Posts for Destinations Category

6 Best Coffee Destinations in India

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - June 7, 2015

In India coffee plantations are mainly found in the southern states and partially in the north eastern region. Typically grown on higher altitudes, coffee plantations need shade more than direct sunlight. In total, 13 different types of coffee are grown in India. Considered to produce one of the finest coffee in the world, Indian coffee plantations are popular for their strong coffee with deep aroma and colour. Some of these coffee plantations are:

6 Best Coffee Destinations in India

Chikmagalur:

Coffee in India was introduced first in Chikmagalur. Known as the coffee land of Karnataka, the geography and climate of Chikmagalur favours coffee growth. Consequently Chikmagalur coffee is in great demand.

Coorg:

Coorg is India’s largest coffee producing district. The region boasts rich varieties of coffee like Robustas and Arabicas. Coorg is famous for intercropping as well as the coffee plantations also have spices like black pepper and ginger growing along.

Wayanad:

Wayanad is situated between the mountains of the magnificent Western Ghats. It is the green paradise of the Malabar region and known as the coffee county of Kerala. With its cool climate and hilly regions, Wayanad is best suited for the Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee.

Yercaud:

Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is relatively a small hill but has the best coffee forests of India. The other places with coffee plantations in Tamil Nadu areKodaikanal and Coonoor.

Araku:

From the Eastern Ghats in Vishakapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, we have the coffee plantations of Araku valley. Distinct for organic coffee brands, coffee here is grown by the tribal people of these hills. Surrounded by a number of mountains and reserved forests, Araku valley is amazingly scenic. The entire area from Vishakapatnam to East Godavari districts is known for coffee plantations. Other areas growing coffee in Andhra Pradesh are Maredumilli, Paderu and Chintapalli.

Daringbadi:

One of the untouched hill stations, Daringbadi of Orissa is infamously called the Kashmir of Orissa.Blessed with pine jungles, lovely valleys and impressive mountains, Daringbadi has long coffee gardens. The cool climate and forest areas of this place make it compatible for coffee growth.

Espresso, latte, cappuccino or filter coffee; have it any way you like. Coffee lovers are hooked from their very first sip.

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7 Best Places to visit in Kodaikanal

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - May 26, 2015

As we all know Kodaikanal, or Kodai, as it is fondly called, is a popular hill station frequented in summer. But do we know most of the attractions close to it? Have we visited many of the beautiful places surrounding it? Let’s check out some such best places.

7 Best Places to visit in Kodaikanal

Silent Valley:

Best visited in the early mornings and late afternoons, the Silent Valley fascinates with its deep and dangerous dips and stunning panoramic views.

Pillar Rocks:

Getting the name from the natural formation of three granite rocks standing side by side, Pillar Rocks is not to be missed when in Kodai. The rocks stand 400 feet high and the chambers between two pillars are referred to as Devil’s kitchen.

Coakers Walk:

Situated around one kilometre from Kodai Lake, Coakers Walk is a walker’s delight. Grab an early morning walk and let the robust fresh air and dew filled spectacular views of the plains and valleys set you up for an energetic day.

Bryant Park:

On the eastern side of the Kodai Lake is the Bryant Park. Re-designed by the British Army Officer, Bryant, the park is named after him. The park is a riot of colours with an amazing collection of hybrid flowers. A glasshouse with a large display of flowers, ferns and decorative plants is a huge attraction too.

Bear Shola Falls:

With rugged hilly paths leading to it, Bear Shola Falls is around two kilometres from Kodai Lake. This water falls was frequented by bears in olden times, hence the name. It makes a fabulous picnic spot and tourists can enjoy hours of peace and quiet in the natural surroundings.

Berijam Lake:

Situated around 23 kilometres from Kodai centre, Berjim Lake offers an engrossing day of activities along with scenic views. Boating on the lake is an awesome experience with the encircling greenery and views of the innumerable varieties of fishes in the pristine waters. Hikers will love the hike to the lake as the route is through thick forests. But beware of wild animals.

Dolphin’s Nose:

Eleven kilometres from the city centre is the Dolphin’s Nose. The last stretch of three kilometres has to be covered on foot. On the way up gear yourself to be smothered by wisps of clouds that open out to miles and miles of lush green lands and dense forests. Standing on the edge of the rock shaped like a dolphin’s nose, you will be a spectator to some of the most magnificent views of Kodai.

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10 Places In India That Look Like Destinations In Europe

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - May 8, 2015

10 Places In India That Look Like Destinations In Europe

Alleppey – Venice:

Allepey in Kerala was called as the Venice of the East by Lord Curzon. With its scenic backwaters, lagoons, beaches and canals, Allepey indeed lives up to this title.

Khajjar in Himachal Pradesh was recognized as the Switzerland of India in 1992 by Willy. T. Blazer, the Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India. Khajjar has a topographical similarity to Switzerland with its snow clad peaks and rambles of greenery; hence the name.

Coorg – Scotland:

During the British reign the planters of the coffee plantations in Coorg were mostly Scots. They loved Coorg as they found many similarities between their homeland and Coorg and nicknamed it as the Scotland of India.

Nainital- England:

While Nainital is called the lake district of India, The Lakes or Lakeland is the Lake District in North West England. Both are famous for their lakes and popular holiday destinations.

Pondicherry – Greece:

Though established by the French, Pondicherry’s French Quarter bears an uncanny resemblance to Fira in Greece.

Delhi – Paris, Italy:

India Gate in Delhi resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It has also been called as ‘a creative reworking of the Arc de Triomphe’. The QutubMinar has often been said to appear as the Leaning Tower of Pisa of Italy.

Sikkim – Iceland:

The Gurodongar Lake in Sikkim and the Jokulsarlon Lake in Iceland could be called twins! Visit this high altitude lake in India, you will be saved a trip to Iceland!

Mumbai – London:

Modelled on the Big Ben of London by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the Rajabai Clock Tower in Mumbai in the Fort Campus of the University is our very own Big Ben.

Jaipur – Lithuania:

Jalmahal of Jaipur and Trakai Castle in Lithuania both are in the middle of a lake. And the similarity does not end there. They are both majestic and grand and fascinate a great number of tourists.

Pune – Italy:

Styled on the Portofino town in Italy, Lavasa in Pune is the perfect Italian getaway in India.

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National parks in Kerala and Karnataka

Blog, Destinations, Wild life & Conservation - GoroadTrip - April 27, 2015

South India is surrounded by natural settings. With the mountain ranges of Eastern and Western Ghats and the seas and Indian ocean, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the union territories, the region of South India is home to many National Parks. Some national parks of Karnataka and Kerala are:

National parks in Kerala and Karnataka

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka:

Belonging to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of Tamil Nadu, Bandipur National Park is one of the largest protected areas in South India. This tiger reserve forest is popular for its wildlife and flora and fauna.

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka:

Nagarhole is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and has an impressive population of tigers, elephants and Indian bison. Nagarhole is an enchanting park with terrific scenery as it is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats and is filled with streams, waterfalls, valleys and hills.

Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka:

Located around 100 kilometres from Chikmagalur town, Kudremukh National Park is the second largest wildlife protected area in South India. It is very popular for its bio-diversity.

Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka:

Bannerghatta National Park is frequented by tourists for its many attractions. It is ideal for trekking, has a butterfly park, a snake house, a safari park and an aquarium.

Periyar National Park, Kerala:

This national park and wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is both a tiger and elephant reserve. Also known as Thekkady National Park, it is spread high up in the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills.

Silent Valley National park, Kerala:

Situated in the heart of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve of South India, the park protects the Nilgiri Langur, Wood pigeon, Malabar Giant Squirrel and Lion-tailed Macaques which is an endangered species.

Eravikulam National Park, Kerala:

Located along the Western Ghats, this wild forest and wild life park is a World Heritage Site. It is home to around 26 species of mammals, many amphibians and a great many species of birds.

Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala:

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve. It has a number of endemic animals and plants and offers a good opportunity to explore the Shola forest area of Southern India.

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National parks in Tamilnadu and AP

Blog, Destinations, Wild life & Conservation - GoroadTrip - April 16, 2015

The eastern states of southern India has a host of National Parks in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. A list of them is run here:

National parks in Tamilnadu and AP

Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu:

Lying on the Nilgiri Hills, this park is also a Wildlife Sanctuary. It is bordered by Karnataka and Kerala. The park houses many endangered species of birds and animals like the Bengal Tiger, Indian elephant and leopard and the near extinct white-rumped and Long-billed Vultures.

Guindy National Park, Tamil Nadu:

It is one of the five national parks located inside a city. This park in Chennai has a wide variety of snakes, spiders, butterflies, tortoise, rare species of birds besides blackbucks and spotted deers. With grasslands, water bodies and evergreen scrub, the park forms a natural habitat for these animals and birds.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu:

Made up of 21 small islands and coral reefs, the Gulf of Mannar is on the east coast in Tamil Nadu. The animals like Green Turtle, Indo-Pacific bottlenose Dolphin and Clownfish and plants are under protection in this marine park.

Mukurthi National Park, Tamil Nadu:

The montane grasslands of the Mukurthi National Park lie on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. The park protects the endangered species of the Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant and Nilgiritahr and langur.

Sri Venkateshwara National Park, Andhra Pradesh:

With three waterfalls, Gundalakona, Gunjana and Talakona, this biosphere reserve is situated in the ranges of the Eastern Ghats of the famous Tirumala Hills. Leopards, jungle cats, sloth bear and wild dogs roam around in this reserve.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Telangana:

Dedicated to deers, this park has the largest green lung space in Hyderabad. Spotted deer, blackbucks, porcupines and several bird species roam about in the park.

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Telangana:

Yet another National Park located inside a city, this park on Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad also has the famous Chiran Palace within its borders. Owing to the vast expanse of space it is home to over 600 species of plant life, 30 varieties of reptiles and butterflies and around 140 species of birds.

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