Best Family Holiday Destinations In India | The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide

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  Mashum Mar 1, 2022

A cup of coffee can be a witness to many things. Well, it might be a misunderstanding between two, a proposal or a business deal. Now, Cafe Coffee Day is probably the best place to have authentic coffee recipes. Here, you can go through the facts about the company and the review of the recipes it makes. As a result, you might develop an urge to visit CCD and have a great cup. For now, read the following points given below. Cafe Coffee Day: History And Overview Cafe Coffee Day (Popularly known as CCD) is a chain of coffee shops in India. The headquarters of CCD is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. When it comes to the parent company, Cafe Coffee Day Global is an organization from Cikkamangaluru that grows coffee beans in over 2000 acres of land. It produces the Arabica bean on a large scale. As of now, CCD is one of the best places to have coffee in India. Other countries where you could find outlets of CCD are the Czech Republic, Nepal, Malaysia, and Egypt. However, currently, there are no ventures of CCD outside India. In 2011, there were over 1000 CCD outlets all over India. The brand also claimed to invest Rs. 10 billion on CCD resorts. At the same time, CCD changed its logo. So you can consider this period as the “high-time” for the brand. Lately, CCD’s journey has been very dusty as it went through a financial issue. Moreover, the incident led to the demise of the owner. The CCDs business graph is downward. However, coffee shops are still active in several Indian cities. Remarkably, The Cafe Coffee Day share price has also dropped in recent times. Key People Related To Cafe Coffee Day VG Siddhartha was the owner of CCD. Well, this is an essential fact that you need to know while searching “cafe coffee day near me”. He opened the first Cafe Coffee Day showroom on July 11, 1996, in Bangalore. During the high phase of the brand, VG Siddhartha changed the entire outlook of CCD as a business organization. Moreover, he improved the infrastructure of CCD by manufacturing espresso machines and dramatically improving the quality of his products. Furthermore, he changed the company's logo and incorporated a tagline for his business that goes “A lot can happen over coffee”. However, the price of CCD  recipes always remained on the high side. It became trendy among young Indians. The main reason for it is the authenticity and single-standard quality. Inception Of CCD CCD started as a brand under Coffee Global Limited in 1996. The initial capital that Siddhartha got was from his father. However, VG boosted the money by investing in coffee plantations. Till the year 1985, he already became the owner of 10000 acres of a coffee farm. Recipes Of Cafe Coffee Day When it comes to the Cafe Coffee Day menu, you can find several types of coffee. Moreover,  there are multiple side items that you can also try. A few items according to the food type is given below: Drinks Section- Hot Coffee Espresso, Macchiato, Filter Coffee, Cafe Mocha, Inverted Cappuccino, Ethiopian Coffee, Cafe Latte, Aztec Cofee, Toffee Cuuppucino, Vanilla Latte, Ethiopian Coffee. Drinks Section- Cold Coffee Dark Frappe, Cafe Frappe, Devil's Own Vanilla/Cocoa, Kaapl Nirvana Drink Section- Tea Green Tea, Darjeeling Tea, Assam Tea, Kadak Chai, Masala Chai Food Section- Mini Bowls Classic Rajma Rice, Chicken Keema with Rice, Buttery Paneer Masala Food Section- Snacks Cookies, Veg Samosa, Crispy Samosa Kulcha, Saucy Veg Noodles, Veg Cullet, and many more Food Section- Burgers Crunchy Veg, Crunchy Chicken, Spicy Cheese Burger Varients Food Section- Pizza Cheesy Margherita, Paneer Garden Delight, Bar-be-que Chicken, Sriracha Pepper Chicken Food Section- Sippers and Chillers Lemonade, Tropical Knockout, Cool Blue, Print O Virgin Beer, Blue Sparkler Food Section- Chill Shakes Cocoa Cookie, Alphonso Mango, Classic Strawberry Fresh Wave Classic Lemonade, Sweet and Salt Lemony Spritzer, Orange Delight Apart from the above drinks and dishes, there is much more than Cafe Coffee Day has to offer. You should always remember that the availability of a menu would depend on the same for the raw materials. Cafe Coffee Day: Reason Of The Present Downfall To put it clearly, the death of VG Siddhartha has weakened the foundation pillar of Cafe Coffee Day. Where the company has locked out all foreign outlets, many in India are also closing down. Well according to the last letter of Siddhartha, he condemned himself as a failure. A few days from 29th July 2019, his body was found on the Netravati River. At present, multiple outlets of CCD are active in some of the main cities in India. Moreover, you can still taste the outstanding coffee that CCD makes. Mrs. Malavika Hegde is the present CCD CEO. Future Scope As CCD still has the infrastructure, it can again reach new heights in the future. The only thing it has to do is newly make a business plan. The best thing CCD can come up with is a business that provides night and day coffee cafe service. This can easily work in increasing the sales of Cafe Coffee Day. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. Who Is Running Cafe Coffee Day Now? Mrs. Malavika Hegde is the present CEO of Cafe Coffee Day. She is the wife of VG Siddhartha. Q2. Is Cafe Coffee Day Better From Starbucks? Both CCD and Starbucks are good when it comes to quality. It is only that CCD is a budget option while Starbucks is upscale. Q3. Is Cafe Coffee Day In Loss? Yes, currently CCD is at the loss. However, there is a good scope to turn around. Q4. Is Cafe Coffee Day An Indian Brand? Yes, CCD is an Indian Brand. It has its headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Final Take Away As an Indian brand, CCD is something in which every Indian should take pride. However, it is said that the brand is currently going through a loss. The Covid lockdown has also made a big impact on the profits of CCD. Read Also: The Speciality Of Barnaby’s Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price 90 Miles Cuban Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price Nordstrom Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price

BY  Ankita Aug 26, 2022

Viaan Patel from Vadodara, Gujarat, a young boy, aged nine, has made India proud after climbing the 14,000 ft. Gadsar Pass located in the Himalayas. He has now become the youngest in Gujarat to achieve this. Inspired by his father, who has climbed many mountains like Mount Abu and Pavagadh, Viaan started climbing mountains from a very young age. He started accompanying his father when he was just two years old. In a conversation with Times of India, Viaan mentioned it was one of the best experiences I ever had. I had never climbed to such a height, so there were some nervous moments. It is only natural for a boy of such a young age to be scared about this difficult trek. "But I was confident of reaching the peak and I did it," he added. This pass is one of the most difficult, as well as the most dreamed of treks. However, only a few people have reached such a high altitude. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling?What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel GuideTop 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide