Posts for Destinations Category

5 Best Bird Sanctuaries in India

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - March 27, 2015

India is home to over 1,200 species of birds. For ornithologists, it is a haven. Exploring various species of birds in their habitats is one way of combining travel with hobby for them. Bird watchers have an impressive list of bird sanctuaries to visit in India. The top five among them are:

5 Best Bird Sanctuaries in India

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan:

Now called Keoladeo National Park, this bird sanctuary is a delight for bird watchers to visit especially in winter. Thousands of endangered and rare species of birds flock to this avifauna sanctuary in winter and the place turns into a paradise of exotic birds.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa:

Situated along the Mandovi River in Goa, this bird sanctuary has a huge variety of local and migratory birds. Tourists who like to have a change of scene from the beaches can feast their eyes on these chirpy winged feathers like Parrots, Pelicans, Peafowls and Sparrows.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana:

A protected area in Gurgoan, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is home to about 250 varieties of local and migratory birds. Purple sunbird, Common Hoope, Indian roller, Common spoonbill, White Ibis, Laughing Dove, Greater Flamingo, Siberian Crane and Wood sandpiper are some of the varieties found here. The sanctuary also has a library, children’s park and watch towers to attract tourists.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka:

Located near the banks of Kaveri River, this bird sanctuary is around 18 kilometres from Mysore. One among the largest bird sanctuaries of India, it is a stop for some striking migratory birds including Heron, Snake Bird, Ibis, Partridge and Egret. The surrounding greenery with the river snaking along adds to the wonders of the sanctuary.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala:

Situated in the Kottayam district on the back waters of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary primarily attracts for its lovely scenery. It converts into a seasonal home to hundreds of migratory birds. Watching the birds like cuckoo, heron, cormorant, teal, Siberian Crane and other colourful ones flock the skies during sunrise or sunrise is a sight that stuns bird lovers and other tourists alike.

Tag along with the bird watchers of your family or in your friend circles to these prized bird sanctuaries. They will love them and rest assured, you will not be far behind!

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9 attractions in the Garden City, Bengaluru

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - March 16, 2015

The capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore, now Bengaluru, is a mixed bag of old culture and new trends. For its various shades, it is known by several names like City of Gardens, Silicon Valley of India, Air conditioned City and Pub Capital of India. Unlike other metros, Bengaluru does not have many heritage attractions. But it does have its own fair share of tourist attractions to visit.

9 attractions in the Garden City, Bengaluru

Lalbagh:

This famous garden was established by Hyder Ali in 1760 and developed by his son Tipu Sultan. With a centric glasshouse the park has the most variety of flowers in the world.

Cubbon Park:

Named after the Commissioner of Bangalore, Sir Mark Cubbon, the park allures nature lovers, joggers and children. It has many flowering plants of some exotic varieties and a play area called Bal Bhavan.

Bangalore Palace:

Built by ChamarajaWodeyar in 1887, the architecture of Bangalore Palace was inspired by the Windsor Castle of England. A royal family is still in residence at the palace and visitors are allowed for a fee. The palace is very impressive with its green lawns, fortified towers and arches and lovely wood carvings.

Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Fort:

Initially conceived and built in mud by Chikkadeva Raya, reconstructed by Hyder Ali in Indo-Islamic style and completed by Tipu Sultan, this palace is in the Bangalore Fort area. A highlight of the fort is the Hindu Temple built in the courtyard.

Vidhana Soudha:

A landmark building of Bangalore VidhanaSoudha was built in 1954. The massive neo-Dravidan structure holds four domes in the four corners and houses many government departments besides the Legislative Chamber of Karnataka. It looks best at night in its illuminated state.

National Gallery of Modern Art:

Located on Palace Road, the gallery is the third of its kind in India. Consisting of two wings, the gallery is present in a Colonial building with a garden and café in the premises.

Ulsoor Lake:

Constructed by Kempegowda II, the scenic Ulsoor Lake is in the heart of Bangalore city. Boating facilities and a promenade make it more attractive for tourists.

ISKCON Sri RadhaKrishnachandra Temple:

One of the largest ISKCON temples in the world, this temple is in Rajajinagar, Bangalore. The temple offers a peaceful sanctum for people who want to spend some quiet hours of meditation. It promotes spiritual learning and Vedic culture.

Innovative Film City:

Established recently in 2008, the Innovative Film City is around 40 kilometres from the heart of the city and is spread over 50 acres. It is a landmark attraction for theme parks.

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Best places to visit in Ooty

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - March 10, 2015

Ooty is on almost every South Indian travel list of hill stations. Several of them may have visited it many times over. But here are some best locations that you should not miss out.

Best places to visit in Ooty

Toda Hills:

In an isolated part of the Nilgiri plateau the Toda Hills run into miles of green slopes. The Toda tribe resides here. They follow an interesting culture and are famous for their ‘doglas’ which are their homes. These unique structures are in the shape of half-barrels and located along the slopes of the Toda Hill. The people of the tribe herd buffalos and design intricate embroidery.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway:

A UNESCO site, the Ooty Mountain Railways run a toy train from Ooty to Mettupalyam. The journey in this vintage train is unforgettable and the scenic sights of nature along the way breath-taking.

Pykara River:

Located around 19 kilometres from Ooty, the Pykara River is mesmerizing. The Toda tribe hold the river in reverence and the area surrounding it is rife with wildlife. The beautiful river flows down as Pykara falls.

Porthimund Lake:

Prior permission from forest officials is necessary to visit the Porthimund Lake as it forms part of a reserve forest. This picturesque place gained more popularity through the movie Roja.

Parsons Valley:

Another attraction situated in the forest reserve, Parsons Valley can be called a hidden gem. This valley is the main source of water supply to Ooty. With prior permission house stay option in this picture perfect jungle is available.

Mukurthi National Park:

Built to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, this National Park is the first international Biosphere Reserve in India. The park is on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and is indeed a must visit.

Emerald Lake:

Earning the name from its green waters the lake reflects the surrounding lush green reserve forests. The lake winding in between the forests is a sight you will not want to miss. Climb up the dam close by and get ready to be bowled over by the vast expanse of natural beauty.

Avalanche Lake:

A few miles from Emerald Lake is another natural beauty, the Avalanche Lake. It runs between miles of sloping grasslands and tall forest trees and is a sight to behold.

Re-visit Ooty if you have missed out on all these beautiful locations. Be ready to let Ooty charm you all over again.

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6 States to travel in December in India

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - February 27, 2015

Come December, Indians have an extra shake to their legs, an extra pep to their talk, and generally an air of liveliness and cheer, thanks to the cool winter weather. Naturally vacations and trips are planned to cash in on this pleasant climate. Be sure that you travel to those places which are off limits in the scorching summer heat. Some places for December travel are suggested below:

6 States to travel in December in India

Kerala:

The winter in Kerala sets in as soon as the gutsy south-west monsoon ends. The rains make the natural expanseof Kerala greener and the waters flowing out to full capacity. Consequently Kerala is at its grandest best in winters. With plenty of beaches, backwaters, sanctuaries and plantations in this state of God’s Own Country, Kerala is a lovely choice for winter travel.

Goa:

Popular world-wide for its Christmas and New Year parties and the Sunburn Film Festival in the winter months, Goa is an excellent place to be in December for party animals. The loud peppy music, dancing lights, delectable food and craziness of the crowds sends party vibes all through winter. Head there for an electrifying holiday.

Tamil Nadu:

Shunned in summers for the sweltering heat, Tamil Nadu is a state to flock to in winters. Rich with the heritage of Chola and Pandava architecture in the temples all over the state, long and lovely beaches, hills and parks, with mouth-watering cuisines thrown in for good measure, Tamil Nadu is a place to definitely enjoy in December.

Karnataka:

Karnataka has many dry places that are best avoided in the heat of summers. But in winter, they are the best places to visit and enjoy. Home to some powerful empires, Karnataka has many examples of sculpture and art in the temples of Badami, Pattadakal, Belur, Halebid, Hampi and in the mosques of Bijapur. Add the stunning hill ranges, many beaches and the modern cities of the state and Karnataka becomes a welcome winter destination.

Gujarat:

Known as the Cultural Capital of India, Gujarat’s culture and heritage can be enjoyed best in winter. Talk to the local tribes and visit the many archaeological sites and spend a happy December in Gujarat.

Rajasthan:

Picked by both Indians and foreigners for winter travel, Rajasthan is a popular destination. The riots of traditional colour, marks of royalty, cultural bonanza and a delicious array of cuisines make winter a grand affair in this ‘Land of Maharajas’.

Pack your bags, December is the best time to explore India.

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5 Forts to be visited in Karnataka

Blog, Destinations, Heritage & Culture - GoroadTrip - January 11, 2015

Called ‘Kote’ in Kannada, the forts in Karnataka date back to as many as 1000 years ago. Karnataka saw the reigns of several dynasties from the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar kings to the Bahmanisand Adilshahis. So it is no wonder that forts played a major part in the history of Karnataka. You can have a glimpse of this history by a visit to some of the many forts of the state.

5 Forts to be visited in Karnataka

Kittur Chenamma Fort, Belgaum:

Belonging to the legendary queen of Kittur, Rani Chenamma, the Kittur Chennamma Fort can tell many tales of the battle against the British led by the queen to save her small kingdom of Kittur. The fort built out of black basalt rock is mostly in ruins today.

Gulbarga Fort, Gulbarga:

First constructed by Raja Gulchand and then fortified by Ala-ud-din Bahman the fort in Gulbarga is an impressive 38,000 square feet in area. It has around 15 towers and 26 guns which are put up for public display. The famous Jumma Masjid mosque in the interior of the fort constructed in Persian style and the tombs of the sultans are major tourist attractions.

Chitradurga Fort, Chitradurga:

The Chitradurga Fort was built by the Nayakas of Chitradurga with the primary intention of defending their city from the attacks of Hyder Ali. But they were defeated by the ruler and the fort was seized by him. The fort is regarded as one of the most picturesque ones as it is in the midst of a valley formed by the Vedavati River. The fort is also popular for the heroics of Onake Obavva, the wife of a soldier guarding the fort.

Bellary Fort, Bellary:

Built on top of the Bellary Gudda in the Vijayanagara reign, the Bellary Fort was constructed by Hanumappa Nayak. It was renovated by Hyder Ali with the help of a French engineer. The Bellary Fort is divided into upper and lower fort. The upper fort with a number of water tanks and a small temple is on the peak of the hill and can be reached by following a rocky winding path. The lower fort area has a Hanuman temple, schools, churches and government and educational institutions.

Savadatti Fort, Belgaum:

Built over a stand-alone hill having borders of exposed rocks,the Savadatti Fort can be approached by road all the way to its main gate. The fort is an irregularly shaped military structure and was constructed in the 18th century.

Almost every district in Karnataka has forts. A visit to them will make history come alive.

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