Unseen Treasures of India (part 1)
India, the third largest country in Asia, is home to some of the greatest scenic wonders of nature and yet, nearly all travellers stick to the same-old places and the main reason behind it is the lack of awareness about the unseen treasures. There are so many unseen places in India to visit that it would take several lifetimes to see them all. If you are looking for a real experience, it is time to go for the less-travelled road and discover unseen treasures in the nature. Here are some of the lesser-known destinations which are the wonderful alternatives to the greatly visited getaways in India:
1. Mawsynram
Acknowledged as the wettest place in the world, the mesmerizing village of Mawsynram, located 61 kms south of Shillong is a nature lover's delight and the perfect destination for a weekend trip. 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.
HOW TO REACH
How to reach Mawsynram by flight
Shillong Airport feeds as
the nearest airport to Mawsynram. It connects all the major cities and states
nationally as well as internationally. You can take a cab or local transport
bus to cover a distance of 86 km between the Airport and Mawsynram. It will
take 3 hours for you to reach Mawsynram from the airport. On your way to the destination,
enjoy the scenic beauty and pleasant weather of the place. Otherwise, if you do
not have a direct flight to Shillong choose the one that land in Guwahati.
Furthermore, choose taxi or car to travel to travel a 70 km distance to
Shillong.
How to reach Mawsynram by road
You can easily drive from
Guwahati, about 150 km away from Mawsynram. The drive is beautiful and very
picturesque. It will be worth the time and effort. You could also book a taxi
or jeep to travel to Mawsynram.
How to reach Mawsynram by train
Guwahati Railway station
serves tourists with Railway services. Drop down at Guwahati Station and take a
taxi or bus to Mawsynram. The distance between the two is 151 km and it will
take near about 4 hours to reach Mawsynram from Guwahati Station.
Local transport in Mawsynram
Getting around Mawsynram is not very difficult. Cabs and jeeps are available for convenient travel. They can be used for sightseeing and going to tourist attractions. The cabbies know the place well and can take you to around the town safely and comfortably.
- Mawsmai caves - The holy cave of the Khasis is in the Mawsmai village. The cave is almost 150 m long and it is easy to pass through. The Mawsmai caves are an ideal location for cave exploration and cave diving.
- Mawsmai Falls - Known as the fourth highest waterfall in India, Mawsmai Falls are situated a little away from Mawsynram. The height of the waterfall is 1,035 ft. It is a seven-segmented waterfall, which rushes over the top of limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MAWSYNRAM
Mawsynram is known to be one of the wettest places on the
planet. It is, therefore, best when
visited between April and June, which is the summer season in the country. This
beautiful tourist site in the “abode of clouds” provides for a delightful
respite during the summers, as the temperature remains pleasantly cool all
through the day. Some may choose to visit Mawsynram at the onset or by the end
of the monsoon season, i.e. in July/ September-October to experience the lovely
ambience, but since it is one of the wettest places in India, they need to be
aware and equipped for the heavy rainfall the region witnesses. The
transitioning month of October is also quite a pleasant time to explore the
tourist attractions as the terrain is consistently covered with lush greenery
and the air is refreshing and rejuvenating. Most of the day during this time of
the year is misty and foggy creating a magical charm that cannot be ignored.
The region receives rainfall almost all through the year. So no matter which
month tourists plan to visit, they must be prepared for unexpected showers.
2. Chembra Peak, Wayanad
Located close to Meppady and just 8 km south of Kalpetta, stands the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range- the Chembra Peak at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of Kozhikode, Malappuram and Nilgiri districts. The peak, its surrounding lush greenery and the famed heart-shaped lake make it a paradise for travellers to explore.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Wayanad by Flight
Nearest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International airport (Kozhikode airport) located at a distance of 93 km from Wayanad. From here on, you can hire either a direct tax or a local bus to Wayanad.
How to Reach Wayanad by Road
Wayanad is well connected with the nearby cities of South India such as Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Kozhikode. You can catch a public bus, hire your own cab or self-drive to Wayanad.
How to reach Wayanad by Train
Nearest railway, station to Wayanad is Nilambur railway station in Kerala if you are travelling from the upper region of the country. It is situated at a distance of 90 km from Wayanad. The bigger railway station is the one in Kozhikode. It is located at a distance of 110 km. To cover the rest of the journey you can hire a can or catch a direct bus to Wayanad.
Local Transport in Wayanad
Autos and taxis are the best way to travel. The hotels and resorts also arrange for car rentals complete with guide and maps.
PLACES TO VISIT:
- Chembra Trek - The peak is famous among trekkers for providing an excellent one-day trekking experience which takes about three hours. On one's way to the peak, they are confronted with another gift of nature in the form of a heart-shaped Lake which is believed to have never dried up and is a major tourist attraction here. The peak can be reached by foot from Meppadi. The view of the Banasura Sagar Dam is also mesmerising. The large dam stands out in the green blanket and appears to be a shiny silver metal disk sitting between the trees. The treks are organised by the 'Chembra Peak VSS' which is under the South Wayanad Forest Development Agency. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides equipment and guides on hire. The charges for a group of 10 people (Indians) are INR 500 and for foreigners, it is INR 1000.
BEST TIME TO VISIT WAYANAD
The temperature in Wayanad remains more or less constant throughout the year, but the best time to visit Wayanad is between October and May. These months covers the winter and the beginning of the summer season. During the monsoons, the hill station receives the right amount of rainfall and the wet and humid weather might not be something tourists would be crazy for. So it is not always recommended except for those who would not mind the rains only to be amidst the beautiful hill station covered with a green carpet of dense trees.
3. Majuli (World's Largest Fresh Water Island)
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Majuli by Flight
Majuli can't be reached
by air. It doesn't have any airport. Jorhat is the only connecting point
between Majuli and other cities. With a well-developed airport, Jorhat can
be reached easily. From there, you can start your journey to Majuli..
How to Reach Majuli by Road
Since Majuli is a river
island, it doesn't have any well-maintained system of roadways. So, you cannot
take a bus or taxi to Majuli. Again, the only option is to rely on a nearby
city, specifically Jorhat, to reach this beautiful island.
How to Reach Majuli
by Train
There is no train
available to Majuli. As Majuli is not commercialised, it is kept as close to
nature as possible. Hence, no railways tracks are laid there. If you wish to
travel by train, you can get a train to Jorhat which is connected with
Guwahati, a major Assam city.
How to Reach Majuli
by Waterways
Majuli is reachable via
one medium, i.e., waterways. Ferries are available to take you to this
beautiful river island. Since Majuli is surrounded by water bodies from all the
sides, boats and ferries are used to go from one place of this city to another.
Local Transport
in Majuli
You can use the boat
services to go down the river for a unique experience. You can also rent
bicycles to get around.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Kalambari Satra - One of the other famous sites of the island is this religious site too houses significant articles related to art, culture, literature and classical studies.
Dakhinpat Satra - This was the chief satra patronized by the Ahom Ruler. This ancient educational centre is visited by thousands of devotees all throughout the year. Rasotsava, a prime festival of Assam, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion here.
Garmur - One of the important attractions, Gamur is among the many holy seats. Other prominent holy seats in the destination are Auniati, Daksinpath and Kamlabari. This Vaishnavite spot preserves ancient artifacts and articles, the most prominent among these being Bortop.
Teangapania - Located on the banks of river Brahmaputra, Tengapania is a spectacular and popular picnic spot of the region. It is bounded by Dhakuakhana, Machkhoa and Disangmukh and is a major attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Auniati Satra - Famous for its Apsara and Paalnaam dance, this centre was founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva and features a wide collection of traditional Assamese utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MAJULI
The gorgeous river island of Majuli can be visited in
winter Season. The cool temperature and the breathtaking vistas make the
ambience beautiful. During the summers, the temperature is immensely
high and can lead to humidity and nausea. It is best to avoid Majuli
during summers. Monsoon is another good season to visit Majuli. The frequent
showers bring alive the surroundings, and the atmosphere becomes beautiful.
4. Tawang (Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama)
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Tawang by Flight
The airport nearest to
Tawang is 143 km away in Tezpur. While Tezpur is connected by flights to
Kolkata and Guwahati, international travellers can travel to Tawang via the
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Cars and cabs are
easily available from both the airports to Tawang.
How to Reach Tawang by Road
Tawang is well connected
to Tezpur (Assam) and Bomdila via regular buses and taxis. Though the cities
are close to Tawang, the journey takes a long time due to the rough roads.
However, the scenery is worth the arduous journey.
How to Reach Tawang
by Train
Tawang has no railway
station. The nearest railway station is at Tezpur. You can hire a cab or car
from Tezpur to reach Tawang.
Local Transport
in Tawang
The sightseeing within
the town can be completed in half a day, and it is best to book a taxi for
that. The other section of sightseeing involves moving outside the town. A
vehicle like Sumo would be more suited for the purpose. One day is enough to
cover these sights, although the roads are not in excellent shape.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Sela pass - One of the most breath-taking places in the Himalayan vista, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the Sela Lake is as heavenly as heavenly gets.
Tawang Monastery - located amidst the picturesque surroundings, the Tawang Monastery also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse is one of the gems in Arunachal Pradesh. Perched at the height of 3,000 metres above sea level, it has been recognised as the second largest monastery in the world, the first one being Lhasa. The monastery is believed to be 400 years old and has control over 17 Gompas in the region. Built as a large mansion, it is an abode for over 300 monks. Lying amidst the Himalayan ranges, it offers a breathtaking view of the Tawang-Chu valley. One of the most prominent attractions in the monastery houses is the massive statue of Lord Buddha which is 8 meters in height.
Madhuri Lake - One of the remotest lakes of the country, Sangetsar or Madhuri Lake is a breath-taking combination of Rocky Mountains and an ever-present lake whose beauty is beyond spellbinding.
Naurang Falls - Located en route Tawang to Zemithang, this is a beautiful waterfall 100 feet in height. Even at 80 km from Tawang, this astounding natural beauty is a great point of attraction for locals and tourists alike.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TAWANG
March to September is the best time to visit Tawang.
Tawang is an ideal place during the summers and most of the monsoon season, but
a frigid zone during the winter season. The summers are pleasant and
monsoons relatively cooler. In winters, however, the temperature drops until
1-3 degree Celsius, and the snowfall might affect the accessibility.
5. Kurnool (The Gateway of Rayalaseema)
A place of
much historical value with beautiful surrounding areas, Kurnool, is a small
town in Andhra Pradesh where much of history left its imprints. The city also
is known as The Gateway of Rayalaseema. Kurnool has in its domain remains of
the palace of Gopal Raju (the last Hindu king), ruins of a medieval fort built
by Vijaynagar Empire having ancient Persian and Arabic inscriptions and the summer
palace built by Kurnool rulers during the 16th century.
Kurnool is derived from the names Kandanavōlu or Kandanōlu, which used to be a crossing across the Tungabhadra river where the caravans were believed to have greased the tires. The Belum Caves have historical importance in the city as well as the Ketavaram rock paintings which are dated back to the Paleolithic era.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Kurnool by Flight
Nearest airport to Kurnool
is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport located in Hyderabad. From there, you
could take a car or bus to Kurnool.
How to Reach Kurnool by Road
Buses are available from
most nearby cities and towns to Kurnool.
How to Reach Kurnool
by Train
The Kurnool Railway
Station is in Kurnool and is connected to most nearby cities.
Local Transport
in Kurnool
Hourly cabs are
available for internal travelling within the city.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Yaganti - Yaganti is the famous Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (also known as the Uma Maheshwara Temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed by the first Vijayanagara Sangama King Harihara Bukka Rayalu in the 15th century, the temple ebbs deeply of culture and traditions even today. Yaganti houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi, called Ardhanareeswara carved out of a single stone. This is probably the only place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of an idol instead of Shiva Linga.
Belum Caves - At a distance of about 110 km from Kurnool are the longest caves of India. With stalactite & stalagmite formations, this area offers sights and landscapes you don't get to witness every day.
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary - Typically known as a centre for preserving the Great Indian Bustard, the sanctuary has witnessed a rise in the population of the Blackbuck and a related slip in the numbers of the bird.
Konda Ready fort - Though the fort has lost a lot of ruins, it continues to be one of the highlights of the town and has been a landmark for Kurnool since ages. The structure was built by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KURNOOL
The best time to visit resides between December -
February as you can enjoy a relatively cooler climate. The summers tend to be
too hot and should preferably be avoided, while anyone travelling in the
monsoons should be prepared for heavy showers, Kurnool being more blessed in
rainfall as compared to the rest of the state.
6. Hemis (Home to the Snow Leopard Capital of India)
Hemis or Hamis is a quaint village in Leh district, located 40 km southeast of Leh on the banks of the Indus River. Enveloped with a serene landscape, it is known for the Hemis Monastery. Built by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal, it is ranked as one of the wealthiest monasteries in India.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Hemis by Flight
There is no direct
flight connectivity to Hemis. The nearest airport is in Leh, i.e. The Leh
Rimpochee Airport, around 42 away from Hemis. You can get a bus or taxi from
Leh to reach Hemis.
How to Reach Hemis by Road
Regular bus services ply
to and fro the city of Hemis. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or
night, from places like Srinagar, Leh, Jammu Tawi etc. You can also take
shared taxis or cabs for the same route.
How to Reach Hemis
by Train
There is no direct rail
connectivity to Hemis. Katra railway station is the nearest railway station to
the site, 227 km away from the same.
Local Transport
in Hemis
Being a small village,
it is mostly travelled on foot. You can even hire taxis on hourly or daily
basis.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Hemis Monastery houses a spectacular copper statue of Lord Buddha along with stupas made of gold and silver, thangkas (a painting on cotton or silk, depicting Buddhist deity) and murals. All four sides of the monastery are decorated with the colourful prayer flags which flutter in the breeze and send out prayers to Lord Buddha. Hemis is most visited during the annual Hemis Festival held here each year in June.
Hemis is also home to the Hemis National Park. With a variety of langurs, wolves, marmots, deers and red foxes, the national park houses the rare and endangered snow leopard. With pristine and scenic surroundings, the hamlet has everything to experience, from a national park, museum to a Buddhist complex.
Shopping in Hemis - While at the Hemis Gompa, one might spot the Hemis Museum Shop. Be tempted to go inside and get your hands on the painting, wooden dragon statues, Curios, postcards and much more.One might find a few more similar small shops dotting the area, where one can change upon some unique treasures to take back home.
BEST TIME TO VISIT HEMIS
The best time to visit Hemis is from June to the
middle of October when the weather is comfortable for sightseeing. However, the
famed snow leopards of Hemis can only be spotted during the winter.
Winters in Hemis (October to March) is extremely cold with temperature
dropping to as low as -30 degrees Celsius and snowfall most of the
season.
7. Nubra Valley (Orchard of Ladakh)
Nubra Valley lies in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, at a distance of around 140 Km from Leh. Located on the ancient Silk Route, the valley has Shyok and Nubra river snaking through it and some beautiful monasteries. Most tourists travel to Nubra Valley from Leh through Khardung La. With arid mountains in the backdrop, Nubra Valley is famous for the Bactrian camel rides. Bactrian camels are of the rarest sort, having two humps and were the primary source of transportation in the silk route. It is also famous for its Hippophae shrub, popularly known as Leh Berry. In Dixit, you can buy some lovely Kashmiri or Tibetan artefacts, Pashmina shawls, woollen socks, almonds, apricots, apples and other things that define Kashmir.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Nubra Valley by Flight
Closest airport is
Kushok Bakula Rinpoche airport at Leh at a distance of approximately 120 km.
You can hire a jeep or board a bus in order to reach Nubra valley.
How to Reach Nubra Valley by Road
The main road route to
Nubra Valley passes through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in
India. The alternate route to Nubra is from Wari La to Sakti (which is east of
Khardung La). Many of the travellers hire a private taxi to reach Nubra Valley
from Leh.
Bus services also ply back and forth the city of Nubra Valley from nearby
places like Jammu Tawi, Srinagar, Leh. However, there are no regular buses that
travel on this route.
How to Reach Nubra
Valley by Train
The closest railway
station is Jammu Tawi, 620 km away from Nubra. The other nearest station is
Udhampur railway station, 298 km away from the same. One can hire a private
taxi or board a bus from Jammu Tawi Railway Station to reach Leh. However,
travelling to Leh by train is not recommended, as another taxi will have
to be hired from Leh to reach Diksit in Nubra Valley.
Local Transport
in Nubra Valley
Nubra valley is an
isolated spot and that is why it lags behind in transportation front. You can
board public buses, but the service is less frequent. People otherwise hire
jeeps to travel across the valley. There are chances that you might be stuck
waiting for the buses and if you are lucky you could get a lift from the
drivers of trucks and military vehicles.
PLACES TO VISIT:
(Bactrian Camel Safari)
Bactrian Camel Safari - Nubra Valley is famous for the Bactrian Camel Safari. These camels are not even the usual ones that you must have seen in Rajasthan or in pictures. These camels having two humps were the major mode of transport to travel to the silk route. The best time to enjoy the Bactrian camel ride in Nubra Valley is from July to September.
Panamik Village - Panamik village is located around 140 km from Leh, nestled close to the Siachen Glacier, and is famous for the hot sulphur springs. These hot springs are located 10,442 feet above sea-level and believed to have medicinal properties. Traveller's need to obtain a permit to reach Panamik in Nubra Valley which is easily available from the District Magistrate's office.
Yarab Tso Lake - Popular as the hidden lake, Yarab Tso is in the Nubra Valley region. It is an uninhabited lake with crystal clear water. Being in a remote location, the only way to reach it is through an uphill hike.
Diskit Monastery - Also known as Diskit/ Diskit Gompa, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra valley, belonging to Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NUBRA VALLEY
April to June and
September-October is the best time to visit Nubra Valley, owing to the clear skies and
pleasant climate. April to June is the summer season in Nubra
characterised by a bright sun, while September to June experiences a little
chilly weather making it ideal for sightseeing. From October to March, Nubra
Valley remains inaccessible because Khardung La pass closes down during these
months.
8. Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Situated at 1500m above sea level in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, Valparai is an obscure yet tranquil hill station in the Anamalai Hills. Propelled by an economy that comprises largely coffee and tea estates, this idyllic hill station also flourishes because of its thriving tourism industry. Huddled in the wide-spanning biome of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, the fauna in and around Valparai are at once diverse, majestic, and fierce. Veering off into the thick, lush evergreen forests can lead one to spot leopards, elephants, sambars, boars, and sloth bears amongst others. While most of these animals are not known to attack the urban population and are usually limited to the forests, it is nevertheless advisable to explore these regions only with a local guide or a Forest Department official.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Valparai by Flight
For those visiting from regions at a large distance from
Tamil Nadu may avail the option of going to Coimbatore via air first and then
catch a bus to reach Valparai.
How to Valparai by Road
Valparai is easily accessible by road. It is well connected
through public transportation to such nearby urban areas as the city of
Coimbatore and Bangalore as well as the towns of Pollachi and Athirapilly. One
can hop on to a number of buses run by the Tamil Nadu State Transport
Corporation and reach this wonderful hill station within a matter of hours.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Aliyar Dam - This dam makes for a spot to idle around and picnic at while the thunderous noise of the waters roars down below; an aquarium and mini-theme park nearby also count as all time tourist-favourites.
Sholayar Dam - Recorded to be the second deepest dam in all of Asia, Sholayar Dam is a site for major hydroelectric power production, yet the view offered from the countless tea and coffee estates near it is breathtaking and tourists adore it.
Monkey Falls - Situated en route Aliyar Dam and inhabited by packs upon packs of monkeys that lend it its name, these waterfalls offer a delightful opportunity for those looking to step inside the water, get drenched, and have fun.
BEST TIME TO VISIT VALPARAI
Although Valparai retains a cool, pleasant weather throughout the year,
tourists prefer visiting it in the peak winter months of December and January.
In these months, the mercury only rises upto 25 degrees during the day, making
the experience of walking around the town very pleasurable. Additionally, the
mist settling in at dusk all over the hill station only enhances the beauty of
the landscape!
9. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro is a census town in Lower Subansiri district in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro is around 115 km from the state capital Itanagar and takes approx 3 and a half hours via the improved Hoj-Potin road along NH229 and 150 km via the Assam route. Ziro is home to the Apatani tribe. Apatanis have few unique special characteristic features which differ from other tribes in Arunachal Pradesh and India. Ziro is included in India's Tentative List for UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The climatic condition of the district varies from place to place as well as season to season.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Ziro by Flight
Tezpur airport is the
closest airport and it is 280 km from Ziro. There are no direct flights
from Delhi or Kolkata to Tezpur and take a lot of time to reach. Most of the
flights are via Guwahati. You can book a flight till Guwahati as it is
connected to all the major cities. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi till
Ziro and continue with the same taxi to explore the city. There are many
government and private taxis from Guwahati to Arunachal Pradesh. These taxis
have a fixed rate and charge you according to the vehicle hired and the number
of kilometres.
How to Reach Ziro by Road
Your safest option is to hire a taxi from Guwahati or Jorhat. Guwahati is 470 km from Ziro and it takes 7 hrs to travel. The road condition is good and it covers NH27 and NH15. You can also take a flight from Guwahati to Lilabari and from there you can take a taxi till Ziro. Government buses are also available but they are not very comfortable. It is best if you hire taxis. The roads are nice and have immense scenic beauty to offer. State Government run buses are available to Ziro from Itanagar, the state capital. These buses depart every day and are reasonable and cost between INR 100 to 200.
How to Reach Ziro by Train
There are daily trains from
Guwahati to Kathal Pukhuri costing around INR 750-1100. It takes 8 hrs to reach
Kathal Pukhuri. From there you can hire a taxi till Ziro. Ziro doesn’t have a
railway station. Trains are also available from Tezpur.
Local Transport in Ziro
It is possible to hire a
rickshaw for nearby tourist spots. Hiring a taxi (Tata Sumo) is the most
preferred and by far the safest option.
PLACES TO VISIT:
(Ziro Puto)
Midey: You would love the sight of blue pine trees for which Midey is popular. You will find the biggest and the tallest pine trees in the whole of Apatani Valley.
Ziro Puto - Ziro Puto is a hillock where independent India’s first administrative centre was established.
Dolo Mando - It attracts tourists in great numbers as old Ziro and the town Hapoli views from the hilltop are spectacular.
Dilopolyang Maniipolyang - Dilopolyang Maniipolyang is a twin hillock situated on the way to Talley Valley.
Tarin Fish Farm - High altitude fish are bred here and this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ziro.Bamboo Grove:One stem bamboo, referred to as monopodial, is grown here with blue clad pine.
Tipi Orchid Research Centre - It houses a wide range of orchids that exceed 1000 varieties. The Orchid glass house in the centre is a major attraction. Many tourist places in Ziro are declared as World Heritage Sites. The place boasts of natural beauties and all around you will find dense forests, lush greenery, beautiful hills and breathtaking valleys.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ZIRO
Ziro experiences pleasant weather throughout the year and
you can plan your trip here any time of the year. The best time to visit Ziro is from March to
October. During the summer season, Ziro becomes a perfect retreat
to get away from the torrid heat of nearby cities. The lush greenery with clear
blue skies makes the entire place look picturesque and magical. Spotting bird
and animals is sure to excite anyone who visits Ziro. Another ideal time to
visit Ziro is in Early Winters from October to November when the valley is
enveloped in snow. However, the months from late November to January
experiences firgid temperatures as low as -13 degree Celsius; hence must be
avoided. Monsoon is yet another beautiful season to visit Ziro welcoming you
with variegated valleys and beautiful weather.
10. Lonar (Land of the Crater)
Along with being famous for
a crater that was formed over 50,000 years ago due to the collision of a
meteorite on the surface of the region, Lonar is also famous for its rich
natural heritage.
Lonar is a mesmerizingly beautiful place famous for the Lonar crater and the lake formed due to a meteorite hitting the earth around 52, 000 years ago. These 6,000 feet wide and 500 feet deep lake is, therefore, an important source of scientific research and educational importance. It is the only saltwater lake in the basaltic rock in the world. The area is also surrounded by a lot of flora and fauna which makes the place even more beautiful.
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Lonar by Flight
Lonar does not have its
own airport. The nearest airport is located at Aurangabad around 150 km away.
You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Lonar.
How to Reach Lonar by Road
Lonar is connected to
all the nearby cities in Maharashtra through a good network of roads. You can
drive down to Lonar by your own private vehicle or book a taxi from any of
the nearby towns. Alternatively, you can also travel by buses that
run regularly to Lonar from the major towns of Maharashtra.
How to Reach Lonar
by Train
Lonar does not have its
own railway station. The nearest railway station is situated in Aurangabad. You
can either hire a taxi from Aurangabad or book a seat on the buses that run
regularly between Aurangabad and Lonar.
Local Transport
in Lonar
Lonar is a small town
and therefore every place is walk able in distance. Other option to have a
rented car to move around the region.
Loner Lake - Lonar lake is an extremely beautiful place while Lonar crater is the world's only saltwater lake in basaltic rock, believed to have been caused by a meteorite hitting Earth around 52,000 years ago.
Gomukh temple - The temple lies near the boundary of the water stream and is believed holy, by the devotees. Animals such as snakes, langurs, deer, foxes and mongoose can be spotted in the vicinity. A sight worth an alluring visit.
Daitya Sudan Temple - This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and belongs to the Chaitya Dynasty that ruled the region between the 6th and 12th centuries AD. The shape of the temple symbolizes an irregular star. The Daitya Sudan temple is quite like the temples of Khajuraho constructed using a unique metal similar to that of a stone. The inside of the temple is dark and therefore it is advisable to carry a torch to see the earnings inside and on the roof.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LONAR
The best time to visit the place is between
October-March, avoiding strong heat and rainy weathers to get a clear view of
the surroundings.
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