Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a town in India's Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills.

Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of 

the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or "Toy Train", completed 

in 1881. It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that

dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the 

world's highest peaks.

Why is Darjeeling so famous?

It is noted for its tea industry, its views of the world's third-highest mountain

Kanchenjunga, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, a UNESCO world

Heritage Site.

While summer months from April to june are the ideal time to travel to

Darjeeling, some travellers including couples also prefer to visit the beautiful

town during winter months from October to December.

Darjeeling Tea Tourism

Popularly known as the "Mecca of tea", Darjeeling is leading in the area of 

tea tourism. With 80 operational tea gardens, sprawling across acres of land,

darjeeling produces what is known as the "Champagne of tea". This place is

all about spending a few days in a sprawling tea garden, in a Bungalow that

was typically the residence of a former British tea planter. Located on top of 

the hills amidst cool wind and misty weather.

 

Golden Temple

 Golden Temple Adventure

The Golden Temple is an open house of worship for all people, from all

walks of life and faiths. It has a square plan with four entrances, and a

circumambulation path around the pool. The complex is a collection of

buildings around the sanctum and the pool. one of these is Akal Takht, the 

chief center of religious authority of Sikhism. Additional buildings include

a clock tower, the offices of the Gurdwara Committee, a museum and a 

langer - a free Sikh community-run kitchen that serves a simple vegetarian 

meal to all visitors without discrimination. Over 100,000 people visit the 

holy shrine daily for worship. The Gurudwara complex has been nominated 

as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its application is pending on the 

tentative list of UNESCO. 

Nomenclature

The Golden Temple is also known as the Harmandir Sahib. The Harmandir 

Sahib is also spelled as Harimandar, Harimandir, or Harmandir Sahib. It is 

also called the Durbar Sahib, which means "sacred audience", as well as the

Golden Temple for its gold foil covered sanctum center. The word "harmandir"

is composed of two words: "Hari", which scholars translate as "God", and 

"mandir", which means "house". The Sikh tradition has several Gurudwaras

named "Harmandir Sahib", such as those in Kiratpur and Patna. Of these,

the one in Amritsar is most revered.

Guru Ram Das Langar  

Harmandir Sahib complex has a Langer, a community-run free kitchen and

dining hall. It is attached to the east side of the courtyard near the Dukh 

Bhanjani Ber, outside of the entrance. Food is served here to all visitors

who want it, regardless of faith, gender or economic background. Vegetarian

 food is served and all people eat together as equals. Everyone sits on the

 floor in rows, which is called pangat. The meal is served by volunteers as 

part of their kar seva ethos.

Shimla

 Shimla Adventure

Shimla also known as Simla, is the capital and the largest city of the Northern

India state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is home to a number of buildings that

are styled in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures dating from the 

colonial era, as well as multiple temples and churches. The colonial architecture

and churches, the temple, and the nature environment of the city attracts tourists.

Major city center's attractions include the Shri Hanuman Jakhu(Statue), Jakhu 

Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mail Road, The Ride and Anadal.

The city center 's northern most point is Jakhoo and the southern most location

is Annadale, and the easternmost point is Sanjauli and western point is Chotta 

Shimla.

Etymology 

Shimla city gets its name from Shyamala Mata, a fearless incarnation of the 

goddess Kali. The temple of the goddess is situated on Bantony Hill, near The

Ride, named Kali Bari Temple. According to another version Shimla gets its

name from the world 'Shyamalaya' meaning blue slate by faqir on Jakhu. But

generally, the society finds the first version more believable, acceptable and

reasonable.

Culture

The people of Shimla are informally called Shimlaites. With largely 

cosmopolitan crowds, a variety of festivals are celebrated here. The Shimla 

Summer Festival, held every year during peak tourist season, and lasting 3-4 

days, is celebrated on the Ridge. The highlights of this event include 

performances by popular singer from all over the country. 

 

Shimla has many temples and is often visited by devotees from nearby towns 

and cities. The Kali Bari temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali is near 

the mail. Jakhoo Temple, for the Hindu god Hanuman, is located at the highest 

point in Shimla. 

 

Dachigam National Park

 Dachigam National Park  Adventure

If you are a nature lover than you must visit a national park. This is a place 

where the animals can be seen in their native habitats and not in a zoo in 

captivity. The national parks help preserve flora and fauna of the local area 

in their original state. We the tourists are outsiders willing to see them while

the animals are comfortable in their home. You can see many rare species 

of trees and animals in this reserve.

Flora and Fauna in Dachigam National Park

You will be able to see Hangul or the Kashmir Stag, which is the specially 

preserved species and many more. You can spot Musk deer, Himalayan 

serow, Kashmir grey langur, leopard cat, Himalayan black and brown bear,

leopards, jackal, fox, weasel, otter etc. As for birds that are local as well as

migratory to the region. You have to be silent in order to do bird watching. 

You will be able to see Cinnamon Sparrow, monal, golden oriole, black 

bulbul, pygmy owl, woodpecker, pheasant, chough, orange bullfinch, 

kashmir flycatcher, minuet, Himalayan ruby throat, wall creeper,vultures, 

eagles and magpie.

Lake in National Park

Since we know that the Dachigam Park is spread in a vast area it also 

includes Manas lake which is contributes to a tributary of Dagwan river. 

Since the water is not stagnant, there are many fresh water fish found in it. 

Trout is a priced fish found in the lake. You can do fishing in the lake with

proper prior permission. You can spend a whole day here and you will still 

not have seen the whole of it. It is easy to be lost in the mesmerizing beauty

of this place.

Various Trees in National Park

The reserve forest consists of coniferous trees that have broad leaves. You 

can see many fruit trees like wild cherries, plum, peaches, apple, walnut

and apricot trees. When they are fruit laden the sight is so colourful in the 

winter season the ground is full of various colourful seasonal local flowers.

Other trees found here are oak, pine, chinar, poplar, birch. elm, and willow.

Pahalgam(Kashmir)

 Pahalgam Adventure

Pahalgam is an important tourist destination in Kashmir. This hill station is famous 

for beautiful panoramic viewpoints, Lidder River, green meadows, lush pine forest,

and much more. Are you planning to visit Pahalgam?

Here are the many Best Places to Visit in Pahalgam:

1. Betaab valley 

Betaab Valley might look familiar if you are a fan of Bollywood movies. This is

one of the most commonly used post-card perfect destinations for shooting 

movies. If you visit during summer, this valley will be lush with foliage and

wild flower. The river would be sparkling during summer. This is the best place

to explore stroll, or spend an evening with picnic and outdoor games. If you are 

up for some adventure activities, you can find ziplining and other adrenaline 

activities here.

2. Lidder River

The Kolahoi Glacier gives the Lidder River, which flourishes Pahalgam and

the surrounding regions. This river runs from 73 km through fir forest, valleys, 

villages, and others. A scenic walk along the river bank is a romantic activity

to enjoy here. Trekking, river rafting, fishing, horse riding, and numerous other

adventure activities are open to tourists on and around Lidder River. If you visit

during chiller months, snow skiing is a common activity here.

3. Sheshnag Lake

This is one of the interesting and mesmerizing destinations, which is on the

Amarnath trek route. It is said that the mythical Sheshnag (snack) lives in 

this lake. Even if you are not into mythological stories, this alpine meadow

covered lake is a beautiful place for nature photography, camping, trekking,

picnicking, and other activities. 

 

  

Ladakh

 Ladakh Adventure

Ladakh is most famous for breathing landscapes, the crystal clear skies, the highest mountain passes, thrilling adventure activities, Buddhist Monasteries festivals.

 The largest town in Ladakh is Leh, followed by Kargil, each of which headquarters a district. The Leh district contains the Indus, Shyok and Nubra river valleys. The Kargil district contains the Suru, Dras and Zanskar river valleys. The mains populated regions are the river valleys, but the mountain slopes also support the pastoral Changpa nomads.

Names

The region was previously known as Maryul.

Medieval Islamic scholars called Ladakh the Great Tibet (derived from Turko-Arabic Ti-bat, meaning "highland"); Baltistan and other trans-Himalayan states in kashmir's vicinity were referred to as "Little Tibets".

Culture 

Ladakh food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being thukpa (noodle soup) and tsampa, known in Ladakhi as ngampe (roasted barley flour). Edible without cooking, tsampa makes useful trekking food.

Music and dance

The music of Ladakhi buddhist monastic festival, like Tibetan music, often involves religious chanting in Tibetan as an integral part of the region. These chants are complex, often recitations of scared texts or in celebration of various festival. Yang chanting, performed without metrical timing, is accompanied by resonant drums and low, sustained syllables.

Manali

 Manali Adventure

A gift of the Himalayas to the world, Manali is a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, offering respite to tourists escaping scorching heat of the plains. The tourism industry in Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate. Once a sleepy village, the modern town cocooned in its rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions is now one of the most popular destinations of India. The place is a classic blend of peace and tranquility which makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, who wants to get off the main tourist trails and experience nature up close.

The glacial water of River Beas after rushing down the slopes of Rohtang Pass allows adventure sport activities of rowing, white water rafting and river crossing as it meanders through the valley from Manali to Kullu.

The open valley with terraced fields dotted with hostels and resorts has tourists converge on this township in summer from April to July and in autumn to early winter from October to December. If you have ever imagines of sitting by the gushing water of a snow-fed stream, or waking up to a glorious sunrise with breathing views to soak in, Manali is the place to be.

Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town in India's northern Himachal Pradesh state. It has a reputation as a backing center and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas River, it's a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley.

Kedarnath

 Kedarnath Adventure

Kedarnath temple is one of the sacred pilgrimage in northern India, located on the bank of Mandakini river at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level. The historical name of this region is "KedarKhand".Kedarnath temple is a part of Char Dhams and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.

Kedarnath Temple

During the winters, the vigraha from Kedarnath temple is carried down to Ukhimath where the deity is worshiped for the next six months. Kedarnath  is seen as a homogenous form of Shiva, the 'Lord of Kedarnath', the historical name of the region.

History and legends of  origin

The name "Kedarnath" means "the lord of the field": it derives from the Sanskrit words kedara ("field") and natha ("lord"). The text Kashi Kedara Mahatmya states that it is so called because "the crop of liberation" grows here.

Many folk legends related to the Garhwal region, Lord Shiva and the creation of the Pnach Kedar temple are narrated.

The temple

The presiding image of kedarnath in the form of lingam os of irregular shape with a pedestal 3.6m (12ft) in circumference and 3.6m (12ft) in height. There is a small pillared hall in front of the temple, that has images of Parvati and of five Pandava princes. There are five temples around kedarnath itself, namely- Tnganth, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and kalpeshwar which from the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sites. The first hall inside Kedarnath Temple contains statues of the five Pandava brothers , Krishna, Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva and Virabhadra, one of the guards of Shiva.  

Kedarnath Temple

Rishikesh

Rishikesh  Adventure

                                        Tara Manzil Temple Rishikesh

Rishikesh, also spelt as Hrishikesk. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas

in northern India, it is known as the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas"

and "Yoga Capital of the Haridwar and 45 km southeast of the state capital

Dehradun. As of 2021, Rishikesh tehsil has a total population of 322825; this 

figure includes 93 surrounding villages as well as the city. It is the seventh most

populated city in the state of Uttarakhand.

 History of Rishikesh

Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary "kedarnath". Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the asura king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, using two jute ropes at the point where the "Lakshman Jhula" stands today. The Ganges, one of the most sacred rivers to Hindu, flows through Rishikesh. Here the river leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient and new, are along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Lakshman mandir are the ancient temples established by Adi Shankaracharya.

Rafting camps

                          Every adventure lover craves far and since rafting is a sport you

can enjoy with the whole family therefore large numbers of tourists arrive in 

Rishikesh every year . Whether you are a newbie or a skilled rafter anyone can 

raft in Rishikesh with the assistance of professional trainers.

You can feast your eyes with the enchanting beauty of the Ganges and the 

mesmerizing sceneries surrounding the river.