The place is 5 kilometers from Dharamshala. Most of the people refer it as upper Dharamshala. It takes nearly 20 Minutes from Dharamshala to reach McLeod Ganj in 20 minutes. There are lots of Shared taxis, jeeps and public buses available for commuting between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.

Here are some of the awesome things to do in McLeod Ganj

1. A Visit to Namgyal Monastery

McLeod Ganjis known as the little Lhasa of India because of the Tibetan communities that have been inhabiting there for a very long time. Namgyal Monastery and the Tibetan Museum in the temple complex are the places where you can get a foretaste of Tibetan Buddhism.

You can see the monks performing well practised slow steps to the tune of the trumpets. The sounds of the chants and serenity of the place is mesmerizing. It will take you to a different world.

 2. Captivate the Splendid Views of Dhauladhar Himalayas at Triund

Triund is one of the most popular short (snow) treks in the Himalayas, the trek is suitable for evenbeginners to enjoy the magnificent views of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The mountain is covered with long dense pine trees & the valley of Kangra that stretches to the utmost horizon.

If you plan to take this trek, make sure that you are carrying sleeping bags or tents with you.

 3. Spend Time in the Hippie Village of Dharamkot

Dharamkot is a small village popular as Hippie Villagebecause of the hippie culture and the lazy relaxing cafes all around. If you enjoy small walks through meadows, hikes and treks, a village vibe, a bit of meditation then you would love this place. Dharamkot is bit away from the Mainstream places. It will give you more of village like feeling. Dharamkot is the base for several hikes Triund, Illaqua, Indrahar Pass, etc.

4. Watch the Sunset in Naddi

Naddi is another village ahead of Dal Lake – hold on, its not the Dal Lake of Sri Nagar. Though named after the one in Sri Nagar, this is an enchanting lake surrounded by forest lined with tall treesforest lined with tall trees.

Naddi is a perfect place for a walk in the evening for a pleasurable sunset.

5. Take a Half-Day tour to the Highest Cricket Stadium in the World

McCleod Ganj hosts the highest cricket stadium in the world – HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association). If you are a cricket lover, you would never want to miss it for sure. The HPCA stadium opened in 2013 that is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Dhauldhar Mountains that create a magnificent framework up close.If you are a cricket lover, you would never want to miss it for sure, even if you are not too much into sports, the captive views of its surroundings will mesmerize you.

Besides, these places you can also spend some quality time at Bhagsu Waterfalls, Church in the Wilderness, Tsuglagkhang Complex(the place where the Dalai Lama resides), Bhagsunag Temple.

McCloed Ganj is the place where serenity resides, where you get close to nature and close to yourself. So, Next time, when you feel the need to take an escape from everyday life. Book your Package to McCloed Ganj and give a rejuvenating treat to yourself

To give a quick brief of the history, “Taj Mahal” is the most popular monument in the world. The king Shah Jahan built this for his most beautiful wife “Mumtaj Mahal”. It is one of the three world heritage sites in India and Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are the other tourist attractions where every year visitors come to visit across the globe. Taj mahal is one of the attractive monuments made up of white marble.

Besides, Taj Mahal, there is much more to do in Agra. Let’s look at some of the things one can do in Agra

1. Food, wine & nightlife are the major attraction in Agra. The contemporary life of the place depends on the historical place. You can hang out and have Mughlai cuisine from the restaurant.

2. Festivals in Agra: Most of the festivals celebrated in Agra are basically influenced by the life of Lord Krishna. There are religious and cultural festivals like Jat Devi, Daujikamela, cattle fair KundMela, Meta ki Puja Jat Devi, cattle fair GwalBalba, Holi Milap, Mata-ka-mela, ShitlaMela, Kailash Mela, Parikrama of Shivji, Janamashthmi, Kali-ka-mela, Dussehra, Ram lila, Urs Sufi Sahib and Bateshwar cattle fair.

3. Culture of Agra: Agra has great heritage and culture that influences tourists across the globe. The proximity of Mathura and Vrindavan to Agra is always influence the rich heritage of the destination. People from Agra celebrate Taj Mohatasov.

4. Art and Architecture: Agra is popular for its diversity and art. It attracts millions of people all over the world. Agra is the home to excellent heritage that are Agra fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. Taj Mahal is known as the seventh wonder of the world.

5. Agra is an endless enchantment and tourists visit this place with full enthusiasm. Another interesting array of Agra is shopping experience. You can have several shopping here. If you are a shopaholic, this place is best for you. You can explore the Agra market and get different kinds of items with reasonable rates.

Your spree for shopping in Agra can be well met in the center lane of the Taj Mahal. You can buy various handicrafts items as well.

Nightlife in Agra

The nightlife in Agra is another tourist attraction and you will surely enjoy the stunning night with your partner while staying in Agra. Retreat your holiday by doing various activities in Agra and indulge with your family with a beautiful trip. Agra tour will be the most interesting tour you could have and make sure you will attain all the activities and enjoy doing things in Agra.

Plan your travel itinerary to Agra with Destino’s India. You would love the experience and remember it for the life time.

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Bon Voyage!

Spending 3 days in Jaipur is enough to cover the city important places. However, there is a need for a little planning so that the 3 days itinerary to Jaipur is followed and you do not miss out some of the best places. Actually, there is a need for 15 days to visit all the important places, but now completing the same is impossible in 3 days time. Yet, here is the schedule of the 3 days in Jaipur, mentioning where to go.

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First Day
To begin with the first day, it is planned to go light as you may already be tired of your journey and there is a need to get some fresh time. Thus, on the first day, visit the historical places and it may take half a day.

You can begin with Hawa Mahal, go to Jantar  Mantar, a walkable distance, head to City Palace from Jantar Mantar that is located just across. Head from City Palace to Albert Hall Museum, take a bus or auto as it is 3.5km, and head to Moti Doongri Palace, and Birla Mandir that are just next to each other.

Call an early day as the 2^nd day will be a long one.

Second Day
On the second day, start early, have breakfast early, and visit Amber Fort at 8.30 am its opening time. From here visit Anokhi, a hand printing museum.   Proceed to Nahargarh Fort that is just 20 minutes’ drive, visit Jaigarh fort prior to Nahargarh.  Visiting Nahargarh Fort early is to have lunch and this is not available in Jaigarh or Amer forts.

After visiting Nahargarh fort, go to Jaigarh fort and tot Jal Mahal. With the sunset, take a boat ride on the beautiful lake. This brings to the 2nd-day end of the 3 days trip to Jaipur. On the 2^nd day, everyone feels tired as there is low of walking done and so finally have a nice dinner in the hotel and take good rest.

Third Day
On this itinerary, go on the 3^rd day to city locations. This will take considerable time and will require a lot of walking. Start early on the third day, visit a temple, later head to Rambagh Palace, and from there go to Sishodri Rani Garden. Visit the Jaipur zoo, in case you are accompanied by kids, they are sure to love this visit and will enjoy the animals that the historical sightseeing.

As the final visit of this 3 days itinerary to Jaipur, visit Chokni Dhani or some other identical setup in an ethnic Jaipur village.  Make it a point to reach a little before 8 pm, at around 6.30 and 7 pm, and avoid Sunday evenings, if possible.  This experience here is worthy and you can stay until they shut down at 11 pm.

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1. Carry cash handy

Engulfed in a thick grove, you may be charmed by the bird’s musical chirping and the wild animal’s occasional acoustics is sure to imbue you. It is an experience to cherish for life and best if you have some cash handy on this en route to your destination.

2. Extra sim card
If you wish to stay connected at all times this is one of the important thing when going for a jungle safari.  This is to have it for your own support. In case your network fails to hold strong, you may carry an extra sim card.

Plan a Jungle Safari Trip

 3. Stay primitive
In the jungle safari, you are disconnected from the outside world, while you are in a jungle secluded, away from the society hustle and bustle. A jungle safari trip reveals the hearth and depth of nature and it is refreshing. It is a serene and secluded trip reminding of your ancestral life. It is best to consider the temperatures, day and night. You may depend on Google for information. The weather may be rough or you need to experience cold or extreme heat or maybe both at a time. All these need different preparation type.

4. Follow safari rules
It’s important that you adhere to the code of conduct. These codes are about not talking loudly, not littering, not eating, not screaming at animals, not coming out of the vehicle. It is recommended to wear dull clothes and colors so that it camouflages with the surroundings. The jungle is the residence of the animals, so there is a need to follow the rules as a responsible citizen.

5. Pre-book your safaris
Having a planned vacation to a jungle safari is a good idea, but there is also a need to book in advance so that the disappointment of last minute booking may be avoided.

6. Pack in advance.
Remember to pack in advance one day, as you may have to leave for a ride early in the morning. Pack in advance and reach on time the safari.

7. Carry light weight cloths and toiletries
Of course you’re not going to forget clothes! But it’s important that you carry right kind of cloths, there might be weight restrictions for carrying the stuff. Also due to mobile nature, there is a possibility that you may not be able to change clothes often. There could be shortage of laundry service, while you are in the jungle. Therefore, it is important to carry light weight and sweat absorbing cloths.

8. Include important things
Your booking information and ID proof are the most important documents to carry. You may carry Cap, water, binoculars, insect repellent cream, sunscreen, glares, scarf, camera, torch; medicines, seasonal clothes, and food that are allowed to eat at break time are essentials to save your day.

9. Reach and leave on time
Safaris follow a specific routine of time. They do not entertain late entrance the. Moreover, while returning, if late, the guide and your safari guide are penalized. So realizing that is equally important.

10. Organized vs. private tours
If you are new, take a safari tour. The logistics are sure to baffle you. You can enjoy this tour if you follow the 10 point packing checklist when going on jungle safari.

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Spending time in Coorg means you get to enjoy and explore all the fun it has to offer. Planning a Coorg trip means you need not draw out an itinerary. The undulating green hills amidst the blue bright skies make Coorg a true Scotland of India. The region is scenic and is renowned for its coffee in high-quality. However, this ultimate guide to explore Coorg reveals that food connoisseurs, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, photographers, and culture vultures will also love to visit this place. There is nothing to stop from participating in interesting activities and here are a few best things that is worth doing in Coorg.
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At Dubare Elephant Camp, bathe elephants
Taking care and playing with elephants in Coorg is one of the fun activities. In Dubare, the elephant camp has a large herd of elephants and they allow you to feed, bathe, and also ride. This is a perfect place located ideally on the river bank and it allows to cool off during summers. Visit in May and enjoy doing the best things you never imagined of.

At the Golden Temple Experience Tibetan culture
Coorg in Southern India is the only place having a Tibetan settlement. A Tibetan monastery is locally referred to as the Golden Temple. The stalls surrounding this monastery have Tibetan foods such as thupka and momos.

Abbey Falls Photograph
Coorg is full of nature’s bounty and photographing is the best things in Coorg. The location of the milky waterfall is in a scenic plantation of coffee and spice offering a wonderful view making it an ideal choice for a photograph. Head to Abbey falls and take some good pictures.

Trek through the hills and jungles
The Western Ghats verdant dot Coorg that offers ample opportunities for trekking and hiking. Some treks include Kodachadri, Brahmagiri, Tadiandamol, Mullayanagiri, and Kumara Parvatha. Trekking in Coorg is ideal in winters as the forests are dry green and is an ultimate guide to explore Coorg..

Coorg Cuisine
Coorg cuisine is completely different. It is predominantly non-vegetarian and they make use of the forest produce local ingredients such as meat, rice-based products, and rice. Eating pandi curry or pork is the favorite in Coorg. However, the vegetarians can relish akki roti, koovaleputtu, and nool puttu.

Walking in a coffee plantation
Coffee bean picking in Coorg is the best things and being the largest coffee producer and so finding spice and coffee plantation is possible easily as it is spread all over. The season of coffee picking season is from November to January. This ultimate guide to explore Coorg is to explore the plantation through nature walks on Coorg.

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Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan, are on the holy Ganges river banks in Rishikesh. It is the top yoga centers and the biggest ashram. There are 1,000 rooms on the eight acre sprawling campus, with various rates based on the accommodations standard and view. The initial stays are permitted up to 15 days are.  In this price, two yoga classes and daily three meals are inclusive in this price. The ashram runs an extensive yoga program, spirituality and Vedic heritage, and teacher training courses. In fact, even outsiders are welcome on giving a donation to attend daily classes. The Ganga aarti ashram’s evening is popular.

Sivananda Ashram
Sivananda Ashram is one of the top yoga centers. It is established by Swami Sivananda and is operated by the Divine Life Society. The five yoga point’s teachings are based on breathing, postures, meditation, relaxation, and diet. Meditationand free yoga classes are taught daily. Nevertheless, the accommodations are available to spiritual serious seekers and they have to apply in advance. It is provided with food as free of charge. The ashram is near Ram Jhula and it is close to the main road.

 Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
This is the guesthouse of the Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. It houses the Patanjala Yoga Kendra yoga center. The specialty is the Iyengar yoga classes. The center is at the Muni-ki-Reti Rishikesh area, on the Ganges river banks. There is own ghat, and a daily aarti performance. Yoga classes are open to everyone on all the days, but reservations must be made in advance for the yoga intensive courses. Bhagavad Gita lectures are also offered, while the accommodations are priced reasonable and clean, while many rooms feature river views.

Yoga Niketan
Yoga Niketan was established by Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahansa in 1964, a renowned master of Raja Yoga who spent in Himalayas his life. The traditional ashram teaching is located in the Rishikesh Muni-Ki-Retiarea that is solely based as per the Patanjali Yoga Shastra, on the Eight Fold Path. Students follow strict yoga as daily schedule, meditation, and lectures. The ashram has 100 comfortable rooms for students, featuring private bathrooms and hot water.

Sadhana Mandir
Sadhana Mandir was established in 1966 by Swami Rama, and many other prominent spiritual books. The Himalayan Tradition is the focus at this ashram. It has a setting of the garden on the Ganges River banks, but this is away from the Rishikesh hustle and bustle. Various retreats are offered, this includes weekend retreats and they conduct longer 10-day retreats.

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama was founded by a Swami Rama disciple, Swami Veda Bharati. This is in the Himalayan Tradition meditation instruction, and is a highly regarded center into yogic meditation for scientific research. Accommodationsare provided as self-contained cottages. There is daily schedule of activities including breathing, meditation, and Hatha yoga.

If you inclined towards self-discovery, Rishikesh has a lot to offer you.

Know about upcoming Spiritual retreats in India

Romantic places to visit on Valentine’s day in India

1. Kumarakom, Kerala

Spend on the quaint backwaters your valentine’s day in the pristine Kumarakom city. This is the most romantic places for Valentine’s Day in India. Make lasting promises with your lover in each other arms as the boat rows slowly through the lotus laden, smooth waters and scenic vistas of Southern India.  It is actually not an affair for a few hours, but you may spend the night in traditional houseboats featuring a sitting area, cozy bedrooms, and kitchenette and en-suite bathroom.

Tip: Prefer a private boat

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2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Amidst the stunning Western Ghats views and magnificent hills beauty, Ooty is the ideal place for couples on Valentine’s Day. The serene hill station and the chilly winds allow to cuddle in your partner’s warmth and to revel in the intimacy.

Tip:  Reach Ooty, by taking train and pass through the winding hills offering a glimpse of the romantic and beautiful views.

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3. Agra, UP

A couple at Taj Mahal will rediscover love at this epitome of romance. This is the wonderful places to visit on Valentine’s Day.  You may stay at The Oberoi Hotel and enjoy a lavish evening while basking in magnificent glory. This is one of the historical structures and do not miss the nearby Fatehpur Sikri.

Tip: Ensure to book in advance and enjoy flocking a visit on Valentine’s Day to Agra.

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4. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar has snowy, white landscapes in Kashmir. There is snowball fight for the two to get into fun attacks and also to get entwined in the charm of each other making this Valentine’s Day the best. Stay abroad on Dal Lake and have a beautiful experience.

Tip: Do not miss on Dal Lake a shirkara ride and sunset views.

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5. Havelock, Andaman Islands

This is certainly a great place for a Valentine’s Day. The sand, the sea, and the sun have an appeal luring the lovebirds from all the places in the globe.  Havelock Island is a paradise for couples and is a preferred holiday destination for Valentine day celebration in India. You can walk on the golden beach sands with your beloved and walk through ups and downs of life.

Tip: This is the best places for Scuba diving in India, so be a part of this activity.

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6. Goa:

Goa is the right place for party lovers and beach bums. This is the best fun places on earth to enjoy valentines day. The scenic and old forts, Portuguese architecture offer many romantic settings to lose each other and to relive the passion.

Tip: For a more peaceful stay, prefer South Goa

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There are luxurious ways of having a nice time with your better half and it can include spa therapies and enjoying the royal ambience.

India:

India has the Himalayas in the north. In fact, multiple states in the north in India are flanked by the Himalayas. States right from Uttaranchal to Sikkim are flanked by the Himalayas. Thus, when you’re looking to explore the Himalayas in India, there are quite a few options which you can choose from. Moreover, each one of the states has multiple tourist attractions as well as hill stations which are situated in the Himalayas. This ensures that you are able to explore the tourist attractions as per your preference. If you’re looking for a quiet vacation, you can head over to any of the hill stations which are situated in the Himalayas. Some of these instructions include:

• Nainital
• Gangtok
• Kausani
• Mussoorie

You can choose between these hill stations quite easily when you are looking to explore the Himalayas in India.

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Nepal:

Nepal is nestled in the Himalayas. That is why, wherever you go right from the capital city of Kathmandu to the countryside, you will be able to explore Himalayas 1^st and. The best way to explore the Himalayas is to witness the peaks like Mount Everest. Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world and is part of the Himalayan range. That is why, when you’re looking to explore the Himalayas from Nepal, it is a good idea to go for the aerial view of Mount Everest or if you are mountain climber, you can even think about scaling the peak as well. There are various other peaks in Himalayan mountain range situated in April which you can think about climbing as well.

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Bhutan:

Bhutan is another country which is located in the Himalayas. Needless to say, there are plenty of peaks as well as mountains in the Himalayan ranges which you can witness from Bhutan. Also, one thing which you need to keep in mind is that Bhutan issues limited visas each and every year. This is the reason why you have to get the visa in advance. Moreover, there are plenty of trekking routes along the Himalayas in Bhutan as well. One such a route which is pretty famous with the tourist goes by the name of The Snowman Trek. It usually takes 25 days in order to complete the entire route. If you’re looking for shorter routes as well, there are quite a few options available. These will take you through the narrow emollient passes and allow you to witness the beauty of the Himalayas.

Bhutan Travel Packages

Thus, whenever you’re looking to explore the Himalayan range, it is a good idea to explore it from any of these 3 countries. Each one of these provides you with access to the Himalayan range and to witness the enormous beauty of the Himalayan range.

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1. Manali:

Manali is located in the Kullu Valley. Since it is nestled in a valley, you can be sure that you will be able to see mesmerizing visuals all around this little town. It has plenty of tourist attractions as well. When you’re looking for hotels in the hill station, you will find quite a few options which ensure that you are able to explore the hill station with ease. You can find budget hotels, as well as a luxury hotel, is in this little town.

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2. Leh Ladakh:

Leh Ladakh is situated between the Himalayan Karakoram range. With such a beautiful landscape, you can be sure that it is actually much more interesting as compared to any other Hill station in India. Some of the places which you should definitely visit when you’re in Leh Ladakh include:

• Pangong lake
• Shanti Stupa
• Tso Moriri Lake

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3. Shimla:

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is the most popular hill station in entire northern India. It is famous for its attraction of toy train as well as the ridge and also the mall Road where you can buy local souvenirs as well as shop for each and everything which you want. It is also frequented by couples on honeymoons. It is easily accessible all over India and that is why it has become one of the most famous hill stations in India.

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4. Dharamsala:

Dharamsala is another hill station which is located in Himachal Pradesh. It is also the residence of Dalai Lama. It houses the Tibetan government in exile. If you’re looking for a calm and cool place to spend your vacation, then this is the hill station which you should head out to. Some of the tourist attractions which you can visit include:

• Dharamsala cricket stadium
• St. John in the wilderness church
• War Memorial

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5. Dalhousie:

Dalhousie is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It became famous during the British area. It houses plenty of colonial mansions. There are plenty of tourist spots to visit nearby. Some of the tourist spots which you should definitely frequent include:

• Khajjiar
• PanchPulla
• Satdhara falls

Thus, when you’re looking to visit the hill stations in North of India, these are the ones which you should visit. These are some of the best hill stations in entire India. Give wings to your travel dream and take out time to visit some of these amazing places at least once.

Have a memorable experience!