Goa - an Exotic Land Sun & Sea, Bays & Beaches

Goa, a land blessed with sun-kissed beaches and fun-loving people, is located on the West Coast of India along the Arabian Sea.

History

This “Pearl of the Orient” has a long history having been ruled by various dynasties, such as the Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, the Bhaman Muslims and the Portuguese. It was liberated from the Portuguese by the Indian Army in 1961. It was conferred statehood in 1987.

The People

Having been a melting pot of races and religions it has a cultural mix of the East and the West which has led to peaceful harmony between various communities and an ingrained respect for each other. The Goans are a warm and friendly-natured people who have a fondness for dance and music, feni and good food and enjoy a laidback attitude.

The Languages

The official languages of Goa are Marathi and Konkani. English is widely spoken and Hindi understood well all over Goa.

The Cuisine

Goan cuisine is distinctive, strongly influenced by its history and geography. As a variety of seafood is available all along the coast and rivers of Goa, rice and fish are the staple food of the land. Although their cuisine is a blend of various influences from over the centuries, it is the Portuguese cuisine that has left the greatest mark on Goan food. Feni is the local drink distilled all over Goa. There are two kinds of Feni, Coconut Feni and Cashew Feni. It has 42% alcohol and a strong flavour which may take time to get used to for the uninitiated.

The Land

Goa is blessed with many rivers, estuaries, bays and beaches adding beauty and romance to the land. Swaying coconut palms and cashew groves have made Goa a green paradise. No wonder then that tourists, both domestic and international, find it an attractive destination.

The Weather

Being a coastal state Goa enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. The temperature varies from a pleasant 20 degrees in January to 32 degrees in April-May during summer. The climate can be divided into two distinct seasons – the dry season and the monsoon season. The hot and humid atmosphere in summer is followed by heavy monsoons from June to August marked by sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is during the monsoons that Goa is most beautiful with greenery sprouting all around.

The Cities

Panjim, the capital of Goa, is well connected by road. Vasco da Gama and Margoa are two other important cities both of which are connected with the rest of the country by road and rail. The state is also connected by air with an airport at Vasco da Gama.

Best time to visit Goa

The peak tourist season is between October and early February when temperatures are pleasant. During the summer months, March to May, it can be hot and humid. Monsoons break over Goa in early June and continue till September. Goa is most beautiful during the monsoons when she is covered in greenery and a holiday at this time offers a different kind experience with hotels, resorts and homestays offering heavy discounts.

Accommodation

Resorts and hotels can be found to suit one’s budget all over Goa. Tariff can range from Rs. 500/- per room, per night to Rs. 25,000/- per suite, per night. Higher the range, more the facilities. Homestays can be a good pick as one can get personalized attention and are quite reasonable considering the facilities they offer. They are particularly good for larger groups of family or friends.

Beaches

Beaches dot Goa all along its long coastline. Some, such as Calangute or Baga are quite well-known and can be a little crowded during peak season. Others such as Dona Paula or Colva are quite popular. Anjuna and Vagator are located in North Goa. Palolem, which is known for parties and night life, is in South Goa. Benaulim, Varca, Agonda are some other beaches where tourists are welcomed. Besides swimming and sunbathing, surfing too is possible on some of the beaches. Querim Beach, near Arambol is a quiet secluded beach where one can luxuriate in peace and tranquillity with a book in hand.

Architectural Masterpieces of Goa: 

Temples, churches and some old homes illustrate some of the splendid architectural features of Goa and are well worth visiting.

Temple architecture is a mixture of Hindu, Islamic, Portuguese and Nagarai styles. Each temple is unique in its own way.

Shri Manguesh Temple, near Ponda

This, frequently visited temple exhibits a mixture of both Christian and Muslim architectural styles. The main deity is Lord Manguesh considered to be a local Hindu god.

Shri Shantadurga Temple, near Ponda

This is one of the most famous temples of Goa which was built in 1738. The goddess Shantadurga is worshipped here, she is another form of Parvathi, Shiva’s consort and is worshipped as the goddess of peace.

Shri Ramnath Temple, near Ponda

This temple is well-known for its beautiful silver screen on the door of the sanctum.

Shri Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla

This temple is one of the oldest temples to have survived Portuguese demolishment forces. It was built by the Kadamba Dynasty in the 12th Century. It is a small temple. The most notable feature of this temple is a finely carved stone screen that separates the outer hall from the sanctum. This an outstanding example of the skill of the artisans of the times.

Churches of Goa

Goa is dotted with numerous churches, a legacy of the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for 4 centuries. A few of them are worth a visit.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Panjim

Located at the centre of Panjim, this pearly white church was built in 1619 and was the first place visited by sailors to give thanks for safe sea voyage. It is beautifully illuminated at night. The feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on 8th December when pilgrims and tourists throng the church in large numbers.

Basilica of Bom Jesus Old Goa

The Basilica was constructed in 1605 in the late-Renaissance style. It contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, an apostle of Christ. Once every 10 years the body of the saint is exposed to the public. The last exposition was in 2014. The feast of St Francis of Assisi is celebrated on 3rd December when devotees flock to the church.

Se Cathedral, Old Goa

The Se Catherine Cathedral is said to be the largest in Asia. It was built in 1619 in the Tuscan tradition. It houses the largest Bell in Asia which is renowned for its rich tone. The church also consists of 14 alters inside, with each being beautifully carved. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament which is on one side of the nave is decorated gorgeously.

Church of St. Cajetan, Old Goa

This church is modelled on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines in the late 17th Century.

The Old Quarter

In Fontainhas and Sao Tome area one finds narrow streets with Portuguese style buildings. One can wander these streets to get a flair for a bygone life. Old homes such as the Casa dos Costa-Frias and Casa dos Monteiros in Candolim are examples of architectural splendour of the Portuguese residences.

Discovering Goa

There is much more to Goa than just beaches, temples and churches. Goa has a few museums and wildlife sanctuaries. Goa State Museum, Naval Aviation Museum, Goa Science centre and the National Institute of Oceanography are some of the institutions worth a visit.

Bondla Wildlife sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Santuary, Dudh Sagar water fall and Abyss Aquarium have a lot to offer an interested tourist.

Goan Traditional Performance Art Forms

Goans are very fond of music and dance. Dekhnni, Fugdi, Mando, Fado and so on are mostly performed by the Catholic communities where Western musical instruments play a predominate role. Goan Hindus are fond of Natak, Bhajans and Kirtans.

Tiatr (Theater) is primarily a Christian Community-act. Here artists portray daily life and depict social and cultural scenarios. One can find tiatrs at Kala Academy, Pia Tiatrist Hall and Ravindra Bhavan mostly on weekends.

Jagor is a traditional folk dance-drama performed mostly by Hindu Kunbi and Christian Gaud Communities. These are all night performances seeking divine protection over the village and the crops. Perni Jagor and Gauda Jagor are other performance art forms held in villages.

Restaurants

The Fisherman’s Warf, Cavelossim, is famous for its seafood dishes besides Continental, Goan and North Indian dishes.
The Fisherman’s Warf, Panjim too serves speciality Goan dishes along with seafood and Continental dishes.
Martin’s Corner, Betalbatim, South Goa, serves Goan, Indian seafood dishes that are both traditional as well as exotic.
Karlton Horizon Grill is a casual dining restaurant in Candolim, North Goa serving European/Continental cuisines.
Brittos Bar & Restaurant at Baga Beach specialises in Goan, Chinese, Tandoor & Continental cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
O’Coquerio at Porvorium serves Goan, Portuguese Cuisine. Their speciality is Chicken Caferal. It is located right on NH 17 Highway.
There are many other good restaurants in Goa well-known for serving authentic Goan and Continental cuisines. One will find them around beaches and the meandering roads of Goa.

Getting Around

Goa has a good network of local buses connecting different villages. However these can be quite crowded at times. Taxis too are available. Motorcycle taxis are another mode of transport unique to Goa and are reasonably priced. Besides these one can rent a Bike or a Car for a self-drive.

All said and done a holiday in Goa is a unique and memorable experience. Perhaps that is why tourists, both domestic and international, keep returning to this paradise by the sea over and over again.

Enjoy an Adventurous Safari at Bandipur National Park

Enjoy An Adventurous Safari At Bandipur National Park

The deep dark world of Green forest calls a person not just to explore, but also to search for the deepest beauty that nature hides from an ordinary traveler. Bandipur National Park, situated in the southern part of India, is located in the state of Karnataka. Bandipur is located near Mysore and was once the private hunting spot of the Maharajas of Mysore. This beautiful National Park is a haven for many species, including some of the species which are about to disappear from this world. Along with its wildlife, this National park offers you a spectacular view of the amazing Nilgiri Mountains.

History of Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park was once the private hunting ground of the royal family of Mysore. The sanctuary was created by the king of Mysore in the year 1931. At that time the sanctuary was named as Venugopala Wildlife Park. In the year 1941, the National park was expanded to cover Rajiv Gandhi National Park in the northwestern side, Kerala's Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southwestern part and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the Southern part Tamil Nadu. Together the four National reserves are called Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Later, in 1970’s it was established as a Tiger Reserve and it was brought under ‘project Tiger’.  Around this time, it was established as the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

The main attractions of the Bandipur National Park

The Bandipur National Park is the part of the largest preserved area in the Southern India. The park is located on the Mysore-Ooty highway of Karnataka. The main advantages of taking a Safari at Bandipur National Park are:

•    Rich Flora: Bandipur National Park is enjoys tropical climate. Various kinds of rare vegetation like Indian Kino Tree, laurel, giant clumping bamboo, clumping bamboo along with the trees like Sandalwood, Teak, Rosewood can be found over here.

•    Various types of Fauna: As the home of the various known and some yet to be discovered species, Bandipur National Park is quite a famous reserve park of South India.  Along with tigers and leopards other important animals that can be found over here are Elephants, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Black Napped Hare, Gaurs, Langur,  Sambar, Chital, Sloth Bear, Wild dog , Bonnet Macaque, Small Indian Civet , Striped Hyenas, Jackal, Mongoose, Leopard, Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Indian Giant Red Squirrel, 4 Horned Antelope, Porcupines, Slender Loris, Jungle Cat, Palm Civet, Common Otter, Wild Boar, Flying Squirrels, Pangolin, Giant Fruit Bats etc. The wide varieties of the animals are the reason visitors return from their safari completely satisfied.

•     Amazing Landscape: The National park is based in Nilgiri Biosphere. The awesome beauty of the surrounding mountains enchants visitors. Apart from that, the four rivers Kabini, Mule-hole, Nagu, and Moyer are a part of the national park and add to the enjoyment of the trip.

About the Safari at Bandipur National Park

Private vehicles are not allowed inside the reserve forest. You need to hire Safari jeeps to venture into the national park. Special entry permits have to be procured from the forest department before taking the safari. Extra charges are levied of taking cameras into the safari at Bandipur National Park.  The forest department even organizes Elephant Safari for the visitors.  

Stay at Bandipur National Park

What can be better than an Eco-friendly Safari home stay located very close to the tiger reserve? Luxury bungalows located close to the reserve provide lots of wide spaces, light and air along with a view of the surrounding areas.  Visitors are sure to enjoy the view of the Nilgiri Mountains and the nearby villages without compromising on comfort and luxury. For more details visit, http://www.bungloguru.com/masinagudi-bandipur

Route To Bandipur National Park:

The nearest airport is located Mysore which is around 80 km away. The Bangalore International Airport is around 260 km from the reserve. Mysore Railway Station is the closest railway station to Bandipur National Park. This national park can be reached by bus or car from all the cities nearby. The two highways NH-67 and NH-212 are connected to the reserve. Beautiful hill stations like Ooty and Wayanad are located around 80 km away from this national park.

For its amazing backdrop and rich varieties of flora and fauna Bandipur National Park often looked on as one of the best sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity.

Play with Clouds in Kodaikanal - A Beautiful Hill-station

Play with Clouds in Kodaikanal - A Beautiful Hill-station

Kodaikanal means ‘Gift of the Forest’. This scenic hill station offers a romantic honeymoon to newly-weds, a chance to trek or hike amidst nature, or just a quiet, relaxing holiday.  Kodaikanal was the summer retreat of Madras Presidency during the British era. Kodaikanal, which is often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, is a jewel located in the lap of the Western Ghats.  

Places you cannot miss

There are certain places you cannot miss on your trip to Kodaikanal. Let’s have a look,

Kodaikanal Lake

The Kodaikanal Lake which is the star attraction of this small hill station is a manmade lake that looks like a star. The lake was created by Sir Vere Henry Levinge in the year 1863. It is enriched with water flowing from Palani hills. Outflow from this lake has created a beautiful waterfall called Silver Cascade. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the surrounding beauty of the lake.

Green Valley View

Formally known as Suicide point, the view from Green Valley offers a panoramic view of surrounding mountains and peaks. ‘Pillar Rocks’, an amazing natural formation, is a reason to visit this place.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

The Kurinji Andavar Temple is a great example of a typical South Indian temple structure. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is also known as Kartikeya.

La Saleth (sallette) Church

This is a 150 year old heritage Church built as a thanksgiving offering in 1866 and is located near Coaker’s walk. The annual feast of the Church takes place on the 14^th and 15^th of August, which attracts worshippers from all over South India, irrespective of caste or creed.

Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is located in the upper area of Palani hills, a little away from Kodaikanal. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the magnificence of nature. You can expect a large variety of flora and fauna in and around the lake. The lake is surrounded by the beautiful Shola forest. Get permission from the forest department and explore the forest along with the medicinal forest and the fire tower. Visiting time: 9:30 to 3: pm only

Shenbaganur Museum

It is located 5 Kms from the lake. It is also known as the Flora and Fauna Museum thanks to the large variety to be found here. The best Orchiadrium of the country is located here. Visiting hours are from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Solar Physical Observatory

It is located at the highest point of Kodaikanal around 3 Kms away. The observatory is open to public from 10:00 to 12:00 hrs and 14:00 to 16:00 hrs from 1^st April to June 15^th. During the rest of the year it is open only on Fridays between 10:00 and 12:00 hrs.

Things to do

Full of adventures and serene beauty, Kodaikanal is complimented with the title, ‘The South's very own Alps’.

Let’s flip through some of the experiences and adventures which are waiting for you in this town,

Explore beautiful waterfalls

In the various parts of this hill station, beautiful waterfalls make this place even more delightful. While you are here, visit some of the scenic waterfalls such as Silver Cascade, Bear Shola Falls, Glen Falls, Fairy Falls etc.

The Nature Walks

Take a walk through Coaker’s Walk, a charming walkway. This walkway is named after Lt. Coaker, who had created the map of this hill station. Start your walk early in the morning, walk up the forest till the telescope house and return before dusk to avoid mist. 

Trekking

Trekking through the misty forests and the clouds at Kodaikanal is a unique experience. Take an 8 km Trek to Dolphin Nose, a cloud-covered hill. You can also trek to the challenging Perumal peak, which rises above the clouds. Break the silence of the hills by shouting your name and enjoy the sound of the echo.  

Some Other Reasons to visit Kodaikanal

Let’s find out some of the other adventures to pamper your taste buds and to enrich your sense of smell,

•    Try the seafood version of our favorite Biriyani in the Hilltop restaurant.

•    If you are a fan of Tibetian foods, pay a visit to the Royal Tibet.

•    For a mid-time snack, you can try the pocket-friendly restaurant Tava.

•    Vegetarians can try Hotel Astoria for authentic vegetarian food.

Information you might need for your visit:

ü  The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April – June & September-October. One can visit this hill station through the year too. Light Wollens in the evening during summer and heavy wollens during winter are suitable wear over here.

ü  Kodaikanal is well-connected with the metro cities like Chennai and Bangalore by road. The nearest Airports to this town are Trichy and Madurai. The nearest rail station is Kodai Road.

ü  There are hotels and resorts to suit different budgets. For an unusual stay, try the home stays or guest houses. This will give you an entirely different experience spiced with a personal touch of the hosts.

Lastly, on your visit, do keep your eyes open for the very rare grizzled giant squirrels which can only be found here. Celebrate your visit to Kodaikanal, so that you can comment like this avid traveler from Bareilly,  

‘Arranged amidst the folds of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is a champion amongst the most understood incline stations of Tamil Nadu’.

Look forward to a Relaxing Holiday in Ooty

Look forward to a Relaxing Holiday in Ooty

The quaint hill station of Ooty with its age-old charm attracts every mountain loving traveler. The title of ‘Queen of Hill Station’ is justified by Shelly’s quote,

 “A thing of beauty is a joy forever” This perfectly describes any traveller’s experience of Ooty.’

As rightly stated above, beautiful things bring joy to our life, so also Ooty, with its combination of amazing Hindu temples along with architecture of the British Raj period, makes this small hill station irresistible to visitors.

Get the feel of Ooty even before entering the city. Enter in style on the famous Toy Train from the Mettupalayam station, through the beautiful Nilgiri hills.  Ooty was once the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. Therefore, the colonial mark from British Raj period is still evident in various parts of the city.   

Places to visit in Ooty:

There can be uncountable reasons for you to visit Ooty at any time of the year. One of the main reasons can be the surrounding “Blue Mountains” that the town is famous for. Let’s find out some of the other reasons why it would be a pleasure to visit this beautiful town which is also known as Ootacamund,

Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden

Located on the lower slopes of the Doddabetta peak, the Botanical gardens are terraced into several sections in an area of around 22 hectors presenting a collection of flowers and plants. Here you will experience amazing Mountain Views. The fabulous display of a variety of flowers and the fantastic Mountain Views provides the visitor with plenty of opportunities for clicking memorable photographs. The Rose garden of Ooty is the largest of the rose gardens of India. Located in the lap of Elk Hill, this rose garden has a collection of over 20000 varieties of roses.

Doddabetta Peak

Along with the Botanical garden, don’t miss a chance to visit the famous Doddabetta Peak. The view of Nilgiri Mountain range is awesome from this peak. This peak is also the highest mountain of the South India. This peak will give you splendid opportunity for trekking.

Ooty Lake

This is an artificial lake constructed by John Sullivan. It is surrounded by Eucalyptus groves with a railway line running along one shore. The boat house which adjoins the lake offers boating facilities with various types of boats and is a great place for some boating experience.

Pykara River

The Pykara River flows through the plateau, creating beautiful waterfalls and a lake. It flows through dense forests and the valley of Nilgiri, and creates an amazing effect of a Mountain river.

The Mountain Railway

The Mountain Railway was established by the British in early 20th Century. Declared as the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, the diesel train gives you an awesome view of the surrounding mountains and an experience that you are unlikely to find anywhere else.

  St. Stephen’s Church

The St. Stephen’s Church is one of the oldest churches built during the 19th century. The amazing architecture which blends with the surrounding serenity, makes this church to the must-visit list.

Tribal culture

Ooty is one of the places where tribal culture co-exists with modern life. The Todas live in hamlets called Muds.  Their thatched huts are called dogles, and have an oval, semi-barrel shape. Toda embroidery is quite unique and passed on from generation to generation. You can collect the artifacts made by this tribe.

Some Highlights:

·       Ooty is famous for the Nilgiri Tea. To get an authentic experience of Nilgiri tea, visit the tea factory located in the city and taste the tea. 

·       If you are a fan of Mughlai foods, visit Hyderabadi Biriyani House. The aroma of delicious Biriyani is sure to increase your hunger as soon as you near the restaurant.

·       If you have a dream of visiting Madam Tussaud’s someday, you can try out the Wax Museum of Ooty.   This old bungalow based in Ooty possesses some amazing wax sculptures. It will also give you an insight into the local culture and heritage.

·       Get immersed in the summer festival of Ooty in the month of May. Although, during this time, your idea of a tranquil holiday may get hampered by the jostling crowds.

Travel to Ooty

Whether for a romantic holiday or to rejuvenate yourself a fresh –Ooty is set to provide you an amazing experience. This romantic hill station is located in Tamilnadu and it is a very popular holiday gateway from the metros like Chennai and Bangalore. This destination is also very popular as a romantic destination for all tourists. The most romantic way to reach to this city is to go by the Mountain railway popularly known as the Toy Train from Mettupalayam. The town is connected with the cities like Coonoor, Coimbatore, Kozhikode, Mysore and the metros like Chennai and Bangalore by road. The nearest airport is located in Coimbatore and the nearest railway station is Mettupalayam.

 Find the perfect stay

Whether a quaint bungalow or an eco-friendly hut—the stay is bound to be very special for any traveler. A small house located on the bank of the lake is perfect to enjoy the serenity of the beautiful hill station. For more details visit, http://www.bungloguru.com/ooty-coonoor

To Reinvent and Rejuvenate yourself try-out a less-frequented destination - Wayanad

To Reinvent and Rejuvenate yourself try-out a less-frequented destination - Wayanad

Kerala is a state that abounds in nature, providing travellers many opportunities to discover the secrets of nature. Kerala truly defines the quote,

‘An adventure is the best way to learn about life.’

Along with the well-known destinations of Kerala, like Cochin, Alleppey and Munnar, some off-beat destinations like Varkala and Wayanad are also gaining popularity. The main advantages of these destinations are their rich natural beauty, untouched and undiscovered by most tourists.

Wayanad, is a district of Kerala, located in the North-East part of the state. The untamed and unspoiled beauty of this hill area will give one a refreshing break and an unforgettable experience. Wayanad Tourism describes the district as a ‘green paradise’ that lies in between the mountains of the Western Ghats. It is called a ‘green paradise’ because it forms the border of the greener portion of Kerala.

What to expect in Wayanad?

Apart from the obvious mountains and their lush greenery, this quaint hill station also boosts of ancient ruins and mystic caves along with adventurous jungle trails.

Let’s explore the beautiful destination of Wayanad:

Chembra Peak

The Chembra Peak is a perfect place for adventure lovers. Although a trek to this peak is risky yet it is well worth the risk just to view the mind-blowing view from here. The peak is located close to the town of Meppady, located in the Southern part of the district. Trekkers can camp on the top of the hill, as the trek to the peak of Chembra generally takes a full day.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary is the biggest sanctuary for wildlife in the Malabar region. Here, you can find animals like the Elephant, bison, bear, spotted deer, tiger, etc. You can take a jungle safari or an Elephant ride to this Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pookot Lake

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and evergreen forests, Pookot Lake is created with natural water. You can enjoy a refreshing boat ride on the lake or buy artefacts from nearby shops. 

Soochippara Waterfalls

The unspoiled beauty of Soochippara waterfalls is yet to be discovered by tourists. Swimming, boating or rafting can be done on the lake below the waterfall. From the top point of these falls, one can get an excellent view of the surrounding hills of the Western Ghats.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.  This sanctuary is considered to be a World Heritage Site because of its immense bio-diversity.

Interesting things to do in Wayanad

•    A visit Edakkal caves located on Ambukutty Mala can be quite exciting. According to history, these caves had been created by the arrows of Shri Ram’s sons, Luv and Kush. Here one can see prehistoric Stone Age paintings which have great archaeological significance. Visiting time here is from 9.30 to 4.30 and an entry fee has to be paid.

•    Wayanad is one of the best places for trekking. There are several trekking routes that one can take to enjoy tea gardens and Cardamom groves. The place has some awesome natural beauty. Along with the popular Chembra Peak, one can also trek to the Valley of Clouds, Banasura Hill or the Brahmagiri peak.

•    One can visit the beautiful Thrissillery Shiva temple located on the bank of Papanasini River. The serene beauty of this temple is perfect to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.

Camp in between the amazing beauty spots of Wayanad

From camping on the peak of Chembra to staying in some of the amazing parts of Wayanad can be quite stimulating. Each option has its own unique beauty. Cosy home stays of this district provide one with a wonderful opportunity of staying in the lap of nature without compromising on comfort.

Reaching Wayanad

By Train: Calicut, which is 65 km. from Wayanad, is the nearest railway station.

By Plane: Calicut also has an International Airport.

By Road: One can drive down to Wayanad from Bangalore via NH766 and NH275, a distance of around 275 km. A road trip, in one’s own vehicle, can be an amazing experience.

Other places nearby worth a visit are Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mysore, Ooty and so on.

So get ready to take a vacation to Wayanad, often described as,

‘… a picturesque hill station in Kerala. The dewy land gets its name from two local words, ‘Vayal' meaning ‘paddy field’ and 'Naad' meaning ‘land’ combining to form ‘Wayanad’ or 'The Land of Paddy Fields’. 

Opt For An Adventurous Safari At Bandipur National Park

Opt For An Adventurous Safari At Bandipur National Park  

Opt For An Adventurous Safari At Bandipur National Park

The deep dark world of Green forest calls a person not just to explore, but also to search for the deepest beauty that nature hides from an ordinary traveler. Bandipur National Park, situated in the southern part of India, is located in the state of Karnataka. Bandipur is located near Mysore and was once the private hunting spot of the Maharajas of Mysore. This beautiful National Park is a haven for many species, including some of the species which are about to disappear from this world. Along with its wildlife, this National park offers you a spectacular view of the amazing Nilgiri Mountains.

History of Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park was once the private hunting ground of the royal family of Mysore. The sanctuary was created by the king of Mysore in the year 1931. At that time the sanctuary was named as Venugopala Wildlife Park. In the year 1941, the National park was expanded to cover Rajiv Gandhi National Park in the northwestern side, Kerala's Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southwestern part and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the Southern part Tamil Nadu. Together the four National reserves are called Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Later, in 1970’s it was established as a Tiger Reserve and it was brought under ‘project Tiger’.  Around this time, it was established as the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

The main attractions of the Bandipur National Park

The Bandipur National Park is the part of the largest preserved area in the Southern India. The park is located on the Mysore-Ooty highway of Karnataka. The main advantages of taking a Safari at Bandipur National Park are:

•    Rich Flora: Bandipur National Park is enjoys tropical climate. Various kinds of rare vegetation like Indian Kino Tree, laurel, giant clumping bamboo, clumping bamboo along with the trees like Sandalwood, Teak, Rosewood can be found over here.

•    Various types of Fauna: As the home of the various known and some yet to be discovered species, Bandipur National Park is quite a famous reserve park of South India.  Along with tigers and leopards other important animals that can be found over here are Elephants, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Black Napped Hare, Gaurs, Langur,  Sambar, Chital, Sloth Bear, Wild dog , Bonnet Macaque, Small Indian Civet , Striped Hyenas, Jackal, Mongoose, Leopard, Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Indian Giant Red Squirrel, 4 Horned Antelope, Porcupines, Slender Loris, Jungle Cat, Palm Civet, Common Otter, Wild Boar, Flying Squirrels, Pangolin, Giant Fruit Bats etc. The wide varieties of the animals are the reason visitors return from their safari completely satisfied.

•     Amazing Landscape: The National park is based in Nilgiri Biosphere. The awesome beauty of the surrounding mountains enchants visitors. Apart from that, the four rivers Kabini, Mule-hole, Nagu, and Moyer are a part of the national park and add to the enjoyment of the trip.

About the Safari at Bandipur National Park

Private vehicles are not allowed inside the reserve forest. You need to hire Safari jeeps to venture into the national park. Special entry permits have to be procured from the forest department before taking the safari. Extra charges are levied of taking cameras into the safari at Bandipur National Park.  The forest department even organizes Elephant Safari for the visitors.  

Stay at Bandipur National Park

What can be better than an Eco-friendly Safari home stay located very close to the tiger reserve? Luxury bungalows located close to the reserve provide lots of wide spaces, light and air along with a view of the surrounding areas.  Visitors are sure to enjoy the view of the Nilgiri Mountains and the nearby villages without compromising on comfort and luxury. For more details visit, http://www.bungloguru.com/masinagudi-bandipur

Route To Bandipur National Park:

The nearest airport is located Mysore which is around 80 km away. The Bangalore International Airport is around 260 km from the reserve. Mysore Railway Station is the closest railway station to Bandipur National Park. This national park can be reached by bus or car from all the cities nearby. The two highways NH-67 and NH-212 are connected to the reserve. Beautiful hill stations like Ooty and Wayanad are located around 80 km away from this national park.

For its amazing backdrop and rich varieties of flora and fauna Bandipur National Park often looked on as one of the best sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity.