Horsley Hills

Horesly Hills is a picturesque hamlet in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 4,100 ft this serene hill station is named after W.D. Horsley, the collector of Cuddapah district. It is located at a distance of 144 Km from Tirupati and is an ideal summer resort for spending a fascinating vacation. The scenic drive to this mesmerizing hamlet is extremely panoramic and scenic and has thick vegetation of trees lining on both sides of the road. The other major draw for the travelers is the relaxing climate of the Horsley Hills which ranges from 20°C to 32°C even in summers. The hill is lush with dense forest and thick greenness and has a wide variety of trees like Gulmohar, Allamanda, Reeta, Amla, Beedi leaves, Blue Gum, Eucalyptus and Sandalwood.

Best Time To Visit

A trip to the mesmerizing Horsley Hills can be planned any time during the year as there are no major temperature disparities in its climate. Horsley Hills have a pleasing climate that is cool and pleasant during summers and cold in winters. The beautiful hills of Horsley experience a substantial amount of rain during the monsoon season. The summer season commences from the March and ends till May. During summer season, constant cold breezes blow from the mountains. The monsoon season is from June to September during this season many small streams and falls can be seen in the mountains. The winter season is from December to February and predominantly winter is cold and a good time to visit. Since Horsley Hills remain cool throughout the year, one may plan their tour of Horsley Hills any time of the year.

Location

The hill resort of Horsley Hills stands at an altitude of 1,265 meters above sea level on the southwest border of Andhra Pradesh. Madanapalle is the closest town near the hills. This beautiful hill station is situated at a distance of 150  Km from the city of Bangalore and 274 Km from Chennai.

Tourists Attractions

The prime tourist attractions to visit in Hoursley Hills include Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Environment Park and Mallama Temple.

Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. It is a must visit for all the wildlife lovers and shelter animals like wild dogs, jungle fowl, bears, sambas and panthers. Visiting this sanctuary gives the travelers a chance to visit them from close quarters in their natural surroundings. Another attraction of this Wildlife Sanctuary is Bird watching. The sanctuary is also popular amongst the visitors for its exotic flora. In these wild life sanctuary one may find a wide variety of flowers ranging from Amla, Beedi leaves, Red sanders, Reeta, Shikakai, Bay leaves, Sandalwood, Blue gum, Mahogany to Bamboo.

Environment Park

The Environment Park is built by Venkata Subba Rao who is a famous environmentalist of Hyderabad and made great contribution to the ecosystem and simultaneously educated people about the importance of environment.

Mallama Temple

The majestic temple of Mallama is dedicated to a lady named Mallama Who used to heal the tribal people. One day she suddenly disappeared. Since the native started believing she was a goddess and built a temple in her name. The temple is built to thanks her and is a great pilgrim spot featuring a fascinating architecture.

Another added attraction to this place is the sight of Pungannur cows which the Chenchu tribe who inhabits the Horsley Hills keeps. These cows are popular for their milk yielding capacity and low appetite.

Places Around Horsley Hills

The place to visit around the Horsely hills include Galiband, View Point and the Gangotri Lake. While being in this enchanting hill station pay visit to the famous Shiva temple located at a distance of 15 Km from the road towards the village of Manapalle. The temple attracts many visitors and is visited many devotees residing in the nearby areas. The Gangotri Lake is situated in the midst of beautiful surroundings and offer panoramic views. The lake is a must visit for all nature lovers and offers an enjoyable boating experience to its visitors.

How To Reach

By Air - Bangalore and the Tirupati airport is the next door airport to reach Horsley hills. Situated at a distance of 160 Km and 165 Km respectively these airports cater to the air travel needs to reach Horsley Hills

By Rail - The nearest railhead to reach Horsley Hills is located in Manapalle. The railway station is situated at a distance of 43 Km from the town. It is most advisable to arrange for transport through the hotels and resorts as the local transport system of this tiny town is not that reliable.

By Road -  Horsley Hills is well connected to the other parts of the state by the state transport buses of Andhra Pradesh. Regular buses are available from Manapalle and Tirupathi. These government buses are regular and inexpensive though they may be crowded and not a good option while travelling with luggage.

What a spectacular way to watch the sunrise..

"Exciting Trip to Wayanad"

Wayanad Experience: Wayanad was the most beautiful destination I have ever chosen in my life. The environment was really very romantic there.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: We went to Edakkal Caves and Suchipara Falls for Sight-seeing. Both the places was very very nice. Wanted to go to the Meenmuthy falls but it was closed due to some reason.

Activities & things to do: It was a rainy season so we had nothing to do there.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: We went there by bus from bangalore direct to Vythri. While coming back, bus could not be booked from Vythri. Person have to come to Sultanbathery to book a bus to Bangalore. either come to kalpeta, from where buses which come from calicut are available.

 

donate car

Huascaran

    

Huascarán is the highest mountain in Peru, and the fifth highest in South America. The continent's four higher mountains are all located further south along the Chile-Argentina crest, so Huascarán towers dominantly among its peers. Its two extinct volcanic summits (the lower north peak is 21,830 ft.) are separated by a huge deep saddle, upon which a hut now sits. The mountain is both high and massive, its huge flanks covered in steep, broken glaciers. In 1962 a hanging glacier broke from the mountain's northern flank, killing 6,000 people in the village of Ranrahirca. In 1970, a similar fate fell upon the villages of Yungay, Huaraz, and Aija, which were wiped out by earthquake-triggered avalanches from the mountain. Fifteen members of a Czech expedition were climbing Huascarán at the time, and were among the thousands dead. Many climbers have also been killed by icefall in the area between the two peaks. Technically, Huascarán is actually one of the easiest climbs in the Cordillera Blanca, though its ever-present hazards -- icefall, avalanche, and crevasse -- must not be overlooked. Huascarán's lower north summit was first climbed in 1908 by Annie Peck, making it one of the few major peaks in the world to be first ascended by a woman. The higher south peak remained unclimbed for 24 years after Peck's south peak ascent. Both peaks are climbed via the saddle that separates them, and the panorama from the top is unequaled. The lower north peak is less crowded, and is a slightly more difficult climb.

Ithaa is the world's first and only all glass undersea restaurant Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Hotel - Ithaa Undersea Restaurant .

Red leaves cover everything during fall in this english park, please rate this picture from 1 to 10

Queen of Hills – Darjeeling

We were in Siliguri, for enjoying a weekend in leisure when this idea suddenly stricked our us. And as usual next day morning we moved on for Kalimpong without any planning as such. One can easily get shared cabs for Darjeeling and Kalimpong from Darjeeling More, Siliguri at Rs. 150/- per head.

While on the route we were very excited. It’s very common within us. We all are peak lovers and we love the journey throughout. We keep getting excited everytime we start climbing up the hills. It took us around 3 hours to reach Kalimpong. But as soon as we reached there, the summer welcomed us. We were fed off with the scorching heat of sun in Kolkata and a bit less than Kolkata in Siliguri. We didn’t want any more summer. So soon we decided to move on to Darjeeling.

Without wasting any time, we booked the tickets to Darjeeling. You’ll get Shared Cabs to Darjeeling for Rs. 150/- continuously plying from Kalimpong. In the meantime we had our lunch nearby and started moving towards Darjeeling.

Way To Darjeeling

It’s sort of odd, but I visited many parts of North India, but this was my first trip to North Bengal, except Siliguri. I have been to Siliguri many times, thanks to my Bordi and Jamai (Elder Sister and her Husband) who have a business back there and keep visiting with them. As we started rising up the altitudes a charm of cool wind greeted us. I guess we were more happy to get escaped from the heat instead of our holiday. As it was a really unplanned journey, we didn’t carried any warm clothes except a jacket as we thought we may need that at night in Kalimpong.

Way To Darjeeling

It took us around another 3 – 3.5 Hours to reach Darjeeling. Darjeeling have many hotels around the Bazaar and the Mall, so one can easily land up there without any bookings for on spot discounts or deals even in the high seasons. After scanning through few accommodation options in the Bazaar area, we ended up staying at Hotel Dragon @ Rs. 1300/-

We breathed a sigh of relief and soon we noticed that it was around 4PM already. So we decided to visit the Mall and spend the evening at leisure. While proceeding towards the Mall, the Hotel’s Manager asked us whether we are interested in taking the Tiger Hill tour in the morning. He said it’d cost us 150/- per head. So we thought, though it’s unplanned tour, but as we are here now, let’s go for it, as you are never sure when you’ll be back again for a planned trip. So we confirmed him and left for the Mall. When we reached Mall, we found that some local function was going on. We spend couple of hours listening to local Nepalese music and dance performance by local girls. Though we were not much hungry but we definitely wanted to check out Momo and Thuakpa.

Darjeeling Mall

Darjeeling Mall

Finally at around 8AM we return to our hotel with our Dinner and a liquor. We spent the rest of the night enjoying ourselves. It was around 2AM when we felled asleep.

Around 3:30 in the morning, Manager knocked our door and informed us to get ready. We got ready as fast as possible and started for our first destination – Tiger Hill. Though I was really sleepy, but soon I noticed the music that was being played. It was lovely, authentic Buddhist mantra. It was something like Morning Buddhist Chanting. It was just the music but no song. I had a urge to ask about the music, but I thought of staying quiet, as everyone was almost sleepy.

Upon reaching the destination we were told that, this is not the actual Tiger Hill, as the place is closed for renovation, so now-a-days they bring all the tourists here only and we’ll get the same view from here. Well, first of all we thought it of a hoax, but later we found that all the tourists and cars were there only.

We had to walk few minutes to reach the spot due to the queue of cars. Upon reaching the spot, we barely could see anything due to the rush, so we thought of climbing up to another point. It seemed that everyone is waiting for the Sun to rise. Few ladies were selling coffee and few were selling sweaters and woolen caps. It was really cold, and we couldn’t guess the temperature. So we thought of warming ourselves a bit with a cup of coffee. It was too much rush there, and I felt like, the peoples in the front can anytime get slide down.

Tiger Hill

Suddenly, people started shouting and Wow!! It was a breathtaking view. It seemed that someone covered the Mt. K with golden plates. Our so called camera failed miserably to capture the view.

Tiger Hill

After spending around half an hour there we moved towards our jeep. Soon people started moving towards their respective cars. After all the people arrived, we started for our next destination Ghoom Monastery. Though we are not much religious, but we loved the silence. After spending few moments we moved towards Batasia Loop.

Ghoom Monastry

Ghoom Monastry

It seems that, almost all tourists have their breakfasts there only. We also couldn’t resist trying the Samosas and Momo’s. We bought our tickets and moved on. While on the way to Batasia Loop someone told us, this is the place where “Mere Sapno Ki Rani” was shooted by Rajesh Khanna. We loved the Eco Garden in Batasia. We thought of trying out local Nepalese dresses which were being rented there.

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop

After spending couple of hours, we started for our Hotel. We asked the driver dropped us at Mall instead of our Hotel as we were planning to have our Breakfast at Glenary’s.

Glenary’s

After having our breakfast and few authentic chocolates, we started rushing towards our hotel, due to nature’s call 

Well, though it as unplanned, we all started discussing about staying there for one or two more days. But we couldn’t, as our return tickets were on the same day from NJP. We started for Siliguri at around 10 AM. At around 2PM we were back again to our own lives.

Though we had not planned to visit Darjeeling at the beginning, but while on the move we found Darjeeling Tourismvery helpfull. It can be your single spot destination for everything in and around Darjeeling.

Ladakh… Family Holiday with a Twist

 

Ladakh is beautiful, unique and incredible! It is something that you have never seen before! A perfect holiday destination in the state of Jammu & Kashmir…BUT I would only recommend a family holiday here to people who think they can handle the moody weather and have older kids. As beautiful as this place is, it is equally rigorous and challenging. The best places to visit in Ladakh with family are Leh and regions. The reasons being, first, it is easy to reach Leh, as there is air services to Leh from Delhi and Jammu. Secondly, during the summer season, the mercury remains steady at 30 degree Celsius, making it quiet a pleasant time to visit. You would like to visit the 800 year old Kali Mandir, perched on top of a mountain; the Shanti Stupa situated right outside the city; and the 17^th century Leh Palace. Thiksey and Hemis monasteries are other prime attractions of Leh. If your health allows and your kids get well acclimatized , you can head out of Leh city and visit the beautiful Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake and Nubra Valley.

 

Kashmir… The Valley of Fun and Adventure

 

A Kashmiri lady, who lives in the same building that I live in, once over a cup of tea said something that urged me to go and visit Kashmir. She said “go to Kashmir, not because several brochures, websites and magazines tell you to, but because you should!” I have never seen beauty so divine and perfect anywhere, but in Kashmir. The amiable people and the heartwarming hospitality add to the charm of the valley. So, what to see in Kashmir?? Well, you have four great destinations for spending holidays in Kashmir; the first is Pahalgam, second is Gulmarg, third is Sonmarg and fourth is Srinagar. Pahalgam is a perfect destination for families  looking to spend some leisure time; there are many hotels and resorts in Pahalgam that offer great value for money. If you have kids older than 8 years, you can go river rafting in Lidder River or skiing in Aru Valley. Angling and leisure walks are other activities you can try out to when in Kashmir.

Gulmarg couldn’t charm you more! Set amidst lofty snow-clad mountains, Gulmarg offers holidayers the time of their life. A major attraction in Gulmarg is the cable car ride to and from Kongdoori and Apparwath Peak. The view from the top is breathtaking! Though, Sonmarg is a bit of an offbeat destination for families, yet it has lot of interesting things to offer. Camping, tent-staystrekking –to Thajiwas Glacier, fishing, and strolls along the lake side stroll are some of the things you can do in Sonmarg. Our fourth destination Srinagar is amongst the best places to go on a summer holiday with family in India. Besides being the state capital, Srinagar is also the cash cow of Jammu & Kashmir tourism. Shikara ride, houseboat stay and water-skiing (if your kids are minimum 12 years of age) are some activities that can be enjoyed with family in Srinagar. For sightseeing, you can go to Mughal Gardens namely, Chashma-e-Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Garden, Hazratbal Shrine and Hari Parbat Fort.

Most anticipated Hotel openings in 2016 across India

  InterContinental, Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Global hotel chain InterContinental Hotel Group(IHG) has launched its first luxury beach resort in Mahabalipuram. With InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, IHG marks the debut of InterContinental Resort in India. The 105-room property is located near the UNESCO world heritage site of Mahabalipuram and offers ocean front suites and rooms along with three food and beverage options http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/chennai/maamr/hoteldetail Chumbi Mountain Retreat Resort and Spa, Sikkim Experience Sikkim's blessed places of refuge and sanctity – in the Chumbi Mountain Retreat Resort and Spa. It is the newest luxurious addition to the Chumbi Group of Hotels owned by filmmaker and hotelier Ugyen Chopel. Featuring every possible contemporary convienience blended with a traditional ambience for the guests to get the feel of quintessential Sikkimese culture and tradition as they relax in the serene comfort of a lush, luxurious five Star setting, for a unique enriching experience. http://www.thechumbimountainretreat.com/index.html   Taj, Santacruz Mumbai Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, a subsidiary of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) today announced the opening of its luxury hotel in Santacruz, Mumbai. "The property offers spacious rooms, which begins with 580 square feet for the base rooms. It is very spacious even in by international standards," Taj Santacruz General Manager Pankaj Sampat. Located just off the Western Express Highway, the hotel also offers a vantage point of access, with proximity to the city's financial and entertainment  centres. Having 279 rooms and suites, this new addition takes the number of luxury properties of the group to 23 globally. https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-santacruz-mumbai/           Conrad, Pune Scheduled to open in 2016, the Conrad Pune is an iconic structure in the heart of Pune’s dynamic central business district and only minutes from major corporations, key government institutions and premier residential neighborhoods. Experience the finest shopping, dining and entertainment, all just moments away. The Conrad Pune will also be within easy reach of popular tourist attractions like the Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada, Poona Club Golf Course and the Royal Connaught Boat Club. http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/future-openings/index.html Lubua, Lucknow Lebua Lucknow is a Luxury Boutique Heritage property, located in central Lucknow and conceptualised as a sprawling traditional bungalow with a huge lush green lawn. It reflects and personifies the "Art Deco" architecture prevailing in the early 1900's. All 41 rooms represent a stunning piece of art, reflecting quintessential Lakhnavi heritage of living spaces opening onto courtyards & terraces that will take each guest back to an era when Lucknow was synonymous with an ostentatious lifestyle nurtured in its sprawling kothis and havelis. Lebua Lucknow’s ambience and hospitality will enrich and deliver the perfect Lucknow experience and will make for a perfect retreat to this wonderful ‘City of Illusions' http://www.lebua.com/lebua-lucknow The Oberoi Sukhvilas, Chandigarh An exquisite luxury spa resort surrounded by over 8,000 acres of protected natural forest. With verdant views on all sides, our elegant resort is a delightful harmony of traditional Indian architecture, aesthetically landscaped gardens and beautiful water features. The spa at The Oberoi Sukhvilas occupies a secluded space surrounded by the forest on three sides. Embellished with elegant glass, fire and water features, the spa is a spectacular setting to experience massage therapies, Ayurveda, hydrotherapies, a steam, an ultraviolet sauna, a Turkish Hammam and a Roman tepidarium. Accommodation is arranged in small clusters to afford privacy for couples, and convenience for families or small groups travelling together. Dining options include speciality and multi-cuisine restaurants, with indoor and al fresco seating. The Oberoi Sukhvilas is located thirty minutes from Chandigarh city centre and a 45 minute drive from the airport. The Oberoi Sukhvilas will open in the third quarter of 2016. http://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-chandigarh-sukhvilas-resort/ Alila Fort, Bishangarh Opening in 2016, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a heritage fortress lovingly restored & transformed into a luxury resort. The original fort is left intact, with much care given to ecological restoration and the reconstruction of new residential areas, to recreate the courtly flavour of Shahpura’s royalty. The grandeur is felt in its stark and inherent simplicity that has withstood the test of time through its fortification. Perhaps the only warrior fort that has been converted into a heritage resort, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a unique example of the Jaipur Gharana architecture influenced by both the Mughals and the British. The two-metre thick ancient walls around the fort have openings for firearms and turrets (known as burjs) as battlements. A completely new structure is created above and outside the old fort to house five different styles of royal suites and the lavish public areas. http://www.alilahotels.com/fortbishangarh W Retreat & Spa, Goa Opening Sept 2016. A private beach, exuberant local culture, visionary design and fabulous accommodations define India’s most exotic hideaway. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3723 The Westin, Kolkata Rajarhat Opening September 1, 2016. Located close to the International Convention Centre and the airport, this energising retreat is ideal for business and leisure travellers. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3274 Le Méridien, Delhi NCR (Noida) Opening September 1, 2016. Amid a bustling business district’s offices and entertainment, this downtown hotel boasts upscale restaurants and inspiring accommodations. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3886 Sheraton, Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center - Opening December 1, 2016. Offering a host of amenities and comforts, this hotel is near multinational IT and Fortune 500 companies, as well as cultural treasures. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3809 If there are more 5 star / luxury hotels opening in 2016 in India, feel free to message/reply here or tweet on @IndianTouristB Posted 4 weeks ago by The Indian Tourist

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is the main tourist attraction in the China. China tourism is nothing without this tourist point. It was built by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang in between 220–206 BC. And from that time the Great Wall has on and off been rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced by the Ming Dynasty, At that time several walls were built as early as the 7th century BC these were joined together and made bigger and stronger wall and called as a Great Wall of China. It is the world’s longest wall and the biggest ancient architecture of the world.

The wall was built from stones, woods, grass and earth. In that time monkeys, donkeys and other animals were used to transport the bricks and other materials from one place to other. The Great Wall takes more than two thousand years to construct completely. It was initially built in the Spring and Autumn, and Warring States Periods by the three states:

• Yan
• Zhao
• Qin

The main purpose of the wall is to make the border of the country, to make it safe and more secure from other provinces and allowing the imposition of tax on goods that are carried along the Silk Road. It was built to defend the Chinese Empire from Mongolian and Manchu enemies to the north.

The Great Wall line stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. After the archaeological survey it was mentioned that the Ming walls is 8,850 km (5,500 mi) in length. Actual section of wall is made up of 6,259 km (3,889 mi), trenches 359 km (223 mi) and natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers 2,232 km (1,387 mi). Another archaeological survey mentioned that the complete length of the wall is 21,196 km (13,171 mi).

The Great Wall of China is known by various names such as “the Chinese wall“, “the Great Wall of China“. In Chinese, the wall is known as changcheng (長城) it means “long wall“.

The Great Wall is also listed as one of the top Wonder of the World. It was also listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in the year 1987.

As the time passes some of the sections of the wall have been disappeared. But still it is one of the most interesting tourist attractions across the world.

It’s amazing to visit the Great Wall:

• Beijing sections: spring or autumn.
• Jiayu Pass: May to October.
• Shanhai Pass: summer and early autumn.

Most Popular Sections

There are several sections to visit, but most recommended section the Mutianyu. If you want to do a serious climbing trip, then Jinshanling to Simatai or Gubeikou are the main sections.

Construction of the Wall

The construction of the Great Wall is an amazing story. A great power of the soldiers, prisoners and local people was fired in the construction of the Wall including a great expertise and wisdom of the people of China.

Greatest Tourist Attraction in the World

The Great Wall of China act as a most visited attraction across the world. Millions of people from all over the world came to visit to this amazing creation of the mankind. That contains alot of hardwork and expertise of thousands of the people of China. This project is the longest project in the history of mankind.

There are lots of Myths with this Great Wall as it was built with wisdom, hard work, dedication, sweat, tears and blood.