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Category: India

Awesome Destinations in India for Nature-Lovers
Do you love to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some time relaxing in nature? Does your soul crave the sight of lush green meadows, towering trees, a variety of wildlife, and panoramic vistas? The large cities of India can be rather overwhelming at times for visitors, especially those that are visiting the vibrant and frenetic country for the first time. But there are plenty of ways to unwind and find respite from the chaos in a diverse assortment of natural spots all around the country. India can be a nature-lover’s dream!
Here are some of the top destinations in India for nature-lovers:
Pangong Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir is often said to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and Pangong Lake certainly won’t leave you feeling disappointed. A delightful natural spot, the lake is spread over an area of 600 square kilometres. It is a stunning spot to establish a close connection with nature. Situated on the Indo-Chinese border, a large amount of the lake is actually within China. The shimmering and enchanting beauty of the lake in combination with the natural scenic views makes it a wondrous sight to see. Additionally, the lake changes its colours according to the seasons.
Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Tucked in the Himalayan Mountains within India’s Himachal Pradesh, the Parvati Valley is a stunning destination that nature-lovers will truly enjoy. Formed where the Parvati River and Beas River meet, the picturesque valley boasts cascading pristine waterfalls, dense pine forests, and rolling green meadows. A particularly breathtaking and serene spot is the hilltop meadow of Kheerganga, said to be a place where Lord Shiva meditated for many hundreds of years. Kasol is another beautiful spot.
Himachal Pradash is overall a terrific part of India for people who want to make the most of the great outdoors. Other places of natural interest include the graceful Deodar Forest, and Key Gompa, where nature and culture meet in a spellbinding manner.
Valley of Flowers, Uttaranchal
The state of Uttaranchal is located in the north of the country. It is also sometimes known as Uttarakhand. Lying towards the Himalyas, the Valley of Flowers is within a national park that is popular for its striking scenic beauty. Home to an array of rare and attractive flowers, make sure your camera batteries are charged before setting off!
Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Sitting at a high altitude, Nubra Valley has a cold temperature; make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes! The high desert area is pretty barren and wild, and offers views that just stretch and stretch into seeming nothingness.
Ladakh is a gorgeous area within the Himalayas and other places of interest within fairly close proximity of the Nubra Valley include the soaring Stok Range, which is popular with seasoned climbers and mountain hikers, and Leh, the magical capital of the region.
Havelock Island, Andaman, and Nicobar
Although India boasts many beautiful beaches, Havelock Island is perhaps THE place for beach-lovers. One of the biggest islands in the expansive Andaman and Nicobar group, join an co-tour to enjoy the lush green forests and go wildlife spotting. Combine days in the forest with relaxing time on the striking beaches, and maybe even go diving or snorkeling to fully-appreciate the spectacular beauty of the underwater world.
This is just a small selection of the many gorgeous scenic places to be found around India. Other places for nature-lovers include Coorg in Karnataka, Kerala’s hill station of Munnar, the verdant Darjeeling Tea Fields, and Jaisalmer’s sand dunes.
July 7, 2016
Highlights of South India
South India offers a wonderful and enticing combination of heavenly beaches, colonial architecture, vibrant cities, traditional villages, sparkling lakes, rolling tea plantations, nature, wildlife, delicious cuisine … and more! Whilst many people head to Rajasthan and the magnificent Golden Triangle, why not set off to discover the highlights of South India? Enjoy a different kind of holiday, with ample opportunities to blend blissful relaxation and exciting adventures.
Some highlights of South India include:
Kochi
Also known as Cochin, Kochi is a fantastic place to take a step back in time and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the area’s lively history. An important spice trading area in the past, Kochi has been attracting international visitors and merchants since at least the 14th century. Its nickname as the Queen of the Arabian Sea is certainly well-deserved.
There are numerous historic buildings showcasing some fine architectural elements. The West Coast boasts an interesting former Dutch outpost, and as you wander around it is easy to imagine how the area was in times gone by. Dutch and Portuguese have played a part in shaping the area today and elements from each culture can be seen. Ancient palaces cannot fail to capture the imagination, and the old Jewish synagogue is also interesting.
Kochi is a multicultural area with a friendly population – it really does offer a warm welcome and a wealth of experiences.
Kerala
Hop aboard a quaint houseboat to explore the charming backwaters – see how the locals live and make a living as your skillful crew guide the boat through the beautiful backwaters. You will also see and abundance of local wildlife. Kerala is the perfect place to drift along, relax, and watch the world go by, as you have your eyes opened to many new sights, sounds, and smells.
Eravikuklam National Park
Eravikuklam National Park is a nature lover’s dream. It is home to a wide selection of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. Feel the excitement of seeing many different creatures in a stunning and beautiful environment. Animals that live in the park include tahr, mongoose, marten, squirrels, and otters.
Munnar
A popular summer retreat in colonial times, you can see how the British rulers passed their leisure time in the cooler temperatures. In the hills and surrounded by lush greenery it is a very picturesque place. Great for walking in nature and enjoying long rambling treks and hikes, spend some time touring the green tea plantations, admiring the sweeping views, and discovering breath-taking valleys. Make sure that you sample some of the locally produced teas too. Take a deep breath and enjoy the delicious fresh air that is tinged with aromas of spices, and have a memorable time in beautiful Munnar.
Vembanad Lake
Shimmering and sparkling, the nearby green palms provide a striking contrast with the deep blue hues of the lake. The lake is stunning in its own right, but the babbling streams, grad canals, and other smaller waterways all help to create a magical landscape that is criss-crossed by water. Chill out on a boat trip and explore. See local kids, who are sure to have a friendly smile and a wave, local fishermen, waterside communities, and lots of diverse and varied wildlife. It’s like entering a different world.
Enjoy the highlights of South India for a beautiful trip to remember.
January 9, 2015
The Best Destinations for Tea Lovers
Are you a proper tea aficionado? Can’t get through the day without your daily brew? Check out some of these best destinations for tea lovers and enjoy a terrific holiday along with your passion for tea!
Hangzhou, China
China is famous in general for its tea, with many great destinations right across the large country that are ideal for tea lovers. It is a tall order, therefore, selecting just one place – Hangzhou is well-known for producing one the best green teas in the entire country, hence why it made the cut.
West Lake Dragon Well Tea is a delicious tea, and one that tea lovers are sure to love. As well as being the home place of this tasty tea, Hangzhou also boasts a lively tea house scene – drinking tea is almost a way of life in this city. Every year the drink is celebrated with the Drinking Tea Day – as if you need more excuses!
Darjeeling, India
A famous hill station in West Bengal, Darjeeling produces nearly a quarter of tea in the entire country. It is possible to find tea from Darjeeling that is black, white, green, and oolong.
✈ See more! Exploring the Tea Plantations of Munnar, India ✈
The tea has a slightly flowery taste, making a really light and refreshing brew. Many of the tea estates have a long and distinguished heritage, with lots having been founded during the days of British colonialism. It is one of the best spots in India for touring tea plantations and tasting delicious locally grown teas. It is also very scenic with great views!
✈ See more! Travel Photo of the Day: Tea in Darjeeling ✈
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The island country of Sri Lanka is another nation that is known for its abundant production of great tea. There are several note-worthy places around the country, but Kandy is a major production area. Sri Lanka is one of the top tea producers on the planet. Many estates and plantations date back to the days of British rule. You can take a tour of the estates, which is like taking a step back in time, taste a variety of locally grown teas, and participate in charming and quaint traditional English-style high tea sessions.
Uji, Japan
Green tea is the speciality in Uji and the city is often referred to as the tea capital of the country. Even more novel is that as well as being able to drink tea, you will find numerous products that use tea for flavour – from candies and ice creams t noodles and rice dishes! There are many tea drinking traditions that can be observed and experienced. You can also find the oldest tea shop in Japan in the city.
Beipu, Taiwan
Taiwan is often overlooked when people think of tea, which is a pity because the country produces some very fine teas. A tea known as Oriental Beauty is grown in Beipu, with several different variants. It is also a top place to enjoy the Hakka culture.
Be inspired and make sure you plan a visit to some of these best destinations for tea lovers!
October 8, 2014
South Indian Food That You Can’t Miss!
As you probably know, India is home to some of the worlds most popular dishes!
The rich creamy curries everyone knows and love are a staple part of north Indian cuisine but the south Indian cuisine is undoubtedly better as we think it’s slightly more exotic, spicier and maybe even a bit lighter, thanks to the huge influence of coconut in the southern part of the country!
So without further ado, here’s 7 examples of South Indian Food You Can’t Miss!
(Leave your arguments, disagreements and dishes I missed out in the comments section!)
Sambar
Sambar is an absolute staple of south Indian cuisine. It’s a sort of tangy vegetable broth made with pigeon peas! Loads of ingredients go into it, you won’t escape it if you visit south India as it’s served with pretty much everything. This isn’t a bad thing!
Parotta
Parotta with coconut goodness
Parotta has to be the best Indian bread (not to be confused with Paratha, a north Indian bread). Unlike a chapatti (which is dry fried), parotta is made with a bit of coconut oil, giving it an amazing taste.
It’s rolled flat then coiled up before cooking so that it peels off in flakes when you eat it. The best part is seeing the person making the bread, smash the bread up making it more springy. It’s the best!
Idli
Idli and sambar

Idlis are little stodgy rice and lentil cakes that are made in a pressure cooker! They’re quite boring by themselves and they’re are typically coupled with sambar and eaten for breakfast. Idlis are definitely a breakfast item, it’s hard to get them after 11am. Pour the sambar over the idlis and dive in!
Vada
Vada’s are like funny little doughnuts, but aren’t sweet at all. They’re usually made from dal (lentil) or gram flour and are another breakfast item served up with hot sambar. Get there early while they’re hot and before they sell out!
Dosa
Masala dosa!

Now we’re talking! Dosas sum up my memory of south Indian food. Dosas are made from rice flour and dal combined with water, then poured out onto a large round hot plate (tava) and quickly cooked. They’re filled with a variety of ingredients, rolled up like a huge tube then served with sambar and coconut chutney.
More dosa-ness!
Dosas are very light and you can easily pull them apart and dip into the sambar. You’ve got to use your hands for this dish! Try Masala dosas, usually filled with fried potato, onions and spices and served in triangle shape inside the dosa – YUM!
Uttapam
Uttapams are quite similar to dosas, but much thicker, denser and nowhere near as big. They’re usually served with sambar (everything is served with sambar!) and chutney. They’re also known as Indian pizzas. A belly buster!
South Indian Thali!
The ultra thali!

South Indian Thalis are legendary! ‘Thali’ translates to ‘plate’ and are guaranteed to fill you up! It’s the ultimate budget meal, as most restaurants keep refilling your plate until you refuse any more! What makes the south Indian version better than other thali meals is the additional coconut used as an ingredient and the base oil for cooking.
This particular thali was consumed in Mangalore, it was unbeatable! I literally couldn’t walk after I finished it.
Photos: Uttapam by roland, Sambar by bob_mcbob, Vada by I for Detail
What’s your favourite south Indian food?
October 2, 2013