Diwali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on 30th October this year and it’s time for you to make plans and have an enjoyable time with family and friends. The festival is celebrated across a number of destinations.

Visiting these places during Diwali allows you to experience the enthusiasm of the locals and have a fun-filled time. Here, check out a handful of such places.

Jaipur

Also called ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is world famous for its amazing commemoration of the festival. The entire city sparkles with lights and colours. Ancient palaces, forts, and other historical monuments illuminate with utmost beauty. It’s common to see locals inviting tourists to their household celebrations. Quite interestingly, there’s a nail-biting competition for the best adorned and most radiantly lit-up market every year!

Varanasi

Varanasi is believed to be one of the holiest cities in India. On this day, all ghats light up with diyas and candles! The special Ganga Aarti, watched by thousands of onlookers, wins the heart of tourists and locals alike. The Sanskrit hymns tranquillize one’s inner soul and it’s believed that the holy river waters here cleanse one’s sins. At night, people can admire the jaw-dropping firecrackers and fireworks from their hotel room’s window.

Kolkata

In Kolkata, the Goddess Kali is worshipped by following pious rituals. Hibiscus flowers, sweets, rice, and lentils are offered to the deity. Several bazaars and exhibitions are set up to entice individuals further. They sell ethnic handicrafts and home decor items. The city is gorgeously lit with lamps, bulbs, and candles, while the aromatic fragrance of flowers and incense sticks add more significance to the place.

Amritsar

Amritsar, home to the iconic Golden Temple, transforms into a paradise during Diwali. The Sikhs commemorate Diwali because this was the time when the sixth Sikh guru ‘Guru Hargobind Sahib’ returned from Mughal captivity. To be precise, the year was 1619. Like always, the Golden Temple looks stunning. Thousands of lamps are lined along the edge of the nearby lake that makes this monument shine brighter.

Goa

Diwali begins on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi in Goa. Multi-coloured effigies of Narkasura are burnt, symbolising the destruction of the demon by Lord Krishna. Contests are held to judge whose effigy is the tallest and the scariest. People decorate their front doors and windows with candles. Typical of the Goan spirit, there is a lot of dancing, gift-giving, and parties.

The surreal beauty of God’s Own Country, Kerala, makes it a popular holiday destination in India.

Kerala is blessed with a salubrious climate, pristine beaches, serene backwaters and canals, picturesque hill stations, and exotic wildlife.

Here are the top 10 reasons to visit this paradise!

Emerald Hill Stations

Travellers should most definitely visit the hill stations of Kerala for a rewarding experience of breathing in the fresh, cool air and to enjoy stunning views of misty emerald green hills. Some of the most famous hill stations of Kerala are Munnar, Wayanad, Idukki, Ponmudi, and Wagamon.

White Sand Beaches

Kerala is home to some beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by blue waters, palm trees, lagoons, natural harbours, and sheltered bays. Kovalam, Varkala, Alappuzha, Marari, Kannur, Bekal, and Fort Kochi are among the gorgeous beaches. Relax, sunbathe, swim, or go parasailing, diving, and boating.

Explore Historical Kochi

Travellers visiting Kerala must explore the historical city of Kochi or Cochin, which was an important stop for international traders including spice traders. Marvel at the famous old buildings that still stand here. These include India’s oldest Christian church St. Francis, vibrant lanes of Jew Town, and the Dutch Palace.

Exciting Wild Life Sanctuaries

Kerala is blessed with a thick covering of lush greenery, stretches of which have been converted into national parks and sanctuaries with exotic wildlife. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and go on thrilling safaris to spot tigers and leopards in Periyar or elephants in Wayanad. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Silent Valley are excellent places for wildlife spotting.

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala is famous for its serene and magnificent backwaters. Cruise the back waters in traditional house boats and find your inner peace as you float on amazingly beautiful waterways. The most popular backwaters destinations in Kerala are Alleppey and Kumarakom.

Spice Plantations

Visiting the spice plantations in Kerala is a must-do activity here. Discover the different properties and learn about the healing uses of plants and spices at these plantations. Some of the most common spices cultivated in Kerala are pepper, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Authentic Ayurveda

Kerala is the traditional hub of Ayurveda. There are many resorts, spas, ashrams, and clinics that offer traditional ayurvedic treatments for many complex problems. However, most travellers are content with just a relaxing Ayurvedic massage, which is quite rejuvenating.

Traditional Houseboats

Another must-do activity in Kerala, spend a day or two exploring the beautiful backwaters in traditional houseboats for a fulfilling holiday. It is a popular attraction with honeymooning couples visiting the state.

Local Cuisine

Trying out the delicious local cuisine is also an inseparable part of visiting Kerala. The local cuisine uses a lot of spices and coconuts and there is plenty of tasty seafood to choose from, apart from the traditional vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf.

Vibrant Culture

Travellers are also drawn towards the warm, vibrant, and exotic culture of Kerala and its people. Visit some culture centres to see its fascinating dance forms, martial arts, and music. Get enthralled by Kathakali, Mohinattam, Koodiyattam, and Pathakam dance forms.

India’s Independence Day is fast approaching. The date is 15th August and travellers visiting the country during this time may want to visit places of historical importance. Most of these places served as important milestones during India’s long freedom struggle. So, come check out 7 places, which you could perhaps visit on the occasion of India’s 67th Independence Day.

India Gate, Delhi

India Gate is one of the top attractions in Delhi for travellers visiting India. It is a war memorial with the names of around 70, 000 soldiers martyred during the First World War and the names of around 12, 516 Indian soldiers who were martyred on the then North-west Frontier. The monument is famous for the Amar Jawan Jyoti or the flame of the immortal soldier, which burns under the archway.

Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab

Jallianwala Bagh in Punjab is the site of an unforgettable tragedy that took place during the freedom struggle. It is the site of the infamous Amritsar Massacre or Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, where General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on thousands of people, who had gathered for a non-violent protest.

Wagah Border, Punjab

Visit the Wagah Border in Punjab during Independence Day to celebrate the spirit of India’s patriotism. Watch the fantastic Wagah Border ceremony, held every day before sunset. It’s a spectacular sight to see the BSF troopers and Pakistani Rangers try to outdo each other.

Chandrasekhar Azad Park, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

The Chandrasekhar Azad Park in Allahabad has a strong association with India’s freedom movement. It is a public park and the site where the Indian freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad sacrificed his life for the country. Also known as Alfred Park or Company Garden, it is the largest park in Allahabad.

Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

The historical city of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh is another famous attraction. The Jhansi Fort or Jhansi ka Kila atop Bangara Hill is more than four centuries old. It is an iconic building signifying the War of Independence in 1857 by Queen of Jhansi Lakshmi Bai.

Sabarmati Ashram, Gujarat

The Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi, India’s Father of the Nation, started the Satyagraha and the Dandi march. This place is considered as one of the epicentres of India’s freedom movement. Initially called the Satyagraha Ashram, it is the place where Mahatma Gandhi lived for 12 years.

Cellular Jail, Andaman Islands

Located at Port Blair in the Andaman Islands is the infamous Cellular Jail, or the Kala Pani. Originally, this place was a hellish jail for freedom fighters, including Batukeshwar Dutt and Veer Savarkar. India declared it a national memorial in 1969 and today it houses a museum which displays the atrocities meted out by the British authorities on Indian prisoners.

Witnessing the magnificent tiger in its natural habitat is sure to overwhelm anyone who has a penchant for wildlife.

India, being a prime destination for tiger sightings, attracts wild life enthusiasts from across the globe. More than 40 national parks in India boast a population of tigers in excess of 1400.

Here are five popular destinations for tiger sighting.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is the best destination in India to see the wild cats in their territory. This park is divided into four main zones, namely Tala, Magdhi, Khitauli and Panpatta. Tala zone is without a doubt the best place to indulge in a tiger safari since the density of tigers here is comparatively higher than the other zones. November to February marks the best time to experience a safari through the park due to favourable weather conditions but April to June is the most conducive time for tiger spotting.

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Moadhopur, Rajasthan is well known for tiger sightings. Witness the rare sight of tigers basking under the sun here. The Rathambore National Park is quite a hit among wild life photographers as well. The best time to visit here is from November to February owing to the pleasant weather conditions as well as tiger spotting.

Jim Corbett National Park

One of the oldest parks in the country, Jim Corbett National Park is the most famous national park in India. Encompassing a huge area and diverse terrain of hills, water bodies, and woodlands, this park offers one of the finest tiger safari experiences in India. In addition to the big cats, you may also be lucky enough to sight some other animals such as leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, Bharal, goral, chital, sambal etc. Plan your visit between March and June, when the chances of witnessing a tiger are higher.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park has over the years gained fine reputation as a preferred tiger safari destination in the country. Located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this park is spread across an area of approximately 950 square kilometres and features open pastures that enhance the chances of sighting a tiger. While the summers are said to be good for tiger spotting, the winters are much more comfortable.

Satpura National Park

Also in Madhya Pradesh, the Satpura National Park is home to a rich diversity of animal species apart from tigers. It is perhaps the only park of its kind in India, where one can explore the forest on foot. However, a forest guide accompanies visitors. The park is spread over an area of 500 square kilometres and serves as a perfect habitat for tigers. The best time to take a tour of this park is during the months of April and May.

The monsoon season can be an exciting time for honeymooning and India is one of   the best destinations for experiencing the same. The heavy rainfalls inspire couples to enjoy the showers and admire the greenery of the surroundings.

There are a number of Indian destinations that reveal their real charm and exquisiteness in the monsoons. Newlyweds can consider visiting these places for their honeymoon.

Coorg

Also called as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg, Karnataka has awe-inspiring sceneries complete with gorgeous waterfalls and huge coffee plantations for couples looking forward to scenic beauty. The well-known peaks here include Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri. Some of the other places of interest are Abbey Falls, Chettalli, and Mandalpatti View Point. The nearest domestic airport is the Mangalore International Airport. The KSRTC bus service connects Coorg to many cities of the state. Thus, there are several options for trouble-free travel.

Goa

If you don’t want to stretch your budget, Goa may well be the place for you during monsoons. You may not be able to enjoy the beaches much but there is a lot else to do. One can check out the magnificent churches, historical forts, ancient caves and beautiful lakes. An afternoon at the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary should not be missed as this location is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in Goa.

Udaipur

Also termed as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur, Rajasthan has many heritage hotels, where couples are treated like royalty. The Rajasthani cuisine and snacks like Alwar ka Mawa, Bajre ki Roti, Mawa Kachori and Malpauas are a class apart! Tourist attractions such as Lake Palace, Gulab Bagh, Lake Pichola and City Palace seem to attain a different identity during the rains. Many royal marriages, celebrity wedding ceremonies and VIP parties are held here.

Mahabaleshwar

Honeymooners will fall in love with the rain swept lush green valleys and wonderful mountain peaks of Mahabaleshwar. There are a number of scenic viewpoints such as Arthur’s Seat, Needle Hole Point, and Kate’s Point. The boat rides on Lake Venna are absolutely romantic! Situated close to this place is a garden park named ‘Mapro Garden’. It is abundant with strawberry plantations, where you can sample tasty strawberries and enjoy the folk performance of Shivkalin Dhol & Lezim.

Kovalam

A beach town by the Arabian Sea in Kerala, Kovalam is a terrific destination. The three beaches, namely Lighthouse Beach, Samundra Beach and Hawah Beach are separated by rocks. Quite amazingly, they form a crescent. Staying in a houseboat during the monsoon can be a super romantic experience. The sound of the raindrops hitting the water is like celestial music.

Kerala is a coastal state in the southern part of India featuring rich and distinctive traditions admired by all.

One should definitely consider exploring this beautiful destination as it provides a relaxing atmosphere along with fun experiences.

It makes all the more sense to visit Kerala when one of the festivals mentioned below is underway.

Onam

Onam is regarded as the state festival of Kerala. This ‘harvest festival’ is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by people of diverse communities. As per a legend, Onam is meant to welcome the King Mahabali – a greatly respected emperor who was wise, judicious and big-hearted. It is commonly believed that during his reign, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Onam falls between August and September every year. Awe-inspiring carnivals of elephants, fireworks, boat races, music and the famous Kathakalli dance are traditionally associated with it.

Kerala Boat Festival

Celebrated from July to December annually, Kerala Boat Festival enhances the charm of water canals in ‘God’s Own Country’. The snake boats, worshipped like a deity, move in pairs to the rhythm of singing and shouting of spectators. The oarsmen sing traditional boat songs and put on white mundu and turbans. Generally, the men-folk of villages participate in it. Wearing shirts and footwear are not permitted. This event signifies the values of team spirit, integration and good relations of people.

Vishu

Vishu delivers the message of auspiciousness and prosperity. The arrival of this festival is marked by the extensive blossoming of Kanikonna (Laburnum) flower. Vishu celebrations started in Kerala during the reign of Sthanu Ravi, who ruled between 844AD and 855AD. Interestingly, this was the New Year festival of Kerala, long before the Kollavarsham calendar was put into effect. On the day of the Vishu, it is said that the Sun comes above the line of the equator.

Theyyam Festival

Often termed as the ‘Dance of Gods’, Theyyam Festival  is one of the most spectacular rituals in the worship of Goddess Kali – a Hindu deity representing Time, Change, Power and many other elements. This 800-year old celebration features dances and the chorus of musical instruments such as Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal and Veekkuchenda. Performers wear heavy make-up, huge masks and flamboyant costumes for dramatic appearance and impressive presence.

Attukal Pongala

Attukal Pongala is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a ritualistic offering of a sweet dish comprising of rice porridge, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins. Devotees offer this dish to pacify the presiding deity of the temple – the Goddess – widely known as Attukalamma. Only women are allowed to participate in it. This festival was included in the Guinness records for being the largest single gathering of women for a religious activity.

India is a popular travel destination with spectacular mountain and hill ranges, huge lush forests, amazing deserts and pristine coastlines. The country is also popular as a spiritual and a historical destination. Furthermore, in recent times, India has been slowly turning into a hub of adventure sports for domestic as well as for travellers. The abundance of different landscapes allows the country to offer various adventure opportunities such as caving, paragliding, white water rafting, zip lining, scuba diving to name a few.

Dune Bashing

Dune bashing, also known as desert safari in India, is a popular adventure sport.

The Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, promises travellers lots of memorable dune bashing experiences. The Sam Dunes of Jaisalmer are famous for dune bashing rides, apart from the traditional camel rides.

Spelunking

Spelunking, better known as caving, is another popular adventure sport in the country. After all, the country’s north-eastern state of Meghalaya has some of South Asia’s longest and deepest caves, which lie mysteriously within waterfalls and forests. Caving at the mystifying Mawsmai Caves, Bat Caves, Krem Phyllut Cave and Krem Mawmluh is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Zip Lining

A thrilling aerial sport, zip lining offers spectacular views as you zip between hills, ridgetops, forts and jungles suspended from steel zip lines. There are many popular zip lining spots in India such as Mussoorie, Kerwa Dam in Bhopal and Neemrana Fort-Palace near Jaipur. Neemrana is particularly popular for its zip lining facilities amidst hill forts and ridge tops.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping is certainly not a sport for the faint hearted. It requires jumping off a 50-120 meter high bridge or a cliff with feet tied to a rope. This test of courage is a huge sport worldwide and is highly sort after in the country. Some places popular for bungee jumping in India are Rishikesh, Bangalore, Lonavala and Goa.

Heli Skiing

Heli skiing involves skiing down some of the highest altitude peaks that are accessible only by a helicopter.

Surprisingly, there is not one but many ski resorts in India that organise heli skiing. Auli, Rohtang, Gulmarg and Manali are popular spots for heli skiing in India.

Sky Diving

Sky diving is an extreme adventure sport that is still in its nascent stage in the country.

It is an adrenaline pumping experience that is popularly undertaken in Mysore in Karnataka, Dhana in Madhya Pradesh, Deesa in Gujarat, and Aamby Valley in Maharashtra.

Millions of travellers fly to India every year to explore its historic monuments, beautiful beaches and wonderful cultural charms. Besides, the people here celebrate various festivals with great enthusiasm and energy. If you are planning to book your tickets to the destination, you would perhaps like to know about the forthcoming festivals of India.

Tulip Festival – Srinagar (J&K)

From April, 12th to 14th, Jammu and Kashmir will celebrate the blossom of its native Tulip Flowers in Siraj Bagh, also known as Indira Gandhi memorial garden. One can admire 60 varieties of multi-coloured tulips spread over an area of 5 hectares near the Dal Lake. Another highlight of this festival is the cultural programs and exhibitions. It is Asia’s largest blooming festival and you may attend for free.

Food and Cultural Festival – Goa

The Food and Cultural Festival is considered as one of the top events in Goa. This year it will last from April, 13th to 17th. It offers guests an array of Goan food, especially seafood cooked in Goan spices. Other highlights are activities, ranging from poetry, painting and music shows. You can see numerous stalls presenting drinks, Goan cuisine and snacks. Cultural programmes and fireworks are also part of the celebrations.

Area 79 Music and Arts Festival – New Delhi

If you are in New Delhi, don’t miss the ‘Area 79 Music and Arts Festival’, presenting non-stop music and fun for 12 hours. The Blue Frog club is organising the festival in April 2016.  You can enjoy the Indian classical music, rock n roll, contemporary jazz, trance, techno and a lot more. Furthermore, interactive musical demos will present valuable tips to the guests. Tickets and dates are yet to be announced.

International Flower Festival – Gangtok

Organised by the state of Sikkim, this colourful event will showcase an array of native flowers, and a variety of plants for guests. As many as 600 meticulously picked species of orchids will grace the event, including 46 types of rhododendrons, 240 species of trees and ferns as well as a variety of magnolias and other foliage plants. A splendid range of roses, cacti, alpine plants, creepers, climbers and herbs will be showcased. Visitors can learn and study about flowers during the festival.

Summer Festival – Mount Abu

The Summer Festival in Mount Abu is one of the most colourful celebrations. The festival highlights include a ceremonial procession featuring folk performances of Rajasthan & Gujarat.  It is celebrated at the Nakki Lake Chowk. Thousands gather each year to witness the beauty of this summer festival. Various competitions are held during the last two days and the festival ends with dazzling fireworks. You can witness the action at different venues in Mount Abu from May, 20th to 22nd, 2016.