The 7 best Christmas Markets in The World

Ever fancied a romantic walk on a city with snow-covered roofs and avenues that are bustling with charm and traditional food? It's also where you may find the best 'Christmassy' markets that make for a holiday goer's delight.

Salzburg, Austria

Scent of mulled wine and stalls with traditional Christmas knick-knacks, the Salzburg Christmas market is one of the most popular haunts. Said to go back as far as the 15th century, it's located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress. The Oberndorf Christmas Market, a village north of Salzburg, is where the world's favourite Christmas carol, "Silent Night", was written.

Cologne, Germany

The Gesrman city offers eight Christmas markets with wooden pavilions that offer mulled wine and traditional foods - bratwurst, yeast dumplings with jam and vanilla sauce, crepes and chocolate. The city's Floating Christmas Market on the River Rhine has culinary fare from all over the world and there are choir performances in the City Hall.

Covent Garden, UK

This one's a visual fantasy! With striking light installations and giant chandeliers, the whole area around the Covent Garden Piazza and Market Building is stunning. There are live performances and events, Yuletide treats and cake-making workshops.

Prague, Czech Republic

Fairytale-like spires, cobbled streets, charming avenues, and stalls make for a pretty picture in this quaint city. A must buy are the bohemian-style jewellery and Trdelnik - the Czech

Strasbourg, France

This one has been held around the town's cathedral way back since 1570 and is the oldest in France. There are several different markets here with chalets selling everything from figurines to foods.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Set in the Tivoli Gardens, this market is almost like a winter wonderland with its lights and decorations, the concerts and the pantomime and ballet performances. There's kiddie fun in store too, with an ancient rollercoaster and pony rides.

Manchester, England

The chalet-lined streets here are packed with yuletide spirit - savoury treats and gifts like crafts and jewellry. You can sip on some hot chocolate as you wander about the stalls that sell home made wares in Albert Square. A charming, bustling atmosphere all right!

Crossworld Holidays gives the best Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

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Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
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Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

Cold Vacations That Will Warm Your Soul

Gulmarg, India

For an Indian destination that’s breathtakingly beautiful and also a hub for winter sports, Gulmarg—at the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley—is undoubtedly heaven on earth. In the winter months it exudes a charm few other places do. Owing to its location, Gulmarg gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Himalayas, and has earned the distinction as the best ski resort in the country. So once you've feasted your eyes on all the beauty, immerse yourself in some activity by hitting the slopes. Catering to both beginners and professionals, skiing here can be one of the most powerful experiences (ski season starts mid December and lasts till the beginning of April). If skiing isn’t your thing, try sledging or snowboarding; and if you’re just there for the beauty, a cable-car ride affords you stunning views and a bird’s eye view of the snow-covered mountain slopes.

Budapest, Hungary

While most tourists avoid making a trip to Budapest during the winter months, a dash of snow only enhances the city’s beauty, making it one of the best winter destinations in Europe. The biggest perk of visiting during the winter months, is the lack of tourists—with the city devoid of visitors, you can have it all to yourself—which will allow you to take in its many offerings at a more leisurely pace. One of the things Budapest is most famous for it’s thermal baths, and what better time to take a dip, than at the peak of the chilly season (imagine soaking in a steaming pool of healing water while watching the snow come down). Those who prefer to pack in a spot of activity can go skating on Városliget (Europe’s largest pond).

Nagano, Japan

Having first appeared on the global map after hosting the Winter Olympics, Nagano is today hailed as one of the premier ski destinations in the world, and although that might be the city’s claim to fame, there’s lots more to do for those who’re not hitting the slopes. This Japanese city offers a plethora of attractions for tourists—from exploring its historical towns, gazing at the stunning architecture displayed by the snow-covered Buddhist temples and bathing in the therapeutic hot springs on the outskirts of the city, to binging on delicious local cuisine and enjoying some world-class whisky—you’ll have more to do in Nagano than you bargained for.

Ireland

While winter might not seem like the best time to visit Ireland—given the fewer daylight hours—it is definitely a good time for those looking to escape the throngs of tourists and keen to explore a side to the city that is usually reserved for the locals. Although some of the city’s more popular tourist attractions might be closed to public, you can explore a plethora of beautiful castles, cathedrals and palaces, binge on delicious local fare, drink copious amounts of freshly brewed beer, and enjoy everything the city has to offer, sans the teeming crowds. There are also several winter festivals that take place during these months, and Christmas festivities transform the city into a wonderland of cosy reds and greens.

Munich, Germany

With its Christmas markets, glittering lights, mulled wine and roast goose, Munich is an attractive holiday destination all year round, but the city takes on a certain charm during the white months of winter. Whether you’re partaking of the many activities offered at the Tollywood Festival; taking in the city’s countless cultural and historic attractions; or drinking and dining your way through the atmospheric cafes, restaurants and bars dotting the streets; Munich will keep you suitably occupied. In addition, there are some excellent Alpine slopes just an hour outside of the city, so it’s perfect for those who want to couple activity with relaxation.

Salzburg, Austria

Whether you know it as the city of Mozart, of as the home of the Von Trapp family, Salzburg is best visited during the winter months—even though it’s peak tourist season and rates are sky-high—when it’s at its picturesque best. Whether you’re exploring the Old Town; taking a dip at an outdoor hot water bath at below-zero temperatures; snacking on caramelised almonds while strolling through the Christmas markets; or carolling through the winding streets (Silent Night was performed here for the first time in 1818)—this will be one of the most magical and unforgettable winter vacations of your life.

Tromso, Norway

As far as winter destinations go, Norway is probably the first place that comes to mind. Make your way to Tromso—popularly referred to as the capital of the Arctic—which is breathtakingly beautiful during the winter months. One of Norway's most beautiful cities, this is the best place for spotting the northern lights, aside from which Tromso offers visitors a treasure of activities. If you’re interested in discovering the local culture, there are plenty of excellent museums you can visit—from the Polar Museum (a fascinating window into the history of Arctic expeditions) and the Tromso Museum (famous for its exhibitions done by the local Sami people)—and those who prefer the outdoors will love skiing here.

Banff, Canada

Many people consider Banff the ultimate winter destination, and with good reason. Few places are as picturesque as this Canadian town—the scenery is absolutely magnificent, with a blanket of snow as far as the eye can see—and there’s a long list of activities to keep you busy. If you’re an adrenalin junkie, you can go skiing or snowboarding (there are three excellent ski resorts to choose from); opt for something less extreme like snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, hiking, and snow tubing; and if relaxation's the only thing on your agenda, you can visit one of the many therapeutic hot springs, and book a range of relaxing therapies for a vacation that equals rejuvenation.

Yosemite, California

Winter is the least crowded and possibly the most beautiful time to visit Yosemite. With its cascading waterfalls, snowy meadows, gurgling streams, alpine sunsets, hiking trails and pines draped with frozen icicles—the breathtaking beauty of a Yosemite winter is unparalleled—and the landscape is transformed into a pristine white wonderland. Adventure lovers can enjoy a slew of exciting activities ranging from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, to sledding and hiking. The days are bright and sunny, temperatures drop below zero, the crowds go home, and hotel rates drop drastically—there’s no better time to visit.

Prague, Czech Republic

Winters in Prague are nothing short of magical. December marks the beginning of the cold season, which lasts all the way up to February. Whether you go in time to relish the festivities of the Christmas season in December, the fireworks in January of the romanticism of Valentine’s Day in February—Prague will charm the socks off you. With its winding cobbled streets, snow-covered shingles, towering spires and quaint gas-lit street lamps, this fairy tale city is relatively free of tourists during the winter months, which adds to its appeal. Embark on a museum trail, or ensconce yourself at one of the cosy cafes and raucous pubs while you watch the snow come down and envelop the city in a blanket of white.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

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

Stunning Indian destinations to visit in December

Christmas, New Year and those crackling bonfire sessions—if the mere thought of this has set you in motion, it is time for that perfect December trip. This guide to the best places to visit in December is precisely what you need for that perfect year end trip. Choose from places like Goa that will make you ring in the new year in all excitement; or, hit it out at one of those clean, no-crowd beaches in Diu. Add to it the lure of Tagore’s land, Shantiniketan, for it hosts the Poush Mela that’s clearly a lifetime’s experience.

Gangtok, ring in the new year from the Himalayas

Nestled in the lower Himalayas, the city of Gangtok has grown over the mountains and in the valleys. Seen from the skies or even from the ropeway, Gangtok shows a colourful façade against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains. At one time, Gangtok was an important stop on the trade route between British India and Tibet. The Nathu La pass saw a constant stream of traders and travellers come across mountains on either side, bringing not only goods but religious texts and beliefs too.

All that came to an end with the Indo-China war of 1962, which ended the independence of Tibet and closed its borders with India. In recent times, the situation has improved with the pass being opened for trade at regular intervals, and also with the route to Kailash being opened through this side. Things are looking up for Sikkim, and especially Gangtok. There is so much to see and do, that tourists are pouring in! Here are top 10 places to visit in Gangtok!

Gulmarg, of gondola rides and skiing!

If you’re looking for a destination which is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is adventurous, then look no further than Kashmir. The Kashmir valley is considered heaven on earth, and when it’s blanketed in snow, it exudes a charm few other places do. The tiny and isolated hill village of Gulmarg is situated at the western extremity of the Himalayas in a subsidiary range called the Pir Panjals. Lying about 50 kilometres from Srinagar, it can be easily accessed by tourist buses, taxis and even by air. Owing to its location, Gulmarg gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Himalayas and has earned the distinction of being the best ski resort in the country.

So once you’ve feasted your eyes on all the beauty, immerse yourself in some activity by hitting the slopes. Catering to both beginners and pros, skiing here can be one of the most powerful experiences. For the more mild adventure enthusiasts, there’s the option of sledging, cable-car rides and snow boarding. Ski season starts mid December and lasts till the beginning of April. As for accommodation, there are various options. From state-owned huts and cottages, and beautifully appointed mid-range hotels like Nedous Hotel, to luxury accommodation at Hotel Highlands Park, there’s something to suit every budget.

In addition, Gulmarg offers several other sites of interest for tourists. It has the highest golf course in the world, the frozen Alpine lake of Alpather, the Baba Reshi shrine and the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves.

Udaipur, romance in the lake city

With the majestic city palace looming over the old city, a lake studded with palaces in the middle and romantic restaurants interspersed in every nook and corner, couples will never run out of things to do in Udaipur. As the backdrop of countless romantic movies, Udaipur charms with its regal splendour and stately aura. Pretend to be king and queen for a day, slow down on a romantic boat ride, stay near the glistening waters of Lake Pichola and walk hand-in-hand through Dudh Talai—here is your guide to discovering Udaipur’s most romantic spots.

Shantiniketan, Tagore’s tales and unforgettable fairs

Located about 212 kilometres away from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is a popular tourist destination in Birbhum District, West Bengal. It was founded by the famous Tagore family. Earlier this area was referred to as Bhubandanga (after a local dacoit). Later, this site with red soil and vast paddy fields was spotted by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore who built a house here and named it Shantiniketan, meaning abode of peace. Afterwards, in 1901, his son—the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore—established a school (Brahmacharya Ashram) modelled after the ancient gurukul system. Gradually the school went on to become the famous Visva-Bharati University with illustrious students like Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen. There are various places of interest in Shantiniketan, such as the Tagore Ashram, where you can get an insight into the life of not only the poet but the entire Tagore family. While exploring the campus, you will also see beautiful frescoes, sculptures, paintings and murals of Rabindranath Tagore, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay and several other renowned personalities. There are many other attractions within the campus, such as Chhatimtala, Sangeet Bhavan, Bichitra Bhavan and Cheena Bhavan, to name a few.

A visit to Rabindra Bhavan and Nandan Museum at Kala Bhavan is something that you cannot miss. Besides, you might get an opportunity to listen to the mystic minstrels (Bauls) which is quite refreshing. Moreover, depending on the time of your visit, you can attend fairs and festivals like Poush Mela (January) and Basanta Utsav (March) that attract many tourists to the region every year.

Goa, parties, honeymoons and more

From sun-kissed beaches to vibrant flea markets to stunning Portuguese architecture, there are so many places to visit in Goa that you'll find it difficult to fit them all in one trip. Add its water sports, happening seaside clubs, and a truly eclectic dining scene to that list and you know you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. Here is your quick guide to the very best of Goa, including the best of beaches, night clubs, bars, markets and festivals. Enjoy.

Diu, the one with solitary beaches

Diu, one of the remotest points in western India, offer scenic delights that have wooed everyone from the Mughals and the British to the Portuguese. Hence most of the places that you will find yourself headed to are footprints left behind by the erstwhile rulers; a rather colourful motley. Don’t be misled by the size; despite its tinyness, this Union Territory has plenty to charm you. Hop on a bicycle and check out the massive Diu Fort and Panikotha, the ancient Gangeshwar Temple, the very Portuguese St Paul’s Church and some of the most solitary beaches that India has. Discover what makes Diu, the Isle of Calm.

Mount Abu, the hill town in desert

Watered by the serene Nakki Lake and perched at an altitude of 4000 feet, Rajasthan’s only hill station is quite unlike the rest of the state. Offering a perfect respite from the scorching heat of the desert, picturesque Mount Abu is thronged by travellers throughout the year. Here are the places to visit in Mount Abu that you must include in your Mount Abu itinerary.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

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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
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The best places to have a meal in Mussoorie

While the heart of the hill station is littered with tiny, hole-in-the-wall eateries where each one seems no different from the next, there are a handful of restaurants that are worth a detour. Whether you're in the mood for some sinful comfort food, an authentic Tibetan meal, light cafe-style snacks, or something more sophisticated—we've got you covered.

Emily’s

A cosy dining room serving gourmet Continental and Indian fare, Emily’s is one of the most charming places to have a meal. The interiors are beautifully decorated—with floral wallpaper on one side, framed quotes on the other, a slanting wooden roof and low comfortable seating between—and the terrace just outside is perfect for a romantic, candle-lit dinner under the stars with beautiful views of the surrounding Himalayas and Doon valley far below. Housed within the boutique hotel, Rokeby Manor, Emily’s opens early in time for breakfast and serves up till midnight

Kalsang Friends Corner

Decked in red—walls, lanterns, Tibetan prayer flags et al—Kalsang is Mussoorie’s go-to spot for Oriental food. They’ve got a pretty extensive menu, ranging from Thai, Chinese and Tibetan to Indian, but regulars here vouch for the momos and thukpa. The helpings are large (a plate of momos has nine pieces, and the thukpa bowl runs deeper than you realise), service is super-fast, and you’ll get a good view of the hillside from your vantage point up on the 2nd floor. Wind up your meal with something off their dessert menu, and as is customary here—pen down your feedback on a napkin before making an exit.

Clock Tower Café

Just adjacent to the clock tower (hence the name), Clock Tower Cafe is a favourite with the young crowd, and is probably one of the most ambient eateries in the hill station. With a brickwork exterior and large windows, the interior of the cafe is packed with character and a big dose of quirk—rounded archways, wood elements, cloth lampshades, posters and photographs of famous personalities plastered across the walls, and framed signboards withquirky messages—you could happily spend a few hours here. Choose from a sufficient continental menu of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, burgers before moving on to dessert (their NewYork cheesecake is meant to be delicious), and round up with a steaming hot latte.

Chic Chocolate

Ignore the cheesy moniker, and Chic Chocolate on Mussoorie's Mall Road is a big mouthful of delicious comfort food that looks and tastes home made—in a good way. Choose from a rambling menu that encompasses everything from pancakes and Nutella bagels, to pizza, pasta, chicken nuggets and even a European style breakfast with the works.

 The shakes and smoothies make for a perfect accompaniment, and the sundaes are sinfully loaded with all the ingredients. The decor is casual—with music memorabilia cluttering the walls, a blackboard with the day's specials scribbled across it, light yellow walls and a few square tables with chairs strewn across. As is obvious from the name, the chocolates here are pretty famous, you should definitely get a box to take back home.

The Tavern

One of the liveliest ways to spend an evening when you’re in Mussoorie, is to head to The Tavern for drinks and dinner. There’s usually live music playing—and although it’s nothing exceptional, it definitely lends character to the space—so start out with a drink at the bar before proceeding to dinner at your table.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

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

Travel tips for planning a stress-free vacation

Vacations are an excellent way to get away from the stress of everyday life and recharge your batteries. Though the idea of getting out of town is great, certain unplanned incidents can convert your trip into an upsetting situation for all the people involved. Such events are unavoidable, and it is important to take them in your stride.

It is counterproductive to be constantly worried about how the vacation will turn out. Do not get stressed out about trivial matters like the timing of the flight, the availability of rooms at the hotel, budgeting and packing. Rest assured, it is not impossible to have a relaxing vacation.

Below are some tips that can help you plan ahead and have a stress-free vacation.

Take the pressure off

When you have fewer vacation days and a hectic work schedule, an upcoming trip might be the only thing that you look forward to for months. But, your plan can backfire when there is massive pressure to make the vacation perfect. At times, the best memories of your vacation are the ones that come from engaging conversations, wonderful people, or tasty meals. While it is important to have a plan, keep this flexible and allow yourself to be spontaneous to really experience the place.

Do a background check on the place

You will never deliberately write a major exam without preparation of some sort. Similarly, you need to do some research on the place you are visiting. Find out about the best tourist spots, restaurants offering local specialities, beaches, sights and comfortable hotels to stay in. This will give you an idea of what to expect, where to go, and any dangers or risks that you must be aware of.

For example, If you like fireworks and massive parades, visit Paris on Bastille Day. This is an annual festival held in France during the month of June. It celebrates the storming of the Bastille and beginning of the French Revolution. Also, you can check out the La Tomatina festival in Spain. Every year in the month of August, thousands of people gather at the town of Bunol in Valencia to throw tomatoes at each other in the name of tradition and fun.

Besides fun and excitement, you need to think about other factors that can impact your travel plans. Do you plan on travelling during the stormy or rainy season? Are the crime rates significant in the places you are visiting? Will you have access to emergency funds if required? These are some of the things you must consider.

Have a flexible itinerary

Keep in mind that unplanned events will take up a lot of your vacation time. A cancelled tour, delayed flight, and slight snooze must not throw your whole itinerary off. You can planactivities on specific days but make sure to leave some days open or free.

If your schedule is flexible, you shouldn't rush into getting everything on your travel wish list completed. You can do various unplanned activities like catching a few hours of sleep at the beach, visiting and exploring hidden streets, or relaxing at a cafe and watching life pass by, over an espresso.

This way you will learn to enjoy your down time, which is the major reason why you went on the vacation in the first place.

Take copies of your important documents

You don't have a choice when it comes to carrying your visa, passport or insurance papers while crossing borders. But, you can limit the number of times you take these out in foreign places. Make sure to carry photocopies of important documents with you before you leave.

This way you can keep the originals along with some extra cash safely locked in the hotel room safe. This ensures that even if you become the victim of theft or misplace the copies, your original travel documents will be secured and safe.

Have a collective goal for the trip

No doubt travelling with other people can be quite stressful at times. Often each person will have their own set of preferences. Sometimes your partner will want a beach day, and you may want to explore the market. Your friends may be expecting a party weekend while you are looking forward to watching movies in bed or taking a bubble bath.

Before going on a holiday with other people, it is important to have a discussion and create a set of collective goals for the upcoming trip. People go to exotic places for adventure, relaxation, celebration or romance. Doing a mix of these activities will help in avoiding any awkward moments especially when you find out that your expectations are different from others in the group.

Wrapping Up

Always keep in mind that vacations must be relaxing. They must not consist of a constant stream of stressful activities. Remember that you booked the getaway to escape the stresses of everyday life and not trade them in for new ones.

When unplanned events occur, it is important to go with the flow and not feel overwhelmed. Sometimes the best travel memories stem from unexpected adventures. Follow the tips mentioned in this article, to make your vacation stress-free and memorable.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

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

Kerala’s most charming hill destinations

From Munnar's expansive tea gardens to Vagamon's unspoilt meadows, there are plenty of places to visit in Kerala that are far removed from urban chaos. Home to dense forests which are marked by walking trails and scenic verdant valleys, these hill stations have spectacular landscapes and a salubrious climate throughout the year. If you've had your fill of the snow-clad Himalayas, then head down south to explore the hills in God's own country - Kerala.

Munnar

Pluck tea leaves while you explore Munnar’s dense tea plantations; prance about in gurgling brooks while hiking on cloud-covered slopes; or wander through the hill town’s winding lanes Munnar is an idyllic escape into the natural wonders of God’s own country, Kerala. Perched at the confluence of three mountain streams Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly the charming hill town lies about 130 km east of Kochi and 100 km north of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

A haven for bird-watchers, photographers and wildlife-enthusiasts, the Eravikulam National Park is just a short drive away from the hill town. Thrill-seekers can go hiking to the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India Anamudi located about 13 km away from Munnar. At an altitude of 1600 m, Munnar is a delight for adventure-enthusiasts, honeymooners and families.

Wayanad

Located between the Kannur and Kozhikode districts in Kerala, Wayanad is a sparkling green emerald sprawled across the slopes of the Western Ghats. The monsoons persevere here the rainy season starts in June and lasts all the way till mid November during which the already lush landscape takes on an even more vibrant shade of green, and everything is washed squeaky clean. The most enjoyable way to experience it is by checking into a jungle resort even better if it has a treehouse. During the occasional dry spells in between, venture out and enjoy everything else the region has to offer. Wayanad ploughs tourists with some interesting prehistoric archaeological sites, tea plantations and thick forests, and is home to some of the oldest (and most insulated) tribes in India.

Thekkady

Periyar National Park is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, south India. Famous as an elephant and tiger reserve, the Park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady. Set high in the Western Ghats, the Park surrounds a picturesque lake and is home to several speices including the Gaur, wild pig, Sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, Dole or Indian wild dog and the ocassional tiger. The bird life here comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfisher, the great Malabar hornbill and racket-tailed drongo.

Vagamon

Still untouched by the kind of commercialisation that mars many hill towns, Vagamon's allure lies in its scenic lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, enchanting pine forests, verdant tea gardens and gushing rivulets. This quaint hill town perched at 1100 m above sea level sits between the Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills. Abundant trekking trails and adventureactivities like paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing attract hordes of adventure-enthusiasts to the valleys of Vagamon. Located near Kottayam Idukki border of Kottayam district of Kerala, the hill station houses Kurisumala (a Christian pilgrimage), which is frequented by pilgrims especially during the holy week of Good Friday. If you've had your fill of Kerala's beautiful backwaters and stunning beaches, then head to Vagamon for its misty mornings, warm sunlight and chilly nights.

Ponmudi

Surrounded by thick coverlets of tropical forests, Ponmudi is another addition to stunning hill stations in Kerala. Connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road, Ponmudi is one of the lesser-explored hill destinations of the state and an idyllic escape from the trappings of city life. Admire its gushing water streams, verdant hill slopes and picturesque hilltop spots, as youexplore the hill town on foot. If you're an adventure-lover, then head to Agasthyarkoodam the highest peak of the district for a strenuous hike. Located in the outskirts of Ponmudi, PepparaWildlife Sanctuary, is home to Asian elephants, sambar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques,Malabar grey hornbills, and makes for a good day trip from Ponmudi.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best Kerala Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

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