HOLIDAYS

Maldives has won the title of World's Leading Destination 2020 at the World Travel Awards. The country is well known for its crystalline waters with beautiful shades of blue, swaying palm trees, and sparkling white sand under the limitless blue skies. With good weather throughout most of the year, Maldives makes a great choice for an idyllic beach getaway. It is the ultimate dream of luxury and tranquility.

Here, we share with you eight reasons why Maldives should be on your travel bucket list.

1. Most Romantic Place on Earth

A visit to the Maldives is a dream come true. Each resort is a private enclave perched on an individual island, providing its occupants with exclusive tranquility. This is a great place to relax and spend quality time with your other half or family. Imagine waking up on the private island, surrounded by swaying palm trees, azure blue sea and pristine soft white sand every day. Maldives is where you create magical memories with your loved ones.

2. Amazing Marine Life
No trip to Maldives would be complete without a dip in the waters teeming with rich marine life. Maldives is world-famous for its amazing myriad of marine life, and is considered to be one of the best snorkeling/ diving locations in the world. Resorts with private house reefs are exceptionally attractive because you get to snorkel at any time of the day. Swim freely in the Indian Ocean among the colourful arrays of corals, sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and a multitude of other underwater species! It’s almost like swimming in a giant aquarium.

3. Unrivalled Luxury and Pampering
If there were one luxury destination in Asia that comes to mind, it has to be Maldives. Over here, you will be treated like royalty. From the moment you arrive at the Male Airport, resort representatives will be there to escort you to your luxury speedboat or seaplane. This is where your fuss-free vacation begins. From the unparalleled top-notch personalized service to the romantic Dhoni cruises to dining on a private sandbank, you will enjoy unrivalled luxury and pampering.

4. Living on the Ocean

Overwater villas are all over the world but you should not miss out on the ones in Maldives. Everyone should experience staying in these villas at least once in their lives. Waking up to the paranomic view of the vast turquoise sea with only the sound of the waves lapping against your resort and gentle sea breeze blowing against your face, while watching the resplendent egg yolk sunrise, is the ultimate Maldivian experience. What’s more, the colourful corals and rich marine life are right at your doorstep.

5. Beautiful Scenery in Paradise
Well known for its picturesque beaches with sparkling soft white sand, beautiful azure sea, and impossibly clear skies, the term “tropical paradise” for Maldives is almost an understatement. Basking on your sundeck while enjoying the heart-stopping views of the Indian Ocean is like a dream. Every single angle seems to be the perfect vantage point for taking picture-perfect postcard-worthy photos.

6. A Paradise’s Race Against Time
You don’t want to miss out on this paradise, do you? Maldives is the world’s lowest lying nation, at just 1.3 metres above sea level. If the sea level rises by just another metre, the island nation would become uninhabitable. With global sea levels rising rapidly due to unpredictable climate changes, Maldives may disappear from the world in the near future. Start saving, start planning and visit Maldives before it’s gone forever.

7. The Ultimate Privacy and Seclusion

A trip to the Maldives is an ultimate vacation where you get to enjoy a combination of nature, luxury and privacy. Sandbank dining is definitely one of the most serene and romantic experiences in Maldives. Enjoy the sandbank in private with your special other half on the stark white sand while being surrounded by the endless Indian Ocean. Savour your meal as you witness the first rays of morning light on the horizon.

An unforgettable travel experience, Maldives on your travel bucket list because life is too short to miss out on this paradise! Maldives is truly one of the best vacation destination in the world and you will have unforgettable memories here.

India is blessed with experiences of a lifetime and its blessings are passed on to the travelers. Ayurveda in Kerala is one such blissful experience that draws visitors from far ends of the world. Kerala is the home of Ayurveda, and the experience a Panchakarma detox is one of the most popular treatments sought by travelers visiting India. In fact, Ayurveda treatments are the most important part of Kerala Tour Packages.

The best time for Ayurveda is anytime you plan an India tour packages. You can include an Ayurveda treatment in your itinerary and be blessed with the holistic science of health and wellness. Traditionally the best time to indulge in Ayurveda sessions are the monsoon season in Kerala, the months from end of June to September. Even the winter is a blissful time as the temperatures are moderate and the weather pleasant.

Ayurveda means the ‘Science (or wisdom) of Life’ in Sanskrit. The 5000-year old science of health and wellness has its roots in Indian Vedic culture along with Yoga. Ayurveda is based on the five elements of Earth, Ether, Air, Fire and Water, and uses these elements as the basis of the three Constitutions or “Doshas” that include Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which form the life energy behind all of our bodily functions. Panchakarma is the five-step process of purifying and cleansing the body, mind and soul using traditional Ayurvedic methods.

Ayurveda treatment in India

When it’s about Ayurvedic Panchakarma (detoxification program), our suggestion is two-week (14 day) stay in Kerala in the Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, near Kovalam. The Ayurveda retreat is nestled on the beautiful beach getway of Kerala, Kovalam. The resort allows detoxing, relaxing, and feeling the harmony of body, mind and soul. Along with a wide range of treatments, there is yoga, Ayurvedic food, meditation and other wellness programs that complement your holiday in Kerala.

The Panchakarma Treatment: The complete detox programe

The treatment starts with an initial consultation with a warm and friendly doctor. Over the next 14 days, the Panchakarma treatments will pamper your senses.

Treatments/ Therapies included for the 14 Days’ Ayurveda Panchkarma treatment includes:

Day-01  Sarvangam Uzhichil, Nasyam, Snehapanam, Kizhy

Day-02  Sarvangam Uzhichil, Nasyam, Snehapanam, Kizhy

Day-03  Sarvangam Uzhichil, Nasyam, Snehapanam, Sirodhara

Day-04  Sarvangam Uzhichil, Nasyam, Snehapanam, Sirodhara

Day-05  Sarvangam Uzhichil, Elakizhy

Day-06  General Therapy, Elakizhy

Day-07  General Therapy, Elakizhy, Purgation

Day-08  Sarvangam Uzhichil, Mukhalepam, Lepanam

Day-09  General Therapy, Dasamoola Ksheeradhara, Tarpanam

Day-10  General Therapy, Dasamoola Ksheeradhara, Karna Pooranam

Day-11  General Therapy, Elakizhy

Day-12  General Therapy, Elakizhy, Purgation

Day-13  Sarvangam Uzhichil, Mukhalepam, Lepanam

Day-14  General Therapy, Dasamoola Ksheeradhara, Tarpanam

Shirodhara is one of the most relaxing Ayurveda treatments, where oil is slowly poured over the head while there are massages with herbal packs, oils and other techniques that purge the body from all toxins.

A stay in the Ayurveda resort in Kerala follows a rigid schedule. You have to begin the day waking up at 4.30am for 5am Pooja (prayer ceremonies) each day, 6am Yoga, followed by meals, treatment & consultation with the Doctor during the day, then more yoga and evening pooja before bed time. The Ayurvedic Diet at Somat-0heeram Ayurveda Resort is simple and comprises pure vegetarian food. The diet is largely free of wheat, gluten, caffeine, sugar and dairy (except for ghee and cows’ milk which are important to the Ayurvedic doctrine). Your diet can also be customized according to your body needs and requirements.

After a Panchakarma experience or even during the five-step detox Ayurveda treatment, you will certainly felt different. Aches and pains in muscles will disappear through application of herbal pastes, digestion will be much improved and the detox has made you feel lighter and freer than ever before. You will return home blessed by God’s Own Country.

Now if you are planning to find the best Ayurvedic massage in Kerala, you can choose one of any of the best Ayurveda resorts in India on an India tour. Some of the popular Ayurveda resorts to indulge in an authentic experience of Ayurvedic healing and wellness getaways are:

• Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
• Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Pallakad, Kerala
• Kalari Kovilakom, Pallakad ,KeralaSwaSwara, Gokarna (near Goa)
• Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, Kerala
• Spice Village Resort , Thekkady, Kerala
• Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam, Kerala

Monuments are the heart and soul of India's history. The Taj Mahal is but of course the most recognized monument in India, but there are also many more. India has 38 UNESCO World Heritage Site to its name; many among them are incredible specimens of architecture, heritage and culture. So, when you are planning your India tour packages, plan a visit to the most amazing heritage sites in India.

Before going through the list of the must-visit heritage sites in India, a brief must be given about the Taj Mahal in Agra the most popular of architectural wonders in India. The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world that is also the most-photgraphed sites in India.

Beyond the Taj Mahal, take a look at the top heritage sites in India that must be on your bucketlist.

        1. Temples at Khajuraho

The architectural masterpiece of The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is one of the treasures of heritage of India. The group of Hindu and Jain Temples in Central India are well known for erotic figures and sculptures. The stone carvings capture sensuality in a very beautiful way. Both human as well as animal forms in erotic poses are intriguing. Dating back to the years between 950 to 1050 CE, the temples were built in the reign of the Chandela dynasty. The architectural finesse is extraordinary and worth exploring and are enlisted among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

        2. Forts of Rajasthan

The mighty forts of Rajasthan are undoubtedly some of the most prized sites of Indian heritage. The Hill Forts of Rajasthan are the epitome of incredible architecture and defensive strategy. Witness to some of the most interesting episodes of history, some of the hill forts are inscribed as UNESCO World heritage Sites. The six forts include Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort, each a masterpiece of grandeur, planning and intriguing to explore.

        3. Humayun’s Tomb

The inspiration behind Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb is an architectural wonder. The first of its kind, the garden mausoleum is a grand marvel of the Mughal architectural style.  Nestled in the lush greenery of Central Delhi, the garden tomb is pictorial setting inspired by the description of paradise in the Holy Quran. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is magnificent to awe at.

        4. Ajanta-Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The caves are well known for their Indian-rock cut architecture. A treasured amalgam of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religious mythology, these caves are testimony of the tolerance which was extended towards different faiths and beliefs in Ancient Indian History.

Ajanta Caves date back around the 2nd- 6th century CE and comprise of the finest masterpieces of 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings, and sculptures. Ellora has about 34 rock-cut temples and caves which can be dated to about 600 to 1000 AD.

        5. Qutub Minar

A brick minaret might not sound interesting but when it comes to Qutub Minar, it is definitely awe-inspiring. Towering at 73m in height, the Qutub Minar was built in the owner of a Sufi Saint, highly patronised by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the ruler of the Slave Dynasty in the early 12th century. In the ruins are also several ancient monuments like one of the first mosques in India.

        6. Ruins of Hampi

One of the most fascinating heritage sites in India, the ruins of Hampi deserve as much as attention as the Taj Mahal. Once the pride of the prosperous kingdom of Vijayanagara, now the ruins are marvelous specimens of Dravidian art and architecture date back to the 16-17th centuries. The open-air museum is displays finest of artistic craftsmanship. Hampi stands as the last remains of one of the mightiest empires of South India.

        7. Fatehpur Sikri

A city of heritage sites, Fatehpur SIkri is worthy of its status among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the outskirts of Agra, the city was a capital of the Mughal Empire for a decade before being abandoned. Known as the 'City of Victory', the walled city is full of marvelous Mughal buildings and incredible architecture. Starting from its mighty entry gate ‘Buland Darwaza’ to the many palaces, tombs and gardens, the city is a testimony of wonderful marvels. Though abandoned for centuries, the city still retains its bygone charm.

India has fascinated travelers since centuries. Be it the history, heritage, culture or other charms, the country is matchless for its incredible experiences. While the Covid-19 Pandemic has kept you to the safety of your homes, there is no reason for you to not enjoy the charms of India. Here’s how you can experience India at the safety of your home; there are a number of popular Hollywood movies that has India has a backdrop and has intricately captured its charm. The fabled land has so much to offer that visitors are left in awe of the sights, experiences, cuisines, adventure, hospitality and more for a lifetime. The love for the country is shared by many movies and filmmakers.

So, if you are missing India and would like to experience the feeling, here’s a list of movies

     1. Octopussy

The classic James Bond movie is shot at the Lake Palace in Udaipur. The beautiful Taj property makes for the perfect setting for the thriller spy movie. If you haven’t been to the ‘City of Lakes’ Udaipur or not actually had a stay in the Lake Palace, this movie is exactly a good look into the luxuries that the royal city of Rajasthan has to offer. The floating lake palace has been covered in its entire grandeur and with the movie you can actually relive the royal splendor.

             2. The Jungle Book

Inspired from the book of same name, this blockbuster movie is an all time favorite. The movie and the books are inspired from the jungles of Pench and the lush wilderness of Central India. If you have not been on a wildlife safari in the jungles of India, this movie will take you on a wild adventure. There is the wild child raised by the wolves, the pack of loving wolves, the severe panther, the loving black bear and the dangerous Royal Bengal Tiger. Relive India and its exotic greenery along with the thrilling adventure.

     3.The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A sweet and memorable movie of discovering India, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel captures the journey of travelers that make their home in the country. With the movie explore the labyrinthine of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and historic sights of the colorful ‘Pink City’ Jaipur and the romantic ‘City of Lakes’ Udaipur. A showcase of quintessential India at its best, this movie is a memory to cherish as are the sights you must be waiting to explore.

     4. The Darjeeling Limited

Based on the plot of a journey across India, The Darjeeling Limited is more of a photo album of the charms of India. Covering various landscapes from the desert to the mountains of the Himalayas, ancient temples to the fascinating luxury train ride, with the movie embark on a journey of India that teaches you, inspires you and makes you fall in love.

     5. The Dark Knight Rises

While this movie is not based in India, it shows a glimpse of the Mehrangarh Fort looming over the Thar Desert. The popular movie shows a scene where the magnificent fortress of Rajasthan in all its glory. And, even that glimpse fascinates you to explore India.

6. Slumdog Millionaire

Probably one of the best Hollywood movies to have shot in India, Slumdog Millionaire is a must watch to enjoy the charms of India. In the movie India, especially Mumbai is painted as a canvas for adventure, aspirations and dreams. The exciting pace of the movie is just a glimpse of the thrills of Mumbai.

While there are aplenty of Hollywood movies with India as a backdrop, this is the list that you can watch anytime and enjoy the quintessential charms of India.

India abounds in jungles and with it the exciting thrill of wildlife safari. The vast and diverse country is home to many wild species of the animal kingdom. Jungle safaris are very popular in India as you enjoy a wide diversity of flora and fauna. While most species of the animal kingdom abound in the landscape, there is a particular fondness for Tigers. Along with spotting the wild species in their natural habitats, get to enjoy at eco-friendly wildlife resorts, campsites, treehouses, etc. Go for jungle treks, bird watching, elephant rides, jeep rides and even boat rides which adds to the fun of the wildlife holiday.
 To enjoy the pleasures of wildlife tours in India, here are the top choices:

1.    Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of  tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others. 
Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories. 

2.    Ranthambore National Park

Once the hunting grounds of the royal family of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is the most popular option for wildlife safaris in India. The favourite resident of the jungle, tigers bring visitors in huge numbers from all across the globe. The many water sources in the jungle are home to a huge number of crocodiles, nilgai, sambhar, birds and more. Stay at the heritage jungle resorts, the very ones used by the royalty on their hunting trips is particularly exciting as is exploring the 10th century Ranthambore Fort atop a hill overlooking the wilderness. 

3.    Gir National Park

The exclusive home of Asiatic lions in the natural habit, Gir National park in Gujarat is among the most visit places for a wildlife getaway. Besides, the king of the jungle, there are many inhabitants such as leopards, jackals and the Indian fox. Jeep safari brings you close to the lions.  4.    Kanha National Park

Said to be the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha National Park lures quite a huge number of wildlife lovers and animal enthusiasts. Apart from spotting tigers, you can find gaur, palm squirrel, striped hyena, chinkara, mouse deer, black buck, jackal, porcupine, sambhar and others. The best way to spot tigers is by taking the early morning elephant safari from Mukki entrance of the park.

5.    Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The bird sanctuary with a status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, earlier known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to go for jungle safari in India. Bird watching is a pleasure here as the nature reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds including migratory species that fly in for a winter visit as far as from Siberia and other cold countries. Keeping the natural beauty intact and noises at the minimum, safari at the bird paradise is available only on cycle rickshaws.
 
6.    Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.
 
Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

7.    Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.