Vadodara Boy Viaan Makes India Proud Climbing 14,000 Ft.

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  Abdul Aziz Oct 24, 2021

Dilwalon ka Shahar, or Delhi, is the microcosm of India. Every nook and alley here has people from different parts of the country. It is also home to iconic and historic monuments such as the Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Rashtrapati Bhavan.  Further, Delhi has the famous Jawaharlal Nehru University, where the creme de la creme of the country study. Even taking a walk down the streets of Delhi and exploring its markets is a one-of-a-kind experience. The city, with many colors and moods, is like the tapestry of human lives in the country. So, no wonder you will find many offbeat destinations near Delhi, and you must get your bags ready!  Must-Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi Are you a Delhite looking for a quick weekend escapade? Or do you want to explore the quaint soul of Delhi? Here are some lesser-known places near Delhi that you can include in your itinerary. 1. Dausa: Did you watch Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises”? Remember the ‘pit’? Head to Dausa, a quaint traditional village near Jaipur that is home to the bewildering step well that featured in the Hollywood flick. Even if you haven’t watched the movie, you got to visit Dausa, as the village also hosts historical marvels such as Bhadrawati Palace and Khawaraoji. Located just 258 km away from Delhi, it is one of the offbeat destinations near Delhi that you can visit even with a day’s off at work. 2. Pangot: Pangot is a charming hill town in Nainital and is birdwatcher’s trove. The place recorded around 580 bird species, and you never know how many you may encounter on a trip to this mini bird paradise. Adding to your bird watching experience will be the scenic beauty of the place and the gorgeous resorts. Drive 310 km to encounter a few fluttering colorful feathers and enjoy a worthwhile holiday in Pangot. 3. Kanatal: Kanatal is situated in between two of the most popular hill stations in the country, Mussoorie, and Chamba. If you want to enjoy peace and tranquility, then you should probably drive 317 km from Delhi to Kanatal, rather than stopping at any of the two commercial hill stations. In addition to the serenity, you can even experience adrenaline rush by participating in exciting adventure activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling amid the hilly terrains. 4. Naukuchiatal: Located 320 km from Delhi, Naukuchiatal is one of the surreal travel destinations. The hill station is renowned as a lake of nine corners for its placid and beautiful lake, which is situated at 1220 mt above sea level and is 175 feet deep. The surrounding hills covered in trees and shrubs only augment the beauty and serenity of the place. Adding to your experience will be an independent art and music festival, Escape. Commercial hubs Nainital and Bhimtal surround Naukuchiatal on either side. So, the knife you are traveling to any of these locations, pay a visit to Naukuchiatal too. 5. Fagu: 3 km adrift Delhi is an enchanting little hill station in Shimla, Fagu. Enjoy the view of the majestic Himalayas, stone-walled houses, and lush green plantations all of which are soothing to the eyes. Besides the destination, the road trip to reach Fagu is as mesmerizing as the destination. Ensure you make the most of this offbeat weekend getaway because the peace and tranquility you get here are nowhere to be found in noisy Delhi. 6. Pithoragarh In the Soar Valley of the Almora district in Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh is one of the most picturesque offbeat destinations near Delhi. Not to exaggerate, it can equal the divine beauty of Kashmir.  Pithoragarh also stands out as a place soaked in religious and spiritual fervor. It has the highly revered Om Parvat and Manasarovar Lake, and Pithoragarh is the home of Mount Kailash.  Do you want the closest encounter with nature? You can trek through the mountainous terrain and cherish its pristine charm.  Moreover, Pithoragarh is the largest city in the Kumaon region. Anyone trekking to the Darma Valley or Milam Glacier will have to start from Pithoragarh as the base camp. Pithoragarh also holds a special place in the security of the country. It is a prominent base of the Indian Army.  You can choose Pithoragarh as your winter escapade or a honeymoon destination in the winter. In the months of January and February, Pithoragarh experiences snowfall. Skiing, snowboarding, and snow trekking are some of the most popular activities in this winter wonderland.  If you are in Pithoragarh in winter, you must not skip a visit to the Pithoragarh Fort. Located on a hilltop on the outskirts of Pithoragarh City, the fort looks out of the world with the embrace of the snow. Are you a foodie? Pithoragarh is known for its delectable Kumaoni cuisine. You cannot miss delicacies like Bhatt ki Churma and Singhal.  7. Dundlod Rajasthan has another offbeat destination near Delhi, Dundlod. Like most of Rajasthan, Dundlod also houses many forts and palaces. The iconic Dundlod Fort, built in the 17th century, now stands as a heritage hotel. Dundlod is a less crowded place. So, if you are traveling solo or you want to keep it quiet, it will be one of the best offbeat destinations near Delhi for you. Visit this hidden gem between October and March to have the most amazing experience.  Further, if you are interested in the history of Dundlod or Rajasthan, you must visit the Dundlod Fort Museum. The paintings, weapons, and artifacts here tell many tales.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Where should I go for three days vacation in Delhi? If you have a sudden plan of visiting Delhi and you need names of places then I will suggest you must visit these three places : Haridwar Manali Dehradun  Where can I go for a solo trip from Delhi? It’s very thrilling to travel all by yourself. It’s a good idea if you have started your solo trip journey from your own country. The top five places to travel solo  are as follows : Rishikesh  Mussoorie Jaipur Landsdowne  Kasauli  Where can I spend one day near Delhi? Well, there are many places in Delhi where you spend the day. But, the answer will have first top 4 places where you can stay. Camp Wild Dhauj  Camp Tikkling  Camp Mustang  Thakran Farms What are the best places in Delhi for couples? Couples can go everywhere but still, they look for a special place where they feel more comfortable. Therefore here are five top places in Delhi that you can visit with your partner. Hauz Khas Lodhi Garden Buddha Grden Deer Park Delhi Eye Pack Your Bags: Delhi is surrounded by mesmerizing landscapes that are a far cry from the concrete and polluted scenes that you find in the city. Traveling to these spots can help you unclutter your mind from daily office work, schedules, and meetings. The availability of self-drive cars in Delhi has made it easy for people who do not own a vehicle to enjoy a pleasant getaway with family and friends. So, contact a car rental agency today to rent a car in Delhi and enjoy a pleasant drive to these offbeat destinations near Delhi. Read Also : 10 Best Places for Honeymoon in India Top 10 famous Wonders of India What to Consider When Choosing Vacation Destinations for Families A Guide To National Parks In Georgia - Latest Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 23, 2021

Found in 1052 by Anangpal Tomar, Delhi is one of the oldest and most ancient cities in India. Many also believe that the history of ancient Delhi goes back to 800 BCE when King Dhilu built it. Further, the tales of Mahabharata present Delhi as the capital of the Pandavas, Indraprastha. So, exploring the city's history is one of the best things to do in Delhi for first-time tourists. However, that’s not all! Every nook in Delhi offers you a unique cultural experience through street food and people. However, as a first-time traveler, you must seek a credible service for Delhi city tours. Despite the availability of public transportation, it will be safer and more convenient for you.   Check for certifications, licenses, and official registration of these service providers and then discuss the itinerary with them.  These Are The Top Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists   Delhi is like a book, and every chapter has amazing stories, twists, and turns. Honestly, the things to do in Delhi can be overwhelming for a first-time tourist.  So, here, I have curated some places that will offer you an eclectic experience. These places will also offer you a slice of the Indian culture. So, you will know what to expect when you come back to this ancient yet modern city.   Visit the elaborate tomb of Humayun Entry Fee: INR 35 for Indians, INR 550 for Foreigners   Came as a precursor for the Taj Mahal, an inspiration for it as well, the Humayun Tomb ironically mixes the Persian architecture with precision and Indian craftsmanship. The tomb is picturesquely surrounded by symmetrical Mughal Gardens and displays the iconic and grand architectural heritage of the Mughals. For the best photos and scenic views, you should visit the tomb during the sunset when it is complement by the various vibrant colors of the sky. Explore Indian Art and Ancient Culture Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 650 for Foreigners, Free for Students up to 12th Standard  The National Museum of Delhi is one of the largest museums in India with a huge collection of ancient Indian artifacts like sculptures, wood carvings, pottery, weapons, seals, coins, idols, archaeological remains, stupas, and many more. The artifacts from various major archeological excavations are preserved and put on display here at the National Museum. Its huge collection of 200000 artworks comprises artifacts of both Indian and foreign origin covering a history of about 5000 years. One of the best things to do in Delhi and India is to take a look at the Harappan Gallery, Maurya, Shunga and Satvahana Art Gallery, Gupta gallery, and Kushana Gallery to name a few popular art collections at the museum. Travel back in time with a stroll in Old Delhi Don’t get lost in the bazaars of Old Delhi, instead of travel back in time and take the steps and the path that a 17th-century detective takes in the Eighth Guest and Other Muzaffar Jang Mysteries written by Madhulika Liddle. Old Delhi has a unique mix of ancient structures from the Mughal era, which are almost in ruins while the historic parts stay well preserved, and modern buildings coexisting together. Taste Delhi’s Mouth-Watering Street Food Delhi is known for its delicious street food like chaat papri, panipuri (golgappas), parathas, kebabs, chole bhature, and pav bhaji. Some of the sweets that you must try are Dahi Bhalla, jalebis, and kulfi. But if you want to go full street-kid, you should definitely munch on the appetizing and healthy Chanan Zor Garam – something that is exclusively available on the streets. The street food only gets betters during monsoons as the pagodas bring new heat to your body and a delicious taste to your tongue. You can’t leave without trying its delicious food and not mention that it is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Delhi. Also check out the historic British colonial art at the National Gallery of Modern Art, a collection known as “Company Paintings”. They were made by the Indian artists to please the British masters. Go shopping No tour is complete without getting souvenirs back for friends and relatives to remind them that you travel but they don’t. All joking aside, buying clothes and other memorabilia which you can only get in the street bazaars of Delhi. From Baba Kharak Singh Marg to Connaught Place, there are many markets, stalls, craft stores, and ethnic wear in Dilli Haat to make for an all-around quick one-day shop stop. For many tourists, it is among the top list of things to do in Delhi. Experience the life of a prisoner This is an upcoming tourist attraction that hasn’t opened yet. But soon the largest prison in India, Tihar Jail is opening up its cells for tourism. Yep, you read that right. You will soon be able to pay money to go to jail, live in a prison, eating prison food, and work in the prison just like any other prisoner there. Forget about the costly and five-star resorts that Delhi has to offer and instead stay at the Prison Inn (not an official name). Don’t worry about safety though because the cells are separated from the violent inmates and criminals who “live” in the Jail. Of course, you will also be given prison clothes and will be treated like any other prisoner. Pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi at his Tomb M.K. Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, is an important public figure, politician, and freedom fighter who brought peace and independence to India. Is it any wonder that India considers him as the Father of the Nation? He is known as the man who redefined the revolution by not partaking in violent acts and gave courage to the world by living his life according to his philosophy. Visit the tomb of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat where a black marble stone was placed where his body’s cremation took place. Among the most peaceful things to do in Delhi, pay respect to the eternal flame and remember everything he did for this great nation. His tomb is made to represent what he was as a man – simple. Check out Lodi Garden, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort When you’re in town, you must not miss the historic monuments that the city has to offer. One of the must-do things in Delhi is checking out its historical forts and monuments including Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Lodi Gardens. Lodi gardens are filled with historic monuments belonging to the Islamic Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. Meanwhile, Qutub Minar is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site which a monument built by the founder of Delhi Sultanate, Qutb ud Din Aibak. The Red Fort was the first place where Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian tricolor flag after India got its independence. Don’t miss any of these amazing things in Delhi and check off all the entries on this list. To get the most of your stay, check out the complete travel guide to Delhi before you book flights or make any plans. Visit The India Gate  The India Gate, located near the Kartavya Path or the Rajpath, is one of the most prominent memorial sculptures in India. It is like the Arc-de-Triomphe in its architecture.   This iconic arch-like structure commemorates 70,000 soldiers from India sacrificing their lives for the British in World War I.   Further, under the arch, there is Amar Jawan Jyoti or an unextinguishable flame. It remembers the lives of Indian soldiers lost in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.   As the Sun sets, the India Gate looks amazing with floodlights. The nearby fountains add to the ambiance. Visiting the India Gate is a somber experience. A visit to the India Gate is essential if you want to share solidarity with the true spirit of the country.   Visit The Hauz Khas Hauz Khas literally translates to the Water Tank (Hauz) of the Royal (Khas). This quaint village in South Delhi is home to iconic institutes like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.   Amidst the quaint and medieval structures of the place thrives a modern chic culture that began here in the 1980s.   Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs): Q1: Where can I Spend a Whole Day in Delhi? Ans: There are many places you can choose to spend an entire day in Delhi, such as • Nehru park• Deer park• India gate lawns• National zoological park• Lodhi gardens• Badhkal lakes Q2: What are the Things not to do in Delhi? Ans: There are a few things that you should do and show respect while you are in Delhi.• Don’t break rules, laws.• Don’t disrespect anyone from any community, as Delhi is the capital of India, and there are many people from different cultures. • Don’t fight with anyone unnecessarily.  Read Also: 5 Must Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India