Things to do in Bhimtal (Uttarakhand)

Mainly known as a destination for day tours Bhimtal is a quiet and comparatively lesser known hillstation in the district of Nainital. We explore six things to do in Bhimtal, a destination rich in warmth, peace and experiences.

1. In and around Bhimtal

Bhimtal is most famous for the Bhimtal Lake, which is the largest lake in the district of Nainital. The placid wonders of this lake are best discovered by boat but a walk around the lake’s perimeter is also a nice and quiet way to explore the region. The cool breeze and an almost perennially pleasant weather ensure that people can start as well as end their day with lovely long walks. People can be seen strolling along the lake at the crack of dawn and then heading out for a well-deserved breakfast. On the lake’s island one can find an enchanting aquarium, which recently replaced Bhimtal’s famous but overcrowded restaurant. At the aquarium you can see many species of fish from all over the world.

bhimtal

2. Historic visit

The privately owned museum in Bhimtal is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region. Ancient artifacts, tools made of stone and objects of great historical value are on display at the musuem. You can also learn about traditional rites and rituals as well as see samples of the region’s rock art. Another great way of learning about the region is by interacting with homestay owners. As many locals have opened their homes to tourists, they have also provided outsiders the opportunity to experience the region in its most authentic and endearing form. Interacting with such hosts provides people with valuable insight into the local life and history. People here are filled with enchanting stories, which cannot be found in any institution of museum.

3. Trip to Nainital

Nainital is a popular hillstation located in Kumaon, which is famous for its innumerable activities and natural beauty. It is serene yet lively at the same time and has many activities for the whole family. Day tours from Bhimtal to Nainital are easily available and strongly recommended.

Trip_to_Nainital

4. Trip to Naukuchia Tal

Located at a height of over 1,200 meters is the beautiful and languid Lake Naukuchia tal. The lake is just 4 kilometers from Bhimtal and cabs can be hired on the spot for a day or half-day tour. Naukuchiatal is a haven for bird watchers as it attracts countless migratory birds from across the world.  Other activities like boating and trekking are also poular things to do.

5. The land of seven lakes

Saat Taal (Seven Lakes), which quite poetically is located just 7 kilometers from Bhimtal is another quiet place to enjoy a day tour. Saat Taal was named after its seven lakes. Two out of the seven original lakes have dried up but the remaining five are vey popular with tourists. The lakes are rich with fish and are frequented by fishing enthusiasts.

The-land-of-seven-lakes

6. Hills with the White Carpet

A short trip from Mallital will lead you the picturesque Snow View Point. The viewpoint is perched at 2270 meters above sea level and the journey can be undertaken by ropeway or on horseback. Both experiences have their own charm and once at the view point, visitors are greeted with panoramic vistas of majestic snow-clad mountains.

Let us know what would be top of your things to do in Bhimtal list.

Things to do in Bangalore

Bangalore is a young city but one that boasts a rich history. This paradox is reflected in many aspects of India’s Silicon Valley. We explore things to do in Bangalore to ensure you get a complete experience o fall it’s contrasts.

1. Hop on. Hop off

Cheap and comprehensive tours of the city are offered by KSTDC. These half-day and full-day tours cover Bangalore’s most important landmarks. Another full day tour called Bangalore Rounds is available to tourists for Rs. 250. But for people who prefer to have a more spontaneous tour of the city private cabs are readily available. All homestays can arrange such rides for a reasonable price with a guarantee of safety and efficient service.

Hop-on-in-bangalore

2. Tour of temples

There are innumerable revered temples in Bangalore, prime amongst them are temples like the Bull Temple, which is built in Dravidian architecture. It is famous for the enormous statue of a bull that’s carved from one massive boulder. Located in Rajajinagar and in the midst of picturesque surroundings is the ISKCON Temple. The Krishna temple also serves as an important centre of vedic and spiritual learning.

Tour-of-temples-in-bangalore

3. Houses of meditation and spirituality

Bangalore is the hub of the Art of Living foundation. Their ashram attracts countless people from all across the world just like The Ramakrishna Ashram, located in Gandhi Bazaar. It is a vast sanctuary, which exudes peace and tranquillity. The Maha Bodhi Society Temple is another famous site for peace-seekers and meditation. The temple’s main shrine is a replica of Bodh Gaya’s revered stupa and houses precious Buddhist literature.

4. Monuments and historic sites

Bangalore is filled with examples of great architecture and rich history. Foremost amongst such sites are Bangalore’s Vidhana Sabha (The State’s Legislative House), Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Palace. The Bangalore Palace was built by Mysore’s Maharajahs and was only recently opened to the public. The Palace has suffered due to years of neglect which is very evident. In contrast, we have Tipu Sultan’s Palace, which is over 220 years old and served as a lavish summer retreat for the king.

Monuments-and-historic-sites-bangalore

5. For the family

Cubbon Park is an enormous green oasis, which is spread in over 300 acres. It serves as a lovely picnic spot and has many recreation activities such as a children’s park, a toy train, a theatre and much more. Lal Bagh is another place where a family outing can be hosted. Built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, the sprawling garden is considered the most charming and romantic in the country. It has lovely lotus ponds, fountains, glass houses and historic stone formations. A recent addition to the city is the Lumbini Garden. Located along the Nagvara Lake, the park offers enjoyable activities such as boating, a wave pool and a children’s park. In Bangalore, one will also find the Wonder La Amusement Park, India’s largest amusement and water park. The park is home to many thrill and water rides as well as rain dance sections. Fire crackers and laser light shows in evening are a delight to watch.

For-the-family-in-bangalore

6. Wildlife watch

The Bannerghatta National Park is a sanctuary where one can find wild animals like migrating elephants, bison, wild boar and if one is extremely lucky, the elusive leopard. The sanctuary is a refuge for rescued animals and also houses a crocodile farm and a butterfly park.

Wildlife-watch-bangalore

7. Nightcrawl

Bangalore is a young city and pubs, restaurants etc have become an integral part of its nightlife. Many upcoming local bands make their debut at the local pubs many of which are famous patrons of live music. Staying at a local homestay will help enormously in finding the latest, happening hotspot of activity.

Nightcrawl-in-bnagalore

Punjab travel guide: Things to do and see

Punjab is one of the most lively parts of India and has a population that truly believes in living the good life. From music to food and from clothes to cars, everything about the state is loud, proud and rich. There are plenty of interesting facts and things for visitors to do. We pick out some of the highlights in our Punjab travel guide discovering off-beat things to do, farming, cooking, colours, festivals, and great pujabi people

1. Join the celebrations:

Punjabis love to share their joy and celebrate every important moment of life. No wonder, they celebrate festivals with great zest and revelry. One of their most important festivals is Baisakhi. This marks the Punjabi New Year and is celebrated with lots of music, dancing and feasts. It falls on the 13th of April, every year. Another important regional festival is Basant Panchami, which is celebrated in February or March to welcome spring. Kite flying is an integral part of the festival and people are dressed in bright yellow, which signifies joy and a golden harvest.

Baisakhi

2. Eat to your heart’s content: 

Punjab is filled with fertile fields and people here love to eat. Feasts are a big a part of every celebration and the state’s most famous dish is “makke ki roti and sarso ka saag” which is topped off with a giant glass of lassi. In big cities like Chandigarh and Amritsar you can find many international food chains but nothing beats the local cuisine of Punjab. If you are staying with a homestay take a cookery lesson to learn first hand how to make some of the local delicacies.

3. Visit the Golden Temple: 

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is one of the most famous gurudwaras in the world. The temple is visited by millions of people and people from all backgrounds volunteer to serve guests of the temple as well as the needy. It is one of the most beautiful gurudwaras in India and no trip to Punjab is complete without visiting it.

Golden Temple

4. Jallianwalla bagh: 

Jallianwalla bagh was where the massacre of 13th April 1919 took place. On that day 1000s of peaceful protestors, including women and children, were gunned down by the British army. Remnants of the horrific day are preserved at the protected site.

5. Wagah Border: 

This border separates India from Pakistan and is for the Beating of the Retreat ceremony. The ceremony is a wildly exaggerated show of strength from both sides. The ceremony starts at sunset and the audience participates enthusiastically with music and dance. The Wagah border is located 29 kms from Amritsar and tours combining a trip here with a visit to the Golden Temple can easily be arranged.

Wagah Border

6. Sheesh Mahal: 

Located in Hoshiarpur is the Sheesh Mahal or Glass Palace. This palace was built in 1911 and is home to many valuable pieces of art and history. Some of them are depictions of King George V’s coronation ceremony, statues of various deities, and even life-size statues of King George V, Queen Victoria and their courtiers.

7. Fatehgarh Sahib: 

This is a sacred town located about 50 kms from Patiala. There is a famous gurudwara here which honours the victory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur over Sirhind. The town has four memorial gates that stand as tributes to four important people from the Sikh history associated with Sirhind. Other than historical and religious value, the town’s natural beauty attracts visitors from all over.

Fatehgarh Sahib

8. Chandigarh: 

Chandigarh serves as a capital to both Haryana and Punjab. It is a city with a big heart and is constantly buzzing with activity and music. The most popular places to see here are the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. Rock Garden is a 40 acre park which was founded in 1957. It’s famous for sculptures made of recycled material like broken glass, bangles, ceramics and plastic bottles. The garden is located near the Sukhna Lake, which is a manmade Lake. It is a popular place for locals to enjoy a morning or evening walk.

9. Farming: 

Punjab is an agriculturally oriented state. This is particularly true of Punjab’s hinterland where most families own acres of fertile fields and farmhouses. You can stay in a farmhouse-style homestays and participate in daily chores like farming, milking cows and churning the butter and more.

Punjab travel guide:

Punjab-farming

Interesting facts

• Sukhna Lake was such a beloved part of the city that Pierre Jeanneret, who was one of Chandigarh’s planners asked for ashes to be immersed in the lake.
• Chandigarh was india’s first planned city.
• On the festival of Hola Muhalla in 2009, the Sikh community created a world record by achieving highest number blood donations made in a single day.
• Recent archaeological excavations revealed that punjab’s history can be traced as far back as the Indus Valley Civilisation.