Tours

Himalayan destination are perfect for a visit anytime of the year. While summer brings in pleasant weather, winters come with a layer of snowfall., as we know that most places could be unreachable due to snowfall. So if you want a cold, cold adventure to end the year with, here are your options.

Ladakh

Leh-Ladakh forms a huge chunk of the cold desert in the Northern part of the Great Indian Himalayas. Rich natural beauty, stunning landscapes and beautiful Buddhist Monasteries, makes this place an ideal location to spend some days of your life connecting with nature. Besides nature lovers and holiday seekers, Leh-Ladakh is also a hub for adventure buffs who come here to indulge themselves in the fun of trekking, mountain climbing and mountain biking.

Another great option for a wonderful peaceful holiday in Ladakh Himalayas region is the breath-taking ‘Nubra Valley’ which lies at a distance of 150 km. from Leh. Surrounded with harsh arid mountains and blessed with immense natural beauty, a stay at Nubra Valley is a unique experience in itself. In contrast to other mountainous areas that are beaming with greenery, at Nubra Valley you will find mountains to be dry and rugged. This is the only mountain region in India where you will find sand dunes. A sand dune safari sitting on the back of the Bactrian camels is one of the most terrific experiences one can have in his lifetime.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, the holy city of Rishikesh needs no introduction. Situated on the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh makes for an ideal escapade from the crowded and polluted city life.

Nothing can be more spiritualistic and relaxing than attending the serene ‘Ganga Aarti’ at the ‘Triveni Ghat’ during evening or taking a dip in holy waters of River Ganges to wash off all your sins. Even sitting at one of the Ghats for hours, dipping your feet in the ice-cold waters of the Ganga River admiring the scenic beauty of the place can be a heavenly experience.

Nicknamed as the ‘World’s Yoga Capital’ and dotted with numerous ashrams and Yoga retreat centres, you cannot miss indulging yourself in a life-changing experience of yoga and meditation at the famous ‘Swarg Ashram’ located near ‘Ram Jhula’.

For those seeking fun and adventure, Rishikesh also offers plethora of activities like white water rafting, kayaking, rappelling, camping and bungee-jumping.

Kashmir

If you have enough winter clothes, and the will to see snow, then there is nothing like Kashmir in December. The beautiful paradise looks ten times more gorgeous during the winter months. Gulmarg is a must visit during this time of the year.

Manali

Manali never goes out of season. The large mountains surrounding the charming hill town gets covered in snow during this time, and of course we can never have enough of it. If you are looking for a special year-end destination then Manali does the trick.

Darjeeling

Always charming, and a favourite among people in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling in December is a beauty. If you find a winter sun here during your visit, then Kanchenjunga will be visible in all its glory. That is certainly worth the visit.

Mcleod Ganj

Wake up to the winter sun here in the holy Himalayan destination. Home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, this is wonder that is full of spirituality and beauty. It can also be your introduction to the Tibetan community of India, their culture, and cuisine.

Dehradun

A perfect getaway at the end of the year, Dehradun is even more charming during the winter months. The Doon valley makes a stunning impression, as the hills start to take shape from its depth. With nearby hill stations receiving snow, the valley can get quite cold during this time.

Among travellers visiting India for a beach holiday, both Goa and Kerala have earned a reputation. People flock to these destinations when a relaxing vacation on the beach is on their minds. But when you have to choose either of the two, it becomes a tough decision to take. Goa has its charms while Kerala offers other pleasures. You can choose to visit any one or both of them together creating a memorable vacation to cherish a lifetime.

Goa vs. Kerala

Goa is much smaller in size than Kerala, but not for beaches and water fun. Its landscapes are equally scenic. Palm-fringed beaches and coastal laterite headlands add to its glamor. Its paddy hinterlands and coconut groves, along with thickly forested mountains, make Goa a vacationer’s dream come true. Even north and south Goa landscapes differ, presenting a chance to choose from which one you want to head first. North Goa is known for its party vibes while South Goa is famous for its secluded beaches.

Kerala, fondly addressed – God’s Own Country, Kerala allures nature lovers. It has attractions that fascinate tourists to the core, both in rural and urban tastes. Its festivals, temples, churches, backwaters, picturesque landscapes, traditional art forms, and Ayurvedic sessions are major aspects that highlight the charm of Kerala. Its mountains are higher and have a climate different from the coastal belt. The higher slopes are carpeted by tea, coffee, and spice plantations.

Goa and Kerala – Best Time to Visit

Both the destinations are tropical. Thus, experience a coastal climate. However, there are specific differences in month wise weather. Different months have something unique to offer. Also, there are certain festivals and events celebrated in different months.

November to February is the peak tourist season in Goa, and prices are high. The weather remains pleasant and great for sightseeing and indulging in various activities. During these months, you can delight in hip and happening festivals that include Christmas Eve, Sunburn festival, Grape escapade, VH1 Supersonic, Goa food and cultural festival, and Goa Carnival. The famous religious events of Goa include Shantadurga (January), Shigmotsav (Shigmo) and Carnival (March), and Feast of St Francis Xavier (December). To explore the freshly washed and emerald countryside with pristine beaches, visit Goa from June to October. These are the months of monsoon in Goa and present the hidden sides of this coastal place. However, the monsoon can hinder your watersports plans in Goa.

The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March. This is the peak tourist season in Kerala, thanks to the pleasant weather. You can also enjoy beaches and backwaters the most during these months. Additionally, you can indulge in various activities such as camping, trekking, wildlife safari, etc. Different festivals during these months add to your charm of visiting Kerala. These festivals include Onam, Kerala Boat Festival, Christmas, Muharram, Navratri, Mahashivratri, Guruvayur, Chittur Konganpada, and The Bharani Utsavam.

Those who love rain can explore Kerala from June to August. Apart from enjoying the lush greenery and rain-washed surroundings, the monsoon season is the best for Ayurvedic Treatments in Kerala.

Goa vs Kerala – Accommodation

Goa is a much-loved destination that is splashed by many accommodation options to suit travelers of every budget. However, beachside accommodation in Goa is expensive due to the international tourist influx. There are several beach shacks, beach huts, and beach villas to impart you a beachy vibe during your vacay. Luxurious hotels and resorts are also generously found all over.

Kerala, just like Goa, provides accommodation options at beaches as beach resorts or beach villas but at a little lesser cost as compared to Goa. Other than its beaches, tourists can stay in the middle of lush green tea plantations in Kerala. There are many guest houses and hotels as well to choose from. There are many budgets, luxurious, and mid-range accommodation options to cater to the requirements of its vacationers. You can also enjoy unique stay accommodations like treehouses and houseboats. To savor the traditional Keral-ite essence, you can also opt for a homestay.

Goa vs Kerala- Trip Duration and Budget

To explore the best of Goa and Kerala, you have to keep maple time in hand, considering your requirements and attractions to explore. Also, Kerala is much bigger than Goa, so much more days are required to get to Kerala. It is noteworthy that Goa is relatively less expensive than Kerala.

When it comes to accommodation costs, you can stay comfortably in homestays and beach shacks of Goa. Also, other affordable accommodation options could be found easily in Goa due to its backpacker’s image. Whereas in Kerala, you have options to choose from resorts, hotels, treehouses, houseboats.

You can have your fill at beach shacks in Goa at low rates, whereas in Kerala, several high-end restaurants serve you food with few cheap eateries.

Among things to do, Goa entertains you at cheap rates. Enjoy dolphin spotting, parasailing, snorkeling, and surfing without shelling out much. The best of adventure in Kerala comes at a good expenditure. Cruising in houseboats, spa sessions, and the like charge you a considerable amount.

Conclusion: If a shorter trip is on your cards, Goa is the best bet. However, if you have a good time in hand, Kerala will not disappoint you. When it comes to budget, for Kerala, you have to be more spendthrift. Goa keeps you delighted at a comparatively low budget.

A haven for Tigers, Rajasthan's iconic Ranthambore National Park is one of the best wildlife holiday destinations in India. Located close to the town of Sawai Madhopur, the wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful getaway in the wild owing to its amazing wildlife population, a gamut of wildlife resorts and properties and an incredible tale to take home. Ranthambore's proximity to Jaipur, a popular tourist destination in North India and a point on the Golden Triangle Tour establishess its populartity among tourists in India.

Previously the hunting grounds of the royal family, it is now a reserve for many species of the animal kingdom. The winter season in India, between October and March is considered the best time to visit this park due to the pleasant weather condition when the temperature ranges between comfortable 10℃ and 30℃. During winter, animals can be seen in the broad daylight basking under the sun. 

Well, here we have listed out five more interesting reasons to visit this stunning wildlife reserve on your next trip during Winter holidays.

1. A Birdwatcher’s Haven
This stunning wildlife reserve is home to many beautiful bird species like flamingos, flycatchers, waterfowl, sarus crane, grey hornbills, cormorant, serpent eagle, bronzed-winged jacana, painted spurfowl and nightjars among others. A huge number of migratory birds flock near the enormous water bodies at the park.

2. Easy Wildlife Spotting

Here comes the fun part! You can take a safari ride through the Ranthambore National Park and spot absolutely gorgeous and elegant Bengal tigers and leopards, who roam around freely and bask under the sun during Winter season. Apart from the large tiger population, the place is replete with chital, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, rufous tailed hare, toddy cats, sloth bear, mugger crocodile and more.

3. Mesmerising Nature's Beauty

The Aravalli and Vindhya ranges pass through this iconic wildlife reserve, overlooking stunning lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Rajbagh Talao and Surwal Lake. The hilly terrains also house many ancient temples like the Chamatkar Jain Temple, Kala Gaura Temple and Amreswar Mahadev.

4. Ancient Banyan Tree – Perfect Spot For Insta-Worthy Pics

Clicking Instagram-worthy pictures have become a part of traveller’s life. Don’t you agree? There is a gigantic Banyan tree in the Ranthanthambore National Park, which is known as the second-largest banyan tree in India. It sits near the Padam Talao lake and is one of the best places to click social media-worthy pictures!

5. The ancient Ranthambore Fort

For the unversed, the Ranthambore National Park is named after the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, that is perched on the hilltop and sits within the park. Earlier, the Chauhans were on the authority of this fort. The Delhi Sulnature captured it in the 13th century. Now, it stands as a striking old-world edifice, in the middle of the wilds. It is counted among the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Ranthambore park opens in the mid of October every year. So, get your family members, siblings or friends together and enjoy a wildlife jeep safari through the stretches of the beautiful jungle.

India has a glorious legacy with millions of tales to narrate. Exploring the old days, learning about culture and understanding the traditions make for an enriching experience. India is a land of colours, festivities, magnificent architecture, delicious cuisines, intricate craftsmanship and so much more. Capturing the essence of this diversity are heritage walks. Relive history and experience India’s incredible legacy especially through heritage walks helps build memories for travellers visiting the country.

So, if you want to expereince

Old Delhi Street Food Tour

The bylanes of Old Delhi are a treasure for foodies and calls for a walk. Savor the best of street food delights of the Old city of the 18th century in the original nooks and corners of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk. Check out the popular eateries, reputed for their authentic delicious fares along with hygiene and superior quality. Relish delectable flavours of parathas, kebabs, butter chicken, jalebis, aloo chats, miscellany of chutneys, masala chai, selection of sweet kulfis and more.

Old Delhi Heritage

The fascinating bylanes of Old Delhi are a treasure of rich heritage of the 18th century. The Mughal city was once the capital of the empire and thus lovingly crafted with grandeur and attention to detail. Begin the heritage walk from the UENSCO World Heritage Site of Red Fort, historical mansions, bustling bazaars, beautiful temples and shrines to observe the craftsmanship of local artisans.

Jaipur

The Pink city of Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with fascinating sites, culture and experiences. The heritage walk begins Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and ends at the Tripolia Gate, enjoying the architecture, sampling culinary delights, like Pakoras, Aloo Tikki, Samosa and local sweets and observing the local artisans in their workshops, Jewellers and Silversmiths, Gold painters and Bangle making experts.

Varanasi

The holy town of Varanasi is a living legacy of thousands years. The oldest inhabited city of the world is dotted with ancient temples, alleys, river ghats and more. The Varanasi heritage walk begins at the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, moving to the bylanes of the old city and ends with the famous foodie experiences. A must visit experience is observing the craftsmen weave the finest Banarasi sarees.

Old Goa and Latin quarters

Goa hidden rich history and culture are a treasure to explore. The UNESCO World Heritage churches and convents are a glorious chapter of the legacy.  On the heritage walk, discover wonderful Portuguese era architecture, ethereal churches, gaily painted buildings, original wrought iron railings and terracotta tiled roofs.

Fort Cochin

Discovering Fort Cochin (Cochin’s heritage area) on foot, is a great way to experience it’s sights and sounds. Walk past the Vasco Da Gama Square, home to the remains of Fort Immanuel and Dutch cemetery ,  Bishop House and Santa Cruz Basilica St Francis Church & Chinese fishing nets. Then board a vehicle to move to Mattanchery area to visit the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Quarter on foot, before boarding your vehicle to return to the hotel.

Mumbai

Introducing you to the bygone days of glory we bring the guided walking tour of Mumbai. Walk past iconic landmarks of the city. Take a look at the Gateway of India overlooking the cerulean spread of the Arabian Sea regaling the tales of the past. Next, walk past the Bombay Yacht Club, Regal Cinema, the Wellington Fountain, the Prince of Wales Museum, and the city’s Victoria Terminus Railway Station, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.

India is welcoming and wonderful all through the year. But, there is a traditional season for travellers. The pleasant months from November to March are generally preferred. But, that does not mean that the offseason is to be avoided. The lean tourist season is a time which has been relatively unexplored. Offseason travel experiences in India are just a break from the tourist tracks. In the vast diversity of the country, the summer months and even the monsoon is not same at every place. Different places offers different experiences.

So, if you have missed the window of the peak season, fret not, the offseason too is amazing even better. Choose to enjoy pleasant summers in the hill stations or get soothed by monsoon or brave the thrill of the Himalayas.

Here are some handpicked option from the best offseason travel experiences in India.

Summer wildlife safari

Wildlife safaris are one of the best highlights of India. Summer is relatively offseason for wildlife tours but that only makes it an enjoyable experience.  In summer, as the water holes start to dry up, the animals come out into the open making sightings absolutely fantastic. Also, summer is the best time to get away in the cool jungles. Stay at the well-facilitated wildlife resorts. Opt for early morning safaris or the ones at evening.

Whether it’s the Royal Bengal Tiger or the Indian Elephant or the One-Horned Indian Rhino, the majestic beasts can be easily spotted. Without the winter fog, it is a magical time to capture some memorable experiences.

Most of the wildlife sanctuaries and national with few exceptions are open until July 1. Kerala’s Periyar National remains open even in the monsoon along with few other zones of the other national parks.

The options for summer wildlife safaris are also abundant. Be it Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park or Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Kanha or South India’s Nagarhole, Bandipur and Periyar or the Himalayan National Park or North East’s Kaziranga, there is a lot on offer.

Monsoon Ayurveda Session

Ayurveda massages are a must try on any tour of India. The ancient science of health and wellness does not have a particular peak season or an off-season. It can be tried any time you would like to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and revived.

Dating to almost 5000 years back, Ayurveda till date offers holistic solutions for wellness. Removing pollutants, stress and other maladies of today’s era it brings you back to the natural. Ayurveda massage or treatments soothes your weary body, mind and soul.

The summer months in India make you produce copious amount of sweat, opening up the glands which help you detoxify. The best time to surrender your body to Ayurvedic treatments is during the summer, as the Ayurvedic oils soak into one’s skin. The light diet, detoxifying treatments and soothing philosophical approach, make you feel uplifted, calmed and pure. Even the monsoon in Kerala, is a right time for a pampering Ayurveda session. The humid weather works like magic for the natural therapies to work.

An Ayurveda session or rather an Ayurveda treatment for days or weeks is one of the best offseason travel experiences in India.

Getaway to the Mountains

India is blessed with the mighty Himalayas and the lush stretch of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. The peak travel months from October to March is a time to check out the other amazements of India, which makes most travellers miss out on the mountains. For the offseason travel in India, a getaway to the mountains is a must try.

Come summer and the hill stations in India are bustling with activity. Be it the charming Shimla or the tea-paradise Darjeeling, the scenic Munnar or the quaint Ooty, there are many favorites. Besides spending time in the bliss of mountains, there are options to try out a motorbike trip to the “Land of High Passes” Ladakh or some scenic treks to Himalayas. For the unexplored there is the holy town of Dharamshala or the entire North East.