Cavelossim

Cavelossim is a beach town situated at a distance of 17 km from Margao in South Goa. The town of Cavelossim hosts a magnificent sea beach which is the prime attraction of the place. The peaceful environment and natural beauty of the place is mesmerizing. Dolphins are also sighted at Cavelossim. Other attractions near Cavelossim include Old Goa, Calangute Sea Beach, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Panaji, Naval Aviation Museum, Terekhol Fort and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. The Cavelossim Beach is not much frequented by Indian tourists but its popularity among foreign tourists is increasing day by day.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Margao which enjoys good rail connectivity with other parts of the country. Buses and hired cars are available from Margao to reach Cavelossim.

Where to Stay

The Bike Old Anchor Resort. Tariff - Rs. 3000-6000. Tel: (0832) 2871180.
Gaffino's Beach Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1500-2000. Tel: (0832) 2871441.

Limbuguri Tea Estate

Limbugiri Tea Estate is situated in the North East Indian state of Assam. It lies at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. The best place to stay at Limbugiri is the Wathai Heritage Bungalow. The place is surrounded by tea gardens and lush greenery. The bungalow is furnished with colonial furniture which adds to its beauty. Dibru Saikhowa National Park is 5 km from Limbugiri Tea Estate and is worth visiting.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Tinsukia which is connected to other parts of the country by rail. Dibrugarh is the nearest airport. Buses and hired cars are available from Dibrugarh to reach Tinsukia.

Where to Stay

Wathai Heritage Bungalow. Tariff - Rs. 6000-7000. Meal Charges: Rs. 650 per head.

Varkala

Varkala is a beach destination situated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most beautiful sea beach of Kerala. The main attraction of Varkala is the clear blue sea water and the lush greenery of the surroundings. The two main beaches of Varkala are Clifftop and Papanasam. The Clifftop beach is popular among foreign tourists whereas the Papnasam beach is more popular among the Indians. The 2000-year old Janardana Swami Temple is located close to the beach. The view of the coastline from the Clifftop Hill is mesmerizing. Varkala also offers a mind blowing view of sunset to its visitors. Kappil Beach and Paravur Lake is 10 km from Varkala and is worth a visit.

Varkala Beach

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Kollam. Kollam enjoys good rail connectivity with other parts of the country. Varkala is 35 km from Kollam. Hired cars are available from Kollam to reach Varkala.

Where to Stay

Varkala Marine Palace. Tariff - Rs. 1000-4000. Tel: (0470) 2603204.
Sea Bridge Beach Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1500-3000. Tel: (0470) 3021330.
Wood House Beach Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1200-1800. Tel: (0470) 2156392.

Tarkarli

Tarkarli is a beautiful sea beach located in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The place is calm and serene with a long coastline and pristine waters which make it ideal as a honeymoon destination. The Sindhudurg Fort is situated inside the Arabian Sea and is visible from the shore. It was constructed in 1667 AD by the Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Boats are available from the coast to visit the fort. Another attraction of Tarkarli is the confluence of the Karli river and the Arabian Sea. You can also take a boat ride through the backwaters of Tarkarli.

Tarkarli

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Kudal which lies on the Konkan Railway line. Kudal is well connected with Mumbai and Margao by train. Mumbai and Margao enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country.

Where to Stay

MTDC Tarkarli Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1500-3200. Tel: (02365) 252390.

Palolem

Palolem is a beach resort situated at a distance of 39 km from Margao in Goa. The beauty of the Arabian Sea at Palolem is mind blowing. The beach is serene and dotted with palm trees. The depth of water is shallow and ideal for sea bathing. The crescent shape of the beach adds to the beauty of the place. Unlike other beaches of Goa, Palolem is not much frequented by tourists and is still largely unspoiled and unexplored.

Palolem

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Canacona which lies on the Konkan Railway route. Canacona is connected to Margao by rail. Margao enjoys excellent connectivity with other parts of the country. Buses and taxis are also plying from Margao to Palolem.

Where to Stay

Palolem Beach Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1800-2000.
Cleopatra Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1850-4000.
Om Sai Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 900-2000.
Coco Mountain Huts. Tariff - Rs. 1250-3000.

Panna National Park

Panna National Park is situated 25 km from Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The park is located on the banks of the Ken river and spreads over an area of 543 sq km. The Panna National Park mainly consists of dense forest of Sal trees. Among the animals found here are the tiger, leopard, wolf, sambhar, sloth bear, chital and porcupine. A separate sanctuary named Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary has been developed for the protection and conservation of the Gharials. A boat ride from the park to the Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary to get a close view of the Gharials is an unique experience. The best time to visit Panna National Park is December to March. The park remains closed from June to September.

Panna National Park

How to Reach

The nearest major railway stations are Satna (70 km), Katni (130 km) and Jhansi (190 km). These stations enjoy excellent rail connectivity with other parts of the country. The nearest airport is at Khajuraho, 25 km from Panna Tiger Reserve.

Where to Stay

Ken River Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 2500. Tel: (07732) 275235.
Panna Tiger Resort. Tariff - Rs. 2500. Tel: (07732) 275245.
The Jewel of Jungle. Tariff - Rs. 2500-3000. Tel: 9425420701.

Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is a seaside town located in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The town is well known for the 123 ft high towering statue of Lord Shiva which is the second highest in the world. The beautiful beach of Murudeshwar on the Arabian Sea is the next major attraction of the place. Facilities for various water sports like water scooter, boat riding, scuba diving are available. You can take a speed boat ride from Murudeshwara Beach to visit Netrani Island. The town of Murudeshwar looks amazing at night.

Murudeshwar

How to Reach

The Murudeshwara station lies on the Konkan Railway line. The station is connected to Mumbai, Mangalore and Bengaluru by rail.

Where to Stay

Hotel Paradise. Tariff - Rs. 750-1500. Tel: (08380) 223707.
Hotel Denisa. Tariff - Rs. 1700-2600. Tel: (08380) 260424.

Halebidu

Halebidu is a temple town situated in Hassan district of Karnataka. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire and hosts some of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. The prime attraction of the place is the Hoysaleswara Temple Complex. The Hoysaleswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a museum adjoining the temple which remains open on all days except Friday. Kedareshwara Temple is located 2 km from Hoysaleswara Temple and is worth a visit.

How to Reach

The nearest major railhead is Bengaluru. Buses are available from Bengaluru to reach Hassan. Halebid is 30 km from Hassan. Buses are plying from Hassan to Halebidu.

Where to Stay

Hotel Mayura Shantala. Tariff - Rs. 700-1400. Tel: (08177) 273224.

Panikhar

Panikhar is a nice hill destination located in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The place is nestled in the Suru Valley, one of the most beautiful regions of Ladakh. The undulating alpine slopes and the mesmerizing scenery makes Panikhar an amazing place to visit for tourists. In summer the valley boasts of an incredible variety of flowers which makes it colourful. The best time to visit the place is from June to August.

Panikhar

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi. Srinagar is easily accessible from Jammu. Cars and buses are available from Srinagar to reach Kargil. Panikhar is 67 km from Kargil.

Where to Stay

You can stay in the Tourist Bungalow at Panikhar.
For booking contact: District Tourist Officer, Kargil. Tel: (01985) 232721.

Gudivakalanka

Gudivakalanka is a new and offbeat tourist destination located in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The place is ideal for nature lovers. The prime attraction of Gudivakalanka is the Kolleru Lake which is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the country. The Atapaka area of the lake was declared as a bird sanctuary in the year 1999. Various species of birds namely Grey Pelican, Open Bill Stork, Painted Stork, Flamingo, Teal, Red-crested Pochard and Black-winged Stilt are seen in this lake. The Kolleru Lake covers an area of 308 sq km and is known as 'Pelican Paradise'. The best time to visit the place is from October to March. Another nearby attraction is the Dwaraka Tirumala Temple which is 56 km from Gudivakalanka. The temple is situated between Krishna and Godavari river. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Eluru. Eluru is well connected with other parts of the country. Gudivakalanka is 16 km from Eluru. Auto rickshaws and hired cars are available from Eluru to reach Gudivakalanka.

Where to Stay

Haritha Kolleru Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1000. Tel: 9010744405.