From the beautiful Islands, to the surrounding resorts, the famous Pasta Point, the perfection of the southern Atolls, the Maldives has a lot to offer. Just be ready to pay for it! This place is incredibly beautiful and romantic, whether it’s with your girlfriend wife or on your Pat Malone (Alone) and the waves when you get them, is just bloody awesome.  Truth is if you have the coin take your Missus, you won’t regret it!

Getting around

Travelling is pretty much to a minimum as mostly you are based on an island a yacht. As soon as you fly in you are picked up and taken directly to your place of residence, boat or island. The service is excellent!

Costs

Basically you have paid everything upfront, just as well really as it’s bloody expensive surfing the Maldives. Some places you may have to pay for snacks and drinks etc, so you will need some spare change.

To surf Pasta Point you must get a Pasta point surfing pass, also to buy alcohol you pay through the nose, best to get it in your package if possible.  You can apply for a full board option which gives you grog, three meals a day and accommodation.

Surfing the Maldives & Accommodation

The main surf camps are the Hudhuranfushi resort and the Donveli resort.  New ones are springing up here and there, be careful though as they can be expensive.

Boats are a fantastic option as you have access to a lot more surf and that means more waves under your belt. There is a bit of local rivalry over the breaks so it’s a good idea to go with a reputable surf company that provides it all.

Dangers

Stone fish, Lion-fish, and coral reef. Wear your booties when walking on the reef at all times, coral reef is very sharp and get infected if not looked after properly. Always remove all the coral and clean thoroughly with a disinfectant.

Also, alcohol is illegal and is not allowed into the country, so don’t carry it in your bags when you travel to go surfing the Maldives.

It is not for the serene beauty of the beach that Beypore has been known to the Arabs and others, but it was known as a ship building centre. The boats that are carved out from Beypore were known as “Urs” and have been known as far as the Gulf region and Middle East.

Well, the ship building industry has now deteriorated but even then you can come across craftsmen who were engaged in this field here. Coming to the beaches, they are very calm and idle for relaxing the body and the mind. One of the greatest attractions in Beypore is the two km long stretch of stone bridge, which makes a pathway into the sea.

It is a fun to visit the nearby fishermen village where you can experience the true life of the fisher folk. You can even get into a catamaran and wade into the sea along with the fishermen.

Well, while in Beypore, you cannot miss Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is about seven kms away. A birdwatchers paradise, Kadalundi can also be not missed when visiting Beypore.

Airport:

Nearest airport is at Karipur, about 23 kilometers from Beypore.

Rail:

Beypore is well connected with almost all the major stations in the country

Road:

Well connected with all major cities.

The serene and placid waters, the swaying coconut palms on the fringes and the dancing paddy fields all make Alappuzha a real backwater destination. Just take your eyes far off to the horizon where the splendid waters meet the sky. Lying near to the Arabian sea, Alapuzzha is really mesmerising; just do not miss it when in India.

Wade through the backwaters and imbibe the peace and serenity of nature. Relax yourself from the burdens of your hectic life. Take home the pleasures of peace and beauty. It is a real experience in Alapuzzha backwaters and never miss it. 

A great attraction of Alapuzzha backwaters is a ride in the Kettuvallam (House Boats). A backwater cruise in the traditional Kettuvallams in Punnamada Lake is an experience that you can never forget. Sail in the Kettuvallams and see the sun rise above the horizon or set down. Make a cruise in the Kettuvalams during a moonlit night and experience the beauty of night.  Have a glimpse of the Chinese fishing nets that dot the Alapuzzha backwaters.

Have a glimpse of the village life while wading through the backwaters of Alapuzzha. Get closer to the paddy fields and swaying palms as in Alapuzzha water is in level with the land. Go through the palm fringed canals, which swirls around paddy fields and tiny hamlets.

Alapuzzha backwaters are also known for snake boat races. Watch the giant snake boats, which are known as Chundanvallams, splash through the backwaters. The snake boat races are held in the month of September/October. 

Reaching Alapuzza:

Air:

Nearest airport: Nedumbassery International Airport, which is about 90 km away.

Rail/Train:

Alapuzzha railway station is an hour’s drive from the backwaters. Alapuzzha is well connected with all major rail stations in the country.

Road:

Easily accessible by road as Alappuzha is well connected by roads.

GOMUKH

GOMUKH is an end point of the Himalayan glaciers named Gangotri or of the glaciers under the Gangotri group. Gangotri has an amazing dimension of about 27 cubic kilometers. The location is closure to the Indian border of the China-occupied Tibet. Gomukh is situated in the district of Uttarkashi under the state of Uttarakhand in India. Shivling is one of the ice-clad peaks of the Gangotri glaciers and it is the site of Gomukh. Actually Gomukh is situated at the foot of Shivling and Gomukh is an enormous cavern from where the river Bhagirathi, the principal tributary of the river Ganga, has begun its course.

GANGOTRI

GOMUKH is originally a Sanskrit word which means mouth of the cow.  In Sanskrit language the term ‘go’ means cow and ‘mukh’ means mouth. The shape of the place has similarity with that of the mouth of a cow. Next, it is the product of the Vedic India which in its agricultural civilization has such dependence on the cows that the people of the time have produced number of words with ‘go’ meaning ‘cow’ as the suffix. Hence is such nomenclature.

GOMUKH

GOMUKH is at a height of 3200 meters from the surface of the sea and at a distance of 18 or 19 kilometers from the tiny town of Gangotri. One has to explore this narrow and rough terrain on foot or one is to hire a pony. It is steep at times and at times it is smooth. And the sudden changes in the Himalayan beauty just under the largest sky, now cloudy and now sunny, are affairs to remember for the rest of life. One’s eyes will surely be fixed on the silver birch of the Himalayas at 3000 meters high. Gomukh is famous for its incomparable panoramic views.

GANGOTRI-GOMUKH GLACIERS

GOMUKH is located at the heart of the Himalayas which have been traditionally regarded as the abode of gods by the Indian Hindus. Gomukh has thus been a center for the Hindu pilgrimage. The devoted Hindus have been paying visit to Gomukh from very old days and they take a few holy dips in the freezing water of the tumultuous Ganga. It is an old belief that people will be free from all of their sins by a dip in the river Ganga.  

There is no temple in the vicinity of Gomukh even now.

Destinations Around:

Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath (These three spots are few of the most important holy sites greatly revered by the Hindus from the ancient days.)

The Spot:

Kolkata/Howrah /New Delhi/ Chennai/ Mumbai to Hardwar by Railways/ Roadways/Flight

Hardwar to Uttarkashi, 173 km, by bus/taxi

Uttarkashi to Gangotri, 105 km, by bus/taxi

Gangotri to Gomukh, 18/19 km, on foot or hired pony

Right Season to explore Gomukh:

Between  

(1) May to June

(2) September to November

 GOMUKH-GANGAJAL

The Sun Temple at Konark is a colossal structure. It testifies the fact that Orissa has touched the point of zenith in architecture by thirteenth century AD. Konark tells an excellent tale of life and passion for life in the language of stones arranged in wonderful mathematical symmetry. Hammers and chisels have acted upon stones in order to interpret art of eroticism as a sequel to which beautiful verses have been composed by the most talented architects of India who have long been put into oblivion for reasons not unveiled even today.

Yes, the Sun Temple at Konark in the Indian state of Orissa stands as an amazing religious monument. The main deity of the temple is the Sun. The Sun has been worshiped in India from the ancient days as other natural forces have been worshiped. The Sun (‘Surya’ in Sanskrit language) has been worshiped in India from the good old days of the Vedas. To treat the sun as a god has been common among different communities in different parts of the world. But a story has been attached with the legendary Konark as if to assert that rays of the sun have been applied in order to get relief from the curse of Leprosy.

The Sun Temple is a huge piece of architecture in the line of the chariots culture of Orissa. The structure is that of a very large chariot which has seven horses to pull and twelve wheels to roll. The wheels and vivid spokes of each of the wheel have been brilliantly detailed. The chariot is set to carry the Sun god across the celestial space or heavens. A pair of fierce lions is present at the main gate as watching instruments. The images of men and women in dancing or erotic mood and of warriors on horse-back and of some animals are mostly lifelike.

This magnificent temple for the Sun god was constructed by King Narasimha Deva of the Ganga dynasty in 1278 CE. Centuries passed and the Indian, as usual, have forgotten the glory of the past. Finally in the nineteenth century the site was excavated by the British archaeologists and the temple complex was discovered. The Europeans on the voyage while sailing through the Bay of Bengal had chance to notice the temple earlier and they named it ‘Black Pagoda”.

And this is Konark where thousands of tourists throng into every year. Persons visiting Puri generally keep a program for Konark.

Destination  Konark

Airways:

The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Orissa. Bhubaneswar is connected with Kolkata, Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai by airways.

Roadways:

Konark is 35 km away from Puri and 60 km away from Bhubaneswar by the road. Bus and taxi ply always and the roads are responsibly maintained.

By Rail / Train:

Puri and Bhubaneswar are nicely connected with different parts of India by the railways. Puri is a junction station.

Weather of Konark :

Konark experiences tropical climate. The region experiences high humidity between March to early May when the temperature rises above 40 degree Celsius. Konark is close to the Bay of Bengal. But cooling effect is not guaranteed. The rainy season reigns from the middle of June to early October and temperature goes down. But winter is pleasant and in December and January it is more or less 15 degree Celsius.   

To the eastern part of India and in the state of Orissa there is a very old city. People call it Puri. Puri is a common word in Sanskrit Language. This word is meant for city. This city is situated just by the side of the Bay of Bengal (19.8°N 85.85°E / 19.8; 85.85).  Tourists have long been allured by the beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset from here at Puri which has one of the most popular beach resorts of the Indian subcontinent. In India religious sites are spread over everywhere. Hence, for the Indian travelers or for the tourists who visit India, places of interest are generally intricate with the flavor of religious these and those. Puri has wonderful seashore ornamented with golden solid beach. But majority of the Indians are drawn to Puri for the temple of Jagannath the Lord.

The Temple of Jagannatha

The name and fame of Puri for a greater section of the Indians, however, has been attached with an annual festival, that is, the festival of chariots, popularly known as Ratha Yatra (Ratha means chariots and Yatra means going). In the huge temple of Jagannatha there are three deities placed side by side in the main shrine. They are Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra. These deities are made of wood and the most peculiar feature of them is that they do not have limbs. The festival of chariots occur in the month of July every year when the deities are taken out of the temple and are chaired in a huge chariot and are made to move some distance in a gorgeous and colorful procession. The Hindus of India, thousands in number, throng to the site to attend the festival and each of them attempts to find a chance to pull this wooden cart at least once.

King Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty was the ruler of this region by the twelfth century. He started the construction of the temple of Jagannatha and this marvelous piece of architecture was completed during the reign of Anangabhima Deva of the same family.

The temple of Jagannatha is a huge one. On the zenith of the conical tower, at a height of fifty eight feet from the surface of the sea, the flag and wheel of Lord Vishnu have been set. Lord Vishnu is the supreme among the Hindu deities. The temple has been surrounded by a pair of strongly built walls.

On the backyard of the temple of Jagannatha one will find sands and sands. Actually the temple was built on the sands only. The Bay of Bengal used to wash its floor with endless waves. At present the sea has shifted more than one kilometer away from the temple. 

Non-Hindus are not allowed to step into this temple even now. Indira Gandhi, the most powerful of all the Prime Ministers of India, was not allowed as she was not from the Hindu community.

Puri has been centers for many other religious institutions of the Indian Hindus. The most important of them is the one founded by Shankaracharya (788 CE – 820 CE). Yes, Shankaracharya is famous for his contribution to the rejuvenation of the Brahmanyatantra (authoritative name of the Vedic religious faith in India) in his time.

ENIGMATIC SPECTACLE OF ORNAMENTED PURI

Destinations centering Puri

Puri is not only a pilgrimage center. Centering Puri tourists can move to the following interesting destinations:

The Sun Temple Konark

Bhubaneswar, capital of the state Orissa and the site for the Lingaraja temple

AND

Udaigiri and Khandagiri, the ancient Buddhist caves

Dhauli Hills, an experience with the Rock Edicts of King Ashoka and presently a Buddhist temple

Nandankanan, reserve forest for the tigers

Lake Chilika, a very beautiful lake with an area of 450 square miles

The Spot

Puri is well connected with different parts of India and abroad.

By Airways:

Kolkata/Chennai/Mumbai/Delhi to Bhubaneswar (Bhubaneswar to Puri, 60 km by train/bus/taxi)

By Railway:

Railway Station Puri Jn. Kolkata(Howrah)/ New Delhi/Ahmadabad/Chennai to Puri/ Khurda Road Jn.

IMMEDIATE Telephone SERVICES

Fire Station 101 # Ambulance 102 # Railway Inquiry 131 # Shree Jagannath Temple Garad 222001

Pantha Nivas 222740, 222562 # Pantha Nivas, Konark 236831 # B.N.R. Hotel 222063 # Railway Guest House 227900

Konark Office 236459 # Court Guest House 222782 # Yatri Nivas, Konark 236820, 236821 # Circuit House 222036

Circuit House, Bhubaneswar 2402288, 2400101 # Circuit House, Cuttack 2305043

1. Munnar

   
   all image by author

   This hill station in Kerala (the southern most state of India, touches the Indian Ocean) is a set in the picturesque ‘western ghats’ at an altitude of about 1600 meters from the sea level. You can reach this place by road from Cochin(capital of Kerala, major port and airport). Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the valley, the confluence of rivers, the winding roads, spice gardens, numerous waterfalls and tea estates. The options to stay are plenty and most of them are pretty comfortable. I visited the place in October which comes in between the best season of visiting this place. (August to May). And yes, do grab some fine tea and cashew packets from the local market and the very delicious home-made chocolates! They are really good!

2. Coorg

   

   Coorg is often called the Scotland of the East and quite rightly so. It is about 250 kilometers from Bangalore and 135 kilometers from Mangalore(both cities have airports). You can take a road route from Bangalore via Mysore. Coorg is situated at a height of about 1525m above sea level. The land is full of sparkling valleys, lush green mountain ranges and awesome weather. Major attractions include the Dubare island which is an Elephant haven, the Namdroling Buddhist monastery and Nisargadhama. Coorg also offers outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and white water rafting in the majestic Cauvery river! I enjoyed Coorg in December which is again in between the best season to visit the place (September to June). And the Tibetans offer you some great stuff (read jewelry, scarves and nick-nishes) for amazing bargains!

3. Pondicherry

   

   Known as ‘India’s Little French’ because of the French rule, Pondicherry is a quiet, calm and simple city. The Indian and the French cultures amalgamate beautifully in Pondicherry as is evident from the presence of the ‘French Quarter’ and the ‘Indian Quarter’ in the city. One of the many attractions of the town is the peaceful rock beach where you can spend a calm moonlit night! Sri Aurobindo ashram is another place which fill your heart with inner peace. Auroville, 12 kilometers north of Pondicherry is a unique township founded by Sri Aurobindo Society and is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The place is a great place for spiritual healing. I visited Pondicherry in November and the best season is between September to April.

4. Alleppey

   

   If you want to experience the famous backwaters of Kerala, then Alleppey is your destination! Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey (Alappuzha in local language) has picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons! The main attraction obviously remains the vast backwaters wherein you can rent a houseboat and spend blissfully peaceful day in the serene surroundings! These houseboats are equipped with well-furnished rooms, decorated decks and mouth-watering delicacies prepared on-board! There is also a canal village which you can visit by taking a ride in a small canoe or row-boat! The paddy fields on one side and the tranquil canal on the other form a breath-taking scene! There is also a beautiful beach in Alleppey-shoring the Arabian sea. It is vast, the tides are high and unlike other popular beaches, it is less crowded. A prefect place to hang out! I visited alleppey in October, which is a good season and you can take a road route from Cochin.

Though the capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, I preferred to stay away from staying there. The commercialization of the capital towns has induced influx of people and establishment even in Gangtok. So, I took a detour and went to Pelling, a small hamlet in West Sikkim. At an altitude of 2150 m it is the perfect place for nature loving tourists who want to avoid the hustle bustle of the crowd in tourist destinations.

Pelling is 115 km from the state capital Gangtok and about 135 km from Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. After we reached the airport, we took the hired jeeps available from the airport and drove for 6 hours to reach Upper Pelling which is lesser populated than lower Pelling. The hotel had a very few guests and they were from France, Germany and the UK.

We checked in and after getting refreshed, I just opened the window on the eastern side of my room and I was spellbound. It was the mighty Kanchenjunga, one of the eight highest peaks in the world. The range span was so close that I took out my camera instantly to fire the shots. Considered as the abode of God, one is barred from setting foot on the summit of this peak. Mountaineers share that this peak has the most unpredictable behavior among all other above 8000 m peaks.

We had some daylight left the day we reached Pelling and we went out for a casual walk down the road in front of our hotel. The silence in the environment with stray sounds in the woods, amidst the mountains, from the birds and the murmuring of the leaves were fascinating. With the evening falling graciously over the mountains darkens engulfed it and we retreated to our hotel room. With the few guests in the hotel, we all were quick to reach the dining hall which was small but cozy. I walked up to a few guests and introduced myself to a French couple. It was perhaps one of the most positively motivating ladies whom I met there. She was in her mid forties, operated on cancer and has taken life courageously and is out on a globe trot to see the beautiful world. She also planned to get married after a year from the time I met her and had wishes to come back to the same place with her newly married husband.

Early morning the next day, we went out for a conducted tour. The first halt was near Kanchenjunga Falls. The height of the fall was not as high as the other world famous ones like, Niagra or Victoria but, the rage was ominous.

We went up close to the falls by the natural steps which were steep but manageable.

From this place, our next destination was Khachoedpalri Tsho (a lake) considered to have strong mythological background and very highly revered by the Sikkimese and Tibetan Lamas. The lake is very calm and the surroundings absolutely silent. As the folklore goes; the lake is surrounded by many trees but, not a single leaf drops in the lake and the water is crystal clear when seen from the close.

The ancient capital of Sikkim was Rabdentse. It was shifted from Yuksom to Rabdentse by king Tensung Namgayal in 1700. After walking through winding roads, up the mountain and through the woods, we were astonished to find the archeological remnants of the picturesque architecture of the then kingdom of king Tensung Namgayal.

The next place of visit was the newly built monastery dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim. In Namchi his statue stands as the tallest statue of any saint in the world at a height of 36 m. It is a structure which reflects all the architectural signs of a monastery but, has moderately modern facilities for resident monks

The Elgin Mount Pandim Hotel is in Pemayangtse (Pelling), West Sikkim. Once It was the summer retreat of the royal family of Sikkim. This Heritage property is now a luxury boutique hotel. We stayed in this hotel and being on a hill top it gives a 360 degrees view of the famous Kanchenjunga and other beautiful mountain peaks.

The last historic destination visited by us is the famous Rumtek monastery.

Situated 24 kms from the capital Gangtok, Rumtek monastery is the Dharma Chakra Center includes a beautifully structured main shrine temple and monastery with monks’ quarters, where the Karmapa resides and where the most of the important relics are enshrined.

I would strongly suggest that as a tourist one should visit these places based out of Pelling. You would definitely enjoy the serenity, the rich and historical heritage of the Lamas and enjoy the beauty of nature wholesomely. Political and social disturbances are almost nil in this part of India.

So pack your bags and wish you bon voyage.

image sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

This trek lies entirely within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park; you will therefore have to pay entrance fee and charge for the cameras.Har-ki-Dun is at a height of 3566 meters. The trek begins at Taluka which is 11 kms from the beautiful village of Osla.This Himalayan settlement still has houses made in the traditional architectural style with excellent wood carvings. In the early stages of the trek you pass terraced fields rising out of the valley of the River Tons. These then give way to scrub-covered slopes, meadows and conifer forests. The trek from Taluka to Har-ki-Dun is 23 kms.

Dayara Bugyal

At 3,084 meters this alpine meadow become a ski slope of 28 sq.kms.In the winter. In the summer, you can get to it by driving 32 kms from Uttarkashi on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri highway to a place called Bhatwari.Here you have option of either taking the trekking route to the left which leads you for 10kms to Raithal and then a further trek of 6 kms to the Bugyal or you can drive a short distance beyond Bhatwari and then take the trekking route to the left for 12kms to Barsu and then 8 kms more to the Bugyal.The trek from Bhatwari via Raithal to the Bugyal is 16kms and from Bhatwari via Barsu to Dayara is 20kms.

Khatling Glacier

The 3,717 meter high Khatling Glacier is a lateral one and is the source of the River Bhilangana.This 45 km trek from the road head of Ghuttu winds along the valley of the Bhilganga.Along this trek you will be able to see both snow capped peaks and hanging glaciers, the Jogin Group, the Kirti Stambh and Meru are particularly impressive. The first leg is a 10 km trek to the 2,132 meter high mountain. A further 10 kms will take you through attractive rhododendron forests up to the large village of Gangi at 2,589 meters. It has interesting old houses with carved wooden pillars. From Gangi its 5 kms to the 2,683 high Kalyani 20 kms ahead via the 3,110 meter high Bhalbagi is the Khatling Glacier.Trekkers will probably have to cross a number of small streams through log bridges, 6kms to the right of the glacier is the lake of Masartal on the left bank of the Bhilganga River. The trek from Ghuttu to the Khatling Glacier is 45 kms.

Dodital

The word Tal in the Himalayas means a lake and Dodital is a Himalayan lake at a height of 3,024 meters. From Uttarkashi it is a 4 km drive on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri Highway and then you must take the left fork at Gangotri which will take you to Kaldyani 7kms away. Your trek begins here. From Kaldyani it is 5 km trek through fields, villages and forests on a mule trail which ascends very gradually to Agoda.From now on it is steep climb for 15 kms through fairly dense forests to the beautiful, clear lake of Dodital.Around the lake are forests of oak,pine,deodar and rhododendron; the latter lazing red in season. This trekking route is open round the year though it can be really cold in winter when there is a strong likelihood of snow. The trek from Kaldyani to Dodital is 20 kms.

Nandan Van

The Nandan Van trek should really be called the Gangotri-Gaumukh-Nandadevi-Tapovan Trek.It is particularly interesting because it offers a wide variety of Himalayan trekking experiences: rock climbing, boulder hopping and glacier traversing. It is considered to be a trek which even non mountaineers can under take comfortably. You can place yourself in the hands of one of the many competent trekking outfits or you can book this trek with the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam which is the state run organization. You have to drive 252 kms to Gangotri the famous pilgrim centre. Your trek starts from here. On Day 3 you cover 14 kms and arrive at the birch forest of Bhojwasa.The next day you face a 10kms trek to the high green meadows of Tapovan via Gaumukh where the River Ganga gushes out of an ice cave. From here on you traverse the Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers.On the 5th day you trek 8 kms to Nandan Van affording excellent views of the snow covered Shivling,Bhagirathi,Sudharshan and Thelu peaks and the Kedar dome.The trek from Gangotri to Nandan Van is 24 kms.

Taj Mahal

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The eternal symbol of love, one of the seven wonders of world the Taj Mahal is situated in Agra in Uttara Pradesh state. The mausoleum is set against the plain across the river Yamuna, through their reflection, changes the view of the Taj. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. Walking with your beloved at the pavement of Taj when the moon shines is unforgettable memory. In addition to Taj, Agra Fort, Ram Bagh, Fatehpur Sikri etc are some of the tourist places in Agra.

Nainital

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Nainital is a beautiful, serene and a green hill station situated at an altitude of 6,358 feet above sea level. It is in Uttarakhand state. There are many attractions like snow view, Naina peak, Tiffin Top, ropeway, horse riding and boating etc. ‘View Point’ is another beautiful tourist spot which is 5 kms away from Nainital where you can have a glimpse of mighty Himalayan range. As this place is famous for people who love walking you can enjoy the scenic beauty by taking long walks.

Manali

Image credit: Kulumanali

Image credit: Skyscrapercity

Manali is the most beautiful honeymoon destination in Himachal Pradesh state. It is popular for its natural beauty. People say this place as “India’s Switzerland”. The best time for visiting this place is May to October as the climate is very cold during the other months. Rafting, Skiing, Paragliding are some of the adventurous activities that can be done here. Rahalla Falls, Malan Valley, Manali Sanctuary etc are some other attractions here.

Ooty

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Ooty is a popular hill station located in Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu state. It is situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet above sea level. This “Queen of Hill stations” attracts tourists with its dense forests, lofty mountains, tea estates and charming flowers.

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The main attraction is mountain train journey on a ratchet through many curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines. Several beautiful parks and lakes are here. Lovedale a quiet, undisturbed hamlet is located just a few kilometres from Ooty.

Kerala

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The main attraction in Kerala is backwater houseboat. Kettuvallam (houseboat) is made of wood without using a single nail.

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The boat has one or two double bed rooms with attached bath room with all modern comforts. It is equipped with lamp and fan that work with solar energy. The cruise through the backwaters of waters of Kerala, visit simple villages to see the products made by the local artisans, paddy fields, temples, beaches etc till sunset. It is anchored at a picturesque location for night. Other tourist places in Kerala include Kochi, Kovalam beach, Kumarkom and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resorts.

Araku Valley

Image credit: Go2india.in

Araku valley is a famous hill station in Andhra Pradesh situated at an altitude of 2992 feet above sea level. Journey to Araku by train is a memorable experience as the train goes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. You can spend in tree top cottages that hang 10 feet above the ground level in the middle of green surroundings of Araku Valley.

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

Another attraction of Araku is Borra caves. Borra caves are located 29 km from Araku Valley at a height of about 800 to 1300 meters above sea level. Inside the caves, there is a formation that looks like the human brain, hence the name.
Anantagiri waterfalls, Dumbriguda waterfalls, Padmapuram Gardens, tribal museum and tribal dance are other attractions.

Khajuraho

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Khajuraho is a village in Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho temples are popular for their erotic art. Many people think that the total architecture of temples is carved with erotic art. But only 10% of carvings of the temples contain sexual themes, the remaining 90% depict the everyday activities of human beings. You cannot find sexual art inside the temple. People interpret this, one should leave his/her desires outside the temple and to get divinity one should not affect by physical body. Anyhow the art and architecture make the people enjoyable.

Khajjiar

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Khajjiar is a small grassy meadow between tall deodar trees in Himachal Pradesh situated at an altitude of 1951 m above sea level. It is one of the most charming spots in the Himalayas. This has a small pond at its center. There are two floating islands in the middle of the pond which are sometimes hidden from view as tall grass grows on them. Chamba Valley and Dalhousie are other tourist attraction. Best time to visit this place is March to June.

Goa

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With its charming beauty and popular beaches Goa is one of the most popular romantic destinations. Though there are many beaches, Palolem beach is the most attractive beach in Goa. Little rush when compared to other beaches, cheap and easy availability of transport and cheap accommodation options made Palolem beach favorite to honeymoon couples. Sun bathing and fishing trips are some of the enjoyable activities that can be done here. Other attractions in Goa include Baga beach, Dona Paula, Bogmolo beach etc.

Bikaner

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If you are planning for a different experience then try Bikaner. This is a romantic desert destination. It is located amidst Thar Desert in Rajasthan state. This historical city consists of religious shrines, beautiful forts and castles. Junagarh Fort, Camel Farm, Lalgarh Palace, Kolayat and Devi Kund Sagar are some tourist attractions. Best time for visiting this place is October to February.
Happy journey!