Chaam” dance. Here, the Lamas put on a spectacle with their burgundy and mustard yellow attires 17. Attend a Ladakhi Wedding! A wedding in Ladakh is quite a solemn affair. However, the various rituals associated with it are every bit as interesting. The couple wears ceremonial dresses while the guests, seated on small tables, are served butter tea.  Traditional songs are played, and dance goes on for hours. “Chang,” the local alcohol is served, and everyone joins in the festivities. 18. Ladakh’s local delicacies! Ladakh’s cuisine is the result of an innovative twist to Kashmiri cuisine. One of them is the delicious stew, which contains a wonderful combination of ingredients like rice, noodles, momos, Thukpa, etc.  One should also try the Yak Cheese and the Yak Cheese momos here. Of course, no meal is complete without trying the local butter tea. 19. Meditate by the famous lakes! Lakes in Ladakh enchant visitors with their breathtaking beauty. They are known as “Tso.” Pangong Tso, which means “long and narrow lake,” is the highest saltwater lake in the world.  Tso Kar and Tso Moriri are two famous lakes. Mirpal Tso attracts travelers with its sandy bed and turquoise waters. 20. Pleasures of bird watching! The enormous and arid landscape of Ladakh is a haven for diverse avifauna. This region has various species of birds as visitors. Further, many of them are endangered.  The amazing solitude makes bird watching in Ladakh a perfectly blissful activity. Bird watching is popular in Suru Valley, Rizong Monastery, and Nubra Valley, among others. 21. Pray Some, Spin Some! Ladakh has several monasteries that are as charming as they are fascinating. A visit to any of them is sure to leave you with great memories.  One of the prime activities to do in a monastery is to spin a prayer well. Spinning the prayer wheel, according to Buddhist traditions, ushers in good luck. So, when in Ladakh, spin that wheel! 22. Mingle with monks! One of the great attractions of visiting the monasteries is mingling with the monks. Saffron-clad and bald, they possess a wealth of knowledge with a good dose of humor.  Request them humbly, and you may just be in for a session of fascinating tales and stories. 23. Make-a-wish stones Since the beginning of history, stone stacking has been followed by making a wish. During earlier ages, they served the roles of messengers, signs, and landmarks.  The locals, however, believe that stacking stones brings good luck to travelers. Stack some stones, and make a wish! It’s time for manifestation. 24. Shop in the Local Markets to Carry Memories of the Ladakh Trip! Shopping takes an exciting turn in the Ladakh markets. It’s the best place for mingling with the locals and learning various aspects of their culture.  Further, the streets have numerous stalls that display exotic items. From hand-woven rugs, wall hangings, and wicker baskets to woolen bags, one finds it all here! 25. Visit Leh City after sunset! Sunsets in Leh City are unlike any other you may have come across. Here, the sun takes its own time to leisurely paint the sky red.  One of the best places to witness the sunset here is Shanti Stupa. Also, bring your camera along and capture some great shots. Taking some photos here is one of the most amazing things to do in Ladakh.  Exploring The First Stargazing Site For Tourists In India: Amazing Things To Do In Ladakh Our list of top 25 things to do in Ladakh already has stargazing as an activity. However, the growing popularity of stargazing in Ladakh demands a detailed discussion about this fascinating outdoor pursuit.  All eyes were especially on the Ladakh sky as the Aurora Borealis became visible in Ladakh, thanks to the most intense solar storm in more than two decades. In May 2024, a stable red arc filled the sky in Ladakh, and the engineers at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve confirmed the arc to be stable, consistent, and lasting for hours.  The appearance of the Aurora Borealis in Ladakh is a remarkable incident after Hanle Dark Sky Reserve was prepared as the first stargazing site in India in February 2023.  The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is located at an elevation of 4500 meters, and it’s at Han le village, made of six hamlets.  However, along the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, there are many other places in Ladakh for stargazing. Know them before you plan a trip to Ladakh. Pangong Lake Alchi Lamayuru Tso Moriri Nubra Valley For the best stargazing experience in Ladakh, you must plan a trip in the summer. The summer months from April to June offer the best sky visibility with pleasant weather conditions. Further, the full moon nights in these months dazzle the stars in the sky. In fact, the full moon nights in summer are the best days to observe the Milky Way in the Ladakh Sky.  So, if you want to try some truly unique things to do in Ladakh, include stargazing into your itinerary.  Read also 10 best places to visit in Sikkim 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe 5 Must Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi

BY  Nabamita Jul 23, 2022

Welcome to the “Queen Of The Hills!” Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Hidden beneath the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is an “abode of god.” Situated among the serenity of nature, it is a must places to visit in Darjeeling for some intoxicating time in nature’s lap. Travel Guide About Darjeeling NicknameThe Queen of the HillsDarjeeling Whole  Area3149 sq.kmLanguage SpokenNepali, Hindi, and BengaliPopular Places to VisitBatasia Loop, Tinchuley, Darjeeling Rock Garden,  Lepchajagat, Darjeeling Ropeway, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tiger Hill, etc. Best Time to VisitApril-June to experience summer, October-January to experience winter. Popular Places to visit for couplesMirik, Love Road, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Mall, Observatory Hill, Darjeeling Ropeway, Tea Gardens, Mahakal Temple, and Glenburn Estate. Top Religious Places Ghoom Monastery, St.Andrew’s Church,  Dali Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, Aloobari Monastery, etc.Top Things To DoTrekking, Shopping, River Rafting, Toy Tain Ride, Visit the Tea Garden, Camping, Explore the wildlife and flora, Mountaineering, etc. Darjeeling: Why Even Go There? Darjeeling is one of the biggest tourist destinations in India. Its natural beauty, perfect climate, and captivating mountain view are a few of the reasons to visit here. Darjeeling is a part of West Bengal and is located at a height of 2134 meters. It is a proud possession of West Bengal Tourism. The exotic flora, fauna, and chilly weather are a few reasons why it is named the “Queen of the Hills.” It is a perfect abode for trekkers and mountaineers. The view of the Kanchenjunga is spectacular from here. This spectacular view is what attracts a lot of tourists year-round in Darjeeling. However, Darjeeling has a lot more to offer tourists. From Darjeeling, you have access to most other hill stations such as Gangtok, Kalimpong, and many more. There are great places to visit in Gangtok, and Darjeeling is your starting point for that. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. 1. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute And Darjeeling Zoo The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling is one of the best in the country. It exhibits the mountaineering gears from the early days along with certain artifacts. The Institute was built here in honor of Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to climb Mt. Everest. They were the first to climb the tallest mountain in the world for the 1st time in 1953. All the mountaineering gear that the men used is also here in the Institute itself. There are souvenirs and a restaurant here on the premises for the tourists. Located beside the Institute on the same premises is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Here you can experience the best wildlife Darjeeling has to offer. Here you will find a number of exotic animals such as the Siberian Tiger, snow leopard, goral, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear, and red panda. Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Summer & 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in Winter. 2. Darjeeling Ropeway Opened in 1968, known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car; from here, you can have the best view of Darjeeling. This was the first cable car system ever built in India. From the beautiful Tea Gardens to the majestic peak of the Kanchenjunga and the dense forest beneath it. You will be able to experience everything Darjeeling has to offer at once. Timings: 10:00am to 4:00pm (Winter and Monsoon), 10:00am to 2:00pm (Summer and Autumn). 3. Happy Valley Tea Estate Enjoy the lush greenery and the sweet taste of Darjeeling Tea. This is a 150 years old Tea Estate, one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Although this is only the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, built in 1854, situated 2100 meters above sea level. Timings: Tuesday to Saturday- 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 4. Senchal Lake And Wildlife Sanctuary This is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, set up in the year 1915. Situated about 11 kms away from Darjeeling town, it is a must-visit place in Darjeeling. Senchal Lake, which is situated within the wildlife, has the most beautiful picturesque view. For nature lovers and photographers, this is an ideal place. Here you will find a number of wildlife such as leopards, rhesus monkeys, and Himalayan black bears. Along with that, here, you will see a wide variety of exotic birds. 5. Shrubbery Nightingale Park If you are someone who loves flowers and exotic flora, then you must visit Shrubbery Nightingale Park. Here you will find beautiful flowers along with a majestic view of the Kanchenjunga mountain.  The park was totally destroyed during a massive earthquake in 1934; it was rebuilt to its former glory. It has pebblestone pathways, a musical fountain and benches to sit on. This park is among the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Blooming Seasons: October and November. 6. Dhirdham Temple Another gorgeous tourist attraction is the Dhirdham Temple; it is a Hindu temple in Nepalese style. This is located just below the Toy Train station. This temple was built by the King of Nepal, Purna Bahadur Pradhan, in the year 1936. The temple has the idol of Lord Shiva. The idol is of white color, and Shiva is represented to have various expressions with his third eye. This temple has the architectural design of the Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu. Aarti Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Note That: Inside the temple premises, cameras are not allowed. 7. Darjeeling Mall And Chowrasta At the heart of Darjeeling town are the Darjeeling Mall and the Chowrasta. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. It is the best places to hang out for both tourists and localities. Here you will find the best restaurants, shops, boutiques and cafes. This is a must-visit place in Darjeeling for anyone to visit. During the evening, you will find a lot of entertainment options here. Few of the best shops around here are Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Curio Corner, Habeeb Mullick & Sons and the Jolly Arts & Bhutan Tibetan Art Shop. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. What Are The Nearest Railway Station And Airport To Darjeeling? The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is Darjeeling Railway station and Siliguri Railway Station. And the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located 70 km from Darjeeling. 2. What Is The Best Time To Plan A Holiday To Darjeeling? Depending on the season, you need to plan your trip here. If you are planning to visit during the summer for pleasant sightseeing you can visit from April-June.But if you are willing to experience the cold and with it wildlife, you can visit from October-December. 3. How Are The Accommodation Facilities For Tourists In Darjeeling? Darjeeling has a huge number of good quality accommodation facilities for tourists. No matter how you are traveling, big group, solo, as couple, or with family, there are options for all.From 5-star hotels to luxury resorts, pocket-friendly hotels, and even homestays, everything is present here in Darjeeling. Visit Now! Here I have pointed out the 7 best places in Darjeeling to visit, but there are more than 25 places to visit in Darjeeling, and Gangtok should be your next destination of choice. Darjeeling is a staple tourist destination for every Indian. It is the first place our parents took us to. It has a different emotion on my part. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim

BY  Mashum Nov 9, 2021

The Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, just presented the Union Budget 2025, and the tourism and hospitality sectors of the country were all smiles!  To strengthen the foundation of tourism in the country, the budget has emphasized infrastructural development.  Further, the budget has been a great push for the PPP or Public-Private Partnership model. This is a great move to facilitate the development of heritage sites, eco-tourism hubs, and facilities like ropeways. These developments will make tourist destinations more accessible.  So, with tourism identified as a major engine for the economic growth of the country, the tourist destinations in India are ready to experience more footfall in the upcoming seasons.  Do you also feel inspired by this tourism drive in the country? Do you have plans for a family trip anytime soon?  Here are the best family holiday destinations in India you can explore.  Best Family Holiday Destinations In India | Which One Is Your Favorite? From idyllic hill stations to azure blue waters, the family holiday destinations in India are diverse.  Here are our favorite vacation spots.  1. Jaipur, Rajasthan | The Pink City Of India Best Time to Visit: October to March Airport: Jaipur International Airport Railway Station: Jaipur Junction One of the best family holiday destinations in India, Jaipur stands out with its architectural surprises.  Jaipur is also known as the ‘Pink City” because most of its buildings are painted pink. Here, pink is known as the color of hospitality.  Moreover, while traveling to Jaipur, your Online hotels booking experience can be as hassle-free as possible with ixigo.  Popular Tourist Attractions In JaipurCity PalaceHawa MahalAmber FortGalta JiJal MahalJantar MantarAlbert Hall MuseumBirla MandirNahargarh Fort Further, the capital of Rajasthan is the first planned city in India. Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, this city fuses ancient history with the amenities of a modern city. So, it is no wonder that Jaipur, along with Agra and Delhi, constitutes the golden triangle in India.  Moreover, the history of the city goes back to 1727 when Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber, shifted his capital from Amber to Jaipur. Then, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya planned it according to Vastu Shastra.   2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Best Time to Visit: March to June Airport: Shimla Airport Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station Decreasing snowfall remains a concern in Shimla. Still known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Shimla remains one of the best family holiday destinations in India.  Further, Shimla is gaining more importance with Tattapani, a nearby serene destination that is becoming popular among tourists.  Moreover, only 55 Km away from Shimla, Tattapani has Kol Dam reservoir. So, it is a hotspot for speed boating, jet skiing, banana rides, and more water activities. Further, it is termed as “Mini Goa” of Himachal Pradesh.  Places to Visit in ShimlaShimla Reserve Forest AreaChail SanctuaryDaranghati SanctuaryMall RoadKufriChrist ChurchJohnnie’s Wax MuseumGreen ValleyThe RidgeKali Bari TempleIndian Institute of Advanced StudyHimachal State Museum Nonetheless, Shimla was the summer capital of the British Empire in India in the 19th century. So, even today, you will find here grand architecture reflecting the signature British style.  Moreover, this Himalayan hill station has beautiful fir, cedar, Himalayan Oak, and rhododendron trees. Also, the Kalka-Shimla Railway, with 102 tunnels, is another attraction here and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  3. Nainital, Uttarakhand Best Time to Visit: March to June Airport: Pantnagar Airport Railway Station: Kathgodam Tal means lake, and Nainital, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is a beautiful tourist place with seven lakes.  Seven Lakes of NainitalSat Tal BhimTalSariya TalKhurpaTal NaukuchiaTal Kamal TalGarud Tal Further, major attractions in this North Indian Himalayan paradise include Nainital Zoo, Naini Peak, Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, and Jama Masjid Mosque.  However, the latest attraction at this place is the Eco Cave garden where children and adults both can have a glimpse of the Himalayan wildlife.  Moreover, people willing to wander can also visit Tiffin top, situated just 4 km from the Nainital town to have a 360-degree view of the whole city. 4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu Airport: Coimbatore International Airport Railway Station: Udagamandalam Railway Station Best Time to Visit: March to June At a distance of 89 km from Coimbatore, Ooty is a paradise for peace lovers and nature admirers alike.  Further, one of the best family holiday destinations in India, it is surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri mountains. You will also find eucalyptus, pine trees, coffee, and tea plantations in abundance here. Places to Visit In OotyAvalanche LakeOoty LakeDeer ParkKalhatty WaterfallsMudumalai National ParkNeedle View HillpointOoty Rose GardenOoty Toy TrainPykara Waterfalls Moreover, when traveling with family, you can take the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, boat at Ooty Lake, and camp at Avalanche Lake. 5. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair Best Time to Visit: October to May If you and your family love adventure, there is no better place in India than the Andaman Islands and Havelock Island is the most popular of them. You can easily reach Havelock Island from Port Blair by taking a ferry from the Phoenix Bay Jetty.   Places to Visit in Havelock Island, AndamanCoral ReefsElephant BeachRadhanagar BeachLaxmanpur BeachVijaynagar BeachKalapathar Beach With an area of 113 Square kilometers and 39 Km northeast from Port Blair, Havelock Island is ideal for a leisurely sea walk, scuba diving, snorkeling and Elephant training. Further, Havelock has many registered scuba dive centers for all marine fun with the best safety measures.  Important Phone Numbers for a Visit to The Havelock IslandDirectorate of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration: 03192-232694/232747 (F)The Chief Wildlife Warden: 03192-233270Deputy Conservator of Forests: 03192-232816 6. Gangtok, Sikkim Airport: Bagdogra Airport Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December Gangtok is an ideal example of a city that blends its past with its present. The Buddhist culture and diversity make this hill city one of the best holiday destinations in India. Gangtok is also a popular destination for the mesmerizing views of Mount Kanchenjunga.  Places to Visit near Gangtok Rumtek MonasteryTinkitamRayongDo DrulChortenTsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok  Ban Jhakri Falls You can also experience the local culture at the much-hyped MG Road to get the most out of your shopping experience. Moreover, for online hotel booking, you can download the ixigo app and get the best deals right away! Top 10 famous Wonders of India