Latest Travel Stories

5 Mumbai Getaways worth visiting!

On September 25, 2011, in Mumbai, by traveller
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Are you itching to know about good places to visit near Mumbai, barring the usual Lonavala, Matheran, Khandala and Panchgini? Welcome to the club.

We were also in the lookout of new and interesting places to visit. And over the past few weeks, we’ve found some really good ones. Here are our top 5 picks.

Malshej Ghat

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We’ll all heard about the exceedingly beautiful Western Ghats of Maharashtra, right? If you want to experience natural beauty, we suggest you drive to the Malshej Ghat, located in the Pune district, 154 km from Mumbai, on the borders of Thane and Ahmednagar districts. If you visit during monsoons, you’ll see a lush green spread on this mountain pass with mist surrounding you. If you are fond of waterfall picnics and some great bird watching, this quick weekend getaway will be a good refresher.

Mahuli Fort

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Want to move your limbs this weekend? Then take a trekking trip to the Mahuli Fort, the highest point in the Thane district at 2815 feet. Not only can you walk around in the forests surrounding the site, but also trek your way up into the beautiful Mahuli fort. What we love about this trekking trip is that it’s cost-free and hassle free. Just plan on the previous day, pack some sandwiches and hop onto the local train from CST to get off at Asangaon to reach Mahuli.

Naneghat Pass

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This is not just another mountain pass in the Western Ghats. Located near Junnar in the Pune district, you’ll find a number of ancient man made caves in this pass. If you’re a fan of archeological and historical visits, you’ll love to observe the carvings and inscriptions from the Mauryan Empire in these caves, in addition to the surrounding beauty of the Ghats. You could stop by for a meal to the nearest village of Vaishakhare (14 kms far) on the Konkan side or on the plateau side at Ghatghar (6 kms far).

River Kundalika / Kolad

Have you been wondering why we still haven’t featured a mangrove or a relaxing resort retreat in this list? Well, here it is! Not only is River Kundalika famous for its white water rafting sprees, but also because you can put up your feet and rest in the lap of nature in a nearby farm house, biting on mango and watermelon. Only 150 kms south east of Mumbai, Kundalika is a great spot to enjoy water.

Sula Vineyards, Nashik

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We assure you that a weekend getaway to the Sula Vineyards in Nashik is going to be a great trip. Not only because this is India’s first step toward wine tourism, but also because you can sip on a variety of wines all day. At a short distance of 180 kms from Mumbai, you could book rooms at the Sula resorts or at a few nearby hotels in Nashik. In addition to squashing grapes beneath your feet and getting just a little bit tipsy, you can also pack in a visit to Trimbakeshwar, the Gargoti Rock Museum or Bandardhara in and around Nashik.

If you are living in Mumbai and are tempted to give yourself some quick stress removal, hop into your car and zip off to these getaways.

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5 Important Precautions to take while visiting Leh–Ladakh!

On August 1, 2011, in Hill Stations, Ladakh, Tourist Places, by traveller
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If you’re planning a trip to Leh-Ladakh with only picturesque mountains and beautiful lakes in your mind, then you’re heading for trouble. Even if you are going to Ladakh in summer at 20 something degrees, you will need to take many precautions. Reaching an altitude of 9000 feet is not everyone’s cup of tea. Here are some tips on what you must take care of, what you must carry with you and which places you must visit.

Ladakh_Monastery

Acclimatization

Assuming that most you tourists going to Ladakh are from urban areas, a 48 hour acclimatization time period after you reach Leh airport is a must. If you don’t allow your body to cope up with the low levels of oxygen and high altitude before you tread higher up to Ladakh, you’re going to be in big trouble later on.

No alcohol, no tobacco

If you’re going to Ladakh with a group of friends and you think you can party it out at night, you’re pretty wrong. Because of thin levels of oxygen you will take a tremendous time to come out of your hangover. Not only will you end up spending the rest of your day in the hotel, but you will also lose out on your precious sightseeing time.

Carry energy bars all the time

Imagine what would happen if you were climbing towards a lake or monastery and you suddenly felt breathless? This may happen frequently, by the way. Feed your body a good amount of sugar with energy bars. There won’t be anyone around to yell for help in case of an emergency.

Must visit spots

There are tons of beautiful lakes and spots in Ladakh, but we recommend a few places to that you must visit. Lake Pangong and Lake Tso Moriri are a must visit. Lake Kiagar is a little remote but a lovely place if you are willing to sweat it out. The Zanskar Trek, Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, Thikse Monastery and the Lamayuru Monastery are sights you simply can’t miss. Also, don’t forget to pitch a tent at Pangong Lake!

Spare batteries

Power cuts are very very frequent in Leh-Ladakh. If you don’t have a good stock of batteries on you, you’re as good as dead. Even when you are out sightseeing at night, you will need batteries to be constantly turned on. Whether you’re camping or not, no travel agent is going to advise you to carry spare batteries!

Most of these tips may sound like common sense right now. But believe it or not, we have seen tourists travel to Leh-Ladakh as if they were traveling to just another Indian hill station. By the way, Ladakhi hospitals are full of tourists on oxygen. Do you see our point now?

[img src: wikipedia]

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5 places you must visit in Kolkata!

On August 1, 2011, in Historical Places, Kolkata, by traveller
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Kolkata, once the capital of India during the British Raj has forever been the destination of many travelers who want to get a taste of real India. We find it hard to believe that Kolkata is eighth largest urban agglomeration in the world! The city is characterized by a mix of bustling culture, diverse population, congested traffic, pollution, great architecture, spirituality and the towering Howrah Bridge. Here are our top 5 must see places if you are going to travel to Kolkata.

Howrah Bridge

Howrah_Bridge_at_night

How can we miss this iconic landmark of Kolkata which has been taking the weight of millions of commuters since its inception in the 1940s. You must, and we repeat, you must get a night view of the bridge as it looks stunning! Here is some interesting trivia that will amaze you – At 450 m (nearly half a kilometre), Howrah Bridge is the 6th largest of its type in the world. And if that wasn’t enough, it allows the thoroughfare of more than 80,000 vehicles and 10,00,000 pedestrians every day!

Chinatown

That’s right folks, a Chinatown in Kolkata, that too the only one in India! Chinatown in Kolkata was known for its Opium dens in the pre-independence era of India. Today, Chinatown is famous for its tanning industries and some exotic Chinese restaurants. So if you want to munch on Chinese and ‘Indian Chinese’ delicacies, Chinatown in Kolkata should be your gastronomic pit-stop.

National Library of India

Boasting a collection of more than 2.2 million books, the National Library of India in Kolkata is the largest in India. What started as ‘The Calcutta Public Library’ in 1836 eventually ended up as being The Imperial Library and then finally the National Library of India, just after independence. If there is a voracious reader inside you, you must check out this massive reading haven. It is usually open from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays. However we suggest that you get a reading pass a day prior to the day of your visit because you need to get your visitor pass application attested by a gazetted officer. Visiting passes are issued only during 11am-1pm and 3pm-4pm.

The Kolkata Book Fair

We know that this is not a ‘place’ but this winter event is a must visit. We were quite amused at the massive numbers this book fairs churns out. It only made us realize that some of the greatest gems of the world are in none other than our very own home land of India. For a period of 12 days, this book fair starts in the beginning of February. The Kolkata Book Fair is the largest non-trade fair in the world and the most attended of any kind of book fair in the world! Shocked?

Science City

We are tired of saying ‘largest’ and ‘biggest’ when we’re talking about Kolkata but this city never ceases to amaze us! Being the largest science centre in India, the Science City of Kolkata has many scientific and wildlife exhibits to suit the curiosity needs of almost every visitor! Space Odyssey, Evolution Park, Earth Exploration Hall and Maritime Centre are only some of the exciting departments.

After this, we find Kolkata to be highly under-rated as a tourist destination. For what it has to offer, it should be amongst the top in India. Indulge in exotic Kolkata the minute you step foot in this bustling metropolis.

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Top 5 must visit Indian places to enjoy snow!

On July 23, 2011, in Kashmir, Tourist Places, by traveller
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Would you like to spend your vacation between snow capped mountains? Would you like taking a break from all the heat and going to some place scenic, beautiful and with heavy snowfall? If you would, you’ve come to the right place because we are going to talk about the top 5 places that you must visit if you want to enjoy snow in India.

Snow-In-India

Leh

You will love the typical ‘cold desert climate’ of Leh, especially if you go in winter when this magnificent city gets snowfall. You will step in snow as soon as you walk out of your aircraft. If you love scenic views and a peaceful environment within the confines of a city, Leh is a must visit for all you snow-bound travelers. We highly recommend visiting the Shanti Stupa temple, especially in winter because it is covered in layers of pure white snow. There is no better feeling in the world than sitting on the quiet benches of Shanti Stupa while taking in the serene beauty of the place.

Nubra Valley

You will need to drive on the Khardung La pass, which is the second highest motorable road in the world to reach the Nubra Valley. On your way, you will encounter quaint villages with inhabited by the Ladakhi people. We suggest Nubra Valley because of the panoramic views, magnificent landscapes, an exotic local culture and most of all, a very exciting and daring drive through Khardung La pass. Before you start packing your bags, let us warn you that access to the Nubra Valley requires certain permits and paperwork from the government. So get that sorted out before you hit the road.

Gulmarg

If you love adventure and you haven’t visited Gulmarg yet, you’re missing out on one of the treasures of India. It has India’s best skiing resort and also boasts of having the highest golf course in the world! What we really like about this place is that you will find many hotels which suit all budget needs. Book well in advance to get the best deals at the best places!

Shimla

How can we not have Shimla on this list? Shimla has forever been the destination of tourists who want to enjoy the charm of this hilly region which is covered in snow during the winter months. Being a typical tourist destination, Shimla has a lot on offer. Beautiful views, peaceful temples, bustling street shops, a museum, natural ice skating rink which by the way is the only one in Asia and many other places.

We recommend going to Shimla by rail if you have more time on hand. The Kalka Shimla Railway route is extremely popular with tourists and is also listed in the Guinness Book of Records for having the steepest rise in altitude in a certain distance!

Manali

If we cannot miss Shimla from this list, nor can we miss Manali. At the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali too is one of the country’s most famous hill stations. We all know that Manali is also famous for its produce of plums, pears and apples, don’t we? Then why not visit this thriving tourist hub and enjoy a bite from the fresh fruit while enjoying breathtaking views of the Kullu Valley at 6400 feet?

We love the thought of waking up in a quiet little hotel room at any of these places, looking outside the window, sipping a hot cup of coffee and enjoying heavenly views of snow capped peaks! Don’t you?

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7 fascinating Union Territories of India!

On July 23, 2011, in Tourist Places, Union Territories, by traveller
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India has 7 union territories. Forget the political aspect, do you know how interesting and fascinating each of these places are? They are little tourism gems that not many of us know about. Let’s do a quick virtual visit so you can get a fair idea before you do your real one!

union territories

1) Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Located in the southern tip of Gujarat, and also near the Maharashtra border, Dadra Nagar Haveli is a small UT which lies on the banks of the Daman Ganga River. Silvassa is the capital of this UT and it was under Portuguese administration until 1961.

2) Daman and Diu

Along with Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu too was under Portuguese administration until its military conquest by the Indian army. This UT is not very far from Dadra Nagar Haveli. We think that Daman and Diu is a must visit for all you Gujarat bound travelers because there is no prohibition to the sale and consumption of liquor, unlike Gujarat. So it is a good spot to stop by on your Gujarat trip and relax by the beach with a nice glass of wine!

3) Lakshadweep

This UT is the second group of islands on our list. Lakshadweep is located near the south western tips of India about 200 kms from Kerala. This small UT is only 32 sqkm and is a popular tourist spot. Kavaratti, the capital of this UT has been ruled by the Portuguese, Tipu Sultan and even the British in the past. We think this UT should be a hot spot on your must visit places because it offers a wide range of water sports including snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing and much more. Our only tip to you is to avoid Lakshadweep when the sea is really choppy during the months of June-September.

4) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

To the east of Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory of India and its capital is Port Blair. It has been inhabited by people of various origins. The indigenous Andamanese were followed by Kings of the Tamil dynasty, then the Danish in the 17th century and then the British in the 18th century until India’s freedom struggle. This UT comprises 394 islands which are marred with tropical fauna and flora, including Timber which is of major commercial value to this UT.

5) Chandigarh

What we find amusing to know is that Chandigarh is not only a UT but also the capital of two states, Haryana and Punjab. This city is famous for its planned layout and high quality of school education. Did you know that Chandigarh also has the highest per capital income in India? You must visit this capital if you want to witness the glory of good architecture and superb urban planning in India.

6) Puducherry

Earlier known as Pondicherry, Puducherry was previously a French colony. If you travel to this UT, you will come across architecture that has a strong French influence, colonial style walls and use of French as a language. If you didn’t know, the Auroville and The Sri Aurobindo Ashram still operate from Puducherry. So if you want to soak in some French influence and a dash of spirituality, you know where to head on your next journey.

7) National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT)

NCT includes Delhi, Delhi Cantonment and New Delhi. This UT is unique because it is the capital of the country and has its own elected government.

We find that all the UTs of India are unique and exciting in their own way. Why not plan a traveling trip to hop from one UT to the other? You’ll have 7 very exotic destinations which have their own thriving culture.

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Top 5 historical sites to visit in Punjab!

On July 23, 2011, in Historical Places, Punjab, Tourist Places, by traveller
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We all know Punjab for its lush green fields, the delicious Saag and Makkai di Roti. But did you know that you can take in a lot of history while travelling through Punjab? Here are our top 5 historical sites of Punjab that you can visit to satisfy the history bug inside you.

400px-Punjab_district_map

Wagah Border

What better place to start than the Wagah border? Located between Amritsar and Lahore, the Wagah border is in the Wagah village, on the Grand Trunk Road. If you haven’t heard already, the Wagah border is also known as the ‘Berlin Wall of Asia’. You can soak in all the history of India and its freedom struggle while you watch soldiers from both the countries perform their ‘retreat ceremony’ every day. We think that this spectacle will give goosebumps to any true blooded Indian!

 

Jallianwala Bagh

This historical place holds a massive spot in India’s freedom struggle. Hundreds died when General Dyer and his troops opened fire on unarmed men, women and children, killing hundreds and wounding thousands. The modern day Jallianwala bagh houses a memorial which was established in 1951. This bagh is in the compounds of the famous Golden Temple.

 

Shaheed-E-Azaad Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum

Shaheed-E-Azaad Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum is located about 50 kms from Jalandhar. If you want to look at personal possessions of martyrs like Sardar Bhagat Sign and Sukhdev, this museum is a must-visit on your trip to Punjab. The museum also boasts of housing sand and a newspaper which was soaked in Sardar Bhagat Singh’s blood. We don’t think your history lesson can get any real than this.

Faridkot Fort

If you want to soak in the history of a monument that has been around since the 17th century, Faridkot Fort should be on your travel itinerary in Punjab. The 22 foot wooden gate itself speaks out stories of attacks and invasions during the times of Rajas and Maharajas. The architecture in the interiors and the exteriors is magnificent and reminds the world of its glory, hundreds of years back. This for is about a 30km drive from Ferozepur.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

This museum was previously the palace of late Maharaja Ranjit Singh. We think that this museum is a complete package because it offers visitors a massive collection of Arms, Armour, Coins, Manuscripts and Paintings from the 18th and 19th century. Getting to see oil paintings from the 18th century, swords of the Sikh warriors and manuscripts of civil and military history of Punjab in the 18th century is very exciting.

These historical places hold a symbolic place in Punjab’s and India’s history. From the Maharajas to the Britishers to the Indian Freedom Struggle – witness the making of the modern Punjab by visiting these top 5 historical places.

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Top 5 places to explore exotic quotient of Kutch!

On July 8, 2011, in Kutch, Tourist Places, by traveller
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Would you expect acres and acres of white ground in the middle of nowhere in Gujarat? For sure there’s no snow in this part of India, right? Let us take you to one of the most enticing areas of the country. These are the salt plans of the Little Rann of Kutch. To further explore the exotic quotient of Kutch, here are some of the places you should visit.

rann of kutch

 

Mundra Port

Many tourists wouldn’t include the Mundra port, or for that matter, any port in their itineraries. But this port tops the list of places to visit in Kutch. For an experience like no other, you’ll enjoy your visit to the port if you have taken a few prior permissions to watch steamers and large containers going about their business as usual. This port is tipped to be the next big thriving business hubs of the India.

Bhujaudi

What’s the point of taking a trip to Kutch if you come back without handcrafted Kutchi shawls, Shrujan style mirror work bags, ethnic belts and other handicrafts? If you didn’t know already, handicrafts from Kutch are exported all over the world. Bhaujaudi is one such small hamlet where you’ll be able to source all the souvenirs you want.

Dholavira

Dholavira

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If you have decided to travel all the way to Kutch, you cannot miss seeing Dholavira. This is the archaeological Harappan site, touted to be the oldest civilization of the world. Experts are still working towards the evidences. Government guides will give you a tour of the entire excavated Harappan town. From talking about the town planning elements, remnants that showed what their people were all about and their A grade drainage system, a trip to Dholavira is like a History textbook coming to life. A must visit when there are children on board.

Vijay Vilas Palace

Do you remember Salman Khan and Aishwariya Rai serenading each other with ‘Chand Chupa Badal Main’ in ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ or Elizabeth swaying to express her newfound love for Bhuvan in ‘Lagaan’? That’s the Vijay Vilas Palace in the background. It’s a perfect royal residence set amidst well trimmed gardens and marble fountains. Made with coloured glass, protruding porches and domes on pillars, this palace is a treat to the eyes. Take up a residence package at the palace and check out their private beach.

Aaina Mahal

aina mahal

[image source]

You simply can’t miss visiting Aaina Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) in Maharao Lakhpatji’s old palace. You’ll see traditional Kutchi architecture in this structure. Created by Ram Singh Malam in the 18th century, the mirror work is influenced by Indian and European styles. With innovative use of Venetian glass, marbles, mirrors adjoined by studded jewellery and reflective lighting, Aaina Mahal is going to be worth your while. You’ll also love visiting the Pleasure Pool, which has a small square block jutting out from the middle where the Maharaja used to sit to be inspired to write poems. If you asked us to describe this place in just a few words, it’d be ‘A royal treat’!

Kutch is a terrain like nowhere else. It’s a desert of a different kind altogether. Plagued by harsh weather almost all year around, January to March is the best season to visit. You might just be in time for the Annual Kutch Mahotsav.

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A tour of top 5 Indian foods every tourist should try!

On June 25, 2011, in Indian Food, by traveller
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If you thought we are the only ones celebrating the exciting spices of our country, we tell you, get with the times! Did you know that in England and Wales alone, there are more than 10,000 restaurants serving Indian food?

If that’s not enough, statistics show that the Indian Food industry in UK is worth about 3.2 million pounds which is about two-thirds of all the food eaten out. Those are massive numbers. Here, we bring you back to the roots, where it has all begun. As you guessed it, this discussion is going to be about travelling to the places of culinary delights of our holy land.

The Top 5 gastronomical delights of India.

Hyderabad and its Biryani

hyderabad_biryani

Our mouths start watering and stomachs start grumbling when we talk about the Biryani from the land of Nawabs, Hyderabad. Traditionally, this dish is made with goat meat and basmati rice. The goat meat is marinated with yoghurt, lemon, saffron and some super exciting spices. For all you chicken lovers out there, all hope is not lost because the same is done to chicken meat as a popular variant of this delicacy. Served with Dahi or a hot green chilli chutney, the Hyderabadi Biryani is heaven on a plate.

Goa and its spicy Vindaloo curry

So, we know that Goa is already famous for its massive rave parties and a bustling youth fan base. But what is more exciting about Goa is its trademark Vindaloo. You will find most Goan restaurants serving the Vindaloo curry. The curry is generally served with chicken, lamb or pork. Here’s some fascinating trivia about our beloved Vindaloo curry – the name ‘Vindaloo’ is derived from a Portuguese dish which is usually a delicacy which has a meat (mostly pork) with garlic and wine. Yummy!

Punjab da Saag

Sarsoon-Ka-Saag

Okay we are being a little vague here in terms of the location, but that’s for a reason. The whole of Punjab is known for this delicacy! Saag is traditionally a green curry, made from either spinach or mustard leaves. Spinach, ghee, coriander, turmeric, pepper, garlic and cream are some of the ingredients that form the base of this delicious curry. What we love about Saag is its versatility. Saag, Saag Paneer, Chicken Saag, Saag Ghost, Saag Aloo and much more. A Saag curry and naan meal while sitting beside the lush green fields of the land of Punjab is surely a must-do for any authentic desi-traveller!

Mumbai’s favorite – Vada Pav

Every suburban station will have at least one Vada Pav outlet or ‘thela’ as they locally call it. We think that mumbaikars will be lost if they can’t find a Vada Pav stall nearby! This dish is basically a ‘batata vada’ between a bun. This is served with very tasty and spicy chutneys which are made from chillies, ginger, mint and other herbs. If you’re planning to hit the mega city of Mumbai, be prepared for a gastronomical delight which may be not the most filling dish, but will surely be super vibrant and delicious.

Momo from Ladakh

We’re probably not being fair when we say ‘Momo from Ladakh’ because Momos are originally a Tibetan dish. But why it is on this list is because it is one of the staple foods of people living in the Ladakh region of India. Momos are like dumplings, except they are boiled, not fried. Inside the wheat dough, the filling can be only veggies for the vegetarian or can be different meats (chicken, goat, pork, or even yak in some cases) for the non-vegetarians. Onions, ginger, coriander and garlic are combined with minced meat or only vegetables to give you a burst of exotic flavours and spices when you bite into this delicacy. A must try dish for all you Ladakh bound travellers.

We think that authentic regional delicacies are best when eaten in the region where they originated. The local spices, herbs, flavours and techniques can never be replicated at any other part of the world. So keep these top 5 gastronomical delights in mind when you plan your next exotic road trip in India. Happy munching!

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Top Ayurveda Tourism Hotspots in India

On June 21, 2011, in Kerala, Medical Attraction, by traveller
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Whether you are a foreign national or a local Indian, one of things you have to do in life is visit an Ayurveda spa or a resort. As locals, we deem these as luxuries of life, but many of us have woken up to splurging gracious amounts of our pay checks on Ayurvedic treatments. Let’s check out some highly rated Ayurvedic hotspots in India.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resorts

Kairali Resorts

Located in the middle of 50 acres of green foliage in Palakkad, Kerala, Kairali offers great combination packages of Yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic herbal oil therapy and night rejuvenation. If you want to live in exclusive villas with water streams running by, eat organic vegetarian food and soak in Ayurvedic traditions more than 5000 years old, this Health Resort will welcome you with open arms.

The Ananda Spa

Tourists who have a whole lot of money to blow, must go to the beautiful Ananda Spa in the Himalayas. There’s no doubt we would have fun getting Ayurvedic massages in this destination spa built on the Maharaja’s palace estate at Tehri-Garhwal in Uttarakhand. A minimum stay of three nights (for all you NRIs, packages start from 500 dollars per person per night) is required for you to soak into some Ayurvedic therapeutic treatments, organic food and music.

Sarovaram Ayurvedic Resort

sarovaramkollam

Finally, here is an affordable Ayurvedic Health Resort which we all could plan our next summer vacation to. Located on a simple garden on the edge of the Kollam, there’s a great sense of familiarity and cosiness to this place. It’s a family owned spa run by the Ayurvedic doctors. Expect a typical vacation on the Kerala backwaters laced with a houseboat ride, Kathakali performance and drops of Ayurvedic oil trickling down your forehead.

Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort

If you are a serious Ayurvedic wellness tourist seeking the privacy of only 8 rooms located in between islands, then you must visit the Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort near Trivandrum. Dr. D V Franklin, who runs this resort, was named the ‘Tourism Man of the Year’ in 1999 for fuelling tourism through Ayurveda.

Ayurveda Mana

If you are seriously looking towards Ayurveda wellness treatments to heal specific diseases or detoxify certain areas of your body, then your safest and best bet would be Ayurveda Mana (locally referred as Poomully Mana). Special Ayurvedic treatments are offered for stress relief, arthritis, bronchial diseases, breast cancer, neurological problems and beauty enhancing. Soak into libraries and museums belonging to the family who owns this resort and drown yourself in the pool of knowledge about this ancient science of India.

If you’ve noticed, most of the selections in this list point down south. That’s because many traditions of Ayurveda stem from the land of Kerala, attracting tons of national and international patrons repeatedly.

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Top 5 places to visit in Pondicherry !

On June 18, 2011, in Pondicherry, Tourist Places, by traveller
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If you feel like getting a whiff of France but don’t have the money to go to Paris, we suggest you take a trip closer home to Pondicherry. You’ll see street hawkers speaking in French and a huge number of French people hanging around more than anywhere else in India. A beautiful mix of French colonial mansions, beautiful Hindu temples, beaches, boulevards and promenades, a visit to this Union Territory of India is a must.

Matri Mandir (Temple of the Mother)

Matrimandir, Auroville

The overwhelming feature about the Matri Mandir is the 30 metre golden globe perched on the ground with petal like structure rising towards it. And let us tell you that there is a reason behind the exotic shape of this structure. Reportedly, the structure is designed to hold maximum amount of energy within itself. And what makes it even better, is that this place is that it’s not religious in nature, it’s spiritual.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

The Aurobindo Ashram is the best landmark for Pondicherry, as most of you may be familiar. Established in 1920 by Sri Aurobindo – the poet, scholar, writer and mystic, the Ashram is a serene space where thinkers, students, disciples and members of all communities can participate. It’s like a world that exists by itself. How great is that? There are cottage industries, farms, gardens, libraries and other units within the Ashram that contribute to its own little internal thriving economy.

French Quarter

If you want to see streets with French names laid out in a boulevard style on a perpendicular grid, the French Quarter is the place to visit. Divided into 2 sections from the olden times, the Tamil section is called Ville Noire (black town) and the French side is called the Ville Blanche (white town). Take the famous Puducherry heritage walk and explore the heritage buildings of this area. It’s lane hopping time!

Karaikal Beach

What more can a beach give you than great fishing hamlets nearby, a perfect view of the rising sun, a boating club and a beach resort? Well, all this will be possible to enjoy if you decide to visit the Karaikal Beach. You will also find the sight of the Arasalar River meeting the Bay of Bengal, just mesmerizing.

Manakkula Vinayagar Temple

This one is especially for our foreign national visitors. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Manakkula Vinayagar Temple is located behind the Raj Niwas in Pondicherry town. Rumor goes that it is more than 500 years old. To sample some great Madurai style architecture and elephants being dressed and readied for ceremony, this small temple could prove to be an interesting visit.

This city is a model example of how people from all nationalities can live together without communal differences. This little jewel hasn’t been visited by tourists as frequently as it should be.

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