India Hidden Secret: Explore caves in India

For millennia people have been drawn to the dark, silent and often mysterious spaces under the earth. Caves offer all sorts of natural beauty, exotic man-made carvings and well preserved historical artefacts. Thanks to excavations and explorers there are several caves in India open for visitors to explore. Escape the hustle and bustle of the surface for a while and add one of these quiet and remarkable spots to your sightseeing itinerary.

Here are our top five cave locations in India.

1. Ajanta & Ellora Caves 

One of the most popular destinations for exotic carvings and a easy weekend access, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are situated a distance of 350 kms from Mumbai in Aurangabad. Dated between a span of 2nd century BC and 11th Century AD, they are a mix of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist carvings. There are about 34 caves at Ellora and 20 at Ajanta.

Outside-Ajanta-caves

If you cannot take out time for these, make a day trip from Mumbai to the Elephanta Caves. The magnificent sculptures from 450 and 750 AD are worth a trip.

• Opening times for Ajanta & Ellora: 9.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m (Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday & Ellora on Tuesday)
• Entry Fees: Rs 5/- for Indian Nations and $5 for Foreign Nationals.
• Opening times for Elephanta Caves: 9.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m (Closed on Mondays)
• Entry Fee: Rs 5/- for Indian Nationals and $5 for Foreign Nationals. (Free for children under 15 years of age)

Inside-Ajanta-caves

2. Badami Caves of Karnataka

There are very few temples or religious destinations in India where you will find patronage to both Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Badami caves in North Karnataka are a pantheon dedicated to both these Hindu Gods. While the large part of these caves is dedicated to Hindu Gods, there is one small Jain temple as well. The caves are located on a hill top with 200 steps – Be prepared to be enthralled after the short climb.

Badami-Caves-view

• Opening times: Dawn to Dusk
• Entry Fee: Rs 5/- for Indian & SAARC Country Nationals and $5 for Foreign Nationals. (Free for children under 15 years of age)

3. Tabo in Spiti 

Meditation caves, quite appropriately tucked away on rocky ridges, still exist in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. These are hand dug caves, where Buddhist Lamas still go and sit in solitude. You can explore and walk in (if caves are not occupied) to get a feel of austere living.

Tabo-Cave-Spiti

4. Meghalaya Caves 

The lush North eastern state of Meghalaya is also known for many caves in the region. It is said that there are over 1200 caves in the state which are suited for adventure activities. While these are breathtaking, they are also very wet inside and should only be visited with guides.

Waterfall-outside-Caves-Meghalaya

The major caves are found in the Khasi Hills including the famous Krem Mawkhyrdop.

Mawsmai Cave in the village of Mawsmai has impressive formations of large passages and chambers with amphitheatre-like halls and endless galleys with plenty of stunning stalagmite and stalactite formations.

5. Pallava Caves

Heading south to Tamil Nadu, the Pallava Caves are a famous sight-seeing spot in the town of Trichy. These small rock cut caves were made next to the Rock Fort Temple and house beautiful sculptures. These are said to be built in 6th and 7th Centuries.

Caves-Around-Rock-Fort

• Opening times: 6.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m
• Entry Fee: Rs. 0.50 (Rs 10/- is charged for cameras)

Inside-Pallava-Caves

For all of the caves listed above, it is suggested to check timings and entry fee as they are subject to change.

Beaches in India: Finding the best beach in India

With its vast coastline India has a wide array of spectacular palm lined beaches which attract travellers from all over the world. Finding the best beach in India is no easy task; there are so many to choose from! The best beach in India for you will depend on what you want, from quiet solitude to a party type atmosphere. We’ve been hunting down the best beaches whatever your preference.

Best-Beaches-INDiA

We’ve done a round up of our favorite beaches which we have covered in our Indian beach series.

Alleppey Beach, Kerala

Alleppey beach is a popular spot with old colonial buildings lining the shore. Also known as Alappuzha beach there are good facilities and interesting sights.

Alleppey-Beach-Kerala

Baga beach, Goa

Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. It’s almost always crowded but it is clean, safe and family friendly with a lively night life when the sun goes down.

Baga-Beach-Goa

Colva Beach, Goa

The long white sandy stretch of Colva Beach in Goa is very popular. The sand at Colva as compared to other parts of Goa is exceptionally soft. Colva stretches over a large expanse and hence accommodates two distinct parts – one which is isolated where you can find a lone spot quite easily, and the other which is bustling with locals and tourists enjoying water sports.

Colva-Beach-Goa

East Coast Beaches

While the west coast beaches might be amongst the most popular there are plenty of fantastic beach spots on the east coast too. Pondicherry, Gopalpur and the Chennai beaches Marina and Besant Nagar beach are worth a visit.

East-Coast-Beach

Fort Kochi Beach

Kerala is known for its extraordinary coastal delights and the Jewish influenced town of Fort Kochi provides a pleasant mix of beach fun and history. Not the best beach for swimming or sunbathing, but instead soak in the atmosphere, watch the fishermen at the famous Chinese fishing nets and enjoy some top quality local seafood.

Fort-Kochi-Beach

Gokarna beaches, Karnataka

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in Karnataka. There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine.

Gokarna-Beach-Karnataka

Kashid beach, Maharashtra

Kashid beach tops the list of beaches in India for people looking for silence and calm environment. Kashid beach is popular with a rock less shore and kilometres of soft sand. The entire spread is white and clear of any stones, rough patches or rocky areas. Some beach areas are almost deserted offering you the opportunity to have your own private paradise.

Kashid-Beach-Maharashtra

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam beach, located in the southern state of Kerala, is popular for it’s diverse attractions. The 4-km beach is just six kilometers from state’s capital, Trivandrum and it’s three curved beaches are lined by towering coconut trees. The beach can be quite busy and there is a good selection of restaurants and shops.

Kovalam-Beach-Kerala

Marari Beach in Kerala

Marari beach is a relatively low profile but wonderful sandy stretch between Fort Kochi and Alleppey. This stretch of the Kerala coast is great for just relaxing and doing nothing.

Marari-Beach-Kerala

Palolem beach, Goa

Palolem beach is one of those Goan beaches, which the average traveller has probably never heard about. But that is the best part about it. It has all of Goa’s beauty but none of its commercialisation. The area is mainly occupied local fishermen and a handful of solitude loving tourists. It is a swimmer-friendly beach, which stretches out for over 1.5 kms. The depth of the sea increases gradually and the currents are not fast.

Palolem-Beach-Goa

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala beach is known not just for its scenic beauty but also religious value. Also called Papanasam beach it is believed a dip in these waters can wash away your sins. Varkala beach is a calm, clean and quiet place to swim, unwind and get a golden tan. But activities like paragliding can also be enjoyed here for the more adventurous.

Varkala-Beach-Kerala

Karnataka Toursim: Gokarna Beaches

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in the middle of Goa and Karnataka. In many ways it has the best of Goa’s beauty without its gnarly drunkenness. Here is all you need to know about this lovely, laidback town.

Kudle-beach-Gokarna

BEACHES

There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach (pictured above), Om Beach (pictured below), Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine. Walking is the most common way of getting around. However, auto-rickshaws between the popular beaches are also available. Currents change on a day to day basis, sometimes making the waters too dangerous for a swim.

Om beach at Gokarna

FESTIVAL

Gokarna is most crowded during Shivaratri (February/March) when up to 20,000 pilgrims invade the small beach town. The 4-day festival involves large scale celebrations wherein two mammoth chariots are pulled across the main town.

THINGS TO DO

Most visitors will be there to spend time on the beautiful beaches to the south. Enjoy the sea and the views from the beach cafes or play volleyball on the sand. The beaches are clean, but ask locally about swimming, as currents can be strong.

Beach-ball-at-Gokarna-Beach

GETTING THERE

The nearest airport is in Goa. From Margao, which is 125 kms away one can take a train or a pre-booked taxi. With advance booking taxis or trains can also be taken from Mangalore or Bangalore, which are 225 km and 475 km away respectively.

Boat-Resting

EAT AND DRINK

Sea food is freely available. Thalis are fabulously inexpensive. The Namaste Cafe on Om Beach serves good Mexican, Israeli and Indian food. Restaurants are not allowed to serve hard liquor. Hence, beer is usually the only option.

Souvenirs From India

India is not only breathtaking but offers a vast variety of experiences and places and you will definitely want some mementos of your trip. Choosing which souvenirs from India to take home is a hard choice as baggage space is always a limitation for travelers. Here are our suggestions of some essential and some original souvenirs from the length and breadth of the country, depending on where your meandering feet might land. The suggestions are given based on the weight, size, authentic representation of the destination and some amount of cultural context. Shower your loved ones back home with a taste of India!

Prayer-flags-souvenirs-from-India

North India

Starting from the very North of the country, Jammu & Kashmir harbours a hidden pride in its valleys – Ladakh. The spirit of Ladakh is embodied in the fluttering prayer flags which hang in every nook and corner to spread the blessings with the wind. Grab a small roll of these to remember the gentle and non overwhelming demeanour of Tibetans in this region. If you have some space, pashmina shawls and stoles would also be a good choice. You are sure to land in Delhi if visiting the North. There will be a plethora of choices here, kitsch bric-a- bracs from the Hauz Khas market are something you could look at. For those who want to visit only one place, Dilli Haat in south-central Delhi will give an opportunity to pick a souvenir from states around the country.

Fabric-souvenirs-from-India

West India

Veering towards the western region, Rajasthan is a marvellous destination for shopping. Silver jewellery, funky slippers, and tie & dye fabric is the best in the country. Goa and Mumbai have their own set of curios, the most famous of which is a nice pack of cashews from Goa. In Mumbai, look out for some Bollywood inspired memorabilia. The street markets of Mumbai in turn are great for ethnic artificial jewellery which befits dresses for an evening out. The women are likely to spend a lot of time here – spending, and more importantly sprucing up their bargaining skills.

Handcraft-toys-artifacts-souvenirs-from-India

South India

South of India is a treasure where knick-knacks are concerned. If in Bangalore, don’t forget to pick up the unique Channapatna toys from Cauvery Shopping Emporium in the heart of the city. Mysore Silk is extremely famous, so picking up some light stoles will be a good idea. If you have taken fancy to the sari, then both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are great to pick up unique designs in both cotton and silk. Infact the whole of South India has regional delights where weaving skills are concerned. If heading towards Kerala, objects made of coconut husk, small replicas of the Snake Boats, Kerala Saris and Aranmula metal mirrors do not take up much space.

East India

Ethnic hunting spears & knives and prayer wheels lie ironically together in the Eastern Markets of the country. Bright red and black coloured Naga Shawls work really well as wall hangings too. Handier to carry back, are the small prayer wheels that a lot of locals use while chanting. The eastern states like West Bengal, Nagaland, Sikkim and Assam are famous for their own special weaving designs. Small bags, exclusive tribal jewellery and Hornbill pins are available everywhere.

Naga-shawl-souvenirs-from-India

Bargaining

It is difficult to assess the cost of an item if traveling alone. It’s best to get some local advice on this matter. Bargaining is rampant in India, so start with bringing down the cost by at least 40%. Based on your awe and desire for the souvenir, relent when needed. For small bric-a-bracs like key-chains and artificial jewellery you will not find too much scope to bargain.

Bangles-souvenirs-from-India

The list of things to carry back home may exceed your baggage space, so limit that urge to pick up bright and beautiful bread spreads, heavy antiques and shawls. Although if finances allow you might like to ship some back home as you are bound to get great deals in India.

If not for the souvenirs, just enjoy the thrill of shopping in the bustling streets of an Indian market. The colours, smell and noise add to the charm of jostling your way around and getting a good bargain! Moreover if you are able to transport yourself back to this fabulous country after your trip through your souvenirs, it will be a job well done.