Unseen Treasures of India (part 4)

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. Tadoba National Park

Famous for its natural heritage, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is definitely one of India's most exciting and best protected Tiger Reserve, with most visible tiger sightings in the state of Maharashtra

Tadoba national park is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. This place is an ideal weekend gateway for wildlife and nature lovers. Spotted in this region are rare species of flora and fauna, soothing your very being. Tadoba is famous for Tadoba national park, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Tadoba lake, Erai dam, Moharli and Khosla village. These attractions serves the tourists of an enchanting wildlife experience.

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Tadoba National Park by Flight

The nearest airport to Tadoba is the Nagpur airport which is at a distance of around 140 km. It is connected to all prominent cities and towns. From there, you can easily hire a taxi to reach Tadoba. This is the most convenient option if you live in far off states from Maharashtra.

How to Reach Tadoba National Park by Road

Tadoba does not have its own bus stand. The nearest bus stations are Chandrapur and Chirmur which are at a distance of 45 km and 32 km respectively. You can take state transport corporation buses to travel to either of the bus stands. From there, local transport is available to reach the reserve.

How to Reach Tadoba National Park by Train

Chandrapur Railway Station is the nearest to Tadoba. It is at a distance of around 45 km from the national park. Trains connecting the station to major cities run on a daily basis. From the station, you can travel by road to the reserve.

Local Transport in Tadoba National Park

Private vehicles can be your best bet. While in the national park, jungle safari are available for the jungle visit.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve)

• Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve - Perched at a height of 200m, the national park is the oldest in Maharashtra and is considered to be the second tiger reserve of the state. It is divided into two major zones, namely the Tadoba National park(1955) and Andhari wildlife sanctuary (1986).

• Moharli - Another village whose border also serves as an entry gate for the Moharli zone of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. It is located at a distance of around 6.9 km from the Tadoba region. One can also avail Jungle safari facility from the entry gate of this region.

• Khosla - The beautiful village is located in the district of Chandrapur. It is situated near Tadoba which is by far the largest national park in the country and is also given the name of 'Jewel of Vidarbha'. The park is spread over an area of 1727 square km and is home to a variety of species of plants and animals. It is heaven for the nature-lovers and should be a sure shot place to be visited with family and friends. It came into existence in the year 1995.

• Tadoba Lake - The lake is located in the middle of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. Around 200 species of birds are found near the lake, including the water birds.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

The best time to visit Tadoba National Park is between October and June. You can expect to spot most tigers between March and June. The Park remains closed between July and September.

2. Talasari Beach 

Located in Baleswar district of Odisha and at a distance of 10 Km from Digha, the Talasari beach is pristine, serene and has been bestowed with spectacular panorama.

There are secret beaches, beaches which are beyond the reach of contamination, beaches that refresh our senses and Talasari is one such place. This virgin beach has sand dunes, calmer waves amid several palm trees, coconut trees, cashew trees known to be the last beach on the north eastern coast of India. Talasari gets its name from Tala (rhythm) and Sari (row)- the rhythm formed by a well arrayed lush green belt and golden sands with an occasional red fleck (thanks to the red crabs ambling around) meeting the enormous sea, which is almost melodious. Being a fisherman's paradise, Talasari doesn't experience much tourist rush. There is a concrete structure where fishermen trap their fishes and sell them in a fish market near the beach where you can also find cooked chicken, crabs and fish. You can simply walk across the river bed or enjoy boat rides and high tides the high tides here. Apart from being a sea beach, Talasari also is a river bank of Subornorekha river which flows to merge into the Bay of Bengal.

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Talasari Beach by Flight

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose international airport at a distance of around 200 km from the beach. It is well connected by regular flights to all the major cities in the country, as well as internationally. You can hire a taxi from the airport to travel to Talasari.

How to Reach Talasari Beach by Road

Talasari beach can be reached by boats during the high tides, or you can simply walk across the dried river beds. It is around 10 km from Digha, and you can easily hire a rickshaw or a cab which will take you less than half an hour to reach.

How to Reach Talasari Beach by Train

Nearest railway station is at Digha at a distance of 10 Km from the beach. You can then take a cycle rickshaw for the beach which takes about half an hour to reach at the cost INR Rs 80- 100. Recently, two new trains have been launched from Kolkata to Digha which is approximately 4 hours journey. 

Local Transport in Talasari Beach

During the high tides people board boats to cross river Subornorekha. But at other times, when the river gets dried up, one can simply walk towards the beach.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TALASARI BEACH

This place experiences a tropical climate with summers being hot. The average annual temperature here is 26 degrees Celcius. An ideal time to visit the place would be in months from October to December. One can even visit and enjoy the lovely landscape of this place in the month of February.

3. Shivagange

 

Shivagange, a hillock situated 56 km from Bangalore, is a combination of temples and scenic beauty that makes it both a pilgrimage as well as an adventure spot. From a distance, the hillock looks like a 'Shiva Linga', with a spring flowing nearby that's locally called Ganga, thereby naming it Shivaganga.

It is also given the name Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of the south) since it's home to various temples (Gangadhareshwara temple, Olakala Teertha, Nandi Statue, Patala Gange, etc.) The stone carving of Nandi ( the bull) is another primary attraction. The hilly feature of the place attracts a lot of adventure sports seekers, providing them opportunities for trekking and rock climbing. All in all, it is a popular getaway for travellers with both religious and adventurous inclinations

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Shivagange by Flight

The nearest airport to Shivagange is in Bangalore, at a distance of about 76 km. From there, you can take a bus to Dabbaspet and then hire an auto to reach the place.

How to Reach Shivagange by Road

Buses going to Tumkur and Dabbaspet can be hailed from Kempegowda Bus depot in Bangalore, commonly known as Majestic. Get down at Dabbaspet, from where you can take a bus or an auto-rickshaw to Shivagange. The other slightly crowded alternative is the Bangalore - Hassan route to Solur after which take a right turn to Shivagange. KRSTC and Government transport have regular bus services to Dabbaspet and Shivagange.

How to Reach Shivagange by Train

Bangalore is well connected to major cities through trains. There are local city trains from Bangalore to Tumkur.  From there, you can hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to reach the destination.

Local Transport in Shivagange

Public transport like bus and auto rickshaws are conveniently available from Bangalore. Local buses frequently ply to Dabbaspet. Rickshaws are also readily available from Bangalore to Shivagange or from Dabbaspet to Shivagange. From Dabbaspet, you can get a really cheap share auto rickshaw, though you'll have to wait until it's full. There are local trains connecting Bangalore and Tumkur, a rickshaw or bus can be availed to Shivagange from Tumkur Railway Station.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Trekking In Shivagange)

• Trekking In Shivagange - A collection of solid rock structures, Shivagange offers climbers an exciting and tough trek. Being a rocky hill, the climb is difficult but thanks to the railings put up all along the way it becomes significantly safer.

• Temples In Shivagange - Shivagange Hillock appears to look like a Shiva Linga from the distance. It houses five temples. At the entrance, you're greeted by a life size statue of Lord Ganesha and the Gagadeshwar Temple (Shiva Temple) is located a few steps above it.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SHIVAGANGE

For Trekking: October- March; For Pilgrimages: All year round.

Winters and early summers are a good time for trekking; the rocks tend to get slippery during the rainy season. October to March makes for the best time to visit the place.

4. Tinchuley, Darjeeling 

At a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an offbeat hamlet situated close to the West Bengal-Sikkim border. With an altitude of 5550 ft, the name of the place derives from the words ‘tin’ and ‘chula’, which translates as ‘three ovens’ because the trio of hills constituting the hill station resembles mud ovens. Amazingly, the geographical diversity of the village is not exhausted by this: the rivers Teesta and Ranjeet also intersect quite close to it. All of this contributes to Tinchuley’s abundant natural beauty.

While famous for its tea plantations and fresh fruit orchards like Darjeeling, Tinchuley is, in addition, a quieter and more obscure place - there's a sense of peace pervading the atmosphere that's otherwise lacking in its busier counterparts. In Tinchuley, one can engage in rock climbing, trekking, sightseeing, all against a scenic green mountainscape that seems like something out of a film set. With an economy that started thriving through the involvement of World Wildlife Federation (WWF) in modernising the place's agriculture and branching its production off into floriculture, vermiculture, and organic products took place, Tinchuley began growing in popularity as an ideal tourist destination.

Tinchuley is the dream destination for those who are looking something spiritual out of their travel. Its gorgeous mountainscape and serene cultivated lands attest to that. So if you're seeking something of exactly that nature, then you know where to be!

HOW TO REACH 

How to Reach Tinchuley by Flight

At a distance of 77 km, the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, Darjeeling. To reach Tinchuley from there, you must hire a cab.

How to Reach Tinchuley by Road

There are multiple ways to reach Tinchuley via road depending on where one is travelling from. If you're travelling from Siliguri (or other areas towards the west, especially in Sikkim), then it is best to take the road via Teesta Bazar through which a steep ascent connects to Tinchuley. On the other hand, if you're travelling from Darjeeling, you should reach Peshoke road and look for a right turn on the 6th mile on that road. This diversion will take you through several km in Takdah cantonment area until you reach Tinchuley. You also have the option of hiring shared taxis.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Orange Orchards)

• Tea Gardens - The mountain soil of Tinchuley is ideal for the cultivation of export-quality tea crops. Accordingly, there are six tea gardens in the village neatly situated next to each other. Visiting any of these gardens is a unique marvellous experience for you get to see the origins of your favourite morning beverage. Here, you can witness the production of authentic Himalayan tea, right from the beginning when harvesting the crops till the end when the desired form of the tea leaves if finally obtained. Among the most popular plantations that tourists frequent are Peshoke Tea Garden and Rangli Rangliot Tea Garden. 

• Orange Orchards - Tinchuley's economy is sustained also because of the numerous orange orchards cultivated in the village. This region of the Himalayas is quite popular for its export-quality Mandarin Oranges. While belonging to the local families as their rightful private property, these orchards are nevertheless accessible by the public. With their arrays of gorgeous orange trees, these orchards can provide you some much needed rest and tranquility after a particularly exertion-heavy trek in the forests. Moreover, there's a factory situated here that produces fresh marmalade, orange juices, pickles, so you can also satiate your appetite with these delicious products. 

• Tinchuley Monastery - Established centuries ago by a monk purportedly in the order of Nalanda, Tinchuley Monastery is veritable centre of spirituality in this hamlet. As per legend associated with the monastery, a lama meditated here for 17 years. Every morning, cymbals in the monastery are loudly rung in order venerate the ancestors and appease their spirits. When you get to watch the mountains infused with this soft music as the wind makes colourful flags flap, a sense of wholesome tranquility takes over you. No wonder the local villagers hold it in incredibly high esteem regardless of their faith! This monastery is quite the spiritual haven, albeit one amongst many in the Eastern Himalayas. Talking to the monks and learning from them is an additional novel experience one can obtain here.  

BEST TIME TO VISIT TINCHULEY

The best time to visit Tinchuley is during the summer when the temperature remains within a pleasant range of 10 - 20 degrees Celcius. Perhaps the best summer month is April and the early part of May, given that it's off-season during these months and the village subsequently doesn't experience that big a footfall. Due to the elevation of the hamlet degrees, the winters are rather harsh, capping off at a chilly 9 degrees Celcius or even less. During the rainy season, there is a heavy downpour, so those looking to experience the Himalayas in monsoon should visit between July - September.

5. Bhandardara

Bhandardara, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, has all the nature's blessings a place can get. The lush greenery, the humble waterfalls and surrounded by high mountains makes for the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers.

Situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is 117 km. from Mumbai and is easily accessible through roadways. This little village is packed with so many attractions coupled with the serenity of the nature that it makes for an adventurous weekend to run away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Bhandardara by Flight

The nearest airport is the Mumbai International Airport which is 177 km away. Taxis can be hired from the airport to Bhandardara.

How to Reach Bhandardara by Road

Mumbai is 180 km from Bhandardara and can be accessed through National Highway 3 (NH3) followed by a right turn from Ghoti toll post. Another 30 km from Ghoti and you arrive in Bhandardara. The distance from Pune is 175 km. and can be accessed through NH 50 up to Ghargaon, from Ghargaon take the State highway (SH 21) till Bhandardara.

How to Reach Bhandardara by Train

Igatpuri is the nearest railway station which lies on the Mumbai - Nashik rail route and is 45 km from Bhandardara. From there, you can take a state transport bus or a taxi.

Local Transport in Bhandardara

State transport buses and taxis are easily available in Bhandardara. However, the taxis are generally crowded as they have a share system.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Umbrella Falls)

• Umbrella Falls - The Umbrella Falls are the falls formed under the Wilson Dam and the force by which the water falls on the naturally placed rocks that gives an impression of an umbrella.

• Wilson Dam - The Wilson Dam, built on Pravara river in 1910 is the largest earthen dam in India which speaks of the engineering excellence of those days. The base of the dam has a garden that boasts of thick greenery, huge trees and little streams.

• Kalsubai Peak - Mt. Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges. The view of this majestic mountain is an amazing sight in Bhandardara. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, as it is the highest peak in the state.

Best Time to Visit Bhandardara

Although suitable for a visit any time of the year, Bhandara unveils its spellbinding charm in the monsoon months of June till September when the climate is cool and breezy as opposed to the summer when it's quite hot and humid. Temperatures range between 20 degrees C to 30 degrees C. Hence, the months between June and March tend to be an ideal time to visit Bhandardara. The downpours during these months create breathtaking sights for one to explore.

6. Shekhawati 

Shekhawati is a semi-arid getaway full of open air galleries, enchanting havelis & palaces and legendary forts. This region has been recognised as the open art gallery of Rajasthan"" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world."

Shekhawati has a history similar to that of Nawalgarh where in the Marwari men went to cities like Bombay and Calcutta in search of work and the time they found success and their businesses flourished, that is exactly when these plush havelis emanated. One businessman competed with the other in showing off his wealth, this continued on and on and finally, what the business families of Shekhawati got was an affluent city to live in. The inhabitants of Shekhawati are considered brave, sacrificing and hard working people. The region provides one of the highest number of people to the Indian Army. Hence, this location makes up for a dreamscape for all those wishing to get a blast from the past. 

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Shekhawati by Flight

The airport closest to Shekhawati is Jaipur, around 150 km away. It is a major airport and is well connected to all the cities of the country. Prepaid taxis can be hired from the airport to travel to Shekhawati. Alternatively, you can also opt for the buses which run regularly on this route.

How to Reach Shekhawati by Road

The roads leading to Shekhawati are strong metalled roads, which make travelling via roadways immensely favourable. It is connected with State highway no. 8, 37 and 41. Roads are in good condition compared to average experience in India. State run buses are available from the cities of Jaipur and Bikaner.

How to Reach Shekhawati by Train

Trains are available from Delhi and Jaipur. Access to Shekhawati is easiest from Jaipur or Bikaner. All the major cities are connected via rail to Shekhawati. You can hire a taxi or bus to reach Shekhawati from these towns.

Local Transport in Shekhawati

Intra city commuting is very comfortable. The roads are in a good condition and all the parts of the city are accessible via roads. Taxis and buses are easily available in Shekhawati. The transportation is cheap.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Nawalgarh)

• Sikar - Sikar is one of the most preferred excursions away from Shekhawati. It is host to plenty of prolific havelis and temples namely the Ram Chokhani Haveli, Bansidhar Rathi Haveli, Mirijamal Kyala Haveli, Kedia Haveli, Sanganeria Haveli, Radha Murli Manohar temple and the Jeen Mata temple are the relatively more famous ones.

• Churu - Churu is another jaunt a few km away from the town of Shekhawati located in the district of Shekhawati itself. Like many other towns in this area, Churu is also known for its Rajasthani architectural techniques clearly seen in its havelis and forts.

• Nawalgarh - Nawalgarh is a miniature town situated at a short distance from Shekhawati. Fondly known as "the land of Havelis" or "open air art gallery", this miniature town of Nawalgarh is located around 30 km away from the town of Jhunjhunu and does absolute justice to the name given to it.

Best Time to Visit Shekhawati

Shekhawati is accessible throughout the year though the climate is at the extremes here. The summers are excruciatingly hot with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celcius. The winters are relatively cooler with the days having an average temperature of 26 degrees Celcius while the nights are as cool as 9 degrees Celcius. The best time to visit this place would be during the months of November to March.

7. Dhanushkodi 

Dhanushkodi is a small, sparsely populated beach town on the coast of Tamil Nadu. In the 1964, Dhanushkodi was hit by one of the worst storms India has ever seen. Ever since then, Tamil Nadu has rebuilt this town to become one of the most unique and unusual beach towns of India.

This small town redefines the term isolated. Cut off from the rest of the world, this town seems untouched by time. While the rest of India is vying to get ahead in the race for prosperity, this town seems frozen in history, reflecting it grandeur and beauty.

prosperity, this town seems frozen in history, reflecting it grandeur and beauty.

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Dhanushkodi by Flight

Travelling by air may be a slightly tedious option since there are no airports very close by. However, if you plan to visit from a distant place, then the nearest airport is Madurai, which is about 198 km away from Dhanushkodi. If direct cabs or buses aren't available, then you will need to come to Rameshwaram and take another mode of transport from here.

How to Reach Dhanushkodi by Road

While travelling by road, getting to Dhanushkodi is quite simple. Regular buses are available from Rameshwaram and other major areas. Rameshwaram has an extensive bus network, so even if no direct bus is available, you can always come to Rameshwaram and hop onto a Dhanushkodi bound bus.

How to Reach Dhanushkodi by Train

The nearest railway station is Rameshwaram. Being a major town, Rameshwaram sees trains coming in from nearly every corner of Tamil Nadu and even far off places. The station is about 18 km away and getting a ride is very easy.

Local transport in Dhanushkodi

Travelling in the city is not very difficult. In addition to taxis, a very unique kind of vehicle, called the tuk tuk can also be found here. The tuk tuk can seat 6 people at a time and travelling in it is quite an experience. In order to travel out of the main city, its best if you take a taxi or a hotel car.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Pamban island)

• Dhanushkodi Beach - The Dhanushkodi Beach is one of the few major attractions this quaint town has to offer. The white sand beach is mostly deserted. So you can enjoy a silent walk on the beach, without worrying about disturbances from a large crowd of beach goers.

• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park - The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is one of the few Marine National Parks in the country. The park consists of 21 islands along with estuaries, mudflats, beaches and forests.

• Adam's Bridge - Adam's Bridge, a natural bridge than connects India with its neighbouring country Sri Lanka is set amid a gorgeous setting of raw nature that can leave anyone awe inspired by its beauty. 

• Pamban island - Located about 20 km away from Dhanushkodi, this island is another called the Pamban Island. The deep blue sea island is yet another spectacle and is considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the region. Travellers can go there by crossing the Pamban Bridge.

BEST TIME TO VISIT DHANUSHKODI

The winter months from October to February are the best time to visit Dhanushkodi. The summer isn't very hot either. So if you aren't averse to the heat, then summer months are open as well. The monsoon months not only see frequent showers but also mild storms. The tourists, therefore, generally steer clear of Dhanushkodi from July to September.

8. National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary 

Just a 1 hour drive down from Agra, this is a perfect destination for the wildlife enthusiasts. It is a habitat of some of the most endangered species, but the main attraction here are, Gharial, Red crowned turtles, Gangetic Dolphins, Indian skimmers, among others.

The beautiful sanctuary is surrounded by the Chambal river, known to be one of the cleanest river of India. It provides you a combination of a unique and unpolluted habitat, abundant wildlife and amazing landscapes, medieval temples and magnificent ancient ruins, animal fairs and naga sadhus, far far away from the chaos of the city. Tourists usually rent a motorized boat and go up and down the river as it flows through the ravines which makes for a serene experience. The boatmen are excellent at maneuvering as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them to give you the opportunity to sight beautiful animals.

Trained wildlife experts can also accompany visitors and provide expert information on the wildlife. Walks around the river and ravines are also organized which makes for an exciting yet serene experience especially during mornings and evenings. 

It is not only a wildlife lovers' and a birdwatcher's paradise, but also the perfect place to go to to take a leisure break.

Along with the normal jeep safari, this national park offers you with river safari, bicycle ride, camel safari, horse safari.

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary by Flight

The nearest airport is at Agra which is about 70 km away. From here, you can hire a taxi which will cost around INR 500 for Tata Indica (Ac) and INR 1100 for Tata Innova (AC).

How to Reach National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary by Road

Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is located near National Highway 45 and is well connected by road to cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. You can take a bus or drive down to the beautiful destination. Time taken to travel from Agra to Chambal is nearly an hour.

How to Reach National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary by Train

The nearest railhead is in Agra at a distance of almost 70 km. Alternatively, you can take a train to Dholpur, which is nearly 80 km away from the sanctuary. Well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, etc. You can hire a taxi from the railway junction to complete the further journey.

Local Transport in National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourists usually rent a motorized boat and go up and down the river as it flows through the ravines which makes for a serene experience. It is not only a wildlife lovers' and a birdwatcher's paradise, but also the perfect place to go to take a leisure break. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT NATIONAL CHAMBAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The place witnesses wide variations in climatic conditions. Being in North India, the region experiences hot and dry summers. Winters make for the ideal time. Monsoons are not advisable as undertaking the boat ride becomes risky.

9. Naukuchiatal 

Naukuchiatal, a small picturesque lake village is a destination for those who seek quietude and tranquility beneath the shade of pure nature. As the name of the place suggests, this place is mainly known for its nine cornered lake which measures up to 1 km in length and 40 m deep.

Lying at some distance from bustling hill station of Nainital, this place is also attached to a legend. It is said that one glimpse of all nine corners of lake with both feet on the earth can make the viewer disappear into smoke to achieve nirvana. With ample opportunities to rejuvenate your body and soul, Naukuchiatal is blessed with panoramically splendid surroundings and captivating lake. The beautiful weather throughout the year and several attractions like lakes and temples makes sure to make your trip a beguiling experience.

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Naukuchiatal by Flight

Pant Nagar Airport is the nearest airbase to Naukuchiatal which is almost 70 km away. The drive takes almost two - two and a half hour. Taxis can easily be availed outside the airport. Dehradun is another option and it takes almost five hours to reach the desired destination via taxi.

How to Reach Naukuchiatal by Road

The state-owned buses (USRTC) and private buses run regularly from Uttarakhand and its neighbouring states. The intra-city bus services are also quite frequent connecting Naukuchiatal with other major hill stations of the state. You can easily access this hill station from Nainital, Almora, Kathgodam via bus or taxi.

How to Reach Naukuchiatal by Train

Kathgodam, which is at a distance of nearly 40 km from the village, acts as the nearest railway station. It is well connected to all the major cities like Bangalore, Shimla, Delhi, Kolkata, Kanpur, Dehradun and Jammu etc. Cabs and buses are easily available outside the station.

Local Transport in Naukuchiatal

For commuting within the Naukuchiatal, hire a cab or a taxi which are easily available. However, the winter season witness snowfall and moderate rainfalls during monsoon leading to slippery roads. So plan your trip wisely. Else, there cannot be a better place for losing yourself in the beauty of nature.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Bhimtal Lake)

• Lake Naukuchiatal - One of the most sought after places in Naukuchiatal, this lake is located at an altitude of 3996 ft above the sea level. Never falling short of water, it is regularly filled by the underwater stream.

• Boating, Naukuchiatal - An activity one must indulge in while visiting Naukuchiatal Lake is boating. Apart from its beautiful background, the best part is its peaceful surrounding where one can even enjoy the birds chirping. The activity is charged and comes under the local union.

• Bhimtal Lake - The place is a must visit and considered as one of the best destination for excursion. Situated 19 km from Naukuchiatal and 1375 m above the sea level, Bhimtal is most famous for its Bhimtal Lake and a small island in the middle. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT NAUKUCHIATAL

Naukuchiatal experiences warm summer but in a pleasant way. The cool breeze in the evening can lift up your spirits. Stretching from the month of March to June, the maximum temperature goes up to 30 degrees Celcius. Monsoon season in the village faces moderate rainfall with a hint of newness and greenery in the environment. However, it is best advised to avoid travelling during monsoon which ends during the month of September. Winter season is cool with temperature ranging from 0 to 20 degrees Celcius. With a breath of fresh air, winters may also witness heavy snowfall. Heavy woolens are recommended for this season which extends up to the month of February.

10. Vattakanal, Kodaikanal 

Endless mist pervading gorgeous and expansive hills, a breezy cool weather throughout the year, wide patches of lush greenery, a fun trekking experience, wild bisons idling amongst eucalyptus trees -- these are some of the things you’d associate with a trip to Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. Yet there’s a place just nearby that harbours the same charm and pleasantness, that offers the same enriching experiences but without the crowdedness that you’d expect out of the former.

This is the village of Vattakanal, and it’s quite the charming little hill station in the Western Ghats. At a height of about 2011 m and towards the western edge of Tamil Nadu, Vattakanal is a small hamlet at a distance of about 7-8 km from Kodaikanal. The name of the place translates from Tamil into ‘circle of forest’ -- and it is indeed quite accurate. The abundance of flora here not only freshen the air but also make for endearing scenery. One shouldn’t miss out on visiting it, especially if they’re in Kodaikanal.

HOW TO REACH

How to Reach Vattakanal by Flight

The nearest airport from Vattakanal is Coimbatore airport from where one can take a cab to Kodaikanal. 

How to Reach Vattakanal by Road

Vattakanal is connected to Kodaikanal by road. At a distance of about 7-8 km, one has the option of either walking or hiking all the way through the inclined way to the hamlet or take the many buses that ply through the region. These buses are readily available at the Kodaikanal bus station.

PLACES TO VISIT:

(Vattakanal Falls)

• Vattakanal Falls - Quite the gorgeous sight to behold, these falls can entice all those who choose to visit. Staying in this wonderful lap of nature, paying close attention to the meditative sound of water hitting the rocks as birds chirp in nearby trees, you’d find yourself mesmerised! This site is ideal for picnic with friends or family. Additionally, the beauty of these falls get especially heightened during monsoons when the falling waters form a clear, cold pool: some tourists even opt for taking a dip! At a distance of about 3 km from Vattakanal, these falls should definitely be your priority if you travel to Vattakanal, attempt nature photography, or simply intend to relax. 

• Vattakanal Shola Tree Nursery - If you’re enthralled by the diverse flora of Vattakanal on your visit and find yourself curious about it, then Vattakanal’s Shola Tree Nursery is the place you should be consider visiting. Maintained by the Vattakanal Conservation Trust, this nursery houses native shola trees and engages in distributing and planting them all across the village. There’s also hundreds of rare species of plants here. The nursery also has a glasshouse. If you’re a nature lover, then this is certainly not an experience to be missed. 

• Dolphin’s Nose - A half an hour trek downhill for those light on their feet, Dolphin’s Nose is essentially a rock protruding from the mountain. Standing upon its narrow surface and gazing at the valley down below, you find yourself at once scared and wonderstruck. The experience becomes downright spooky when the mists are intense, whereas on a clear day you get to see a vast expanse of hills as well as the town of Periyakulam. As with most locations in Vattakanal, some of the most memorable and picaresque visits are to made during the early morning hours. All in all, Dolphin’s Nose be has come to characterise the thrilling yet awe-inspiring experience that Vattakanal is capable of providing!

• Echo Point - A mere ten minutes’ walk from Dolphin’s Nose, Echo Point is yet another unique vantage point that Vattakanal has offer. Here you can -- as the name suggests -- scream your name and the hills would reverberate it back at you! It makes for quite an eerie yet interesting experience. Overlooking lofty ridges and distant valleys, it still makes for a great view. The trail to this point is lined with shrubberies and plants, so be sure to watch out for those and pluck a few ripe Avocados straight from the belly of nature!

BEST TIME TO VISIT VATTAKANAL 

The best time to visit Vattakanal is during the summer, which means the months of April - September are really suitable. The temperature in these months remains between 10 - 20 degrees which makes for a pleasant if slightly chilly weather. Given Vattakanal’s altitude, the winters tend to be really harsh are and the temperature is known to drop under five degrees.