exploredreamtravel

[exploredreamtravel]

5 posts!

[exploredreamtravel]

Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Shimla and Manali

The two most loved places of Himachal Pradesh, located in the lap of Himalayas, are Shimla and Manali, which are everyone’s favourite holiday destinations. These two cities are known for their beautiful views, cool climate, breathtaking landscape, pleasant weather and numerous activities. These hill stations are a delight for those who love peace, adventure and are looking for a peaceful place surrounded by natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This article highlights the must-visit places in Shimla and Manali along with the attractions on the way between these two cities.

Shimla: Queen of Hills

Historical Attractions and Colonial Architecture

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, also known as the “Queen of Hills”, offers a unique blend of old-world natural beauty with its lush valleys, colonial architecture and local culture. The city used to be the capital of British India. Its past is evident in the grand architecture of buildings like Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre and Viceregal Lodge. A stroll down Mall Road offers a wide array of food and drink options as well as visitor shopping and historical attractions.

Treasure of Nature

Shimla is a paradise for nature lovers surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. The Glen is a secluded forest area, a peaceful place amidst nature. From Jakhu Temple, you can also enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.

Must-Visit Places in Shimla

The Ridge

The Ridge is a large open space in the middle of Shimla, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is the centre of local festivals and many cultural activities take place here, making it a lively place for tourists.

Mall Road

Mall Road is a shopper’s paradise and is always bustling with people. The road is always busy with shoppers. You will find a number of shops, cafes and restaurants here which are a perfect place to gorge on the local cuisine.

Jakhu Temple

Jakhu Temple is situated on top of Jakhu Hill which provides spiritual peace and also offers a mesmerizing view of the surrounding mountains. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the tall statue of Lord Hanuman is worth seeing by all.

Christ Church

Christ Church is a splendid example of architecture. This church is among the most ancient in North India. The serene atmosphere and colourful glass windows make it a must visit.

Kufri

Kufri is a paradise for adventure lovers, located a short distance from Shimla. Here you can do trekking, skiing and even snowboarding in the winter months. Kufri is very famous for the Himalayan Nature Park.

Adventure and Entertainment in Shimla

Both Shimla and Manali are famous for their adventure activities, a must visit for thrill seekers. Shimla is a hub of adventure activities and you can experience thrills here, ranging from trekking and paragliding to ice skating at the Shimla Ice Skating Club. At popular places like Kufri, you can go skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.

Trekking

Trails like Shali Tibba Trek, Chail Trek and Hatu Peak Trek offer you the opportunity to see mesmerizing views and natural beauty.

Paragliding

Places like Kufri and Naldehra are known for paragliding, where you can get a thrilling experience by flying over snow-clad peaks and lush green valleys.

Skiing

During the winter months, Kufri becomes a center of attraction for skiing. Kufri is located at a high altitude and hence invites everyone to skiing.

Manali: The Adventure Capital

Manali is a place located in the Kullu valley, surrounded by snowy, high peaks and dense forests. There are many activities that can be done in Manali which attracts a lot of tourists.

Beauty and Serene Environment

Located in the northern part of the Kullu valleys, Manali is known for its stunning landscapes which include lush green valleys, winding rivers and snow-capped peaks. The Beas River flows through the city which adds to the beauty of Manali and attracts people for river rafting.

Cultural and Spiritual Richness

Manali is home to many ancient temples and monasteries that make it a culturally rich destination. These include the Hadimba Temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. This temple is an important religious site surrounded by deodar forests. Manu Temple is also located here which is believed to be the only temple dedicated to sage Manu. This temple provides a very calm environment for meditation and contemplation.

Adventure Capital

Manali is a favourite destination for adventure lovers where they can indulge in a number of adventure activities. Solang Valley is located 13 kms from Manali and is famous for activities like paragliding, horse riding and zorbing. During winter months, you can indulge in activities like skiing and snowboarding here which will make you feel like walking in paradise. Who doesn’t want to travel through the Atal Tunnel from where you can go to the challenging place like Rohtang Pass?

Places to visit in Manali

Rohtang Pass

Situated at an altitude of about 4000 m, Rohtang Pass is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is famous for snow-clad mountains and adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is known as an adventure hub. This place attracts you to do activities like paragliding, biking and zorbing. Skiing here during the winter season and cold months will give you a thrilling experience and make you feel like in heaven.

Hadimba Temple

This is an ancient temple surrounded by deodar forests. This temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi who played a character in Mahabharata. The architecture and serene atmosphere of this place attracts all the visitors.

Manu Temple

The Manu Temple is dedicated to sage Manu and is considered an important pilgrimage site. The temple offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city of tourists.

Old Manali

Old Manali is a quaint village known for its rustic charm. Old Manali is filled with beauty shops, cozy cafes and lively bazaars. Old Manali is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Adventure Activities in Manali

River Rafting

The Beas River in Manali offers you the opportunity to go river rafting. The currents range from easy to challenging. River rafting is something you should try at least once in your life.

Trekking and Camping

Many treks are available in Manali for trekking, including the Hampta Pass Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek and Pin Parvati Trek. Trekking through the serene landscapes will add to your excitement.

Mountain Biking

Manali is the perfect place to go mountain biking. Biking on the winding roads of the mountains will thrill you to no end.

Enroute Shimla to Manali

The journey from Shimla to Manali is approximately 250 kms. You will get to see charming villages and beautiful road destinations along the way.

Main stops along the way

Mandi

Mandi also known as the “Varanasi of the hills” with its ancient temples and vibrant culture. Popular attractions here are the Pandoh Dam and Rewalsar Lake.

Kullu

Kullu is a famous place for Dussehra celebrations. This small picturesque town is situated on the river Beas. The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit place for nature lovers.

Naggar

Naggar is a quiet village which is famous for Naggar Castle and art galleries like Nicholas Roerich. Naggar city offers a wonderful blend of both art and history. The beautiful Jana Waterfalls is a unique attraction here.

Both Shimla and Manali are famous for their adventure activities, which everyone must try once in their lifetime.

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Shimla and Manali is during winters, for snow lovers the ideal time is from December to February. However, if you like pleasant weather then the summer months from March to June are perfect. Monsoon season is from July to September and during this season the atmosphere is green and peaceful but this time may not be available for adventure activities.

How to Reach

Shimla and Manali are easily accessible through various modes of transportation, including air, road, and rail. Regular buses and taxis ply from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, providing you a comfortable and convenient reach to both the cities. However, the nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti at a distance of 22 km, while the Bhuntar airport is located in Manali which is around 50 km from the city. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a toy-train journey that will give you a unique travel experience through beautiful landscapes.

Accommodation Options

From luxury resorts to heritage hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses to homestays, Shimla and Manali offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s taste. Heritage hotels in Shimla are your go-to destination and staying in riverside cottages in Manali will add a special charm to your trip.

Conclusion

Both Shimla and Manali are the two crown jewels of Himachal Pradesh with their beauty, prosperity, culture and adventure activities. Whether you want to experience thrilling adventures, immerse yourself in nature or explore historical sites, these hill stations offer something for everyone. The journey from Shimla to Manali is a special experience filled with memorable stops. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the “Queen of Hills” and the magic of its surroundings mountains will refresh your soul.

https://exploredreamtravel.com/exploring-the-enchanting-beauty-of-shimla-and-manali/

[exploredreamtravel]

Explore Goa : India’s Beach Paradise and Foreigners’ Favourite Holiday Destination

When thinking about vacations in India, Goa is often the first destination that springs to mind. Goa is a favourite destination for everyone, be it an Indian or a foreigner. Located along the western coastline of India, Goa’s main attractions lie in its sun-kissed beaches, bustling nightlife and natural beauty that attracts all kinds of travellers. This unique experience is something everyone wants to enjoy in their lifetime.

In this guide, we will discuss the best places to visit in Goa and how far these places are from Goa’s railway station and airport.

Top Places to visit in Goa

1. Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach, famously dubbed the “Queen of Beaches,” stands out as one of Goa’s most iconic spots. This lively beach offers everything from water sports to shacks serving delicious seafood and cocktails. Calangute Beach is an excellent spot for both individual travelers and family groups. The beach features numerous activities, including jet skiing and parasailing.

2. Baga Beach

If you throw a stone from Calangute beach, the place where it falls is Baga beach, i.e. Calangute Beach and Baga Beach are located in close proximity to one another. Baga Beach serves as a popular hotspot for those who enjoy the party scene. You can enjoy party in the famous beach clubs here like Tito’s and Mambo Club. And yes, along with this, you can also do exciting water sports like parasailing and jet skiing.

3. Fort Aguada

It is one of the most recognizable forts built in the ancient times. It is even believed to be a 17th century Portuguese fort built on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Fort Aguada offers historic and picturesque views, making it a must visit place for photography enthusiasts and history buffs.

4. Old Goa's Churches

Old Goa, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts an array of stunning churches. Old Goa boasts several renowned churches, with the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral standing out as the most notable. These sites reflect Goa’s rich past and are a spiritual retreat for many visitors. These churches are mainly an attraction for foreign visitors.

5. Dudhsagar Falls

A favourite spot of nature lovers, Dudhsagar Falls is considered to be one of the highest waterfalls in India. Located in the Western Ghats, this majestic four-tiered waterfall becomes a top destination to explore during the monsoon season. Trekking is also possible here and nature lovers get mesmerized by its beauty.

6. Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach is well-known for its vibrant and lively party scene. A unique attraction of this beach is the weekly flea market held every Wednesday which compels everyone to come here. The beach in this area offers a laid-back vibe and draws in a lively crowd. Anjuna beach is a favourite beach for shoppers.

7. Palolem Beach

Palolem beach is located in South Goa. This beach is also famous for its calm and quiet feel. The beach forms a coastline in the shape of a crescent. This beach features an array of brightly colored huts and charming cafes. Tourists can also do different adventure activities here. This beach is famous for kayaking and dolphin watching.

8. Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort is famous for the movies filmed here. The famous Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai was filmed at this location. From here you can also see the beautiful view of Vagator Beach and Arabian Sea. Vagator Beach is situated just a short distance from this fort. This fort is everyone’s favourite location for sunset photography. Feel free to enjoy a relaxing stroll in this area.

Getting Around in Goa

Goa has an excellent road network that provides easy access to all of its popular attractions. The most convenient way to get around Goa is to rent a scooter or a car to explore all its varied attractions. Though Goa has local buses and taxis available, they may be less flexible for impromptu trips.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season to visit Goa is winter. The winter months, spanning from November to February, offer the most enjoyable and delightful weather. For foreigners, this time is a great time to celebrate Christmas and New Year together which adds a unique charm to their trip.

Conclusion

Goa is a perfect blend of historical sites as well as natural beauty. Whether you are looking to relax or have an adventurous life, the coastal areas have something for everyone. Its beauty and cultural richness have made it a must-visit destination for every traveler from all over the world. Goa has all the amenities from airport to railway station, which promises an unforgettable trip that will make you yearn to go back there. So, pack your luggage bags and let the fragrance of Goa overwhelm you with family.

Apart from the places mentioned above, there are many other beaches and places in Goa. We have given information about only a few beaches and places here, however there are enough places to visit in Goa.

[exploredreamtravel]

Top 10 Destinations in India

India is well-known for its land of diverse cultures, rich history, natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are a history lover, nature enthusiast or cultural explorer, India has something all these to offer everyone to visit. These all types of destinations catches every traveler and can make a perfect vacation for you. Here are some best places in India, that every traveler wants to visit once in a life. Here are some favorite destinations to visit in your vacation.

1. Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Pink City

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan known as the Pink City with a colorful architecture, culture and blend of royalty.

2. Goa – The Beach Capital

A popular destination for all Indians as well as foreigners for its beaches, nightlife and parties.

3. Kashmir – The Heaven on Earth

The Crown of India, known as the Heaven on Earth. Kashmir is famous for its lakes, landscapes and snow-capped mountains.

4. Kerala – God’s Own Country

Kerala known for its backwaters, greenary and ayurvedic treatments. Offers a refreshing experience and relaxing gateaway.

5. Agra, Uttar Pradesh – Home of the Taj Mahal

Known as home of the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and India’s most popular tourist attraction.

6. Leh-Ladakh – The Land of High Passes

Leh-Ladakh is a dream destination for a nature lovers and adventure seekers. Mountains with high passes and lakes are the most attraction for everyone.

7. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The Spiritual Capital

Spiritual and cultural lovers favorite destination and one of the oldest city is Varanasi. Situated on a banks of Ganges and famous for religious temples.

8. Andaman and Nicobar – The Group of Islands

White sandy beaches and clear water are the main attraction of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

9. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – The Queen of the Hills

Shimla, a charming hill station where everyone can enjoy with nature and landscape architecture. A perfect place to visit for family and honeymoon lovers.

10. Udaipur, Rajasthan – The City of Lakes

Udaipur, a romantic city with lakes and regal palaces often called the venice of the East.

Above destinations are most famous, though there are more in this list like, Manali for snow lovers, Delhi and Mumbai as a city lovers, Ooty for its lakes and water falls, Darjiling for its hill stations, Gokarna for its beaches and pilgrimage sites, Srinagar, Kolkata, Gulmarg and many more.

All these destinations provide you a perfect mix of nature, adventure, history, peace and spirituality. Time passes away. So, pack your bags and explore the incredible wonders, beauty and nature of India!

[exploredreamtravel]