If welcoming winter with a trip is high on your mind, this guide to the most amazing places to visit in November in India is just the thing for you. While the more adventurous ones, eager for some wintry time can head to the stunningly white (if snowfall graces it again)Manali, fun lovers can head to the sunny and welcoming Goa or Jodhpur. Varanasi, too, is a huge hit for that perfect winter trip in November. And, of course, you cannot forget Kerala, the God’s land. Down south, Hampi’s ruins and the very hippie things to do there are another lure. Bodh Gaya is, of course, a great getaway for those seeking spirituality.
Varanasi, by the Ganga ghats
There are many legends associated with the ancient city of Varanasi or Kashi. It is believed that the Hindu god Shiva and his consort Parvati lived here on the banks of the Ganga River. It was here that the rivers Varuna and Assi originated and locked a piece of land that flourished decidedly as a Hindu pilgrimage site, specifically as the holiest cremation spot to attain salvation. Till date, Manikarnika and Harishchand ghats see as many as 200 cremations a day. Beside the association of life and death on the ghats, Varanasi has a number of temples, the Buddhist pilgrimage Sarnath and the adjacent towns of Chunar andRamnagar as veritable sight seeing spots. Though one can spend weeks exploring the temples on the ghats
Jaisalmer, of Rajput tales and more
Sonar Kella, a Bengali movie set in the old city of Jaisalmer and its fort, was my first introduction to the city. I still remember the child-like excitement in me when I got the first glimpse of the place from the train and then from the railway station. It is this view and the camel safari that I recall the most about my first visit to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. During my successive visits, I got to know that there are many places to visit in Jaisalmer. A visit to this place is not just about various historical monuments scattered all over the city and camels. The beauty of this city, the thrill to live in the heart of the desert, the rare flora and fauna at DesertNational Park, the deserted villages and the stories attached to it, the beautiful temple complexes and most importantly, the love and warmth of the people are what brings me back to this place again and again. Winter months are the best months to be here, but it can be visited anytime between October and March when it is not very hot.
Kerala, of coconut groves and sunsets
Kerala’s backwaters—a network of natural waterways, lagoons and lakes—run parallel to its coast. The rich vegetation, biological diversity and gentle pace of village life in the backwaters leave an indelible impression on visitors. The Alappuzha-Kumarakom stretch is the most popular, but there are several other routes which offer quieter yet equally scenic experiences. The backwaters are synonymous with ‘kettuvallams’—houseboats designed like rice barges—but country canoes and public ferries are interesting options for those looking for some local flavour.
Gulmarg, build a snowman
The country’s premier, and possibly only bonafide ski resort town, Gulmarg and its pine-fringed meadows encircled by Mount Apharwat and surrounding snow-capped mountains have been part of popular culture and Bollywood since aeons. Even today, the ‘meadow of flowers,’ attracts droves of visitors in the summer who come here to ride in the world’s second highest cable car, play golf, and take hack rides to the glaciers at Khilanmarg and further up to Al Pather Lake. In the winter, Gulmarg transforms into a faux Alpine ski resort with its famed powder attracting extreme skiers from across the world. Gulmarg is a four hour drive from Srinagar.
Amritsar, beyond the Golden Temple
Amritsar is a famous tourist destination, which falls under north-west part of Punjab state in north India. It is also known as Ambarsar. Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru Ram Das, Amritsar has derived its name from Amrit Sarovar, amidst which stands the sacred shrine of Sikhism—the enchanting Golden Temple. Inextricably linked with the history of Sikhism, the city has a rich past encompassing various mythical and historical narratives for centuries. It is a city where one can still feel the vibes of patriotism. An evening witnessing the Indo-Pak grand ceremony at Wagah Border or walking through Jallianwala Bagh, which continues to be the most evocative monument of India’s freedom struggle, Amritsar surely preserves the heritage from pre-independent era. Undoubtedly, the city is amongst the most revered sites but somehow has been limited to few tourist attractions.
Hampi, ruins of a lost city
Hampi is a place like no other and so are the activities that you can indulge in when here. Test yourself at bouldering over the hills, ride a bicycle all across the village, row a coracle in the calm waters of River Tungabhadra, spot some Indian sloth bears or get blessed by an elephant—Hampi has a lot to keep you busy. Watching a sundowner across its famous temple ruins is, of course, a delight.
Manali, nothing like the Himalayas
From the snowy delights of Rohtang Pass to the soothing warmth of the surrounding thermal springs, there are several places to visit in Kullu Manali for nature lovers and thrill seekers. With its picturesque views of snow-clad mountains, river valleys, charming cafesand laidback vibe, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh is an immensely popular vacation spot with both domestic and foreign tourists. Its widespread appeal draws everyone fromadventure sport enthusiasts and vacationing families and honeymoon couples and hippie backpackers. Here are seven places you must visit during your holiday.
Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)
Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment