Cafe Coffee Day – Best Review By Users In 2022

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  Abdul Aziz Aug 4, 2018

The honeymoon practice started in the nineteenth century in Britain, when couples of the upper class went to bridal tours accompanied by friends and family to visit relatives. The popularity of this practice increases gradually. Currently, this practice is common among young couples in the world. Immediately after the wedding, couples go visiting exotic destinations. There is evidence that Indians tour foreign places for honeymoon. They ignore a lot of the best honeymoon places in India. Below are some of the places in India that you can visit on your honeymoon. 10 Best Honeymoon Places In India: 1. Darjeeling Found in West Bengal between the arms of lesser Himalayas, it bears the name of the queen of hills. Darjeeling is among the most peaceful and picturesque best honeymoon places in India, with a climate that is pleasantly cool, and the Kanchenjunga to frame the skyline. Close attractions include the sunrise from Batasia loop, Singamari ropeway, Tiger Hills, Peace Pagoda, and much more. There are other attractive activities like touring using the UNESCO world heritage toy train, paragliding, and rock climbing. While summer is the best time for going there, you can choose the winter months to visit the best honeymoon destinations in India. 2. Himachal Pradesh Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and has been among the best honeymoon places in India. This is because of their snowy peaks, romantic climate, temples, churches, monasteries, the mall and British architecture, and plush mills. It is best to visit these places in summer and winter. There is also Manali and Kulu, a favorite of couples, with sprawling and greenery landscape. It is among the best destinations for a trip that is full of adventures like skiing, hiking, paragliding, mountaineering, trekking, and river rafting, angling, and biking from October to February. 3. Rajasthan For a trip that will leave you feeling royal, this destination is one of the best honeymoon places in India. Regal Udaipur has Havelis, temples, and palaces along rustic, crooked streets. You can cruise calm lakes in this destination. For a desert destination with elephant and camel rides and other things, you will find a majestic Jaisalmer. The other places you will visit are Jaipur, Mount Abu, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. 4. Tamil Nadu Be it a wildlife or spiritual couple, this is a destination to be. The January-May and October-November periods are best for visiting the Anaimalai tiger reserve, Valparaiso forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. You can begin spiritually at Ramana Ashram or Arunachala Temple during February – August. Ooty is found in Nilgiri hills with rose gardens, botanical gardens, Dodabetta peak, and Glen Morgan Tea garden for boating and angling. 5. Kutch Gujarat is a colorful, beautiful, and among the best honeymoon places in India where culture, architecture, and history meet guests. For newlyweds, this is the best destination for shopping and you will have an interest in traditional bags and mirror stoles, accessories, and furnishings that have Kutchi embroidery, and jewelry. The surroundings of Bhuj are great for shopping. You will also get wildlife sanctuaries and white-sand deserts that are colorful. 6. GOA Goa is a favorite for Bollywood when it comes to beauty and fun, providing a novel couple a memorable honeymoon with golden beaches, warm sun, swaying coconut palms, and endless sea. You will also find colonial Portuguese churches and buildings, and hilly places. Couples with adventure may choose water sports, wind, and deep-sea surfing. The party capital of India serves Goan sausages, best sea-food, pork vindaloo, and drinks at the shacks of the beach. You may choose this place as one of the best honeymoon places in India. 7. Uttarakhand For a couple that is adventurous, it is perfect to get to Auli in November-March for a honeymoon marked with speeding down snow peaks and ski workshops. For a calm and romantic couple, there is the beautiful and quaint Nainital, with aerial ropeway, lakes, the Jim Corbett National park, and much more. If you are planning for a honeymoon in India then you can visit them in the winter. For a romantic getaway, visit Mukhteshwar as it offers pears, apples, peaches, plums, and peaches from food and orchard farms, and excellent chocolates in the mountains. 8. Kashmir And Jammu   Srinagar, the state capital, offers lakes that are perfect places for honeymoon in India as they have valleys lush and sparkling ripples that are heavenly, and mountains. The best honeymoon places in India are coveted as they have Mughal gardens and houseboats. Winter offers unforgettable caves, temples, and forts. 9. Nicobar And Andaman Islands The idea of going to the best honeymoon places in India on an island is very romantic. Be it in winter or summer, Nicobar and Andaman Islands are among the best honeymoon destinations in India. It is private and exotic, with the best fauna and flora, from hills and jungle life to colorful sunken ships and fish, plus accommodation and great food. 10. Kerala   Kerala unleashes itself in diverse beautiful ways, be it in winter or summer months, and is in high demand when it comes to choosing places for honeymoon in India. For a sunbath that is relaxing, you will get to Kovalam beach. For a cruise of romance, you can get to Munnar, Alleppey, and Wayanad found in the hills for a deserved visit during the wonderful moments. You can choose Kerala as one of the best honeymoon places in India and enjoy your holiday with your soulmate. As a couple, you can explore backwaters with an interconnected network of rivers, canals, and lakes in the houseboats or even discover hidden treasures found in Kerala. If you desire to go to a traditional holiday, the one that is complete with vegetation that is thick, different biology, and the rural culture gentleness, Kerala has it all. Conclusion For each newlywed couple, the honeymoon is a very crucial aspect of the whole thing. The prolonged occasion of elaborate weddings and the preparations, plus the anxiety of starting newfangled life with a new-fangled person, it may leave you somewhat stressed and drained. In this state of mind, the best honeymoon places in India are perfect for relaxing and knowing one another. Read Also : Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip Best National Parks In Missouri

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 19, 2019

Would you like to make the most out of your Travel in India? There are some things that you need to do and consider to get the most from your trip. Once you’re through, you can enjoy a holiday in India and make all your dreams come true.   India has some of the best tourist attractions sites and people in comparison to other destinations in the world. You cannot get access to these fantastic opportunities unless you plan your travel well.   Preparation is critical when going for a vacation, and India is not an exemption. This article will suggest some of the easy ways to travel to India. The most important thing is to get the most from your vacation.  The Easy Way To Travel In India: Conduct A Background Check   The very first thing that you have to do is conduct a background check by reading about India. It will help you to familiarize yourself with the foreign country. It is not advisable to get a culture shock once you get to the new county.   The good thing about India is that it has perfect living conditions. You can find five and four-star hotels in India that offer international standards. The most important thing is to have enough funds to get the right accommodation.   Their foods and way of cooking compete favorably with the rest of the world. Palace hotels have garnered a world status that you can’t compare to other hotels around the globe. You need to do a lot of research to get some of the best places to lounge while in India.    If you are a budget traveler, you can check-in in three-star hotels. These hotels charge relatively modest amounts that will accommodate your budget. You can also find tourist bungalows, traveler’s lodges, youth hotels, holiday homes, and YWCA/YMCA’s.   All these come at rates that are quite pocket-friendly to anyone who is operating on a budget. You cannot get access to all this information unless you conduct a background check. Everything is available online, but you can also speak to your travel agency for further advice.   Make All Your Arrangements In Advance: For worry-free travel, it is advisable to make arrangements in advance. The months of October until March are the peak season for people who are traveling to India. From May until June is the season of the Indian holiday.   If you plan to travel during these months, you should book in advance. The reason is that at this time, there are limited travel amenities. You don’t want to miss out on the best places to stay because the hotels are full.   Communication Is Critical   Communication is critical when traveling to any foreign country. You can choose to learn the local language, but most tourist centers use English. The most important thing is to communicate effectively with all the people that you come across.   Employ the Services of a Reputable Tour Guard   Going it alone in a new land is not a joke. The Indian locals are gracious and friendly people. If you think staring is rude, relax if the locals stare at you because it’s a natural thing to Indians. You will understand more about the locals with the help of your tour guide.  The most important thing is to choose the best tour guard in the region. Do your homework well to get the one that will give you an exceptional experience. The area has several tour firms, but not all of them will provide you with the same level of service.   Doing your homework well will help you choose the best tour and travel firm. You can also speak to past clients to help you make an informed decision.   Be Ready For Great Dining   Indian food is very much different from your usual diet. Make sure that you eat only one serving of Indian dishes for each meal. One thing that you can have the assurance of is that Indian foods are highly nutritious.   Start by eating peeled fresh fruits and mostly cooked foods. This way, your body system can easily adjust to the Indian diet. You will find the food to be so enjoyable within no time.   It is also advisable that you drink only bottled drinks, water, tea, and coffee. The hotels have filtration systems so you will not encounter any health problems. It will make sure that you are taking good care of your health while in transit.  Are you On Any Special Medication?   If you are on any medications, buy it before you leave for India. The reason is that you may not be able to find the same brand of medicines there. However, local doctors may suggest alternative medications just in case you need immediate medical attention.  Therefore, you will not fail to get something that will help you while in India. Remember, this region has some of the best doctors all over the world. Therefore, there is no course of alarm when India Trip, and you have a medical condition.   Respect Indian Temples  When you’re visiting a temple or mausoleum, make sure that you remove your shoes, sandals, or slippers. There are also Indian temples that will not allow non-Hindus to enter. Your tourist guide will be the one to explain these matters to you.  You don’t want to become a disgrace to the locals when visiting India. Listen to what the tour guards tell you so that you don’t violate these expectations. Indians adore their religion, and you need to pay close attention to what they value most.   It is useful to read in the papers about some troubles in India. However, this should not discourage you from visiting a country like India. The place is rich in culture and heritage. You can be sure of getting the best experience from your trip.   Conclusion   Traveling to India may come only once in your lifetime. Therefore, you need to take advantage of it by seizing the opportunity. You have to enjoy your life while you are in India, as you may not re-visit the country again.  Travel in India is more comfortable and hassle-free if you have a guide. Therefore, book your tour with the right travel agency in India. It will help you to get a suitable tour package that can meet all your traveling needs.  Make sure that you do this in advance if you want to get the best experience. Use the internet when you’re conducting your researches so that you will find more about India and its people. Make this trip a memorable and enjoyable one.  Read Also : Best Places For River Rafting In India 10 Best Places for Honeymoon in India 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM