Friday, December 11, 2009

Mussoorie - gorgeous hill station in Uttarakhand

Location : Dehradun District, Uttarakhand

Height :
2550 meters above MSL
Climate : Pleasant throughout the year

Importance :
Popular for its closeness to major Hindu pilgrimage sites like Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Saharanpur

Excellent Season
:All year round

The name Mussoorie is derived from the Mansur shrub (Cororiana nepalensis), familiar in the foothills of Himalaya. It presents magnificent sight of the Himalayan ranges to the north east.

This gorgeous hill station was an innovation of an audacious British military Captain Young during the year 1827. Afterward this position urbanized as the hub of learning, business, tourism and exquisiteness. Mussoorie at the moment has several of the most excellent academic and training institutions like the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indo Tibetan Border Police Academy, Defense Institute of Work Studies, Indian Police Services (IPS) etc. Mussoorie as well swank Ruskin Bond, a well-known Indian writer of British descent as one of its celebrated populace.

The Mall

The Mall of Mussoorie is a preferred target for tourists which provide this hill resort a diverse look. Lengthened from the Library at one ending to the Clock tower at the further, the mall puts forward spectacular views of the adjoining hills and the Doon Valley underneath.
One can have the benefit of horse riding all the way through the crowded roads. The Library Chowk, Landour bazaars and the Kulri Bazaar are the renowned centers in Mussoorie form an element of the Mall and are ought to witness places. These bazaars proffer the tourist an assortment of Indian items.

The Kulri Bazar has a lot of fascinating shops and tenders a multiplicity of attractive objects. One can as well find numerous antique shops here presenting bits and pieces that are logically priced. There is in addition a playground for children that offer many games and rides. Camel's back Road and Cart Road furthermore connect the two. Private vehicles are permitted on the Mall after payment of a minute fee, but cars are not permitted for the duration of the max out tourist season.

Gun Hill


The second highest peak of Mussoorie, Gun Hill is the key magnetism in Mussoorie. The 2122 Mts elevated peak offer the tourists a gorgeous view of Mussoorie town, Doon Valley and a number of the lofty Himalayan ranges to be precise Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri grouping. In bygone days a gun was kept at the top of the hill and fired at midday to enunciate the time and consequently the name derives. Whilst the British left India, the guns was shut up and thaw out to make taps.

One can arrive at the apex of the gun hill either by walking or by means of the rope way. If one has a preference for walking, one ought to take the pathway from the Mall Road in the vicinity of Kutchery which takes nearly 25minutes. The further alternative is to take the help of 400 m ropeway linking the Mall to Gun Hill. Traveling all the way through this ropeway provides the tourist an unforgettable exhilarating experience.

Camel's Back Road

It is the mainly appropriate road for the morning walkers. It was assembled as a promenade and gets ahead of a rock formation that bear a resemblance to the back of a camel, consequently the name. It can be observed from a position in the vicinity of the gate of Mussoorie Public School. The location is as well celebrated for the sunset view from at this point in the Himalyas. It initiates from Kulri and ends at the Library Chowk and is a very pleasurable 3 km walk amid the Camel's Rock en route. One can also get pleasure from horse riding at this juncture. Right from the outset the road there is a bulky lining of deodar trees. The Hawa Ghar is the place to stop along Camel's Back Road.

Municipal Gardens


Municipal Gardens is an additional trendy destination for tourists having a stunning garden and an artificial lake with boating capability. Positioned in the center of bamboo and deodar trees in the west, it is formerly known as Company gardens before the independence and was as well known as Botanical gardens of Mussoorie. These gardens were put down by renowned geologist Dr. H. Fackner in the previous century. They are straightforwardly reachable by car, pony or cycle-rickshaw.

Lal Tibba
(Depot Hill)

Situated in Landour region, it is the highest spot in Mussoorie which is well thought-out the oldest place of occupation in Mussoorie. The position is known as Childer's lodge. A authoritative telescope installed in 1976 to make available a close vision of the Himalayas and Doon valley. Snow observation from this dot is astonishing. One can ride on horse back or on foot to get there.

Mussoorie Lake
(6kms)

Comparatively a new-fangled picnic spot, it is nearly 6 Km from Mussoorie. It is a non-natural lake where tourists can get pleasure from boating here. It proffers a panoramic view of the Doon Valley and the neighboring villages.

Nag Devta Temple
(6kms)

A primeval temple dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva and is positioned on Cart Mackenjee Road is nearly 6 kms from Mussoorie on approach to Dehradun. Vehicles can go right up to the temple. Place make available an enthralling view of Mussoorie and Doon valley.

Lake Mist
(7kms)

An ideal picnic mark which is 7 kms on the way to Kempty falls. The entry fee is Rs. 25 for Lake Mist. Good quality accommodation amenities are accessible here.

Jharipani falls and Bhatta Falls


These are the other couple of waterfalls in Mussoorie. Jharipani is 8kms from Mussoorie located on Mussoorie Jharipani Road and the Bhatta falls is 7kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie Dehradun Road. Bhatta Falls is a diverse kind of picnic spot, there are different ponds for a dip as well as water hilarity.

Bhadraj Temple
(15kms)

An illustrious temple devoted to Lord Balabhadra i.e. Balraman, brother of Lord Krishna, is an idyllic dot for trekking via Park Toll to Clouds end, Dudhi. 15 kms from Mussoorie, Bhadraj offers a pictorial observation of the Doon Valley, Jaunsar Bhabar region and Chakrata ranges.

Kempty falls
(15 kms)

While traveling 15 kms from Mussoorie, one can arrive at the Kempty fall which is an extra key attraction of Mussoorie. Without mentioning this appealing and huge waterfall enclosed by mountains is merit viewing. Taking a bathe in this unsullied and chilly water gives the tourist an invigorating feeling. The water falls from the elevation of 4500 feet and splits more into five tiny waterfalls makes the stopover to Mussoorie a come again position.

Cloud’s End
(18kms)

Nearly 18 km away from Mussoorie, Cloud’s End is one of the earliest of the four buildings of Mussoorie and the mainly suitable position for honeymooners. The Cloud End Bungalow was built during the year 1838 by Swetenham, a British Major for his mountain bride. Extended over 400 acres, the bungalow at the moment has been converted into a holiday resort however maintained its unique architecture, furniture, paintings, books. Above and beyond contribution of a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas and the Yamuna River, Cloud's end is delimited by abundant forests and is the dwelling of 44 species of flora and 103 species of fauna. It is easy to get to by road from the Library end of the Mall in Mussoorie.

Cloud End Forest Resort
P.O.Box No. 1, Mussoorie - 248179, India
Ph : 91-135-2632242; Mobile : 09412050242
Contact Now - E-mail

Tibetan Temple

Situated in Happy valley region, this is a minute Tibetan Temple which sermonize Buddhism. Erected during the year1960 by the Tibetan refugees who fled from Tibet on account of Chinese oppression. There are quantities of shops close to which sells Tibetan handicraft stuff.

Surkanda Peak
(34kms)

Positioned at an altitude of 2,750 mt above sea level in the western part of Tahsil Tehri, it is celebrated for the temple of Surkanda Devi. The crest offers an enthralling view of Dehra Dun, Rishikesh, Chandrabadni, Pratapnagar and Chakrata. It is encircled by multiplicity of flowers, herbs and some of the striking birds of the western Himalayas. The temple of Surkanda Devi is positioned on the crown of the mountain and is of enormous religious consequence. Ganga Dussehra a fair is generally held during May June in which thousands of devotees stopover this position.

How to get there:


By Air:
The adjoining Airport is Jolly Grant Dehradun (58km)

By Rail:
Neighboring railway station is at Dehradun, 34 km which connect with chief cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Gorakhpur, Kathgodam, Varanasi, Howrah, Amritsar, Saharanpur, Rishikesh and Haridwar by express trains. For transport to Mussoorie, buses and taxies are accessible outside the railway station.

By Road:
Mussoorie is linked to other parts of India with an extensive network of road route. Overnight buses run to Mussorie from ISBT Kashmere Gate of Delhi.

For further information:
• Uttaranchal Tourism Development Board,
Dehradun.
Phone : 0135-2721289, 2624147
• GMVN
Hotel Garhwal, Mussorie
Phone : 0135-2632682
• GMVN
102, Indraprakash Building,
21, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi
Phone :011-23350481; Fax: 23327713

Monday, December 7, 2009

Karmatang Beach: Turtles’ Paradise


Karmatang Beach, situated in Middle Andaman, is one of the main environmentally noteworthy beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Renowned as the home and nesting position for the sea turtles of the region, the Karmatang Beach is a necessity visit for any tourist conscious of environment and animal enthusiast.
Despite the fact that there are a lot of islands and beaches in close proximity to Mayabunder, but Karmatang Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the most outstanding of all for the reason that of its delightful beauty. The beach is the most excellent position to revitalize and unwind with your family and associates. The sandy beach is enclosed by green coastal undergrowth.

At Karmatang Beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands never overlook to take the ride on a steamer all the way through the mangrove brooks from Mayabunder. If someone wants to spend a minute vacation in the beach, one need not be anxious for the accommodation as there are preparations for guest houses and hotels next to the Karmatang Beach.

Karmatang Beach is very much appropriate to try scuba diving and snorkeling. These adventurous rides in the sea water help one to discover the marine life contained by it. Countless nature enthusiasts and zoologists who specialize in marine livings ought to visit the elegant beach. One can as well trek around Mount Harriet and Madhuban and travel around the forests and the wildlife contained by it.

Places to visit in Karmatang Beach:

Karmatang beach is positioned in Middle Andaman, which is a fraction of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar. The chain of islands of Andaman and Nicobar is abode to several of Asia’s best beaches along with 96 sanctuaries (stretch over an area 466 Sq kms) and 9 national parks (extend over 1154 sq kms).

Supplementary, the Andaman and Nicobar island chain is furthermore home to many historically noteworthy structures and monuments such as the Cellular Jail. Additionally there are numerous coral reefs in the seas adjoining the islands.

Karmatang Beach- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine

Languages: Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Nicobarese and Telugu are the more extensively spoken languages in the region neighboring Karmatang beach. English as well is reasonably prevalent and as such communication should not be a difficulty.

Cuisine: Food would for the most part be local, though to some extent exotic food can be found in the high end restaurants.

• The waters adjacent to the Karmatang beach are affluent in aquatic life and make for exceptional fishing points.

Although visiting Andaman and Nicobar, one is given advice to carry as much cash as probable for the reason that ATMs and credit card swiping machines are infrequent. A lot of tour operators cover up the Karmatang beach as fraction of their Andaman and Nicobar tours.

Best time to visit Karmatang Beach

Nevertheless the Karmatang beach can be visited any time of the year, the monsoons that occur between the months of June and September, is not the ideal of times as one may not be able to sop up an entire lot of sun. The superlative time to visit Karmatang beach and the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar in broad-spectrum is linking the months of January and May, throughout which the beach gets bounty of bright and lucid sunny days. Complementary, during this time the sea is incredibly smooth and one can even observe cloud reflections on lots of days. It may be noted that this is as well the unsurpassed time for snorkeling and scuba diving.

How to reach Karmatang Beach

By Air: Port Blair, positioned on the South Andaman Island, is the adjoining airport to Karmatang beach. Port Blair is linked to Chennai (located 1190 kms away), Vishakhapatnam (positioned 1200 kms away) and Kolkata (positioned 1255 kms away) via daily flights. Some degrees of helicopter services are also obtainable for inter island travel.

• By Sea: Each week, three to four ships sail involving Port Blair and Calcutta and amid Port Blair and Chennai. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam every two months. The Shipping Corporation of India runs these sailings. In addition, the Directorate of Shipping Services maintain normal inter-island foreshore and harbor ferry services to provide support to the requirements of inter-island commuters. Karmatang beach is situated close to Mayabunder, which is linked to Port Blair via daily ferry services.

• By Road: Whereas a quantity of the islands has a decently urbanized road network, a lot of do not. Several islands are utterly inhabited, and as such have no roads at all. On the islands which are rather more populated and have a decorously developed road network, neighborhood transport comprises of local buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, taxis and cars/ motorcycles/ cycles. Karmatang beach can moreover be reached from Port Blair via the Grand Andaman Trunk Road.

Accommodation

Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are obtainable to suit all budgets. There are merely a limited number of family holiday beach resorts, beach retreats, beach vacation homes, beach villas, beach hotels and beach houses. Nonetheless, one can get hold of outstanding discounts on accommodation via beach holiday packages, beach tours and beach holidays. A much attractive feature of Karmatang beach is that there are some beach camps and beach resorts that are situated right at the beach. Some of the beach resorts as well have scuba diving and snorkeling amenities.


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Best stag weekends - Prague, Czech Republic

Need help planning where to go on your stag weekend? You've come to the right place. There are loads of great places to go for your big do, many in the UK, many abroad. Recently foreign destinations have soared in popularity, especially holiday destinations in Eastern Europe. Bratislava, Warsaw, Krakow - all big with gangs of youths ready for their stag or hen weekends. But out of everywhere on offer, one place stands out as the most popualar stag and hen destination - Prague. Located in the Czech Republic, Prague has become synonimous with groups of revellers out to have a good time.

So what does Prague have to offer? Well, everything you could think really when it comes to activities and nights out. The city itself is relatively small which makes getting around nice and easy - a couple of central areas, especially Wisconsin Square where much of the citys nightlife revolves. The city is also extremely cheap - people often talk of 50p pints in the bars and this is true if you pick the right watering hole. This can make for a really cheap night - generally any beer won't cost you more than £1 so a night of 10 pints or so won't be much more than a tenner!

Another key element of many a stag weekend are the strippers! And Prague certainly has alot to offer in this department. There are many establishments that offer this kind of service in safe surroundings. Prices have risen slightly in recent years so don't expect a dance for £2 but prices are certainly fair, and all the clubs have a host of beauties to choose from. Prague is pretty much busy all year round so you should feel very safe entering this kind of place or even just walking around - certainly any of the horror stories you hear about Eastern Europe are very very rare here - the locals are friendly if you are friendly back to them!


Prague at night

The city also offers much more for Prague stag weekends apart from these two things. Shooting, skiing, brewery trips, archery, bobsleds and golf are all on offer nearby Prague. And Prague hen weekends will love the array of shopping on offer!

All in all Prague is certainly one of the best holiday destinations for a good stag or hen weekend. With so much on offer, at cheap prices, the city has pretty much everything you could ask for from an eventful weekend.