GET BITES OF YOUR DESTINATION
Mountains Calling
“Mussoorie, located in Uttarakhand, North India, is a delightful destination best visited between April and June, with May being the prime month. Key attractions include Kempty Falls, a favorite picnic spot, and Gun Hill, which offers stunning views of the Doon Valley. Camel’s Back Road is perfect for a peaceful walk, while Lal Tibba is the highest point in the area. Mussoorie Lake is ideal for boating. The local cuisine features Bal Mithai, Singodi, and Aloo ke Gutke. Traditional woolen clothes and Garhwali jewelry are popular. Notable eateries include Kalsang Friends Corner, Cafe Ivy, and Little Llama Cafe.”
“Nainital, Uttarakhand, located in North India, is best visited from March to June, with May being the prime month. The city boasts attractions like Naini Lake, a beautiful freshwater lake, and Naina Devi Temple, a revered Hindu site. Snow View Point offers stunning Himalayan vistas, while Nainital Zoo features endangered species. Tiffin Top is a favorite picnic spot. Local cuisine includes Bhatt ki Churkani and Aloo ke Gutke. Traditional woolen clothes and Kumaoni jewelry are popular. Notable eateries are Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop, Chandni Chowk, and Cafe LakeSide, perfect for coffee with a lake view.”
“Manali, located in Himachal Pradesh, is best visited between March and June or October to February, with May being ideal for summer and December for winter sports. Key attractions include Rohtang Pass for stunning views and snow activities, Solang Valley for adventure sports, Hadimba Temple surrounded by a cedar forest, and Manu Temple dedicated to sage Manu. Old Manali is known for its cafes and laid-back atmosphere. Savor local dishes like Dham, Sidu, and Babru, and shop for woolen wear and traditional jewelry. Popular spots for dining include Johnson’s Cafe, The Lazy Dog Lounge.”
“Srinagar, located in Jammu & Kashmir’s northern region, is best visited from March to October. April is perfect for tulip bloom, while September offers pleasant weather. Key attractions include Dal Lake, known for its houseboats and shikaras, and Gulmarg, famous for skiing and scenic beauty. Pahalgam is ideal for trekking, while the Mughal Gardens showcase historical beauty. Sonamarg is celebrated for its landscapes. Enjoy local dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni, and shop for Pashmina shawls and traditional Kashmiri jewelry. Popular dining spots include Ahdoos Restaurant, Shamyana Restaurant, and Chai Jaai Tea Room.”
“Leh-Ladakh, located in the northern region of India, is best visited between June and September, with July being the prime month. Key attractions include the breathtaking Pangong Lake, the scenic Nubra Valley with its unique sand dunes and Bactrian camels, the beautiful Thiksey Monastery, the historic Leh Palace, and the intriguing Magnetic Hill. Local delicacies like Thukpa, Momos, and Skyu are a must-try, along with Pashmina shawls and traditional Ladakhi jewelry. For dining, The Tibetan Kitchen, Bon Appetit, and Lamayuru Restaurant are popular choices, offering a range of local and Tibetan dishes.”
“Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a beautiful city in Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India, amidst the Nilgiri Hills. The best time to visit is from March to June, with May being the most pleasant. Ooty boasts famous attractions like Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden, Tea Museum, and St. Stephen’s Church. The city is renowned for its homemade chocolates, tea, woolen garments, and traditional South Indian jewelry. Popular eateries include Earl’s Secret, Nahar’s Sidewalk Cafe, Garden Restaurant, Shinkows, and Hyderabad Biryani House.”
Beach Bliss
“Panaji, the capital of Goa in West India, is best visited during winter, from November to February. Famous for its beaches like Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, Panaji also boasts historical sites like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Fort Aguada. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as Goan Fish Curry, Bebinca, Prawn Balchão, and Vindaloo. Ideal for beachwear, sarongs, wraparounds, and jewelry made from cashews and shells, Panaji offers charming cafes and restaurants like Britto’s, Thalassa, Café Chocolatti, and Gunpowder for delightful dining experiences.”
“Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is best visited between November and May, with December being particularly favorable for its pleasant weather. Key attractions include the historic Cellular Jail, the serene Radhanagar Beach, and the scenic islands of Ross and Havelock, known for their marine biodiversity. The local cuisine features a variety of Indian and seafood dishes, highlighting fresh fish, prawns, and crabs. Local jewelry often features shell and coral designs. Notable dining spots include Barefoot Bayside Brasserie and Full Moon Café.”
“Puducherry, located in South India, is best visited during the winter months from October to March. The city boasts famous spots like Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, and the French War Memorial. Visitors can relish a variety of foods, including baguettes, croissants, Tamil cuisine such as dosas and idlis, Creole dishes, and seafood like crab and prawn. Fashion here features French-style clothing, handmade silk sarees, and unique handmade jewelry. Notable cafes and restaurants include Café des Arts, Villa Shanti, The Indian Kaffe Express, and La Maison Rose.”
“Puri, located in Odisha, East India, is best visited from October to February, with November offering pleasant weather. The city is renowned for the Jagannath Temple, a key pilgrimage site, and the serene Puri Beach. Nearby, the Sun Temple in Konark is a notable attraction. Puri’s culinary highlights include the mahaprasad, part of the temple cuisine. Traditional attire such as sarees and dhotis are crafted from local fabrics, and the region is famous for its silver filigree jewelry, tarakasi. For dining, the Honey Bee Bakery and Pizzeria offers baked goods and Italian dishes, while Chung Wah specializes in Chinese cuisine.”
“Gokarna, located in Karnataka, South India, is best visited between October and March, with January offering especially pleasant weather. This coastal town is famous for its beaches like Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach. It also features the Mahabaleshwar Temple, a key pilgrimage site, as well as Yana Rocks and Mirjan Fort. The local cuisine highlights seafood, and traditional attire includes sarees for women and lungis for men, with jewelry crafted from gold and silver. Notable dining spots include Namaste Café and Prakruti Café, known for their diverse culinary offerings.”
“Kanyakumari, located in Tamil Nadu, South India, is best visited during the winter months from October to February. This coastal city is renowned for its notable landmarks such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach, Bhagavathy Amman Temple, and the Sunset View Point. Seafood lovers will delight in dishes like fish curry, crab dishes, tapioca with fish curry, banana chips, and various coconut-based dishes. For shopping, visitors can find beautiful cotton sarees and traditional Tamil Nadu jewelry. Popular dining spots include Seaview Restaurant, Sangam Restaurant, Hotel Saravana.”
Spiritual Retreat
“Mathura-Vrindavan, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is best visited during the winter season, particularly in March for the Holi festival. This northern Indian city is renowned for its temples, including Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Prem Mandir. Visitors can savor local delicacies such as Peda, Kachori, Chaat, and Lassi. Traditional Indian attire like sarees and kurta-pajamas are popular, along with silver and gold-plated jewelry. Notable eateries include Brijwasi Mithai Wala, Dasaprakash, and Govinda’s Restaurant at ISKCON.”
“Amritsar, located in the northern state of Punjab, is best visited during winter, particularly in December. The city is renowned for its iconic Golden Temple, the historical Jallianwala Bagh, and the ceremonial Wagah Border. Amritsar’s cuisine features delicacies like Amritsari Kulcha, Lassi, and Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti. Traditional clothing includes Phulkari embroidery and Punjabi suits, while Jadau jewelry is popular. Notable dining spots are Kesar Da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba, and the Guru-Ka-Langar within the Golden Temple complex.”
“Khatu, located in Rajasthan’s northern region, is best visited in winter, particularly in February during the Falgun Mela. The city is renowned for the Khatu Shyam Temple, Shyam Kund, and Gopinath Temple. Visitors can relish traditional Rajasthani dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Ghewar, and the comprehensive Rajasthani Thali. Traditional attire such as Bandhani sarees and ghagras, along with Kundan and Meenakari jewelry, are popular in Khatu. For dining, Shyam Bhojanalaya and Khatu Shyam Bhojanalay are notable establishments offering local cuisine.”
“Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, North India, is a beautiful destination best visited in the autumn months from September to November, with October being ideal. The city is famous for the Vaishno Devi Shrine, Ardh Kuwari Cave, and Bhairavnath Temple. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like Rajma Chawal, Kaladi Kulcha, and Patisa. Traditional woolen garments and Pheran, along with intricately designed Kashmiri jewelry, are popular here. Some notable cafes and restaurants to dine at include Madhuban, Sagar Ratna, and Manoranjan Dhaba.”
“Ayodhya, located in Uttar Pradesh, North India, is best visited during winter from October to March, with October being an ideal month. The city is renowned for its historical and cultural landmarks like Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan. Additionally, the Saryu River is a serene spot for evening strolls and taking in the peaceful atmosphere. Local cuisine features delightful dishes such as Poori-Sabzi, Lassi, and Thandai. Visitors can shop for traditional Indian attire like sarees and kurta-pajamas, along with classic Indian jewelry and handicrafts.”
“Dwarka, located in Gujarat’s western region, is best visited during the winter months, particularly in December. The city is renowned for its significant religious sites like Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Rukmini Devi Temple, and Bet Dwarka. Visitors can relish traditional Gujarati dishes such as Gujarati Thali, Dhokla, Fafda, and Thepla. For shopping, Bandhani sarees, Chaniya Choli, and silver or traditional Gujarati jewelry are popular. Some recommended cafes and restaurants include Chappan Bhog, Amrutras, and Blue Coriander.”
Ancient Wonders
“Agra, located in northern India, is best visited in winter from October to March. It is famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the historic Agra Fort. Nearby, Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar, and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, known as the “Baby Taj,” are must-see sites. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like Petha, Mughlai cuisine, and Dalmoth. Traditional attire includes sarees, sherwanis, and lehengas, with Mughal-inspired jewelry. Popular spots to eat and relax are Sheroes Hangout, Cafe Coffee Day, Peshawri, Pinch of Spice, and Dasaprakash.”
“Delhi, the capital city of India, is best visited during the winter months from October to March. Famous landmarks include the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Lotus Temple. The city’s culinary delights feature Chole Bhature, Paranthas, Butter Chicken, and popular street foods like Golgappa and Chaat. Traditional clothing includes sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas, with gold and diamond jewelry being prominent. Notable cafes are Indian Coffee House, Cha Bar, and Perch Wine & Coffee Bar, while renowned restaurants include Karim’s, Bukhara.”
“Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a vibrant city in the north-west region of India. Known as the Pink City, it is best visited in winter, particularly from October to March. Key attractions include Hawa Mahal with its unique façade, Amber Fort’s grand architecture, and the historical City Palace. Jantar Mantar is a notable astronomical site. Visitors can savor traditional dishes like Dal Baati Churma and Pyaaz Kachori. Jaipur is also renowned for its traditional attire and exquisite Kundan and Meenakari jewelry. Popular dining spots include Tapri Central, Anokhi Café, Chokhi Dhani.”
“Munnar in Kerala, South India, is a charming destination best visited from October to March, with November being ideal. The town is known for its tea gardens, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, and Attukal Waterfalls. Visitors can savor local cuisine such as Kerala Sadya, Appam with Stew, and Karimeen Pollichathu. Traditional attire includes the Kerala saree and Mundum Neriyathum, paired with beautiful jewelry like Nettipattam and Palakka Mala. Popular dining options in Munnar are Saravana Bhavan, Rapsy Restaurant, and Gurubhavan Hotel.”
“South India, particularly Hyderabad, is a region rich in history and culture, best visited in the winter months from November to February. December offers the ideal weather for exploring iconic sites such as the Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, and Chowmahalla Palace. The city is also renowned for its culinary delights, especially Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, and Qubani Ka Meetha. Hyderabad’s reputation as the “City of Pearls” reflects its famous jewelry and traditional sarees like Pochampally and Gadwal. Popular dining spots include Cafe Bahar, Chutneys, and Olive Bistro.”
“Central India, particularly the Gwalior region, is best visited during winter, from October to March, with December being an ideal month. Gwalior Fort, also known as the “Gibraltar of India,” offers rich history and panoramic views. Jai Vilas Palace, now a museum, displays royal collections. The Saas Bahu Temples are famous for their intricate carvings, while Tansen’s Tomb honors the legendary musician. Gwalior is known for Morena Gajak, Kachori, and Bedai. The city’s traditional attire includes Chanderi sarees and silver jewelry. Notable dining spots include Indian Coffee House, Moti Mahal Deluxe, and Silver Saloon.”
Thrill Awaits
“Bir in Himachal Pradesh is famous for its paragliding opportunities, attracting thrill-seekers from all over. The optimal time to visit is between October and November, when the weather is perfect for flying. During this period, the skies are clear, and the wind conditions are favorable, providing a safe and exhilarating paragliding experience. Paragliding costs range from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500, making it a cost-effective adventure. Besides paragliding, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the region and explore the local culture and cuisine, making Bir a perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation.”
“Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is renowned for its river rafting adventures, especially between September and November. This period offers ideal weather and water conditions. The cost for rafting ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500, based on the course’s length and difficulty. Rishikesh attracts thrill-seekers eager to tackle the challenging rapids of the Ganges River, making it a prime destination for those looking to add excitement to their travels. The combination of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping activity makes Rishikesh a must-visit for adventure lovers.”
“Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is a sought-after spot for trekking. The prime months to visit are from May to June, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Trekking packages are available within the price range of ₹1,500 to ₹5,000, depending on the trek’s length and difficulty level. This period offers the ideal conditions for outdoor activities, making it the perfect time for trekking enthusiasts to visit and explore the natural beauty and trails of Manali.”
“Rishikesh, located in Uttarakhand, offers an exciting bungee jumping experience. The ideal period for this thrilling activity is from October to March. The cost for a bungee jump ranges between ₹3,500 and ₹4,000. Rishikesh is widely recognized for providing this adventurous sport, attracting many visitors during these months. The town not only offers spiritual retreats and scenic views but also caters to adventure seekers looking for an unforgettable jump. Ensure to book your jump in advance to secure your spot during the peak season.”
“Auli in Uttarakhand is a top skiing destination in India, offering prime conditions from December to February. The cost ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per day, which includes equipment rental. Known for its excellent slopes and stunning views, Auli attracts skiers from around the country during these months. The clear skies and fresh snow provide the perfect backdrop for a thrilling skiing adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Auli’s ski resorts offer a memorable and exciting winter sports experience.”
“Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is a prime destination for jungle safari adventures. The optimal time to visit is between November and June. Safari prices range from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000, varying with the type and length of the safari. This park is renowned for its rich wildlife and natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. With affordable pricing and a wide window of opportunity for visiting, it’s a must-visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.”