10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Rajasthan

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary – Kota 

For wildlife lovers, the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect excuse for an excursion.The beauty of the forests and wildlife will impress you very much. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a protected reserve in the year 1955

Ideal for: Nature lovers, families

Ideal trip duration: 3 hours

Location: Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary

Best time to visit: October to March

How to reach: Being just 50 km from Kota, the sanctuary is easily accessible by bus and taxi.

 Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary – Karauli

The Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan and an extension to the Ranthambore National Park.

Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts, friends

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

Location: Chaube Ki Guwari, Rajasthan 322243

Best time to visit: September to March

How to reach: Since the sanctuary is close to Jaipur, a bus or taxi from any part of the city is highly recommended to reach.

National Chambal Sanctuary – Kota

The National Chambal Sanctuary is a 2,100 square mile tri-state protected area specially built to protect the red-crowned roof turtle, the endangered Ganges river dolphin and the gharial

Ideal for: Family, friends

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

Location: Dholpur, Rajasthan 328001; the sanctuary also runs through Morena in Madhya Pradesh 

and Agra in Uttar Pradesh

Best time to visit: October to March

How to reach: A bus from Agra is the best and most convenient option to reach the sanctuary.

 Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary – Bundi

The Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary is located just 15 km from Bundi and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary acts as a buffer zone for the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ideal for: Friends, nature lovers

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

Location: Bherupura Antri, Rajasthan 323001

Best time to visit: September to May

How to reach: With just 15 km from Bundi city, a bus or private taxi will easily ferry you to the sanctuary.

Jaisamand Sanctuary – Udaipur

The picturesque city of hills, valleys and lakes welcomes you to one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. The sanctuary is located on the banks of Dhebar or Jaisamand lake, which is the second largest artificial lake in Asia

Ideal for: Friends, family

Ideal trip duration: 3-4 hours

Location: Jaisamand , Rajasthan 313905

Best time to visit: July and August

How to reach: The sanctuary is very easily accessible by road from Udaipur so hire a taxi or take the local bus

 Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary – Pratapgarh

Spreading across an area of 423 sq km, the Sita Mata sanctuary is a protected area and also one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan. It is situated in the Pratapgarh district. The rivers Budho, Tankiya, Karmoi, Sita Mata, and Jakham flow through the woods of the sanctuary. The Sita Mata wildlife sanctuary is also known as the Bird Paradise. It has a large variety of avian species.

Ideal for: Family, friends

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

Location: Seeta Mata Forest Reserves, Arampura, Rajasthan 313604

Best time to visit: October to 

 Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Kumbhalgarh

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Kumbhalgarh. It is located in the district of Rajsamand in Rajasthan. It covers an area of about 578 sq km while surrounding the borders of the Kumbhalgarh Fort. In this sanctuary, you will find a wide variety of animals, out of which many of them are endangered species. The animals you will get to see in the sanctuary in abundance include chinkaras, hares, four-horned antelopes, sambhar, nilgai, jungle cats, sloth bears, hyenas, wolves, and leopards.

Ideal for: Family, friends

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

Location: Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 313325

Best time to visit: October to march

How to reach: people can reach Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary by road via the NH-76 from Udaipur.

 Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary – Mount Abu

Located in the Aravalli Hills, the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is popular in Rajasthan. It is situated at an elevation of 300 meters to 1722 meters. This sanctuary has a great collection of trees and plants. One of the best places to visit in Mount Abu, there are about 112 different plant families that belong to 820 species and 449 genera. This comprises a variety of trees, shrubs, climbers and tuberous plants. You can also find some of the orchid species in the sanctuary.

Ideal for: Family, friends

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

Location: Shergaon Path, Block No. 2, Rajasthan 307501

Best time to visit: October to march

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Morthala railway station, which is 18 Kms away from Mount Abu

How to reach: The nearest airport is the Dabok Airport located in Udaipur, about 145 Kms away

Desert National Sanctuary – Jaisalmer

Situated close to Jaisalmer, this is another major Sanctuary of Rajasthan. It spreads across 3162 sq kilometers or area forming the largest national park in India. The sanctuary provides an instance of a brilliant desert ecosystem. 

Ideal for: Family, friends

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

Location: Myajlar Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

Best time to visit: October to mid-March

How to reach: Jaisalmer railhead is the nearest railhead to Desert National Park

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary – Bikaner

Bikaner is famous for its heritage and culture city and forms a major connection between the Golden Triangle. However, the place has also given home to vivid flora and fauna in the form of Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the many places to visit in Bikaner.

Ideal for: Nature photographers, wildlife enthusiasts

Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours

Location: Gajner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 3343

Best time to visit: November to February

How to reach: You may hire a cab or auto from any part of the city or take an adventurous camel ride to reach the sanctuary.

10 Awesome Places To Visit In Goa

Baga Beach: Shopping Streets

Why travel to the Bahamas Beach or any international beach when you have Baga Beach in Goa! With a lot of dining options, it is the most famous beach in North Goa.

Entry Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach, also popularly known as “Queen” is one of the most magnificent beaches of Goa and the best places to visit in Goa during May

Entry Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

The waterfalls give an image of milk pouring into the land which is why it is called Dudhsagar, ‘Dudh’ meaning milk.

Entry Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

Candolim Beach

Candolim Beach is located in North Goa and is known for its clean shores and its long stretch. It is an ideal place to spend time with family and you can even plan a picnic on the beach! There are also many water sports that you can experience at this beach.

Entry Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM

 Anjuna Beach

The beach stretches for 2 km long and you can experience many water sports, taste Goan cuisines at the cafes, and beach bars.

Entry Timings: 12 AM- 12 PM

Arambol Beach

If you’re looking for more awesome spots in North Goa, then make sure you add this beach in your list before you take a Goa trip in May.

Entry Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM

Fort Aguada

Located in Sinquerim Beach, this Fort holds a historical significance as it is a seventeenth-century fort standing tall as a Portuguese legacy.

Entry Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

Divar Island

It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Goa and offers absolutely gorgeous views and lush greenery that will leave you spellbound. It is not usually crowded so you can have your me-time here.

Entry Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM

 Se Cathedral

Just like Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral also dates back to the 16th century and happens to be the largest church in Asia which is still open to the public. It’s one of the best places to visit in Goa in May for your trip and should definitely be a part of your itinerary owing to its Iberian architecture and high ceilings that flaunt intricate wooden carvings and mosaic work. It’s among the most respected places to visit in Old Goa with walls decorated with rich paintings and a standard crucifix shape in the center of the church.

Entry Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM

Chapora Fort

the fort shot to fame after the movie “Dil Chahta Hai” was filmed here. Snuggled atop a hilly terrain, it requires one to navigate through a steep slope to reach the fort. It’s a refreshing place to pay a visit to where one can sit and soak in views of the beach from one end to another.

Entry Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

7 Churches In Himachal Pradesh

Christ Church Shimla

Built in 1857, Christ Church in Shimla is one of the oldest churches in Himachal Pradesh and the second oldest church in North India, after St John’s Church in Meerut. 

Location: Ridge To US Club, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm

 St. Mary’s Church Shimla

Nestled in the middle of a scenic apple orchard in Kotgarh Shimla, St. Mary’s Church is one among the popular churches in Shimla.

Location: Bemloi, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm

St. Michael’s Cathedral, Shimla

With French-Gothic architecture, spacious prayer halls, arched doorway, and fresco painted glasses, St. Michael’s Cathedral looks graceful and vibrant.

Location: Heritage Building, Ram Bazar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm

Christ Church Kasauli

This is an Anglican church built in 1853 and the Gothic style architecture, peaceful environment, and surrounding lush green scenery not only makes it one of the most visited churches in Himachal Pradesh but also makes it one of the relaxing places to explore.

Location: Mall Rd, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm

St. John’s Church Dalhousie

Surrounded by luxuriant pine forests and sprawling valleys, St. John’s Church is the first church built in Dalhousie and one of the popular Himachal Pradesh churches. The mighty stone structure depicts the typical colonial architecture and the church resembles the Roman Catholic Church of England.

Location: Gandhi Chowk, Moti Tiba, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm

St. Francis Church Dalhousie

Surrounded by opulent deodar forests, St. Francis Church is another name without which the list of best churches in Himachal Pradesh cannot be completed. This church is more than 100 years old and continues to be one of the must-see tourist attractions in Dalhousie.

Location: Court Rd, Moti Tiba, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh 176305

Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm

St. Andrew’s Church Dalhousie

St. Andrew’s Church is adorned with stunning glasswork and interiors and because of its grand look and charm, it is aptly called ‘the church of Scotland’. Built in 1903, it is one of the few Protestant churches in Himachal Pradesh.

Location: Near Dalhousie Bus Stand, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm

9 Things To Do In Palampur

Bir: Go Paragliding  

Paragliding starting price: INR 1,500/- (prices may vary)

Naam Art Gallery: Appreciate Art  

Timings: 10 AM – 7:30 PM (closed on Monday)

Entry fee: INR 10/-

Triund: Trek To The Peak

It is rightly said that great views come after great climbs! For thrill seekers, the Triund trek is a must, where you can enjoy the climb and camp at the Triund base camp. Fall in love with the beautiful vistas of mountains and meadows on the way. The Triund trek starts from Dharamkot which is at a distance of 41 km from Palampur. This tops the list of the things to do near Palampur.

Tea Plantations

The tea gardens are a top Palampur attractions which is also the tea capital of northern India. Vast expanses of land here are covered in lush tea plantations enveloping the town in green foliage year-round.

Andretta

Andretta is an artsy dainty village in Himachal Pradesh. It has been attracting tourists for long since it’s an artists’ colony. It is at a distance of 11.9 km from Palampur, which can be covered in an easy 20 minutes.

Neugal Khad: Enjoy A Picnic

Clearwater streams in cities are a myth, no? But not in Palampur. Neugal Khad is a wide stream of clear water flowing close to Palampur. Neugal Khad is a top picnic spot situated at a distance of 3-4 km from Palampur.

Tashi Jong Monastery

Entry fee: Free

Norbulingka Institute

Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (offices and workshops closed on Sundays)

Guided tour entry fee: INR 100/-

Baijnath Temple

Baijnath Temple is located at a distance of 17 km from Palampur. Nestled in the green Kangra valley this is one of the most beautiful temples. It has a unique architectural design which resembles that of the Jagannath temple in Puri. History says that Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here to achieve immortality. It is a top tourist spot amidst devotees and travelers alike.

Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM

8 Amazing Restaurants In Dharamshala

The Taste of India

Location: Dharamkot Rd, Bhagsu Nag, McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: Vegetable Biryani and Aloo Gobi; Chicken Tandoori

Cost For Two: INR 500

Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Location: Bhagsunag Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: Lasagne and Pizza

Cost For Two: INR 500

Tibet Kitchen

Location: Jogiwara Road, House #1 Main Square, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: Steamed vegetable dumplings; Thukpa

Cost For Two: INR 600

 Friendly Planet

Location: Dharamkot Rd, Dharamkot, p.o, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: Lamb Burger

Cost For Two: INR 200

 Mcllo Restaurant

Location: Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: Grilled trout, Spaghetti

Cost For Two: INR 1,000

Morgan’s Place

Location: Dharamkot, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: BBQ Chicken Pizza

Cost For Two: INR 500

Crepe Pancake Hut

Location: Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: Sticky ginger cake; Chocolate pancake

Cost For Two: INR 400

Bodhi Greens

Location: Main Street, Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Must Try: Salads, Mexican Wraps

Cost For Two: INR 500

Top 10 Waterfalls In Himachal Pradesh

Bhagsunag Falls

Location: Trail to Shri Gunna Devi Mandir, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Things to do: Take a trek, visit any nearby monasteries

Jana Falls

Location: Jana, Himachal Pradesh 175138

Things to do: Trekking, rock climbing

Rahala Falls

Location: Near Rohtang Pass, On Leh-Manali Highway, Himachal Pradesh

Things to do: Spend peaceful hours, take bath, enjoy picnicing

Chadwick Falls

Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171005

Things to do: Take a walking tour

Dharamkot Waterfalls

Location: Bounthu, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176218

Things to do: Admire panoramic sights, take atrek, visit nearby monasteries

Jogini Falls

Location: Vashisht Village, Manali, Manali Tehsil, India

Things to do: Trekking and camping

Rozy Falls: Exquisite Beauty

Location: Rohtang Pass Road, Manali

Things to do: River rafting, Zorbing

Thala Waterfall

Location: Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh

Things to do: Take a trek, go for refreshing walks

Sissu Falls: Enticing Experiences

Location: Leh-Manali Highway, Lahaul and Spiti district

Things to do: Experience hot-water spring, take a trek

Satdhara Falls

Location: Chamba Valley, Dalhousie

Things to do: Walk amid nature, take a trekking trail