A Must Visit Tourist Places in Delhi

Delhi is the national capital of The Republic of India. It is a very crowded and the estimated population of Delhi is 29.596 Millions in 2019. Delhi is popular for its heritages and attracts tourists from across the world. It is well connected with rest part of the country via roads, railway tracks and airports. Let's don't make you wait and got by the header of the topic, "A Must Visit Tourist Places in Delhi."

I will start writing from the most popular tourist destinations to least popular tourist destinations.

1. Red Fort / लाल किला:
Red fort is located in Old Delhi and was built in 1639 by Shah Jahan, who was the 5th Mughal emperor. It's construction started on 12/05/1639 and complete on 06/04/1648. It's name called as Red Fort because of the stones used to construct it are red in color. It remains open for tourists from 9.30 AM till 4.30 PM. You can visit there from Tuesday till Sunday and it remains closed on every Monday. There is a light and sound show happens in the evening.

2. Qutab Minar
This is another historical monument in Delhi which is 73 meters high. Let's talk about the history of Qutab Minar. The Qutab Minar was built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193. The diameter of it's base is 15 meters and the top edge is 2.5 meters only. It has overall 5 stories which are in base and height gradually.First 3 storeys are made of red stone and the top two are made of marble and sandstone. There is a entry fee for this monuments, which is Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 500 for Foreigners.

3. India Gate: 
India Gate is one of the famous place. Another reason of India Gate being popular is that the Indian Republic Day parade take place here.

4. Lotus Temple:
Lotus temple is constructed by Bahavi religion. It is famous for it's lotus shape infrastructure from out side which attaracts the tourists globally.

5. ISCON Temple:
ISCON temple is a center of Hare Krishna

6. National Zoo
Another tourist place which attracts the tourists globally because of it's variety of animals starting from Lion, White Tiger, Bear, Leopard, Black Panther and different varieties of Birds and Reptile collection.

Important facts to know about Manali

A few things you must know before you plan your Manali Holiday. This knowledge will help you to save Money, Time and will give you a sense of what to expect in Manali. 

Manali is one of the famous travel destinations in Himachal Pradesh, India. Manali is liked for its scenic views and heritages. Apart from this there is a tourist attraction near Manali called Rohtang Pass, you can experience the snow here throughout the year. Rohtang remain closed during winter due to heavy snow and opens for public from May till December. So if you are interested in playing with snow in peak summers then you should definitely plan a trip for Manali. Please watch the video of Rohtang Pass taken by me in the first week of July.

If you are planning for a day out sightseeing of Rohtang Pass then you must know a few things. It requires a permit to travel to Rohtang Pass and total 1200 vehicles are permitted to go to Rohtang pass for tourism purpose out of which 800 permits for petrol and 400 for diesel vehicles. It is very difficult to obtain the permit since all the permits are sold within 2 minutes during peak season. The permit window opens two days advance of the planned travel date to Rohtang. I will guide on how you can apply for Rohtang Pass Permit. Check all the mandatory fields in the form and note then in a excel sheet preferably. Enter all the details within maximum 2 minutes from opening the window and you would surely be getting the permit but I don't give any guarantee. There is a captcha and if after submission it said wrong captcha even when you have entered the correct details simply means you have exceeded the time allowed and you wouldn't get the permit. This is a trick, I have obtained the permit twice out of my 10 tries with this trick. Rohtang Pass Permit >>> Link

If you dont't get the permit then no need to worry too much. Alternatively you can check of HRTC website and can book a ticket of special electric bus service plying to Rohtang Pass. HRTC Website >>>Link

Note: Please carry your woolen clothes along with you if you are planning to go to Rohtang Pass. It will be very cold even in peak summer. Additionally, if you carry your clothes and shoes then you can save at least ₹250 per person because anyhow you will have to take them on rent from the market.

Image Credit: Ravinder Thakur

Let's discuss another important points before you plan Manali holiday. Manali is very expensive during peak seasons, first during summer season which starts from mid of April till first week of July and second during winter, Xmass and New Year.

During summer season Manali remains mostly packed. Most people from across India travel to Manali beat couples, families and school students. Due to overbooking there is very less scope for bargaining with hotels on price. Refrain form going to Manali without advance booking of a hotel room during peak season and there are chances that you don't get any room and will have to sleep in your car or if going through bus then you can imagine how would you spend your night. But if you have already reached there in peak season without having advance hotel booking then check the hotels in local market near the Mall, Manali and if you would be lucky then you will get a room but no guarantee.

The cost of local transportation is very high during peak season but if you are travelling by your own vehicle, then no need to worry except traffic jam. If you want to avoid the horrible traffic then just plan your sightseeing early morning.The early the better.

Never take lunch in your meal plan with hotel. It will be a wastage of money as you would more likely be outside on the sightseeing during lunch time so it is better to enjoy the lunch outside. This way you can save your money from being wasted by not booking the lunch with hotel.

Second most peak season is during X-mass and New Year. Manali is expected to get the snowfall in last week of December. Once Manali get the snowfall then everything from Hotels to transport become expensive. You wouldn't be able to walk as the snow might go above 3 feet in height. Normal vehicles can't ply on snow so local taxi operators arrange special vehicles with chains wrapped around the tires of taxis' and are expensive from fares standpoint. Other than that everything is OK.

So all above is for people who have made their mind up to book the holiday for summer season. Now check below questions and even if one is relevant to you then read further.
1. I want to spend my holiday in peaceful environment.
2. I want to breath a pollution free air.
3. I don't want to bear unnecessary cost
4. I don't want to stuck in traffic.

Even if one matches to your preference then you should avoid your Manali Holiday during peak seasons. Since Manali is a seasonable tourist destination, parking arrangements and traffic control systems are not adequate to handle such a huge volume of tourist and vehicles coming in to the city. During season time everyone will be in haste, beat hoteliers, taxi operators and other services provider i.e. camping, trekking, river rafting and paragliding. The traffic will start accumulating everywhere from morning to late night and the pollution can be seen with ware eyes. You would inhale more polluted air than in metro cities like Delhi moreover you would stuck in traffic for hours even if you are travelling to 1km. You will see people running around everywhere. Costs are way too high for everything.

If you want to spend your holiday in peace and comfort then peak season in not the ideal time. 

Mussoorie

Mussoorie

Mussoorie (Garhwali/Hindi: Masūrī) is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun District of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km (180 mi) north of the national capital of New Delhi. This hill station is in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie', as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani. The pin code for Mussoorie is 248179.

Being at an average altitude of 1,880 metres (6,170 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill. Commanding snow ranges to the northeast and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a 'fairyland' atmosphere to tourists. The second highest point is the original Lal Tibba in Landour, with a height of over 2,275 metres (7,464 ft). For more details click on this link on Wikipedia Click here for Hot Deals on Mussoorie Tour Packages

Darjeeling

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a town and a municipality in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in the Lesser Himalayas at an elevation of 6,700 ft (2,042.2 m). It is noted for its tea industry, its views of the Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is the headquarters of the Darjeeling District which has a partially autonomous status within the state of West Bengal. It is also a popular tourist destination in India.

The recorded history of the town starts from the early 19th century when the colonial administration under the British Rule set up a sanatorium and a military depot in the region. Subsequently, extensive tea plantations were established in the region and tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermentation techniques. The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognized and ranks among the most popular black teas in the world.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has some of the few steam locomotives still in service in India.

Darjeeling has several British-style public schools, which attract pupils from all over India and a few neighboring countries. The varied culture of the town reflects its diverse demographic milieu comprising indigenous Bengali, Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, Tibetan, and other mainland Indian ethno-linguistic groups. Darjeeling, alongside its neighboring town of Kalimpong, was the centre of the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s. The town's fragile ecology has been threatened by a rising demand for environmental resources, stemming from growing tourist traffic and poorly planned urbanization. For more details visit Wikipedia

Best Season to visit Manali

Manali (मनाली ): Manali is one the beautiful places in north India. It is situated in Himahcal Pradesh and it is very popular hill station and remain cold during peak summer even. There are no fans and ACs in Manali since the weather is so pleasant that there is no need of them. It has snow during December-February and throughout the year it remains cold and naturally beautiful. Hotels are not so expensive. During off-season a 2 Stat+ hotel can be availed @ Rs. 1,000 per room per night for maximum 2 guests.

Best Time to Travel Manali: Though people prefer to go to Manali during summer starting from May till July and during winter from 25th December end to first week of January. Ideally these are the best time to visit Manali and Manali remains houseful during these 2 seasons but there are some major challenges during these season I would explain one-by-one.

1. Challenges During Summer Season: First Hotels and then Transportation remain very expensive. Mostly traffic jams everywhere and it becomes more polluted due to very heavy traffic and jams. But you can smartly deal with it wisely. How? If you plan for the sightseeing then go in early morning and you would feel lucky as would hardly face any traffic situation.

2. Challenges During Winter Season:  

During winter there are very high chances of snowfall and you would love to see it. But after heavy snowfall you might stuck inside your room. The transportation is very expensive and there will be either 4X4 cars or SUVs having steel chains rapped with their tire to make them drive-able on snow. You can't walk on snow for long so it becomes the compulsion to hire those cars and they charge anything between Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 for merely 2 km. But if you are interested in seeing snowfall happening then any hotel near Manai mall and lower area is recommended.

Apart from these season tourist can opt to go there in off season from Septemere-November because there will not much crowd, hotels and transportation will be economic and easily available.

Tourist Attractions near Manali:

Places: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Naggar Castle, Rahala Waterfall, Manikaran, Kasol

Adventure Activities: River Rafting, Paragliding and ICE Skating.

Written by: Ghumo Duniya Travel - www.ghumoduniya.com

Adventure Activities to do in Manali

Manali is a beautiful tourist destination down Himalayas. Apart from it's beauty and heritages Manali has many more fun activities to do. Check below to find what all fun and adventure activities you can do in Manali.

1. Trekking: 
Manali is a good place for trekking.While trekking you will be inhaling the fresh and pollution free air. Undoubted along with the fun, trekking will also make you tired and will burn your energy. It will be a real test of your stamina and if you have your partner (female in particular) then you can carry your girl on your back or can carry in arms. I have done it myself and my wife enjoyed it and she remember it always. 

Malana Village Trek, Beas Kund Trek, Deo Tibba Base Camp, Hampta Pass Trek, Chandratal Lake Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, Bara Banghal,  Bir Trek, Chandrakhani Pass Trek are a few famous trekking sports in Manali.

Trekking is not advisable remain closed during rainy season and winters.

2. Camping:
If you want to feel the nature more closely then camping is one of the best option. It will be you and nature, no concrete walls. Camping should be done often to be in the touch of the nature because almost all the camps have Jungle theme and there are no Fans or Air Conditioners. Camping can be done in any season specially in hill stations because the air conditioners are not required there in summer time too because the evergreen pleasant weather. In winter you would enjoy the bone fire sitting outside your camp.

Camping options in Manali: River side camping and Jungle Side camping.

3. Paragliding:
Paragliding will be a real adventure for people who believe in enjoying the life to the fullest. It is not affordable in compare to other parts of India but also exciting as you would love to fly over mountains like a free bird.

For now paragliding is available in Kullu only since National Green Tribunal has banned paragliding in Solang Valley. Ideally paragliding starts from ₹3,000 per person. 

4. River Rafting:
Everyone who has done river rafting at once wants to do it again and again. It is a very pleasant experience to flow with water.   

The rafting track is around 16 K.M. from Pirdi to Jhiri. This track has grade II and grade III rapids. Rafting costs around ₹500 per person.

5. Bike Riding:
You can easily hire a bike in Manali with minimum formalities. At least you need to own a driving license (Two wheeler approved). A bike can be hired in a budget starting from ₹1,200 - ₹2,000 per day depending upon the brand and CC power of the bike. 

Click here to hire a bike in Manali

6. Sightseeing:
There are many tourists attraction in Manali and nearby. Starting from half day local sightseeing to full day sightseeing. Some locations are famous for religious reasons and some are for beauty.

Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Manikaran, Naggar, Gulaba, Kullu, Hadimba Devi Temple and Local Manali are some famous sightseeing locations. Sightseeing price start from ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 per 4+1 seater private taxi.

Click here to know more about sightseeing in Manali

7. Ice Skating:
Ice skating will be an unforgettable experience. It is done during winter only

8. Zobring: 
Zorbing is one of the most interesting adventure sports that people enjoy doing in Manali. Due to the hilly region, it makes the experience of zorbing even better. 


There are great zorbing options available in Manali and the Solang valley offers the best experience. The place is also favourable for other adventure sports like paragliding and skiing. 

Cost starts from Rs. 500 per person and may be high and low depending upon the season.

Book your train tickets through SMS

Registered users (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited) can now book their train tickets through a simple text-messaging-based-SMS facility or a menu-based dialing service. For SMS Bookings, users need to send a Booking SMS in specified format with information of date of journey, class , train number and passenger details. After this, one shall receive a seat availability information. In the second SMS, users can make the payment which can be initiated in two ways. The Booking confirmation SMS will be sent by the IRCTC. 

Instructions pertaining to the train bookings.