Khajjiar, mini switzerland in India

Khajjiar is located at abpout 23 kilometers from Dalhousie by Road  and 13 kilometers from Kalatop is known as the Mini Switzerland of India. Khajjiar is placed at about 6400 feet above sea level and according to Hutchison " Khajjiar is the forest glade of great beauty 6400 feet above sea level".

Khajjiar is also referred to as the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh. You can see the lush green meadows  enveloped by thick pine and cedar forests, grazing herds of sheep, goats and other cattle presenting a beautiful and perfect scenery to you.  In the middle of the big meadow, there is a beautiful  lake with a floating island in the middle  which is a photographer's delight.

Attractions at the Khajjiar 
There is a temple of Khajji Nag which belongs to the 12th century AD where in the mantapa you can see the
images of the pandavas and the defeated Kauravas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path.  The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has been carved from wood.
The main attraction of the place is the open meadow, which is slopy in terrain,  one can just roll down to the lake without getting hurt. Children love doing this. Horse riding is also present, you can try your hand at riding the horse if you are interested.  This is a beautiful picnic spot and a hit with the locals during a sunny day.

Accommodations available at Khajjiar
There is a hotel and some cottage, where you can stay and also two rest houses of Public Works Department and the Forest Department. At present there are new private hotels also coming up in the area.

How to reach Khajjiar 
If you are traveling by air the closest airport is gaggal in the Kangra region near Dharmshala which is about 125 kilometers from Dalhousie. you will have to drive about 23 kilometers more to reach Khajjiar.
The nearest railway station is Pathankot which is about 80 kiloneters from Dalhousie.
Dalhousie is well connected by road as well There is regular bus service but service to the area is limited and the timings keep changing according to the demand.

Taxis and private buses and vehicles are also available to reach Khajjiar from Dalhousie.

Rajgarh Valley / Peach Valley of Himachal Pradesh

Rajgarh Valley is more known as the Peach Valley is a lush green one in the district of Sirmaur of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Rajgarh and Sarshan are the two divisions of Of rajgarh and a place of great natural beauty. Rajgarh is located at about 40 kilometers from Solan.

The people of the valley are religious and hard working  and worship Lord Shiva and Devi Durga. They also pray Lord shirgul whose temple is also there in the valley. You can see the yesterday blending well with the today here in the sense that there are fully integrated communication networks, a regular supply of electricity, good transport network proximity of supply centers which can make your life as urbane as you like

Attractions in and around Rajgarh
Rajgarh is well known place for camping and trekking.  there is a local Shaya temple for Lord shirgul which has many followers. It is believed that Lord Shirgul came to Shaya Village  and then later settled in Churdhar mountain which is placed at a height of 12000 dfeet.
There is a Baru sahib Gurudwara which lies in the Rajgarh Valley and is one must visit place.The gurudwara is located at about 29 kilometers from the rajgarh town and is situated beyond Kheri. Kheri is a picturesque place which is located on the  banks of the tributary of the Giri river.
Hiking, River Crossing, Obstacle Courses , rock climbing and rappelling, Bird watching and splash swimming are some of attractions of the area at the Camp site Bodhisatwa.

Accommodation facilities
You can see a rest house of Public Works Department as well as the forestry Department and are available for staying purposes for the tourists.
There are some private hotels and guest houses  which are also available.

Arambol Beach in Goa

Arambol Beach is located within the Pernem administrative region of the district of north Goa of the state of Goa, in India. Arambol Beach is placed at just about an hours drive from the Dabolim airport of Goa. Arambol Beach  has a distinct bohemian feel , unlike the other beaches like calangute which no longer have it.  This feel brings most of the international  tourists to the Arambol Beach during the winter season.

Arambol is in the district of North Goa and is located  at about 32 kilometers of northwest of Mapusa.  Because of its remote location  and the  beautiful rock bays in the headland, it attracts many tourists  and gets crowded at times. The main reason for the beach to get too many tourists stems from the fact that the beach has both rocks and sand along the beach.

Places to visit near the Arambol Beach

There are attractive rocky bays which are great for swimming , Querim Beach is located at bout 12 kilometers from this Arambol beach, which is also a pristine and a less crowded stretch. Keri, as called by the locals, is a perfect place to spend the day bathing in the sun and swimming in the sea.

There is an old Portuguese fort called Terekhol fort which is another attraction near the Arambol Beach. This fort lies on the opposite bank and you can ferry across  to see the fort.The Terekhol fort was built in the 18th century  and a small chapelinside is dedicated to St Anthony.

There is a freshwater lake which extends along the bottom of the valley into the jungle. The lake is a good place for the picnics with family and friends. The water in the lake is a mixture of fresh water and sea water. There is a spectacular Banyan tree in the middle of the jungle and adjoining the banyan tree there is a sculpture created by the American Conceptual and Land art artist Jacek Tylicki "Give if you can - Take if you have to" also called "the money stone". The sculpture has become a pilgrim destination.

Accommodation facilities in and around Arambol Beach

Welcome Inn Hotel
Arambol Beach
Arambol, Goa - 403524
Tel : 0832 - 2242510

Siolim House
Opp Wadi Chapel,
Siolim, Bardez,
Goa 403517
Tel : 0832 2272138 / 941, 98225 84560

Hotel Arambol Plaza Goa
Arambol Beach Road, Arambol
Pernem-Goa.
Tel : 0832-2242052 / 961.
Call Rashesh :  0 9545550733
EMail : naksonhotels@gmail.com

Anjuna Beach in Goa

Anjuna Beach  is a favourite with all kinds of tourists  be it locals , monks , hippies, artists, seers or even someone who is looking for a place to relx and rejuvenate oneself.  The beach is full of life and enthusiasm  written all over with long night beach parties from Christmas to New year parties, smanky full moon parties and what not.Anjuna is always there for everything.


Anjuna is located at about 8 kilometers west of Mapusa  and is one of the most popular beaches of Goa, in India. The sea at Anjuna is so calm that you can enjoy swimming and also enjoy the beauty of the sunset from any of the resort windows or balconies. You can also enjoy easy strolls in the snads  as well as funky music  and the loud beach parties  that are common fixtures of the anjuna Beach.

There is a famous flea market  or the shopping hangout of the beach in the cool silvery sands, where you can get anything and everything you might need or ask for.  On the part of Food, Anjuna offers varieties of gourmet foods, from the village hotels as well as proper beach front restaurants but th best bets are the semi open, thatched palm leaf shacks. They specialize in fish delicacies and the western food. You can also get fruits from the beach like watermelon, pineapples and locally grown coconuts.
You can see  here some of the Restaurants at the Anjuna Beach

Some of the Accommodations available on the Anjuna Beach, Goa

Villa Nina
Near Bhumika Temple
Anjuna
Near Ingos Saturdaynite Bazaar
Goa
India
Tel: 0 9823047509
www.primevillasgoa.com

White Negro
Anjuna Beach
Near St anthony Chapel
Bardez
Goa - 403509
India
Tel:  0832 2273326

The Tamarind
Anjuna
Goa - 403509
India
Tel: 0832 2274319
website - www.thetamarind.com

Lotus Inn
Zor Vaddo
Anjuna
Goa
India
Tel: 0832 - 6454669
www.lotusinngoa.com

Country Club De Goa
836/1,Behind Staroo Hotel
Second Left Near Manali Guest House
Anjuna
Goa - 403509
India
Tel: 0832 - 2274741
www.countryclubedegoa.net

About the Enchanting Houseboats of the Backwaters in Kerala

A holiday in the state of Kerala, that too God's own country with lots of greenery through out the year, has become a fashion for the local as well as the foreign tourists. A holiday of cruising in the houseboat through the numerous network of backwater canals have become very popular and loved by one and all.

These houseboats were Kettuvallams of the yesteryears and have become one of the most important attractions and the money earners for Kerala Tourism.
Kettuvallam literally means a bundled boat or a knotted boat, in which jack fruit tree planks were knotted together with coir and shaped in to a boat. These boats were used to carry agricultural produce from one place to another in the interiors  in the absence of roads in the early days. Nowadays these kettuvallams have become houseboats of Kerala for cruising the beautiful, calm, tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

These typical kettuvallams which were used for carrying Cargo from one place to another, were about 20 - 25 meters long and 4-4.5 meters wide.  They could carry loads up to 30 tonnes and that is about 2 or 3 truckloads of cargo.
These kettuvallams were old and traditional carriers which used  to carry goods like rice, coconuts and spices through the  inland waterways in the western lowlands of the state of Kerala. These boats were made of different capacities, shapes and sizes and were just used as inland transport for carrying loads from one village to another, where roads were not available.

Now that the roads and the road transport are available, these boats have become useless and are lying waste. These boats had enough space and facilities for cooking and sleeping for boatmen and their family. The songs they sung during their trips were also very famous as well as their cooking. The recipes and the ingredients they used were simple as they stayed away for a long time from their homes on boats altogether. They had developed their cooking and living by adapting to the conditions inside the boat where they stayed months together at a time.

Classification of Houseboats in Kerala
The Department of Kerala Tourism has brought about a scheme to classify  the houseboats in Kerala just to evaluate the safety and service standards. To sustain the houseboats tourism, the Tourism department has brought about some guidelines on how to to classify them.

These houseboats are classified into three categories namely Gold star, Silver star and Green palm certificates.
Golden star houseboat - AC Deluxe and luxury houseboats
Silver star houseboat - Non AC standard  houseboats
Green Palm Kerala houseboats - Non mechanized Punting / Electric Engine houseboats, those are NON polluting

In no time Alappuzha emerged as the nerve center of the Houseboat industry. The earlier houseboats were pooled together and the present ones came up with fitted engines. These are inboard engines which run on Diesel as fuel.

Facilities in Houseboats in Kerala
Earlier in the houseboats, the rooms available were small and cramped but now in the recent times they have undergone a big change. The small dingy rooms have given way to spacious and luxurious rooms which can match the comforts of a hotel room like air conditioning, attached bath etc.  You can also find big houseboats operating which have several bedrooms and a conference hall having a seating capacity of about 150 persons at a time.

More than 10 houseboats are getting launched every year,  according to Mr Tomy Pulikattil , the Houseboat owners Association Secretary.  The number of tourists always goes beyond the availability of Houseboats in the peak season. The ratings for the houseboats are fixed according to the facilities it can offer and around 25 Golden Star houseboats are there in the backwaters of Kerala.
You can find single to five bed roomed houseboats  and you can choose the one in which you would like to spend your time cruising along the backwaters of Kerala.

To know more contact 
DTPC House boat Pre-paid Counter
For booking houseboats, travellers can make use of the House Boat Pre-paid Counter 'Trusted Service, Trusted Rates' managed by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).

Contact details
Alappuzha - House boat pre-paid counter
Mobile: 09400051796, 09447483308,
Tel : +91-477-2251796, +91-477-2253308.

You can also book through Coco houseboats 

Camp Bodhisatva at Rajgadh

Bodhisatva is an activity based  holiday camp set up at a small patch of land of a fruit orchard at Haloni Pul, in  Rajgarh in the Sirmour district of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Camp has been set up in such a way that the flora of the place is undisturbed.

This is an ideal place for the trekkers who feel adventurous  as they can challenge the Churadhar peak at an altitude of about 12000 feet above sea level. This is a rigorous trek for about 2 days  or can also be taken as a 4 day gentle trek. If you do not feel adventurous you can just laze around the camp i a hammockor can take a sun bath by the side of a stream near the camp Bodhisatva.

About The Camp Bodhisatva
Rajgarh is more like a place where past and the present meets in a perfect harmony.  You can have the best of integrated communication networks, reguar supply of electricity, transport network and the nearby supply locations make things easy for the urbanites to adjust  with, at the same time have a laidback village style and scarce population gives you a calm and serene atmosphere.

The camp set up in the fruit orchard faces a mountain and the narrow valley results in cool breeze all the time. There is a thicket of deodar trees which help maintain the temperature at acceptable high and low.

Activities which can be pursued at the Camp Bodhisatva
You can spend time wandering aimlessly around the hills near the camp, chase butterflies , watch birds,  swing in the hammock as if you have all the time in the world, read a favourite book of yours, laze around half immersed in the water, frankly doing nothing.  This camp Bodhisatva is a destination to do just that, a place for Soul Vacation, to get away from everything  and do something different.

Facilities available  at the Camp Bodhisatva
1. They have 10 - 12 feet tented accommodation witha centre table,  two beds with mattresses and sleeping bags and with weather proof and well ventilated with roll up windows. The floors are made of tiles by locally available slate rocks.

2. There is a kitchen at the camp to take care of the meals as in a buffet arrangement from the Indian, Chinese and Continental menu. Bottled drinking water is also provided if needed.

3. Toilets in the camp are provided in the central compound. 7 western toilets and one Indian toilet are made available at the Camp along with bathing units that have running water facility. Hot water is also available if required.

4. There is a doctor who lives in the camp area about 300 feet away. Rajgarh also has a government hospital and the doctors are available in an emergency. Rajgarh is just 5 kilometers away fro the Camp.

How to reach Camp Bodhisatva

If you are travelling by road
Camp Bodhisatva is about 350 kilometers away from Delhi and about 100 kilometers away from Chandigarh. Delhi Chandigarh route is mostly fast highway and the hill section starts from Kalka to Solan for about 42 kilometers and then to Rajgarh for about 45 kilometers.

The actual route is Delhi - Karnal - Ambala - Panchkula - Kalka - Barog - Solan - Ochghat - Yashwant Nagar - Sanora - Rajgarh  - Haloni Pul - Camp BodhiSatva

If you are travelling by train
Kalka / Chandigarh are the nearest railway stations. Kalka is about 90 kilometers away and Chandigarh is about 100 kilometers away from the Camp Bodhisatva.  Both the stations Kalka and Chandigarh are well connected by trains from all over India

Contact Details  of The Camp Bodhisatva
Camp Bodhisatva
Jagmila Orchards,
Haloni Pul, Rajgarh,
Dist Sirmour,
Himachal Pradesh

Head Office
5 - L, 2nd Floor, Jungi House,
Shahpur Jat,
New Delhi - 110049
Tel :  011 26493074 / 3076

Mobile Phones
Manishankar - 0  9810299733
Pankaj -  0 9810614238
Sandeep -  0 9818056962
EMail  info@questrails.com
Skype / Gtalk ID - questrails
Website : http://questrails.com/camp-bodhisatva

Beaches in Goa

Goa is known world wide for the most beautiful and the spectacular beaches it has. Tourists and travellers flock into Goa during the peak seasons that is December to January, every year. Goa is located in the west coast of India by the side of the Arabian sea  and that makes it a holiday maker's paradise.

Goa has about 125 kilometers of coast line  with many palm fringed sandy beaches. These beaches offer the perfect destination either for a honeymoon couple or for a leisure traveller.  There are two districts in Goa, that is  North and South Goa. Anjuna, Baga, Vagator, Bambolim and Dona Paula, are among the well known Goan Beaches in India,  as they offer a great deal of relaxation and recreation as well to the tourists and travellers.

Beaches in North Goa
Arambol,
Morjim,
Chapora,
Vagator,
Anjuna,
Baga,
Calangute,
Candolim,
Sinquerim,
Bambolim,
Miramar,
Ashwem
Dona Paula

These beaches in North Goa are known for Water sports, namely, swimming, river cruising along the Baga, Candolim and the Calangute beaches, water scootering,  dingy sailing, jet skiing para sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, wind surfing and banana boat riding.  These beaches  are  also the venues for the parties, carnivals and outdoor sports etc.

Beaches in South Goa
Bogmalo,
Majorda,
Colva,
Benaulim,
Varca,
Cavelossim,
Mobor,
Canaguinim,
Agonda
Palolem.

The beaches in south Goa are comparatively calmer and quieter, they offer secluded ambiance  along with beautiful scenery and natural beauty.  These beaches are preferred by the tourists who come in to spend time  with their family and friends  and relax as well.

Accommodation facilities at the Beaches in Goa
You can find many luxurious as well as budget hotels and resorts in and around the beaches of Goa. Choose the one you would like to stay in. book the room if you are planning to go there during the Christmas / New year season. Reserving a room is compulsory for you to go to Goa in the months of December and January.

How to Reach Beaches in Goa
You have to reach Panaji  or any other city in Goa. If you are travelling by air, you have to reach Dabolim airport. You can connection flights from whichever international airport you reach in India.
From Dabolim airport you can get prepaid cabs to reach the hotel of your choice.
Likewise you can reach the railway station in Goa and get hired cabs to reach the hotel. Almost all the hotels and the resorts are placed in front of the beaches with their rooms giving you the best view of the sands and the waves of the Arabian Sea.

Gulmarg, the highest ski resort in India

About Gulmarg, the highest ski resort in India
As Gulmarg  is located at an altitude of 2690 meters above sea level, Gulmarg has naturally become one of the most popular and premier hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir the state in India.  Gulmarg was originally called as Gaurimarg by the locals  but the name Gulmarg was given by Sultan Yusuf Shah who got inspired at the sight of wild flowers through out the grassy slopes. Gulmarg is also known to be the favourite haunt of  Emperor Jehangir  who had collected about 21 varieties of flowers from these slopes.  Gulmarg at present is not only a popular hill station, the place also has the highest Golf course in the world and so has become the most visited and liked premier ski resort during winter.

Snow skiing in Gulmarg
Snow skiing is the highly popular adventure sports in this area  in the winters. You can hire skis and sticks, snow boots, woollen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets,  goggles and caps . Not only the istruments needed for skiing the instructors are also available  and at hand.  The season for skiing starts from November onwards till February. The slopes in Gulmarg vary from 8700 feet to 10500 feet and this makes Gulmarg as the highest skin run in India.

Heli skiing at Gulmarg
Gulmarg is the only heli skiing resort in the whole of Asia where even the amateurs can enjoy the chair lifts and and the ski lifts as they are considered very safe.

Trekking or walking in Gulmarg
You can also go for walking through the outer circle of Gulmarg where in you can see pine forests and other wonderful  and panoramic views. The beauty will enthrall you and mesmerise you . You can also explore Nanga Parbat  and the Haramukh.

Gulmarg located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is a popular place  for adventure sports in India. The place is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges and the trekking will provide you excitement and pleasure.


The northern Pir Panjal Range is an excellent and a perfect base for trekking in Gulmarg. You can see Nanga Parbat  from many view points  to the north of Gulmarg  and about 1500 feet  up the hillside with dense forests. Pir Panchal looks  rounded when one sees it from afar but as the trekkers  start climbing up the hills they will see  that the smoother peaks which are seen above the forests are quite steep like the main Himalayas.

There is the peak of Apharwat which is near the LOC which is the Line of control. The trekkers will have to get the required permission and so will have toget in touch with the Tourist office before they start planning for the trip to Apharwat.

There is another trek to the south of Gulmarg which can be quite pleasant.  This is a walk up the Ferozepur Nala and then to the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, and to Samaidan.  You will need either a porter or a guide who knows the area well to guide you along, as there are many intersections in the route.

There are three stages in the trek to Samaidan, you can return  by the Riyar and Khag village route or continue  toward sunset peak and then to the foothills  where you can get a bus service connecting Srinagar.

You can hire good trekking equipment from those tour operators who are specialists in the mountain area and the treks.  The weather will be chilly and harsh in the nights whichever time of the year you are travelling. So be prepared to face the eventualities  and be fully equipped that is carry enough food for the whole trek, fruits and vegetables and the other basic supplies you might need.  It would also be better to carryu a powerful torch with you.

How to Reach Gulmarg
Gulmarg is located at about 52 kilometers from Srinagar and the proximity to the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir itself makes it a popular and easily accessible hill station /  tourist destination. It just takes about 2 hours by cars to reach Gulmarg. Tangmarg can be reached within an hour but after that about 13 kilometers are Ghat Road, jeeps can be hired to reach hill top within 30 minutes. The last jeep available to go to Gulmarg is at sunset.

By Road to Gulmarg
Reaching Gulmarg by Road is itself enchanting  as the roads are bordered with poplar trees, flat expanses interspersed with beautiful and picturesque  villages here and there, the colours changing according to the season that  green of spring, rich emerald in the summer or golden hues and scarlet chillies in autumn. After Tangmarg it is fir covered hillsides and the climb begins. There is a viewpoint on the way where you can stop and enjoy the snow covered hills  at almost reaching distance.  Since Gulmarg is a notified area identity checks will take place about 5 kilometers before Gulmarg.

Project Tiger Reserves in India

Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Corbett Tiger Reserve
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Manas Tiger Reserve
Melaghat Tiger Reserve
Palamau Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
Periyar Tiger Reserve 
Sariska Tiger Reserve 
Buxa Tiger Reserve 
Indravati Tiger Reserve 
Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve 
Namdapha Tiger Reserve 
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve 
Kalakkad - Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve 
Valmiki Tiger Reserve 
Pench MP Tiger Reserve 
Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve 
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve 
PannaTiger Reserve 
Dampa Tiger Reserve  
Bhadra Tiger Reserve 
Pench MH Tiger Reserve 
Pakke Tiger Reserve 
Nameri Tiger Reserve 
Satpura Tiger Reserve 
Anamalai ( Indira Gandhi) Tiger Reserve 
Udanti - Sitanadi Tiger Reserve 
Satkosia Tiger Reserve 
Kaziranga Tiger Reserve 
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve 
Dandeli- Anshi Tiger Reserve 
Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve 
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve 
Nagahole ( Rajiv Gandhi ) Tiger Reserve 
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve 
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve 


Proposed Tiger Reserves
Pilibhit 
BRT Sanctuary
Sunabeda
Ratapani
Mukundra Hills

Recommended to be Tiger reserves
Sohelwa
Bor
Nawegaon
Nagzira
KudremukhSatyamangalam

Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve of the Nilgiri Hills of the Palakkad District and is the largest national park in Kerala. Silent Valley Ntional Park is contiguous with the proposed Karimpuzha National Park (225 km2) to the north and Mukurthi National Park (78.46 km2) to the north-east. Silent Valley National Park is a part of the sub cluster of the Western Ghats World Heritage Site, recognised by UNESCO.

The local name for the area is Sairandharivanam meaning the forest of Sairandhari that is Draupadi wife of the Pandavas in Mahabharatha. It is said that they lived in this area during their one year exile period.

Here mainly lion-tailed macaques, one of thee endangered species of Primates, are being protected
You can find teak, rosewood, amla, bamboo and semal in these forests as well as tropical hill forests, temperate forests and grasslands.

How to Reach Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary?
By Air:
You can reach Coimbatore Airport from the cities of Chennai, Mumbai, Kozhikode, and Madurai easily. The airport of Coimbatore is about 155 kilometers away from the Silent valley. You can take Transport Buses, Cabs and Private vehicles to Silent Valley from there.

By Rail:
Olavakode / Palakkad railway station is the closest alternative which is 75 kms from the Silent Valley National Park.

Hill Stations of Kerala

Hill stations in Kerala all along the Western ghats are the other great tourist attractions next to its criss crossing network of Backwaters. The hill stations in Kerala offers a salubrious climate during summers and winters along with a beautiful rainy season. Numerous small and big waterfalls, beautiful landscapes, rolling tea plantations and streams running through them are enchanting to watch.

Here I am giving you a list of hill stations in Kerala in each and every district lying by the side of the western ghats.
 
Ernakulam District
Ayyampuzha
Kodanad
Kuttampuzha
Malayattoor
Thattekkad

Idukki District
Devikulm
Munnar
Mattupetty
Chinnakanal
Ramakkalmedu
Nedumkandam
Udumbanchola
Painavu
Kumily
Thekkady
Kuttikanam
Peermade
Vagamon

Kannur District
Aralam
Pazhassi
Iritty

Kasaragod district
Rajapuram
Ranipuram
Kottancheri Hills

Kollam District
Aryankavu
Kulathupuzha
Thenmala

Kozhikode District
Kodencheri
Peruvannamuzhi
Thamarassery
Thiruvembadi
Thusharagiri
Vellarimala Near Thiruvambady

Kottayam District
Mundakayam
Poonjar

Malappuram district
Nilambur

Palakkad district
Agali
Nelliampathy Hills

Pathanamthitta District
Charalkunnu near Kozhencherry
Chittar
Gavi near Sabarimala
Maniyar near Sabarimala
Moozhiyar Near Sabarimala
Seethathode near Sabarimala

Thiruvananthapuram district
Ponmudi
Vithura

Thrissur district
Athirapally
Malakkappara
Poringalkuthu
Vazhachal
Vettilappara

Wayanad District
Kalpetta
Lakkidi
Mananthavady
Muthanga
Sulthan Bathery
Tirunelli
Vythiri

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region in the eastern slope of Western Ghats, adjoining the state of Tamil Nadu. The Sanctuary is known for its biodiversity and the rich ethnic cultural heritage.

The Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary has a variety of endangered animals such as grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, tufted grey langur, gaur, spotted deer, slender loris, wild elephant, crocodile, tiger, leopard and many a birds, insects and abig repository of medicinal plants.

Facilities available for tourists at the Sanctuary
An Interpretation Centre at Karimutty in Kerala,
two eco shops, one each at Chinnar check post and Aalampetty,
an amenity centre, inspection bunglow, dormitory and cafeteria at Chinnar check post are there to cater to the needs of tourists and visitors who cometo visit the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary.

Guided trekking tours are available to the dry deciduous forests and through the riparian forest along the Chinnar river. You can also visit the archaeological remnants, the dolmens, and the sandal forests.

Contact for more details
The Wildlife Warden
Munnar PO, Idukki Dist.
Kerala - 685 612
Tel: 91-4865-231587
E-mail: enpmunnar@gmail.com

For enquiries and reservations
Forest Information Centre
Wildlife Warden’s Office,
Munnar PO, Idukki Dist.
Kerala- 685 612
Tel: 91-4865-231587
Mob. 91 8301024187, 91 8547603199

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria district, on the eastern parts of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The park has an area of 450 sq kilometers and is known for its breathtaking splendour of flora and fauna.

250 species of birds and 22 different species of mammals. Even though the park is considered as the real home of white tigers, the park provides shelter to various other Indian wildlife species namely, Bison, Cheetals, Langours and Sambars.

Principal Fauna found in Bandhavgarh National Park
Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Blue bull, Wild Boar and others. Besides these animals, different types of birds can also be seen here.

Principal Flora found in Bandhavgarh National Park
Sal, Saja,Tendu, Aonla Dhawda, Jamun, Salai, Garari, Bamboo etc. This is the park of beautiful woods.

You can drive your  own petrol four wheeler vehicle or four wheel drive Diesel vehicle which is not older than five years inside the Sanctuary.

Activities inside the Bandhavgarh National Park
Vechicle Safaries,Elephant rides,Sher Darshan Wildlife watching from hides, (Trekking &Camping to be available shortly)

The spring seaso from January to March is the best time to visit and explore the Bandhavgarh National Park.

How to reach Bandhavgarh
Jabalpur is the nearest domestic airport to go to Bandhavgarh National Park. From Delhi you can get connection flights to Jabalpur and then take a cab to Umaria from Jabalpur.

Accommodation Facilities in the Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh Meadows
Village – Bijaria, Tala, Bandhavgarh
Distt. – Umaria, Madhya Pradesh,
India 484661

Forest Rest House Tala
Field Director Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve ,
Umaria
phone: (07653)222214

Mahua Kothi ( High end Resort )
Land Survey 26, Umaria,
Madhya Pradesh 484661
Phone:1800 11 1825

Syna Tiger Resort
Tala (Bandhavgarh),
Manpur, Umaria
Madhya Pradesh-484661
Phone : +91 9165510653/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/51
Email : bandhavgarh@synatigerresort.com

Kaziranga National Park in Assam

Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park are the well known wildlife Sanctuaries in the state of Assam in India. Both of these national parks have  been declared as World Heritage sites.

Kaziranga National Park is located in the foothills of the Great Himalayas near the India Bhutan border, in the Western Assam. The Park has been divided in to five ranges,
Central with the entry point at Kohora
Western with the entry point at Bagori
Eastern with the entry point at Agratoli
Western most with the entry point at Bada Pahad
These four ranges lie to the south of the river Brahmaputra and the fifth one is Northern range lies on the northern bank of the river. 

The National Park is home to about 180 species of mammals, one horned rhinoceros, Golden Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Royal Bengal Tiger some among them. The Park also boasts of a spectacular range of avifauna.
The two largest python of the world reticulated and the rock pythons are found here along with the King Cobra. Observing the wildlife and the birding are the important activities in the Kaziranga National Park.

How to reach : 

Rowraiah (Jorhat) is the nearest Airport which is 97 Kms. away and LGBI Airport (Guwahati) is 239 Kms. away. 

The road distances from nearest cities & towns to Kohora are : 

from Jorhat is 89 Kms., 

from Nagaon is 96 Kms., 

from Guwahati is 219 Kms., 

from Golaghat is 73 Kms.

from Bokakhat is 21 Kms.

Contact Person:  

Director, Kaziranga National Park

+91 3776-268095 / +91 3776-268086

Informations about the  tour packages, accommodation facilities and bookings, airport transfers and taxi services  can be had at the helpline number +91-9401001212.
Authorized guides, Mahout guided elephant rides, jeep or other vehicles can be arranged in advance.

Best season to visit: 

November to April.

The Park remains closed during the monsoon that is from mid April tomid October.

Accommodation facilities at the Kaziranga National Park
Department of Environment and Forests of the Assam Government maintain 4 tourist lodges at Kohora and 3 tourist lodges inside the national park.
For other accommodation facilities visit the following pages.

Accommodation facilities in and around Kaziranga National Park
Diphlu River Lodge
Landmark woods
Iora Retreat, luxury resort

For more details visit Kaziranga National Park 

Entrance Details 

Timings - 5.30 am to 6.30 pm

Entry Fee 

Indian Nationals -  Rs. 20

Foreigners - Rs 250 /

For Vehicle Entry - Rs 300

Camera fee for Still Cameras - Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners

Video Cameras Rs 100 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners.

World Heritage Sites in India

Agra Fort (1983)

Ajanta Caves (1983)

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)

Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)

Elephanta Caves (1987)

Ellora Caves (1983)

Fatehpur Sikri (1986)

Great Living Chola Temples (1987)

Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)

Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)

Mountain Railways of India (1999)

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)

Red Fort Complex (2007)

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)

Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)

Taj Mahal (1983)

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)


Natural sites in the world heritage list

Kaziranga National Park (1985)

Keoladeo National Park (1985)

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988)

Sundarbans National Park (1987)