Goa India which certainly is the most popular seaside location in Indian, is frequented by a large number of vacationers every year from all over the world. Goa presents of a forcefully long shore line that homes over 40 seashores epitomizing mirth and comfort. A Goa seaside can be an incredibly appealing matter as, as opposed to most seashores that are either too noisy or too quiet, it is a pleasurable mix of relaxed environment and merriment.

Description of Goa beaches: Though a Goa seaside is known for the joie de vivre and younger exuberance it supports, the high and swaying palms have an built in power to power comfort and excited appeal. Like a magnificent first who never isn’t able to manipulate, the Goa seaside, too, is hauntingly wonderful. The dark pink sea titillates a exhausted mind into wakefulness and the freezing ocean that hug you can be seriously sexual. Perhaps this is why Goa is a well-known vacation for really like wildlife and happily committed.

A vacation in Goa, just like a Kerala trip, can be incredibly enchanting. If Kerala’s lagoons and backwaters have that perfume of quiet ambiance, the Goa seashores are symbolic of enthusiastic really like, enthusiasm and energy. A younger reveler can move, take pleasant falls, search or vessel while a more demure individuality can basically lie down on the unique seaside and experience the sun, air flow and the environment. Besides vast down on the fantastic unique carpeting, you can food over grape juice which is as delicious as it is valuable. Soft drinks and whiskeys are choices and mostly recommended for night-time events. The air flow coming from the group of palms can be as relaxing as a woman’s lullaby.

Some mentioned Goa beaches: Though Goa’s shoreline has given the state a number of seashores, some of the more well-known ones involve the Miramar Beach, Dona Paula seaside, Vagator seaside, Cavelossim seaside and Anjuna seaside. Some of these are full of life with younger revelers drinking around while some provide solitude and wonderful quiet that is soulful and emotionally relaxing.Vacation Packages India

Inner treats of a vacation in Goa: Though, no amount of praiseworthy thoughts is enough to do the law to the appeal of the Goa seashores, there is no doubting that there can be much more to look ahead to during a vacation in Goa. A traveler can basically not pass up out on the treats that Goa’s inner openings provide. The areas tell of the Italy northeastern principle as historical chapels, cemeteries, fortifications and historical typical monuments are spread everywhere. Record can never seem more real and right-in-front-of-your-eyes with everything around you evoking remembrances of the past era.Honeymoon Vacation packages

There are some heavy jungles, unique creatures, glowing falls and gatherings & carnivals. The people are incredibly genial and the dishes are lip-smacking. Viewing Goa is no less than going for walks into the wonderful Yard of Eden!

India is a land of cultural and religious diversity. Unlike the Western world, religion permeates every facet of life in India. I recall that on my first trip to India, I was surprised to see religious icons everywhere I went, including places of business such as banks and grocery stores. Since religion is such a big part of life in India, it is important for visitors — including those who are not themselves particularly religious — to prepare themselves for the proper way to show respect in religious settings in India.

The good news is, although the religions are very diverse in India, many of the same rules of etiquette apply, regardless of the religion. India holiday packages

Here are the two main things to keep in mind, when you visit a church, mosque, or temple in India.

Remove Your Shoes Before Entering Religious Buildings in India

There is some variation from one building to another when it comes to the need to remove shoes before entering a place of worship in India. For instance, every time I visited a Hindu temple, or even stepped into a puja room (shrine) in a private home, I was expected to remove my shoes. In contrast, some, but not all Christian churches required me to take off my shoes. The good news is, it doesn’t take long to figure out whether or not to remove your shoes, as you can simply look to see what everyone else around you does.

Some places of worship have a place where you can “check in” your shoes and get a token of some sort that is used to claim the shoes when you come out of the temple. In others, people simple leave their shoes outside the entrance of the place of worship.

Be forewarned that the pavement surrounding the place of worship may be hot. On many occasions I wished I had a pair of socks with me to protect the soles of my feet, so you might want to have a pair along with you, just in case. India tour packages

Women Should Cover Their Heads in Places of Worship in India

When a woman covers her head in India, it is a sign of respect. Therefore, when entering a place of worship in India, women should make a point of covering their heads. In Christian churches, women may not always cover their heads when entering the church, but will be expected to cover their heads during prayer.

Indian clothing for women, such as saris and the popular salwar kameez are made in such a way that the pallu (fabric that goes over the shoulder of a sari), and the dupatta (scarf worn across the chest when wearing a salwar kameez), are used to cover the head when needed. If wearing western clothing, a woman can carry a scarf with her to use to cover her head when in places of worship in India. Find more info on India Tours

Honeymoon vacation is that period of life that everyone wants to be unforgettable. Honeymoon vacation is planning time also. It is the times in which extra attempts are put into creating the good comprehension grow. This growth is essential for a successful wedding life. During a honeymoon vacation a lot of privacy is predicted creating for lengthy closeness. In these times you change your really like, goals and experience. This will lead to accentuation of good comprehension. Individuals also expect beautiful encounters from honeymoon vacation Packages that they could keep anew in their collections of storage.

Goa India which is the smallest of Native indian declares is in the Konkan Shore of European Native indian. The southern aspect of Goa is cradled by European Ghats. It is location with tremendous bio-diversity. This fact was acknowledged by UNESCO while affirming it a bio-diversity spot. Then there are the ancient typical monuments of executive attractiveness, which are with or without northeastern effect, which you may experience. Honeymoon vacation trips Goa will be mainly associated with seashores and it is mistake of nobody. But there are much more to Goa than seashores – especially many points of interest which would provide as ideal back drop for a honeymoon vacation. There are the eco-tourism areas which stretch an request to invest a while in lap of characteristics. The stunning falls and peaceful ponds also follow.

Beach trips in Goa Holidays are still popular aspect of Goa offers. Your honeymoon will be gifted with complex encounters in Goan Shorelines. You can choose some hidden seaside especially in Northern Goa. You can huddle together and watch ocean of Arabian Sea eyelash one after another. You may create sand fortifications and let ocean fall it. Do not be diffident in playing in the ocean. Goan waters are safe for boating and there are guards on obligation on all seashores. You can have a fun time with assurance. The ochre seashores are alluring for sunbath and you will fight stay away. You and your girlfriend can lay aspect by aspect trading really like talk and satisfying looks furtively experiencing the sun. To add some adventurist factor there are possibilities for aquatic sports like Diving Going, Water Scootering, Para Cruising, Wind Browsing and Water Snowboarding. The popular seashores are Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim, Miramar in the Northern and Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem in the southern region.

You can have a vacation to southern aspect where grand European Ghats rule. There are many unique pets and wildlife to be savored in the creatures and chicken sanctuaries of Goa. The places will invigorate up your honeymoon and emphasize your really like. The important creatures and chicken sanctuaries in Goa are Bondla creatures haven, Molem creatures haven, Cotigao creatures haven, Madei creatures haven, Netravali creatures haven, Mahaveer creatures haven and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

You may also look at the liven farms which have kept their gates open for visitors. You could invest period in the lap of characteristics and enjoy a conventional cure. Savoi Plantations, Exotic Spice Town, Pascoal Spice village, Traditional plantation and Sahkar liven town are some places you may visit.

The executive magnificence of Goa is something that will stupefy you. The chapels, wats and fortifications of Goa will stay with you for a long time. The fat tuesday like mindset of Goan people is something which will enthrall you and create your honeymoon full of celebrations.

The maximum foreign tourists visit Goa situated in Western part of India every year. Goa attracts all types of visitors from all over the world due to its most scenic and attractive sea beaches, churches, temples, bars, and the gardens. Goa is covered under the union territory and not covered in any States of India. Goa has become an international airport and there are direct flights to Dabolin, Goa from London, Birmingham, and other European cities. The round trip tickets are also issued with stay of around one week in Goa beaches on all inclusive basis by many airlines.

Goa can be reached by train from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other major cities of south like Bangalore and Chennai. There are many flights from Mumbai for Dabolin, Goa. It takes around one hour to reach Goa by flight from Mumbai. There is also a hover craft service available from Mumbai that takes around 5 hours to reach Goa. This hover craft travels on the sea. This ride offers the unique opportunity to all the tourists to enjoy a small cruise. There is a River Mandovi at the capital city of Goa, which is called Panji. Panji is full of sea beaches, beautiful lush green forests, and gardens. There is a historical fort of Agwadi on the bank of River. This fort is worth visiting to view its unique architecture. There is an ancient light house near this fort. The famous sea beach of Calgud is located here. Almost all the visitors make sure to visit this lovely sea beach. The other place to be seen here is Mayom Lake. There is a facility of boating in this lake. The boating in this beautiful Lake in the evening hours is the most pleasant experience. There is a Mountain of Prayolponda near the city of Panji. There is a most famous temple of Lord Shiva, which is known as Shrimangesh temple. The temples of Shantadurga and Shri Ramnathji are also worth visiting here at Goa. The point at which the River Mandovi meets the Arabian Sea is really breathtaking. The tourists can exactly reach this point by boat. This meeting point is located at the Miamhar beach. This is the best beach of Goa. Don Paolo is the next beach to be seen here. There are many churches to be seen here. The famous church of St. Xavier’s is situated here. The dead body of St.xaviers is taken out for holy darshnas every four years since last 120 years. The people still say that the body of the Saint is still fresh as at the time of death, and have not decayed even slightly after these many years.

The old Goa is located 6 miles away from Panji. There are some famous churches here to be visited. The famous temple of Lord Malikarjun and Monika Math are good tourist attractions. There is a water fall, called Dudhsagar here in old Goa. The water falling in this fall is white like milk and hence, this fall is named as Dudhsagar fall. This fall is 1800 feet tall and presents the most beautiful scenic site of the nature. There are lots of water sports available at Goa sea beaches for the tourists. The beaches of Goa remain full of tourists all throughout the year. However, the maximum rush is during the Christmas India holidays in December. Make sure to book your hotel accommodation in advance if you are likely to visit Goa during this period.

There are many hotels and resorts available at Goa for the tourists ranging different per day. The resorts can be booked from any major cities of India tours through the travel agents or on line. I would suggest booking your hotel accommodation based on past experience of some of your friends or relatives. It would be adequate if you stay for around 5 to 6 days here to enjoy all the attractions of Goa. The drinks are available in all the varieties at Goa. The famous alcoholic drink of feni is really worth trying during your visit to Goa. Though, the taste of feni is very bitter and is not liked by many tourists, it needs to develop a taste for it. There are many bars and restaurants at Goa in all the corners of the city. The evenings are really enjoyable as it is a time for drink, dine, and dance with every body. Some serious concerns have been raised regarding the safety of foreign tourists at Goa recently. However, based on my own experience, I feel that Goa is absolutely safe for all the tourists. But it is recommended to avoid visiting the lonely places with the total strangers at late night hours.

Goa is a paradise of sea beaches that you can visit at a very reasonable charges with little advance planning. Why not to try it during your next visit to India?

Tips for planning a trip to India including the best places to visit in India, the best times to go to India and advice for travelling around India on public transport.

Most travellers make the mistake of trying to see too much of India in too little time. Travelling around the country takes time and too much travel from one place to another in India will leave anyone exhausted. It is impossible to see everything in a few months so some planning is required.

Places to Visit in India

South India has tropical beaches, Hindu temples, vibrant cities and spicy food. Rajasthan in the West of India offers beautiful old palaces and forts as well as camel safaris in the desert. Many travellers spend months in the gorgeous Himachal Pradesh valleys, surrounded by the magnificent Himalayas. For those who really love the mountains, Ladakh is the place to go for stunning mountain scenery, high-altitude lakes and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Few want to leave India without seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the holy cities such as Varanasi attract Hindu pilgrims and tourists. But between all these amazing destinations is thousands of miles of bad road, and some very slow trains.

There are so many places to see in India that it can be difficult to decide where to go. If time is limited, it is best to stick to exploring one region. One can easily spend months travelling around South India alone and still only see a small part of it. Most tourist visas allow a maximum stay of six months, which gives enough time to see a little bit of the North as well as a little bit of the South India tour.

Travelling in India is an experience in itself but can be hard work, and although it is good to have a plan, any schedule should not be too tight. In India anything can happen and it can happen very fast, from violent political demonstrations to a statewide strike that stops buses and trains for a day or two. There are areas in India that might be unsafe for tourists from time to time, especially in Kashmir.

Best Times to Visit India

The best time to visit South India is from November to March. The southwest monsoon starts from the Keralan coast in June and moves up to cover most of the country by July. It finishes by November, but the northeast monsoon still rains on the east coast and surrounding areas from October to December.

Those who don’t mind some rain can get great discounts in India’s hotels during the rainy season. Many beach resorts close for the monsoon but some, such as Palolem in Goa, are open around the year.

In November and December nights can still be cool even on Goa’s beaches but daytime temperatures are pleasant. Further north, however, winters get cold, and Delhi can be a surprisingly cold place to arrive to in December.

Around March it starts to get hot again and by May temperatures have become almost unbearable in south and central India. April and May are the months when most visitors move north to the mountains and hill stations, and this is the start of the high season in Himachal Pradesh and surrounding areas. The northernmost part of India, Ladakh, opens for tourism in May and the road from Manali to Leh is only open between May and October.

Best Ways to Discover India Tours

Domestic flights cover many destinations although airlines are raising flight prices in India blaming increased fuel costs.

Train travel in India can be either an interesting experience and a great way to see the country and meet local people, or a complete nightmare in a hot filthy carriage filled with twice as many passengers as should be humanly possible. Tickets for cheaper classes are very cheap but travelling in the pricier air-conditioned classes makes a long train journey much more enjoyable. First class tickets can be almost as expensive as flying.

The Volvo Bus network connects many cities and is a comfortable, fairly fast way to travel by coach in India. Local buses are cheap but uncomfortable and stop every couple of minutes. There are also private buses that connect many cities and tourist destinations.

For shorter trips and sightseeing it makes sense to rent a car with a driver. And of course there is the possibility of renting a motorbike.

Goa India is an surprisingly wonderful position in Indian. It is among the top honeymoon vacation areas of Indian. It is in fact paradise for newly-weds on their honeymoon. This wonderful position is endowed with various points of interest and touring areas. The seashores are however the center of attention of this position which is known all over the community. Well, Goa is the best position to enjoy your honeymoon vacation. With the help of Goa honeymoon vacation Packages India, you can experience the best honeymoon vacation trip and make endless remembrances with your lover.

Spending your special time with your lover at seashores of Goa will make your honeymoon vacation truly wonderful. There are several seashores in Goa where couple can appreciate laying in the sun, take pleasure in in aquatic actions, see the florida sunsets and lot more. The Goa seashores are well-known for its collaboration of mud, sea and palms.

The well known Goa seashores are Anjuna Seaside, Calangute beach, Colva Seaside , Baga Seaside, Dona Paula Seaside and Candolim Seaside etc. At these seashores, you can have tremendous ambiance and fun with your precious. Involving in aquatic actions such as water browsing, windsurfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, going and many more will give pleasure to you and your lover.

The ambiance of Goa Holidays at the seashores is something which should not be skipped by the partners. Enjoy night events with your precious along with different versions of Goan dishes. You can do lots of moving and enjoying with your precious. Moreover to this, experiencing dining at beach side with your wife will make your honeymoon vacation more wonderful. Apart from this, remaining at accommodations or accommodations in Goa will make your honeymoon vacation more wonderful.

There are several accommodations which provide newly-weds on their honeymoon with fantastic amenities. This in turn will make their stay here the best one. There are other points of interest in Goa which are worth viewing such as chapels and creatures sanctuaries. Thus, honeymoon vacation in Goa will never fall short to enlighten your center.

There are many Honeymoon Vacation Packages  in Indian provided by Take a trip hot. It is one of the best travel making your reservation for sites on the planet. Here you will get personalized and reduced holiday offers keeping your some time to effort as well as money. For Goa, you will get unique and eye-catching honeymoon vacation offers. You do not have to go anywhere and do research. Just book it online and the relax will be taken care by them. You will absolutely love to remember your older times spend with your wife in Goa.

The highest possible overseas vacationers check out Goa India located in American part of Indian every season. Goa appeals to all types of readers from all over the world due to its most beautiful and eye-catching sea islands, chapels, temples or wats, cafes, and the backyards. Goa is included under the partnership area and not included in any Declares of Indian. Goa has become an vacation terminal and there are immediate routes to Dabolin, Goa from Manchester, Manchester, and other American places. The game vacation ticket are also released with continue to be of around one week in Goa on all comprehensive time frame by many air carriers.
Goa Holidays
Goa can be attained by practice from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other significant places of southern like Bangalore and Chennai. There are many routes from Mumbai for Dabolin, Goa. It requires around one hour to arrive at Goa by vacation from Mumbai. There is also a float create service available from Mumbai that requires around 5 a long a chance to arrive at Goa. This float create journeys on the sea. This vacation offers the exclusive opportunity to all the vacationers to savor a small vacation. There is a Stream Mandovi at the funds of Goa, which is known as Panji. Panji is complete of sea islands, wonderful luxurious green jungles, and backyards. There is a traditional ft of Agwadi on the bank of Stream. This ft is value checking out to view its exclusive design. There is an historic light house near this ft. The prominent sea seaside of Calgud is located here. Almost all the readers create sure to check out this eye-catching sea seaside. The other place to be seen here is Mayom Pond. There is a ability of sailing in this lake. The sailing in this wonderful Pond at night a while is the most pleasurable practical knowledge. There is a Hill of Prayolponda near the town of Panji. There is a most prominent brow of Master Shiva, which is known as Shrimangesh brow. The temples or wats of Shantadurga and Shri Ramnathji are also value checking out here at Goa. The factor at which the Stream Mandovi satisfies the Arabian Sea is really spectacular. The vacationers can exactly arrive at this factor by vessel. This getting together with factor is located at the Miamhar seaside. This is the best seaside of Goa. Don Paolo is the next seaside to be seen here. There are many chapels to be seen here. The prominent religious of St. Xavier’s is located here. The deceased body of St.xaviers is taken out for sacred darshnas every four decades since last 120 decades. The people still say that your body of the E is still fresh as at plenty of duration of loss of life, and have not corroded even a little bit after these many decades.Vacation Packages India

The old Goa is located 6 distance away from Panji. There are some prominent chapels here to be frequented. The prominent brow of Master Malikarjun and Monika Numbers are good points of interest. There is a water slip, known as Dudhsagar here in old Goa. The water decreasing in this slip is white like use and hence, this slip is known as as Dudhsagar slip. This slip is 1800 toes in height and provides the most wonderful beautiful site of the dynamics. There are lots of aquatic sports available at Goa sea islands for the vacationers. The islands of Goa continue to be complete of vacationers all throughout the season. However, the highest possible hurry is during the Xmas vacations in November. Ensure that to book your resort hotel in progress if you are likely to check out Goa during this period.

There are many accommodations and accommodations available at Goa for the vacationers including Rs.240 ($6) per day up to Rs.8000 ($200) per day. The accommodations can be reserved from any significant places of Indian through the travel specialists or on line. I would recommend making your reservation for your resort hotel according to consider your practical knowledge of some of your friends or family members. It would be enough if you continue to be for around 5 to 6 days here to savor all the points of interest of Goa. The liquids are available in all the versions at Goa. The prominent liquor of feni is really value trying during your vacation to Goa. Though, the preference of feni is very nasty and is not liked by many vacationers, it needs to create a preference for it. There are many cafes and dining establishments at Goa in all the crevices of the town. The times are really pleasant as it is some time for consume, eat, and flow with every body. Some serious issues have been increased regarding the safety of overseas vacationers at Goa lately. However, according to my own practical knowledge, I feel that Goa is absolutely safe for all the vacationers. But it is suggested to avoid checking out the single places with the complete guests at evening hours a while.

Goa is a tropical of sea islands that you can check out at a very affordable expenses with little progress planning. Why not to try it during your next vacation to India?

Gujarat sees fewer tourists than its neighbor to the north, Rajasthan, but its hard to see why. Gujarat is rich in culture and has something to offer any traveler.

Gujarat state is a fantastic travel destination in India not only for its incredibly friendly people, but for its abundant and rare wildlife, interesting tribal people, unique textiles and crafts, peaceful beaches, and important religious sites.

Ahmedabad

Most people visiting Gujarat will begin in the capital city of Ahmedabad. This city is cleaner and less chaotic than many in India. With helpful people and metered auto-rickshaws, the ease of visiting Ahmedabad can be a breath of fresh air. Ahmedabad has several interesting sites to see, including some impressive baolis and the column-filled Jama Masjid, as well as some worthwhile day trips.

Every January, Ahmedabad hosts an International Kite Festival. This coincides with the national holiday of Makar Sakranti on January 14th, when everyone in Ahmedabad heads to the rooftops for a day of kite-flying, kite wars, and all-around fun.

Rare Gujarat Wildlife – Indian Wild Ass and Asiatic Lion

Desert, lakes, beaches, and forest – Gujarat has a diverse ecosystem that attracts abundant and varied wildlife. Gujarat is a bird-lover’s dream, but it is also home to two species of animal not found anywhere else – Indian wild ass and Asiatic lion.

The desert landscape of the Little Rann of Kutch is the only place to find Indian wild ass, an incredible creature that has managed to thrive in this harsh terrain. Those who wish to see the wild ass and other creatures that reside in the Wild Ass Sanctuary can arrange a wildlife safari from the town of Zainabad.

To see wild Asiatic lions, Sasan Gir National Park in southern Gujarat is the place to go. This forested park is unfortunately the last home of this amazing animal. Many other forms of wildlife can also be seen in the park.

Kutch – Tribes and Textiles

The Kutch district is the largest in Gujarat State. While it is a great place to see unique wildlife, Kutch has much more to offer. The Kutch region is home to many different tribal groups, such as the Koli, Harijian, and Wada tribes. While some of these tribes live in small towns, others remain in tiny villages or family-based communities dotted throughout the region.

These tribes are also known for their beautiful crafts and textiles, and there are a variety of styles and specialties throughout the region. Those who wish to learn more about the tribes, see their way of life, or observe the making of crafts such as embroidery, weaving, wood-working, and tie-dye can do so throughout the Kutch region.

Gujarat Beaches

Gujarat has many coastal towns lining its western and southern borders along the Arabian Sea. A favorite beach destination for many travelers is the tiny ex-Portuguese island town of Diu. Diu’s beaches are far less crowded than the more popular Goa in southern India and the town provides a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for those who visit.

Important Religious Sites in Gujarat

Gujarat is home to hundreds of religious sites that draw devotees year-round. One of the most impressive religious sites in the region are the mountaintop Jain temples in Palitana. Only a five-hour bus ride from Ahmedabad, this site should top the list for any itinerary in Gujarat.

Some other sites of religious significance:

Dwarka - This town on the far eastern tip of the state is one of the four most holy Hindu sites in India and draws a variety of religious pilgrims.

Junagadh - The Jain and Hindu temples atop Girnar Hill are of significant spiritual importance, making this a prime location for the Bhavnath Fair in February. Junagadh also has Buddhist caves.

Champaner - the mosques and tombs at and around the old city of Champaner make this an important piece of religious heritage. Find more info on India Tours and India Tour Operator

A tourists’ guide to the exotic Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve nestled in the South Indian hills of Kerala. The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve lies in the state of Kerala in the extreme southern portion of the Western Ghats and cover it as a sprawling expanse of nearly 800 square kilometers.

History

The founding of the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is credited to the Maharaja of Travancore in 1895 with SCH Robertson as its first game warden. Inspired by the tremendous biodiversity, he set up the Nellykapthay sanctuary which was later renamed the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary in 1950. It was later legislated to include a tiger reserve as part of the Project Tiger scheme (1978) and was declared a national park in 1982.

Terrain and the Layout of the Periyar National Park

At the centre of the Periyar National Park lies the pristine blue 26 square km Periyar Lake with waterways interlinking the hills. A dam constructed by the British in 1895 ensures the perennial supply of water for the wildlife tours india in the reserve. Spice gardens and plantations are present on the outskirts of the Park.

Flora and Fauna

The National Park boasts of 1936 floral species including the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus wallichianus and 145 fragment orchids. Periyar is also home to a host of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and avian species including the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, flying squirrel and Malabar Giant Squirrel.

A large number (probably over a thousand) of Indian elephants inhabit the forest and can be frequently spotted as opposed to the elusive Nilgiri Tahr which is seldom seen by tourists. In the dry season of March and April Indian bison (gaur), Sambhar and wild boar can be seen wandering by the lakeside. A large number of turtles, among them the Travancore Tortoise and Black Turtle are present in the Periyar Lake.

Other exotic creatures that can be spotted, with luck, in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary include leopards, Indian wild dogs, barking dear, mouse deer, common Indian monitors, Indian rock pythons, and of course the king of all reptiles – the king cobra.

Two other very rare reptiles are the nonpoisonous but attractively colored flying snake, and the flying lizard which effortlessly glides from tree to tree.

The Periyar avian kingdom attracts ornithologists from all corners of the country including the legendary Dr. Salim Ali. Cormorants, ibises, grey heron, kingfishers, racket tailed Drongo, great Malabar hornbill and the grey hornbill are some of the birds that can be spotted. Colorful moths and butterflies on display include Common Crow, Indian Fritillary and the Atlas Moth. You can explore more during India Tour Packages.

Advice to Tourists

The best time to visit the Periyar National Park is between the months of October and April. First reach Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s famous temple town before driving down to Thekkady and from there on head towards Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve by bus or privately hired vehicles. The distance between Madurai and Periyar National Park is approximately 150 km.

Further, tourists are encouraged to take full advantage of the Periyar Lake cruise, as well as the watch towers both of which are excellent ways to spot the exotic wildlife inhabiting the Periyar National Park.

Karnataka (South India) boasts of innumerable wildlife tours India, the most unique being an elephant camp in the Coorg district, 240 kilometers from the state capital, Bangalore. Dubare Elephant Camp is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, and is reached after a short, picturesque ride in a motorboat. However, the more adventurous can choose to cross over by stepping on big rocks that dot a shallow stretch of water.

Dubare affords a rare opportunity to interact at close quarters with Asian elephants, including bathing and feeding them! Every morning and evening, herds of majestic elephants head towards the river for a scrub bath, accompanied by their caretakers. Visitors can help to bathe the elephants as they take a dip, or just watch them playing and spraying themselves, sometimes with dust! The jumbos lie patiently in the water while tourists (young and old alike!) wade in to rub and wash them!

After a bath, the elephants make their way to the “feeding enclosure”, where one can watch them being fed, or feed them with bananas and balls of an indigenous cereal (cooked at the camp). Next, a couple of elephants take visitors for short rides around Dubare. We were privileged to see a special training session of elephants selecting logs of wood from a pile and depositing them elsewhere, according to instructions from their trainers of India Tours.

A conversation with naturalists at the reception center yields interesting facts. Dubare is home to elephants “retired” from their work of helping to capture and train “rogue” elephants for the forest department. There are twenty elephants at Dubare, with popular Indian names!

Apart from observing and participating in elephant activities, visitors to Dubare can enjoy fishing, rafting, bird watching or simply floating down the river in a coracle, (a circular, indigenous boat)! One can soak in the beauty of the landscape around Dubare as the coracle drifts between the rocks and under overhanging branches, lulled by the chirping of birds and insects. Cormorants, partridges, woodpeckers and kingfishers abound in the lush green forests along the river.

Accommodation at Dubare camp consists of modern yet eco-friendly cottages (complete with logwood furniture!) set amidst tall trees, with rooms overlooking the river. The best time to visit is between September and March, though Dubare is open throughout the year. This is a must-see eco places to visit in India to learn about and enjoy the lovable giant: the Indian elephant.