Tuesday 25 December 2018

10 Things You Need To Do Before Any International Trip


December 2018 

Memorize the following and make it your mantra: Good travel is the result of good planning. That applies to any trip you take, but it’s especially true when you’re heading to a foreign country. It can be tempting to book a ticket and start fantasizing about your getaway, but there’s work to be done. In addition to the planning any trip requires—lodging, restaurants, activities, and so on—international travel calls for extra steps and research to ensure a stress-free experience. Fortunately, we’ve broken it all down into a ten-point plan that will help make your next international getaway a success.

International Travel Packages From India
Credit : unsplash.com

List of Things You Need To Do Before Any International Trip


1. Check your passport and apply for any necessary visas.


While it’s not necessary to memorize your passport’s expiration date, it’s best to take a look at it—and to verify that you know where your passport is stored—before making any international travel plans. Generally speaking, you want your passport to be valid for at least six months after entering a foreign country, though some nations will let you get away with less; refer to the State Department’s website for full details, organized by country. If its expiration date is approaching, you’ll need to renew your passport before your next overseas trip. Though not a universal requirement, tourist visas are needed to visit many nations around the world, and the application process varies greatly from country to country. If you have an American passport, the State Department’s website is the best resource for determining if you need to apply for a tourist visa based on the countries you’re visiting and how much time you plan to spend in each one. It’s important to note that applying for a visa can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to get it out of the way as soon as possible. Some countries, like China, offer multiyear visas that allow for multiple entries and exits; if there’s a chance you’ll return to a country sooner rather than later, multiyear visas can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

2. Get vaccinated and stock up on medicine.


Depending on where you’re going, you may need to get special vaccines or medications as a precaution against various diseases. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date medical recommendations, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, which also lists health advisories by country. In addition, if you routinely take any prescription medication, make sure you have enough to cover the duration of your travels so that you don’t run out while you’re overseas. Finally—and especially if you’re going to any remote regions—it’s wise to pack non-prescription medicines (aspirin, Imodium, etc.) that may not be easy to find.

3. Check for travel warnings/advisories and register your trip.


Before you travel abroad, refer to the State Department’s Consular Information Program for Travel Alerts (“short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country”) and Travel Warnings (“We issue a Travel Warning when we want you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all.”). It’s worth checking for these notices both before you book a trip and just before you depart. You should also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which makes it easier for the State Department to assist you in the event of an emergency. Similarly, write down the addresses and phone numbers of any American embassies or consulates in the destinations you’ll be visiting, in case you need to contact them.

4. Prepare your finances.


Before you travel overseas, call your bank and credit card providers to let them know where you’ll be; if the companies see foreign charges with no notice that you’re abroad, they might freeze your cards, which can be quite annoying if you’re in a shop or trying to pay for dinner. Before you travel internationally, be aware of the exchange rate and know how much things generally cost wherever you’re going so that you get some sense of how much you’re going to spend. If you want to get traveler’s checks, feel free to do so, but know that they are not widely accepted and are exchanged at a less favorable rate than the one you’ll find at an ATM, no matter where you are in the world.

5. Make copies of travel documents.


Most importantly, have at least one color copy of your passport’s ID page stored somewhere safe and separate from your passport. You should also make copies of any visas that pertain to your current travels. Hotel reservations, train ticket confirmations, and all other travel documents should be copied as well. In this digital age, it is very convenient (and eco-friendly) to only have digital copies of these documents handy. That’s fine, but be sure that these items are saved to your device locally so that you can access them without an Internet connection. Also, if you’re going to store sensitive information (like a scan of your passport) on your phone or in your email inbox, make sure your passwords are strong enough to keep potential intruders out.

6. Obtain an International Driving Permit.


The international road trip of your dreams isn’t going to happen unless you plan correctly. That’s because it’s illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license and insurance in most countries, and many do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses. Car rental companies usually offer insurance, but for the license you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit, either from AAA or the National Auto Club. It’s also smart to familiarize yourself with local driving laws wherever you plan to drive. Contact foreign embassies for official rules and regulations regarding driving.

7. Get all the necessary gear for your electronics.


Electrical outlets are different all over the world, so you’ll need to have adapters that allow your devices to plug into foreign sockets. Your best bet is to buy an adapter with different settings that adjust to most outlets, so you only have to worry about one adapter instead of one per country. You also need to check the strength of the electrical current wherever you’re going and make sure your devices are compatible—cell phones and computers often are. If you have a device that’s not compatible with a higher or lower current, then you’ll need to buy a transformer or leave that gadget at home. Finally, if you don’t own them already, it’s worth investing in portable phone chargers and/or spare batteries that can be charged and swapped into phones, cameras, and other electronics so that you can stay fully charged while you’re on the go.

8. Learn key phrases in the local language.


Of course it’s best practice to learn basics like “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Where is the bathroom?”, but the more you can say in the local tongue, the better. Then there are times when being able to effectively communicate is a matter of health and safety. If you have any food allergies or severe medical conditions, it’s important to learn how to inform others about those issues in a foreign language. If you don’t feel comfortable with your language abilities, then cheat and print out a document with relevant phrases or make flashcards that you can carry with you.

9. Research entrance and exit fees.


Regardless of whether a country requires you to obtain a tourist visa, it may levy an entrance and/or exit fee against you. For example, Argentina allows U.S. citizens to visit for up to ninety days without a visa, but a $160 “reciprocity fee” must be paid before entering the country—you won’t be allowed in without a copy of the receipt. Once again, the Consular Information Program is the most reliable resource for determining whether a country charges these fees; on any country page, look under the Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements tab for complete information.

10. Buy health and travel insurance.


Before you travel, check your health insurance policy to see if it includes international coverage. If not, consider buying a short-term policy that will cover you while you’re abroad, in case something should happen. Similarly, a smart way to protect your trip and your money is to purchase travel insurance. Policies and coverage vary from provider to provider, but the basic idea is that you can have your money refunded if your trip has to be cancelled, postponed, or cut short for any number of reasons.


To Know More Information About International Travel Packages From India ByCrossworld Holidays- Tour Operator in Thane Mumbai



Source - www.fodors.com

Crossworld Holidays gives the Travel Agent in thaneContact us at (+91) 4038 4747 or Email us at - info@crossworldholidays.com

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Shimla

Image Alternative text

December 2018 
With winters coming in, it is an ideal time to plan a trip to "The Queen of Hills". Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Shimla, that is a delightful escape from daily hustle bustle of life.


Domestic Package Tours Booking Thane
Credit : unsplash.com

Top 10 reasons to visit Shimla


1. The Mall

On walking up to The Mall—Shimla’s main street, you’ll come across the loveliest sights. Home to some famous local attractions like the Christ Church and markets operating from vintage colonial buildings, The Mall is truly the heart of this hill station.

2. Observatory Hill

The old Viceregal Lodge is perhaps the most resonant of old structures in Shimla. If you go there by foot, there are interesting stops on this 2-hour walk from the Mall.

3. Jakhoo Hill

Jakhoo Hill, towering over the ridge, is Shimla’s highest point, with a Hanuman Temple on top. The huge red Hanuman statue built in front of the temple is clearly visible from The Mall and the Ridge. Sunset views here are especially magnificent during the monsoons.

4. Heritage Walks in Shimla

Shimla is best discovered on foot. Opt for the Heritage Walking Tours, one of the most famous walking tours in India, to explore the rich history of this hill station.

5. Lakkar Bazaar

Don’t miss the Lakkar Bazaar. The bustling market is famous for woodwork as it is lined with shops selling lovely souvenirs.

6. Beautiful Churches

Apart from the famous Christ Church, Shimla has a number of magnificent churches, which are a huge tourist draw.

7. Mashobra and Chail

If you have enough time on your hands and want to explore some nice places around Shimla, plan a day’s outing to Chail and Mashobra, which are at a distance of 60 km and 14 km respectively.

8. Shopping in Shimla

There are many local bazaars in Shimla, where you can buy snuggly woolens, decor items, Tibetan carpets, plum and apple wines as well as other souvenirs.

9. Eating Out

Most good restaurants in Shimla are clustered around The Mall area. Himachal Tourism’s Ashiana Restaurant, right on The Ridge, is very popular. Alfa on Scandal Point also dishes out good food. Devicos serves Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines, and has a bar as well. Baljees is hugely popular, with a choice of Indian, Chinese, Continental and Thai cuisines.

10. A Ride on Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Don’t miss the metre-gauge heritage toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla for one of the most spectacular rail journeys you’ll ever experience. It’s a 6-hour climb up the Shivaliks.

So, all set to explore the magic of this charming hill station this winter? We hope you experience these 10 reasons to visit Shimla and much more. So go ahead and enjoy a happy vacation amidst snow and mountains!


To Know More Information About Domestic Package Tours Booking Thane ByCrossworld Holidays- Tour Operator in Thane Mumbai




Source - www.ixigo.com

Crossworld Holidays gives the Travel Agent in thaneContact us at (+91) 4038 4747 or Email us at - info@crossworldholidays.com

Monday 3 December 2018

Mauritius Attractions

Image Alternative text

December 2018 
An insider's guide to the best things to do and attractions in Mauritius, including visiting Port Louis, Grand Baie and where to shop. 

Mauritius has plenty to see and do, should you want a break from the sun lounger. A number of French colonial houses, several interesting museums and shopping centres around the island provide entertainment if the weather's not great. When it's fine, a famous botanic garden, animal parks and nature walks in eco-adventure playgrounds or the national park beckon.

Mauritius Tour Packages From Mumbai
Credit : unsplash.com

Here's a selection of the best attractions.

Port Louis

Most people come to 'Por Loowee', Mauritius's capital, to shop, although it has several cultural attractions. The Blue Penny Museum is home to the world's first colonial stamp and you can see an ancient dodo skeleton, on the first floor of The Natural History Museum. Get a sense of multi faith Mauritius here by gazing over churches, mosques, and Chinese and Indian temples from the citadel, or join the locals and ex-pats on a late afternoon stroll up Signal Mountain - named after the antennae on top - to see the city at sunset.

Grand Baie

A fishing village 20 years ago, this sheltered bay bobbing with boats is now the main tourism hub of the island. Nicknamed "Le Trop" for its hot shopping and après-sol entertainment, it has plenty of excursions, attractions and beaches nearby. Kids will love the Aquarium (mauritiusaquarium.com) in the north, with the chance to feed fish and eyeball a shark. 

Learn the island’s history at the interactive museum, L’Aventure du Sucre (aventuredusucre.com) where rum tastings and purchases are possible and whose restaurant Le Fangourin, under a flamboyan tree, makes a good lunch spot. Hire a guide at the entrance to take you around 18th- century Pamplemousses Botanic Gardens (officially known as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Gardens), 300 yards away, whose centrepiece is a pond of giant Amazon lilies.

Eureka

This French colonial mansion once owned by the island's biggest sugar baron is a feat of engineering, with 109 doors and a complete wrap around balcony to keep residents cool in the tropical heat. Its turreted rooftop windows look particularly pretty against the backdrop of the Moka Mountains. Take the track from the beautiful garden with ebony and bamboo, to a swimming hole beneath a waterfall, as next door neighbour Pierre Poivre once did.

Casela World of Adventures

The star attraction at this sanctuary for rare birds used to be the pink pigeon, but it's now a walk with lions in the wild in the neighbouring Yemen estate. The savannah-style landscape may have inspired the introduction of over 100 African animals, including zebra and ostrich, hyenas, white rhino and hippopotamus, seen from a mini- safari bus (10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm). The active can still zoom around here on a quad bike, scattering deer in their wake, ride on"the longest zipline in the Indian Ocean", or take a more leisurely pootle around by segway (minimum age 12 years). Casela’s arrivals hall was recently revamped by the artists behind Game of Thrones, and giraffe feeding, camel rides, and encounters with tiger cubs, hippos and rhinos are new activities, along with a 4D cinema, mud karting and a hair-raising canyon swing. It’s easy to spend the day here, and there’s a restaurant on site.

La Vanille Nature Park

Kids love this animal breeding park sculpted among lush foliage, where they can hold a baby Aldabra tortoise or crocodile, fruit bat or iguana, visit the insectarium and fossil museum, and play on the jungle playground before heading to the Hungry Crocodile restaurant.

Black River Gorges National Park

There are glimpses of the elegant white Paille-en-queue (straw in the tail) flying over the canopy in these forested hills, criss-crossed with hiking trails. You're more likely, however, to see macaque monkeys cavorting along the railings at Black River Peak viewpoint, with one of the island's best views. An easy two hour walk (9km) on a forest track from Petrin Information Centre will take you to the peak itself - the highest point on the island. 

A 33ft statue of Shiva, to be joined in 2017 by a statue of his wife, as Durga, riding on a lion, [note to ed: Shivas wife Pravati, has nine forms, Durga is one of them] signals the entrance to the crater lake of Grand Bassin, sacred to Mauritian Hindus, if you fancy a look. You can go quad biking, or on buggy trips, take a 4x4 twilight or photo safari or hike to a waterfall in the Frederica Nature Reserve (00 202 6660 4498; fredericanaturereserve.com) at the foot of the national park, the latest eco-adventure park to open. Most people don’t find the island’s geological wonder, the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel – dunes of multi-coloured mineral-rich sand –overly impressive, although it’s worth a stop to see Chamarel Falls, tumbling 90-metres over a cliff face. Rum tasting and a gourmet lunch at the Rhumerie de Chamarel (rhumeriedechamarel.com) and family-friendly house of illusion, the Curious Corner of Chamarel (curiouscornerchamarel.com) give more than one reason to visit the highlands.

Domaine de L'Étoile

There are glimpses of the elegant white Paille-en-queue (straw in the tail) flying over the canopy in these forested hills, criss-crossed with hiking trails. You're more likely, however, to see macaque monkeys cavorting along the railings at Black River Peak viewpoint, with one of the island's best views. An easy two hour walk (9km) on a forest track from Petrin Information Centre will take you to the peak itself - the highest point on the island.

Mahébourg

Few people make it to the characterful, ancient capital, built on the site where the Dutch first landed in 1598. Soak up a flavour of old Mauritius from the terraces of rustic restaurants on the main drag or stroll along the pink-paved waterfront to the bay where the British battled the French for the island.

Don't miss the National History Museum. Exhibits in this lovely blue and white 18th century colonial building include the bell from the shipwrecked Le Saint-Géran that inspired Mauritius' most famous legend and French governor and city founder Mahé de Labourdonnais’s bed.

Isle aux Aigrettes (Egret Island)

Thought to be the last resting place of the dodo, this tiny coral outcrop, surrounded by a limpid sea, has giant Aldabra tortoises lumbering under an ebony canopy and pink pigeons living in the semi-wild.

Shopping

A duty free shopping haven since 2010, shopping centres have sprung up around the island. The Caudan Waterfront (Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; caudan.com) in Port Louis harbour remains the best. With 170 boutiques, designer labels and duty-free shops are found alongside craft stalls stuffed with straw baskets, pareos (sarongs) and Indian textiles. Cashmere garments made in Mauritius cost around a third of the price of the UK and linen is also a good buy. Just beware the old scam of taxi drivers getting commission from shops – this isn’t the worst place for it, but be on the safe side and get recommendations from the hotel.

Follow the fragrant aromas around the corner, to Victorian wrought iron gates which lead into the central market or bazar. Its food hall is the best place to try local specialities (Mon–Sat 6am–6pm, Sun 6am–noon).


To Know More Information About Mauritius Tour Packages From Mumbai ByCrossworld Holidays- Tour Operator in Thane Mumbai



Crossworld Holidays gives the International Package Tours booking in Thane Contact us at (+91) 4038 4747 or Email us at - info@crossworldholidays.com

Monday 26 November 2018

Luxury And Local Life: Mixing It Up In The Maldives

Image Alternative text

November 2018 
Some 1800 years ago, Arabic traders gave the Maldives a moniker that remains relevant to this day: the ‘Money Isles’. Back then, the archipelago’s abundant cowrie shells ( boli) were a powerful international currency, and these paradisaical islands have evolved into a playground for the rich and even richer.

For many, world-class luxury resorts are still the major drawcard, but there are two sides to every coin, or cowrie shell. Combining resort indulgence with a cultural encounter on one of the Maldives' dozens of inhabited islands can make a trip here all the more enriching.

International Tour Packages From Mumbai
Credit : freepik.com

Luxury And Local Life In The Maldives

Appreciating The Maldives' Natural Riches


Nicknames aside, the etymology of the word ‘Maldives’ refers to the remarkable geography of this scattered archipelago. The ‘garland islands’ are indeed draped like a necklace across the Indian Ocean, hanging below the teardrop-shaped earring of Sri Lanka. And this is a treasure crafted from only the finest materials: white-gold sands with a turquoise trim, diamond-clear waters and sparkling sunsets framed by a curtain of palms. Every second spent here is a pinch-me moment.

The Maldives is the world’s lowest country in terms of elevation, and therefore first in the climate change firing line, which makes its natural wonders seem all the more precious, particularly when you meet the wildlife. Keen spotters, snorkelers and scuba divers should head to the southernmost atoll, Addu (also known as Seenu), to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, whale sharks and white terns – a striking seabird found nowhere else in the Maldives.

Addu is also home to some of the islands' most novel landmarks – a nine-hole golf course with lagoon views, one of the longest roads in the Maldives (a whole 16km, best travelled by bike) and the nation’s tallest mountain, which looms above Villingili, a staggering five metres high.

A Taste Of The Inhabited Islands


Staying at a luxury resort for 24/7 pampering is part of the Maldives experience, but spa treatments and five-star dinners are only half of the story. To really get a feel for island life, you need to visit one of the officially designated inhabited islands, where most of the islands' 345,000 people make their homes. Until 2009, government restrictions meant visitors to the Maldives needed a permit to explore and stay on non-resort islands, but today, many inhabited islands are open for day trips or even overnight stays, and 50% of resort staff are required by law to be local, making island culture far more accessible.

After living it up at the Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa on the southern atoll of Addu, I joined local guide Azmy for a cycle tour of Addu City – a sleepy string of inhabited isles just across the lagoon from my blissful bubble – for a gentle introduction to the ‘real’ Maldives. In this laid back 'city', an unhurried island vibe pervades (there’s only so much pace one can gather this close to the equator) but political street art, a multitude of mosques, busy tea shops and welcoming smiles reveal an unexpected community buzz.

‘We don’t lock our doors here – everyone knows everyone,’ explained Azmy with a smile as we parked our bikes outside his family home. I’d wangled an invitation in order to see – and try out – an undholi, the traditional Maldivian swing seats found in most houses in the atolls. Azmy’s wife and mother-in-law seemed bemused by enthusiasm for trying out the fancy wooden hammock in their living room, but were graciously accommodating. And yes, it was as good as it sounds.

A Wealth Of History And Culture


People on Addu generally speak excellent English, as the British ran various military bases on Gan island between the 1940s and 1970s. Azmy’s grandfather worked there as a cook and his father, a local councillor, hopes to open a military museum one day to tell the story of the base, considered a hardship posting for British airmen because of the remote and secluded location.

But there’s plenty of history to discover even without a museum. As we pedalled, we passed a disused post office blanketed in moss, poppy-strewn memorials, a retro-looking cinema (still in occasional use), and an eerie old quarantine centre for sufferers of ‘elephant foot’, a mosquito-borne malady only officially wiped out in 2016. Needless to say, I declined to take a closer look at these last facilities.

These days the RAF barracks form part of Equator Village, one of many budget resorts springing up across the archipelago, and the airstrip has swapped bombers for commercial planes. Gan Airport received the first international passenger flights from Colombo in late 2016 and tourism is expected to boom in the southern atolls, so now is a good time to come and beat the rush.

Make Time For Male


While island life is what the Maldives is all about, the capital, Malé, remains the central transport hub and it's well worth a stopover to see its miniature take on ‘big city’ life. It may only cover 5.8 sq km, but compared to the far-flung isles, this densely populated speck in the ocean is positively cosmopolitan. Residents often juggle two jobs, commuting by moped through traffic-clogged streets overshadowed by high-rise banks and office buildings. Markets bustle. Tarmac sizzles. The call to prayer cuts through the urban thrum.

If you do one thing in Malé, make time for the Old Friday Mosque. Built from coral stone in 1656, its walls are intricately decorated, and – just like the coral you’ll find in the ocean – rough to the touch. The graveyard’s time-worn headstones (the tops of which are pointed for men, smooth for women) stand off-kilter, like a crowd of spectators vying for a glimpse of the mosque’s timeless grace. The simple tomb of Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, the man credited with converting the Maldives from Buddhism to Islam in the 12th century, can be found just across the street.

The Ocean's Bounty For Food Lovers


Walking the streets in the tropical sun can be hungry work – and even spa-goers and sun-bathers need to eat. The territory of the Maldives covers 90,000 sq km of ocean, so it should come as no surprise that seafood is the staple here, and tuna is catch of the day, every day. Find this flavoursome fish in mas huni, a breakfast dish combining chilli, coconut, onion and tuna, eaten with roti flatbread. Tuna is also the key ingredient in a host of spicy ‘short eats’ – popular deep-fried snacks – and in the tuna curry that locals enthusiastically chow down on morning, noon and night

Many resorts and tour operators offer fishing trips – a chance to witness the traditional pole-and-line technique still used in the Maldivian fishing industry today and try your hand at casting for big game fish. Alternatively, swing by Malé’s fish and produce markets early to see the catch hauled in for hungry shoppers and hunt for souvenirs. If fishy crisps, smoked tuna or tuna paste aren’t to your taste, ‘bounty’, a tasty local snack made of coconut meat, sugar and honey, makes a sweet alternative.

Many resorts and tour operators offer fishing trips – a chance to witness the traditional pole-and-line technique still used in the Maldivian fishing industry today and try your hand at casting for big game fish. Alternatively, swing by Malé’s fish and produce markets early to see the catch hauled in for hungry shoppers and hunt for souvenirs. If fishy crisps, smoked tuna or tuna paste aren’t to your taste, ‘bounty’, a tasty local snack made of coconut meat, sugar and honey, makes a sweet alternative.


To Know More Information About Thane Travel Blog, Travel Tips and Tricks, Article, Resources. By Crossworld Holidays- Travel Agent in Thane Mumbai




Source - lonelyplanet.com

Crossworld Holidays gives the International Package Tours booking in Thane Contact us at (+91) 4038 4747 or Email us at - info@crossworldholidays.com

Monday 19 November 2018

Tea, Trains & Relics From the Raj:Exploring India’s Western Ghats

Image Alternative text

November 2018 
Running parallel to India’s coastline for 1600km from Gujarat to deep-south Tamil Nadu, the lush, forest-cloaked, Unesco-listed Western Ghats make up some of the most biodiverse territory on the globe. India’s second-highest mountain range is an untamed natural world of Jungle Book dreams, rich in unique, endemic flora and fauna, interspersed with carefully clipped, glittering-green tea plantations and once-splendid hill stations drenched in Raj–era history. 

Though the Ghats on average reach 915m, in Tamil Nadu they tower over 2500m high in the Nilgiri Hills – where you’ll meet Ooty, ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ – and the Palani Hills near Kodaikanal. Across the border in Kerala, some of the world’s highest-altitude tea plantations sprawl around Munnar. In between, tigers, elephants, langur monkeys, chital deer and gaur (Indian bison) flit through the unspoilt wilderness of several contiguous protected parks.


Karnataka Tour Packages from Mumbai
Credit : pixabay.com

Ooty, queen of the Nilgiri Hills

It was British colonials who originally sought refuge from the sweltering lowland heat in these cool, mist-shrouded mountains of native shola (virgin forest), founding South India’s eccentric collection of hill stations. Today, it is Indian holidaymakers rather than foreign tourists who flock to the Western Ghats seeking cool air, natural beauty and green serenity.

Major town of the Unesco-designated Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – a highly biodiverse 5520-sq-km area that flows across northwest Tamil Nadu into Kerala and Karnataka – the typically frenzied yet historically captivating town of Ooty (Udhagamandalam; 2240m) is Tamil Nadu’s most popular hill station. Like its Himalayan siblings, it was founded in the early 19th century, when Madras (now Chennai) was the capital of British India’s Madras Presidency. Ooty is also the springboard for exploring Tamil Nadu’s wildlife-rich Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, just northwest.

Ooty’s Hindu temples, lively bazaar, chaotic centre and pedalboat-sprinkled lake give way to flower-wreathed English-style lanes, passing splendid Raj–era buildings like the red-hued, still-operating 1867 Nilgiri Library, and St Stephen’s Church, dating from 1829. Many of these have been reimagined as exquisite heritage hotels: cosy 1855 bungalow Lymond House, or the early 19th-century Taj brand Savoy.

But this is still, of course, South India, and you’ll feast on tasty idlis, vadas, dosas and pure-veg thalis aplenty in Ooty’s restaurants. Beyond the town, you can escape into the forested hills on guided treks to tea plantations and tribal villages, or visit the 2633m Doddabetta viewpoint, the Nilgiris’ tallest.

Before the arrival of the British, the Nilgiris’ sole inhabitants were its distinct tribal communities, most well known among them the Ooty-area Toda, who dress in striking black-and-red embroidered shawls. The Tribal Research Centre Museum, 10km southwest of town, is worth a stop for its fascinating exhibits and displays on these tribal communities. Beyond the museum lies the beautiful, little-visited Avalanche Valley, reachable only on official forest department ‘ecotours’.

A cuppa in Coonoor


Bustling Coonoor (1720m) sits 20km southeast of Ooty, encircled by an emerald-green sea of tea plantations. Upper Coonoor (not hectic central Coonoor) makes a more peaceful alternative Nilgiri base to Ooty, with easy access to superb viewpoints, the 50-year-old Highfield Tea Estate, and such gorgeous heritage accommodation as 1900s British bungalow 180° McIver. Meanwhile, quiet Kotagiri (1800m), 30km east of Ooty, is the Nilgiris’ original hill station: its earthy-red Sullivan Memorial is the 1819 house of Ooty founder John Sullivan.

With the Nilgiris, half the fun is getting here – ideally aboard the celebrated British-built, narrow-gauge Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Awarded World Heritage status by Unesco, the blue-and-cream-coloured ‘toy’ train trundles between Mettupalayam in the plains and Ooty, via Coonoor, traversing tunnels, tackling bridges and passing ever-more-spectacular forest and tea-plantation views; you might even spy a wild elephant pushing through the undergrowth.

Kodaikanal, princess of the Palani Hills

Ringed by the protected Palani Hills, 250km southeast of Ooty, Tamil Nadu’s 2100m-high ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal (Kodai), is all the more atmospheric when (often) veiled in mist. Unusually, Kodai was founded in 1845 not by moustachioed British Empire officials but by American missionaries escaping malaria in the Madurai lowlands, and has its own distinct character punctuated by its international school, organic-fired cuisine and popularity with Indian honeymooners.

Rowboats bob on the star-shaped lake, and the hazy surrounding hillsides are carpeted with shola forest – found only in the Western Ghats – and kurinji shrubs, which blossom in lavender-blue just once every 12 years (including in 2018!). Walks thread through forests to horizon-reaching viewpoints, shimmering lakes, and the budget-traveller haven of Vattakanal village (4.5km southwest of Kodai), which has the sociable vibe of a miniature South Indian Manali.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are two-day treks (with guides) across to Munnar in Kerala via Top Station (1880m), with glorious views over the Ghats. The long-running and reputable trekking outfit Tracks & Trails offer guided walks and insider expertise. Stars of Kodai’s accommodation scene include expertly run, ecofriendly Cinnabar homestay, and the high-end, lake-view Carlton, a majestic colonial-era mansion, or choose to retreat to ecofocused Elephant Valley in the Palani Hills below, where elephants wander the 48-hectare grounds.

Munnar: tea, cardamom and cooking classes

Just over the border in serene Kerala, Munnar (1524m) is the hustle-bustle hub of South India’s major tea growing area. Much like Ooty, Munnar’s commercial, traffic-choked centre fades fast as you venture out into its mellow, enticingly green valleys and hills, where cottages hide amid the glinting leaves of manicured tea and cardamom plantations.

You can join guided treks to high-altitude mountain outlooks and tea estates and tour the model Tea Museum, or get hands-on with delicately spiced Keralan cuisine at a cooking class with respected food writer Nimi Sunilkumar. Among Munnar’s mountain escapes, gorgeous family-run homestay Rose Gardens shines for its cooking courses, valley vistas and coconut-pancake breakfasts.

Protecting The Western Ghats

Crisscrossing between Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the adjoining protected areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, Wayanad, Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai host the planet’s single largest tiger population. According to India’s 2014 tiger census, 570 tigers prowl these wilds – you’ll be lucky to spot one, but keep your eyes peeled in the Ghats’ many national parks as there’s always a chance.

Karnataka’s 643-sq-km Nagarhole National Park, west of Mysuru (Mysore), is home to one of the world’s greatest concentration of wild Asian elephants, joined in its Kabini-River-flanking forests by tigers, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), chital, gaurs and langurs. Many of these signature species also roam Bandipur National Park just to the southeast, which encompasses 880 sq km at Karnataka’s junction with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The secluded, untouristed reaches of northernmost Kerala’s 345-sq-km Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are arguably your best bet for encountering South India’s wild elephants. In southern Kerala, 35 tigers and 900 elephants, plus sambar deer, wild boar and langurs, patrol the dense evergreen forests of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s most extensive (925 sq km) and beloved parks. With around 50 elusive tigers, luscious Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, in Tamil Nadu, has one of India’s highest tiger-population densities; more regularly spotted are its elephants, jackals, langurs, gaurs, deer and peacocks.

Access to these ethereal, carefully guarded reserves is via official 4WD or minibus tour only; some parks might also offer guided treks. You’ll dine and sleep at hands-on wildlife lodges, such as Nagarhole’s lakeside Waterwoods Lodge and Mudumalai’s stylish Jungle Retreat, or at welcoming homestays such as Green View Homestay in Periyar and Bandipur’s Dhole’s Den.

For a thoroughly off-the-beaten-track Western Ghats wildlife experience, seek out Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala, or Tamil Nadu’s Anamalai Tiger Reserve, where Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow adds tea-plantation luxury.


To Know More Information About Karnataka Tour Packages from Mumbai ByCrossworld Holidays- Domestic Tour Operator in Thane


Source - lonelyplanet.com

Exploring Delhi's Eight Historic Cities

Image Alternative text

October 2018 
At first glance, Delhi embodies all that is exasperating and chaotic about modern India. It can take nerves of steel to face the frenetic pace at which it whirls through daily life. But grant Delhi a more discerning gaze and you’ll uncover a host of redeeming features. Topping the list is Delhi’s historical legacy, with the ruins of eight ancient cities peeking out through the city streets, from Islamic citadels and the mausoleums of Sufi saints, to the colonial flourishes of Edwin Lutyens in New Delhi. Taking the Delhi Tourism HoHo Bus is a handy way to time-travel across this ancient octet, but the Metro runs close to most of the historic sights.


Delhi's first foundations at Lal Kot

Early records link Delhi to the mystical city of Lal Kot, founded by the Hindu king Anangpal Tomar in the eighth century, but apart from remnants of an easily missed fort wall beyond the Qutb Minar, little remains of the city that thrived here for over 300 years. More can be seen of Qila Rai Pithora, established by King Prithviraj Chauhan, who seized, rechristened and expanded Lal Kot in the 11th century. Punctuated by bastions, the once impenetrable walls today enclose a well-maintained public park along the Saket-Mehrauli Road. A circular building across from the main gate contains a small library, crowned by a massive statue of the legendary Rajput ruler.

The Qutb Minar and mighty Mehrauli

Domestic Tours and Travel Agent in Thane Mumbai
Credit : pixabay.com
In the 12th century, the Mamluks, first of four consecutive Turkic dynasties to rule Delhi, arrived on the scene, founding another new capital at Mehrauli. To celebrate, the victorious sultan Qutbuddin Aibak commenced with the construction of the Qutb Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 73m – sadly, it can no longer be climbed after a deadly stampede in 1981. One of Delhi’s top tourist attractions, the sprawl of ruins also includes the Quwwat ul Islam, reportedly north India’s first ever mosque. More Mamluk-era buildings are dotted around the Qutb Minar complex, but the Mehrauli area is going upmarket, with high fashion design stores, lifestyle boutiques, buzzing fine-dining and hip casual cafes. In September, Mehrauli is the focal point for Phoolwalon ki Sair, when flower vendors offer floral offerings at shrines, praying for an efflorescent Spring.

Seeking Siri at Hauz Khas

Sultan Alauddin Khilji is credited with building the third city of Delhi, to the northeast of Mehrauli, at the end of the 13th century. Siri was long ago consumed by the urban sprawl, but some extant ruins, reminiscent of Turkish forts, are visible along Khel Gaon Marg. You’ll pass them en route to the Siri Fort Auditorium, site of many a film festival premier. The neighbouring village of Shahpur Jat offers up plenty of trendy eateries. For more prominent Khilji footprints, you’ll need to head to the ancient reservoir and Islamic seminaries of Hauz Khas village. When you tire of exploring ruins, fall back on countless cafes, boutiques, nightclubs and watering holes in this hip and happening neighbourhood.

The towering walls of Tughlaqabad

On assuming power at the turn of the 14th century, the founder of the next dynasty, Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, built yet another citadel in the hills to the southeast of Delhi. The ruins today are overgrown and largely forgotten; even the imposing Tughlaqabad Fort – home to some impressive Tughlag-era tombs – is overrun by goats and weeds. The next sultan, Mohammad bin Tughlaq, was prone to flights of fancy, and shifted his capital to Maharashtra soon after, but he returned to build Jahanpanah, another mighty city now lost to history. The Khirki Mosque, a geometrical marvel accessed from a narrow alley across the road from Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, is one of few tangible surviving relics.

Fascinating Firoz Shah Kotla

Firoz Shah, last of the Tughlaq monarch, moved his seat to the banks of the Yamuna River in the middle of the 14th century, but unlike in most of Delhi’s vanished cities, the ruins he left behind are still an active place of worship. Every Thursday, the gardens enveloping the atmospheric palace ruins teem with worshippers headed to the mosque at the heart of the compound. A pillar carved on the orders of the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE hints at far older history. Within bowling distance on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the Feroz Shah Cricket ground was built in 1883, making it the second oldest cricket ground in India, after the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Towards the end of the century, the Tughlaqs made way for the Sayyids and Lodis, who left a lavish legacy of elegant tombs and mausoleums, scattered around the peaceful grounds of the Lodi Gardens near Khan Market. Look out for the uncharacteristically plain tomb of Ibrahim Lodi, whose defeat at the hands of Babur finally ushered in the Mughal era in 1526.

The Purana Qila, heart of short-lived Shergarh


Domestic Tours and Travel Agent in Thane Mumbai
Credit : pixabay.com
The rule of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, was interrupted briefly by Sher Shah Suri, a feisty Afghan soldier who stormed into town in 1540. Humayun’s half-finished fort, Dinpanah, was captured and renamed Shergarh, but just 15 years later, Sher Shah tripped down the stairs of his private library and died from his injuries, putting the Mughals firmly back in the saddle.

Sher Shah’s architectural efforts, collectively referred to as the Purana Qila, are mostly in good repair, set in expansive grounds off Mathura Rd, near the National Stadium.

The octagonal jewel box of the Sher Mandal was the site of Sher Shah’s fatal fall, and nearby is the magnificent Qila-e-Kuhna Mosque, finished in red sandstone and gleaming white marble. A sound and light show illuminates the ruins daily (except Fridays) from February to April. While here, you can duck south to the green surrounds of Delhi Zoo, or check out what is taking place at the Pragati Maidan, a 150-acre exhibition space that hosts the annual India International Trade Fair every November.

Finding Shajahanabad in the streets of Old Delhi

In 1648, Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, built Delhi’s seventh city and called it Shajahanabad, now popularly known as Old Delhi. An aesthete by nature, he bequeathed Delhi many of its most majestic monuments. The Red Fort, from whose sandstone ramparts Indian Prime Ministers address the nation on Independence Day, is Delhi’s signature building, the seat of the Mughals until the last emperor was exiled by the British in 1858.

To see more Shajahanabad wonders, duck into the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. At the heart of the maze of bustling alleyways and wholesale markets is the landmark Jama Masjid, arguably the most perfectly proportioned mosque in India, and also its largest. The street food of Chandni Chowk is legendary amongst Delhiites, with Karim’s topping the list for meaty Mughlai meals, and Gali Paratha Wali for Punjabi paratha breakfasts.

Navigating the colonial corners of New Delhi

If Old Delhi was the soul of the Mughal city, New Delhi was where the British stamped their identity onto India. Mughal power was already in decline when the British Resident arrived in 1803, but it was only in 1911 that King George V anointed Delhi as the capital of British India – a rather lonely obelisk inside Coronation Park marks the spot where he made the announcement. Shortly after, the construction of New Delhi, the eighth and last city developed under foreign rule, began.

Named for the British architect credited with fashioning the Delhi order of architecture, Lutyens Delhi is where the seat of Indian democracy lies today. Most visitors know Connaught Place and India Gate, but the surrounding district is an orderly spread of leafy boulevards lined with elegant bungalows, stately homes, grand offices, museums and art galleries. With the exit of the British in 1947, Indian politicians took over control of the grand civic buildings along Rajpath. Today, the flag of independent India flies proudly over Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan, but tucked behind is another reminder of Delhi’s richly layered history, the Mughal Gardens, created by Lutyens but inspired by the grand civic gardens of the Mughal empire.


To Know More Information About Thane Travel Blog, Travel Tips and Tricks, Article, Resources By Crossworld Holidays- Domestic Tour Operator in Thane



Source - lonelyplanet.com