Honeymoon destination: Romantic Lake Palace Udaipur

Visitors might remember the romantic Lake Place set amidst the calm waters of Lake Pichola in Udaipur from the classic Bond movie, Octopussy. Now a luxury hotel it is a must see on every visitors itinerary.

Lake Palace, Udaipur

The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur, now a luxury hotel, resonates with the royal grandeur and magnificence that Rajasthan stands for. If visiting Udaipur, the Lake Palace is a must on the itinerary.

Early-Morning-Lake-Palace

The Jag Niwas, as the palace was named, was once the architectural muse for the Maharani of Udaipur, served as the summer palace to the Mewar dynasty. The Maharana of Jaipur, along with his devoted affection for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan also let the friendship reap an inspiration for this palace, from the incomparable architectural prowess buildings in Agra.

About the Palace 

The Lake Palace has a series of courtyards that are aligned with numerous columns, terraces, beautiful fountains and well laid gardens.

The east facing palace was made in such a manner that the inhabitants could pray to the Sun God early in the morning. With its vantage position in the middle of the lake, it also served as a cool haven in the summers. Till date, the palace exhibits a grand impression with its exquisite patterns, sculptures, large columns and ornamental roof.

The inaccessibility with the vast Lake Pichola spread about it, adds to the charm of the structure.

Lily-Pond-at-Lake-Palace

Even though Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, with five prominent lakes in the city, the Lake Palace has made the Pichola Lake the most famous destination. The other lakes to see are Fateh Sagar Lake, Rangsagar Lake, Swaroopsagar Lake and Dudh Talai Lake.

In the beginning of the 19th century, the weathered condition of the Lake Palace and the ardous upkeep began to show. This was true not only for this structure but the other lake based buildings too. This is when the palace went under a restoration process to bring back its former glory.

Lake Palace is now a luxury hotel, part of the Taj Hotels chain, consisting of 83 rooms and suites.

Sightseeing

Non-guests are able to sometimes experience the magic of the palace during the quieter season when the hotel sometimes accepts outside reservations for lunch and dinner. The best way to get close to appreciate it’s glory is with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, a fantastic experience in itself. Boat rides depart hourly from Rameshwar Chat in the City Palace Gardens (adult/child Rs.200/100 or 30 minutues or Rs.300/150 for 1 hour). Please note prices are given as a guide only and are liable to change.

How to get there

Udaipur is well connected from the capital city of Delhi by train and flights. The airport is situated about 20 kms outside the city. The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral National Highway and is well connected by road too. Once you are at the edge of the Lake Pichola, to take a boat to reach Lake Palace in Udaipur.

Best Time to Go 

Though any season is made comfortable for a visitor, if you are planning to head out to other tourist destinations of Udaipur, the period of October to February is the best. It is worth coinciding your visit with the Shilpgram Festival which takes place in December, organised to promote art and craft of Rajasthan.

Don’t Miss 

Other enticing sites to visit are Jag Mandir, Kumbalgarh Sanctuary, Bagore Ki Haveli, Shilpgram Museum, Ahar Museum, City Palace and Saheliyon Ki Bari.

Where to Stay

The premium price of actually staying at the Lake Palace may be beyond the reach of most travellers but the beauty of the lake and it’s surrounds can be enjoyed by all. Balunda House in Udaipur has four spacious suites, a lush lawn and two common areas for guests to enjoy and can help arrange sightseeing around the city.

Things To Do in Manali - holiday spot of North India

Manali has long been the preferred holiday spot of North India’s privileged crowd.

Here are ten reasons why it’s much loved by them, as well as the numerous ex-pats, adrenaline junkies and families that climb up to its cool altitude.

These are our Manali Things To Do.

1.Enjoy the rapid action

Manali isn’t all about languid rest and replenishment. Plenty of adventure sports are available here for thrill-seekers. One such activity is white water rafting. During summers, you can arrange a ride down the rocky rapids of River Beas for the thrill of a lifetime.

Rocky Rapids of River Beas

2.Sledge and ski Rohtang Pass

This is the most popular day tour from Manali. It’s a snow-clad region where hundreds of people can be seen having snowball fights, making snowmen, sledding and more. It’s also a lot of fun to watch the tourists trying to ski for the first time and falling on their faces. A little mean but fun nonetheless.

Sledge and ski Rohtang Pass

3.Feel the wind beneath wings

On your way to Rohtang Pass, you’ll come across lots of people enjoying paragliding. You can be one of them by arranging a paragliding experience with the professionals who work there. The ride doesn’t often last long, but is fun and gives you a beautiful bird’s eye view of Manali’s lush landscape.

Chills Down Your Spine

4.Rest and relax

Manali’s hot water springs are essentially made of hot sulphur water, which helps relax your muscles and are believed to cure many skin diseases. A dip in your personal chamber isn’t going to cost a lot. So bring your bathing suits.

Hot Water Springs

5.Bow your head

The Hidimba temple is one of the most revered religious spots in Manali for Hindus. It is dedicated to Hidimba Mata, one of the most influential female characters in the Mahabharata. Other than this important temple, plenty of beautiful monasteries are speckled all over Manali. If you plan your trip to coincide with the festival of Dussehra, you might catch the famous Kullu Dusshera – a great parade of deities – at its best.

Hidimba temple

6.Play dress up

At most tourist spots you will have the chance to dress up in traditional folk attire and get a photo. The clothes can be rented for a small amount and the photograph is often handed to you within minutes.

Traditional Manali Dress

7.Go rock climbing

The temptation of taking on the mighty Himalayas attracts a lot of rock climbing enthusiasts to the area. But for those who want to enjoy a light-hearted version of the adventure sport, there are plenty of companies who will take good care of you with something for beginners.

Rock Climbing

8.See the glaciers of Solang Valley

The famed Solang Valley is a great place near Manali from where you can see beautiful glaciers and snow-clad mountains. You can reach its ski point using the ski lift. Even if you don’t ski, the journey will afford you unforgettable vistas of the region.

Solang Valley

9.Soak up the Old Town atmosphere

If you’re looking to hang out with the elite crowd of Manali and not the usual tourists, then Old Manali is where you should head to. Other than the very best cafes, bars and restaurants in Manali, you might even notice a celebrity or two. The eating and drinking places are filled mostly with ex-pats and retired or semi-retired actors, who call this area of Manali home.

Manali

10.Finish with a toast

The state of Himachal Pradesh is most famous for its red, juicy apples. And naturally, the apple juice and cider produced here is unmatched by any other brand or place. But for those who prefer their drinks with a bit of a kick, Lugdi and Chhang are the perfect options. These are locally produced alcoholic drinks and have a pretty robust flavor.

Red Apple

KERALA - Major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India

The god’s own country is one of the major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India. The land of God, Kerala is believed to be a gift of the Arabian Sea. The pride of Kerala are Gorgeous and Exotic Beaches, Breathtaking hill Stations, Enchanting waterfalls, Beautiful lagoons, Meandering rivers and Amazing natural scenarios. These colors are made Kerala as a land of beauty and paradise on earth. Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valley, lush and evergreen rain forest and coconuts water and oil and foods items. Kerala houseboats are first and best preference of the tourist to enjoy their moments in beautiful lakes of Kerala. The Idukki dam is the first Indian arch dam in Periyar river Kerala and the largest arch dam in Asia. Shopping, museums and markets are also best way to explore Kerala. Follow to visit some of the Best Place in Kerala.

Culture: 

Kerala’s culture is an integral part of Indian culture. The cultural heritage of Kerala are its arts, festivals and dresses. Hindu, Christian and Islam religion found in Kerala and Malayalam is the local language of Kerala. Indian elephants are given a prestigious place in the state culture of Kerala. kathakali and mohiniyaattam are the traditional art of dance in Kerala.

Kathakali Dance Kerala

Lifestyle: 

The people of Kerala are very simple and down to earth people, they love to live in their own world. The Keralites also are very progressive in terms of cleanliness, healthcare and physical quality of life. The elephants are an integral part of the daily life in Kerala. Kerala people are very protective about their religion and ancient practices, rituals and traditions.

Kerala Lifestyle

Villages: 

The villages in Kerala offer a feast to the eyes of the travellers by way of its panoramic view of the fields, farms, hillsides, rivers and lakes. The locals engage in fishing, farming, pottery, jute making and handicrafts. These villages with paddy fields all around and coconut trees are perfect to spend a relaxed holiday. Some of the popular villages are Vavannoor, Udayagiri, Aranmula, Cheppad, Teekoy,etc.

Kerala Paddy fields

Cuisines: 

After the enjoyments, foods are the next thing in mind. Kerala has a rich and unique flavor of foods like Sea foods, malayali cuisines and banana dishes. Kerala is famous for its spices and its spicy recipes of vegetarian and non vegetation food. Best cuisine of Kerala is Meen Curry – Kerala style fish curry made in fried coconut.

Food from Kerala

Festivals: 

Kerala has many colorful festivals and every festival has its own importance. Onam, the annual harvest festival and it is the largest festival celebrated in Kerala. Vallamkali or Snake Boat Races is the traditional boat race in Kerala. This famous water sport marks the end of Onam festival. Pooram Festival, the The main features of the pooram are the decorated elephants. Peoples of Kerala worship elephants and snakes on different festival occasions.

Pooram-Festival-Thrissur

Beaches: 

Sea, Sand and Sun are the gifts given by the god, which makes Kerala the land of most delightful beaches in the world. Kerala Backwaters offers a series of beaches that are perfect for a relaxing time with your love one. Some of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal. Watch the sunset along with the blue water beaches of Kerala is the best way to end your day and start a romantic night.

Beaches in Kerala

Sports: 

The Exotic Beaches of Kerala are best for surfing, rafting and many more adventures ocean water sports. Kerala is the one of the best place for scuba diving and snorkeling in India. Kerala is also known for its kind of Martial Arts called Kalarippayattu – A new insight into the traditional martial art of Kerala. Mountains climbing, Trekking, camping and kayaking in rippling rivers of kerala are some different types of sport that any one can enjoy. Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala are best way to relax and feel fresh after these sports.

Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala

Wildlife: 

The Land of God, Kerala has a rich culture in Flora and Fauna. Kerala is the only state in India where highest number of Indian Elephants are found. The best place for wild animals are Silent Valley, Periyar national park and Tiger Reserve,which is situated high in the ranges of the Western Ghat. The land of elephants share their habitat with Panthera, King Cobra and other wild animals.

Periyar-Natioanl-park-Thekkady

Natural beauty: 

Kerala the land of beauty is describes as the favorite child of nature, and famous for its breath-taking natural beauty. Major attraction are includes long coconuts tree, the blue mountain and rivers makes Kerala one of the greenest places ever seen. The beautiful milky falls of water splashing through the rocks should not be miss. Other attraction are Vembanad Lake India’s longest lake, Sasthamkotta lake and Cheruthoni Dam.

Athirappilli waterfalls Kerala

Hill Stations: 

There are many hill stations in Kerala which offers the best spectacular views of the nature. Munnar one of best hill destination in kerala and one of the famous hill station in India. The other beautiful hill stations are Ponmudi,Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad Hill Station. These hill stations of Western ghats are one of the best place for trekking in India.

Munnar Hill Station - Kerala

Magnificent Uniqueness of the heart of India - Madhya Pradesh

The magnificent uniqueness of the heart of India “Madhya Pradesh”. M. P. is a state lies at center of India,It was the biggest Indian state before 2000. It ranks among the most popular tourist attractions in India for its wonderful ancient Indian architecture. The Tribal state has many tourist attraction such as Khajuraho, Sanchi stupa,Upper lake, Bhimbeta and Pachmarhi. Apart from the above major attraction it also offers a wide range of flora and fauna,which includes the great cats, leopard, wild langur and other wild animals. The city of lakes Bhopal is the capital of the Madhya Pradesh and also counted as one of the greenest city in India. Indore ,Bhopal, Gwalior And Jabalpur are considered as the four metro cities of the state. Each city is famous for its unique culture and traditions, Indore is well famous for foods items.

Best Places to See in Madhya Pradesh:

Khajuraho: 

Most visited tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh is Khajuraho,The Fascinating Temples of Love in India. Temples of Khajuraho are well famous in the world for its erotic Sculptures. Its sculptured temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Among the temples of Khajuraho, The kandariya mahadeo temple is the largest and the grandest one, this is one of the most visited temple monuments in Madhya Pradesh.

Orchha: 

Orcha, one of the ancient city situated on the bank of river Betwa. This place is famous for Raja Ram Temple,Orchha Palace, Chhatris and various other historical monuments. The Bundelkhand region of India is one of the most beautiful and hidden wealth of Madhya Pradesh, apart from the photos of graceful monuments, one can also click the picture of beautiful woman carrying water pot on her head.

Sanchi Stupa: 

Sanchi is a small village in Raisen District. The Sanchi stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh built by Emperor Ashoka the Great in the third century BC. The Sanchi Stupa is one of the best preserved early stupas in central India, surrounded by a railing with four carved gateways facing all the four directions.

Bhimbetka: 

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are situated in the foothills of the Vindhya mountain range,near Raisen bhopal. Bhimbetka have a number of interesting paintings which depict the lives and times of the people who lived in the caves. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are a recognized world heritage site by UNESCO.

Bagh Caves: 

The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments situated on Vindhyas range in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. These are the Buddhist caves and a great architecture of Indian rock-cut architecture.

Bhojpur: 

It is very famous for temple of lord Shiva, situated near to Bhopal. The temple has the largest Shiva lingam in India. Bhojpur also has an unfinished Jain temple.

Omkareshwar: 

Omkareshwar,is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river,situated in Khandwa district. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva.The sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols “Om”. Omkareshwar is one of the sacred places in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Ujjain: 

Ujjain, one of the oldest city in India situated on the bank of Holy river Shipra. Ujjain is famous for Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake. Ujjain also host the biggest fair of India the Great “Kumbh mela“.

Scenic Beauty of Madhya Pradesh:

Mountain Ranges: 

The Beauty of Madhya Pradesh start from the Satpura mountain Ranges along with the scared river Narmada. The holy Narmada River, which runs east and west between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges is one of the biggest river in India. The hills and valleys of the Vindhyas mountain ranges in Madhya Pradesh are the most beautiful place to visit. Amarkantak is the meeting point of the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, with the Maikal Hills.

Hill Station: 

Pachmarhi,the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh,also known as “Satpura ki Rani” or The Queen of Satpura. Pachmarhi is famous for its peak Dhupgarh,dense forest,Pandav Caves, sunset point near Pachmarhi Lake and one of the most popular Bee waterfalls.

Rivers: 

The three of the great rivers of India, Narmada, Mahanadi and Son, are given birth into this hills. The Sacred River Narmada, which runs east and west between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. Narmada River makes the most famous waterfall of the state, Duandhar Falls in Bhedaghat, Jabalpur. Sardar Sarovar dam is biggest dam build on the Narmada river and its water reservoir Indira Sagar Reservoir is the biggest water Reservoir in India. There are also a number of natural preserves, including Amarkantak, Bagh Caves and The Marble Rocks at Bhedghat.

Forest: 

The forests in Madhya Pradesh are much richer than others forest of India. Forest of Madhya Pradesh are full of teak,sal trees and mixed forests at Amarkantak. Bamboo-bearing areas are also widely distributed in the state. Satpura forest is the most dense forest in Madhya Pradesh,which is home for a wide range of flora and fauna. These forest are the natural habitat of the Roaring cats,Grazing Mammals, most stunningly and beautiful birds, unique & dangerous reptiles.

Wildlife: 

Madhya Pradesh is home of a variety of wildlife animals. It has 9 National Parks, including Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park and Satpura National Park. Bandhavgarh National Park is the most famous wildlife Sanctuary and habitat for large number of Royal Bengal Tiger. The wildlife sanctuaries of M.P has diverse variety of flora and fauna, besides the tiger its offers Birding in Kanha National Park.

The list of attraction in Madhya Pradesh are huge, some of the other major attractions in Madhya Pradesh are The Chausat Yogini temple in Jabalpur,Sharda Mata temple Maiher,Tulja Bhavani Dewas, Chitrakoot, “the hill of many wonders” Gwalior & Chanderi fort and the last great Rajwada in Indore. Madhya Pradesh is dominated by the tribal village population, so it also offers a tribal tour in India.

Most Popular Winter Destinations of Himalayan States

Winter season is one of the best time to travel India to experience the breathtaking beauty of Snow Clad Mountains, frozen lakes of Himalaya and winter sports activities. The three Himalayan states Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand experience heavy snowfall during the winter season in India. Famous Winter Travel Destinations of these Himalayan states are Shimla, Gulmarg,Leh Ladakh and beautiful Nainital.

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Shimla

The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is bounded by famous Kullu and Mandi along with Kinnaur and Sirmaur. Shimla is one of the planned hill city in India and offers winter sports like Skating and Skiing. It is know for the Hindu goddess Kali temple,Kalka Shimla Railway and beautiful gardens.

Shimla in Winter

Kufri

Kufri is a small hill station near to Shimla and known for the most popular Ski track destination in Himachal Pradesh. Kufri is popular for its world’s highest go-kart track,Himalayan Wild Life Zoo and provides panoramic view of the beautiful locations around.

Skying at Kufri

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is famous hill station and most popular Winter Season Destinations in India. It is well know as best skiing destination,Snow-covered mountains Landscapes and Gulmarg Gondola, The second highest cable car in the world.

Gulmarg in Winter

Srinagar

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir but best know as one of the famous destination for winter season. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter and the whole Kashmir Valley get covered under a four inch blanket of snow. Srinagar is famous for its Dal lake, houseboats and gardens, During winter the famous Dal lake freezes and offers ice skating.

Dal Lake - Srinagar

Pahalgam

The beautiful Pahalgam is a town in in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the most popular tourist destination in India. Attractions of Pahalgam includes famous Betaab Valley,Amarnath Yatra,Horse riding and a hanging glacier called Kolohoi Glacier.

Winter in Pahalgam

Patnitop

Patnitop is hilltop place in in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir,situated in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas on National Highway 1A. It is famous as Paragliding destination but during the winter season it receives the heavy snowfall and offers scenic snow peak views along with snow sports including skiing and zorbing.

Patnitop in Winter

Manali

The small town is nested in the beautiful mountains and River Valley of Beas near the end of the Kullu Valley. Its a beautiful hill station receives heavy snow falls in the winter times and offers recreational activities like Mountain Biking, paragliding, skating and zorbing. World famous Rohtang Pass is 51 km from Manali connects Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in the Manali-Leh Highway.

Rohtang Pass - Manali

Dharamshala

Dharamshala is the winter city of Himachal Pradesh situated in the famous Kangra Valley. Its one of the most popular tourist destination of Himachal and home to the Dalai Lama along with the highest peak of the Dhauladhar range near to McLeod Ganj village.

Dharamshala in Winter

Auli

Auli is youngest winter destination in India and an important ski destination in the Himalayan mountains ranges of Uttarakhand. Auli offers Adventures Sports like Skiing,mountain climbing,valley crossing and Snowboarding along with breathtaking panoramic view of mountain peaks of Himalayas, the greatest mountain range in the world.

Famous Cable Car in Auli

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is known as the Queen of the Hills, situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges in the Dehradun District. Mussoorie offers fascinating hill views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges from an altitude of 1,880 metres (6,170 ft).

Mussoorie in Winter

Chopta

Chopta is beautiful hill station and also known as Mini Switzerland in Uttarakhand state. Chopta is home of Chandrashila Peak the Moon Rock and offers stunning view of great peak of Himalayan ranges Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

Chopta in Winter

Nainital

The most popular hill station of Uttarakhand situated at an altitude of 2,084 m (6,837 ft) at the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Nainital valley is surrounded by three mountains Naina,Deopatha and Ayarpatha with a pear-shaped lake. Famous places to visit in Nainital are Naini Devi Temple,Nainital Lake,Naini Peak and Snow View.

Snowfall in Nainital

Thanks

Moorea Island - French Polynesia - Tahiti

Moorea is a high island in French Polynesia located at 17 kms away from northwest of Tahiti. The island surrounded with spectacular beaches, coconut trees and mountains is the one of the popular honeymoon destinations for newly wedded couples from Europe and America. The magnificent beach resorts and the nature’s beauty of Moorea island are not just for newly wedded couples, but takes anyone into the romantic mood. 

Some of the fascinating pictures of Moorea beach resorts