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Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Destination
Every trip needs extensive planning and coordination to make it successful. When planning the trip, there are certain factors that need to be considered for smooth sailing. We've consolidated it here for your convenience.
- The Means of Transport: When selecting the destination, do consider whether you are going to travel by train or by air. You need to make the itinerary accordingly. There could be a few in your group who might have altitude sickness. Do be aware of any illnesses that your travel group may have before finalising your destination.
- Duration of the Tour: You need to keep in mind the length of the tour. If you are travelling in a large team, do talk to all of them if they are agreeable to the itinerary that you have in mind. It is best to check these small facts before packing your bags.
- Who are You Travelling With? You must also consider the fact that you are travelling with your friends or your family. A tour with your friends will be more boisterous than when you go out with your family. Moreover, a romantic vacation will be entirely different from any of the other tours.
- Consider the Interests of Your Team: Do enquire with your team the type of trip they wish to undertake. Some of them may be adventurous and may want to take a road trip. They may also like to indulge in adventure activities. Do some research about the availability of these activities at your destination. Some others may wish to take the toy train. Do take the interests of your team while preparing the itinerary.
- The Budget: The budget is always essential. It is still the last thing on our minds due to which we often overshoot our budget. Do have a clear cut budget in mind that is the threshold that you would be spending on the trip.
The Best Tourist Places in North India
North India covers the deserts of Rajasthan to the hills of the Himalayas. Even cities like Delhi and Chandigarh are great places to visit.
Corbett National Park
If you are looking for a jungle safari, Corbett national park is the ideal place for you. Established in the year 1936, it is home to the tigers that are now an endangered species. You can also stay overnight in the national park at Dhikala – situated at the border of the Patil Dun valley.
An elephant safari or a jeep safari in summer will provide you with the opportunity to take snaps of the majestic animal. Other locations like Bijrani and Gairal are also abundant in wildlife. The Garjia Temple is 14 kilometres from Ramnagar and attracts thousands of devotees. The mesmerising Corbett Falls, 25 kilometres from Ramnagar, is also a great picnic spot. The waterfall traverses the foliage and down into a small lagoon. The Kosi River flows nearby that is frequented by tourists. You must also visit Bijrani to have the highest probability of seeing a tiger.
Ramnagar is the only nearest railway station with a direct train running from Delhi. Tourists can also detour at either Haldwani or Kashipur or Kathgodam and take the trip by road.
Dharamshala
A spiritual destination in the Himalayas, it is known to sports lovers due to the cricket stadium amid the Himalayan background. It also has a vital hiking route to Triund that is a favourite among adventure lovers.
Dharmashala is the place where the Dalai Lama took refuge after fleeing from China. The library of Tibetan manuscripts has artefacts dating back to the twelfth century – an ideal place for history lovers. History lovers can also visit the Kangra Museum. Also, check out St John Church – a non-gothic church set amid the wilderness. There are several monasteries here, and the Gyuto Monastery and the Namgyal Monastery are quite famous.
Devotees can also visit many temples in the town; viz. Jwala Devi Temple, Bhagsu Nath Temple, Tsuglagkhang Temple (or the Dalai Lama Temple), Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, and the Kalachakra Temple. Set among the hills and with deodar trees in the background, the Dal Lake here is also enchanting. Nature lovers must not miss the Bhagsu Falls. Adventure lovers can also undertake a trek to the various nearby locations.
The nearest railway station is Pathankot which is 85km from the town. The nearest airport is Kangra, almost 15km from the city. You can also reach there by road.
Dehradun
A treat among nature lovers, Dehradun, is another great holiday destination in North India. Apart from prestigious institutions like the Doon School and the Indian Military Academy, it is also a great place to be amid nature.
Located in the suburbs of Dehradun, tourists visit the Robber's Cave which is surrounded by the hills. Another excellent location is the Sahastradhara or the thousandfold spring. A popular picnic spot – Lachhiwala is known for its greenery surrounded by the mountains. You can also visit the valleys of Har ki Dun for more enjoyment amid nature. The Tiger Falls is situated among a beautiful background with the dense forests and the mountains. It has an entry fee of Rs. 50.
Tourists also visit the Tapkeshwar temple and the Mindrolling Monastery – an essential centre of learning in Buddhism. Fun lovers can also splash around at the Fun Valley – a water park.
Dehradun is accessible by train and has connectivity to major cities across the country. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport – 31 kilometres from the city.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is among the holiest cities and is always packed with pilgrims and adventure lovers. The town is famous for the Lakshman Jhula – the hanging bridge connecting both sides of the Ganges. Tourists also take a short trek to the Neer Garh Falls.
Being a holy city, devotees can visit many temples. Prominent among them are the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kunjapuri Devi Temple, an important Shakti Peeth in the Garhwal, the Bharat Mandir dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Tera Manzil Temple.
You must visit the Triveni Ghat for the aarti every evening. The holy city also has many ashrams. The ones worth visiting are the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swarg Ashram, and the Sivananda Ashram. Rishikesh also lies in the trail of many trekking routes. You can also visit Shivpuri, located on the banks of the Ganges and well known for river rafting activities.
Tourists have to reach Rishikesh by road. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport – 35 kilometres from here. The nearest railway station is at Haridwar.
Jaisalmer
The rustic city of Jaisalmer is located amid the Thar Desert. Apart from the camel safaris, Jaisalmer is also known for its palace, the Gadisar Lake and the Jain Temples. The Sam Sand Dunes is the place to go on a camel safari.
Nature lovers can visit the Desert National Park to see the fauna in their natural habitat. The natural park has the desert fox, wolves, desert cat and the blackbuck in abundance. The entry fee is Rs. 100 and the payment for a jeep safari is extra. Tourists also visit the Salim Singh-ki Haveli and Nathmal-ki-Haveli.
The nationalists can also visit the Longewala War Memorial and the Jaisalmer War Museum. The Gadsisar Sagar Lake is also another great place to visit with your family.
It is difficult to reach Jaisalmer by air as the nearest airport is Jodhpur – almost 275 km away. It is connected by rail to Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The road connectivity is good across Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Delhi
The vibrant capital city treasures a rich history along with a blend of tradition and culture. Being a historic city, there several monuments to visit. Foremost among these is the Red Fort (Rs. 35 entry fee) and the Qutub Minar (Rs. 30 entry fee). Tourists also like to have a glimpse of the Parliament House and the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Rs 50 entry fee).
The other historical places to visit are the India Gate, Lodhi Garden, and the Humayun’s Tomb (Rs. 30 entry fee). It also has many gardens and temples across the city. The Lotus Temple is one such vital place to visit. It is open from Tuesday-Sunday from 9 AM – 5 PM.
Delhi also has numerous markets where avid shoppers can spend their time. One of the oldest markets is the Chandni Chowk which has a range of shops, from handicraft to clothing. You can also visit the Zoological Park that is a favourite spot for children and adults too. Those with a scientific bent of mind can also visit the Jantar Mantar.
Delhi is connected by air to all other cities across the country and international locations. It is also well connected by railways across the country.
Jodhpur
Rajasthan is known to be littered with palaces, and the city of Jodhpur also boasts of a stunning palace. The fort also has a museum showcasing various artefacts. The Umaid Bhawan Palace, known to be the best hotel in the world, is located here.
Tourists usually visit the Jaswant Tada, which is a cenotaph in white marble. The cenotaph was built in the honour of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. There is an entry fee of Rs. 20 and an additional Rs. 50 for a video camera. If you have free time, you may wander around at the Mandore Gardens or visit the Kaylana Lake or the Bal Samand Lake. The Ghanta Ghar in the middle of the city provides a magnificent panoramic view of the surroundings.
The intricate Rajput architecture is evident across the city. The Toorji Ka Jhalra is a stepwell that depicts the elaborate water management systems of an age lost in time. The Khejarla Fort is also another historical place that tourists can visit. Shoppers can shop their hearts out at the various markets in the city. The Sardar market is an important location for them.
Jodhpur has its airport, which is only 5 km from the city. It is well connected with Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. It also has a well-connected railway network.
Chandigarh
The charming city of Chandigarh is also known to be the gateway to the hills. You need to get off here for various destinations across Himachal. The city is known for its fascinating parks and is also among the greenest and cleanest cities in the country.
Sukhna Lake is an ideal place for the locals to visit every evening to cool off in the evening. Being a city of parks, the famous ones are the Rock Garden, Cactus Garden, Pinjore Garden (Entry fee of Rs. 20) and the Rose Garden (Entry fee of Rs. 50). Art lovers can spend some time at The Government Museum and Art Gallery.
Fun City is the largest amusement park in North India. Both children and adults can have a great time here. Another fantasy park is the Thunder Zone with its collection of exciting rides.
The NH 1 connects Chandigarh to Delhi and most Delhiites hit the road. The airport is located 12 km from the city and is well connected throughout the country. Railway connectivity to the city is also excellent.
Romantic Places to Visit in North India
Honeymoons are always known to be magical with that additional tinge of being together. The excitement to start a lifelong journey requires people to try out something extraordinary. Usually, honeymoon destinations are known to be quite virgin and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie. Quite calm and serene, it is often the location of choice for a honeymoon. The natural beauty of this virgin location has a breathtaking mix of greenery and the mountains.
You can spend most of your time at the Khajjiar Lake or visit the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary has an exquisite mix of flora and fauna. Homestay at one of the picturesque villages nearby is also a great option in your honeymoon. Do be in touch with your hotel to arrange for an overnight stay. Do visit the Dhauladhar Range and Panchpula to make your visit worth remembering. Before returning, do peek by the Tibetan Handicrafts Center and HP State Handicrafts Center for some souvenirs.
It is well connected to Chamba and Dalhousie. The nearest railway station is at Pathankot where you need to take a cab.
Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Chamba is another mesmerising location that could be a great honeymoon location. A small town on the River Ravi, it allows couples to unwind and have a peaceful stay in the hills. The architectural wonders from the British era and temples make it an excellent spot for a honeymoon. There are also markets nearby for some shopping.
The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is where you can spend your time. The Hudan valley is also a virgin place with very few people visiting; hence a great site to get cosy. If you are brave enough, you can also visit the Chobia Pass. Chamera Lake and Manimahesh Lake are also great places to visit to spend your time.
The nearest railway station is at Pathankot – almost 120 km from Chamba. The other alternative is to take the route via Chandigarh. The nearest airport is at Kangra.
Lansdowne
Being almost 1200 metres above sea level, Lansdowne is an ideal honeymoon location. The calm and serene town is loved by visiting couples. It is more for the adventurous minded who prefer to be amid nature. Many camping expeditions happen. A boat ride on the Bhulla Lake will be an experience to remember.
Couples can also visit the Snow Point View and go hiking nearby. The Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is nearby, and couples often pay a visit. Once you are done with your trip, you can visit the local market for some takeaways from the trip.
Tourists need to disembark at Kotdwar, which is the nearest railway station. Tourists also drive down from Delhi.
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Do's and Don't for a Safe Trip!
As with any vacation spot, North India also comes with its own concerns. While you would be safe for the most part of the time, you might want to keep an eye on your surroundings. Look out for pickpockets. Your wallets should not be in your back pockets making it easy for them to snatch. India has embraced digital banking but not everyone. So, you might want to keep some petty cash and change for emergencies. Use your cards wherever possible. Also, don't forget to visit the local markets. Here's where you get a feel of the local culture. Enjoy your trip!