Facts on Nishani Motte Trekking in Coorg
The Nishani Hills is one of the lesser-known trekking trails in Coorg in the district of Karnataka. You will instantly fall in love with the splendid views of the expansive landscape from green covered meadows on the trail. If that isn’t enough, you can spend your night dining and camp firing before hitting the pillow.
If you want to slacken your tired shoulders a bit and take a breather, you wouldn’t be looking beyond Nishani Motte in Coorg, fondly known as the “Scotland of India”. This roughly 15km moderate-trek begins from Bhagamandala Forest range (about 284km from the city of Bengaluru) and threads through the fields of paddy to the lush green coffee estate and into the wondrous Wildlife Reserve area finally making its way up towards the steep hilltop.
You can spend a day or two in the hills losing yourself in the beauty of the lush vegetation that envelops the Nishani Hills. The trekking trail lies within the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary which is a popular spot for leopard and elephant sightings and extensive flora and fauna. The trail is an impassable pathway so it is better to have a trained guide to help you around. The path can lead you to the thickly covered Shola forests and areas of rolling meadows and verdant pasture. It will take about half a day to climb atop the hill. Once you reach the highest point, you can take a panoramic view of the entire landscape around the Nishani Hills. Take as many selfies or capture those poignant moments as much as you would like to; there’s nothing stopping you.
You can have fun around a cozy campfire once you walk down to the base camp. Even if stargazing isn’t in your bucket list, you can still spend some time looking at the marvels of creation. So, what are you waiting for? It is the best part of the year to hit this place up.
A dream ride into the hills of Ooty – The Nilgiri Mountain Railways’ (NMR) Toy Train – Part 2
Ooty had been an unchartered territory until 1820 and it had inconsistent boundaries of forest terrain. It is said that Ooty was an accidental find by the British who found the place to be stunningly beautiful and the weather to be clement throughout the year. Thus, they gave birth to a hill station that boasted eternal beauty and charm. The then district collector John Sullivan at once decided to transform it into a lovely hill station in the 1820s and founded Ooty, building two stone-houses one, Kal Bangla, which turned out to be the official residence of the Principal of the Government Arts College and was given a new makeover.
A railway line was first commenced in 1854 but it took no less than 40 years to get it done. In 1873, the train to Coimbatore underwent extension up till Mettupalayam and one has to take the ghat road before the laying of the tracks. The NMR, now the lifeline of Ooty’s economy, became world heritage in 2005. The rail-trails cover various activities including trekking along the railway tracks, exploring tunnels and viewing how the signal-systems work and other milestones.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway makes its way through plains for the first 5 miles. In the next 12, it makes an ascend spectacularly up to 4363 ft passing through nine tunnels, lending you splendid views of the eastern slopes of Ooty. You can take non-stop selfies and photo-ops, moving to the left. A mystifying spectacle beholds you when the train hustles and whistles though Wellington, Coonoor, Lovedale and stops near the Ooty Lake.
Other attractions include the longest rail bridge across River Bhavani near the Mettupalayam station, Coonoor station (built-in stone), Fernhill station (now closed and made ‘rest’ guesthouse), track/tunnel-walk through tunnel no. 16 that is 4-km long and unique masonry or rock-cut tunnels. The toy train featured in the 1984 David Lean-directed ‘A Passage to India’ movie. At least three chief ministers of South India have had their movie songs shot here. As there’s no pantry car on the train, you need to carry your own food while traveling. There’s a tree planted at the Government Arts College compound by Sullivan which you can add to your sightseeing bucket list.
A dream ride into the hills of Ooty – “The Nilgiri Mountain Railways” (NMR) Toy Train – Part 1
If you’re looking for the ride of a lifetime, then the Nilgiri Mountain Railways (NMR) Toy Train is a must-try experience for memories to cherish on and on, whether you find yourself on the celebrated toy train or at the Fernhill station.
This almost 5-hour long travel up and down a scenic route is packed with unbridled romance, relaxation, adventure, exotic trails and turns, nature and some adrenalin booster material.
Get onboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railways’ toy train that would take you down the memory lane where the most recently included compartment is just 50 years old, and the oldest is about 80 years! The good times will cease to fade out even if the train happens to break down in the middle of the trip. And don’t grouse even if it does so as you will get some extra time to enjoy the picturesque settings including misty valleys, mountains, forests, tiny falls, and the cool weather. When the train inches up between 1069 and 7228 ft, you may get down out of it to surprise your loved one with flowers, view the big tusker staring at you from a distance, capture a lovely Hoopoe in flight, wonder about the deep gorge shrouded in darkness, or shout at the top of your voice every time the train passes through the dark tunnel. Its charm is unparalleled the train has been huffing and puffing through the valley since 1899 originally from Mettupalayam to Coonoor, and from Fernhill to Nilgiris since 1908 it’s a unique journey across 250 bridges and through 16 tunnels. Most of them have been re-constructed except the Breeks Memorial School whose heritage features have been preserved to a nicety.
Although the NMR has stood the test of times, many stops en route to Ooty have now become ghost stations. A few structures are strewn with flora and are eroding fast. They have become inaccessible due to wild animals prowling nearby. The train, however, hasn’t changed the way since Swiss inventor Riggenbach had originally engineered it. It still sports the original yellow and blue color and has bench-seats without any cushioning in an era of comfort and luxury. With the train’s coaches remaining open, there are no curtains, glass or even windows!
All about the Rotary Convention 2020 in Honolulu
Honolulu, the largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii in the USA, will play host to the Rotary International Convention 2020 where people from all across the world will convene to connect, collaborate and celebrate for a better tomorrow. The convention begins on 30th May 2020 and ends on 12th June 2020. It is the place to be if you need to hear out world leaders, eminent personalities and philanthropists speak on several thought-provoking topics, in-depth seminars, panel discussions, workshops and more.
The House of Friendship is an interesting place where the Rotary world gathers to share tips, ideas and project successes.
The House of Friendship is a special place where the Rotary world comes together to share ideas, tips, and project successes. Here the office bearers from various nations, districts, and clubs display their projects. Rotary-licensed merchandise such as banners, shirts, and pins are available for sales. Participants can also meet rotary staff to know more on their various services and programs.
Honolulu offers you some exotic touring destinations including Diamond Head, the only royal palace in the US; Iolani Palace; Bishop Museum and Luau of Hawaii and exciting activities such as building sandcastles on Waikiki Beach; snorkeling with stunning fish; participating in Hawaii Luau musical and cultural fest; observing the traditional dance, hula, and mele, or song; tasting the different local cuisines and exploring the different adventure sports and leisure activities the island has to offer or viewing the state’s biggest collection of Hawaiian artifacts.
In addition to the touring Rotary Convention in Honolulu, Emperor Traveline is organizing a trip that will cover the important cities of Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Honolulu. The trip operated from Chennai is from the 30th of May to 12th June 2020. Find your own unique experience with Emperor Traveline’s trip to Honululu and major cities in Japan.
News – Ooty (Nilgiris) To Get A New Botanical Garden On A Sprawling 80 Acres Of Land Soon
Ooty, or Udhamagamandalam, as it is popularly called in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. This charming hill station receives maximum visitors during the summer season. The cool and salubrious climate, well complemented by the lush and fertile greeneries, in Ooty, has attracted tens and thousands of tourists on their holiday vacation every year. The botanical garden, opened in 1847, has been a major tourist destination ever since. The Tamil Nadu Horticultural Department is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining it all around the year.
The Queen of Hill Stations will get its second botanical garden soon on a sprawling 80acres land, as per an announcement made by the Tamil Nadu Government. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is buoyant that Ooty’s second botanical garden will see more tourist influx during the summer season.
The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr E. Palaniswami, brought smiles to many when he made the announcement in accordance with Rule 110 in the Assembly House that a second botanical garden will be set up at Ooty. He followed it up with the allocation of the project cost of 10 crores for establishing the 200th year Evergreen Grassland at Ooty.
Large crowd hits the picturesque hill station of Ooty during the annual Flower show organised with great fanfare; the second botanical garden would add to the overall attraction. Another famous park in Ooty is the Rose Park, which receives over 10 lakh tourists a year, resulting in traffic congestion during the peak season and lack of adequate parking space for the vehicles. The Chief Minister also announced that a permanent parking space that can put up as many as 500 vehicles will be opened at an outlay of Rs 3 crores here.
All About The Nelliampathi Hills – Kerala’s Trekker’s Paradise
The Nelliampathi hills, located in God’s own country, Kerala is a feast to the eyes of the onlooker. Caressing the clouds, the Nelliampathi hills is marked by grandeur and splendour and lend one an awe-inspiring sight, to say the least. Located in Nenmara in Palakkad district, it is separated by 102 km from the Coimbatore Airport and 150 km from Cochin International Airport. The hill ranges stand tall at a height of 465m to 1570m and ensure you will definitely come again to explore more.
To reach Nelliampathi, the road from Nenmara takes you all the way to the Pothundy Dam. You need to drive through 10 sharp hairpin bends en route to Nelliampathi.
The Pothundy Dam has some excellent recreational facilities in boating and makes a nice outing area. As you drive your way through the dense forests and up the testing hairpin bends to Nelliampathi, there are a few viewpoints where you can stop by and witness the vast expanse of Pallakad district unfolding with its green bounty of paddy fields adding to the sylvan charm.
You can take also take a look at the Ginger farm from Nelliampathi, which lends a panoramic view of the splendid Western Ghats formation in this expanse, bringing into view, enjoining parts of the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu. If you are planning for a day out or a weekend getaway, from the big city, you don’t need to go far than travel to Nelliampathi.
There are quite a few privately owned resorts and hotels in the region, especially as you move atop the hills of Nelliampathi. You can spot bio-farms as you travel further uphill towards the Palagapandy Estate, housing a colonial bungalow, constructed during the British Raj in India, and now which has been made into a privately-owned resort. Nelliampathi, assuming that the weather is fine, is great for trekking. Travel a little further to Seetharkundu for a mesmerizing view of the valley and a stunning waterfall dropping about 110m. If you have some more time left to explore Palagapandy, then either take a car or stretch yourself a bit to trek to reach Mampara, another quiet hill station in the region.
The area enclosing the Palagapandy Estate is lush and flush with cardamom, tea and coffee plantations with the adjoining hills home to rich wildlife including elephants, leopards, Giant Squirrel, Indian Gaur, etc and a delightful haven for birdwatchers.
Five Reasons To Visit Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu this Monsoon!
Monsoon has its own charm and magic, and there is everyone reason why should take a trip to the picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal in Tamilnadu. Kodaikanal, with its over-flowing beauty, is nature’s gift to man. Therefore, if nature is your thing, then Kodaikanal lies right in the lap of nature and clouds. Many of these places go green during monsoon and look out–of–the–world. The scorching summer heat gives way to balmy and chilling breezes and cool showers that will make you enjoy the charming tourist haven: obviously, the best time to travel! Here are 5 good reasons why Kodaikanal will be a great place to hit this summer
1.The perfect weather:
Only very few hill stations in India come close to Kodaikanal in terms of the salubrious climate all around the year. The monsoon is characterised by temperature level between 10 and 18 degree C – just what you require for going around, putting your feet up or just going blah!
2.Break-taking views:
Kodaikanal dubbed the “Princess of Hill Stations”, is snugly nestled on a plateau and is enveloped by views of hair-raising hills and valleys. If you like to hug the landscapes of cloudy skies and deep valleys, then Kodaikanal is just the place for you.
3.The forgotten history:
Kodaikanal has been long one of the most popular summer resorts in the country. In the 19th century, although the plains went through tropical diseases, Kodaikanal was still a welcome gateway.
4.The Pine Forests:
The sprawling pine forests of Kodaikanal have been the backdrop for many a Kollywood dream sequence songs and TV serials. The pine forests not only add to the mojo of the place but moderate the effects of sun, wind and rain.
5.The enchanting scenes:
From the still Kodaikanal Lake to the ‘far from the noise’ Poombarai village, Kodaikanal is a traveller’s delight. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk and Dolphin’s Nose make Kodaikanal a must-visit hill station in Tamilnadu.
Best Tourist Attractions in Zanzibar
Zanzibar was a land of sultans and slave traders, but today it has many attractions like white sandy beaches, dense rain forests and vibrant coral reefs. Zanzibar was known as the spice island and has incredible beauty that’ll leave you jaw-dropped. Here are the Best Attractions around Zanzibar.
Chumbe Island
The Island is blessed with several hectares of virgin forest land surrounded by extraordinarily beautiful coral reefs. It houses over 200 species of stone corals and 400 fish species, turtles & dolphins. There is also guided walking into the small forest, snorkelling and swimming.
Jozani Forest Tour
This forest is home to Zanzibar leopards. It has the Best Attraction of several medicinal plants and other trees. This tropical rainforest has breathtaking beauty on all sides. The troops of Red Colobus monkeys jumping from branch to branch are a must-see. This swamp is surrounded by rich mangroves that protect the entire area.
North Coast Tour
A tour through the north coast gives you access to the traditional dhow making. Other attractions are the turtle sanctuary and the aquarium. The Nungwi village is a great way to experience local culture and cuisine.
Prison Island
Prison Island, though a Quarantine Station once, is now a bird haven with various bird species and Aldabra Giant tortoises. The sandy beaches and the thick forest seem like paradise on earth. The sight of the dhows fishing is a not-to-miss opportunity for travellers.
Spice Tour
Zanzibar used to export spices around the world. Now they pay tribute this glorious past by arranging Tour Package for travelers to purchase spices. Several tropical fruits are also included in this tour waiting to be tasted.
Stone Town
This is the old quarter of Zanzibar and also got an intricate Indian influence from the past. Places like the Sultan’s Palace, House of Wonders, Anglican Cathedral, Slave Market, the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, Old Dispensary, dispensary, Darajani Market, Peace Memorial Museum and the Hamamni Persian Baths are the several buildings in Stone Town that are waiting to be explored by the hungry traveler.
Sunset Dolphin Dhow Cruises
You can experience a beautiful sunset while cruising in the dhows. Your evenings can’t get more fascinating than this as you see bottle nose dolphins swimming alongside your dhow.
The Zanzibar Land Animal Park
The ZALA Park is a fine example of sustainable development. It has the Children’s Center for Environmental Education, The Reptile Collection, The Antelope Breeding Program and Small Mammal Collection, Research Opportunities in Wildlife, Conservation, and Environmental Trends in Zanzibar, The New Nursery School in Mungoni, Aquaculture and Opportunities to Participate and to Assist ZALA.
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
The Zanzibar Butterfly Center exhibits a live display of colorful Tanzanian butterflies. Funds are raised from tourist admissions to run the local projects.
World’s Best Islands
The world is a perfect place with diverse destinations around every corner to rejuvenate and revive the human soul. The word holiday by itself stirs up joy in our minds. Among
The world is a perfect place with diverse destinations around every corner to rejuvenate and revive the human soul. The word holiday by itself stirs up joy in our minds. Among all the wonderful holidays you could ever have, beach holidays are the best. There cannot be one person complaining of a perfect beach holiday. Everybody loves the sea, sand and the sun. It is the only place where you can get dirty and still have the time of your life. Talking about beach holidays, here are some amazing island destinations to motivate you on a perfect beach holiday.
Beach holidays:
There could be no other place like a beautiful island to spend your holiday. A crystal clear beach and a platter of seafood is a dream come true. Here are some of the beach destinations if you consider spending your holiday season at the seafront, snorkeling and all.
Skopelos Island, Greece:
Nothing could be more pleasant than a fine Greek holiday. Skopelos Island is a perfect place for every visitor. It’s tranquil hilltop havens, clear beaches and authentic Greek cuisine is a magical combination. If you want to have a silent vacation free from buzzing tourists, then this is the ideal spot for you. This place has little visitors and it is yet the most enjoyable place for a quick vacation.
Canary Islands, Spain:
This is an amazing archipelago of seven unique islands distinguished from each other with different personalities. This place has a pleasant year-round climate ideal for year-round holidays. These are a group of volcanic islands with breathtaking panoramic views and sandy beaches. Each island has an airport for easy access. They have exotic spa retreats as part of holiday packages.
Bora Bora Island, French Polynesia:
Bora Bora, the pearl of the Pacific is indeed a dream destination to most of the travel enthusiasts. The pristine cerulean waters, the exclusive over the water bungalows hovering over the lagoons, the magnificent Mount Otemanu, the lush green volcano surrounded by beautiful islands, all of this sounds like a fairy tale. This is what Bora Bora is all about. It ranks #2 in the world’s best places to visit and the best and the most expensive honeymoon destinations. How cool is that? Here are some travel tips to help you discover Bora Bora, the most beautiful island in the world. As Bora Bora is a very expensive place, the best thing to do is to visit off-season when the rates will be comparatively less than the usual seasonal rates. This way it would be more affordable for you to have a comfortable stay and enjoy all the goodness of the island without burning a hole in your pocket. The best off-season to visit is between December and March.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India:
These are a vast group of about 300 islands dotting the Bay of Bengal so brilliantly. This magical archipelago is one of a kind with its exotic white, sandy beaches lined with palm trees, extraordinary mangrove backwaters and lively rainforests deep inside. The islands have no bounds for entertainment with fishing, scuba diving, skiing, water-surfing, Oceanside camping and hiking as well. Not to mention it has the most wonderful grounds of coral reefs that is home to some of the exotic species of sharks and stingrays. It is indeed the most visited island in all of India.
South Africa Tour Packages
Tourism in South Africa has been increasing since 2012 and about 16.8%of Indians are spotted touring South Africa in the same year.
Tourism in South Africa has been increasing since 2012 and about 16.8%of Indians are spotted touring South Africa in the same year. Diverse, rich, and ancient cultural heritage, landscape, wildlife, vineyards, the mighty Victoria Falls and the Zambia River and the remains of medieval period are worth seeing. Here is a short list of what one can experience during a trip to South Africa.
Cape Town
Cape Town, the “Mother City”, is a spectacular place at the tip of South Africa, hosting a picturesque landscape, sandy beaches, magnificent mountains, national parks, and the best wine. This beautiful peninsula is bordered with steep cliffs that give us a breathtaking view. A trip to Cape Town is never fulfilled without a coastal ride.
South Africa holds third in its richest bio-diversity. The Cape of Good Hope natural reserves and the world-renowned Kristenbosch Botanical gardens are a must-see. You will be able to watch the mighty “big-5”, say African elephants, the majestic Lion, Rhinoceros, Leopard, and the Buffalo. You can also witness the African Penguins in its own reserve at the Boulders Beach. Moreover, do not forget to shop at the Hout Bay craft market, in the village of Hout Bay, which is sandwiched between the lush green mountains and the silent ocean.
To take pleasure in the abundant flora and fauna and the most amazing panorama of Cape Town, is the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Touring at the Malay Quarter, and Milnerton must be a pleasure. Another important site to visit is the Cape Town Diamond museum that unfolds the story of a diamond. It also houses the samples of well-known Kimberlite rock, which is more than billions of years old.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the second largest city in Africa, with so much to explore. Be it the culture, wild life, shopping, there is something interesting for everyone. The unique Gold Reef City here has a theme park and casinos to enjoy the tour. The sightseeing in a train ride is a unique experience. Love Africa and its culture through the museums, zoo, lake, botanical garden and so on.
You can buy souvenirs and handicrafts from the crafts village at the African Craft Market. What is a trip to South Africa without a trip to the gold mine? Johannesburg is the Gold Capital of the world. Witness the pure gold in the Level 5 mine at the only remaining gold mine within the city limits. The gold pour and molten gold are never to be missed out.
Sun City
The luxurious holiday resort in South Africa is the most famous “Sun City” with plentiful entertainment and many exciting activities for kids. Various other amenities include casinos, sports facilities, Cascades Hotel, Madikwe Safari Lodge, and Game reserve, or visit at the Valley of Waves.
Emperor Traveline and the South African Tour
Emperor Traveline offers an ever memorable trip to this wonderful land of South Africa, starting from 24th April to 8th May ; the season most loved and enjoyable at Cape Town beaches. Enjoy 3 nights at Cape Town, witnessing the amazing beaches and wild life.
Do not forget to visit the Big 5 while at your 2-night stay at world-renowned Kruger National Park. Enjoy the Sun City Resort and Gold mine at Johannesburg. Never miss out the African tribal dance at the mine.
Visit South African Tour Packages from Emperor Traveline. You can reaches us using contact form or call Coimbatore: +91 422 4500 600 / 2551171 Chennai: +91 442 8525022
