Five Best Hill Stations in North India During Summer

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

An amazing scenic beauty with an amusement park, Kali Bari Temple, horse riding, Toy train rides, Pabbar River, Kufri Avenue, Kullu Valley, fishing, skiing, etc.

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

A must-visit destination in the snowcapped Jammu with Asia’s longest cable car, adventurous skiing, the world’s largest Golf Course, and a biosphere reserve.

Auli, Uttarakhand

Visiting Auli Uttarakhand in summer could be your best decision this year, as you can enjoy trekking, the artificial lake, Nanda Devi National Park, and camping.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Most people might know this place through the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium. However, regarding tourism, it is home to the Dalai Lama, cedar forests, rock temples, and many spiritual centers.

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Widely referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’, it is a wonderful place for kids to cherish the aquarium, zoo, gaming zones, and magic shows.

Five Best Hill Stations in South India During Summer

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

A pristine South Indian hill with beautiful lakes, botanical and rose gardens, and tea estates. Be sure to taste their homemade chocolates!

Munnar, Kerala

Though it is famous among newlywed couples as a honeymoon destination, it is a perfect summer vacation place for you to embrace waterfalls, dams, a national park, and viewpoints.

Coorg, Karnataka

Another magnificent hill station in South India that you cannot miss this summer! The unique spots include the elephant camp, trekking, Abbey and Irupu Falls, Madikeri Fort, and Gaddige Raja’s Tomb.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

One of the tranquil hills that encompasses cloud-touching viewpoints, Shola Falls, pine forests, caves, two lakes, a solar observatory, and the daring Devil’s Kitchen.

Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

Popular among trekkers, this hilly place houses the highest peak of Karnataka—the Mullayanagiri Peak. It also has two to three waterfalls, viewpoints, a coffee museum, and a national park.

Need help booking your tickets, making reservations, and arranging a tourist guide? Contact us!

Top Eastern-side Hill Stations in India

Shillong, Meghalaya

Indeed, tourists flock to this destination to admire the stunning beauty of Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Air Force Museum, Elephant Falls, etc.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

According to us, this is the best hill station to visit in May in India. It amazes visitors both in winter and summer with its toy train, observatory, monastery, Tiger Hill, temple, and zoo.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

One of the incredible summer destinations in northeast India, with India’s largest Buddhist monastery, the Tawang War memorial, waterfalls, a lake, and Sela Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is best Darjeeling or Ooty?

While both of them are among the top five best hills in India, each of them is unique. On one hand, Ooty is known for tea plantations and emerald green forests. On the other hand, Darjeeling is known for its snowbound mountains and adventure activities.

2. Which hill station is best for summer vacation?

It depends on your preference for footfalls, food, culture, activities, things to do, type of places to visit (heritage, romantic, pilgrimage), etc.

3. What are the 5 famous hill stations in India?

India has a plethora of hills and highlands. Thus, it is extremely difficult for one to list out the top five. However, the most important of them that you cannot miss visiting at least once in your life are Shimla, Gulmarg, Ooty, Manali, and Darjeeling.

4. How to plan a summer trip to these hill stations?

Forget about the planning headache when the leading tour operator is ready with summer holiday packages offering customizations in your itinerary—check out the packages now!

5. Who is the king of Hill Station?

While Mussoorie is called the queen of hills in India, the king of hills could be Shimla in North India or Ooty in South India. When considering Central India, Panchmarhi should be the right choice. And in eastern India, Darjeeling should be the one.

New Zealand is housed in the southwestern region of the vast Pacific Ocean and close to the middle of the water hemisphere on Earth. Declared to be the sixth largest island country, it has two main islands and more than seven hundred smaller islands. Together, the two main islands (North and South) have diverse tourist attractions to admire.

Besides, the country has fourteen national parks with rich indigenous biodiversity. Notably, most species (above 80%) are tagged as endemic due to dispersal. In this blog post, based on the places to visit in New Zealand, let’s find out what the best things to do in the country are.

Discovering New Zealand by Tourist Places

When hearing about New Zealand, you must have heard of Auckland too, one of the popular cities in New Zealand. Still, Wellington is its capital city. Apart from these two, the other famous cities include Napier, Rotorua, Christchurch, Taupō, Queenstown, and Mount Cook. With no further ado, let’s explore the top New Zealand tourist attractions.

Auckland

Indeed, it is a must-visit city in the North Island, New Zealand. Surrounded by rainforests, harbors, and volcanoes, there are a hundred places to visit and a hundred things to do in this beautiful destination. Highlighting a few of them here:

• Exploring the cuisines and signature dishes at restaurants and roadside eateries. Britomart, Devonport, and Mission Bay are the best places for this activity.
• Dive into the arts and culture of New Zealand at Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, Aotea Square, National Maritime Museum, Motat, etc.
• Stargazing at the Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is one of the things to do in Auckland.
• Do not miss visiting Auckland Botanical Gardens, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, and Butterfly Creek. You can explore the wonderful marine life, insects, plants, etc., here in these places.
• Whale- & dolphin-watching is also a must-do activity. You can do this by taking a cruise from the harbor.

Need help with passport/visa services, travel, or accommodation reservations? Contact us!

Rotorua

The two important to-dos in Rotorua are:

• Knowing Māori culture—the Aboriginals: Learning about this Māori culture enables you to learn a lot about the New Zealand aboriginal people, their traditions, etc. If you are more interested, you can plan for a one-night stay at Tamaki Māori Village.

Important note: These two things to do in Rotorua are entirely unique to New Zealand and you cannot find them in any other countries or tourist places. Hence, they hold significance among tourists.

• Bathing in therapeutic waters: The Rotorua natural waters are considered one of the world’s best therapeutic waters due to hot geothermal conditions. Hence, you have to take a bath in the natural waters of Rotorua or enjoy relaxing at the spas in and around the region.

Aoraki or Mount Cook

Located on the South Island of New Zealand, it is the highest mountain in the country. Though the mountain is surrounded by icy glacial lakes, trekkers and mountain climbers never miss an opportunity to visit here.

Taupō—one of the must see places in New Zealand

Water enthusiasts must visit Taupo, as it has gushy waterfalls and cascades to mesmerize you. Taupo Lake and the sparkling Waikato River are to be cherished at least once in a lifetime.

Wellington

Though the city is squeezed at the southern end of the North Island of the country, it has many places to see, like Te Papa Museum, Oriental Bay, Wētā Cave (must-visit for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fandom), etc. Some of the major things to do in Wellington New Zealand, are:

• Riding the cable car
• Sculpture Walk
• Taking a ferry or kayak ride
• The famous Remutaka Cycle Trail
• Admiring the three-eyed Kiwi
• If lucky, experience the concerts and live theatres
• Touring the renowned vineyards

Which long weekend in 2024 is comfortable for you to tour New Zealand?

Stewart Island

This is the best spot for bird and nature lovers. You can see amazing endemic bird species, including kiwis, albatross, and weka. Have you seen a walking track with more than two hundred kilometers in length? That’s here on this astonishing island. These tracks take you in between and around the beaches and rainforests, which keeps you curious every moment of strolling.

Queenstown

If adventure is going to be your important thing to do in New Zealand, Queenstown is your destination. From the famous bungy jumping to river rafting, from surfing to boating, from quad biking to canyon swings, every activity is an adrenaline rush.

Other Places to See in New Zealand

• Hokitika Gorge for witnessing the real turquoise waters
• Limestone-made Waitomo Caves for a thrilling journey
• Mackenzie Basin for sheep farming
• Fiordland National Park for hearing magical sounds
• Abel Tasman Coastal Track for hiking

Are you planning to travel to New Zealand from India?

Planning a trip to New Zealand with a personalized itinerary and cost-effective travel is easy now with the leading tour operator in India—Emperor Traveline! They can guide you with the best tourist spots, things to do, foods to eat, etc., in addition to crafting a perfect budgeted itinerary that meets your needs.

Situated on the majestic western ghats, it is located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. The hills are at a height of 1,500 meters above sea level. It has vast tea and cardamom plantations, extremely stunning views, gushing waterfalls, serene weather, and, above all, fewer footfalls.

The top 5 places to visit in Megamalai

• Chinna Suruli waterfalls
• Murugan and Mangaladevi temples
• Shanmuganathi, Manalar, and Vaigai dam
• Meghamalai and Maharajamettu’s viewpoints
• The tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary

Chinna Suruli waterfalls

It is a small ‘Suruli waterfall’ with two tiers rushing down the slopes of the Meghalamalai hills. It is different from that of the ‘Suruli Falls’ spotted in the Cumbam district. If you’re lucky, you can spot some wild animals on the way to the waterfall. It is recommended to visit the attractions between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to avoid wildlife dangers.

Explore this exquisite, off-beat hill station with the leading Travel agency tour packages!

Murugan and Mangaladevi temples

You can find the Murugan temple atop the hill station. The primary deity is Lord Muruga. There is also another temple called Mangaladevi Temple a few kilometers away, which was built on rocks.

Shanmuganathi, Manalar, and Vaigai dam

The Meghamalai Hills houses around 5–6 dams and the most important of them are these three dams. Shanmuganathi Dam is found in the foothills and was built on the Shanmugha River. This is one of the important tourist places in Megamalai. Whereas Manalar dam is a man-made one, which can let you admire the scenic beauty of tea estates in the Theni and Cumbam places. Comparatively, Vaigai Dam is bigger and was built on the famous Vaigai River. Indeed, it is a wonderful place for families to picnic.

Meghamalai and Maharajamettu’s viewpoints

These viewpoints give a panoramic view of the cloud-enclosed green peaks, valleys, lakes, tea plantations, the town, etc. And it is the best spot for photography—one of the activities to do in Megamalai.

The tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary

These attractions are perfect for family tourists with kids. The Meghamalai Tiger Reserve is the state’s fifth reserve. You cannot miss the tiger safari when visiting here. The Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary is also connected, and hence you can enjoy spotting deer, elephants, big cats, and other wild animals.

You can add a few nearby tourist places to the itinerary and make it a complete holiday vacation. Take help from travel experts!

Megamalai tourism: Frequently asked questions

1. Is one day sufficient to visit all these places?

Definitely, one day won’t suffice to cover all the above-listed places. At least you have to spend two days visiting a couple of dams, temples, the sanctuary, and the waterfalls. A one-day road trip is also possible, in which you can visit one or two attractions along the way.

2. Which airport is nearby?

The closest airport to Meghamalai is Madurai International Airport, which is around one hundred and thirty kilometers away.

3. Which month is best for Megamalai?

December and January are the two best months to visit this picturesque hill station. However, you can enjoy the cool climate throughout the winter months between October and March.

4. What is the other name for this hill station?

The popular name is “High Wavy Mountains.” But local people in Tamil Nadu call it “Pacha Kumachi.” The word ‘Pacha’ means green and ‘kumachi’ means peaks or mountains.

5. What is the best time to visit Megamalai?

Visiting this place in winter can take you to a paradise on earth. The cold weather allures each one of you and ensures you leisurely visit all the attractions and enjoy a relaxing trip. The summer season can be considered but please avoid the monsoon months.

6. Is it safe to visit this mountain?

Meghamalai is totally a safe place. The only thing that you have to be cautious enough about is elephants, as they can be spotted often on the roads or hairpin bends. Having said this, forest officers and supporting staff can help you wherever you are.

7. What is Megamalai famous for?

When it comes to fauna, it is known for elephants and tigers. With respect to flora, the hills are lush green with virgin forests. Besides, it is famous for a handful of dams, age-old temples, and pristine waterfalls.

The Vande Bharat Express Trains in India aims at connecting cities that are at medium distances, i.e., less than eight hundred kilometers away. In other words, these trains operate between cities that take only less than ten hours to travel with current train services.

Did you know? The Ministry of Railways plans to launch nearly four hundred such trains in the coming years. Read more!

The History Behind Vande Bharat Train

The Railway Board of India intended and geared for high-speed trains in the year 1960. The study attempted to increase the speed from 96 km/h back then to 160 km/h. With the help of RDSO (Research Design and Standards Organization) and ICF (Integral Coach Factory), Chennai, the board was able to launch the 120 km/h Rajdhani Express in 1969.

After decades, the board introduced the 160 km/h train in 2016. Again, after the “Make in India” movement, the board introduced indigenously designed self-propelled EMU trainsets with a maximum speed of 183 km/h during the trials in 2018. Later, in 2019, these trainsets were named “Vande Bharat Express Trains” and launched between the capital of India and Varanasi.

Vande Bharat: All You Need to Know About The Train Routes

Here is a brief overview of the first ten routes launched for this express train in India.

2. New Delhi—SMVD KATRA (Jammu and Kashmir)

• It was the second train to be launched.
• The Honorable Minister of Home Affairs flagged it off.
• The train number is 22439.
• It was launched in October 2019.
• It operates all days except Tuesdays.
• The return train runs between SMVD KATRA and New Delhi with train no. 22440.

Get your confirmed (CNF) ticket with the leading Train ticket booking agency!

3. Mumbai Central (Maharashtra)—Gandhinagar CAP (Gujarat)

• The train number is 20901.
• It was launched in September 2022.
• Except for Sundays, it runs all the other days.
• The return train runs between Gandhinagar CAP and Mumbai Central with train no. 20902.

4. New Delhi—Amb Andaura (Himachal Pradesh)

• The train number is 22447.
• It was launched in October 2022.
• Except for Tuesdays, it operates all other six days a week.
• The return train runs between Amb Andaura and New Delhi with train no. 22448.

5. MGR Chennai Central (Tamil Nadu)—Mysuru Vande Bharat Express (Karnataka)

• The train number is 20608.
• It was launched in November 2022.
• It runs six days a week.
• The return train runs between Mysuru and MGR Chennai Central with train no. 20609.
• It won’t run on Wednesdays.

6. Bilaspur (Bilaspur)—Nagpur (Maharashtra)

• The train number is 20825.
• It was launched in December 2022.
• Except for Saturdays, it runs the remaining six days a week.
• The return train runs between Nagpur and Bilaspur with train no. 20826.

Need help with Vande Bharat train ticket booking? Contact us!

7. Howrah (West Bengal)—New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal)

• The train number is 22301.
• It was launched in December 2022.
• It operates all days except Wednesdays in a week.
• The return train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Howrah with train no. 22302.

8. Secunderabad (Telangana)—Visakhapatnam (Andra Pradesh)

• The train number is 20834.
• It was launched in December 2022.
• It operates six days a week, leaving on Wednesdays.
• The return train runs between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad with train no. 20835.

Want to book the train ticket yourself? The official website for Online train ticket booking in India is IRCTC!

9. Mumbai Central (Maharashtra)—Sainagar Shirdi (Maharashtra)

• The train number is 22223.
• It was launched in February 2023.
• It runs six days a week, except Tuesdays.
• The return train runs between Sainagar Shirdi and Mumbai Central with train no. 22224.
• However, this train got canceled in 2023 due to poor signal systems and megablocks.

10. Mumbai Central (Maharashtra)—Solapur (Maharashtra)

• The train number is 22225.
• It was launched in February 2023.
• Except for Wednesdays, it runs all the other days.
• The return train runs between Solapur and Mumbai Central with train no. 22226.

The Successive Vande Bharat Train Routes Launched in India

11. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)—New Delhi (Train number: 20171)
12. Secunderabad (Telangana)—Tirupati (Andra Pradesh) (Train number: 20701)
13. MGR Chennai Central (Tamil Nadu)—Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) (Train number: 20643)
14. Delhi Cantt (New Delhi)—Ajmer (Rajasthan) (Train number: 20977)
15. Thiruvananthapuram Central (Kerala)—Kasaragod (Kerala) (Train number: 20634)
16. Puri (Odisha)-Howrah (West Bengal) (Train number: 22896)

Are you looking for help with your Train Ticket reservation? Click the link to proceed!

17. Anand Vihar Terminal (New Delhi)—Dehradun (Uttarakhand) (Train number: 22457)
18. New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal)—Guwahati (Assam) (Train number: 22227)
19. Bengaluru (Karnataka)—Dharwad (Karnataka) (Train number: 20661)
20. Patna (Bihar)—Ranchi (Jharkhand) (Train number: 22349)
21. Indore (Madhya Pradesh)—Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) (Train number: 20991)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many Vande Bharat trains are there in India?

As per the latest NDTV article dated February 2024, a total of eighty-two trains are operational across the Indian cities.

2. What facilities are on these trains?

The train has two classes—the AC Executive Class and the AC Chair Car Class. The executive class is furnished with 2×2 rotating seats and the chair car class is furnished with 2×3 retractable seats. These fully air-conditioned trains are equipped with CCTV cameras, wider windows, electric outlets, bio-vacuum toilets, reading lights, automatic doors, onboard catering, water taps with sensors, etc.

3. What are the new routes for Vande Bharat Express?

In March 2024, the ministry introduced around ten new routes. A few of them include Lucknow to Dehradun, Ranchi to Varanasi, Ahmedabad to Mumbai Central, and Bhubaneswar to Visakhapatnam.

4. What routes are expected in the future?

Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) to MGR Chennai Central (Tamil Nadu), Jaipur (Rajasthan) to Chandigarh (Punjab and Haryana), Jamnagar (Gujarat) to Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Udaipur (Rajasthan) to Jaipur (Rajasthan), etc.

5. Which is the longest-distance Vande Bharat train in India?

It is the first route between Varanasi and New Delhi, accounting for about 757–759 kilometers. The duration is about eight hours.

Also, the places curated in this blog post are multifaceted to engage an Indian family. There are temples, beaches, theme parks or zoos, sightseeing, adventure activities, water sports, etc. Undoubtedly, the best places to visit and the things to do in these foreign destinations are enticing and cover all generations, i.e., grandparents, parents, and children. So, let’s get started!

List of budget-friendly countries from India:

Singapore

A stunning must-visit island to travel with your family! There are direct flights to this country from most metro cities. Do not miss the dolphin lagoons here.

Thailand

A wonderful choice for nightlife-loving families. There are floating markets, trekkable mountains, elephant tourism, etc.

Malaysia

A truly Asian country with lots of admirable sky-scraping buildings and diverse communities. This is the straightforward answer to your question, “Which is the cheapest foreign destination from India?”.

Srilanka

This country is known for its lush green landscapes, clear beaches, ancient temples, and heritage sites. It is considered another economical destination for budget-conscious families.

Kenya

One of the unique and far-away foreign countries from India, unlike the above choices. Enjoy zebras, rhinos, lions, etc. on the wildlife side. It is perfect for families with kids who love animal safaris. You can also enjoy the cheapest flight tickets when booking a round trip.

For more details on these affordable trips, click here!

Luxury travel destinations with families:

United States

It has diverse places to visit, eat, and cherish. But you have to pick the right state. Each state is unique in its geography and has historical significance to uncover.

Switzerland

Most tourists presume this is a honeymoon destination. But more than that, it is a full-package family destination with chocolates, cheese factories, and zoos to impress your children.

Mauritius

This country never fails to instill in you its beautiful lagoons, pristine beaches, national parks, children’s leisure parks, and, most importantly, innumerable activities.

Japan

Do you want to teach your children about terrific history and rich culture? Take them to Japan—an amazing international travel destination with a wide range of adventurous activities.

Dubai

Of course, no one will deny standing in front of the Burj Khalifa. Take your family to this stunning location with museums, zoos, viewpoints, a dolphinarium, etc.

Explore the standard international family package for each of these destinations

Note: All the above-listed countries are the most visited international tourist spots by Indian travelers. So, don’t worry that you’re the only Indian traveling to the place. In fact, you can choose your favorite after referring to a lot of travel vlogs, blogs, etc. available on social media. However, if you want to personalize your itinerary, contact Emperor Traveline, the leading Tour Operator in Coimbatore, India.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Which country is best to visit with family from India?

Thailand, Kenya, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Egypt, the United States, UAE, Japan, etc. are some of the best choices to visit with your family.

2. How do I effortlessly plan an international family trip?

Researching where to go, eat, stroll, etc. in international tourist places is truly a daunting task. Thus, it is always better to trust tour operators to plan the best itinerary for your family. They can perfectly cater to your personalized needs.

3. What is the minimum duration recommended for foreign trips?

A foreign trip should last at least 3 or 4 days. A trip of less than 3 days will be a waste of time, as you might spend the most time on to-and-from travel and commutations between the tourist spots.

4. What are the top international honeymoon destinations to travel to from India?

Sri Lanka, Bali, Fiji, Paris, Thailand, etc. are major honeymoon destinations outside India. Nevertheless, the tourist options presented in this article are also worth your honeymoon time. So, choose your destination wisely.

5. What is the average cost to visit foreign countries from India?

The lowest starting price for a foreign trip should be INR 20,000 and there is no upper limit as a few families opt for luxury trips. At large, the statistics say the average price per passenger to travel to foreign countries from India is between INR 35,000 and INR 50,000.

Important points to note

The weekends are listed month-wise in this article for easy reference.
The long weekends listed below are truly long, with a mix of national holidays, festivals, etc.
All these are promising mini-vacations. So, plan your trip well ahead and cherish the whole year with fun and frolic.
This list does not include the stranded public holidays occurring in the middle of the week.
This is a complete list of long weekends of 2024 that exclude the 2024 New Year’s weekend.

January 2024: 2 weekends
Makar Sankranti or Pongal
Dates: 13th – 15th January
Days: Saturday – Monday

Republic Day
Dates: 26th – 28th January
Days: Friday – Sunday

February 2024: No weekend

March 2024: 3 weekends
Maha Shivratri
Dates: 8th – 10th March
Days: Friday – Sunday

Holi
Dates: 23rd – 25th March
Days: Saturday – Monday

Good Friday/Easter
Dates: 29th – 31st March
Days: Friday – Sunday

April 2024: 1 weekend
Eid-ul-Fitr
Dates: 6th – 9th April
Days: Saturday – Tuesday
(You may have to take a day off on Monday as Eid-ul-Fitr falls on Tuesday.)

May 2024: 1 weekend
Buddha Purnima
Dates: 23rd – 26th May
Days: Thursday – Sunday
It is a 4-day-long weekend in India. But you may have to take a day off on Friday as Budhha Purnima falls on Thursday.

June 2024: 1 weekend
Eid al-Adha or Bakri-Id
Dates: 15th – 17th June
Days: Saturday – Monday

July 2024: No weekend

August 2024: 2 weekends
Independence Day & Raksha Bandhan
Dates: 15th – 19th August
Days: Thursday – Monday
It is the next long weekend in India, with four days, provided your organization considers Raksha Bandhan an optional holiday.

Janmashthami
Dates: 24th – 26th August
Days: Saturday – Monday

September 2024: 2 weekends
Onam & Ganesh Chaturthi
Dates: 5th – 8th September
Days: Thursday – Sunday

Eid Milad Un Nabi or Id-E-Milad
Dates: 14th – 16th September
Days: Saturday – Monday

October 2024: 1 weekend
Dussehra
Dates: 11th – 13th October
Days: Friday – Sunday

November 2024: 2 weekends
Diwali
Dates: 1st – 3rd November
Days: Friday – Sunday
(You may have to take a day off on Friday as Diwali falls on Thursday.)

Guru Nanak Jayanti
Dates: 15th – 17th November
Days: Friday – Sunday

December 2024: No weekend

FAQs

1. How to plan a long weekend in 2024?

The long weekends are meant to be enjoyed with your family, friends, and colleagues. So, don’t miss even a single long weekend. Alternatively, if you’re thinking of relaxing on the sofa at home or binge-watching Netflix, that could be the worst decision. Just plan your weekend, go out, breathe fresh air, have some fun, vent out your stress, and return with full rejuvenation and energy to resume your work. This is how a long weekend needs to be planned.

2. How many long weekends are there in 2024 India?

Out of the 52 weekends in 2024, you have 15 long weekends for which you can plan your vacation. Of these 15, almost all are 3-day weekends and only a couple of them are 4-day long weekends. Accordingly, you can plan your short trips and gateway tours. Explore Travel agency packages from Emperor Traveline, one of the leading tour operators in India—they’ll let you know potential tourist destinations this year, travel tips, new trending tourist places, visa help, etc.

3. How many govt holidays in 2024?

The central government of India has released 2024’s list of seventeen gazetted (official) holidays and thirty-one restricted (regional or optional) holidays. Together, the public holidays (national holidays) are forty-eight. For a detailed list, check out this Indian Express article!

The island lies between the two tranquil seas—the Arabian Sea ​​and the Laccadive Sea. This serene archipelago of islands is divided into three sub-groups, namely the Laccadive Islands, the Amindivi Islands, and the atoll of Minicoy. Together, they comprise twelve atolls, ten untapped or uninhabited islands, three coral reefs, and five submerged banks. Breaking news on ​​Lakshadweep: A diplomatic row between India and the Maldives! 

An unopposed answer to “How to reach Lakshadweep?”

​​According to “the Administration of the UT of Lakshadweep,” Kochi or Cochin in Kerala, India, is declared to be the gateway for all tourist purposes. Tourists can reach Lakshadweep from Kochi either via air or waterways. The island is almost four hundred kilometres away from the Indian coastal area (western side).

Important note: Irrespective of any reason, by law, any non-native person is restricted from entering the Lakshadweep Islands. An entry permit is required from the authorities of the Lakshadweep Administration. Click here to download the permit rules!

Flights to Lakshadweep

Agatti is one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep, with coral reefs. The reason why Agatti Island is so special is that it is the only island in Lakshadweep that has an airport. So, if you choose to travel via airlines, you have no choice but to book flights from Cochin to Agatti Island. The travel time takes around one hour and two to thirty minutes.   

Flights are operating from Bangalore to this special island, but include Kochi as a mandatory stop. And there are no direct flights. So the travel time is more than three hours from Bangalore. Check the Agatti flight schedule released by the Airport Authority of India. 

From Agatti, tourists can reach other islands either via ferry boats or helicopters. The best way to visit Kavaratti, Bangaram, Thinnakara, and Kadmat is via boat. Helicopter availability may vary based on the monsoon. Also, the only major helicopter transfer is from Agatti to Kavaratti.

Travel to Lakshadweep by ship or cruise

Traveling from Cochin to Lakshadweep by waterway could be the best voyage you can ever have. You can enjoy the emerald waters as well as explore the routes to various islands, including Minicoy, Kavaratti (the capital of Lakshadweep), Kadmat, etc. There are seven passenger ships from Cochin:

• MV Lakshadweep Sea Ship
• MV Kavaratti
• MV Amindivi
• MV Lagoon
• MV Corals
• MV Minicoy
• MV Arabian Sea Ship

The Kochi to Lakshadweep ship duration is about fourteen to twenty hours. To avail of tickets for the ship, Click here! Additionally, from Beypore Port, Kozhikode, Kerala, the following ships help you travel to the islands:

• MV Tipu Sultan
• MV Bharat Seema
• M.V.Dweep Setu

Particularly, the MV Tipu Sultan Ship can carry 650 passengers.  

While all these ships are comfortable for tourists in South India, Mumbai Port helps travellers from North India. The Empress, a Cordelia Cruise ship to Lakshadweep, incurs a passage time of at least four nights. It also depends on the island you choose for your journey. Notably, Cordelia Cruise is one of India’s premium or luxury cruise lines.

Regardless of the ship you choose, you can revel in the different accommodation classes—A/C First Class, Second Class, and Bunk Class. Also, there are clinical cabins with doctors, cafeterias, entertainment events, snack bars, etc. For the best experiences at Lakshadweep, plan your travel with the Best Travel Agency Tour Packages >>> 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Which is the nearest airport to Lakshadweep?

Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep with an airstrip to safely land the flights and hence it is the only nearest airport to reach this beautiful archipelago. Book cheaper flights with Emperor, the leading flight ticket booking agency in India. 

2. What is the procedure to visit Lakshadweep?

The first thing to do when visiting the island is to seek a permit from the respective authorities. Worry not; travel agencies can help you with permits and flight or cruise ticket bookings. So, you don’t need to break your head on these. Authorized quick links for the entry permit are here!

3. Is Lakshadweep expensive?

The expense depends on how many days you’re resorting to these islands. For example, if you’re visiting the island just for two days, the cost would be less than INR 25,000. But if you want to explore at least two or three islands and stay for 3–4 days, it might cost INR 50,000–65,000. 

4. Is a passport required for Lakshadweep?

For Indian tourists, a passport is mandatory as it is a Union Territory of India. For foreign tourists, a visa is mandatory. 

Before dealing with the Benefits of Travel Agency Tour Packages and how they make us stress free Vacation, you must first understand who these travel agencies are and what their Travel Services are in detail.

Who is a Travel Agency?

A Travel Agency is a company that retails travel packages, offers, and deals to customers looking to travel or plan their trip. Most unorganized travel agents, in general, help with generic tours and packages, i.e., a holiday trip or vacation travel. However, an established and professional travel agent will cater to all types and specialties of tourism, including holiday tourism, eco-tourism, medical tourism, education tourism, wildlife tourism, heritage tourism, etc. 

Is it better to rely on a Travel Agent? Or do it yourself?

When all of us are mechanized with our jobs and household chores, we don’t find time and energy to plan our vacations. Moreover, personally scouting for vacation destinations, shortlisting various travel agency packages, and then finalizing one among them is a laborious process and makes us stressed amid other deeds. Thus, it is always better to rely on a travel agent. Indeed, they take more effort than us to get the best itinerary for our vacation. Ultimately, you get stress free family vacation and can save time for the family or other priority tasks on the list.

What are the competitive Advantages when choosing Travel Agency Tour Packages?

In the last section, we briefly saw why choosing a travel agent for planning your vacation is better than doing it yourself. In this section, let’s see in detail the Benefits of a Travel Agency and its Travel Agency Packages and services.

• End-to-end Travel support

Gone are the days when the role of Travel Agents ended when they were done with their bookings and reservations. Today, their services have evolved by leaps and bounds. 

• Before Travel: Preparing personalized itinerary, giving advice on best tourist destinations, suggesting economical packages, booking tickets for commutation, making reservations at hotels or resorts, etc 
• During Travel: Assisting with airport transfers or car rentals, arranging guides or travel experts,  advising on the best places to visit based on current affairs, etc. 

With all these burdens off your head, you can even plan for hundreds of similar Stress free Vacations with the help of a Travel Agent.  

• Help in emergencies

You can 100% trust your Travel Agent when you go through an emergency during your vacation. They will assist you 24/7 and rescue you and your travel partners by reaching out to the respective tourism associations.

• Effortless travel processes
  • Foreign currency exchange: Money exchange could be daunting if you’re a full-time employee and want to do it personally. First, you have to calculate how much money you need for the trip. Second, find a trusted vendor. Third, exchange for a better price while waiting in the queue. Instead, count on travel agencies; they can save a lot of money for you despite saving your time.   
  • Visa requirements: When you apply for a tourist visa on your own, you may not know the nuances of getting your application through and also end up spending more on unwanted services. On the other hand, a travel agent knows how to get your visa approved and can offer this service as a compliment when choosing their tour packages.
  • Travel insurance: Travel or tour operators are experts in understanding your travel needs and recommending the right travel insurance. Get maximum insurance coverage at discounted prices with the help of travel agents! 

Customized packages 

Experienced Travel Agencies are well-versed in Domestic and International tourist places, the cost of travel, the things to do, etc. In addition, a full-service Travel Agency assigns a personal travel expert who is well-organized, well-aware of various travel packages, and able to suggest the right tour package for your customized needs.

So, be it a Business Trip, Honeymoon Trip, Biodiversity Trip, or, in the worst case, if you’re looking for a cruise-specific package, they can make it happen on your behalf.  Every part of your package is personalized and worthwhile when you choose the right travel agent with years of experience and a legacy in this field.  

Benefits of choosing Emperor Traveline, the Leading Tour Operator in India!

Since its inception in 1980 by the aspiring duo brothers, Mr. K. Chandran and Mr. K. Rajendran, Emperor Traveline has been flying high as one of the leading tour operators in India. It is a unique, self-styling travel organization with a huge set of advantages to benefit from:

An active member of almost all travel associations. Strong relationships with the finest star hotels and luxury vehicles for commutation.

An authorized agent for Southern Railways and all domestic and international airlines. Provide competitive ticket fares when compared to other tour operators or travel companies.

Help with skilled guides at Important Tourist Destinations. Moreover, the employees at Emperor Traveline are qualified, trained, and competent enough to provide travel guidelines and prepare the best itineraries for you.

It includes hill stations other than Kodaikanal; tea estates other than Ootacamund; heritage sites other than Isha; forests other than Anaimalai; lakes other than Avalanche; spiritual centers other than Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple; and beaches other than Marina. 

Did you know? The state is also famous for some of the best road trips. 

Tamilnadu Hidden Tourist Places: Top 10 Picks

• Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
• Poompuhar
• Dhanushkodi
• Berijam Lake
• Airavatesvara Temple
• Sri Ramana Ashram
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
• Kalrayan Hills
• Auroville
• Ariyaman Beach

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

This destination is located in Chidambaram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. It has the largest mangrove forests in India, along with backwaters. This makes it unique and owing to its unpopularity among people, it attracts fewer visitors when compared to other places in the state. So, if you’re tired of visiting places with higher footfalls, you can try this one and enjoy the serenity. 

Poompuhar

Earlier called ‘Kaveri Pompattinam’, it was once a prosperous port and served as the capital of the Chola kingdom. Now, it serves as an important and unexplored cultural and heritage center. When visiting this tourist place, do not miss the Silappathikara art gallery and Masilamani Nathar Koil (a temple built in the early 1300s).

Dhanushkodi

It is an alluring 15-kilometer beach town that separates the Indian Ocean from the Bay of Bengal. Located at the end of the Pamdab island, this town borders India from Sri Lanka and is called the last road of South India. Dhanushkodi means ‘tip of the bow,’ derived from an important scene in the ‘Ramayana’ when Lord Rama pointed his arrow toward Sri Lanka. Hence, it is one of the best secret places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Berijam Lake

The forest department in Kodaikanal has set up South India’s first field-oriented eco-education center at Berijam, owing to its rich flora and fauna. It is located in the Dindigul district and sits in the upper Palani hills, southwest of Kodaikanal. A hundred years ago, Britishers visited this place and used it for transit camps.  

Airavatesvara Temple

An archaic temple that was constructed in the 12th century by Raja Raja Chola II. Located in Kumbakonam, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the world-famous Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. This temple is also known for its magnificent art and architecture. Visit this destination if you want to worship Lord Shiva (Airavatesvara) with the beautiful carvings of the stories of his Nayanars.

Sri Ramana Ashram

If you’re looking for a unique, divine type of tourism in Tamilnadu, this is the best choice! Situated at the Arunachala foothills in Tiruvannamalai, people visit this hidden gem to experience the most powerful spiritual vibrations of Ramana Maharishi. Once the home of the great Ramana Maharshi is now turned out to be his ashram called ‘Sri Ramanasramam’. 

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Kolukkumalai is a small town in Bodinayakanur, Theni. The tea estate of this town is known for having the world’s highest elevation in tea plantations. In addition, unlike other estates, they process the tea leaves using the most traditional, orthodox methods. You can visit this place to explore slow tea growth (due to the high altitude) and the vintage tea leaf manufacturing process. 

Kalrayan Hills

This hilly region of the eastern ghats extends between two districts of Tamil Nadu, namely Salem and Kallakurichi. It has more than ten waterfalls and, indeed, tops the list of hidden tourist places in Tamilnadu. Taking your children here enables you to cherish the best moments. It has evergreen forests and vegetable plantations throughout the man-occupied areas. 

Auroville

Having its origins in French, the word ‘Aurore’ means dawn, and ‘Ville’ means village, it is a man-made experimental township built in the Villupuram district of the state. The purpose is to unite humans across borders and ensure sustainable living through the transformation of consciousness. It’s still an unexplored destination. And you must visit here to embrace the best tourism in Tamilnadu. 

Ariyaman Beach

Being twenty to thirty kilometers away from Rameshwaram, this is a small, tranquil beach that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Unlike other beaches in the state, this does not experience huge tourist footfalls. This is located exactly in Sattakkonvalasai. Notably, the waters are pristine and crystal clear without pollution.

The top 7 Karnataka tourist places that you cannot miss

• Hampi
• Coorg
• Chikmagalur
• Gokarna
• Mangalore
• Bengaluru
• Udupi

Hampi

A small village that has much historical importance in the history of the Vijayanagara Empire. Important places to visit include the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Staples, Sri Vitthala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Sanapur Lake, and Anjanadri Hill. Other places to visit are Hampi—Zanana Enclosure, Mathanga Hill, and Stone Chariot. The best months to visit Hampi are from October to April.

Coorg

Coorg is one of the large hill stations in Karnataka, situated on the western ghats. The elevation is about 1400 meters above sea level. It is known for its charming meadows, tea and coffee plantations, sparkling waterfalls, spice plantations, and tropical forests. The place is also known as Madikeri.

Madikeri tourist places are many. To name a few—Mallalli Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Honnamana Kere Lake, Abbey Falls, and Madikeri Fort.

Chikmagalur

When compared to other tourist places in Karnataka, this is one of the untapped destinations. Though known for its trekking opportunities, this place has beautiful sightseeing, viewpoints, parks, and dangling waterfalls. The Coffee Museum, Hebbe Falls, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhari Falls, Z Point, and Kemmangundi are some of the best ​places to visit in Chikmagalur​, Karnataka. It is a perennial tourist destination that you must try visiting!

Gokarna

Mahabaleshwar Temple and Koti Teertha are the two world-renowned sites in Gokarna. People who love beaches cannot miss this tourist destination in the state. Things to do in Gokarna include beach yoga, a night stroll, a treehouse stay, and a coastal drive along the virgin beaches. Water activities in Gokarna include parasailing, snorkeling, boating, catamaran rides, and river rafting. Avoid visiting this place during hot summers.

Mangalore

It is a coastal town touching the unfathomable Arabian Sea. From historical sites to seafood, everything is distinguished in this place. You can find one of India’s best industrial ports here in Mangalore. Also, this is the only city in the state that has all four modes of transportation.

Major attractions in Mangalore are Kadri Park, Kadri Manjunath Temple, Milagres Church, St. Aloysius Chapel, Pilikula Park, and Sultan Battery Watch Tower. The emerald beaches include Panambur, Ullal, Sasihithlu, and Tannirbhavi.

Udupi

This city is known for its Krishan temple and vegetarian food. Apart from agriculture and fishing, tourism plays a critical role in this city’s economy. Some of the notable tourist places to visit in Udupi (or Udipi) are Sri Krishna Temple, Coin Museum, Malpe Beach, Sri Mookambika Temple, St. Mary’s Islands, Mattu, and Kapu beaches.

Get a personalized itinerary when you plan a trip to visit places in Karnataka from the leading tour agency, Emperor Traveline! Last but not least, let’s come to the capital city!

Bengaluru

Located in the heart of the Mysore region of the Deccan plateau, it is a metropolitan city with a huge population (more than thirteen million people). The important attractions near Bengaluru Karnataka, are Cubbon Park, the HAL Heritage Centre, the Aerospace Museum, Lalbagh Garden, Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore Palace, and the ISKCON temple. The city is also referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ as it contributes a huge share to business development.

Conclusion

These seven places to visit in Karnataka are not the only top ones. The state has a lot more top tourist places, like Shimoga, Netrani Island, Mysore, Srirangapatna, Belur, Dandeli, Badami, Kabini, Murudeshwar, Karwar, and Bijapur. Moreover, things to do in Karnataka are not limited to only visiting temples, beaches, and museums but also include trekking, jeep safaris, tasting the different cuisines, etc.