A Classic Tour Called Golden Triangle Tour

             

The tour literarily forms a triangle. It begins from New Delhi the Capital of India and ends at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

New Delhi

Situated in North, New Delhi is a window to India. People from all places live in the city and create a mixed culture. But the city is well known for its old and modern complexes. It is a wonderful sightseeing destination and some of the old monuments are:

Qutub  Minar

Red Fort

Humayun's Tomb

Lodhi Garden

Chandni Chowk Baazar

Purana Qila

Mughal Gardens

Hauz Khas Village

Sajdarjungs Tomb

Isa Khan's Tomb

Alai Darwaza

Jama Masjid

Diwan i Am

Imam Zamin Tomb

Tughlaqbad Tomb

Jantar Mantar

India Gate

Ajmeri Gate

Other Recent Monuments are

Swaminarayan Temple

Bahai Temple

Parliament House

Coronation Dubar Park

Besides these parks and places, there are many small and lesser-known places. Delhi is not a new city and it may take weeks to see all that it has to offer.  The tour's first lag is New Delhi where a few days are spent sightseeing.

The next visit is to Agra the city of the Taj Mahal the world-famous monument that takes a long time to see. In the same trip, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are visited. Within the same route is Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan. The old city was named after Rajah Jai Singh II in the 18th Century. It is a charismatic city with a characteristic pink touch. It is also known as the Pink City. The best tourist places in Jaipur are:

Hawa Mahal

Jaipur Palace

City Palace

Jantar Mantar

Jaigarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort

Birla Temple

Jal Mahal

Amber Fort

Kanak Ghati

Govind Devji Temple

The food in Jaipur is unique it is known as Marwari Cuisine. The city is full of gardens and places of interest. The Golden Triangle Tour is extended by a visit to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.  The reserve is a good place for tiger sighting and bird watching. This ends the Golden Triangle Tour in North West India.

 

   

Planning A Tiger Safari Choose the Best National Park for You

Inbound Tourism in India 

Inbound revenue generation comprises a significant amount of nature tourism. The global market size stands at USD 650 billion. India makes an impact in inbound revenue generation that fetches significant foreign exchange vital for the country's economy. Well, this is not all, nature tourism, like tiger tourism in India, is vital for sustainable local economies, and a large sum of revenue is plowed back into the conservation of the inheritance.  

Book My Safari Team India (Award) 

Tiger Tourism In India

In MP alone visitors' fee draws in rupees 13 crores plus every year and this money is plowed back into conservation. Hence when you make a visit to a tiger reserve you not only seek a holiday recreation you contribute to conservation as well in terms of entry fee, guide fee, hospitality charges, and whatnot. You contribute to the local economy as well which is vital for the conservation of our priceless inheritance.

Tiger in India

What Pays Stays

Nothing can be truer. The contemporary economy is an equity-based one, and income for survival plays a vital role in managing environmental concerns sustainably. Wildlife attracts crowds and draws revenue hence preserving takes precedence over neglect and destruction.  The core benefit that these tiger reserves and the National Parks accord are employment and business to locals, infrastructure development in terms of schools, and dispensaries, diverse training for empowerment of women and children, and better mainstream connectivity. 

The parks and hospitality industry employs a huge chunk of locals as guides, cooks, waiters, guards, and drivers.  The tiger safari in the parks is regulated to prevent disturbance and harm to the animals. In spite of severe criticism, and a court case the ecosystem, on the contrary, has increased immensely and the tiger population has risen from 1411 to over 3000 since the beginning of Project Tiger Campaign in 1973. The inviolate core at the protected areas has proven to be the main savior of endangered tigers and other lifeforms. The buffer sustains old animals and growing populations of herbivores and tigers as well. Although conserving the sink is of major concern due to extreme human pressures nevertheless positive efforts are being made. 

With over 52 tiger reserves, inbound tiger tourism is one of the main contributors to foreign exchange earnings besides the supporting income generated for domestic tourism. 

Organizing a Safari Holiday in India 

No wonder the concept of a safari holiday is on the increase globally. In India, the spurt is recent, beginning in the mid-nineties, and has begun to peak now. Though the ecotourism concept includes bird watching, tiger spotting, and spotting the country's endemic and rare animals spread all over, the mainstays are the reserves where the big cats thrive. 

For overseas holidaymakers, wildlife enthusiasts, filmmakers, and photographers the preparation for tiger safari in India should begin at least six months in advance unless they are frequent travelers. For domestic travelers a few days ahead of planning is a prerequisite.   Remember securing a safari permits is mandatory for excursions. 

Book My Safari Company Mumbai

Among the top-ranking factors that you should consider for a memorable experience are:

• Tiger Watching Success
• Other Animal Watching Success
• Birding Potential 
• Expectations 
• Popular Circuit 
• Local Experiences (Frequent Travelers) 
• A Classic Hospitality Experience 
• Reach 
• Ease of Travel
• Safety 
• Smooth travel in a long itinerary (package tours)

The Best National Parks 

There are many reserves that are well known for the high visibility of the big cats and tourists flock in large numbers to them. Though the purpose is a holistic visit, it is well known that the focus is on the tiger. But many other factors define a sound holiday experience.  

Although there are few well-known National Parks in India, the ones listed below are most preferred.

• Ranthambore National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Corbett National Park 
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Pench National Park
• Tadoba National Park 

These destinations rank highest among visitors as far as tiger sighting is concerned. But there are other factors that encourage visitors to choose them for a safari. Corbett, for example, is not only good for spotting big cats but also good for spotting a number of mammals and reptiles, besides it is the best place for birding. The bird species at Corbett range over 500 including the Palearctic migrants. It is close to birding hotspots like Sat Tal & Pangot in Nainital in Uttarakhand. The preserve gets crowded on weekends and festival times so plan your visit carefully.

Ranthambore is part of the famous Golden Triangle Tour that comprises visits to New Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur the capital city of the State of Rajasthan. It is popular for the high visibility of predators and for bird watching in terms of the number of visitors, it could be most crowded so avoid a visit during the weekends and holidays. 

Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh form an extended circuit for package tours in Central India. Though the wildlife experience is the same, there are subtle differences that make tourists visit them often.

Bandhavgarh's inheritance includes panoramic sightseeing and exploring ancient tribal architecture that dates back over 2000 years. Kanha has been acknowledged as the world's best-managed park, it is home to the rare hard-ground swamp deer a race only found in this park. 

Pench is Kipling's Country made famous by the movie Jungle Book based on Rudyard Kipling's esoteric novel the Jungle Book. Shere Khan, Bagheera, Baloo, Bandar Log, Tabaqui, and Kaa all can be seen on a visit. Though Mowgli is no more thousand of charismatic kids live around the neighboring villages. Another attractive feature of Pench is its vicinity to Nagpur Airport which is just 90 km away. 

Tadoba is a recent success with a phenomenal number of sightings of the big cat. The tourism infrastructure is fast developing and attracting a large number of inbound tourists from many countries.  It is about 140 km from Nagpur Airport. 

Other Popular National Parks are:

• Periyar National Park
• Manas
• Namdhapha
• Wayanad 
• Nagzira Navegaon
• Bandipur
• Nagarhole
• Mudumalai
• Eravikulam 

These destinations attract tourism on an impressive scale with unique sightings and wildlife experiences. They have a well-developed tourism infrastructure and can be reached easily. 

Choosing Best Destination 

If the tiger is the main focus, choose the first list for making a decision. Base your decision on the ranking factors listed above. Holidaymakers have their own reason for visiting wildlife places for recreation and rest. But if you consider the factors described above you will be able to have a good wildlife experience and tiger spotting of course. Choose a place based on your own preference besides the suggestions made here. 

For travelers not interested in making their own arrangements package tours are the best. There are many package tour operators in India that provide good service. They can be verified using testimonials and TripAdvisor reviews or using references from friends and relatives.  

 

Khajuraho The Land of Love Temples

The TT looked at me and asked for the ticket. "You should be in a general coach," he spoke nonchalantly without even looking at me.

"Where am I?" I looked at the maddening mass of humanity piled up mercilessly inside the coach crushing each other for whatever space available.   

"Worse than a general coach," I mutter.

"That will be 340 Rs", as he began preparing the receipt.   

For nearly the same  price I could have enjoyed the AC coach and the ensuing luxury and safety.  

After three hours of standing at one corner of the coach the express finally reaches Satna in Central India. From here onward it was a long and agonizing wait for the filming crew to arrive from Mumbai. "The train is three hours late an we will arrive at 9.30 PM". Kiran the ace photographer called me up.

Dance Festival Khajuraho

The journey towards Khajuraho is riddled with potholes. The torturous drive halts at Nagod for a tea and ciggy break. It is almost 11 PM and I am bone tired. After long expectation we halt at a Dhaba at 1.00 pm for some mouth watering food.

"Amazing at this time of the night".  Our driver had long convinced us to have supper here and it was rewarding.

Khajuraho Temple

We than proceed to Khajuraho through the Panna National Park and eventually reach Taj Hotel Chandela. The night staff is waiting for me and ushers me into my room. "Sleep Well Sir, the attendant wishes me politely. The main stay here has been warmed up by extremely courteous and attentive staff and delicious food.  I am thankful to Poonam Uppal for hosting me in five star luxury. She is the author of "A Passionaate Gospel of True Love".           

Temple at Khajuraho

I glimpse in absolute amazement at the group of temples that date back to 10th Century AD perhaps earlier. "Treatise on Tantric Sex," Mamaji one of the senior most guide of Khajuraho. The erotic carvings are on the outer walls of Hindu Temples. "Absolute freedom of expression in that conservative era," I speak to Mamaji.

"This extreme ecstasy portrayed here is divinity." He informs me as I peek at bizzare carvings of  the erotic kind.  People from World over come to see these magical wonders in stone. "The structures are skilfully interlocked without the use of any cementing material," Mamaji is a gold mine of information.

The quaint little town engulfs the temples of love and supports a population of about 18000 locals.

Natural Cave Panna by Jagat Flora

The museum is humid and suffocating but not the exuberant pieces of tribal art. I gloat at the art on the walls before I am called for what I came here for.

I was anchoring an interview with the celebrity author Poonam Uppal. For all three days I am involved with the video shoot. A brief reprieve being lunch at Ken River Lodge at Panna Tiger Reserve and a boat ride on tranquil waters of crocodile infested Ken River.           

Panna Gorge by Jagat Flora

At Khauraho, the temples appear as neat structures, as they truly are, and carry an enigmatic message of love in its most divine form. All through, I did not find anything banal on those exquisite carvings.
 
This destination along with the tiger reserve is a  must add on one's wish list. Other places of interest nearby are the Panna National Park 35 km, Kalinjar Fort, Raneh & Pandav Falls, Ken River Sanctuary and Panna Township.

How to reach? From New Delhi By air and rail (overnight). From Jhansi (UP) by road. From Jabalpur via Satna by rail and then by road.   

All other images by courtesy Nandita Amin

Highly recommended travel tips for India tour – follow them and enjoy!

Visa on arrival has been instituted for many countries recently by the new Government.This is applicable to more than fifty countries and will facilitate tourism in India.

Whether it is the matter of relaxation, honeymoon, simply traveling or religion; India has plenty to offer you in all the fields. This is possible because of its diversity in linguistics, culture, food and of course history and geography.. If you want to enjoy your tour to India at the fullest without facing any legal or health issue, you should know well how to prepare and what rules to follow while you are on the run! The following tips will help you to enjoy this trip to India with full pleasure and joy.
 

Health and hygiene
 

Since India is a developing country, it may pose some issues related to your health thus; you need to worry about it a little more than other western destinations that you have already traveled. Yes, before you come to India as a tourist, you should vaccinate your body against some of the common diseases which can take you in clutch. One of the common harmful diseases waiting for you is Malaria for which you will need advance vaccinations. There are preventive drugs available which you can take as prescribed.

On the other hand, if you are worried about hygiene in India, you should further take foods and pure water into account. No doubt, Indian foods are tasty and special but you should never forget that you should not get addicted to it. Thus, you can keep your first-aid kit ready with plenty of stomach and digestion related drugs for immediate effect. Moreover, you should avoid eating street foods in this sub-continent which can harm you.

Always be in touch with your family and friends

What keeps you tension-free in a distant place is maintaining proximity to the loved ones. This is not essential only in Indian tours rather this is a common tip for every destination in the world. When you will be in touch with your close friends and family members, you can inform them regularly about your well-being, relevant travel details and above all; you can call them in cases of emergency.

Climate
India is a vast land which enjoys different types of climatic conditions and weather changes all the year. In general this country comes up with unexpected humidity and moisture in most of the areas however; the climatic conditions greatly depend on the place where you are visiting. In southern India, you may face regular monsoon season for which you should come well-prepared. Just find the climate details for the place you are visiting and plan your tour accordingly.

Society and manners
Etiquette and behavior of a person reflect the actual personality and you must follow it in India. Since this country is a land of different cultures, religions and colors; your dressing and manners must be proper to communicate with people. In addition to this, you should also practice well-mannered etiquette in case of public gathering, family eating and other places where you are being noticed by others.

Festival Time: Colors & Sparkling Lights

Hinduism is one of the most colorful religion, liberal, gregarious and open. The practice entwines itself with spirituality in ritualistic manner that unifies mind and body for inner peace. The exemplary myths are what makes and ideology peaceful an benevolent. The rites and rituals may appear to be indigestible to many but they are actually personification of soul and inner self. The apparently unscientific and irrational envelopes the truth and teachings of a civilization thousands of years old. Hidden deep with the spiral maze of invisible quagmire coexist the expression of science and spiritual quest.

The great events and auspicious happenings are celebrated as festivals. The celebrations are celebration of life and the World around us. The celebration of belief in God and his limitless creation. The festival of lights or Diwali is a follow up of series of events some related to Holy Ramayana.    

Navratri/Durgautsav: Dance & Music: This is the beginning of the harvest season whence Goddess  Durga is invoked as thanksgiving. Durga is representation of Shakti (Cosmic Power & Strength) as consort of Lord Shiva is blessed with constructive and potent destructive power. Navratri is celebration of her victory over Mahisasur the demon.  A nine day long ritualistic prayer sessions follow up with lot of fun and gaiety in brightly decorated and illuminated pandals or temporary fabricated structures. This is also the time for culture to manifest itself in traditional dance forms like Garba of Gujarat State. Commercial life except shopping comes to a stop in some states especially Bengal where Durga Puja is celebrated with religious fervor.  Finally the idols of Durga are immersed in the rivers and large water bodies with offerings of prayers.

Dusshera/Vijayadashmi: End of The Battle: It is celebrated for the victory of truth over evil.  This is the day whence Lord Ram killed Ravana the personification of evil. Ram is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu the preserver in holy trinity. The 10th day is marked as Dusshera whence Ravana was killed by Ram along with his ten heads he!he!. The ten heads are nothing but representative of destructive and evil might of Ravana the King of Lanka. Effigy of the devil king is set to fire for ultimate demise and to signify victory of good over evil.

This event is celebrated with full gusto in many places in India especially in the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore. The palace is the center of attraction decorated with dazzling lights for full 10 days. The royals perform the ritualistic prayers at Chamunda Devi Temple. The festivities galore with the beginning of the precession of Goddess Chamundeswari on elephant back in the streets. The spectacle of singing, dancing and ritualistic fervor is amazing and attracts thousands of tourists to Mysore. The procession is a conglomeration of local audience, tourists, dance groups, live bands, tableaux, decorated elephants, camels and horses.              

Diwali: Lord Returns to Ayodhya: Ram, Wife Sita & Brother Laxman return to Ayodhya from fourteen years of exile after victory over Sita's abductor  Ravana. The return is celebrated as Diwali the festival of light. Illumination of structures by traditional clay lamps or diyas and modern lightening takes place during Diwali. Bursting fire crackers are a way of celebration that can be used for days especially on the Diwali Night.       

The rows and rows of houses and commercial complexes are illuminated with dazzling lights. The night is lit up in urban centers with diyas and modern methods.After the evening prayers the scene erupts and crackers and rockets take to the sky. It is an event of social gathering,  fooding, and night long of fire crackers till exhaustion takes place.

Travel in India during the festival season is a spectacle of huge unmanageable rush. All travel services are fully booked hence travelers to India and holiday makers should book transportation and accommodations in advance. 

Indian Summer Travel

India retains its charm through thick and thin. Be it chilly winter, burning hot summer, monsoon or spring come along and you will relish each and every flavor. The summers in India are definitely hot perhaps not so in the extreme Northern confines - Himalayan Region.

The heat churns on from Mid April by this time most of the deciduous trees, grasses, herbs and shrubs have shed their leaves.The landscape changes dramatically as summer advances and you can see through once impenetrable canopy easily. The Palas and Amaltas and many other flowering tree bloom to color the landscape. The scapes take on an enchanting ambiance of tree skeleton interspersed with evergreen shrubs and vast empty land with exposed top soil. It is all lifeless black and khaki, green, red and yellow.

The summers are usually dry and hence more tolerable than humidity. The sun is up strong by nine am and tortures you till about four pm. The heat then starts to reduce in preparation for the night. The scorching desert night are the coolest.  

It is best to avoid traveling in the afternoon when the heat peaks. Carry lot of water with you in order to avoid dehydration. Eat light, add local salads and pickles to your diet. These increase perspiration and offer valuable micro nutrients, the salts clear your systems of toxic substances. Drink a lot of fruit juice during travel and eat the fresh one's often. In summers avoid meat and food item hard to digest. Due to extreme heat digestive capacity decreases hence eating vegetables and fruits is wise. Eat lots of curd or its derivatives. Your immunity decrease in the heat hence avoid roadside food or water which may not be sterile. 

Plan out your travel schedule so that you reach there quickly and avoid unnecessary travel hassle.  Save yourself from dehydration hence drink lot of liquid. Keep medicine for loose motions and indigestion with you all the time. Eat light snacks sold in packets and consume mineral water from quality brands. Visit upscale restaurant which maintain a high degree of hygiene.

Where light clothes and sandals as shoes can be stuffy and uncomfortable in summers. Summer garments should be able to reflect light in order to stay cool. Wear sunglasses to avoid solar glare.

Book hotel rooms or lodges which have air coolers or air conditioning. Travel in air conditioned rail compartments and luxury A/C buses and taxi. 

Making a hotel booking in India

India is a marvelous and colorful destination with lot of freedom and diversity. It is fun to travel from one part of the country to another and experience the cross cultural diversity and varied ethnic profiles. The people are very hospitable and warm, it is good to mix with local families and communities.

There are hardly any orthodox communities, hence it is easy and fun to mingle with them men women children all. Some people are sensitive about food as they are vegetarians but not anything else....may be places of worship..you should enter bare feet. And yes try to war local garb or Indian dress you will really be accepted fast. Do not trust single men for they may be trouble makers. Some people on roadside or destinations are very curious about foreign visitors, politely brush them aside. 

Safe Travel 

Anyway traveling in the country is safe provided you take basic precautions that you would take in any other country. The more planned your itinerary is the better it is. Your holiday can get mired in bewildering confusing in this large country without preplanned efforts. In deep recess you may not find modern amenities and facilities so purchase all your stuff and carry along. Find before hand what is available and what is not? 

Hotel Reservation

Many Indian hotels have not yet gone online in a proper way.  Making a hotel search and having an online tour of the accommodation is not that easy. The website are built haphazardly hence you do not get a good impression of the property. 

The hotel owners are not aware of online marketing or have little faith in it. Since online search is limited in India but booking does come from a properly placed site on SERPs. If you have no contact in the destination you are visiting than the travel agent, review sites and word of mouth is your only information source. These are unreliable at times so you may not find things as had been told to you.

Take a destination guide that would be a great help. Some guides like Lonely Planet are very reliable. These are one stop shop for travel and related information. Carry one with you always. Read as much about India as you can with focus on the route you are taking and the destinations to be visited.  

The lanes and by lanes where the hotel is situated may be confusing. In the maze of Indian mega city it is easy to get lost and loose your stay. Best is to take a card and phone number before you step out. Even if you need a local guide ask your hotelwalla. He is gaining from you so will he hesitate to help you. 

In this country all properties in cities and tourism destinations have touts or roadside booking agents. Your rickshaw wallah, auto driver, taxi driver will help you in booking but then they have their own loyalties. You would be lucky if you get to the right place for a stay.  But this also time wasting since you may have to rush immediately for a meeting.

Online Bookings

So the only recourse are websites online with proper information some review sites like trip adviser, fodors, frommers, travel post and the about.com are reliable source. There are many blogs and websites like brand hotels Worldwide that offer reliable information since they have no loyalties with any one.  But at the most this contains little information.

When making reservations online do not just send your stay information and send money. It is better to get full information  using the online form. After few conversations you can take the plunge.

Tour Formalities

So it remains difficult for a visitor from foreign country to choose an accommodation online. Any once you have landed at your destination hotel resort than what. Well first you need an identity card like your passport. For Indians driving license, Income tax pan card will do for identity. An ATM card does not work please remember. 

For inbound visitors it is important that their arrival and departure information is passed to the nearest police station. You have to fill forms in which passport information is submitted. It is the resort owners responsibility to see that the information is submitted to the police. Fill in the booking information for sure. The hotels have a common register for noting down the bookings this is compulsory and you are secure once your details are noted down. Do keep friends and relatives informed as to where you have stepped in.  The precautions are necessary if your are putting up at a budget lodge or a cheap city inn. Some areas may be unsafe in a destination so try to find out the locality and do not stay there. And yes do not move around late or avoid travel at night.  

Before checking in you must have visited the room and made sure of you comforts. In the room keep all your valuable locked or deposit them in a hotel locker. Take special care of your passport and money loosing either of them will be terribly. As and when you move out make sure that you hire a taxi or auto that the accommodation provides. Hence you will be traveling locally with somebody known. Most of the hotels and resorts are in touch with travel services hence it is safer to hire through them.   

On the first day of the stay make sure of the food. Indian cuisine is marvelous but you can make request to lower down a thing or two specially chillies. Never at at roadside joints in case of emergency pick up a plain vegetable, roti or naan all hot right out of the pan. Carry branded mineral water all along.

Ignore the consternation and uncertainty. India is a wonderful country with lots to offer in varied niche sectors in tourism. Read a lot on travel basics and the come home for many a magical journeys.   

Sikkim

Sikkim a Royal independent Kingdom amalgamated into Indian Union in the year 1974. It's earlier name was Suk-Heem or peaceful home. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim state is approx 190 kms from New Jalpaiguri which is a rail head. It is the smallest state in India after Goa.

Known for its magical beauty and pristine wilderness the Himalayan Kingdom is a favorite tourist destination. The nearest airport is Bagdogra. Sikkim is a land of mystic culture and colorful traditions. It is densely forested with abundant floral wealth hence popular among trekkers and lovers of adventure sports in India.

Sikkim has abundant ecological wealth and bio diversity hot spot. The State is rich in wildlife and birds with many endemic species making it their home. On a tour one can experience the grand mountain peaks, tropical green valleys, numerous waterfall and turbid rivers. Visit Buddhist monasteries and terraced hills of agrarian villages.The culturally rich populace is a mix of Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha and other communities. Hinduism and Buddhism are the major religions.    

The Himalayan Kingdom now an Indian State is an ideal trekking venue. There  are many pristine forest trails that lead to monasteries, villages and hilly regions. The mountainous terrain offers rugged treks to the adventure seekers. The remote locations offer ideal camping experience to the trekkers. 

The Sikkim tours is a wonderful adventure trek with a visit to sanctuaries to see unique wildlife. Tourism plays and important role in the little state's economy and there are many treks organized by tour operators in India. The treks are usually of fourteen days and the packages are all inclusive. There are many high altitude treks in this Himalayan Kingdom.

Traveling to Madhya Pradesh

Central India - Madhya Pradesh

Central India has always been a tourist attraction because of its natural beauty, wildlife and historic monuments and ancient temples.


Ujjain is a religious center for Hindus in the Malwa region. The river Kshipra runs through east of the town. Kumbh Mela Hindu religious festival is held here every twelve years. It is also the abode of Shiva as the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga a shrine of Lord Shiva is situated here.

Ujjain is well connected with Indore by road and rail. Indore has an airport with flights from Delhi, Mumbai abd other major cities.

Sanchi is located in Raisen district and is a pilgrimage center of the Buddhists. the famous Sanchi Stupas are relics of Buddhism first commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd Century BCE. The Stupas are World Heritage site.

Sanchi is accessible by road and rail with Bhopal which is 46 kilometers away. Bhopal is well connected by rail network and air flights. It is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The third World Heritage site to be declared UNESCO is the rock shelters at Bhimbetika which is near Bhopal.

Orchha on the Betwa river is situated in the district of Tikamgarh in MP. Orchha has many cenotaphs, ancient forts and temples of Hindu architecture .

Marble Rocks and Duandhar Falls is a gorge in the river Narmada situated at Jabalpur. The river runs through rocks of marbles of various colors and hues in the process creating scenic and splendorous wonder. Other places of interest at Jabalpur are Madan Mahal the ancient fort of Raj Gond Dynasty built by Madan Shah the husband of Gond Queen Rani Durgavati.

Pachmarhi the queen of Hill stations, and Indian Tiger Reserves Kanha, Bandhavgarh. Panna and Pench are accessible from Jabalpur which is a major railhead and an Airport. Other wildlife destinations are the Chambal river sanctuary, Shivpuri National Park, Bori Sanctuary near Pachmarhi and Satpura National Park.

The most famous destination in Madhya Pradesh is the Khajuraho Temples situated in Chhatarpur district is World famous and tourists from all over the globe. No wonder it is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples date back to 10 to 11th Century AD.

Other places of architectural, cultural, and religious significance are Amarkantak near Jabalpur, Bhopal, Chanderi, Chitrakuta, Gwalior, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Mandu, Omkareshwar and Sonagiri.

Kerala Tourism - Wildlife

Periyar - Thekkady

Situated in Idukki district of Kerala on the Western Ghats Periyar Tiger Reserve is the hot bed for Kerala tourism and wildlife safari. Periyar is one of the most popular National Park in Southern India. It contains diverse habitats and a variety of mammalian and reptilian species. There are more than 265 bird species. Peyriyar is famous for wild elephants in Kerala. Tigers, gaurs and leopards are also found in the park.

The boat ride on the Periyar River offers exciting animal and bird sightings. Jeep safaris are also available in the tiger reserve. The forests of Periyar are home to many endemic animals and birds.   

The Sabarimala Ayyapan Temple is situated inside the Periyar preserve a popular pilgrimage spot visited by thousands of devotees.

How to reach Periyar

Air - Nearest Airport : Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery - 185 km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).

Rail - Nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.

Road - An excellent road network from kumily (4 kms) links the to all major towns and cities in india.

Other Wildlife Places in Kerala --

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Eravikulam National Park
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many tour packages available for Kerala tourism. They include visits to National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries besides sightseeing. For further information about wildlife tours in Kerela please see the links on this blog.

Places to see in India?

A very difficult question to answer since India is so vast and diverse. It is each to himself or herself depending upon what you wish to see during your travel in India. For lovers of archeology historical places in New Delhi and Agra are must visit, as for example the "Taj Mahal" Delhi Fort, Kutub Minar and Fatehpur Sikri.

For the lovers of Indian desert life it is a trip to vast stretches of Rajasthan to live in Maharaja style in the palaces in Udaipur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer to name few. Rajasthan has a rich colorful culture to offer to the visitors. Bharatpur offers excellent bird watching to birders and is one of finest birding destinations in India.

Central India offers best tiger safaris to wildlife enthusiasts. Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench are popular tiger reserves in India. Pachmarhi is a pristine, unspoiled little paradise for holidaying at high places. It is a popular hill station in Madhya Pradesh.

These posts are going to highlight best places to see in India so keep subscribe if you wish to know about the places to visit in India.

Indian Road Travel

Driving on the Indian roads is the most challenging task during India tour. India has vast road network that stretches miles and miles across. From six lane expressways to two lane highways and main roads, roads in the interiors you ask for it and there is a road.

Roads made of bitumen or good ones made of cement and the usual cross country and jungle roads which are popularly know as metal roads...most primitive type of road in the country.

The roads are classified as good and bad roads and those which do not come in either category are referred to as "ok" roads. During preparation for a road trip the first travel tip that is considered is the road condition, weather and climate come much later perhaps after the details of roadside food joints, dhabas and tea stalls have been inquired about.

Well whatever the road may be it is assured for an enthusiastic traveler it is the way to an exciting unexplored destination of India for him. That is the fun of travel in India the real good roads lead to more or less homogenous globalized metro or capitals but the rough roads to lead exciting destinations like historical places, wildlife reserves and eco resorts.

And in extreme cases road or no road ...keep move ahead...India awaits you.

India Travel Information

I have added important information web sites for India tour which I am sure those interested in traveling in India will find it very helpful.

The websites I have linked are for online travel bookings and information. Most of the sites are Indian government travel resource websites for providing authenticated guide and resource to India travel.

The links are useful help to make one's India trip a success. There are links to travel information and directory of Indian states that are popular travel destinations. Please do submit your suggestions and comments.