Jammu & Kashmir Tourism: Things to do in Srinagar

Srinagar, the capital of the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its lakes and houseboats. There are plenty of sights to take in and things to do and it is also a great place to shop for Kashmiri handicrafts. Our Srinagar tourism guide lists the highlights.

1. Bird watching at Hokersar

This wetland attracts thousands of migratory birds during winters from Siberia and Central Asia. This is an important natural refuge for rare breeds that use it for wintering and breeding. It is located 14 kilometres from Srinagar. Birds that are most prominent here are geese, Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon.

Ducks at Dal Lake, Srinagar

2. Houseboat and shikara ride

These are the most famous symbols of the city and tourists come from far and wide to spend a few hours cruising on the lake. Those who have time for a longer stay can rent houseboats. The Dal lake is the ideal place to enjoy this activity. In the off season a shikara ride costs about Rs. 150 but in the peak season the price can go up to Rs. 500.

House Boat on Dal Lake

3. Gardens

Mughal emperors created many gardens in the city. Prime amongst them are the Mughal Gardens, Chasm-e-Shahi, and the Nishat and Shalimar Bagh. The Tulip Gardens is a recent addition to the city and is dedicated to tulips of various colours.

Sunset over the terraces of the Nishat Bagh Mughal gardens

4. Hazratbal Mosque

This pure white mosque is very serene and beautiful. It is one of the most important mosques in Srinagar and is highly revered. Much like other mosques, only the outer area is open for women to enter. The nearby market is a good place to enjoy local food.

Hazratbal Shrine from the West Gate

5. Roza Bal

In Khanyar is the Dastgir Saheb mosque and shrine. It also known as Roza Bal and is said to be the tomb of Jesus Christ. The belief is that Jesus survived crucifixion, came to Kashmir and lived here till he was at least 100 years old. The belief isn’t backed by many scholars but it was the foundation of books such as ‘Jesus Lived in India’ by Holger Kersten.

Colourful festival decorations

6. Festivals

Srinagar’s major festivals are the three Eids, Navroz, Urs and Ramzan. Eid is celebrated thrice a year. One is meethi Eid, which is a family fare, the other is Muharram where people flog themselves in the street and the last is Bakra Eid where a goat is sacrificed in every Muslim home. Navroz is a 9-day festival which is celebrated in March or April with feasts, new clothes and prayers. Urs is typical to Kashmir. It is held at the shrines of Muslim saints on their death anniversaries. It is also celebrated by some Hindus and Sikhs. Ramzan is a month of hard fasting and during Ramzan Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to dusk.

7. Shankaracharya Mandir

This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is perched on a hilltop. It’s not usually crowded as Srinagar no longer has a significant Hindu population but is a popular site with visitors. Cameras and cellphones should be left behind as they aren’t allowed inside.

Practical information:

•     The climatic conditions in Srinagar are mostly alpine. Srinagar is best visited during summers between the months of April and June.
•     The domestic airport in Srinagar is located at a distance of 14 kms from the city and operates regular flights to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
•     The nearest railway station from Srinagar is at Jammu Tawi, about 293 kms from the city. Jammu station has excellent rail connections with almost all major cities of India. Once you reach Jammu station, board a bus or hire a car / taxi to proceed on a 12-hr journey to Srinagar

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism: Dachigam National Park

The Northern most state of India is by far one of the most mesmerising in terms of its natural wonders. A mixture of of cold desert, verdant hills and the Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir is truly a travellers delight.

Amongst many other things to see in J & K, try the Dachigam National Park, just 22 kilometres from Srinagar, the capital of the state.

Dachigam-National-Park-location

Spanning a lifetime of over 100 years and an impressive coverage of 141 sq kms, Dachigam can be translated into meaning ‘ten villages’. With the mighty Himalayas as the backdrop of the National Park, the park is not only rich in flora and fauna but also makes a great place to just take in the varied landscapes of the region.

Sarband-kashmir

The terrain of the park ranges from grasslands to cliffs, making it uneven and exciting to traverse. Even amongst the flora, the forest is a mix of coniferous trees and grassy meadows. The forest opens out into the famous Marsar Lake which is the starting point of the Dagwan River. The river flows through a large part of the forest and is famous for its population of trout.

Formosan-Black-Bear

Wildlife: 

Where animal sightings are concerned, be prepared to look out for the famous endangered Hangul, or Kashmir stag. The Himalayan black bear, grey langur, weasel, jungle cat, musk deer, the elusive leopard, fox, marmot and musk deer are seen in plenty. The park also has a notable population of birds.

Moschustier

The national park makes for a good weekend getaway or day trip from Srinagar. It also gives you the opportunity to see the wide array of natural delights in the region without having to travel a large distance. Great for photography and wildlife enthusiasts, this is highly recommended. Try and explore this wonderful National Park on foot with a guide to get the best experience.

Timings: 

The Park is opened between 5.30 a.m to 6.30 p.m.

Fees: 

There are no fees to enter the park. However, the rules are subject to change, so please find out earlier.

Best Season: 

Dachigam cannot be visited during the winters due to heavy snow and windy climate. The best time to go is during the summers.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism: Shopping in Agra

In Agra visitors focus on seeing the main attractions, the grand Taj Mahal and it’s adjoining monuments are the definite highlights of the city. However, Agra is also a good place to also take out some time to hit the shops. A whole variety of souvenirs can be found, from street stalls to large emporiums. Here is our guide to help you plan where to shop in Agra.

Outside the Taj Mahal for Marble Inlay Work 

The famous inlay work on table tops and other parts for home furnishings hard goods are popular with travellers from around the world. The East gate of the Taj opens out into a row of shops which specialize in this work. A variety of quality and prices can be found here depending on your budget. The good part is that since these marble prices are heavy, the shop owners ship it to your address at an additional cost. With some disappointing experiences, it’s wise to hold some payment for these till you receive the shipment. Kalakriti is one of the known shops for this. They may be slightly over priced but are known for the variety and reliability. They also have interesting jewellery options and carpets. A one stop shop if you may want to call it that!

Marble-Carving-in-Agra

Sadar Bazaar for Shoes 

Agra is famous for its traditional leather handicrafts and shoes. The narrow winding streets of Sadar Bazaar not only provide the perfect exploratory backdrop for a shopper but also great bargains. Lose any inhibition to bargain here as the prices are inflated. Belle shoes and flip flops are available here in many colourful designs and price ranges. Ensure that you take a rickshaw and not try and get your car here.

Sadar-Bazaar-for-Shoes

Street Sellers for Perfume

The one thing you will definitely find on the go is a small perfume bottle. Many local sellers carry these on them and will meet you on the streets and also restaurants. The bottles do not cost more than Rs 100/- so do not pay more than that. These are small but very potent and not everyone has an instant liking to them. A drop is enough to last for a month.

Perfume-Seller-Agra

Taj Mahal Replicas Everywhere!

One of Agra’s most popular souvenirs these will be in your face everywhere! Proactive sellers will walk up to and try and give you a replica for posterity. Be aware that all of these are not made from pure marble. Most of them will be made from alabaster and therefore deserve alabaster prices!

Tajmahal-Replica

Malls in Agra for Shopping, Leisure and Entertainment

There are a few malls in Agra but they are largely for local consumption. As a traveller your shopping experience might be more enjoyable in the bustling markets and not showroom lined malls but Agra is home to several large fully air conditioned shopping malls equipped with modern facilities such as a multiplex, variety of well known shops and numerous eating options in the food courts. Your options include:

• TDI Mall, Plot No-3-D, Taj Mahal Road
• Ashok Cosmos Mall, 119-120/8, Sanjay Place
• Pacific Taj Mall, Plot No. 3E,Taj Nagari Scheme, Phase-I, Fatehbad Road

TDI-Agra

Government Emporiums for Fixed Prices 

If you are worried about haggling at local markets and prefer a ‘fixed price’ style of shopping then visit the government emporiums in Agra. Popular options include purchasing carpets and artwork. You may be able to get a discount for purchasing multiple items.

• Gangotri, U.P. Govt. Handicrafts Emporium, Taj Mahal Complex
• U.P. Handloom, Sanjay Place, Hari Parbat, M.G. Road
• UPICA, Sanjay Place, Hari Parbat, M.G. Road
• U.P. Handicraft Palace, Fatehabad Road

West Bengal Tourism: Things to do in Darjeeling

Kanchendzonga, clouds, fragrant cups of tea and sumptuous food. Head to Darjeeling and live in the clouds for a while, literally.

Darjeeling-Valley-View

This quaint hill station is located about 2150m above sea level and clouds tend to come down often enveloping you. The British loved the misty, mild-to-chilly climate of Darjeeling. So much so that they annexed it from Nepal and made it into their own special summer retreat to escape the heat of the plains. Among other things, they set up the tea plantations that today are responsible for the world-famous Darjeeling tea.

Here’s a list of things to do in Darjeeling:

1. Take a tea tour

Take a tea estate tour or stay on a plantation. On a tea tour, you will get to see what goes into making that perfect cuppa – you will go tea plucking with workers, get a round of the factory where leaves are processed and indulge in tea tasting.

Darjeeling-Tea-Gardens

The delicate flavour of Darjeeling tea is dependent on the climate and environment and the flavour and aroma of tea differs from hillside to hillside. Recommended is a tour of the Makaibari estate. Founded in the late 1850s, its tea fetches some of the highest prices in the world.

2. Visit a monastery

You can also go on a monastery tour. Darjeeling has several beautiful monasteries and temples. The Ghum Monastery (situated 8 km from Darjeeling in the town of Ghum) follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It has a 15ft statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Darjeeling-Flags-at-Monastery

The Bhutia Busty monastery is in Darjeeling town, near Chowrasta. It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas and is credited with the origin of the name of the town, Darjeeling. The monastery used to be known as Dorje Ling and was originally located on Observatory Hill before the Nepalese destroyed it in 1815. It was later rebuilt on the present site. A must-see at the monasteries are the gorgeous wall murals made with colours derived from powdered stones.

3. Take a walk around town

Take some time to go for long walks around town. Get to know Darjeeling up close – take a guided tour with the folks at Darjeeling Heritage Walks. They’ll show you a Darjeeling that very few people get to see. You may find yourself taking part in prayer ceremonies at a Tibetan monastery, sipping hot cups of butter tea, meeting legendary sherpas, sampling the best local foods, visiting lesser-known treasures like Crookety, Russian artist Nicholas Roerich’s house in nearby Kalimpong, or being regaled with real-life stories from Darjeeling about Afghan princes and spies in monks’ clothing that will put a Bond thriller to shame.

4. View mountain peaks

Play a game of hide ‘n seek with the Kanchendzonga, the third-highest peak in the world. It is right there behind the mist, its snow-capped proximity like an invisible presence.

Kanchenjunga-Range-from-Darjeeling

Sometimes it can remain resolutely, tantalisingly hidden. And then, sometimes you get lucky as the clouds lift like a theatre curtain. “Sometimes a tourist has waited 22 days and then been obliged to go away without a sight of it,” wrote Mark Twain from Darjeeling in 1896.
Tiger Hill is best known for the view of the dazzling sunrise over Kanchenjunga. On a clear day you can even see Mt Everest from here.

5. Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Take a ride on the Lilliputian Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a 60 cm narrow-gauge railway that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 becoming only the second railway in the world to have this honour. It goes up to a height of 2,286 metres.

Batasia_Loop_of_Darjeeling_Himalayan_Railway

Mark Twain described his trip on the railway in 1896 as “the most enjoyable day I have spent on the earth”. Among much-repeated stories about the DHR, one goes like this: A telegram sent from the line to headquarters in Calcutta during Mark Twain’s time allegedly said: “Tiger eating station master on front porch. Telegraph instructions.” Check out the website of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society which has more than 800 members in 24 countries.

6. Go book shopping

Browse and pick up a book on Darjeeling at Oxford Book & Stationery in Chowrasta. This specialises in books on Darjeeling, Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and the Himalayas.

7. Buy tea, tea sets and Himalayan honey

Sit down with your book and a cup of Darjeeling tea and watch the sunset at Nathmulls Lounge in Chowrasta. They are the oldest and the largest tea merchants here specializing in Darjeeling tea and source over 50 varieties of tea both from tea auction as well as directly from tea estates. They also stock an amazing variety of tea pots from miniature enamelled ones to intricately carved silver tea sets.

Darjeeling-Tea

Pick up some excellent Himalayan Honey at the lovely little shop Life & Leaf on Chowrasta. They work with small farmers and local artisans and sell a variety of products. They stock tea sourced directly from farmers as opposed to the other shops that sell tea by the big companies. The advantage? Part of the profits is channelled back to farmers. They also stock bamboo products, earthenware, woven stoles and embroidered tea cosies and mats.

Hang out at the uber cool Gatty’s Café in the evenings and listen to some of the best live music India has to offer. Darjeeling is known for its music and local talent.

Interesting facts about Darjeeling

• Darjeeling derives its name from Tibetan words ‘dorjé’ (thunderbolt) and ‘ling’ (place), and translates to Land of the Thunderbolt.
• Nestled in the Mahabharat Range (or Lesser Himalayas) at an elevation of 6,710 ft, the town was taken from Nepal by the British in the mid-19th century and, because of its temperate climate, used as a sanatorium to escape the heat of the plains.
• The man credited with building Darjeeling is Arthur Campbell, a surgeon with the East India Company.
• The British gradually set up tea plantations and developed distinctive hybrids of black tea, created new fermenting techniques. Today Darjeeling tea is known as the champagne of teas.
• Writer Mark Twain was 61 years of age when he came here in February, 1896. And became a huge fan. Here’s what he said of the town: “The one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once even by a glimpse would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the world combined”.