kolkata

Centuries before the advent of Western seafarers, the settlement of Kalikata (site of present-day Kalighat) had been home to a much-revered temple consecrated to the Hindu goddess Kali, which still stands today. That aside, the area was very much a rural backwater, and tales of tigers roaming the impenetrable jungles (where Park St now runs!) are rife in the city's lores. When British merchant Job Charnock showed up in 1690, he considered the site appropriate for a new, defendable colonial settlement, and within a few decades a miniature version of London – christened Calcutta – was sprouting stately buildings and English churches amid wide boulevards and grand formal gardens. The grand European illusion, however, vanished abruptly at the new city's frayed edges, where Indians servicing the Raj mostly lived in cramped, overcrowded slums.

The most notable hiccup in the city’s meteoric rise came in 1756, when Siraj-ud-daula, the nawab of nearby Murshidabad, captured the city. Dozens of members of the colonial aristocracy were imprisoned in a cramped room beneath the British military stronghold of Fort William (currently a base of the Indian Army). By dawn, around 40 were dead from suffocation. The British press exaggerated numbers, drumming up moral outrage back home: the legend of the ‘Black Hole of Calcutta’ was born.

The following year, Lord Robert Clive – then Viceroy of India – retook Calcutta for Britain. The nawab sought aid from the French but was defeated at the Battle of Plassey (now Palashi), thanks to the treachery of former allies. A stronger moated ‘second’ Fort William was constructed in 1758, and Calcutta became British India’s official capital, though well into the 18th century one could still hunt leopards in the bamboo forests around where Sudder St lies today.

The late-19th-century Bengali Renaissance movement saw a great cultural reawakening among middle-class Calcuttans. This was further galvanised by the massively unpopular 1905 division of Bengal, which sowed the seeds of the Indian Independence movement. Bengal was reunited in 1911, but the British promptly transferred their colonial capital to less troublesome New Delhi.

Initially, loss of political power had little effect on Calcutta’s economic status. However, the impact of 1947’s partition was devastating. While West Pakistan and Punjab saw a fairly equal (and bloody) exchange of populations, migration in Bengal was largely one way. Around four million Hindu refugees from East Bengal arrived, choking Calcutta’s already overpopulated bastis (slums). For a period, people were literally dying of hunger in the streets, creating Calcutta’s abiding image of abject poverty. No sooner had these refugees been absorbed than a second wave arrived during the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

After India’s partition, the port of Calcutta was hit very hard by the loss of its main natural hinterland, which lay behind the closed East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) border. Labour unrest spiralled out of control while the city’s dominant party (Communist Party of India) spent most of its efforts attacking the feudal system of land ownership and representing proletarian demands and interests. Despite being well intentioned, many of these moves backfired. Bandhs (strikes) were called by labour unions almost fortnightly, severely affecting the commercial productivity of the region. Strict rent controls to protect tenants' interests were abused to the extent that even today some tenants pay only a few hundred rupees occupying quarters in the grandest heritage buildings, which are sadly crumbling away because landlords have no interest in maintaining these loss-making properties.

In 2001 Calcutta officially adopted the more phonetic spelling, Kolkata. Around the same time the city administration implemented a new, relatively business-friendly attitude that has encouraged a noticeable economic resurgence. The most visible results are numerous suburban shopping malls and apartment towers, plus the rapid emergence of Salt Lake City’s Sector 5 as Kolkata’s alternative corporate and entertainment centre (albeit well off tourists’ radars). In 2011 the Trinamool Congress Party swept the state elections to end the Communist Party's 34-year reign in West Bengal, and promised to usher in large-scale paribartan (change). It's a work in progress that continues to the present day. The incredible Victoria Memorial is a vast, beautifully proportioned festival of white marble: think US Capitol meets Taj Mahal. Had it been built for a beautiful Indian princess rather than a colonial queen, this domed beauty flanking the southern end of the Maidan would surely be considered one of India’s greatest buildings. Commissioned by Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of India, it was designed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s demise in 1901, but construction wasn’t completed until 20 years after her death.

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Inside, highlights are the soaring central chamber and the Calcutta Gallery, an excellent, even-handed exhibition tracing the city’s colonial-era history. Even if you don’t want to go in, the building is still worth admiring from afar: there are magnificently photogenic views across reflecting ponds from the northeast and northwest. Or you can get closer by paying your way into the large, well-tended park, open from dawn to dusk. Entrance is from the north or south gates (with ticket booths at both). The east gate is exit-only by day, but on winter evenings, enter here for the 45-minute English-language sound & light show. Tickets available from 5pm. Show seating is outside and uncovered. There are no shows in summer. The stately 1784 family mansion of Rabindranath Tagore has become a shrine-like museum to India’s greatest modern poet. Even if his personal effects don’t inspire you, some of the well-chosen quotations might spark an interest in Tagore’s deeply universalist and modernist philosophy. There’s a decent gallery of paintings by his family and contemporaries, and an exhibition on his literary, artistic and philosophical links with Japan. There's also a 1930 photo of Tagore with Einstein shot during a well-publicised meeting.

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Tagore's House is maintained and run by Rabindra Bharati University, and the museum is located on the university campus. Countless clay effigies of deities and demons immersed in the Hooghly during Kolkata’s colourful pujas (offering or prayers) are created in specialist kumar (sculptor) workshops in this enthralling district, notably along Banamali Sarkar St, the lane running west from Rabindra Sarani. Craftsmen are busiest from August to October, creating straw frames, adding clay coatings, and painting divine features on idols for Durga and Kali festivals. In November, old frameworks wash up on riverbanks and are often repurposed the following year.

TOURS & SIGHTSEEING ACTIVITY

Private Tour: Kolkata Sightseeing Including Mother House, University of Calcutta and Victoria Memorial

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Photography is widely allowed, and for a small tip, it's even possible to sit in at a studio and observe the idol-maker immersed in his work. Apart from gods and (vanquished) demons, you'll often see statues of Victorian figurines, popular historical figures and local legends being constructed, as these are often used to decorate puja pandals.

10 Best Places To Visit In India for 2018 Tours

2018 might look far ahead but you know that time flies. It is already August and it is time to plan your next vacation. We present you with 12 best places to visit in India in 2018. This list includes destinations with natural beauty, beach locations, adventure spots and a lot more.

Read the list and choose the ones that would suit you, for your next India tour.

1. Tawang

Tawang Arunachal Pardesh

Located: Arunachal Pradesh

Famous for: Scenic spot, adventure activities, picnic, mountain passes, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, viewpoints, monasteries and others

Best time to visit: Winter season (October to January)

Attractions: Ugyenling monastery, Tawang monastery, Sela pass, Bap Teng Kang waterfall, Madhuri Lake, Tso Lake, Gorichen Peak, Tawang war memorial, Jaswant Garh and many others.

Tawang is a high altitude town located 10,000 ft above mean sea level. Historically, Tawang was a part of Tibet. You can find many monasteries in this place. If you are visiting Tawang, you ought to explore any of the monasteries. If you are visiting during December or January, you will be enjoying moderate to heavy snowfall. You cannot find many modern tourist attractions here. This city has withheld its tradition until date. It is the best place to leave behind your stress and enjoy a pleasing vacation.

The nearest airport is located in Tezpur, which is 319 km away from Tawang. The nearest international airport is located in Gawahati. The nearest major city is Itanagar, which is 440 km away. Itanagar is the capital city and you can find many buses from other states to Itanagar. Nearest railway station is located in Nagarlagun.

2. Kabini

Kabini

Located: Karnataka

Famous for: Scenic spot, national park, wildlife spotting, boating, plantation visit and others

Best time to visit: Summer season (March to May)

Attractions: Nagarhole national park, Kabini River, Kabini dam, Kutta and others

Kabini is a small place than can be scaled within a couple of days. The most interesting part of this place is its picturesque environment and wildlife wealth. You can spot a lot of animals and birds in the surrounding forests.

If you love adventure activities, you can trek to Kutta, enjoying boating and others. You can find many picnic spots here. A visit to a spice plantation is an important activity that you should not miss here.

The nearest airport is in Bangalore, which is 250 km away. You can hire cab, bus, or train from Bangalore to Kabini. The nearest railway station is in Mysore, which is just 10 km away from Kabini.

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3. Agra

Located: Uttar Pradesh

Famous for: Scenic spot, Taj Mahal, museums, forts, shopping and others

Best time to visit: Winter season (October to March)

Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikhri, Jama Masjid, Keetham lake, Mariam tomb, Hewitt park, Ram Bagh, Mehtab Bagh and others

Agra is an iconic tourism spot which many heritage sites and interesting monuments. The best of all is Taj Mahal, a world wonder. Apart from this, you can find numerous historic spots for sightseeing and exploration. Marble items and silver items are found in abundant here for souvenir shopping. You can find a few temples and mosques in Agra too.

This place is the best for someone looking for a special sightseeing tour. The nearest international airport is in Delhi. You can drive or hire buses from Delhi to Agra. There is a railway route from Delhi to Agra, which is served by semi-fast trains.

About Agra:-

How to Reach Agra

Best Time to Visit Agra

Festivals of Agra

Why To Visit Agra ?

Shopping in Agra

Popular Tourist Attraction of Agra

4. Alappuzha

Alappuzha, Kerala

Located: Kerala

Famous for: Scenic spot, backwaters, houseboat, sightseeing, water activities, picnic and romantic vacationing

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Attractions: backwaters, lagoons, canals, Alappuzha beach, Sri Krishna temple, Krishnapuram palace, Athunkal, St. Andrew’s Basilica, Mullakkal temple, ChampakulamValiaPalli and many others.

Alappuzha has the iconic backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat ride on the backwaters is the most romantic activity that you can enjoy in the state. You can also enjoy Mullackalchirap, a festival if you are visiting in December. Apart from these, you can find various spots for sightseeing like temples, churches, beaches and others.

There is a reason to why this place is called as the Venice of East. The nearest airport is in Cochin, which is just 75 km away from the city. You can hire buses or cabs to reach Alappuzha. The city is a year-round attraction.

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Travel information of Kerala

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Beaches of Kerala

Spice Plantations in Kerala

Ayurveda in Kerala

Wildlife in Kerala

Culture of Kerala

Top Reasons to visit Kerala

How to Reach Kerala

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5. Horsley Hills

Located: Andhra Pradesh

Famous for: Scenic spot, adventure activities, picnic and romantic vacation

Best time to visit: Summer season (March to May)

Attractions: wind rocks, view points, Mallamma temple, zoo, Gangotri Lake, 16th century Chennakesava temple and many others

Horsely hills’ first attraction is its exotic vegetation and wildlife. You can find 133 bird species and many interesting fauna here. You can find eucalyptus, orchids and many other types of plantations here. This is the most predominant hill station in Andhra Pradesh. The temperature can go as high as 30 degree C during the peak summer.

The nearest airport is in Bangalore. The hill is located 144 km away from Bangalore. Bangalore airport is well connected with other cities in the country. From Bangalore, you can hire trains to Madanapalle railway station, which is just 27 km away. If you are travelling from any other state, you can board train to Tirupati railway station, which is just 128 km.,

Buses from different parts of Andhra Pradesh travel to Horsley hill bus station. The frequency of the bus varies from time to time. The best way to reach Horsley hill is through car. The scenic beauty of the route is the first attraction.

6. Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji

Located: Meghalaya

Famous for: Scenic spot, adventure activities, photography and others

Best time to visit: Winter season (Nov – Feb)

Attractions: living root bridge, KremPhyllut, Mawlynnong, KremMawsmai caves, Nohkalikai waterfalls, Mawsmai falls, Eco Park, Dainthlen waterfalls, Nongsawlia, viewpoints, Thangkharang Park, Wakaba falls, Nokrek national park and many others.

Cherrapunji is the wettest place on Earth. It receives rainfall throughout the year. This makes the place more aesthetically pleasing. You can find many natural attractions here. The climate will be mildly mist-filled with mild shower. The place has many interesting and unique attractions like living root bridge and others. You can find many waterfalls here. The culture and cuisine are unique here.

The temperature is higher during the summer season. From October, the rainfall will be mild and the temperature will be cool. This makes many attractions look more beautiful. This is also the right time when waterfalls will be filled with water.

The nearest airport is located in Guwahati. It is 181 km away from Cherrapunji. From airport, you can hire taxis to the city. The nearest railway station is also located in Guwahati. It is 180 km away from the city. Guwahati is well connected with other parts of the country through government and private buses too. People also hire taxis from Shillong or other parts of Assam to Cherrapunji.

7. Manali

Manali India

Located: Himachal Pradesh

Famous for: Scenic spot, adventure activities, snow filled mountains, valleys, mountain passes and luxury vacation

Best time to visit: September to June

Attractions: Solang valley, Great Himalayan national park, Bhrigu Lake, Rohtang pass, temples, dams and viewpoints. You can find many interesting places little away from Manali.

Manali is a white winter fairytale spot. Encapsulated in mountains, this place is a natural paradise. It is very famous for snowfall and snow related tourist activities. If you are visiting in winter (September to February), you can enjoy snowfall and snow activities. This is also the right time for honeymooners. If you are visit in summer (March to June), you can enjoy the natural beauty with flowers, green valleys, lakes and others.

Top adventure activities during summer are river rafting, paragliding, mountain pass riding, trekking and others. If you love photography and you are not looking for any adventure activity, monsoon is recommended. You can find many romantic couples during this season. Monsoon starts in July and ends in August.

The nearest airport is located in Bhutar, which is 50 km away from Manali. You can find many flights from New Delhi to Bhutar, every day. If you are looking for road transportation, you can reach Manali from Delhi and Chandigarh through bus and taxis. The nearest railway station is in Una, which is 250 km away from Manali. Rail transportation is not the best way to reach Manali.

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8. Daman

Located : Gujarat

Famous for: Scenic spot, beach location, parks, monuments, museums and others

Best time to visit: Summer season (March to May)

Attractions: Daman museum, Deveka beach, Chakratirith beach, Daman fort, lighthouse and others.

Daman is a quiet beach location, which is famous among those who love a place far away from the rush of urban life. You can relax and enjoy the natural attractions here. Beach here has a few water-based activities. Common activities here are swimming, sun bathing and picnic. If you want to enjoy sightseeing, there are a few monuments and museums in the city. You can find interesting souvenirs for shopping here.

The union territory had a domestic airport, which is served by airports in Baroda and Mumbai. Mumbaihas the nearest international airport, which is 170 km away from Daman. You can find many private and government buses from surrounding cities to Daman. The nearest railway station is located in Vapi, which is 12 km away from Daman.

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9. Dras

Located: Jammu and Kashmir

Famous for: Scenic spot, adventure activities, picnic, valley and romantic vacation

Best time to visit: Summer season (June to August)

Attractions: Manman top, Gomchan valley, Dongchik, Nongoor Masjid, Draupadikund, Minamarg, Matayen, Bhimbet stone, Laser La glacier, Chorkiat forest, Mushku valley, Brigade war gallery and many others.

Dras is a trekking paradise for adventure lovers in Ladakh. The very popular one is the three-days trekking trip to the Suru Valley. This route is famous for the flower-filled meadows that will be at bloom during summer season. People also trek to Amarnath cave as a part of pilgrimage. There are two-day trips and shorter trips for beginners. This is a very cold place and the climate is very dry. Snowfall occurs from December to April and almost all adventure activities will be stopped during this season.

The summer starts in June and ends by August. This is the right time for enjoying natural sceneries, adventure activities and trekking. If you are looking for a romantic vacation, choose early winter. This is also an important Hindu pilgrim spot. The nearest airport to Dras is in Srinagar, which is 103 kmaway. You can hire cab from the airport to reach Dras.

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10. Darjeeling

Darjeeling

Located: Himachal Pradesh

Famous: Scenic spot, cliché hill station, plantation, adventure activities, picnic golf course, toy train and romantic vacation

Best time to visit: Winter season (October to March)

Attractions: Tiger hill, Balastia loop, Japanese peace pagoda, Nightingale park, rock garden, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoo, Singalia national park, observatory hall and others

Darjeeling is a cliché honeymoon location in India. The first attraction of the place is the toy train, which will take you on a memorable ride to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri. This railway is a heritage site. The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, which is 95 km away from the city. From the airport, you can hire taxi to Darjeeling.

The place is famous for lush tea plantation. You can find botanical gardens with rare and exotic plants. The zoo here is focused on securing endangered species of Himalayas. Trekking and exploring are two main activities here.

If you love shopping, you can find unique crafts of Sikkim and Tibet here. Tea of Darjeeling is a must-buy item. If you love photography, you ought to visit the place during monsoon. Picnic spots are found in abundant here. You can find quiet spots for a family outing too.

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Tea Plantation in Darjeeling

11. Lakshadweep Islands

Lakshadweep

Located: Arabian Sea

Famous for: Beach location, water activities, adventure activities, wildlife spotting, romantic getaway, photography and others

Best time to visit: Anytime other than monsoon season (October to May)

Attractions: Kavaratti, Bangaram Atoll, Minicoy, Kalpeni island, Kadmat, Marine museum, Amindivi islands and many others

Lakshadweep is a collection of 36 different islands, which is exotic and rare in many features. Apart from the glorious natural beauty, the place is famous for water sports like scuba diving, boating, surfing and so on. The beauty of the land attracts many honeymooners too. The sapphire water, white beach, coconut palms and mesmerizing climate makes this place a wonderful vacation spot.

If you are travelling with kids, you can visit marine museum, take up bird watching and so on. You can swim in lagoons, shop exotic souvenirs and eat the rare cuisine of Lakshadweep. Andaman and Nicobar Islands attract many tourists with its variety of tourism activities.

Thus, Lakshadweep will be quiet and peaceful away from the clutches of commercialized tourism. If you are looking for a relaxing beach time, Lakshadweep is the best place. The nearest airport is in Cochinand from there you can hire a flight to Agatti airport, which is served only by Cochin.

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12. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

Located: Tamil Nadu

Famous for: Scenic spot, beach, picnic spot, ancient statues, temples and others

Best time to visit: Winter season (October to March)

Attractions: 8th century shore temple, historic pancharathas, Arjuna’s penance, Mahabalipuram beach, 6th century BC Thirukadalmallai temple, seashell museum, Dakshina Chitra museum and many others

Mahabalipuram is a small shore region near Chennai. Ancient kings built numerous stone monuments and statues to welcome merchants of foreign lands. Today, they stand as an international tourism spot and heritage site.

Very close to Mahabalipuram, Vedanthangal is a spot for avid bird watchers. You can spot many migration birds here. In Mahabalipuram, you can enjoy all sorts of beach activities during tourism season.

The nearest airport is in Chennai. You can hire buses or taxis from the airport to the heritage site. By evening, you can watch a light and sound show describing about the history of the place. If you love shopping, find many handicrafts here. Handicraft exhibitions are conducted during tourism season.

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These 12 are just handpicked places to visit for 2018 tour. There are numerous other tourist spots like Varanasi, Kashmir, Shimla, Coorg, Kodaikanal, Nanital and many others.

Shillong

Shillong is the only hill station in the country that is accessible from all sides. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity and is situated at an altitude of 1,491m above sea level. This beautiful city is 103kms. from Guwahati, the nearest air and train link. The presence of many well reputed educational institutions, many of them established by various missionary groups make Shillong the hub of education for the entire north-east.

Lady Hydari Park

Location: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

hydari parkA popular spot both with locals and tourist, it is located in the heart of the city with an abundance of plants and flowers. The best months to see the flowers bloom are in April and October.

Ward's Lake

Location: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

wards lakeA beautiful manmade lake named after Sir William Ward, the then, Chief Commissioner of Assam. A beautiful little lake with short garden walks and boating facilities - this is a popular spot for both local and visiting tourists.

Cathedral Catholic Church

Location: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Laitumkhrah

laitumkhrah churchIn the heart of the city, there stands a beautiful cathedral of Roman Catholics dedicated to Mary Help of Christian.

Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum

Location: East Khasi Hills District, Shillongmuseum shillong

For those interested in ethnic tribal culture and tradition this Govt. Museum under the control of Art and Culture Department offers insights to the lifestyle of the people. This museum is in the State Central Library complex where monuments for the great patriots of the state had been erected besides the statue of Smt. Indira Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

Location: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Mawlai

don bosco museumA three-in-one Institution combining a museum with a research and publication centre, for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India -a unique fusion of all the sister states under one roof.

With seven stories, 56,000 square feet of floor space and 15,154 square feet of display wall space, it ranks among the top 36 or so cultural centres of its kind in the Salesian world. Museums/ Cultural Centres in practice appear to be a significant aspect of the Salesian mission

Even in terms of design the DBCIC is startling: built in hexagonal shape, its seven floors represent the seven states of North East India. The building rises to form a flame, expressing the reality that if cultures are understood well, they can form a communion of cultures for a better society.

DBCIC contains seventeen galleries displaying cultural artefacts and paintings. It offers study and research facilities throughout its specialised library of 10,000 volumes, a media hall and a conference hall. It is frequented by school students and older research students and anthropologists, since this area of India is an anthropologist's paradise.

Don Bosco Museum

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC)

Mawlai, Shillong – 793 008, Meghalaya, INDIA

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ?Scotland of the East?. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the home to numerous waterfalls. The exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, museums and the zoo are the key reasons why people visit Shillong. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture. Shillong in particular has been in limelight for its jovial people and their culture. Interestingly, Shillong has a very westernised culture and it has a very young feel to it. Shillong is also famous as the music capital of India, as many prominent musicians have hailed from this place. Many music events keep happening throughout the year, making it a very lively place.   Surrounded by coniferous forests, this man-made lake or reservoir is located at a distance of 15 km to the north of Shillong. It stretches over an area of about 221 square kilometres which is four times the size of San Marino or Bermuda. It is enveloped by lush green East Khasi hills and offers some of the best panoramic sights for nature-lovers. The lake is dotted with a few islands and there is also a park adjoining it making it a hotspot for picnics. Adventure lovers can also enjoy various water-sports like kayaking, water cycling, boating and scooting.

The name 'Umiam' translates into 'water of tears and has a fascinating legend circling it. Two sisters began their journey of alighting from the heaven, and one of them got lost. The other sister was so torn with grief that her tears filled up this lake when she reached Meghalaya.

Apart from the tranquillity that this place has to offer, one can also observe the daily life of the natives who come to the lake in search of twigs and grass or the fishermen canoeing in the still waters. In summers, the shores are adorned by beautiful gulmohar trees. Water level recedes in the winter and turns azure. There is also a park adjoining the lake. Mawlynnong is a small village in the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, the abode of changing clouds. Mawlynnong is famous for its matrilineal society as well as having been declared Asia's cleanest village which comes under the Pynursla community development block and legislative assembly constituency.

Mawlynnong is a village in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is famous for its women-centric society as well as having been declared Asia's cleanest village. As per the survey of 2014, there were about 95 homes in Mawlynnong. The literacy rate was 100%. The localites...  Read More

Photos of Mawlynnong

Matrineal Society

As per tradition the females here are quite privileged as the Mawlynnong property and wealth are passed from the mother to the youngest of her daughters, who also keeps the mother's surname.

Sanitation

Mawlynnong is known for its cleanliness. The waste collected in the dustbins made of bamboo is directed to a pit and then used as manure. The travel magazine Discover India declared the village as the cleanest in Asia in 2003, and the cleanest in India in the year 2005. Moasunep Kichu's documentary on the village, became popular and it is known as Asia's Cleanest Village. Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists' paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. At Elephant Falls one can get very close to the falls and enjoy its serenity and might.

The first of the three waterfalls are tucked between the dense trees and are very broad. The second waterfall reduces to thin strands of water and is almost negligible in winters due to the receding water levels. The third and the most visible waterfall is the tallest with clear water. flowing like a sheet of milk on the dark rocks in the backdrop. Elephant Falls are a great stopover destination before one heads for further journeys into Meghalaya. Located 12 km away from the capital city of Shillong, Elephant Falls is one of the most visited falls in Meghalaya.   Acknowledged as one of the wettest place in the world, the mesmerizing village of Mawsynram is a nature lover's delight and the perfect destination to behold the beauty of the rains. Mawsynram trounces Cherrapunjee by a slight margin in being the wettest place in India.

A rain lover's paradise, Mawsynram is one of the best tourist attractions of India. The 'Maw' in Mawsynram is a Khasi word meaning 'stone'. It symbolizes the unique megaliths unearthed in the Khasi Hill area. The village is well known for its huge formation of a stalagmite, which takes after the shape of a 'Shivling'. Located in the East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya, Mawsynram is 1400 m above sea level. The rains are so powerful in Mawsynram that the local villagers have to make use of thick grass to sound-proof their homes from the thunderous rain.  A pretty artificial lake surrounded by gardens is an ideal evening get away! Also known as the Polok Lake, it is usually flocked by couples, picnickers and locals.

Boating and fountain dancing are big activities of this place. The complex also has a cafeteria and a Botanical Garden. the lake is located beneath the Governor's recidence.

Munnar

At a distance of 120 km from Kochi, 284 km from Trivandrum, 142 km from Coimbatore, 134 km from Kottayam, 153 km from Thrissur, 100 km from Athirapally Falls and 150 km from Madurai, Munnar is a fascinating hill resort located in Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of the best Tourist places in kerala and among the most popular hill stations in India. This is also one of the famous weekend getaways from Kochi, Coimbatore & Madurai cities.

Munnar town is situated at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 8000 feet on the Kannan Devan Hills in Devikulam taluk and is the largest town in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 sq. km. It is also called as the Swiss of South India. It was once the summer resort of the British Governors of South India. Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers - Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. In Tamil, Munnar mean 'Three Rivers'. Munnar is home for some of the world's best tea estates. Majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate.

Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 meters. Trekking facilities are available to reach Anamudi on foot. The tea plants covering Munnar hills make the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Munnar's mesmerizing greenery, mountains, calmness, lakes and waterfalls attract honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. Mattupetty Dam, Echo point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Anamudi peak, Devikulam, Nyayamkad falls, Thoovanam falls, Eravikulam National Park and Attukal Waterfalls are the popular Munnar tourist places.

Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji flowers, which blooms once in 12 years. The kurinji season in Munnar is a magnificent sight as the hills and valleys are blanketed by Neelakurinji blooms.

Munnar is a trekker's paradise too, which offers both soft and mountain trekking. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries around Munnar. One can watch the splendor of wildlife at the Eravikulam, Thattekad or Chinnar wildlife sanctuaries. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and the process involved in brewing tea leaves. It is also known for being the spice center of Kerala. Over twelve varieties of spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg are cultivated in Munnar and its neighboring villages.

The nearest airport to reach Munnar is at Kochi, about 125 km away. The Kochi International Airport is not only well connected to the rest of the country but also to different parts of the world. The nearest railway stations are Ernakulam (126 km) and Aluva (110 km). Munnar, Kerala is also well connected by road. Bus services are available from Kochi, Alleppey, Madurai, Idukki and Aluva.

Munnar offers different experience throughout the year, while March to May is the peak season. It usually takes at least two full days to explore the Munnar sightseeing places. At a distance of 10 Kms from Munnar Bus Station, Mattupetty Dam is one of the most scenic places in Munnar situated on Top Station Road. This is one of the best places to visit in munnar and also a great place to experience the beauty of Munnar along with boating. It is one of the places most commonly represented for Munnar Tourism.

Constructed in 1953, the lake and dam surrounded by wooden hills and tea plantations, makes a great view. Boating in the Mattupetty Lake is a memorable experience. If possible, hire an exclusive speed boat. Often, elephants from surrounded forest take bath in the waters of the lake and watching them (while boating) is a pleasant experience. This place is also famous for Eucalyptus Oil, which is sold near the dam. The tea plantations enroute the Dam might be crowded with visitors rushing to take snaps.

Mattupetty Boating Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Boating Fee: Speed boat - Rs.600 for 15 min (max. 5 persons)

Mattupetty is also famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, an Indo-swiss project. It is open for visitors between 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 3:30 PM. At a distance of 4 km from Munnar Bus Station, Photo Point is a beautiful spot on Mattupetty road lined up with tea gardens on both sides. As the name suggests, this place is a famous photography point in Munnar due to its breathtaking background of mountains surrounded by lush green tea gardens. Photo Point is one of the best tourist places to visit in munnar.

The tea gardens are owned by Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited owned by Tata Group and it is a private property. Visitors can take photographs at the entrance of garden without disturbing the plantations.

This place is situated on the main road with running traffic and tourists are advised to be careful while taking pictures standing close to the road. At a distance of 3.5 km from Munnar Bus Station, Tea Museum is a wonderful place to visit in Munnar town. The museum is owned by Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited owned by Tata Group. Visit to Tea Museum is one of the top things to do in Munnar.

The museum exhibits different equipment used in tea manufacturing from early 20th century to late 20th century. Some of the items exhibited in the museum include the tea leave cutting machines, power making equipment, etc. The process of tea manufacturing is also explained in the museum.

The museum is situated in a scenic location on Pooyankuty Road on the outskirts of Munnar town.

Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM. Monday Holiday.

Entry Fee: Rs. 75 for Adults, Rs. 35 for Children below 12 years, Rs. 20 for Camera At a distance of 10 Kms from Munnar, Nyayamakad Waterfalls is one of the highest cascading falls in Kerala. It is located on Munnar - Udamalpet road close to the entrance of Eravikulam National Park. It is one of the best waterfalls around Kerala.

The water here drops from a height of more than 1500 meters cascading through rocks over several steps. The water is collected into a big pool at the bottom which is great place to spend some time. This waterfall Is close to the Rajamalai entrance and can be visited along with Rajamalai / Eravikulam Park. It needs about 10 minutes walk from the main road.

Trekking is a popular activity here. One can enjoy the marvelous views of surrounding valleys of Western Ghats including Anamudi and other peaks. Trekking to some of the upper levels of the falls is possible through rock climbing though it's little risky in Monsoons.

Best time to visit Nyayamakad Waterfalls is post monsoon season between October and December. At a distance of 25 Kms from Idukki, 48 Kms from Munnar & 20 Kms from Thodupuzha, Thommankuthu Waterfalls is a marvelous seven step cascading waterfall dropping from a height of over 300 feet with pool at each level.

It is a best place to spend a day watching the nature and drown in the waters of the falls. Trekking into the surrounding picturesque hills is another popular activity at this place.

This place is connected by bus from Munnar and Thodupuzha. There are no accommodation facilities available near the falls. At a distance of 75 Kms from Munnar, 68 kms from kottayam & 60 Kms from Idukki, Nadukani is a small hill station in Ernakulam district. It is 35 Kms from Thodupuzha, close to NH49 near Kothamangalam.

At an altitude of 3000 feet, Nadukani is an ideal destination for trekking and mountaineering. On the sunny day Nadukani offers a clear view of the areas extending to Thodupuzha. The excellent view of the Muvattupuzha River that forms Malankara Lake on Malankara Dam is feast to the eyes. At a distance of 30 Kms from Idukki, 63 Kms from Munnar and 20 Kms from Thodupuzha, Keezharkuthu Waterfalls (also known as Rainbow Waterfalls) is a popular tourist sport near Idukki.

It is a cascading waterfalls falling through several steps from a height of over 1500 meters. It is also an ideal place for rock climbing & mountaineering. This place is good to visit throughout the year.

The falls are located in deep forest and can be reached by trekking through the forests for over 2 Kms.

Nearest town to the falls is Udambannoor, which is connected by Bus with Idukku, Munnar and Thodupuzha. From Udambannoor, the falls are about 6 Kms and there is approach road for about 4 Kms which can be reached by Jeep / Auto. The remaining 2 Kms is trek path.

Hampi

At a distance of 13 km from Hospet, 64 km from Bellary, 104 km from Gadag, 160 km from Hubli, 340 km from Bangalore & 377 km from Hyderabad, Hampi is an ancient village situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village stands within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism and also one of the best heritage sites in India.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Hampi, also known as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkindha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra, is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River.

Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture. The first settlement in Hampi dates back to 1st century AD and a number of Buddhist sites belonging to that time have been found nearby. The seat of the Vijayanagara Empire was established by Saint Vidyaranya in 1336 AD with the help of two of his disciples, Hakka Raya and Bukka Raya. The kingdom flourished under the rule of Emperor Krishnadevaraya and stretched over the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and was an extremely important part of the Empire from 1343 to 1565. It maintained a huge army to protect it from other kingdoms. As a capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi grew as a trade center for cotton, spices, and gem stones. It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during 15th and 16th centuries. After the death of Krishnadevaraya, the invading Deccan Sultanate forces destroyed Hampi and the rampage was continued for one year.

The ruins of Vijayanagara Empire in and around the village of Hampi are spread over an area of more than 26 Sq.km. The place is a significant religious center of the Vijayanagara Empire due to the presence of the historic Virupaksha Temple along with many other monuments of the old city. The main tourist spots in Hampi can be divided into two broad areas; the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal center near Kamalapur. Hemakuta Hill, south of the main Hampi temple, contains early ruins, Jain temples and a monolithic sculpture of Lord Narasimha. The famous Vittala Temple is located 2 km east of the Hampi Bazaar.

Hubli Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 166 km from Hampi, India. Hospet Railway Station, 13 km from Hampi is the nearest railhead. Hospet is well connected to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Hubli, Chennai, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Panjim, Kolkata, Mysore, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Kolhapur and Shiridi. Hampi is well connected by road through KSRTC bus services. It has regular bus from Bangalore, Hubli, Goa and Karwar. The best way to explore Hampi is by foot or on a bike.

Hampi Festival, held for 3 days in November is the most important festival celebrated here. It is organized by the Government of Karnataka with dance, music, drama and processions.

Oct to Mar is best time to visit Hampi. At a distance of 9 km (or 2.3 km by walk) from Hampi Bus Stand and 5.5 km from Kamalapura Bus Stand, Vittala Temple is an ancient monument located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River. It is one of the largest and the most famous structures in Hampi. This temple is famous for Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars.

The Vijaya Vittala or Vittala Temple is the most famous and popular tourist attraction in Hampi. It was built around 15th century AD during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 - 1446 AD). Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 - 1529 AD). This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vittala. The temple is well-known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. This predominant monument of Hampi is a major attraction of Hampi and is a must see for visitors.

The temple is built in Dravidian style and stands in a large rectangular enclosure. The three lofty Vijayanagara towers on the east, north and south are now dilapidated. The entire complex houses several temples, enclosures, pavilions and halls.

In front of the temple is the world famous stone chariot or ratha. This is one of the three famous stone chariots in India, the other two being in Konark and Mahabalipuram. It originally enshrined Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The chariot, built on a rectangular platform, is built out of giant granite blocks. All around the base of chariot is carved with mythical battle scenes. A series of concentric floral motifs adorn the wheels of the chariot. The wheels of the chariot can be rotated but the ASI cemented them to avoid the damage caused by the visitors. Two elephants are positioned in front of the chariot but originally there were two horses positioned here.

The complex contains four large mandapas. The south, north and the east ones are still intact. The central western hall is collapsed during the attack of Deccan Sultanates that led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565 AD. The main mandapa contains 56 musical pillars, 40 of which are regularly disposed to form an aisle while the remaining 16 form a rectangular court in the center. These musical pillars are also known as SAREGAMA pillars, indicating the musical notes emitted by them. The musical notes are emanated when the pillars are tapped gently.

There is a set of main pillars and several sets of minor pillars inside the Mantapa. Each main pillar provides support to the ceiling of the Mandapa. The main pillars are designed as musical instruments. Every main pillar is surrounded by several minor pillars that emit different sounds of the instrument.

The other attractions in this temple complex are the Goddess's shrine, the 100-pillared hall, the Kalyana Mandapa and the pillared corridor all around the enclosure wall.

Timings: 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM

Entry fee: Rs. 10 for Indians, $ 5 for Foreigners, and Rs. 25 for Video cam. Hampi Bazaar is located beside the Hampi Bus Stand and located in front of the Virupaksha temple. It is also known as Virupaksha Bazaar. About a kilometer long, the eastern side of the bazaar ends at the foothill of Matanga Hill.

Hampi Bazaar is a unique attraction of Hampi. Both sides of the street have a series of very old pavilions, some single storied and others two storied. These buildings were once the part of a booming market and houses of the upper class merchants. The arcades are open structures with no doors. It was once a place where merchants used to sell precious stones, jewellery, silk clothes, etc. during Vijayanagara rule. It was also a market where cows and horses were traded. The Hampi Bazaar still functions as a market place, though it is no longer as attractive as it was. The western end of the street has been encroached by a number of shop owners and small restaurants. These shops that sell items like ethnic clothes, bags and pooja artifacts.

A huge Nandi, also known as Yeduru Basavanna, is located at the eastern end of the street. A two-storied pavilion near the bull acts as a photo gallery. Photos of Hampi taken by Alexander Greenlaw in 1856 are on display here. An open platform nearby is the main stage of the annual Hampi festival.

Hampi takes on a vibrant look during the annual festival, the Hampi Utsav. Every year the Hampi Utsav is held in the month of November. Hampi Bazaar becomes the center of all festive happenings that occur in Hampi during these days. At a distance of 800 m from Hampi Bus Stand, Ugra Narasimha Temple is located south of Sri Krishna Temple in Hampi. The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is one of the most imposing sculptures found in Hampi.

The specialty of the sculpture is that it is the largest monolith statue in Hampi with a height of 6.7 m. It was carved in 1528 AD during the rule of Krishnadevaraya. The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name. This is considered to be among the most important monuments found in Hampi and is visited by a large number of people throughout the year.

Lord Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed Adisesha (guardian snake of Lord Vishnu) and the lions guard the sides of the idol. The heads of the snake act as the hood above his head. The Lord in this temple is in cross-legged yoga position with the belt supporting the knees. The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But due to the destruction in 1565 AD the Goddess Lakshmi statue was badly damaged. The entire image is set within a Makara torana or an arch with a lion-mask above the hoods of Adisesha.

In the process of destruction, one of the hands of Goddess Lakshmi was broken and even today the broken hand of the Goddess can be seen resting on the back of Narasimha. Now the damaged statue of Lakshmi resides in the Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura. At a distance of 1 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand and 3 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Queen's Bath is located close at the entrance of the Royal Enclosure in Hampi.

The Queen's Bath is believed to be constructed by Achyuta Raya for the women of the royal family of Vijayanagara. Built in Indo-Islamic style, the Queen's Bath is an elaborate structure with a simple exterior and an ornate interior. It is a rectangular building and is surrounded by ornate balconies, each having a set of three windows. Each arched bay surrounding the bath is decorated with intricate carved stucco ornamentation on the ceilings and the vaults placed above the arched bays. The depth of the pool is 6 feet and has stone steps leading to the bottom of the tank.

This 30 square meter structure is surrounded by a moat on all sides and a bridge like structure is made to reach the pool. Probably this was designed to prevent people from entering the area when the royals were bathing.

The Queen's Bath is an empty structure now. The floor of the bath has some empty sockets that were once used to support pillars. These pillars are believed to have been part of a canopy that was destroyed during the Deccan Sultans attack on Hampi.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM At a distance of 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, The King's Audience hall, also known as Durbar Hall is located inside the Royal Enclosure at Hampi. It is a ruined structure whose remnants can be spotted on the western side of the Mahanavami Dibba or Dasara Dibba.

The King's Audience Hall was built during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire. According to the famous historian Abdul Razzak, who visited Hampi during the reign of Devaraya II, the King's Audience Hall was one of the most magnificent buildings in Hampi during that time. It is believed that this is the place where the king addressed his administration and the public.

The King's Audience Hall was a huge building built with huge blocks of stone and wood. The structure has a ruined stone stairway at the rear of the hall that suggests it might have been a two storied building. The super structure is not present right now. Vestiges of pillar sockets and bases show that it was originally a hall of 100 pillars. It is believed that the superstructure of the building was mostly made of wood and the pillars were carved out of sandalwood trees. It is believed that the building was destroyed by fire during the Deccan Sultanate attack in 1565 AD.

The southern side of this platform has a staircase rising from the ground level to a height of about 4.5 m above the floor level of the platform. These staircases were used by the royal ladies to gain access to the top storey of the audience hall to witness the Durbar. In front of the audience hall is a large paved court, where dancers, jugglers and wrestlers made their performances.

It is believed that several noblemen used to attend the court of the King of Vijayanagara held at the Durbar Hall. These noblemen used to come from near as well as far off places. Today, only the basement of the Hall is survived. At a distance of 10 km from Hampi Bus Stand (or 1.5 km by walk) and 6 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, King's Balance is located southwest of Vittala Temple, at the end of the Kampa Bhupa's Path in Hampi. It is also called as Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana. This is located near Vittala Temple.

King's balance is regarded as one of the unique monuments of Hampi. It consists of two lofty carved granite pillars about 15 feet high supporting a stone beam about 12 feet in length. It has three hoops on the underside from which the balances or scales are hung. One of the pillars has a bas-relief depicting a king and two queens, possibly Krishna Deva Raya and his consorts. The structure appears like an archway.

According to the legend, the balance was used by the king to weigh himself with gold, gems, silver and precious stones and distributed to the temple priests on certain occasions like Solar or Lunar eclipse, New Year's Day, Coronation day etc.

GOA

Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India with beautiful beaches and historical sites. Goa is India's richest state with highest GDP per capita. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the Goa as Goparashtra or Govarashtra, which means ''a nation of Cowherds''.

Goa is a strip of land 110 km long and 60 km wide between the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on the west coast of India. Panaji is the state's capital while Vasco Da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese. Goa has a long history of rulers dating back to the 3rd century BC. It was ruled by Emperor Ashoka followed by numerous rulers like Silharas, Kadamdas, Chalukyans, kings of Deccan, kings of Vijaynagar, Adilshah of Bijapur and finally by the Portuguese who were the most successful of them all. Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for 450 years till it was liberated from the Portuguese to form a part of India on 19th December 1961.

Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna owing to its location on the Western Ghats range which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot. Baga, Anjuna, Calangute, Vagator and Palolem are the some popular Goa beaches. Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort and Dudhsagar Falls are the other popular Goa tourist places.

Goa being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. Tourism is Goa's primary industry it handles 12% of all foreign tourist arrivals in India. Goa has two main tourist seasons winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the climate. In the summer time (which in Goa is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.

The festival of Shigmo Mel or the Holi, Goa carnival and Ganesh Chaturthi are the main festivals in Goa, India. At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, the famous Bom Jesus Basilica is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa). It is also called St. Francis Xavier's Tomb. It is one of the best Places to visit in Goa and one of the major heritage sites in Goa state. The church is often represented in promotion of Goa Tourism.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. The Construction of the church began in 1594 and completed in May 1605. The church is called 'Bom Jesus' meaning 'good Jesus' or 'infant Jesus'. This church is the first Minor Basilica in India and is regarded as one of the best examples of baroque architecture.

The imposing facade built out of black granite in an exquisite combination of the Doric, Corinthian and composite styles, is remarkable for its simplicity. It measures 183 ft in length, 55 ft in breath and 61 ft in height. The main altar is 54 ft high and 30 ft broad. The interior of the church is built in Mosaic-Corinthian style. There are paintings of events from the life of St. Francis Xavier.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the sacred remains of Goa's patron saint Francis Xavier, who died on a sea voyage to China in 1552. Legend says that when the body of Xavier was transferred to Goa the following year, the body was found as fresh as the day it was buried. The embalmed body of the saint lies in an airtight glass coffin which is placed in a silver casket. It is believed that the saint has miraculous powers of healing. Once every 10 years, the body is allowed to be viewed by the people who visit this holy place. The last time it was in 2014 and the next would be in 2024. At a distance of 19 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 11 km from Mapusa, The Chapora Fort is situated in North Goa. It is one of the top tourist places in Goa.

Built in red laterite stones, the fort has steep slopes on all the sides and stands on an area which has irregular outer plan. This massive fort was constructed by the king of Bijapur, Adil Shah. This is one reason why it has been named Shahpura, which means the 'town of Shah'. The Chapora Fort is one of the prime attractions on Goa.

The fort was built in order to keep a watch on Hindu raiders who wanted to set up their territory in Goa. The fort was destroyed after the rule of Adil Shah and was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1617, on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. The Portuguese troops surrendered to the Maratha ruler Sambhaji in 1684 but the locals were not too pleased with this situation and hence Marathas were forced to withdraw their forces from the fort in 1717. Portuguese took over it again and rebuilt the fort until they finally abandoned it 1892.

Today the Chapora Fort lies in ruins and although one can see the heads of the two tunnels to aid in escaping in case of an emergency. The massive ramparts and scattered Muslim tombstones are all that is left of this fort. The fort gives a spectacular view of the Vagator and the Anjuna beach.

There are no particular visiting hours to visit this fort, however early morning and evening are preferred as you can get some great views during these hours. Sunset from the fort is a beautiful experience. The path to the Fort from parking area is filling with red laterite stones and is slippery. One has to be careful while walking on this path. It is advised to return back before it's dark.At a distance of 30 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 19 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 12 km from Margao Railway Station, Utorda Beach is located about 7 km from famous Colva Beach in South Goa.

Utorda Beach is one of the most amazing and beautiful beaches in South Goa. It is bordered with two other famous beaches Majorda in the south and Arossim in the north. Utorda Beach is separated from its neighbors by a small river. Utorda Beach has a large cover of pine trees and palm trees. It is a very quiet and peaceful beach because of less crowed.

The beach has long straight patches of unspoilt soft sands. Waves of the Arabian Sea here is calm and not so high, which make swimming safe and enjoyable even for novice swimmers. Parasailing, jet skiing and beachside shopping are some of the activities in this beach or you can choose to go for long walks along the beach strip and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Utorda Beach has some good beach shacks and restaurants. Good accommodation is readily available in the form of Luxury and budget hotels and guest houses. One of the best European bread as well as toddy can be found here.

Best Time to Visit: November - March. At a distance of 71 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 50 km from Margao Railway Station and 10 km from Kulem, Dudhsagar Falls is the largest and highest fall of Goa. It is one of the must visit Goa tourist places and is often represented in promotion of Goa Tourism.

Dudhsagar falls is a four tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in Goa. This waterfall is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 m (100 feet) at it's peak. This falls is located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, at the border between Karnataka and Goa states.

Dudhsagar literally means a Sea of Milk in the local Konkani language and gets its name as it appears like an overflowing sea of milk. It is a four tiered waterfall with different ways to reach each level. The bottom of the waterfall is accessible through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall is also called Vajra Sakala Falls by the locals but most people know it as Tambdi Surla falls based on the popular trekking trail to the waterfall which starts from Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple.

According to legend, the waterfall was once the abode of a beautiful princess. The princess used to drink sweetened milk from a golden jug after she took a bath. One day, she spotted a prince watching her while she drank the milk. She poured the milk to form a curtain to hide her modesty.

Own vehicles are not allowed into the sanctuary to reach the waterfall. The most common and easiest way to reach the waterfall is to take a forest department (or licensed private) jeep from the forest entrance (private jeeps are available near Kulem (Collem) Railway Station) and hike 1 km distance from the dropping point. This service is closed during monsoon (June - mid October).