It is the of the most visited places in Manali, with the drive up to Solang being as picturesque as the valley itself. Not only does Solang Valley offer some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but its slopes are also a very popular skiing destination, especially during the winter. In summers, the place turns into a paragliding haven.
The Likir Monastery or gompa is one of the oldest and well maintained monasteries in Ladakh district in India’s northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir. The monastery is located in Likir village is believed to have been in existence since 11th century. The original name of Likir monastery is Klu-kkhyil gompa.
Shey Palace is regarded as the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue.
The Ganga Mandir, which resides in the heart of the city of Bharatpur is one of the most beautiful temples in Rajasthan. In it lies the magnificent deity of Ganga Maharaj made of pristine white marble. Maharaja Balwant Singh started constructing this temple in the mid-19th century.
Thikshey Gompa is an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future.
Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park is recognised as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. It originated in as a royal hunting reserve during the 1850s and was a game reserve for Maharajas and the British.
Manali is also home to a tiny slice of history, in the form of the Naggar castle. Located among the breathtaking forests in Naggar town, the Naggar Castle is a stunning historical edifice. Once used as the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle is a fine blend of traditional Himalayan and European architecture.
Located within the premises of the Bharatpur Palace is Kamra Khas, a museum that contains a vast number of antiques, over 581 stone sculptures, 861 local art and craft wares and ancient scriptures that depict the art and culture typical of Bharatpur. The palace itself was built in stages by various Maharajas and is a fine fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
With more than 25 lakh visitors every year, Rohtang Pass easily stands out as one of the most popular scenic spots to visit in Manali. Connecting the Lahaul and Kullu valleys, the Rohtang Pass is famous among nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers alike.
The Diskit Monastery is 350 years old and is the main attraction of this village, is also consider the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery which houses a Maitreya Buddha statue, paintings, drums and Tibetan color-patterned silk.35 metre statue of Maitreya Buddha facing down the Shyok River towards Pakistan.
This program combines the amazing living jungles of India with the bird sanctuary of Keolado Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur. Going deeper into the wilderness of the Jungle Book of Rudyard Kipling where stories of Mowgli's jungle adventures abound. Mowgli's Trails of the Jungle Book takes you through the Panna National Park, the Bandhavgarh National Park and the Kanha National Park where the fierce Royal Bengal Tiger - Sher Khan roars and Bhalu, the Sloth Bear protects Mughli.
Ladakh, is a stark lunar landscaped land of a high altitude and a cold desert inhabited by Buddhist people following the Lama form of Mahayana Buddhism. Living under the shadows of the surrounding snow covered mountains of both the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and praying at their monasteries perched on-top of hills, trying to reach out to the gods. With prayer wheels in their hands rotating the prayers in the wind “Om Mani Padme Hum” describing the God Buddha as a jewel sitting in a lotus flower.
Ladakh, is a stark lunar landscaped land of a high altitude and a cold desert inhabited by Buddhist people following the Lama form of Mahayana Buddhism. Living under the shadows of the surrounding snow covered mountains of both the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and praying at their monasteries perched on-top of hills trying to reach out to the gods. With prayer wheels in their hands rotating the prayers in the wind “Om Mani Padme Hum” describing the God Buddha as a jewel sitting in a lotus flower.
Taj, Tigers, Leopards, Lions of India - The World"s Greatest Land of Big Cats View the rich birdlife of India at the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur. Meet the Royal Bengal Tigers at Ranthambore National Park and the Spotted Leopards at Jawai, with these Big Cats roaming the semi-arid desert lands of Rajasthan. Combining this with a visit to the ancient capital of India - Delhi, the Wonder of the World - The Taj Mahal, The great Palaces and Citadels of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Flying across the Himalayas, the Great Himalayan Divide and the Pir Panjal ranges of Ladakh with views of the Eastern Karakorams before landing at Leh, experience possibly one of the world’s most spectacular flying experiences. Land at the quaint though now fairly bustling township of Leh and take rest for the day to acclimitise to an altitude of 3,500 meters.
A fairly demanding high altitude trek, starting with first arriving into Leh in Ladakh, driving to Zanskar, then over the Umasi La pass (5,300 meters), this trek takes you into the lesser known Sumchan valley. End the trek in the Kishtwar region located between Jammu and Kashmir after crossing the Great Himalayan Divide Ranges which separate the Himalayas from the Zanskar and further, Karakorams.
View the rich birdlife of India at the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur. Meet the Royal Bengal Tigers at Ranthambhor National Park and the Spotted Leopards at Jawai, with these Big Cats roaming the semi-arid desert lands of Rajasthan. Combining this with a visit to the ancient capital of India - Delhi, the Wonder of the World - The Taj Mahal, The great Palaces and Citadels of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Finally, ending with the Desert Trails in the Thar Desert at Jamba where you stay on-top of a sand dune, meeting the Bishnoi Tribes!
As the paradise on this Earth, the Kashmir Valley becomes the centre of tourism again seeing a great revival of both domestic and international tourism there, we too look forward to relaunching what for many of us used to be a second home in the past. The combination of the Golden Triangle with the Kashmir Valley is possibly offering the greatest and most diverse experiences that are possible within North India and the Himalayan regions together.
You could also find solace in the sounds of birdsong at Keoladeo Ghana National Park, just over an hour’s drive from Agra. Known popularly by its local name Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this forest is home to more than 230 species of birds, and comes alive in the winter months with dozens of migratory species visiting from as far away as Australia and Siberia.
The City of Nawabs is known for the centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, which is mostly influenced by the culinary culture of the Mughal era because the Mughal Emperors hired officials for administration of the Awadhi Province. A paradise for foodies in India, Lucknow City is a labyrinthine trail of food from biryanis to kebabs, chaats and paans.
Like any small town in India, the core of old Agra is a warren of lanes, each with a thriving local market. Browse the exquisite zardosi embroidery at Kinari Bazaar and inexpensive leather goods at Sadar Bazaar, to the rich aroma of spices at the Rawatpara spice market and the hustle and bustle of a wholesale vegetable market at Vegetable Market.
This heritage walk gives you a unique glimpse of the traditions of the city handed down through the centuries and still kept alive in various forms especially indigo block printing, unani (traditional) medicine and vark (edible silver foil) making. Walking through the lanes of Lucknow is like time travel, straight to the pages of history.
Along the banks of the sacred river lies the unique city believed was founded by Lord Shiva. A walk around the city gives chance to connect with this place and to understand the intricacies of this city. This walk will take you through the colorful markets, temples and ancient building. You will be able to witness how the city rise together and prepares itself for the day.
A visit to Kotwara House is in itself a revealing experience of sorts. Kotwara House is Lucknow abode of the legendary filmmaker, fashion designer, painter, poet, architect or rather call them ‘A couple with many feathers in their cap of creativity’, Raja Muzaffar & Meera Ali.
One of the most iconic experiences in Varanasi is experiencing the musical side of the holy city. A visit to the sitar player’s (Chordophone Player) house will be totally different and mesmerizing experience for you. You will be soaked in the tunes played by world renowned Sitar player which will complement the aura of the city as well.
Visit the Nawab (Viceroy) of Awadh and enjoy tea with him. The head of this aristocratic family will share his historical knowledge, family traditions and his view on modern Lucknow with you. Talk to him about the changes he has seen over the years in Lucknow, learn a bit about his family and experience the innate etiquettes, mannerism and the art of speech that is mastered by him.
The Braj festival in Rajasthan is held every year for two days in the Shukla Paksha of the Phalgun month, a few days prior to Holi. This festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is believed to have spent a considerable amount of time in a region called Braj in Rajasthan.
Although Bharatpur is famous for its national park, there are various shops around the city to satiate the shopaholic in you.
Snow Leopard trek serves as a heaven for animal cravers and lovers. There is a wide range of animals visible on this trek. Trek ranges from Moderate to difficult level. But for actual spotting of Snow Leopard one needs to push to high elevation.
