What is Eco-Friendly Travel? | Eco-Friendly Sites
The world has just recovered from the COVID pandemic, and still, we can see no drastic reduction in climate change rates or global warming. Besides, world studies claim that the tourism industry contributes at least 10% of greenhouse gas emissionsn
The world has just recovered from the COVID pandemic, and still, we can see no drastic reduction in climate change rates or global warming. Besides, world studies claim that the tourism industry contributes at least 10% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Thus, now is the high time for everyone to absorb what ‘Ecotourism’ and eco-friendly travel are all about.
While the former revolves more around a particular tourist spot or destination, its sustainability, protection, and the improvement of the welfare of the local communities, the latter revolves around one or more tourist spots to which you travel and how effectively you make the whole travel sustainable from the beginning to the end.
The primary goals of ecotourism and sustainable travel
Undoubtedly, the primary goals are sustainability and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. However, there are different ways in which we can attain these goals. Curated here are the three easiest and most doable actions every traveller or tourist must consider.
Minimising the impact of conventional tourism
- Focus more on slow progress and avoid aggressive or rapid development of particular tourist spots that have higher footfall.
- Avoid visiting overcrowded tourist spots to reduce pollution.
- Plan for environmentally friendly travel that features proper waste management.
- Stop overutilizing the scarce resources available in the local communities.
Ensuring sustainability in every part of the travel
Whether you’re a frequent or occasional traveler, make sure your entire travel is well-planned and executed so that you reduce gas or fossil fuel consumption, reduce the disposal of harmful materials like plastic or electronics, and increase the use of sustainable materials.
Focusing on reduce, reuse, and recycle
If you ask us, “What is the most sustainable way to travel?” these three Rs would be our answer. Yes, reduce waste, reuse as many essentials as possible, and recycle the one-time used plastics or other recyclable items you carry.
Above all, these are not governmental initiatives you need to wait for. It all starts with you. Certainly, each one of us is responsible for making this happen and giving future generations a green earth that we cherish and embrace.
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Top 5 Eco-Friendly Tourist Spots in the World
According to the 2024 GDS (Global Destination Sustainability) index, the top five places for each region include:
Asia-Pacific
- Singapore: ‘City in a Garden’
- Sydney, Australia: Carbon-neutral city
- Goyang, South Korea: Many ecological parks
- Melbourne, Australia: Promotes cycling
- Brisbane, Australia: Certified sustainable tour operators
Northern Europe
- Helsinki, Finland: Higher green spaces
- Gothenburg, Sweden: Green technologies
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Waste reduction
- Bergen, Norway: Sustainable development
- Aarhus, Denmark: Eco-friendly hotels
Central and Southern Europe
- Bordeaux, France: Numerous green activities
- Zurich, Switzerland: Public transportation
- Bilbao, Spain: Reduced emissions
- Lyon, France: Eco-friendly businesses and transport
- Paris, France: Supports local food and economy
North America
- Victoria, Canada: Biosphere-certified destination
- Montreal, Canada: 1500+ parks
- Quebec City, Canada: Responsible travel
- Edmonton, Canada: Carbon-neutral communities
- Ottawa, Canada: Large greenbelt
How about India and eco-friendly travel destinations?
Though the country is not topping the GDS index, several measures are being taken to promote ecotourism and conserve nature. Thenmala in Kerala is the country’s first planned ecotourism destination. Besides the central and state government initiatives, welfare organisations and local communities seem to make extended efforts to make their tourist spots eco- and environment-friendly. In all these places,
Explore the top eco tourism destinations in India with the best eco-friendly travel planner agency! Some of the best spots include:
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Coorg, Karnataka
- Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
- Chilika Lake, Odisha
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Top 10 Places to Visit in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the only country in the world with living nomadic culture. Thus, travel enthusiasts are excited to visit the country and explore the ancient culture and architecture.
10 Best Places to Visit in Kazakhstan
- Almaty
- Astana
- Turgen Gorge
- Arystan Bab Mausoleum
- Charyn Canyon National Park
- Lake Kaindy
- Nomad’s Land
- Shymkent
- Lake Issyk
- Turkistan
Almaty
It is one of the largest cities in the country and serves as the cultural and tourism hub. Major attractions include the Central Museum, Ascension Cathedral, Panfilov Park, and Kok-Tobe Hill.
Astana
Divided into right and left banks, the former features a rich history, and the latter features state-of-the-art skyscraping infrastructures and architectures. Notably, it is the capital city of the country.
Turgen Gorge
Are you a nature and trek lover? This should be your first choice among the Kazakhstan tourist places. It has seven waterfalls, lakes, beautiful meadows, and a mountain with dense forests perfect for trekking and biking.
Arystan Bab Mausoleum
Though built around the 12th century and reconstructed several times later, only a part of the mausoleum’s architecture remains for sightseeing now. So, it is a must-visit historical spot.
Charyn Canyon National Park
Located along the Charyn River, this national park houses the world’s largest Canyon which is about twelve kilometres long, Valley of the Castles, and Charyn Ash Grove.
Lake Kaindy
This is one of the best places in the list of impressive Kazakhstan tourist spots. It is believed that the lake was naturally formed in the early 1900s. It is about four hundred meters long and is situated at an altitude of two thousand meters.
Nomad’s Land
If you have seen the French movie “Nomad,” you must visit this place without fail. However, this tourist place is now only a photography spot and does not have many nomadic culture imprints or traces.
Shymkent
This city is located in Southern Kazakhstan bordering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Thus, it has become an important place for commerce and culture.
Lake Issyk
It is recognized as the world’s second-largest high-level (~1750 meters tall) mountain lake and the world’s eighth-deepest lake (~80 meters deep.) Such a tranquil tourist spot you cannot miss when touring Kyrgyzstan in Kazakhstan.
Turkistan
It is a significant pilgrim destination located along the Syr Darya River. Nearby attractions include Karavansaray, which is a recently built entertainment complex.
The best time to visit Kazakhstan
The country experiences extreme heat in summer and snow in winter. Thus, travelling on the shoulder season is always recommended—April, May, September, and October.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the country safe to travel?
Of course, it is a safe place to travel for your vacation or holiday. Also, as India is now on good terms with Kazakhstan, they have made it VISA-FREE for Indian tourists.
- What is the most visited city in Kazakhstan?
According to the Kazinform News Agency report, Almaty has been the most visited city in the country for the last two consecutive years. Then follows Astana—the capital city.
- How many days do you need to explore this place?
You need at least 5–7 days to explore the most famous tourist places in the country. If you can stay for more than a week (about 20 or 30 days), you can explore and enjoy every famous site in the country.
- Which part of Kazakhstan is more beautiful?
Certainly, all the tourist places are beautiful and we cannot conclude with one particular place. However, as Almaty tops the list with a higher number of international tourist visitors, we can claim that this is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads
Though technology and corporate work cultures evolved decades ago, companies began opting for remote work only during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the new normal era of remote work that helped companies survive even during difficult times. Since then, a particular group of the global workforce has shown an inclination toward digital nomad work owing to the wide range of advantages it offers. Certainly, some workforce became a digital nomad already as their employers continued to offer remote work or allowed for permanent WFH.
Well, briefed below is the curated list of the best locations across the world for digital nomads. But before we directly jump into the list, let’s understand who a perfect digital nomad is.
What is a Digital nomad?
Those remote or WFH workers who like to travel to different places or relocate to other countries and continue to work with the help of wireless internet connectivity or mobile hotspots from available office spaces, cafes, co-working zones, public libraries, or personal electronic devices are called digital nomads.
These people have no interest in monotonous 9-5 jobs and are not worried about frequent travelling—because they love to explore different places alongside working. Notably, a digital nomad lifestyle is all about travel and remote work. In fact, a few recent studies found that these people are more productive than in-person workers.
The World’s 7 Best Cities for Digital Nomads
Berlin, Germany
It is one of the best destinations for nomads as it has buzzing workspaces with modern amenities and highly accessible technologies and IT infrastructures. Moreover, they have the most vibrant culture to explore.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico has several cafes and libraries with high-speed wifi connectivity required for a working nomad. Just apply for a nomad visa for Mexico, stay temporarily, and work remotely with great people around you!
Bangkok, Thailand
Lately, we can see nomads swarming to Bangkok to carry out their remote work as well as enjoy the perfect nightlife. When compared to other places, this place has an exclusive nomad community that gives all the guidance and support for your travel and stay.
Lisbon, Portugal
The year-round warm climate is the prime reason why Lisbon is evolving as one of the best digital nomad destinations. Also, when compared to other countries in Europe, Portugal is quite less expensive and has amazing food and architecture to cherish.
So, if you’re a digital nomad looking for a Europe tour package itinerary, click here!
Austin, United States
It is the perfect destination for remote, freelance, and contract-friendly jobs for nomad workers. Co-working spaces and cafes are perfect with reliable networks and a serene environment to work.
Auroville, India
Of course, this place ranks first among the best places for remote work in India as it offers a unique experience, unlike other digital nomad destinations. Nomads seeking peace and spiritual guidance can choose Auroville and continue their remote work.
Budapest, Hungary
This is another popular European nomad destination with affordable living costs, a great historical legacy, and diverse cultures. Get a nomad visa (now, referred to as a white card) and join the nomad community in Hungary.
Where is the best place to go for Digital nomads?
According to the latest reports and industry experts’ deliberation, Europe has been identified as the most sought-after destination for digital nomads. It has a bunch of cities that seamlessly support nomads like you—they have the best working spaces, umpteen events, festivals to celebrate, affordable transportation, and living costs.
Long Weekends in 2025
The New Year 2025 is about to knock on our doors in a couple of days! And it’s the right time to explore the long weekends in this new year to plan our holidays, vacations, and trips with family and friends.
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Long Weekends Based on 2025 Calendar India
January 2025: 1 weekend
- Makar Sankranti or Pongal
- Dates: Jan 11th – 15th
- Days: Saturday – Wednesday
- (Take a day off on Monday)
February 2025: 1 weekend
- Maha Shivaratri
- Dates: Feb 26th – March 2nd
- Days: Wednesday – Sunday
- (Take 2 days off on Thursday and Friday)
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March 2025: 2 weekends
- Holi
- Dates: March 14th – 16th
- Days: Friday – Sunday c
- Eid-ul-Fitar
- Dates: March 29th – 31st
- Days: Saturday – Monday
Ugadi or Telugu New Year falls on March 3rd, a Sunday that does not count as a long weekend.
April 2025: 2 weekends
- Mahavir Jayanti
- Dates: April 10th – 13th
- Days: Thursday – Sunday
- (Take a day off on Friday)
- Good Friday/ Easter
- Dates: April 18th – 20th
- Days: Friday – Sunday
April 2025 holidays include Ram Navami on the 6th which falls on Sunday. Hence, it gets excluded for a long weekend.
May 2025: 2 weekends
- Labor day
- Dates: May 1st – 4th
- Days: Thursday – Sunday
- (Take a day off on Friday)
- Buddha Purnima
- Dates: May 10th – 12th
- Days: Saturday – Monday
June 2025: 2 weekends
- Bakri Id / Eid ul-Adha
- Dates: June 7th – 11th
- Days: Wednesday – Sunday
- (Take 2 days off on Thursday and Friday)
- Rath Yatra
- Dates: June 27th – 29th
- Days: Friday – Sunday
July 2025: In this month, there are no long weekend holidays in 2025.
August 2025: 2 weekends
- Independence Day & Janmashtami
- Dates: Aug 15th – 17th
- Days: Friday – Sunday
- Vinayaka Chaturthi
- Dates: Aug 27th – 31st
- Days: Wednesday – Sunday
- (Take 2 days off on Thursday and Friday)
September 2025: 1 weekend
- Onam, Milad un Nabi, Teacher’s Day
- Dates: Sep 4th – 7th
- Days: Thursday – Sunday
- (Take a day off on Friday)
October 2025: 2 weekends
- Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti & Dussehra
- Dates: Oct 2nd – 5th
- Days: Thursday – Sunday
- (Take a day off on Friday)
- Diwali
- Dates: Oct 18th – 20th
- Days: Saturday – Monday
November 2025: 1 weekend
- Guru Nanak Jayanthi
- Dates: Nov 5th – 9th
- Days: Wednesday – Sunday
- (Take 2 days off on Thursday and Friday)
December 2025: 2 weekends
- Christmas
- Dates: Dec 25th – 28th
- Days: Thursday – Sunday
- (Take a day off on Friday)
- New Year 2026
- Dates: Jan 1st – 4th
- Days: Thursday – Sunday
- (Take a day off on Friday)
Calendar for Next Year 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
- How many government holidays in India in 2025?
Government holidays are public holidays in India. As per the central government’s recent circular, there are seventeen gazetted holidays and thirty-four restricted holidays in the year 2025.
During the gazetted holidays, all government offices and private institutions including schools and colleges take mandatory leave. On the other hand, during restricted holidays, it is up to the entities to decide on the leave and is totally optional.
- How many paid federal holidays are there in 2025?
In 2025, there will be 11 paid federal holidays in the United States, including all fifty states and the District of Columbia. It includes the New Year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.
- How many long weekends in 2025?
There are about 15–18 long weekends in the coming year. Out of which, 7 weekends need no additional personal or casual leaves and the remaining involves either one or two days off from your end.
- What are the three-day weekends in 2025?
A long weekend includes at least three days of holidays. Thus, all the long weekends listed above are three-day weekends.
Places to Celebrate New Year in India
We’re almost on the verge of completing our 2024 journey and 2025 is about to knock on our doors very soon. So, how are you going to celebrate this new year? Have you planned anything already? Yes or no
We’re almost on the verge of completing our 2024 journey and 2025 is about to knock on our doors very soon. So, how are you going to celebrate this new year? Have you planned anything already? Yes or no, here are some beautiful ways and places in India wherein you can cherish your new year to the fullest and make it a memory for life!
India’s Top 7 Best Places to Celebrate New Years
- North Goa, Goa
- New Delhi
- Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
- Bangalore, Karnataka
- Puducherry
- McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
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North Goa, Goa
One of the most happening places on New Year’s Eve in India is Goa. From New Year parties to beachside celebrations, from dance shows to enthusiastic games, etc., Goa has everything to entertain you. The nightlife in this party capital of India is unforgettable.
Places to visit: Casino, nightclubs, and beach-front resorts
New Delhi
Not only New Delhi but also the nearby places, like Gurgaon and Noida, are New Year destinations. They host several New Year’s dance and music parties at nightclubs and hotels. Do join the tribe, taste the munchies, meet celebrities, and have fun. Also, do not miss the fireworks showcases.
Party places to visit: Smaaash Ambience Mall, Kitty Su, European Foodhall at AnnaMaya, The Hong Kong Club, Aerocity
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
If you’re someone looking to celebrate this New Year in the most rooted and traditional way, visit Jaisalmer. Yes, you can enjoy the desert sunset, camel rides on golden sands, light shows at the famous forts, etc. The three things that make the Jaisalmer New Year party special are music, food, and tranquility.
Things to do: participating in cultural programs, touring and safaris, staying in desert camps, enjoying Arabian Night Music, etc.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Is there a rule that hill stations are meant only for holiday vacations and honeymoon trips? Not at all. In fact, at Gulamrg, the Department of Tourism hosts grand festivities every year on this occasion. Music concerts, light shows, sports, games, and golf course events will not fail to impress you.
Special activities: snowboarding, night skiing, gondola rides, museum visits, and waterfall visits.
Bangalore, Karnataka
Beach parties, no chance. Night parties, yes. Best New Year party in Bangalore, definitely yes! Bangalore in Karnataka is a vibrant place to spend your New Year’s Eve. Forget yourself with the flavorful cocktails and mocktails and immerse yourself in the new year vibe with your family and friends.
Places to visit: MG Road, any rooftop hotel, DJs & pubs, St. Mary’s Basilica, parks, sports clubs, etc.
Puducherry, Tamil Nadu
This place is known for its French Colonial architecture and ambiance. So, you can expect contemporary parties and events during the New Year celebration. Thus, if anyone asks us, “Where is the best place to spend the new year in South India?”—our first choice is always Puducherry.
What’s so special? Distinguished dance parties, beach events, fireworks, unlimited food and drink, concerts, DJs, and many more.
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
The last on the list, but not least, is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve. Locally, people call it the “Halda” festival, which signifies prayers for prosperity. It is a particular place in Dharamshala that houses on the foothills of the Great Himalayas.
Things to do: trekking, watching sunrise/sunset, adventurous activities, camping, live music, and dance parties. This is also a Holiday destination
How can we celebrate New Year in India?
Well, it depends on the type of trip you’re planning. When touring with friends, party places and beaches are the best choices. When traveling with families or elders, sightseeing and tranquil places are the right picks. So, with whom are you traveling this New Year 2025?
What is Shoulder Season? Places to Visit During Shoulder Season
For frequent travelers, this must be a well-known terminology. But for occasional travelers, this might look new.
For frequent travelers, this must be a well-known terminology. But for occasional travelers, this might look new. So, first of all, let’s understand what a shoulder season is, and then get into the best places to visit in this season.
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What is shoulder season travel?
Shoulder season refers to the period that falls before and after a peak season in a particular tourist destination. Ideally, traveling to places in this period is referred to as shoulder-season travel. In this season, the footfall or crowd would be less compared to the peak times.
For example, in the United States and Europe, the peak seasons are during summer and winter. Thus, the shoulder season is spring and fall.
Wondering, “Why is it called shoulder season?” The reason is this period sits on the “shoulders” of the peak season or period. The best advantage of traveling in this season is the economical prices of stays and food. However, there are a few downfalls in this shoulder season, like unfavorable weather, restricted entry to a few attractions, clumsy preparations for the upcoming festivals, untidy or overpolluted places, etc.
The Top 10 Shoulder Season Destinations in the World
Machu Picchu, Peru
Housed between two mountains’ peaks, this place is familiar in the history of the Inca civilization or the empire. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place has several attractions, including the Sun Gate, the Inca Bridge, the Temple of the Three Windows, etc.
Coorg, India
This Western Ghats hill station is located in the Kdagu region of Karnataka. Enjoying the Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and the Dubare Elephant Camp are the best things to do in Coorg.
Here are Some other Places to visit in Karnataka
Golden Circle, Iceland
Next to the Northern Lights, the Golden Circle is the most liked tourist destination in Iceland. It has national parks, waterfalls, and geothermal areas. The best time to travel here, i.e., the shoulder season, is March, April, May, early September, and October.
Kauai, Hawaii
Also referred to as the “Garden Isle,” this place is blessed with greeneries, meadows, canyons, and coastal lines. Indeed, staying in their luxury resorts and tasting world-class cruising is the best thing to do here.
Andaman, India
Andaman and Nicobar is an extraordinary archipelago in India with the best beaches and marine life. Water sports like kayaking, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are a must-do on these islands.
Cape Town, South Africa
This is one of the oldest cities in South Africa, retaining its cultural heritage. The must-visit places during the off-peak travel are Table Mountain, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Castle of Good Hope, the Noon Gun, and the Botanical Garden.
Barcelona, Spain
Though people know this place as FC Barcelona in the football circle, this is one of the exceptional Mediterranean cities. Be it the tradition, culture, gastronomy, art, architecture, or cuisine, everything is excellent and authentic.
Stockholm, Sweden
This is the capital city of Sweden and is popularly called the “Venice of the North’. This place is known for its incredible architecture, palace, parks, narrow streets, museums, and open water.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Truly, this place in Croatia is unavoidable when you’re planning for shoulder season travel. Located in southern Dalmatia, this place stands as an epitome of medieval architecture to date. Notably, the outer walls are perfectly preserved. Do visit the Blue Cave and Kravice Falls without fail.
Quebec, Canada
This is the largest province in Canada, known for music, literature, films, culture, and heritage. Trust us, visiting art galleries and museums in this city can leave you astonished.
Thinking about what is shoulder season in India?
In India, hill station-based destinations are the most renowned, and people like visiting here during winter (December to February). So, the shoulder season here is October, November, March, and April. Moreover, the best places to visit in this season are plenty, including Wayanad, Jammu and Kashmir, Darjeeling, Spiti, Goa, etc.
Reach out to the Best Travel Agency for a personalized travel itinerary!!!
Best Places to Visit During Monsoon in South India
Here in India, the scorching summer is gone already and the monsoon has begun. And it is the perfect time to spend quality time with you and your family. Read more…
Here in India, the scorching summer is gone already and the monsoon has begun. And it is the perfect time to spend quality time with you and your family. Especially, the monsoon in South India is a must-experience moment in your lifetime as it is the meeting point of two mighty mountain ranges, viz., the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. In addition, they house vast coastal areas, rich biodiverse regions, sparkling waterfalls, backwaters, sightseeing, etc.
What else do you need for your vacation? Right away, start packing for your monsoon trip. And don’t waste your time scouting for the best spots. We have made the job easier for you—below is a curated list of some of the best places to visit in monsoon in South India.
Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in South India
- Coorg, Karnataka
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
- Munnar, Kerala
- Kudremukh, Karnataka
- Alleppey, Kerala
- Agumbe, Karnataka
- Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu
- Chikmagalur, Karnataka
- Wayanad, Kerala
Undoubtedly, all these places are the best picks for a monsoon trip, as they’re abundant in lush green landscapes, vivid meadows, dazzling waterfalls, mist- or cloud-covered peaks, lakes, and so on.
However, in this blog post, we have tried to brief at least a few of them (in no particular order). So, if you’re planning a monsoon trip in South India, do consider them.
Look at the Top 7 places to visit in Karnataka
Coorg, Karnataka
Most people in India know Coorg as the home of Abbey Falls. Besides, this Kodagu region has extensive tea and coffee plantations and wildlife sanctuaries. You can admire this heaven on earth by visiting places like Madikeri, Mandalpatti Peak, Somvarpet, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talakaveri, Mallalli Falls, and Iruppu Falls. This place is also popularly known as “the Scotland of India” owing to its amazing climatic conditions.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for the best places to visit during monsoon in South India for couples. Major attractions in this “Princess of Hills” are Dolphins Nose, Kodai Lake, the Chocolate Factory, the boat club, Berijam Lake, Pine Forest, and Cocker’s Walk. Witnessing the beauty of this 2000-meter-high, spectacular mountain itself is a blessing! Trekking and cycling are the two must-do things here. Notably, this is one of the rarest places where the Kurinji flower blooms once every 12 years.
Munnar, Kerala
It is located in the Kerala region of the Western Ghats. This place is ideal to visit in the monsoon for two reasons: it is surrounded by rolling hills and it can give you the best climate ever in the monsoon months. And you can see two-century-old tea plantations embedded amid these hills. Hence, it is one of the good places to visit for 3 days in South India during the monsoon. Neelakurinji National Park, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Pambadum Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, and Mattupetty are some of the must-visit places here in Munnar.
Alleppey, Kerala
Also called “Alappuzha” within the state, this is a famous tourist destination in India that’s known for its backwaters. You cannot miss staying on houseboats when visiting Alleppey. These days, they are much more comfortable and economical. People who are bored visiting forests, waterfalls, and sightseeing can choose this destination and relax for the whole trip.
Agumbe, Karnataka
Agumbe is renowned for its rainforests. Accordingly, they receive high rainfall, and thus people call it “the Cherrapunji of Southern India.” This is a gem of a place in Karnataka that connects other beautiful monsoon destinations. Examples of some nearby places to visit in the rainy season are Kodachadri Hills, Chickmagaluru, Shivamogga, Kolluru, and Kundadri Hills. Notably, Agumbe houses one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats, and watching the sunset is popular here.
Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu
Though officially it is called “Udhagamandalam,” people in India know it colloquially as “Ootacamund” or “Ooty.” It is located in Nilgiris, the Queen of Hill Stations in India, where the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats meet. With this specialty, it has several unique tourist spots, like the Rose Garden, Stone House, Ooty Radio Telescope, Pykara, Deer Park, St. Stephen’s Church, and the Ooty Lake. It’s best to visit in the monsoon season, because of the well-paved roads.
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Wayanad, Kerala
Absolutely, this is one of the unique places to visit during monsoon in South India, as it is bordered in the north by Karnataka and northeast by Tamil Nadu. It is known for its handful of trekking sites and wildlife sanctuaries. Major attractions include Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochippara Falls, Edakkal Caves, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Pookode Lake, etc.
Places to visit, Best Time & How to reach Chitkul
When scouting for tourist places in and around Himachal Pradesh in India, you will come across Manali, Kasuli, Dharamshala, Shimla, Spiti Valley, etc.
When scouting for tourist places in and around Himachal Pradesh in India, you will come across Manali, Kasuli, Dharamshala, Shimla, Spiti Valley, etc. But did you know that there is also a hidden gem like Chitkul? Yes, located on the banks of the Baspa River, it is one of the most beautiful off-beat places and is considered the Himachal last village. In other words, it is the last point to which you can travel in India without a permit.
In this blog post, we’ve collated as much useful information as possible regarding places to visit, the best time to plan a tour, the various things to do in this amazing Chitkul, and most importantly, how to reach the place.
The top seven tourist places to visit in Chitkul
Word of caution: Do not expect modern architectural marvels and sophisticated places in this village. There are minimal attractions in Chitkul Himachal Pradesh, but trust us—they are unique and enticing!
- Chitkul Fort: Visiting this 500-year-old fort can give you breathtaking views of the nearby valley. This place also houses a small temple dedicated to the goddess that protects this village.
- Rakchham Village: This is another small village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Home-made food and homestays are famous here.
- Baspa River: Standing along the Baspa River, you can adore the gushing waters and the magnificent mountains. This is a wonderful spot for camping and stargazing.
- Chandika Devi Temple: This is one of the must-visit Chitkul tourist places. It houses the goddess Chandika, an incarnation of Goddess Kali.
- Sangla Valley: This is a valley near Chitkul that offers scenic views of the Kailash range of the great Himalayas. Pine forests and apple orchids are the two main attractions in this valley.
- Nako Village: Though this is located around 100 kilometers away from Chitkul, it is a great place to visit when touring these regions. Notably, this village is declared the highest-inhabited one in the Himalayas.
- Kalpa Town: You must try visiting this town, as it has the mesmerizing Shivling Peak and the age-old Narayan-Nagini Temple.
What is the best time to visit Chitkul?
Most tourists prefer visiting Himachal in winter to admire the snow-capped mountains. But with regards to Chitkul, winter is not a good choice. Because the whole village gets covered with heavy snowfall. So, the people of this village are forced to move to other parts of the Kinnaur district or the lower region of the hills for their livelihood.
Looking for a weekend to plan your journey? Check out these Long Weekends
Thus, the best months to visit Chitkul are May, June, September, and October. Particularly in the May and June months, you can enjoy pleasant weather, and in the September and October months, you can enjoy the colorful meadows.
What are the various things to do in Chitkul?
- Culture or Heritage Touring: Indeed, this village is known for its rich, old cultural practices and festivals. From Phagli (the winter festival) to harvesting celebrations, every one of them is unique and heartfelt.
- Enjoying the Kinnour Dance Festival: You cannot miss this one as you can submerge yourself in folk music and dances.
- Tasting the Tibetan local food: As this village is housed in the Indo-Tibetian border, the local food has huge Tibetan influences. Some of the must-try foods include thukpa, momos, and fresh trout fish.
- Short and long trekking: The Chitkul trek is quite short. If you need longer treks, you can try the nearby Lamkhaga Pass Trek.
- Leisurely walking at the landscapes: Walking or strolling is one of the must-do activities for you to entirely enjoy the rich culture, special mud houses, and the local home foods of this hidden treasure of Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach this last village?
When you’re thinking, ‘How can I go to Chitkul?’, there are different means.
- By air, you must first travel to Shimla airport and then take a road trip to Chitkul.
- If the road is your choice, Chandigarh-Narkanda-Satluj River-Karcham-Chitkul should be your route.
- If the train is your choice, Shimla or Chandigarh railway stations should be your focus.
On the other hand, by bus, you can travel from Shimla to Sangla and then from Sangla to Chitkul.
Looking for some Best Hill Stations in India? Click here to learn more!
Best Hill Stations in India | Summer Holiday Packages
Beating the summer heat while sitting at home seems quite challenging this year. Reports claim that this year’s temperatures are way higher than usual.
Beating the summer heat while sitting at home seems quite challenging this year. Reports claim that this year’s temperatures are way higher than usual. Air coolers or conditioners can possibly cool you only for a couple of hours but how about managing the whole day? The only way to escape from this kind of scorching climate is to plan summer holidays with your friends or family. And we’ve done all the groundwork for you—scouting for the best hill stations to visit in India for summer.
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 cherishing 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.
Megamalai Tourist Places | Best Time to Visit
When thinking of hill stations in Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state in India, you might get clues about the famous Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, or Yelagiri hills. Read more to know more…
When thinking of hill stations in Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state in India, you might get clues about the famous Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, or Yelagiri hills. But did you know? There are a lot more off-beat hill stations in the state with the utmost beauty. Meghamalai is one of them, So plan it with a Long weekend this year.
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
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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.
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.
Off-beat hill station with the leading Travel agency tour packages!
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.
