Hill Stations Near Chennai

Chennai is the heart and soul of not only Tamil Nadu but entire southern India. This capital city has proven itself to be worthy of safeguarding the artistic, gastronomical, and holy tradition of South India. Chennai is not only famed for its quirky cafes, marvelously structured temples, or the old-world charm. A myriad of natural marvels is yet another reason for this city to gain its fame. The best thing is that this stash of natural bounty is not only limited to the capital city but is spread all across the hill stations near Chennai. Here is a well-tailored list of all the top options that spoil the travelers with choices. 

Coonoor

Coonoor boasts about being home to the best Nilgiri Tea in the country. This hill station is legendary for those who seek to master the art of doing nothing but just relax on their vacation. Coonoor is filled to the brim with several marvels of nature. From gushing waterfalls to lush green jungles, from tranquil atmosphere to glorious trekking trails, Coonoor is idyllic for outdoorsy travelers. When in Coonoor, one should also not miss out on devouring some scrumptious baked goods from the Indian Bakery.

Coorg

Coorg is a stockpile of aromatic winds. With being home to an extensive number of fragrant coffee plantations, Coorg is a destination in Karnataka that is among the best hill stations near Chennai. These plantations perfectly blend with the monasteries and adventuresome experience to provide us all with what we now call ‘Scotland of India’. If you are a coffee freak, you would love this place. It is like dipping yourself in your own cuppa. The well-manicured lush greens of this place is a sight to behold, certainly.

Munnar

Munnar is famed for its misty hills. Sitting in God’s Own Country, this destination has been immensely blessed by mother nature and one can witness it. The emerald tea plantations form a major part of the landscapes of Munnar. The well-manicured hedges, scenic views of the dense Western Ghats, and the mist sitting atop the peaks like a tiara are routinely specialties of this hill station. The hundred shades of green that this town exhibits does its magic and leave one refreshed.

Wayanad

Wayand is a gem like bridge between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The majestic wildlife, mainly the elephants, that are reside in this town has led to this town earning the limelight. Wayanad has several rice paddies and luxuriant green plantations of bamboo that is a treat for the eyes. The red earth, tailored plantations of rubber and cardomon, and the vast spread ginger fields adds to the bag of natural marvels that can be observed in this town. This is among the most alluring hill stations near Chennai.

Thekkady 

Thekkady is another one of the hill stations sitting in the proximity of Chennai that is known for its population of mighty elephants. This sought-after destination is swarming with rolling hills and nodding lush foliage that gives one a chance to get closer to the nature. Thekkady is paradiasiacal for both nature admirers and animal lovers. This hill station also boasts about offering an opportunity for tourists to engage in some thrill inducing activities. Border hiking, bamboo rafting, and wildlife safari are the top adventures that await in Thekkady. 

The hill stations near Chennai are not home to some of the most exquisite wildlife but also gives one an opportunity to feast their eyes. The several thousand shades of green, milky white waterfalls, picturesque landscapes, and the perfect lighting makes these hills look like they are right of a storybook that we used to read as kids. The rolling grasslands, rice paddies, ornamented tea and coffee plantations, and the ever so pleasant weather is what combines together to give you the hill stations of the southern region. If you seek an escape route, this is it.

5 Amazing Places In Hyderabad That Are A Delight For The Shopaholics

Hyderabad, a city of the Nawabs, a land of rich history, vibrant culture, alluring flavors, a perfect blend of ancient heritage and modernism has something interesting for everyone.  While the number of tourist attractions and historic places in Hyderabad will leave you amazed,  its street markets won’t fail to delight you either.

From pearls, diamonds and expensive jewelry to handicrafts, artifacts to your car headlights, you can find it all in some of the oldest markets in Hyderabad.  Here are some of the most famous market places to visit in Hyderabad for the shopaholic you!

Jummerat Bazaar
Also going by the name of Chor Bazar, it is one of the oldest and most popular flea markets in Hyderabad. Its a place where you can find everything, from home equipment, furniture, kitchen tools, decor items and more at very nominal prices. As the name suggests, the market opens only on Thursdays every week. So make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

Location: Near Begum Nagar
Timings: 9 AM onwards (every Thursday)
Popular for: Home décor items, ancient furniture, home equipment, and others.

Perfume Market
If you have an interest in rare perfumes, then the Perfume market is one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad where you can find a wide variety of natural perfumes. Tiny glass vials lined up along the streets of the Perfume Market and the fragrances of musk, rose, jasmine, and sandalwood oil mixed in the air, it’s one of the rarest experience of shopping that you can enjoy in Hyderabad.

Location: Laad Bazaar, near Charminar
Timings: 10 AM – 9.30 PM
Popular for: Natural perfume


Char Minar Bazaar
Located in the surroundings of Char Minar, this small street market is abuzz with the calls of sellers calling out to buyers with a vibrant display of their wares. The Charminar Bazaar is one of the most popular markets in Hyderabad and is famous for Basra pearls which has gained worldwide popularity.

Location: Charminar Road, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad
Timings: 9.30 AM – 5 PM (all days)
Popular for: Hyderabad pearls, affordable clothing options

Begum Bazaar
One of the most unmissable markets in Hyderabad especially for females is the Begum Bazaar. Much famed for its collection of sheen jewelry and bidri work is one of the largest commercial markets in Hyderabad. Though the market sports a humongous structure, you can find everything here ar the most affordable prices.

Location: Fish Market, Afzal Gunj
Timings: 10 AM – 11 PM
Popular for: Bidri work

Antique Market
Shopping for antiques is always an exciting experience. Give a royal touch to this experience at the Antique Market where you can shop for antique items that once added grace to the lavish palaces of the Nizams. From expensive chandeliers, crockeries, clocks, showpieces, and metal wares, find it all here at the Antique Market in Hyderabad.

    Location: Near Murgi Chowk, Hyderabad
Timings: 9:00 AM to  8:00 PM
Popular for: Crockery, showpieces, chandeliers, clocks, and others.


Explore these popular places to visit in Hyderabad to find some of the rarest and culturally inspired items on its streets markets. Buy what you need or get some souvenirs for your family and friends. You don’t really need a reason not to go shopping in a place like Hyderabad. So get your shopping list ready and book your trip to Hyderabad for one of the best shopping experiences in South India.

Gear Up Yourself For The Best Vistas While Camping In Mussoorie

Want to go for an exciting trip with your friends? Here is just the right thing for you and that is camping in Mussoorie. This hill station boasts of the prettiest of views which is why it has been named as the ‘Queen of Hills’. It is full of camping sites where you can open eyes to peaceful mornings and close them to a starry night. As a trip to Mussoorie remains incomplete without camping at one of its sites, every traveler makes sure to do this activity on their tour. The add on part is that the weather remains pleasant throughout the year at this hill station, making it a year-round destination.

Best Time For Camping In Mussoorie
As Mussoorie can be explored at any time of the year, one can choose to explore this destination according to their convenience.

Summer: If you want to see the place bloom with flowers and hills covered with green then the ideal time to explore Mussoorie is in the summer season. The temperature remains moderate in early summer so visiting places is easy.

Monsoon: This season brings the other side of Mussoorie by adding on to the beauty of the place. This is the reason that photographers travel to this place in monsoon.

Winter: If you are a winter person then there cannot be a better time than winter to explore the hill stations. Moreover, you get to witness snow pouring down in December and January.

3 Best Sites For Camping In Mussoorie
Choose one of these sites for pitching your tent on your vacation to Mussoorie and get ready to witness the best views.

1. Nag Tibba
Mussoorie travel guide remains incomplete without the mention of Nag Tibba. To reach this place, one has to trek to a height of around 10,000 ft where you can savor the best snow-clad mountain views. From the peak, you can catch a glimpse of Doon Valley, Kedarnath Peak, Bandarpoonch Peak as well as Gangotri Peak. Pitching your tent here will be worth it, if you get to witness amazing views of the mountains.

2. Northern Adventure Camp & Cottages
Another amazing place for camping in Mussoorie is at Northern Adventure Camps where you get to interact with nature closely. You not only get to pitch a tent here but also get to trek and discover nearby regions as well as indulge in several activities. The day ends with a bonfire and a music round that increases the interaction among people.

3. Mussoorie Camp Resort
You can experience camping with a hint of luxury at Mussoorie Camp Resort. This is the perfect place where you can rest and revive in the lap of nature. You can opt for different activities and can take a jump in the swimming pool as well. The services are commendable which is why you will have to book in advance here.

So, these are the best spots for camping in Mussoorie where you can head to with your travel gang. It is one of the best activities that not only lets you close to nature but also keeps you energetic. So, gear up for amazing vistas, cloudy roads, snow-covered hills, birds chirping at dawn and a star-studded sky on your excursion to Mussoorie.

5 Spectacular London Attractions To Get A Glimpse Of The Historical City

London is not just a treasure trove of historic attractions and iconic sights but also a melting pot of diverse cultures that make it a unique destination and Europe’s most visited city. This alluring city is dotted with architectural marvels, charming streets and boundless entertainment avenues. From the sweeping views atop the London Eye, the unmatched treasures of the British Museum to the masterpieces displayed at the city’s art galleries, London presents a kaleidoscope of delightful sights and unforgettable experiences. Here are the top London attractions that showcase the grandeur of this gorgeous city:



1. Buckingham Palace
This imposing residence of the royal family is also one of the most visited tourist attractions of London for its expansive manicured garden and the colorful Changing of Guards ceremony a few times a day. You can also take a guided tour through the State Rooms and Queen’s Gallery to catch a glimpse of the royal way of life and marvel at the opulence of this iconic building.

2. The British Museum
This world-class museum is a treasure-trove of artifacts and antiquities from around the world, maintained and displayed across themed sections. Along with the famous Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, this magnificent museum displays archaeological finds from China, Europe, Babylonia, making it one of the top London attractions for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.

3. London Eye
Europe’s largest observation wheel on the south bank of Thames offers spectacular views of this magnificent city as you take a 30-minute exhilarating ride on this iconic attraction. Standing tall at a height of 135 meters, the London Eye looks enchanting when lit up at night. Whether you share a pod or book a private one, nothing beats the thrill of taking a ride on this giant Ferris Wheel in the heart of the city.

4. Tower of London
This magnificent world heritage site is also one of the best places to immerse in the history of London and the tower itself. Along with exploring this medieval castle you can also visit the Royal Mint, Line of Kings armory display and the dazzling Crown Jewels. Right next to the Tower of London is another city icon, The Tower Bridge with its soaring 200-feet towers standing tall above the River Thames.

5. Hyde Park
The green lung of London is also one of the largest parks of the city which allows you to take a stroll amidst the green landscapes and breathe in the fresh air after long hours of sightseeing. Sprawled over 350-acres, Hyde Park is home to the popular Serpentine Lake where you can enjoy a paddle-boat ride and gaze at the swans. The historic Speaker’s Corner and Apsley House are other popular landmarks within the park.

London is not just a historic city but an experience in itself and something not to be missed by those who love to explore the world and uncover its many treasures. With generous doses of history, culture, leisure, entertainment, and gastronomic delights, London is an enchanting travel destination. Iconic London attractions like the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Tate Modern are complemented by world-class art galleries and shopping streets that add to the allure of this charming city.

A Detailed Guide To Your Pawna Lake Camping Trip In 2020!

Camping can be a delightful experience and with a location such as the Pawna Lake in Maharashtra, there is nothing more you could wish for. Beautiful vistas topped with fun activities and events make Pawna Lake one of the most loved camping destinations in Maharashtra. But before you pack your bags and hit the road to begin with your camping experience, here are a few details that could be quite handy for your Pawna Lake camping trip.

About Pawna Lake:
Pawna Lake, which is a small lake surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery is located 20km away from Lovanala and attracts a large number of campers from neighboring regions. Once an offbeat location, this serene lake became a campers paradise after the construction of Pawna Dam.

While the lush flora surrounding the lake makes of an excellent place to enjoy some peaceful time in the lap of nature, the lake offers opportunities for activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing and more.

Be it a solo camping trip, or with friends or family, Pawna lake makes it a great location and has something for everyone coming to this place.

Best time to Visit:
Though the weather conditions of Pawna Lake is quite pleasant throughout the year, it would be wise to avoid this place during the monsoon season i.e from June to September. Camping can be quite difficult during the rainy months and could hamper a lot of activities as well.

The best months to go camping to Pawna Lake are January to May and October to December.

How To Reach:
Pawna lake is located 20km away from Lonavala and can be reached easily both from Mumbai as well as Pune. Depending on your choice of transportation, here is how you can reach Pawna Lake :

By Road: Travelling from Mumbai or Pune, you can either travel via Kamshet and cover nearly 122 km to reach Pawna Lake or go for the Dudhiware Khind route which is 108 km from Mumbai.

By Train: If you are traveling from Mumbai, the nearest railway station is Lonavala while for Pune, you can take an intracity train from Pune Railway station to reach Kamshet and take a car to reach the destination.

Events& Activities:
Since a large number of people have started coming to this lake recently, a number of agencies and tour organizers have come up offering a number of fun activities and events to keep all visitors coming to this place entertained. Some of the activities that you can enjoy at Pawna Lake are:

Canoeing
Boating
Music and Dance events
Camp Fire
Sightseeing
Barbeque
Volleyball/ football etc.

Travel Tips:
Some useful travel tips that could come handy for Pawna Lake Camping are:
Make sure to carry a flashlight/ torchlight.
Carry all necessary medications including insect repellants.
Do not carry alcohol, drugs or any other prohibited items,
Do not litter the place.
Do not smoke inside the tent or on the premise.
Respect the personal boundaries of others and behave appropriately.
Carry swimwear or clothes that are appropriate for water activities.
Travel light and do not carry unnecessary items.
Do not wanter about on your own especially near the lake area without informing your, tour operator.
Make sure to pack some dry food items in case you are not comfortable with eating everywhere.

Spending a night in the open under the twinkling stars and warm bonfire wrapped up in the serenity of nature can be quite a rejuvenating experience especially for those who wish to take a break from the busy city life. So why wait? Book your Pawna lake camping trip and get your share of experience with nature, fun, and adventure.