Travel Category

Kalka Shimla Toy Train- UNESCO World Heritage Site

Imagine a fascinating train journey, steadily snaking up on a narrow railway line on a steep gradient, from an altitude of 2000-odd feet up to over 6800 feet on a line full of curves (917 to be precise), whizzing past dense deodar forests, cutting across misty mountains and valleys, chugging through 103 tunnels and crossing 988 bridges and aqueducts! It covers a distance of 96 km in a span of about 7 hours, this is one of the most memorable experiences of ‘Incredible India.’ There are other ways to travel up to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, but this is by far the most exciting one.

This railway line was established in 1903 when Shimla was the summer capital of India during the British Raj. An amazing engineering marvel, it winds its curvy way through 20 picturesque stations on the way like Ghumman, Koti, Dharampur, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, Kandaghat, Shoghi and Taradevi, to name a few, before crossing Summer hill, and finally arriving at Shimla station. Barog deserves special mention as this part of the journey is rife with particularly scenic vistas. Also, this is where the train traverses through the longest tunnel (no. 33) on this route, which is over a kilometre long. 

Although the toy train is usually packed during the tourist season from May to July and during September- October, during which time the journey is nothing short of breathtaking, it is simply a stunning and surreal experience during the winter season when the landscape is covered in pristine snow all around. The train has a snow cutting machine at the front to clear the tracks as it chugs its way up. 

The Kalka-Shimla toy train journey is on India’s tourism map as one of the best travel destinations of India, when it was declared as a Mountain Railways of India UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008, along with the Darjeeling and Ooty toy trains. The Kalka- Shimla NG Express now has a vistadrome to make the journey even more spectacular than it already is.

India is a country that packs festivies like no other place in the world. Festivals in India are diverse, colorful and blissful like the country itslfe. While every day is a detsivity, there are few special celebrations that are unmissable experiences.  there are number of Gods. And each festival is more colorful than the other. While every festival in India is worth participating in, there are some you just cannot miss. Here are the most colorful and most lively festivals of India that you would just love being a part of:

1. Holi – a riot of colors.

Every year, in the month of March, the streets of India come alive with a riot of colors. Holi, like most other festivals of India, is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. The festival also marks the onset of spring season. In most parts of India, the celebration of the festival starts almost a week in advance. You should look on the streets for water balloons and color, as you may be targeted anywhere and everywhere. It is a fun festival which brings together people of all ages. For the best Holi experience in India, head to Mathura which witnesses week long celebrations. Holi is truly the epitome of colourful festivals in India!

2. Diwali – a festival of lights.

When talking of the best festivals of India, you just cannot leave Diwali out. Diwali is to India what Christmas is to the Western world. The festival takes place somewhere in the months of October and November, 20 days after Dussehra. You can see houses decked up in colorful lights, people exchanging gifts, and every family having their own firecracker show as well. In fact, the firecracker show is a matter of pride among families. According to Hindu mythology, the festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after he defeated the evil Ravana. If you haven’t been part of a Diwali festival in India ever, you are really missing out on a lot.

3. Dussehra – triumph of good over evil.

The festival, much like Holi, is celebrated to mark the triumph over evil. It is celebrated to mark the win of Lord Rama over Ravana. Effigies of Ravana are burnt across all the parts of the country with fire crackers. While Dussehra is Mysore stands out for its decorated palaces and a grand scale, if you are looking for a more traditional experience, head to the Ramleela Maidan in Delhi. The festival is attended by the top politicos, including the President of India, and there is the yummy food of Old Delhi to savor too closeby.

4. Ganesh Chaturthi – a carnival.

Every year, sometime in the months of September and October, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in large parts of the country, with Mumbai being the epicenter. The festival is almost like a carnival in Rio, minus the bikini clad babes. Scores of people take to the streets with a beautifully decked up idol of Lord Ganesha for immersion in a river. The procession is accompanied with drum beats and people having a gala time. You just can’t stop yourself from dancing during this festival.

5. Onam – a cultural experience.

The tranquil setting of Kerala comes to life every year in the months of August and September during the Onam festival. If you are planning a Kerala tour, try and plan it to coincide with the festival. Onam is a 10 day long festival whih sees colorful fairs, awesome dance competitions, and exhilarating snake boat races being organized through large parts of Kerala. Throughout the festival, there is a feeling of bonhomie and happiness. While there are many ways to plan a Kerala tour, planning it to coincide with Onam is probably the most colorful one.

6. Pushkar fair – a congregation of animals.

This isn’t really a festival in traditional sense of the way. However, you just cannot rule it out when talking of the best festivals of India. In the month of November, the state of Rajasthan plays host to Pushkar fair. It is a five day long festival which sees animals being traded, primarily elephants and camels. It is the largest congregation of animals in Asia, and you can some beautifully decked up animals during the festival. There are some crazy competitions taking place on the sidelines too, such as a competition for the longest moustache.

7. Navratri – dance, dance, dance.

The nine days prior to the festival of Dussehra are celebrated as Navratri. During the nine days, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. This 9 day long festival sees several beautiful banquets being set up across the country. There is gourmet food to be had at these banquets and some amazing music to dance too. Often, people find the love of their life during this festival, as you get a chance to play Dandiya with a member of the opposite sex. Of course, you can always play all by yourself if you cannot find a partner. The idea is to have fun all along.

India is a place unlike another. While the culture and heritage has been the highlights, wildlife tours India has gained global attention. India is home to more than half the population of tigers in the world. Besides tigers, India is blessed with elephants, nilgai, deer, one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic lions, a variety of species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and in fact every kind of species of the animal kingdom. The majestic beasts are found in the wild jungles of Central India, sanctuaries which were earlier game parks in Rajasthan, blissful lush wilderness in the South and mostly all over India. Those who want to spot a tiger, can try them at these popular wildlife sanctuaries in India.

Book a Jeep Safari/ Baot Safari/ Elephant Rides

Choose a Jungle Stay

Respect the wildlife

Wellness is synonymous with India. The country focuses on holistic well-being of body, mind and soul. The search for wellness in India is centuries old and has evolved to suit the needs of the modern day. People from all walks of life choose vacations in India as the ultimate secret of rejuvenating the body, mind and soul. In the current scenario, post-COVID vacations means getting away from cities and breathe in the pure bliss of nature. And this is where, wellness vacations come into play. Wellness retreats are calling with ancient healing techniques amid nature’s bliss. India abounds in wellness retreats, whether it’s a simple ashram experience or luxury getaway, here are our handpicked options.

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS, RISHIKESH

The palace turned wellness oasis, Ananda in the Himalayas is among one of the best wellness retreats in India. The resort offers daily yoga programme, special diets, and other therapies that heal the body, mind and soul. Besides the healing daily schedule, the luxurious suites overlook tranquil vistas of the lush green hills and valleys. A short drive from the holy towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh, the resort offers respite from chaotic lifestyle. The perfect post-COVID vacation awaits in the pictorial retreat.

WILDFLOWER HALL, SHIMLA

Nestled in the Himalayas, the Wildflower Hall offers a holiday of many unforgetable experiences. Enjoying yawning views across the soaring peaks of India’s dramatic Himalayas, the resort offers a truly relaxation time. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, erstwhile commander in chief of the British army, Wildflower Hall is now among the 5-star hotel in not just Shimla but also India. Exuding the ambience of a grand stately home, the  hotel is ideal to recuperate in the bliss of the mountains. Welcoming lounge, lavish rooms, delectable meals, and a lot of facilities tempt with a vacation to remember.

THE OBEROI SUKHVILAS RESORT & SPA, CHANDIGARH

With legendary Ayurvedic guru Dr Robert Svoboda facilitating occasional three-day wellness programmes alongside The Oberoi Sukhvilas’ already well-stocked spa and yoga menu, this is a holistic retreat that certainly knows how to tailor an exclusive experience.

THE HAVELI HARI GANGA, HARIDWAR
Dodge the crowds thronging around Haridwar’s holy Har Ki Pauri ghat and sink into The Haveli Hari Ganga’s private bathing area instead. It’s said that a dip in the Ganges rinses away negative karma. Morning yoga is instructed in a serene studio adjacent to the holy currents, with a havan, or fire blessing, to follow.

DEWA RETREAT, RISHIKESH
A swimming pool in Rishikesh is worth its weight in crystal malas, and Dewa Retreat’s is flanked by the exceedingly popular Pure Soul café, offering precious raw cacao-based and maca-laced delicacies. Perched above the Ganges, views from the rooms’ private balconies are spectacular, and if the in-house yoga classes aren’t up to scratch, there are plenty more to choose from in the surrounding ashrams.

RAAS JODHPUR
Early risers can stretch out in Raas Jodhpur’s rooftop Baradari restaurant for a sunrise sequence overlooking Rajasthan’s iconic 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort. Follow with an invigorating Prana Vitality massage treatment in the hotel’s supremely indulgent Ila Spa.

THE LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR
The Leela Palace’s five-day Sojourn into Self programme offers a heady tasting menu of holistic treatments served up at its in-house ESPA—the largest in India. Add in a Vedic astrology reading, daily yoga and blessings at the local Shiva temple, and this is ascetism of a highly decadent order.

THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR
Sun salutations facing the sparkling Lake Pichola as dawn lights the horizon is a spiritual experience worth photographing. Chase a morning class with a dip in the infinity pool gazing out the distant throb and pulse of Udaipur.

RAAS DEVIGARH, DELWARA
An elegant 18th-century palace near Udaipur, Raas Devigarh serves up an imaginative menu of guided yoga and meditation practices compellingly seasoned with incense, essential oils, sound healing and cranial holds.

HILTON SHILLIM ESTATE RETREAT & SPA, PUNE
With soaring views across Maharashtra’s rugged mountains, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa’s 70 forested acres are worlds away from the hustle of Pune. The yoga pavilion and meditation cave make good use of the hotel’s scenic location, with bicycles and hiking trails inviting a full immersion in the surrounding nature.

TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA, GOA

Sink into Goa time on Benaulim Beach in the quieter south, where the on-demand yoga menu stretches to whatever appeals, from a gentle session tailored to beginners to a challenging set for more experienced practitioners.

SWASWARA CGH EARTH, GOKARNA

Draw away from the opulence of SwaSwara for a moment to meditate in its private hilltop meditation perch. With sprawling views across the aptly named Om Beach, this is where an open-eyed meditation practice comes into its own.

CARNOUSTIE AYURVEDA & WELLNESS RESORT, KERALA
Panchakarma—an intense revitalising Ayurvedic cleanse—is especially popular at the luxury beachside Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort. With rigorous daily massage treatments, delicious dosha (body type)-specific Indian fare and morning yoga and pranayama (breathwork) by the sea, it’s easy to see why.

MARARI BEACH, KERALA
There are plenty of places to flop in the verdant 12 acres of Marari Beach’s sumptuous resort: in a hammock beneath the palm trees; on a sun-lounger gazing out at the Arabian Sea; and, of course, on a yoga mat, the waves harmonising with your ujjayi breath.

NIRAAMAYA RETREATS SURYA SAMUDRA, KERALA
Perched atop a dramatic cliff above Kovalam Beach, days at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra slide by with hypnotic serenity. Punctuate them with yoga: an invigorating session at sunrise gazing out at the Arabian Sea, and a soothing restorative class as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.

SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT, KERALA

Somatheeram is a Heritage Ayurvedic resort in Kerala, just 15 km from Trivandrum Airport, and 8 km from Kovalam. It is a perfect getaway amid captivating and comfortable surroundings, homely and attentive service. Perched on the top of a hill, overlooking the cerulean spread of the Arabian Sea, the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort sprawls over 15 acres of lush greenery. Offering a unique blend of tropical beauty combined with contemporary facilities, the resort is a rejuvenating heaven far from the mad city bustle. Pamper yourself with superb Ayurvedic facilities, yoga classes and meditation programmes.
 

India beckons travelers with incredible experiences, and for the couples there is a lot on offer. From the icon of love-Taj to romantic houseboat tours on backwaters, India presents some loving romantic experiences that makes your vacation one that you shall never forget. Be it boat rides, stay at royal suites or special dinner dates, India offers some memorable romantic experiences.

When thinking of an unforgettable time, here are some of the best experiences in India.

Taj Mahal in its eternal beauty

Houseboat Cruise on Kerala Backwaters

Couple Ayurveda Massage

Shikara ride on Lake Pichola

Royal stay at Heritage Hotels of Rajasthan

Luxury Train Tour

Relaxing at Beach Resort

Yatch ride on the high seas

Toy Train Ride to the hills

Stay amid lush tea estates

Pray at Ancient Churches of Goa

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Wildlife safaris & stay in luxury jungle resorts in India

Repeating wedding vows