Travel Category

Time magazine has chosen Kerala among 50 ‘extraordinary destinations’ across the globe to explore in 2022. Kerala is ranked ninth in the ‘World’s Greatest Places 2022’ list as an ‘eco-tourism hot spot’. “With spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, temples and palaces, it’s known as ‘God’s own country for good reason.”

Tucked in the Southern frontiers of India, between the lush Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala has some of the best travel experiences India has to offer. Nicknamed “God’s Own Country”, the land is blessed with hill stations, backwaters, beaches, tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, quaint villages and multi-ethnic towns. The blissful experiences offered by Kerala tours are cherished by families, couples on honeymoon, adventure enthusiasts, solo backpackers, spiritual seekers and everyone seeking a vacation to cherish.

So, what does the land have, that is believed to be a heaven on earth? Here’s why this is one haven that is perfect for holidays in India with friends, family and for honeymoon. The land has an abundance of natural beauty that includes lush hills dotted with waterfalls, tea gardens and spice plantations, azure backwaters, scenic shores and verdant jungles. Besides, there is the mouth-watering cuisine, adventure sports, relaxing Ayurveda breaks and spiritual quests that make Kerala tour packages worthwhile.

Bhutan has finally revealed its reopening date, September 23, 2022, after remaining shut to outsiders for more than two years due to the pandemic. The gorgeous Himalayan nation has been attracting travellers from across the globe for ages now. Whenever you plan a visit to Bhutan there's a lot to explore. ‘The land of happiness’, ‘The Kingdom above the clouds’, ‘The land of the Thunder Dragon’… Bhutan has gained a few names over the years which is a pretty good indicator of how epic it truly is. Delve into the essence of Bhutanese beauty, culture and history. The hands-on experience in traditional textile and handicraft workshops and the close exposure of monastic life and pastoral scene, etc. offer you a perfect chance for a memorable exploration in Bhutan. Whether you’ve been dreaming of heading to this magical corner of the world for a while or if it has only just landed on your radar, you’re in the right place. We’re going to let you in on some of the absolute must-do’s whilst you’re in Bhutan. 

1. Hike The Tiger's Nest Monastery

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Takstang) is in one word, extraordinary. The buildings are perched on the side of a cliff, 10,000ft above sea-level! It was built in 1692 and still functions as a monastery today with monks living on the mountain. You’ll need to hike here and the trail begins just 10 miles north of Paro (a 20-minute drive).

2. Visit Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is stunning. It is the second oldest and second biggest in all of Bhutan but arguably the most beautiful. It is located between two rivers and you have to cross a bridge to access it. The most interesting thing about this building? Not one nail was used to create it... not one! 

3. Be in awe of Buddha Dordenma

When you see Buddha Dordenma you'll be blown away by how big it is (169ft!), but what's even more surprising is that there are 125,000 smaller buddhas inside it! With a population of around 100,000 people in Thimphu, there are more Buddhas than humans.

4. Go to a festival

There are heaps of festivals in Bhutan but two of the biggest are the Paro Tshechu in March and the Thimphu Tshechu in October. During both of these festivals, you'll see incredible traditional outfits, dance, food, and arts. It is arguably one of the best ways to witness Bhutanese culture and you'll be overwhelmed with wonder.

5. Try your hand at Archery

The national sport in Bhutan is archery, but they have been playing this sport long before it was even recognized as one (which means they're pretty good). They do things a bit differently here though, archery involves a lot of signing, dancing, food, and drink and is very much a social event.

6. Visit Tashichho-Dzong

The Tashichho-Dzong was first constructed in 1216! Since then the building has grown a lot. It houses the offices of the King, the Throne Room, and some government ministries. The Dzong is surrounded by beautiful gardens and enviably well-kept lawns, you won't be disappointed with a stroll around here.

7. The Memorial Chorten

The Memorial Chorten was designed to be 'one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu' and reflects Tibetan style architecture. When you visit be sure to only circle the Chorten in a clockwise direction and learn all about the 3rd Dragon King on Bhutan. 

Bhutan is all set to reopen for international travellers from September. Referring to this, an official stated that the kingdom will be reopening for the first time since the pandemic began more than two years ago. In March 2020, with the outbreak of COVID-19, Bhutan took early steps to close its borders and banned tourism. With less than 8,00,000 in its population, Bhutan reported around 60000 infections. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) stated that it will be allowing international tourists to enter the kingdom from September 23.

The tourists will, however, be charged a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 200 per night. Officials in the know-how added that this new fee will help control tourists’ carbon impact.
TCB Chairman and the country’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji released a statement stating that COVID-19 has allowed them to reset and rethink how the sector can be best operated and structured while keeping the carbon footprints low. He informed that the kingdom had revised standards for service providers, such as tour operators, hotels, drivers, and guides.

Once the borders up the places to must include in a Bhutan holiday itinerary are:

Thimpu

Home of the royal family of Bhutan, Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan, not just administratively, but culturally and commercially as well. Much like the surprises of Bhutan, Thimpu also has an interesting fact to share. Thimpu is the only capital city in the globe, the roads of which run without traffic lights. Thimphu, visiting the National Library housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) which conducts training courses in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, the centre of Bhutan’s government and religion, King's Memorial Chorten and the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts.

Dochula Pass

Just 30 km from the capital city of Thimpu is the Dochula Pass, which is renowned for housing a significant number of Chortens. A total of 108 Chortens, which were built in honor of Bhutanese martyrs, add to the beauty of the mountain pass. The pass is situated at a height of around 3150 meters above sea level, and it overlooks the majestic snow-covered Himalayan ranges. While at the pass, have a warm cup of coffee and admire the beauty of this milky white location.

Winters are perfectly suited for a trip to this part of Bhutan, as the country receives heavy snowfall. Besides Dochula pass also hosts an annual festival in the month of December, which is known as Dochula festival. The festival is in continuation since the year 2011 and is held every year to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese soldiers over Indian insurgents.

Visit Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is stunning. It is the second oldest and second biggest in all of Bhutan but arguably the most beautiful. It is located between two rivers and you have to cross a bridge to access it. The most interesting thing about this building? Not one nail was used to create it... not one! 

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Takstang)

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Takstang) is in one word, extraordinary. The buildings are perched on the side of a cliff, 10,000ft above sea-level! It was built in 1692 and still functions as a monastery today with monks living on the mountain. You’ll need to hike here and the trail begins just 10 miles north of Paro (a 20-minute drive).

Memorial Chorten

The Memorial Chorten was designed to be 'one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu' and reflects a Tibetan style architecture. When you visit be sure to only circle the Chorten in a clockwise direction and learn all about the 3rd Dragon King on Bhutan. 

Would you believe that the best monsoon destination in India is actually in Rajasthan? Yes, it is Udaipur. Making its name among the most beautiful places in the world, Udaipur is an ethereal beauty. Known as the “City of Lakes” it is a frequently-visited tourist destination in the North Indian State of Rajasthan. Surrounded by the ancient Aravalli Mountains and beautiful lakes, also the reason for its nickname, the historic town was one of the last royal provinces of Rajasthan. Also called ‘The City of Dawn’, Udaipur seems to be among the most beautiful places on Earth, hence making its name among the top romantic places in the world. Udaipur tours present enchanting marble palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes, and shimmering lakes which make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage.

The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is among the must-visit places in India and not just Rajasthan. The royal kingdom reverberates with many legends of bravery in the most respectable of all Rajput princely states in Rajasthan. To date, tales are narrated of the Rulers of Mewar who displayed their bravery & courage while protecting their motherland from invaders. In addition of Udaipur's beauty, its even remarkable past spellbinds visitors.

The places to visit Udaipur include the royal palaces, temples, gardens, the bylanes, etc. The City Palace, the fascinating white-marble beauty is a must visit beauty. It houses 11 magnificent palaces from various periods. The museum has many antiques, paintings and memorabilia. The Jagdish Temple, Bagore ki Haveli, Saheliyon ki Bari, Royal Vintage Car Museum, etc. are unmissable tourist attractions in Udaipur. The Lake City Palace right in the middle of the Pichola Lake is a beauty unlike another which has immortalized by movies, paintings, books, etc. On a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola, come across the picture-perfect palace. Besides the popular sight, a tour of the bylanes of Udaipur must certainly be included in your itinerary. In these nooks and corners find shops that deal with handicrafts, locally-crafted. Make the evenings with fun performances of local dances as well as puppetry. The vibrant puppets brought to life is an amazing experience. Horse-rides and buggy rides to the local villages are equally splendid addition to your vacation.

The best thing about Udaipur is the spectacular stay at the hotels. 5-star luxury hotels, heritage properties and palaces open up for guests to enjoy a stay in the city. Some amazing names are Fateh Prakash Palace, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Amet Haveli A Heritage hotel, Jagat Niwas Palace, Trident Hotel Udaipur, Raas Devigarh, Taj Lake Palace and The Oberoi Udaivilas.

Boat rides at sunset add to the amazing experience of a holiday in Udaipur. The taste of the delights of Rajasthan, the gastronomy besides the attractions in Udaipur, beyond the city there is much to see and do. Ranakpur, Haldighati, Kumbalgarh, etc. are some places you must not miss out on.

India, colourful, diverse and unlike any other place on Earth conjures the best travel experiences. The spellbinding charms of the country extend from the snow covered mountains, sandy beaches, emerald backwaters, lush jungles, historic ruins, extraordinary architecture to many delightful activities. Golden Triangle Tour of India is a wonderful introduction of the country, its history, heritage, culture and incredible charms. Exploring the Golden Triangle is visiting the amazing places of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with stops at Bharatpur and Ranthambore and extensions to other corners of India.

So, if you have a week to spare or more, then here is the plan to uncover incredible India with a Golden Triangle Tour.

Delhi (Day 1 & Day 2)

The capital city Delhi is historic, cultural and very much the best introduction to India. The start point of the Golden Triangle circuit, the city is a wonderful experience for travellers. Enjoy some sightseeing with stops to savour the delicious street food, get some shopping done and have a hospitable stay. From here you can easily plan your holidays to anywhere in the country.

Proceed to Old Delhi, to explore the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO inscribed world heritage site. A rickshaw ride through narrow backstreets of the Mughal ruled part of the city. The Jama Masjid is a sight to marvel at. India’s largest mosque, the 17th-century Mughal architecture is worth a photo stop. The delightful flavours and smells of the Parathewali Gali in the narrow lanes.

Next, choose to visit the serene Raj Ghat, a tribute to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Later, head to New Delhi, the planned city built during the British Raj. Pass through the diplomatic quarter, the Indian parliament buildings and the Rajpath to the stately arch India Gate, dedicated to brave soldiers.

The Humayun’s Tomb is next on the day’s plan. The garden tomb of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun dates back to the 16th-century. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and believed to be an inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Next for sightseeing, had to the UNESCO heritage site of Qutb Archaeological Complex. The brick minaret is one of the world’s tallest and there are many tombs and other specimens of architecture.

In the evening choose to head to the Lotus Temple or the Akshardham temple. Both of these temple complexes are not just places of worship but also incredible architecture and treasures of culture.

The day must end with shopping and a 5-star dinner at Delhi’s finest restaurants. You can plan to do all of these in two days to enjoy it all better.

Agra (Day 3 & Day 4)

The next point of the Golden Triangle Circuit is Agra. Home to one of the iconic buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal, it is a place beyond comparison. Beyond the marvelosu specimens of Mughal architecture it 

Relive the days of glory of Mughals at the grand red-sandstone marvel, Agra Fort, the UNESCO-feted architectural wonder.  The view of the Taj Mahal is an experience that you cherish a lifetime. The white-marble mausoleum has ethereal inscriptions housing two tombs of Shan Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz.

The next day, head towards Rajasthan, while a quick visit to another UNESCO-approved heritage site, Fatehpur Sikri. A magnificent capital of the Mughal Empire in the late 16th century and later abandoned because of lack of water. Now, more than four centuries later, most of the city is in ruins, aside from its regal imperial complex. Its red-sandstone architecture is carved into complex motifs that invokes a sense of wonder.

 If you are short on time, then proceed towards Jaipur but if you want to experience India’s rich wildlife, make stops at Bharatpur as well as Sawai Madhopur. Both of these places offer a thrilling view and experience of the blessed wilderness. Bharatpur is home to the blessed Keoladeo National Park, a beautiful bird sanctuary. At the lush Sawai Madhopur lies the Tiger haven of Ranthambore National Park where spotting the majestic beasts and wilderness is an unforgettable experience. 

 Jaipur (Day 5 & day 6)

The Pink City of Jaipur is the last leg of the Golden Triangle circuit. The royal capital of Rajasthan is a rare gem with incredible architecture, activities, food, shopping and a luxury stay. The walled city is one among the UNESCO World Heritage Cities and also a covered creative city with name for folk arts and crafts.

Sightseeing in Jaipur starts with a visit to the royal hillside Amber Fort, overlooking the city of Jaipur. The Fill Forts of Rajasthan feature among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pay a visit to the magnificent Hawa Mahal, an icon of the city. Next, move to the City Palace, the residence of the ruling family of Jaipur. The magnificent design and layout is worth exploring. Explore the museum and its many treasured artefacts. Next, pay a visit to the UNESCO site, the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating display of architectural astronomy instruments built by the innovative Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh. The view of the Jal Mahal is a must. Stop at the Albert Hall Museum to explore rare artefacts.

Shopping in the vibrant markets of Jaipur deserves a mention. Get your hands of handcrafted jewellery, pottery, vibrant clothes and so much more. Stay at any one of the pretty palaces of Jaipur or the heritage hotels.

The Golden Triangle tour of India has so much to offer to the forts-time travellers as well as the ones visiting again and again. Perfect for honeymoon tour, family vacations as well as a holiday with friends, this prized India tour is definitely a must-visit.