Tons Valley : The Place is gem for the all those who are interested in exciting adventure sports

Tons Valley is a region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This region is located in Netwar, and it is one of the most intriguing places in the entire state. Tons Valley differs from all the other locations through the temples present in the valley. A key feature of these temples is the fact that the temples in this valley are all dedicated to the Kauravas – antagonists in the popular Mahabharata folklore. The residents of Tons Valley worship the Kaurava clan from the Mahabharata as Gods, and there are many temples in this valley dedicated to prominent Kaurava figures like Karna and Duryodhana, portraying them as Gods. This is because the people of Tons Valley identify themselves as part of the Kaurava army from the ancient ages.

There are many other temples in this valley as well, and some of them are dedicated to the chief deity Lord Shiva. The temple dedicated to Karna is the most popular temple in the region. This temple is located in a small village called Sarnaul which is located a small distance away from the valley.

Another famous temple in the valley is the Pokhu Devta valley. Although similar to Karna’s temple in architecture, the insides of this temple resemble a sacrificial chamber. The face of the deity is rumored to be too intense and it is never shown to the visiting public.

How to reach Tons Valley

Tons Valley By Train:

Trains to Tons Valley can be taken till the nearest railway station, located in the city of Dehradun. Dehradun lies at a distance of 175 kilometers from the Tons Valley region, and buses will be available from the railway station in Dehradun to Tons Valley. Cabs can also be taken for fares ranging around Rs 10 to 12 per kilometer. Trains to Dehradun will be available from all locations including Jammu Tawi, New Delhi, Howrah, Ujjain, Mumbai, Okha and Allahabad. Trains from Mumbai will charge fares of Rs 441 for sleeper class tickets.

Tons Valley By Bus:

Buses to Tons Valley will be available from all nearby important locations like Mori, Mussoorie and even Dehradun. Buses from Mussoorie will be available in both air conditioned and non air conditioned types. Buses will also be available under private category and government-run category. Buses run under the government mainly cover many corners of the state comprehensively. Buses from the hill station of Mussoorie to Tons Valley will charge fares of around Rs 90 to 100, for the distance of 139 kilometers

Flora and Fauna of Tons Valley :

Tons is a botanists paradise. The rich variety of Himalayan flora and fauna adorns the valley. The green alpine valley is full of multicolored flowers – nasturtiums with bright yellow and red flowers, primulas, geraniums white chrysanthemums along with various types of wild roses.

The dense forests of deodar, pine, oak, birch, chestnut, rhododendron and jamun are a home to various species of birds including the Monal Pheasant, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Snow Cock, Golden Eagle, Black Eagle Bearded Vulture, Parakeets and Pigeons etc. The area is also known for the some of the most rare and endangered species of animals such as Snow Leopards, Himalayan Tahr, Balbk Bear, Brown Bear and Musk Deer. 

Tons Valley Adventure Activities : 

White Water Rafting Tons : 

Tons Valley comes with the excitement guaranteed tag for visitors. You can either choose from the complete six days whitewater wilderness experience with solid V+kind of sections or the small one day rafting trips according to your convenience. Rafting at Tons offers you the opportunity to discover the hidden treasures, enjoy the interactions with the locals and take photographs. Travel agents provide you the best safety measures along with the trained crew, there to help you any time. If you don't have the equipment  the camps here will arrange it for you.

Trekking Tons :

Enjoy Tons to the fullest. Embark on the exciting trekking trips at Tons. If you are interested in the small nature walks to the nearby villages and meadows, you can opt for the short trails. One can also take on the longer treks which can be simply night out in wilderness offering breathtaking and enthralling trekking routes for the adventure enthusiasts. You can trek to Kedar Kantha, the gorgeous Har-ki-dun Valley and the remote Ruinsara Tal. You can also trek to Kinnaur and onto the Yamuna and Bhagirathi water sheds.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling Tons: 

If you are an adventure freak and have a fascination of exploring the new heights, then this tour is perfect for you. Depending upon the experience of the participants, there are many sheer rock faces in the areas that are perfect for rock climbing. If are good at climbing, than you can definitely try out this sports. For the initiators team of experts that provide a very safe and exciting experience.

Camping Tons Valley Uttaranchal:

Get set for the great camping deals on the adventure tour to valley of Tons. Located at the height of 3,600 feet above the sea level, it is the ideal place for family camping. You have the option of pitching your own tent or putting up at an organized campsite on the sandy banks of the Tons river. Camping at Tons is a pleasant experience among the pine, fir, birch and rhododendron trees, providing you the ample opportunity to enjoy the serenity of nature with company of your friends and family.

Orchcha:

Orchcha
Orchha is one of the few places in India that combines natural beauty, the aesthetic legacy of history and a certain authenticity. Orchha is in transition from village to town and many of its smaller temples throne over well-tended fields. It's a paradise for bird watchers with a wide variety of colorful birds often making an appearance. Life in Orchha revolves around the Ram temple where one can see how vibrant Hinduism remains today.

Orchha's rapid development brings with it the chaos rooted in the lack of urban planning that is typical of India... inadequate roads, non-existent or choked drains and fast accumulating piles of waste. Being a small town of about 10,000 inhabitants, these problems are not insurmountable but require a strong dose of good governance and transparency in the use of public money. That is why the strengthening of local democracy is so important.
So is the empowerment of the women of Orchha who remain constrained by traditional attitudes concerning their roles and capabilities. Meeting women from other cultures has made them aspire to more independence for their daughters.

Best Season of Orchcha:

The Climates in Orchcha are both hot and cold. In summer, the temperature rises to about 48 °C and minimum temperature is about 25°C. Winters during December to February are pleasant within a temperature range of 9°C to 25°C. Mansoons offers average ranfall.

Bastar- Dussera days during September – October are very attractive with processions and Illuminations. Nine days festivals are accompanied by fairs and culture programs.

Best Time to visit is October to March. March and April provide eye catching view of landscape adorned of palash blossoms.

How to Reach:

Orchha By Train

Jhansi railway station, 16 km away from Orchha, is the nearest railway station. Jhansi is situated on the major rail route and there are regular train services to the major cities in India. Direct train services are available from Delhi, Mumbai and Agra. Taxis are available in the railway station and cost about Rs 350 to reach Orchha.

Orchha By Air

Gwalior is the nearest airport to Orchha (116 km). Flight services are available to Khajuraho, Delhi and Varanasi. Delhi, 435 km away from Orchha, is the major international airport, which is connected to all major cities in India and many cities in abroad. Taxis are available in the Gwalior airport and cost about Rs 2,500 to reach Orchha. Some of the closest cities to Orchha include Jhansi (19km/half an hour) and Bhopal (374 km).

 Orchha By Bus

Many private and Government Transport bus services are available to reach Orchha from Jhansi (16 km). Orchha is well connected by buses with Bhopal, Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho and Gwalior. Super fast, Tourist A/C and Deluxe buses are available these cities to reach Orchha.0

  

Munnar: The Summer getaway destination:

Come summer and all travel plans route through one destination in Karela- Munnar. Sitauted in Idukki District of Kerala, Munnar is one of the attraction that contribute to kerala’s popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travelers. Perched about 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once used to be the summer resort of the British administrations in south India. Marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, canonical bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather, it is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.


One of the Main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant- the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animal’s birds.

A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blanket of mists. Located inside the park is the Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700m. treks to the peak are allowed with the permission of the forest and wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Another place of interest, located about 13km from Munnar town, is Mattupetty. Known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, Mattupattey’s fame is also attributes to the dairy farm run by the Indo Swiss livestock project, where one would come across different high yielding breads of cows.

Pallivasal, located at about three Kms from Chithirapuram in Munnar, is the venue of the first hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favored by Visitor as a picnic spot, Near the town of Munnar chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. When you have traveled about seven kilometer from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal, a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by the tea plantation and evergreen forest.

Top stations, which is about 32km from Munnar, is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar Kodaikanal road. Travelers to Munnar make it a point to visit top station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighboring state of tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolutions of the tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Karela’s high ranges a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata tea in Munnar. This tea museum houses curios, photographs and machineries, all of which have a story to tell on the origin and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata tea in Munnar and worth a visit. 

By Air: Nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (CIAL) at Nedumbassery about 125 km away. It handles both domestic and international flights. One can fly to Singapore, Middle East and Malaysia and to most major Indian cities. Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher operate daily flights. Pre-paid taxi service Cochin Airport Taxi Society (CATS) can be hired to reach Munnar from Kochi. Both AC and non AC cabs are available. Taxis charge an additional premium of 15-25 per cent as night charges (7 PM-6 AM).

By Train: Though Theni in Tamil Nadu is the nearest railhead (60 km away), Aluva at about 110 km away, is preferred as it is a major train station and transport services to reach Munnar are more. Aluva lies on the Trichur-Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram line. Aluva is connected to major Indian cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Delhi andMumbai.

By Bus: Munnar is connected to other cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by government and private run buses. Many tour providers arrange packaged bus tours to Munnar from Kochi. Though direct buses to Munnar may be difficult to find, direct bus services to Kochi and Kottayam are plenty. Private deluxe AC buses ply regularly between Kottayam and Kochi and several south Indian cities, including Chennai, Mangalore, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram. One can catch a connecting bus from any of the cities.

Kumarakom – Paradise on Earth

Location: 16 km away from Kottayam town, Central Kerala.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.

Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences. 

Best time to visit Kumarakom:

Kumarakom experiences a tropical climatic condition and the best time for visiting the place is from September to March.

• Winters (November to February) are pleasant and temperature goes down to a minimum of 18°C. This period is perfect for sightseeing and carrying out all types of tourist activities.

• Summers (March to May) days are accompanied by warm climate and the temperature reaches up to a maximum of 37°C. Summer days are not preferable by most tourists but one can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

• Monsoons (June to September) months has medium rainfall in Kumarakom. In monsoons, backwater cruising is not allowed. But this period is ideal for spotting birds.

September to February draws many tourists in Kumarokam, and this period is ideal for sightseeing, exploring flora and fauna as well as all types of tourist activities. During monsoon months backwater cruising is not permitted and this time is not ideal for outings and outdoor activities. However, the place offers beautiful greenery which is ideal for nature lovers. Bird watching centre at Kumarakom also attract many tourists during post monsoon seasons. Many migratory birds can be spotted here during this season. 

Place to Visit: 

Vembanad Lake:

Vembanad Lake is commonly known as Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol. It is one of the longest lakes in India and the largest in Kerala. This lake is called by different names like Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and Kochi Lake in Kochi. The Kochi Lake also houses the Kochi Port, which is situated around two islands of Vallarpadam and Willingdon.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is celebrated annually in the Kuttanad region. Vembanad Lake is divided into two zones, namely the salt water zone and freshwater zone.

There are varied species of birds, animals, reptiles and plants near this lake that make it an ideal tourist spot in the region. It also features more than 150 species of fish along with shrimps, crabs, squid and prawns.

Juma Masjid

Juma Masjid at Thazhathangadi is situated at a distance of around 12 km from Kumarakom. This mosque is famously known as Thazhathangadi Mosque, which lies on the banks of River Meenachil. It is more than 1000 years old and is considered to be one of the oldest mosques in India.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to different species of birds, including migratory birds from Siberia. This sanctuary is spread across 14 acres and was established by the Government of India for preserving coconut trees and mandrakes, which are the natural habitat of birds.

The popular bird species found at this bird sanctuary are water duck, waterfowl, owl, heron, egret, cuckoo and Siberian cranes. Tourists can also see kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers, night herons and golden-backed woodpeckers.

This sanctuary is best visited between the months of November and February when migratory birds from across the globe come here for mating. The ideal time for watching the local birds in this sanctuary is from June to August.

It also houses a 'Baker's Mansion' which is over 50 years old and is managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The sanctuary was also known as 'Baker's Estate' and can be easily reached via boats.

Bird watching can be enjoyed by hiring houseboats and motorboats on the Vembanad Lake. The best time for going on boat trips and enjoy bird watching is during dawn and dusk.

Kumarakom Beach

Kumarakom Beach is an ideal place to relax and enjoy various types of beach activities and water sports. Some of these water sports are water skiing, wind surfing, para-sailing  water polo, boating and swimming. Volleyball, sunbathing, water aerobics and frisbee are popular tourist activities.

The resorts located near this beach are replete with facilities like spa, ayurvedic massage centers, yoga training and other health related programmers. Nature walks and houseboat cruises at this beach are highly popular. 

Must Do:

The destination is most popular for its backwater boathouse rides. Rentals are relatively expensive, but well worth every penny if you can also get a good chef on board, who is well versed in exotic local cuisine. It would be well worth to research on reliable service companies and demand for a good chef, while making your booking.

How to Reach:

By car

Approximately 2 hours from Cochin International Airport.

By bus

Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam and Cochin.

By train

Kottayam (16km)

By plane

via Cochin International Airport (75 km)

By boat

From Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty.

Palampur

Palampur : Gorgeous, Pretty and Enchanting

Palampur is a fascinating spot in the Kangra Valley, surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests. The place enjoys a healthy climate and the pine scented air is said to have curative properties. The scenery presents a sublime and beautiful contrast- the plain presents a picture of rural loveliness and repose, while the hills are majestic. Behind this town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, whose tops remain covered for most part of the year. This place is being developed as large tourist centre. A ropeway and an amusement park is also on the to be established here. An Agricultural University is already functioning and some tea factories are also coming up. There are also some pleasant walks around the town. A short walk from here takes one to the awe inspiring Bundla chasm which falls over a 100mts. to the Bundla stream. The stream is a thin streak running over stony ground far below the cliff. During the monsoon seasons, it swells and rages – madly over the entire width of the chasm taking stones and boulders along with it and makes loud roaring noise like thunder. Palampur houses two very important institutions – Agriculture University and CSIR Complex.

Plampur By Air

Gaggal is the nearest airport to Palampur . Gaggal is about 35km away from Palampur. Taxis  are available from Gaggal to Palampur with a fare of about Rs. 750. Gaggal is connected to Delhi and Mumbai by air international travelers have to get flight connection form Delhi, which is 535 km away. Tourist taxi charges about Rs 10000 form Delhi to Palampur.

Palampur by Train:

Broad gauge and narrow gauge are available nearby to Palampur. Marandra railway station 2km away from Palampur is the nearest narrow gauge railway station. Nearest broad gauge railway station Pathankot, this is 115km away from the town. These stations are connected to other major railway stations. Taxis are available from the Railway stations to Palampur.

Palampur by Bus:

State owned public transport regular bus services are available from Palampur to Major cities like Mandi, Pathankot, and Dharmshala. Public bus fare is less than rs. 2per km.  

Pearl of Andaman : Phuket:

Phuket is a nonstop destination for the romantic youngster or Family visitor from India. Phuket, also known, as pearls of the Andaman Sea, which is the home to many famous attractions, entertainment shows, shopping centers, spas, golf courses and activities for a family vacation or a romantic holiday or just a chilled-out vacation with friends!

Patong beach is the most popular beach in Phuket, especially for young travelers, offering various water sports and activities such kite surfing, paragliding and wind surfing. Island hopping is one of popular activities. Diving lovers can enjoy under water activities at Racha Island or snorkeling at Koh He.

Another option is to take a speedboat trip to the surrounding Island or enjoy the scenic view of the Phang Nga Bay or charter a yacht by Silver Hawk group or Jabu Days for romantic sunset dinner cruise or a day trip to follow the bond foot print Jame Bond Island Phang Nga bay.


Other popular beaches include Karon, kata kalim, Nai Yang, Nai Harn beach has also been voted by Trip adviser travelers€™s as one of the top 10 beautiful beaches in Asia for the 2013 travelers€™ choice beaches Awards. Tourist can also visit the Royal Phuket Marina and enjoy the open ambiance  entertainment, shopping and various dining option. Phuket is also equipped with world standard championship course like Blue Canyon Club, Phuket country club or Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Phuket Country Club for Golf lovers and businessmen. For women, there are world class spas, and wellness centers. Phuket also has option for kinds such as Elephant Rides, Splash Jungle Water Park, mini Golf at Dino Park, Phuket Aquarium or Surf house. Khao lak, the surrounding area of Phuket has clear water, pure white sandy beaches, peaceful surrounding. It serves as perfect hideaway from stress of everyday lifestyle. Thai Smile, operated by Thai Airways will be launching direct flights connections from New Delhi to Phuket as well as Mumbai to Phuket from April 2013 onward, making it a lot more convenient to travel to Phuket.