BY Vishal ChauhanJun 5, 2017

If you come across arid jagged mountains kissing the skies, you know its Ladakh. Here, the dry winds seem to carry spiritual messages with them. 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, so much to explore. From pure blue freshwater lakes to picturesque passes, from dreamy valleys to frozen rivers. 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: 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 World’s Highest Motorable Road! Imagine biking at Khardung La – one of the world’s highest motorable road with a height of 18,380ft. You can plan a bike trip to this place from any city of 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 here is the best way of exploring the surrounding landscapes and carrying 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 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 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! 7. Look, a snow leopard! Spotting a snow leopard is a real privilege. These magnificent beasts, sporting a 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 winters. 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 it's 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 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 watching the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The frozen Zanskar River presents tremendous trekking opportunities during winters. 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 World’s highest Cafeteria A board stating the benefits of drinking black tea welcome you at 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 which leaves you exhausted, this humble meal comes as a blessing. One of the best places to experience this treat is Khardung La. Here, not only do you enjoy the meal, but discover a fascinating history associated with it. 16. Participate in Mask Festival! Hemis Mask Dance Festival is one of the famous festivals in Ladakh. This colorful and vibrant festival is held 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 a quite 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 the 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 is visited by various species of birds, many of them 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, besides others. 21. Pray Some, Spin Some! Ladakh is dotted with 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 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 wish making. 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, make a wish! Your work is done. 24. Shop in the Local Markets to Carry Memories of Ladakh Trip! Shopping takes an exciting turn in the markets of Ladakh. It’s the best place for mingling with the locals and learning various aspects of their culture. The streets here are lined with numerous stalls which 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. Bring your camera along, and capture some great shots. 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 MollahNov 9, 2021

India as a popular travel destination has always been on every backpacker’s dream list. But if you choose to spend Best family holiday in India. The country can offer countless adventures and memories as well. We are going to discuss the most popular six-family holiday destination in India. Family holidays bringing so much pleasure and the small loving moments are making your trip remember along with life. At times, it may also put you out of your comfort zone, but as the saying goes “Normality is a paved road: It's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”India is full of diversity and colors explore the area and feel the vibes of bright India. 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations in India Best family holiday destinations in India are quite popular tourist spots. In India, most of the tourist places are family-friendly. All the places are gorgeous and the tour guide and the tour planners are also very helpful. The moderate and friendly approaches of the planners and guides are making your trip memorable. So here we are going to discuss family-friendly destinations in India you must definitely visit this year. Here is the list of six popular best holiday destinations in India. Jaipur, Rajasthan It is a famous family holiday place in India with some of the best 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. As a best family holiday, Jaipur is a compact city and full of different entertainments. Check out the popular tourist destination in Jaipur. City Palace Hawa Mahal Amber Fort Galta Ji Jal Mahal Jantar Mantar Albert Hall Museum Birla Mandir Nahargarh Fort The historic city sees tourists from all around the world. It is a perfect getaway destination for families who love sightseeing and shopping. And do not forget to buy presents for the friends Jaipur has the largest number of art and craft shops. The gifts items are not very costly.  During the festival time, whale city is flooded with color and lights but all the places are becoming crowded. With this festive nature, traveling with children will also never be a struggle. Your Online hotels booking experience can be as hassle-free as you can possibly imagine if it’s done through ixigo. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Known as the ‘Queen of the hills, Shimla is a winter dreamland for people. Families and tourists wanting to take a break from the harsh summer weather head to this hill station every year. Shimla is a worldwide popular best family holiday place in India. Riding the Kalka Shimla Mail; Visiting  Shimla Reserve Forest Area Chail Sanctuary Daranghati Sanctuary Mall Road Kufri Christ Church Johnnie’s Wax Museum Green Valley The Ridge Kali Bari Temple Indian Institute of Advanced Study Himachal State Museum Shimla is not only popular for its natural beauty, there are many activities that you can do as a family here. Interested people can also indulge in activities such as golfing and angling. March to June is the popular travel time. Nainital, Uttarakhand Tal means lake. This naturally beautiful tourist place has seven lakes. The natural lake and hills are turning it into popular tourist destinations in India for families, Nainital is a hill station situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by lakes, hills, and natural beauty on all sides. The seven popular lakes are  Sat Tal  BhimTal Sariya Tal KhurpaTal  NaukuchiaTal  Kamal Tal Garud Tal Major attractions in this North Indian Himalayan paradise include Nainital Zoo, Naini Peak, Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, and Jama Masjid Mosque.  The latest attraction at this place is the Eco Cave garden where children and adults both can have a glimpse of the Himalayan wildlife. 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. Ooty, Tamil Nadu At a distance of 89 km from Coimbatore, Ooty is a paradise for peace lovers and nature admirers alike. One of the best hill stations in India for best family holiday destinations, it is surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri mountains on all sides. You will also find eucalyptus, pine trees, coffee, and tea plantations in abundance here.  Places to visit here include Avalanche Lake Ooty Lake Deer Park Kalhatty Waterfalls Mudumalai National Park Needle View Hillpoint Ooty Rose Garden Ooty Toy Train Pykara Waterfalls When traveling with family, you can indulge in activities such as: Taking the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, boating at Ooty Lake, and camping at Avalanche Lake. Havelock Island, Andaman If you and your family love adventure, there is no better place in India than the Andaman Islands. Away from all the hustle and bustle of the cities, your family can have the perfect best family holiday vacation here while exploring the coral reefs, diving at the Elephant beach, snorkeling, making sandcastles on beaches, and relishing the authentic cuisines of the land.  Some of the best places to visit while at stay here include:  Radhanagar Beach Laxmanpur Beach Vijaynagar Beach Elephant Beach  Kalapathar Beach The absence of any sort of nightlife on the island also makes for a promising family time. November to mid-May is the most preferred time period for traveling to this island. Havelock is one of the most popular travel destinations for scuba divers. If you want to enjoy the water sports facility in Andaman, travel to Havok. Gangtok, Sikkim Gangtok is an ideal example of a city that blends its past with its present. It’s an urban settlement with a lot of tourist attractions. The hill queen is the exotic capital city of east Sikkim. The Buddhist culture and diversity are making this hill city a best family holiday destination. Some of its many attractions include  Rumtek Monastery TinkitamRayong Do DrulChorten Tsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok   Ban Jhakri Falls  People wanting to experience the local culture of the city can also head to the much-hyped MG Road to get the most out of their shopping experience. The best time to visit this north-eastern gem would be in between the months of September and June. For online hotel booking, download the ixigo app and get the best deals right away! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What will be the first choice while planning a trip to India? A: KERELA- god’s own country. Kerela is filled with coconut trees and backwater and as well the best place to visit with family. The narrow strip of land along the Arabian Sea has natural vegetation, rich flora, and fauna. It has beaches and backwaters that give a bromantic view overall.    Q2: Where can kids travel in India? A: here are 5 top places that kids will enjoy during their trip to India. Great Rann Of Kutch- Gujarat  Munnar - Kerala  Jaisalmer- Rajasthan  Hampi- Karnataka  Puri - Odisha    Q3: What are the cheapest place to visit in India? A: Here are 5 places  Bhutan  Indonesia Oman  Vietnam  Nepal    Q4: Which countries allow Indians to visit without a passport? A: There are only 58 countries that allow Indians with visas, some of them are Fiji Iran Qatar Jordan Albania Thailand Srilanka  Madagascar  Maldives  Indonesia  Read Also :  15 Unexplored Destinations in India Worth Visiting Top 10 famous Wonders of India

BY sriluuppariDec 23, 2021

For most people, Delhi is one of the oldest and most ancient cities in India with many historic sites to explore. Millions of people travel from all over the world to this city to start their tour of India right here in its capital city. With so many amazing activities and sites, it could get a little overwhelming to decide where to start. So, we have handpicked only the best and most amazing things to do in Delhi specifically for first-time tourists who came to explore the city’s long history, rich culture, and Indian heritage. If you are a first-time traveler to Delhi, you might want to avoid taking individual journeys on public transport. This will not only confuse you but also make the entire effort quite dangerous if you are someone unfamiliar with the city. A better option would be to opt for a credible service, which offers Delhi city tours. Check for certifications, licenses, and official registration of these service providers and then discuss the itinerary with them. Visit the elaborate tomb of Humayun 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 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. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Where can I spend a whole day in Delhi? A: 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? A: 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