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Hemis Festival Ladakh Photo Essay
The Hemis Festival is a spectacular two-day event celebrated on the courtyard of the Hemis Monastery, situated 25 miles southeast of the town of Leh in Ladakh. It is the biggest and oldest monastery in the region (built in the 11th century). Every year, culture curious travelers and locals throng this ancient monastery to commemorate the birthday of Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the founder of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. This two day extravaganza falls every year on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month. Visitors can enjoy a fascinating mask dance performed by the monastery lamas to the accompaniment of drums, cymbals and long horns. It is a sight to behold and in this photo essay we have made an effort to share some beautiful images of the mystical Hemis Festival.
The festival will be celebrated on the 15th of July this year. Contact us if you want a tailor made itinerary to attend this spectacular event in the transcendental Himalayan land of Ladakh.
Zuley!
Images from the Hemis Festival
All the above images of Hemis festival have been sourced from Instagram.com to visually transport you to this grand event. To know more about festivals in Kashmir & Ladakh Valley use the comment box or write us at enquiry@indusdiscoveries.com
Six Must Visit Monsoon destinations in India
Are you in love with the rains? Visiting Monsoon destinations in India is an experience of a lifetime. Monsoon in India typically starts from July till September when forests and mountains get greener, lakes and waterfalls become heavenly and living creatures get respite from the summer heat. Such places are truly a rhapsody of joy, beauty and relief from the intense heat.
India has loads to offer when it comes to monsoon, be it the seaside or the rugged terrains. It is advisable to check the weather forecast first before planning your trip to any monsoon destination in India to know about the volume of rain that you can expect. You should not be trapped inside your hotel room for the whole day!
So, if you are planning to explore the versatility and serenity of different Indian states during monsoon, then here are the details of some of the destinations in India which you can visit.
Top Monsoon Destinations in India
Cherrapunji – Wettest Place on Earth
General Information: If you are looking for places to visit in Monsoon, then Cherrapunji must top your list. Amidst a mist covered valley and gorging rivers at about 4500 feet lies this amazing town in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills. Making an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the earth’s wettest place, Cherrapunji is a magical place for people who just love to let themselves go. In Cherrapunji, it rains heavily during monsoon but the notable feature is that most of the rainfall happens in the morning.
Weather: Wettest in the months of May to September, the area enjoys an amicable climate almost all year round.
Things To Do: Cherrapunji has loads to offer to nature lovers, other than its scenic beauty. But on a clear day a person can see as far as Bangladesh, atop a peak. There also lies a labyrinth of passages under age-old caves which can be a dream exploration site for explorers across the world. Numerous natural root bridges make your walk through the lush green forest most exciting.
Kodaikanal – Princess of Hill Stations
General information: Referred to as the “Princess of hill stations”, Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu offers a great option for people, who want a break from their daily routine and spend some time in the lap of Mother Nature. An extraordinary beauty, when it comes to monsoons, it is a place you are sure to fall in love with.
Weather: During the summer days, the temperature in Kodaikanal is agreeable and it remains around 18 Celcius. Unlike other states, Kodaikanal experiences a pleasant summer. July and August months in Kodai are characterized by bouts of heavy rainfall. The nights during the monsoon are very cold with light drizzle or occasional showers, which knock the temperatures down to freezing degrees. This feature makes Kodaikanal one of the perfect monsoon destinations in India.
Things To Do: There are numerous things to do in Kodaikanal. Walk around the Berijam lake or cycle around the Kodai lake surrounded by trees. Visit the tea and coffee estates of the Nilgiri mountain range. Enjoy the enchanting view of the city and the low lying southern plains from the Palani Hills. Go for a nature walk and visit numerous waterfalls which are dotted around Kodaikanal like Dolmen Circle, Bear Shola Falls, 80 Mile Round, Fairy Falls, and Vattakanal Falls to name a few. Walking, boating and cycling are the popular options to unwind.
Orchha – Off Beat Monsoon Destination in India
General Information: If you are fed up with visiting the overcrowded touristic destinations, then Orchha or Urchha is one of the places, which can make you feel nostalgic. Situated in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh on the banks of the swiftly flowing river Betwa, this is a place that inflows magic. Just 15 kms from Jhansi, Orchha is full of some great architecture of ancient times that demand special attention.
Weather: Summer days in Orchha are extremely hot and humid. So, a visit to this place should be avoided in this season. Monsoon starts here from July and lasts till September. Rains bring freshness everywhere. Winter starts here in December lasting till February.
Things To Do: There are many historic architectural marvels in Orchha that you can visit. When in Orchha make sure that you visit the Orchha Fort, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Royal Cenopaths, Chaturbhuj Temple and Dinman Hardaul’s Palace. Besides, there is an Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary which is also referred to as a bird sanctuary because of the 200 different bird species near the river ecosystem. You can also try rafting in River Betwa as it will be brimming with water. All of these make Orchha a great tourist destination with historical and adventurous interests.
Udaipur – A Royal Destination with a Monsoon Palace
General Information: Udaipur is one of the cities in Rajasthan that boasts a monsoon palace along with many other historic structures. Filled with many tranquil lakes and numerous gardens, the city is a delight in the monsoons. Visiting this city is all about reliving royalty and valuing the man made beauty of this city. The formidable Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake are known for their paradisaical views.
Weather: The weather in Udaipur remains very hot during the summer days. During the rainy season, Udaipur– the “Venice of East” comes alive, forming one of the most popular monsoon destinations in India. Monsoon is the second best season to visit Udaipur after winter. Though it remains humid but this royal city will not disappoint you.
Things To Do: Some of the popular places to visit are: Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, the City Palace and Lake Pichola. Besides, this city is also well known as a popular shopping destination.
Valley of Flowers — Flowery Drizzle Paradise
General Information: Set in the backdrop of the majestic Zanskar Range, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers is a sight to behold. This paradise on earth was unknown to the outside world till the great mountaineers Frank S Smith and R.L. Holdsworth discovered it in the year 1931. Unspoiled by human invasions this monsoon destination in India is the second core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. With the flamboyant paddocks, crystalline streams and majestic peaks, this baroque of flowers is a worthy spectacle.
Weather: The valley remains inaccessible during winter months and the best time to see the valley in bloom is from mid July to Mid August.
Things To Do: You can visit the Nanda Devi National Park. The park boasts of rich bio-diversity with many exotic varieties of Himalayan plants and endangered animals. Rare species like the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, blue sheep and brown bear are on the verge of extinction and the park gives them a natural environment to inhabit. This park is dazzlingly gorgeous with the awesome paddocks of alpine orchards and majestic sceneries. A visitor can enter at 7 am and needs to come out by 5 pm. You can also visit the Hemkund Sahib, a popular Sikh pilgrimage site situated at a height of over 15,000 ft above the sea level.
Kovalam — Monsoon on the Sea
General Information: Kovalam is a beach town located in the state of Kerala by the Arabian Sea. Once a calm fishing village, it has now become one of the major tourist destination spots in Kerala. Also called the Paradise of South, and ranked as the top beach in India, the rainy season is an ideal time to visit Kovalam.
Weather: November to February is winter in Kovalam. June to August are the monsoon months, which are accompanied by rainfall and thunderstorms. September- March is the best time of the year to visit Kovalam.
Things To Do: Long walks on the beach, feasting on fresh seafood cooked by the locals and enjoying the Kerala Ayurvedic treatments are some of the activities you can try in Kovalam. It is during the monsoon when an Ayurvedic treatment shows better results than the rest of the year, so now you know what makes Kovalam a monsoon destination in India. You can also surf in Kovalam as it is considered to be one of the best places in India for surfing.
Cultural beliefs in India deem the monsoons as a blessing that cleanse both the earth and its inhabitants. The country’s landscapes come to life after the hot summer months, and present themselves in a completely different light. The land of mystical natural beauties, India is a mystery waiting to be unraveled in the midst of the drizzling droplets.
Plan a memorable trip to India to experience the best monsoon destinations she has to offer!
How Safe Is Traveling In Kashmir to Tourists – The Actual Reality
There might be few doubts and repercussions in your mind, when it comes to traveling in Kashmir as it is prone to civil unrest and violence. Well, all we have got to say is Kashmir knows how to treat their guests. Alike all of India – Kashmir also believes in “Atithi Devo Bhava” Or every tourist is God incarnated.
@IndusDiscovery It is the media that wants to portray that. Kashmir is heaven, everywhere.@AboutIndia@Hippie_InHeels@lakshmisharath
— Shubham Mansingka (@travelshoebum) May 30, 2016
Popularly acknowledged as “Switzerland of India” and “heavens on earth”, Kashmir is a destination that will never fail to attract tourists. The mind boggling views of exquisite gardens and snow clad mountains can make this state probably the most sought after tourist place in India. But unfortunately a place which was once a top visited destination by foreigners now attracts very few travelers from abroad.
Many people from different parts of this globe have shown interest in traveling to Kashmir during their India Vacation. Post 2010, the tourism industry in Kashmir has boomed among the globe trotters but according to the Union Tourism Ministry, J&K has received only 1% of the 80,00,000 tourist arrivals in India 2015.
For us traveling in Kashmir is all about floating houseboats, complete panoramic views, lush greenery and views that you just cannot take your eyes off from. Apart from that, the craggy terrains, inclined meadows, arrogant hills and astounding mountains offer a range of adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, skiing, camping, Paragliding and snowboarding that people can enjoy while traveling in Kashmir.
As travel and tourism is a thriving affair in Kashmir, there are numerous tourism guides available for reference. Besides, tourists can also opt for tailor made tours offered by different local tour operators in planning the best out of traveling in Kashmir. Considering the importance of this beautiful state, The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2016 has awarded this state as the most romantic state in India. Some of the popular tourist destinations of this site include: Pahalgam, Srinagar and Gulmarg
How safe is traveling in Kashmir – Several Informative Details
People often consider safety as an important issue while it comes to traveling in Kashmir. A special police force, called the “Tourist Police” is posted at all important tourist points in Kashmir. The force is headed by the Superintendent of Police himself in order to ensure prevention of any kind of harassment to tourists. The Indian Government has also enacted a special law called the “J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act”.
Under this act, “some officers of the Tourism Department have been vested with magisterial powers, including the power of compounding, in case of cheating, overcharging, harassment, pestering, toting, etc. faced by tourists. Tourists are urged to contact the nearest tourism officer or the Deputy Director Tourism (Enforcement), with complaints, if any, or for solving problems faced by them.” – [http://www.jkpolice.gov.in/public-advisories/safety-tips-for-tourists.htm]
With residents, who are very friendly, warm, polite and respectful the state just lives on to be a traveler’s paradise. And there’s more! Another exciting fact about the valley is; Kashmiri’s happen to be really good hosts. Whether it is the tourist guide or the local crowd, everyone is really nice.
Even Sharell Cook, India Expert of About.com (travel) feels the same. Check what she has to say about her Kashmir visit .
@IndusDiscovery @Hippie_InHeels @travelshoebum @lakshmisharath I didn’t feel that it was unsafe when I visited a couple of years ago.
— Sharell Cook (@AboutIndia) May 30, 2016
Note: It is highly recommended to stay in constant touch with a your local tour operator and to discuss briefly about the itinerary and route map before your arrival. Do not travel by road from Delhi or any other actual place of your arrival in India and only travel by air to Sri Nagar.
Information On The Popular Tourist Destinations In Kashmir
The magnificence of this amazing state, lying in the bosom of the Himalayas is reflected in its beautiful cities of,
Srinagar: Featuring the beautiful Dal Lake and the snow clad Himalayan range, Srinagar is truly the summer capital of India and offers a range of wonderful tourist destinations to travelers. This city also attracts a large number of tourists from India and abroad. This also happens to be one of the places that will make you feel safe with its warmth. Capacitated with lakes, Mughal Gardens, handicrafts and houseboats, Srinagar always ready to “wow” you whenever you set foot in its precinct. The beautiful lakes of this city nestled in the peaks of Pir Panjal ranges are famous for leisure rides in houseboats and shikaras.
Apart from the above mentioned places, there are some other tourist attractions in this state like as the Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi Bagh, the Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Dargah.
Gulmarg: Located around 70 kms away from Srinagar, Gulmarg is a tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and enchanting tourist attractions. Located 8825 feet above from the sea level, this destination offers complete panoramic views of the snow capped Mountain Apharwat peaks and an amazing scenic beauty of the surrounded valleys. Famous all around for adventurous activities and natural beauty, Gulmarg works as the ideal summer retreat for tourists both in and outside of this country. There are a number of activities that tourist can do to enjoy their stay while traveling in Kashmir. One of these is to take the cable car to experience the mesmerizing scenery created by nature or frolicking in the snow. Though the Pakistan border is just a 30 minutes hike from this place, but still Gulmarg happens to be one of the safest places known in Kashmir. Gulmarg is also considered as one of the highest skiing resorts in India with the availability of hilly slopes ranging between 8,700 and 10,500 feet.
Sonamarg: Sonamarg is yet another marvel situated in the heart of a valley carved by the Sind River. Also known as the Meadow of Gold, this destination includes a breathtaking drive on the mesmerizing Srinagar-Ladakh highway. In this place, the nature is just at its poetic best and encourages tourists to trek to the Thajiwas Glacier. While spending their holidays in Kashmir, the travelers can choose to stay at any of the meadows at night under the starlit skies to feel complete peace and totally cocooned. To get the most updated news about the present situation of Sonamarg, tourists can consult with local tour operator or just take a glance at local news channels.
Pahalgam: Nestled beside the Lidder River, Pahalgam is another serene and quaint town famous for its beauty all over the Kashmir Valley. This is actually a rural valley, which depicts the true picture of virgin nature. This place also unveils extensive meadows, breathtaking views of pine forests, the gorgeous Lidder River and snow capped mountains. All these features make this place a preferred destination for Bollywood filmmakers. Besides, this place is also the base point of different popular treks like as Chandanwari, Kolahoi Glacier etc. One of the best attributes of Pahalgam is its weather. This place remains cool even in the peak summer season always presenting a welcoming mood to all its visitors.
To get the most updated news about the present situation of Pahalgam, tourists can consult with their local tour operator.
To know more about the different destinations in Kashmir valley and safety in Kashmir for travelers you can check this blog from makemytrip.com called How safe is Kashmir for Tourists?
Conclusion:
Kashmir, is that state of the Indian Sub-continent, which, if not explored, leaves your tour incomplete. Not only is the state a feast for your eyes, it presents your soul the much-needed rejuvenation and refreshment needed for you to get back to the force of life. With its magnificently awesome surroundings and views, Kashmir comes with all the tourist attractions to which the travelers get attracted to. Make sure your bucket list have Traveling in Kashmir this season by all means if you want your life reinforced with renewed enthusiasm and vigor.
To know more about the current situation in Kashmir and places to visit in the valley please fill the form after clicking on the link.
Now let this video about Jammu & Kashmir tourism do all the talking:
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