Search Results

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Ansie Potgieter, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Lion Lion is a large wild cat species. Current days lions are found in Africa and India only. Lions are Carnivorous mammals. Lions are listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List. Lion loves savanna and grassland. However, lions are also found in deserts. Group of lions are referred as pride. Lions have emotional relationship among the pride members. There are instances when lions are observed protecting other animals like antelope and leopard cubs. The reason for this behaviour is still unknown. Scientific Name of Lion Panthera leo Physical Description of Lion Lions have well muscular, long bodies. Lions' appearance is significantly different between males and females. The Mane of the male lion protects from rain and sunburn, and it's a great symbol of power and Pride. The darker the Mane indicates, the higher age of male lions. Asiatic lions have lesser hair in Mane than their African counterparts. A male lion can grow up to 250 kg with a muscular body and mighty limbs. Lion size varies between 8 to 9 feet. Male lions are larger than females. Females can grow up to 7 to 8 feet long, including a 1 to 1.5 feet tail. At the end of their tail, they have a small hairy end, and it's called tuft. Depending on the region, the lion's body colour shade varies. Asiatic lions have folds in the belly, which is absent in African lions. Life Cycle of Lion The average lifespan in the wild is between 8 to 10 years. At a time, they give birth to 1 to 5 cubs. The average gestation period is 105-110 days. Female gives birth at an isolated place and changes cubs location frequently. Cub's eyes remain closed until 7 to 9 days. Cubs start eating meat from the age of 8/10 weeks. After this mother introduces the cubs to the Pride. In some cases, females of the Pride give birth simultaneously and share nursing responsibility. It is typically helpful to protect vulnerable cubs from predators. Characteristics of Lion Lions live in Pride. The number of members size varies from 3 to 40. Each Pride has an alpha male, may have some other males un subadults, females and cubs. Females majorly do the hunting; males occasionally participate, especially for larger prey. The territory of Pride depends on the availability of prey. Its ranges from 20 sq km to 400 sq km. Unlike other big cats, both male and females collectively protect their territory, or otherwise called the Range. Male lions troll their territory and scent mark with their urine. They do this at regular intervals. They also become very vocal during trolling to send a strong message to potential intruders. ​ Diet of Lion Lions sleep and rest for 21 to 22 hours a day and become active after dark only. Therefore, their hunts majorly happened at night. However, in case of crisis, they hunt in the daytime as well. Lions are apex predators and hunt from rodents to deer, bison, nilgai etc. Lions even occasionally kill large animals like elephants, hippos and rhinos. A male lion can eat up to 35 kg in a single meal.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Syed Ali, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Leopards Leopard is a large cat related to tigers and lions. Leopard subspecies are African Leopard, Indian Leopard, Arabian Leopard, Amur Leopard, Javan Leopard, Indochinese Leopard, Sri Lankan Leopard. In the 17th century, leopards were found in entire Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, South and Southeast Asia. But now they have lost 75% of their range. Now leopards are generally found in Central and South Africa, Central Asia, India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. India is the home of an estimated 14000 to 20000 leopards. In the IUCN list, leopards are categorised under the Vulnerable list.​ In India, leopards are found close to human settlements. For nursing, they avoid the jungle and prefer tea gardens, cultivation fields, and plantation areas. These are the areas where human-leopard conflicts are maximum. ​However, in many places in India, they live peacefully close to human settlements. Scientific Name of Leopards Panthera pardus Physical Description of Leopards Leopard size and appearance vary significantly depending on the region. Its looks similar to the Jaguars but smaller in size. Melanistic (black) leopards are called Black Panther. Every leopard has distinctive spots called rosettes. Male leopards are larger. It can weigh up to 90 kg, whereas female leopards weigh 60 kg on average. Leopards are, in general, 6 to 8 ft in length. Life Cycle of Leopards The typical lifespan of a leopard in the wild is 12 to 15 years. With average gestation of 105 days, they give birth to 2 to 4 cubs. Unfortunately, the mortality rate is very high; almost 50% of cubs die before their first year. Characteristics of Leopards Leopards are solitary animals. Especially males are highly territorial. The territory range depends on the availability of prey. The male territory covers 3 to 4 female territories. Male leopards never shared their territory with other males, but females sometimes crossed other female areas for nursing. Leopards can cover 25 km to hunt or protect their range in a single night. Leopard can run up to 55 km/hrs speed. ​In Africa, leopards have multiple natural enemies like lions, hyenas, wild dogs etc. So often, their kill gets robbed by lions or hyenas. In India, the tiger is their natural enemy. Leopards are good climbers and spend most of their time in tree branches. To protect their food, they even pull their kills to the treetop. Leopards have powerful jaws. They can pull kills equal to their weight.​​ Diet of Leopards Leopards are carnivorous. Leopards are nocturnal, and they are generally active after dark. Leopards are an expert stalkers and perhaps the best among big cats. Leopard eats 4 to 5 kg of meat in a single meal. They eat very fast to grab as much as possible before being challenged by other predators. Leopards have a wide range of food options. Impala, and deer, are on top of their food list. In the African savanna, leopards avoid confrontation with hyenas and lions. It's mainly to prevent injuries. However, there are examples of killing mandrills and baboons.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Blake Meyer, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Tiger Tiger is the largest living cat species. Initially, there were nine subspecies, among which six are living today. Bengal Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Sumatran Tiger etc are the common variants. Only about 4500 to 5500 tigers are left in the forest, among which more than 50% live in Indian Jungles. Tigers are carnivores. Each tiger owns its specific pattern of strips, and it's a distinct mark like fingerprints. Tiger stripes are also embedded in their skin, meaning if you shave a tiger, you will get similar strips in their skin as well. Tigers are listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List. Tigers prefer dry stream beds to walk to eliminate irritation of vegetation touching their faces. Tigers can jump up to 10 meters. Tigers usually are not a man-eater. However, old age and other disabilities sometimes transform them into a man-eater. Scientific Name of Tiger Panthera Tigris Physical Description of Tiger A tiger can grow up to 300 kg with a muscular body and mighty limbs. Tiger size varies between 8 to 12 feet. Male tigers are larger than females, and generally, it is a 1.7:1 ratio. Each tiger paw has four normal claws of up to 10 cm in length and one specialised claw, also called a dewclaw. Adult tigers canines can be up to 8 cm long, and it is the largest among all big cats. Life Cycle of Tiger The average lifespan in the wild is between 8 to 10 years. Tigers mate throughout the year, but they generally give birth in the month of May-June. At a time, they give birth to 3 to 5 cubs. The average gestation period is 100-105 days. Cub's eyes remain closed until 8 to 14 days. Cubs start eating meat from the age of 8/10 weeks. Male tigers stay with their mother until 18 to 22 months of age, and female tigers remain with their mothers for up to 30 months. Females are taking care of cubs alone; however, their father protects the area from other adult males and provides a safer environment. Characteristics of Tiger Tigers are solitary animals. Depending on food and tiger population, the female tiger establishes her territory of around 10 to 20 Sq Km. In general, male tiger territory comprises 4 to 5 female tigers territory. They marked their territory with urine. From urine odour, the tiger can estimate the age, sex, the health of the other tigers. Tigers can reach a speed of 70 km/hrs within 5 seconds, but the average top speed range at 65 km/hrs for a shorter distance. They need to reach close proximity before launching their hunt; otherwise, they won't succeed. Tiger loves water and is an expert swimmer. They frequently cross rivers. ​Tigers have the biggest brain among big cats. Because of this, they are smart and can remember exact routes within the territory. Diet of Tiger Tigers are apex predators and hunt deer, bison, nilgai etc. They can eat up to 25 kg in a single meal. Tigers are nocturnal animals, but they hunt in daylight as well. A tiger roar often paralysed its pray. Tigers can kill animals five times more heavier than them. Tiger saves their kills and eats up to 3 days from the kill.

Leisure Image by Satyan Chawla, Unsplash Monsoon is also known as the season of plenty. During this period, Nature shows its true beauty. You can capture monsoons in different colours and moods, from the Western Ghats to the Arunachal Pradesh mountains. There are thousands of places in India where you can enjoy distinct mesmerising monsoon. We are listing some of the locations here to initiate your search. Dooars Chikmagalur Mandu Munnar and Devikulam Pench National Park Pachmarhi Igatpuri Mawsynram and Cherrapunji Dzukou Valley Dooars Also known as the queen of jungle is a vast region in the northern part of West Bengal. This region has many beautiful travel destinations starting from the mountain, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens etc. Some notable destinations are; Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Jayanti, Chilapata, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Jhalong, Neora Valley, etc. How to Reach Dooars Nearest Airport is Bagdogra. Railway Stations are New Alipurduar, Siliguri, and Malbazar (Choose based on your destination). Chikmagalur Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka (Western part). This place is known for its coffee plantation & natural beauty. Some notable attractions are Mullayanagiri, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh national park, Kodanda Ramaswamy temple, Kadambi falls etc. This place is an intrinsic mix of natural beauty & wildlife. ​ How to Reach Chikmagalur Nearest Airport is Mangalore (113 km), Bengaluru (241 km). Railway Stations are Birur, Kadur or Tarikere (Chose based on your destination) Mandu Mandu or Mandavgarh is an ancient fort city in Madhya Pradesh. This fortress city on a rocky outcrop is known for its palaces, architecture & natural beauty. Prominent tourist attractions are Jahaz Mahal, Rani Rupmati Pavillion, Reba Kund, Baz Bahadur Palace, Hindola Mahal, Jain Temple etc. From Rupmati Pavilion, you can have a 360-degree view of Mandu. ​ How to Reach Mandu Nearest Airport is Indore (97 km), Railway Stations are Ratlam and Indore. Munnar, Devikulam Devikulam is a small picturesque town near Munnar. The silence & untouched natural beauty of this place attract a large number of tourists. Munnar is a junction of three mountain ranges Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Situated at the height of 1600 m, Munnar is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Some of the key attractions are Rajamalai National Park, Anamudi Peak, Thoovanam Falls etc. ​ How to Reach Munnar Nearest Airport is Cochin (110 km), Madurai (140 km). Railway Stations is Ernakulam (Cochin) Pench National Park During monsoon season, the core zones of the Pench Tiger Reserve are closed. However, if you want to enjoy the true beauty of the jungle, this is the best time to visit. During this time, buffer zones are open, and you can even enjoy jungle safari in Rukhad & Teliya Zone. You can feel at least 20 shades of green in the jungle. Monsoon in the wilderness has its sound, smell and character. ​ How to Reach Pench Pachmarhi Pachmarhi, aka 'Satpura ki Rani', is a hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi is situated amid the greens of Satpura Hill. This place is very popular among nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Key tourist points are Apsara Vihar, Bee Falls, Jatashankar Temple, Dhoopgarh etc. ​ How to Reach Pachmarhi Nearest Airport is Bhopal (195 km) , Railway station is Piparia. Igatpuri Igatpuri is a town and hill station in the Western Ghats mountains of Maharashtra. The majestic old fort, waterfalls and green mountains make Igatpuri an ideal place for a monsoon vacation. Some of the key attractions are Vatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Tringalwadi Fort, Amruteshwar temple etc. ​ How to Reach Igatpuri Nearest Airport is Mumbai (121 km) , Railway station is Igatpuri. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji Mawsynram is a town in Meghalaya. Situated at East Khasi Hills district and also the wettest place on earth. Collectively these two places are any monsoon lover's dream and perhaps the best place to witness the rain. The lush green surroundings and deep mountain gorges transform into a natural paradise during monsoon. Some of the key tourist attractions are Mawsmai Cave, Dawki, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Dainthlen Falls, Seven Sisters Falls etc. ​ How to Reach Mawsynram Nearest Airport is Shillong(60 km). The Railway station is Guwahati (180 km), and then by road. Dzukou Valley Monsoon in Dzukou Valley is a gift of nature. This place holds various hiking and trekking trails if you like an adventure. Especially after the monsoon, this place transforms itself into a paradise of colour. Here you can sit back, relax and enjoy the magic of monsoon. ​ How to Reach Dzukou Valley Dzukou Valley is located at the borders of the states of Nagaland and Manipur. You need to plan your trekking route first and then finalise your travel route.

Leisure Photo Credit: Photos_Worldwide, Pixabay In India, when we think of train journeys, we think of crowded platforms, shouting vendors, and congested compartments. But there are a few trains which can uplift your train journey experience. These are called luxury trains, and they are designed in a way to provide the traveller with maximum comfort, and make them feel like a royal. In addition to the most luxurious accommodations, these trains will serve up the finest cuisine and other facilities to pamper your senses. Managed by the Indian Railways and IRCTC several luxury trains in India help travellers explore some of the most exotic destinations with unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the best luxury trains in India. Maharajas' Express Palace On Wheels Deccan Odyssey The Golden Chariot Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Maharajas' Express A joint venture between Cox and Kings Travel and IRCTC, Maharaja Express offers five different itineraries which cover some of the best tourist destinations in the North-West and Central India. It is one of the most expensive luxury trains in India. Every year, from October to April, you may enjoy this journey. They have the finest dining, with a capacity of 42 passengers sitting together in the dining compartment. There are two different Mahals namely Mayur and Rang, and also a Safari bar. The interiors present a fusion of traditional Indian and modern Indian decorations. They have different types of suites, like Junior Suites, Suites, and Presidential suites. Some of the key features of this train are, Centralised Air Conditioning Private bath LCD along with satellite connection Wifi connections Souvenir shops The five itineraries are namely- The Heritage of India The Indian panorama Gems of India Treasure of India Indian splendour One can choose from any of these routes and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience. The duration may vary from three nights & four days to nine nights & ten days, and the cost can go from Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs depending upon the suite one chooses. All in all, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is worth the cost. Palace On Wheels Palace on Wheels started its journey on the 26th of January 1982. This luxury train is well known for its high-end service and royal atmosphere. The Palace on Wheels is accessible from September to April and covers North and Western India. This train consists of 23 coaches named after pre-Independence Rajput states. It was preliminarily launched for the Rulers of Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the British Viceroy, and all other royal dignitaries. It consists of 14 deluxe saloons, historical coaches and fine dining, all clad with rich Rajasthani fabric. They provide three different types of occupancy: single, double, and super deluxe suites. Some key features of this train are, Individual pantry Luxury bathrooms Personal attendants are in all coaches. Traditionally clad staff The routes of the tour start from Delhi, Jaipur, Swai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra, then return to Delhi. The duration of the trip revolves around seven nights and eight days, and it can cost up to five lakhs depending on the type of occupancy and season. This journey is a must-have for those travellers who want to travel to Western India by train with an ambience of royalty. Deccan Odyssey This royal blue ecstasy, which is operational from October to April, takes one through the most exotic parts of the Western Ghats, Konkan plateau, and Deccan plateau. It was launched in the year 2003 as a joint venture between the Maharashtra Government and the Government of India. This is designed to represent the lives of the Maharajas of the 16th century. While travelling on this train, one can see the brilliance of the Maratha Kingdom. Managed by the Taj Group of hotels, Deccan Odyssey consists of 40 deluxe cabins and 2 presidential cabins along with conference rooms. ​ Some key features of this train are, Gymnasium Beauty parlour Spa They provide six different itineraries, namely The Indian Odyssey Route The Indian Sojourn Route Jewels of the Deccan Route The Maharashtra Splendour Route Maharashtra Wild Trail Route Hidden Treasures of the Gujarat Route The duration of these tours might be around seven nights and eight days with a cost of around 4 lakh to 9.5 lakh, which may vary depending on the suites. Deccan Odyssey is the best choice for one who wants to travel through Maharashtra while reliving the glorious days of the Maratha Royals. The Golden Chariot The Golden Chariot started its journey on March 10th, 2008 and operates from October to March under the initiative of Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation. This train comprises 19 purple and gold coaches, along with 2 restaurants, a lounge bar named 'Madira' and a conference hall. The interior designs represent the authenticity of Karnataka. It covers parts of South India, namely Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. More specifically, the train starts and ends at Bengaluru while covering destinations like Bandipur, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Badami, Hampi, and Goa. Some key features of the train; LCD television along with satellite connection Centralised air conditioner Private baths Writing desks They provide two itineraries, namely Southern splendour route Pride of the South Route The tour duration consists of seven nights and eight days with a cost of around 3.5 lakhs. It is one of the best options to travel royally while indulging oneself in the beauties of Southern India. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Operated by Indian Railways, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels presents rich Rajasthani culture and cuisine to travellers. Along with 14 fully air-conditioned coaches, it has two luxury restaurant coaches, namely Sheesh Mahal coach and Swarn Mahal coach. The coaches are clad in rich silk, along with antique wooden furniture, which provides the perfect Rajasthani ambience for travellers. The whole train is decorated with crystal pellets and traditional royal floor lamps. They have two different types of cabins, namely Deluxe and Super Deluxe. The deluxe cabins are categorised into three different types, namely Ruby, Sapphire, and Pearl. They provide rich wildlife and heritage for the passengers on board. It covers famous spots like the Taj Mahal. Agra fort, Chittorgarh fort, Sheesh Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jag Niwas. Some key features of the train: Posh toiletries Temperature control Internet connectivity Music system It starts from Delhi and goes along to Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Sarnath, Agra, and then comes back to Delhi. The tour duration is around seven nights and eight days as it costs around fifty thousand to eighty thousand per person. It is a good option to explore Rajasthan royally.

Almost all of us enjoy the breathtaking view of the African Savanna and majestic wildlife. It's not possible for everyone to go there and enjoy this physically. Now, you can enjoy African Game Ride in India as well. In the recent state budget, Maharashtra Government announced a 100 cr project to display African Wildlife in their habitat. An African Safari project is proposed in Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo in Nagpur. It will be India's first experiment of this kind. Currently, Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo, conducts four safaris, i.e., Leopard Safari, Sloth Bear Safari, Tiger Safari and Herbivorous Safari. These enclosures are designed carefully to resemble their natural environment. This is one of the largest captive zoo safaris in India.

This year Valley of Flower Trek will start on 1st June. Situated in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Valley of Flower situated inside Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. This place justifies the name in all possible ways, revealing plush meadows blossomed with more than 500 species of flouring plants, including endemic alpine flowers. This mesmerizing place includes a wide valley, river bed, small forests, meadows, rocky areas and caves. The trek of the Valley of flowers conducts through all these terrains. Pushpawati river is adding further beauty to this valley. The magnificent Himalayan mountains surround the valley and provide a perfect background to compliment the beauty of the landscape. The Valley of Flowers is open for tourism from June to October. The rest of the year is covered with heavy snow. However, during the flower session in summer, it transforms into a paradise for butterflies, birds, and nature lovers. This place is also home to 120 species of birds. Valley of Flower is approximately 8 km long and 2 km wide. From Ghangaria, it's 4 km away and requires more or less 7 hrs. Camping inside valley is not allowed. Trekking is scheduled to close on 31st October.

Dharamshala and McLeodganj are two famous hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Over the years, many tourists have visited these two places. However, the only mode of transportation was by road, which takes almost 45 minutes on good days. This journey can be completed in 5 minutes using an aerial ropeway between these two places. The capacity of this ropeway will be 1000 commuters per hour in each direction. Initially, there will be 18 cabins, each of these will have a seating capacity of 8 persons. The travel cost for one way is 300 rupees whereas, for both ways, it will be 500 rupees. On your next trip, you can include this excitement in your plan.

The magnificent Sri Veerabhadra Temple & iconic monolithic Nandi are considered for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tentative list. Sri Veerabhadra Temple of Andhra Pradesh is, also popularly known as Lepakshi temple, is dedicated to Lord Veerabhada. The temple's walls display intricate sculptures depicting various stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Built by Vijayanagara rulers in the 16th century, this temple is an extraordinary example of timeless art and engineering. The first thing you notice in the temple complex is the large monolithic Nandi structure. Inside the temple, there are exceptional sculptures everywhere. Another engineering marvel of this temple is among its 70 stone pillars supporting the roof, and one of these pillars is not touching the floor.

Living Root Bridge of Meghalaya has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tentative List. These bridges are mostly found in East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hill districts. Locally known as 'Jingkieng Jri" is a combination of art and engineering. Living root bridges are created by connecting trees on both sides of a stream or river. Over time, the roots from each side build a living bridge that connects both banks. Presently Meghalaya has more than 100 such bridges. Some of these bridges are 100 feet long. These are the perfect example of using natural resources without creating a negative environmental impact. A UNESCO World Heritage tentative list is an inventory of extraordinary cultural and natural heritage properties which each state party wants to be considered for nomination.

Travelling is always full of surprises whether on the road, by air or by train. It always makes a sad, depressed mind refresh and gives people a boost to fight against all odds. In my case, I always travel on very concise notice. This time also, we planned a road trip on a single day notice. As I live in Goa, we planned a road trip in our car to Bengaluru, which is almost 600km. Mainly, three are three routes that connect Goa and Bengaluru. We chose the shortest one, which was 587km through Chorla Ghat. People often avoid this road because of the bad road condition and sharp turns. However, as per my recent experience in this Holi, I can tell you the road condition is very good now. Alternatively, you can take Amboli Ghat or Karwar highway as well We have a few plans in Bengaluru, and we also want to have some fun activities. So we started a little early in the morning, around 3.30 am. Fortunately, we get almost the entire road empty because of this desperate measure. We proceeded through Chorla Ghat, Belgaon and then straight to the highway. Once you reach the highway, it's a straight road to Bengaluru. So we reached Bengaluru comfortably by noon. We have planned three days to roam in and around. After a quick freshening up, we went straight to Snow City, an amusement park. Snow World gave us a feeling of Antarctica, where igloos and snows are all over. The entry fee to the park is Rs.500. With this ticket, they will give you a hoodie jacket, gloves and snow boots, and you have to take off your shoes in your car or their assigned place. If you do not have socks, then you have to purchase that also. Wear a proper dress and go inside and have fun with their snow games or with snow. They will also arrange a snowfall experience and disco in snow. On our second day, we spent time in a much bigger amusement park, Wonderla. I have visited this place three times, and every time, I got some added rides. Here you will get water rides as well. Regular rides like giant wheel, roller coasters are also there. If your adrenalin demands this kind of ride, this place is perfect for you. The ticket price is Rs.1100 for adults and Rs.900 for kids(between 90-140 cm in height), but it is so big and full of activities that justify the cost. One fast tag option (with higher charges) is available, which offers a quick chance to ride. The third day was reserved for wildlife. We went to Bannerghatta National Park. However, it's a zoo designed to provide you with the experience of a zoo and jungle safari. We have a curious member with us, my son, so it has become an expedition and learning experience for us. Tickets cost you Rs.380 for adults and Rs.230 for kids (these prices are for the non-ac bus). Safari was fantastic. You will get a chance to see deer, nilgai, bear, lion, tiger, a white tiger in open enclosures. The zoo is comparatively small, and you can choose to walk and see all the animals. They also have an option of a battery car which takes Rs.100 per head. You will see many animals and your kids will be happy to enjoy this experience. The day ended with the darshan of Sri Radha Krishna in Iskon temple. On the fourth day, we started back using the same road. We always explore unplanned destinations. This time, we included Chitradurga fort, which was, by the way, on our route only. The best way to explore the fort is to hire a guide. They will explain the details of its history; otherwise, you will miss its value and significance. Overall it was a pleasant trip full of memorable experiences. Nikita Ghosh Guest Author Traveler, who loves to share her travel story. She love local foods

Leisure Photo Credit: Jaison Thomas, Unsplash Kerala, a beautiful state of India, is situated on the Malabar coast. The Arabian sea is bordered by a coastline that stretches over 580 kilometres. Kerala sea beaches are one the most popular destinations due to their serene scenery. What makes the sea beaches of Kerala different is their topography. The coastline changes when one moves from North to south. In the northern parts, the coastline is situated above sea level and these coasts are adorned with forts which provide a beautiful view of beaches. The more one moves to the south, the more the beaches get flat with rocks and boulders. Coconut trees are a common factor here whether it's north or south, one can find coconut trees everywhere. Drive-in beach Muzhappilangad is the longest one in Asia. There is a 3.8-mile stretch of coastline where visitors may drive their cars and enjoy the sunset. One can relax while taking a sunbath along the beach while enjoying some coconut water and tasty snacks. There are ayurvedic resorts on the sea beaches of Kerala that provide full-body traditional Ayurveda massages, which are excellent for unwinding one's body and mind at the same time. Kovalam Sea Beach of Kerala Varkala Sea Beach of Kerala Bekal Sea Beach of Kerala Cherai Sea Beach of Kerala Alappuzha Sea Beach of Kerala Nattika Sea Beach of Kerala Kappil Sea Beach of Kerala Chowara Sea Beach of Kerala Muzhappilangad Sea Beach of Kerala Kizhunna Sea Beach of Kerala Image by Haseeb Modi, Unsplash Kovalam Sea Beach of Kerala Facing the Arabian Sea, Kovalam is a coastal town situated at a distance of 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Often called as “Paradise of the South '' this is one of the most popular sea beach destinations in Kerala. Key attractions of Kovalam Beach The largest sea beach of this town is Lighthouse beach which is about 30 km along the coastline. It is known for the Vizhinjam Lighthouse located at the top of the Kurumkal hillock. Tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the beach from the top of this lighthouse. Water sports like Parasailing, paragliding, and speed boating can be enjoyed on all the three beaches of Kovalam namely Lighthouse beach, Samudra beach and Hawa beach. There are many ayurvedic treatment and Massage centres along the beach which help the mentally and physically exhausted tired tourists rejuvenate with traditional massages and spas. There are many shops lined up along the shore which sell handicraft wooden artefacts which are popular as takeaways. Best time to visit Kovalam Beach Winter season specifically, October to March. How to reach Kovalam Beach The best way to reach Kovalam is by taking buses from Trivandrum to Kovalam. Other than that, trains to Trivandrum are available from all sides of the state, one can take a cab from Trivandrum railway station to reach here. Image by Baris Karguwal, Unsplash Varkala Sea Beach of Kerala Varkala beach also known as Papanasam beach of Kerala is perfect for solitude. The beach is divided into two parts namely the northern and southern parts. The northern part is popular among tourists. Key attractions of Varkala Beach Tourists who love adventure can enjoy adventure sports like paragliding, parasailing, snorkelling and windsurfing here at this Kerala sea beach. There are several ayurvedic massage centres where one can enjoy traditional ayurvedic ways of rejuvenation. Various small shacks are lined up along the beach which serve delicious local seafood. Janardhana temple which is 2000 years old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is also a famous tourist attraction. Best time to visit Varkala beach The Winter season specifically December to march. How to reach Varkala Beach The easiest way to reach Varkala is to ride the buses from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala. Other than that Varkala railway station lies on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam railway line which helps one reach this beach by train. Image by Brian Scott, Unsplash Bekal Sea Beaches of Kerala Expanding over an area of 36 acres, Bekal is popular for the Bekal fort that is situated along the beach. Key attractions of the Bekal Beach Built-in the 17th century Bekal fort is situated 130ft above sea level and is a popular tourist spot. One can get a breathtaking view of the whole beach from the top of this tower. Horse rides and camel rides can be enjoyed by tourists. Tourists can enjoy local foods in the shacks along the shore. Rock garden, which is not far away from the beach, is also a popular destination. This garden consists of sculptures and Murals and also has a children's amusement park. Best time to visit Bekal Beach Winter specifically November to March. How to reach Bekal Beach Tourists can reach here by hiring cabs from Kasaragod. Image by Ajith S, Unsplash Cherai Sea Beach of Kerala Situated at the merging point of backwaters and sea at the northern end of Vypin Island, Cherai Beach is one of the most popular sea beaches of Kerala. Key attraction of this Cherai Beach This 15 km long beach is very clean and well maintained which makes it perfect for sunbathing. One can also enjoy massages along the beach. Water activities like Snorkelling. Water scooters and speed rides are available here for the enjoyment of tourists. Nature lovers can opt for sea diving where they see dolphins and experience underwater life. Cycles and bikes are available for rent for touring around the beach and nearby places. Best time to visit Cherai Beach The Winter season specifically October to March. How to reach Cherai Beach Buses can be taken from Kochi north which is at a distance of 6 km from Cherai beach. Other than that ferry from Vypin Island which is 22 km away from the beach also does the job. Image by Anantha Krishnan, Unsplash Alappuzha Sea Beach of Kerala Also known as Alleppey beach, Alappuzha sea beach of Kerala is known for its pristine beauty and amazing festivals. This beach is one of the busiest trade centres in the region and is popularly known as “Venice of the East”. Key attraction of Alappuzha Beach One can enjoy various water sports on the backwaters like surfing, parasailing, speed boating and motor boat riding. The famous Nehru boat race takes place every year in the month of August. One can participate in relaxing activities like Yoga and meditation held by various ayurvedic meditation centres on the beach early in the morning. Sand Art festivals and Alleppey beach festival are also popular tourist attractions. Best time to visit Alappuzha Beach Winter season specifically November to February. How to reach Alappuzha Beach Taking buses from KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transportation Corporation) bus station which is about 4.5 km from the beach is the easiest way to reach it. Hired cabs from any part of Kerala can take one to the beach. Nattika Sea Beach of Kerala Nattika is a virgin sea beach of Kerala, which is popular among tourists wanting to spend some time in solitude while enjoying the exotic beauty of the Arabian sea. Key attraction of the Nattika Beach Tourists can enjoy camel rides and elephant rides along the beach. One can enjoy backwater cruise rides and boat rides on the sea. Best time to visit Nattika Beach Winter season specifically from December to January How to reach Nattika Beach The best way to reach here is by hiring a cab from Thrissur railway station which is about 30 km away from the beach. Image by Rahul Chakraborty, Unsplash Kappil Sea Beach of Kerala Kappil beach is located around 15km from Kasaragod in Kerala. This beach is known for its clean golden sand beach and pristine view. Key attraction of Kappil beach Kappil backwater boat rides are a good way to enjoy the time around the region. One can choose the size of the boat according to the number of people. This beach’s long sandy stretch is perfect for trekking and taking long walks. There are many local shops which sell traditional handicraft products which are good for takeaways. Trying local cuisine in the food shacks along the beach is a must-try. Best time to Visit Kappil Beach Winter season specifically November to March. How to reach Kappil Beach One can hire a taxi or avail auto-rickshaw from Kasaragod to reach Kappil beach. Chowara Sea Beach of Kerala Chowara sea beach is situated at the southern side of Kovalam and is known as a famous fishing spot. Key attraction of Chowara Beach Tourists can watch fishers fishing using big Chinese nets and boats. It is also known to be a famous picnic spot among tourists. Chowara Ayyappa temple which is situated near the beach gives an immaculate view of the beach from the top. Best time to visit Chowara Beach Winter season specifically December to February. How to reach Chowara Beach Hired cabs from Thiruvananthapuram railway station i.e the nearest railway station. Other than cabs from the nearest airport i.e Trivandrum Airport. Muzhappilangad Sea Beach of Kerala This sea beach is situated in the Thalassery region of Kerala. Running parallel to NH 66, this is known as one of the longest drive-in beaches in India. This beach is one of the most popular destinations among the people who are travelling with families. Key attractions of Muzhappilangad Beach One can opt for a long drive of about 4km along the beach while enjoying the sunrise. Water sports like Parasailing, Paragliding, speed boating and swimming are available to be enjoyed by adventure lovers. This beach is also a bird-watching hotspot where various species of birds can be seen. There are small shacks along the beach which serve delicious Malabar foods. Muzhappilangad Beach Fest, which happens in April is also attended by a lot of tourists. Folk art programs and cultural & educational exhibitions are held along the shore. Best time to visit Muzhappilangad Beach The Winter season specifically December to March or April during the beach festival. How to reach Muzhappilangad Beach Buses or hired cabs from Thalassery which is about 7 km away from the beach are the best options. Other than that this beach is accessible from any part of Kerala in a hired cab. Image by Joseph Barrientos, Unsplash Kizhunna Sea Beach of Kerala Kizhunna is one of the most secluded sea beaches of Kerala. It is situated in the Edakkad panchayat of Kannur District. Key attraction of this Kizhunna Beach Perfect choice for spending a day in solitude, away from the hustle-bustle of crowded beaches. One can enjoy beach volleyball and beach cycling here. Best time to visit Kizhunna Beach Winter season November to march. How to reach Kizhunna Beach Hired cabs from Kannur railway station is the easiest way to reach here. Other than that, cabs from Kannur International airport also do the job.