5 Must Visit Heritage Sites in India

18^th April is celebrated as World Heritage Day across the globe. The purpose of this day is to create awareness about the heritage sites and the highlighting the need to conserve and protect them.

As of now, there are 32 monuments and sites in India that are recognized by UNESCO and are considered having outstanding universal value.

The Suitcase brings you 5 of the 32 heritage sites that should be added to your bucket list right away.

Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

The park covers an area of 42,996 hectares (1, 06,250 acres) & has the distinction of being home to the largest population of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. There are many other mammals and birds species in the sanctuary.

Source: wikimedia

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Spread over an area of 12 acres, it was inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list as a unique property of cultural and archaeological importance.

Source: Wikimedia

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

It has the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world. It also has the largest reserves for Bengal tigers.

Source: Wikimedia

Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Both are listed in UNESCO under the cultural heritage sites.  The Ajanta caves depict richly decorated paintings, frescoes which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings of Sri Lanka. The Ellora Caves are a cultural mix of religious arts of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Source: indianluxurytrains

Western Ghats

Also known Sahyadri Mountains, it is a mountain range along the western side of India. It is considered as one of the world’s top ten “Hottest biodiversity hotspots”. 

Source: Wikipedia

Unusual, Unheard & Unknown Attractions in India

The curiosity of knowing the unknown and unseen attracts everyone. India is a land of mystery with diverse culture and tradition. We have plenty of options when it comes to popular tourist attractions but most of us aren’t aware of many unheard places in India that can be a traveller’s delight.

Thalon Cave – Manipur

The cave in the Tamenglong district of Manipur provides the first concrete evidence of Hoabinhian culture in India. The cave is located 900m above sea level and is around 80kms from Imphal. The darkness gives a feeling of irk and people feel frightened when they enter the cave.

Image Source: eenaduindia

Hide and Seek Beach – Orissa

Orissa has a long coastline of around 480kms with plethora of beaches, few of them being outstandingly pristine. Chandipur beach is one such beach where high and low tide plays an interesting game. The sea water recedes up to 5km in low tide and hits the surf of the shore during high tide. You can see the sea literally vanishing before your eyes and then see it coming back rhythmically, as if playing hide and seek.

Image Source: thrillophilia

Mohammadpur Umri – Allahabad, UP

A small non-descriptive town in Allahabad is known as the “Twin Capital” of India because it is the highest producer of twins, perhaps in the world. There is no mythological or scientific reason behind it, the main cause is still unknown. This unusual population is not just limited to humans but to animals too.

Image Source: himsamachar

Floating Islands of Loktak – Manipur

Another astonishing place in Manipur is the floating islands of Lohtak located in Moirang, about 39km from Imphal. The Lohtak Lake has assorted mass of soil, vegetation and other organic matter collectively called as Phumdis floating on the lake. The beauty of the lake doubles because of the floating phudmis of different geometrical shapes.

Image Source: indiamarks

Malana – Kullu, HP

An ancient village in north of Kullu Valley lies Malana (also known as Village of Taboos) still completely isolated from the rest of the world. This remote village is mainly known for its Charas and has also attracted hashish lovers from all across the world. The Malana natives prefer their own world and are still untouched by technology and globalization; rather it is the oldest standing democracy of the world with people abiding their own rules. The Malana people consider themselves as descendants of Alexender and have their own religious beliefs. P.S: They consider non natives as untouchables!

Image Source: piczload

Roopkund Skeleton Lake – Chamoli, Uttrakhand

Around 16,000 feet above sea level, at the bottom of a valley, lays a frozen lake full of skeletons. Creepy!! Definitely! The trek to Roopkund is considered as one of the most breathtaking treks in India but inside this paradise the ghostly skeletons surely makes this place a must visit. There are many theories behind how more than 500 skeletons are there but no concrete proof to support the theories.

Image Source: indiamarks

Mass Bird Suicide – Jatinga, Asaam

The village of Jatinga in Assam witness a bizarre phenomenon every monsoon. When its dark & foggy and the clouds come down on the hills during the months of September-October, hundreds of migratory birds fly full speed towards trees and buildings crashing themselves to death. Since 1960 when the “Mass Suicide of birds” was first observed, until this day the mystery remains unsolved.

Image Source: inyminy

Dhanushkodi – Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

The ghost city at the tip of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is the only land border between India and Sri Lanka. Also known as the Lost Land, the place is junction of two seas – Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The remains of Rama’s bridge from Ramayana are found here and indeed Sri Lanka is just 31kms! The entire village was devastated in a massive cyclone that swept away everything including the railway tracks, engines, carriages etc.

Image Source: erwinvoogt

Barren Island – Andaman, Nicobar Islands

The island has the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia that has erupted 10 times in couple of decades last being in 2008. The journey from Port Blair to Barren Island is awe-inspiring with captivating natural beauty. No one is allowed to stay at the Island but if you get lucky you never know when next you will be able to have this once in a lifetime experience of nature’s fury (read as beauty). The water surrounding the Island is supposed to be among world’s top scuba diving destinations.

Image Source: volcano.si.edu

10 Indian Destinations Loved By International Tourists

            Kasol (Himachal Pradesh)

Mini Israel in India, Kasol is known for Israeli inhabitants and the place has possibly all the shades of nature – the blue sky, whitest snow clad mountains, greenest green trees, crystal clear water and solitude. It has many restaurants and cafes with hoarding written in Hebrew serving western breakfast & hookah. It has a culture of pot smoking and hippie lifestyle, even if you aren't into either of those; this remote village is a blessing for people seeking adventure with many options for trekkers, backpackers and nature enthusiast.

Image Source: indiatvnews

Udaipur (Rajasthan)

Royalty is the second name of Udaipur. Called as the Venice of the East, it is considered one of the most romantic cities in India. Many celebrities across continents have flocked the place for romantic getaways, marriages or movie shoots. Fairy tale palaces, azure water lakes and lush hills of Aravalis will leave you mesmerized.

Image Source:indovacation

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Situated on the banks of River Ganges, Varanasi (Kashi or Banaras) is believed to be the oldest city in the world. People of Kashi enjoy their cultural, spiritual and traditional faith in God. It attracts lac of tourists every year because of great culture, rich history, sightseeing, spiritual beliefs and for its feel of comfort and calmness.  Varanasi is the originator of the Indian classical music and most famous Indian philosophers, writers, poets and musicians. Sarnath, which is situated in Kashi is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon.

Gokarna (Karnataka)

The lesser commercialised version of Goa, Gokarna is known for laid-back beach holidays. The tourists from all over the world are heading to this destination to unwind at some of the most beautiful beaches which are giving stiff competition to others. If you are looking for partying all night, then you should probably give this place a miss, head to Gokarna to explore the beauty of nature.

Leh Ladakh (Jammu&Kashmir)

The varied landscape, the beautiful silence and the wilderness defines the splendour of Leh Ladakh. Explore the terrains or just sit back and enjoy the culture. Sometimes also referred to as Little Tibet, it is known for monasteries and tourists enjoy the experience of Buddhism along with preindustrial culture and dramatic mountain vistas. A large part of southern Ladakh is still accessible only by foot.

Sikkim

One of the seven sisters, Sikkim is the most preferred destination for tourists in north east. With treks, glaciers and valleys, the natural beauty is captivating.  The state is rich in variety of flora and fauna along with red panda, snow leopards and other animals. Famous for Kanchenjunga mountain peak, the state is identified for its simplicity and peaceful nature.

Kerala

God’s own country is one of most popular destinations amongst international tourists. It is named as the one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler. It is known for backwater, lush green mountains, coconut, spices and cultural dance form of Kathakali and Mohini Attam.

Khajuraho(Madhya Pradesh)

Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heriage Site in Madhya Pradesh, known for enormous, intricately sculptured temples bejewelled by vignettes of passion, eroticism, dance, music and creative pursuits. With almost 85+ temples which are exquisitely carved, it’s the decorations with which they are so liberally embellished that have made Khajuraho so famous.

Image Source: travelguru

Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)

Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh located in Thar Desert in Kutch, Gujarat. During the winter season in India, there is a 3 month long festival called Rann Utsav which display the talent of craftsmanship, food, music and culture. 

Goa

You really need no reason or time to fall in love with Goa. Beautiful beaches, peaceful lifestyle, entertaining night life and good food are all you want. International tourists come here to spend days, weeks or even months especially during the winter time when it’s very cold in countries like Europe and Russia. Just sit back, relax and get sun kissed.

Travel Calendar: Where to Travel - Month by Month!

New year, new beginning ... More travel, more memories ... Truly said by Ibn Battuta, the famous traveller: Travelling – it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a story teller.

2016 is just few days away; why not plan our months according to the best travel time of our favourite destination! The holiday calendar is out, plan your leaves well and start ticking your bucket list.

January:

Northern lights

Kerala: Perfect for winter sun

Andaman: For Diving

Gulmarg/Auli: For Skiing

Sri Lanka: South-western side will offer a pleasant weather but avoid North-eastern side as its monsoon time there

Dubai: Shopping time at the Shopping festival

South East Asia: The weather is dry and warm but not too hot.

Swden/Norway/Finland: The once in a lifetime experience gets completed here – The Northern Lights can be viewed at its full glory

Australia: It’s summer time there, when almost everywhere it’s cold and gloomy

February:

Penguins@Antarctica

Goa: Time for colourful carnival! Enjoy the city as its vibrant best

Jaisalmer: Ragasthan – India’s craziest music festival

Rann of Kutch: The Rann festival is on until end of this month, if you still haven’t experienced it, do visit the glittering white desert.

Europe: Peak rush over, plenty of snow for winter activities and options of going to milder coastal areas.

Antarctica: Warm with longer days, penguin & seals out on the ice and whales are at their most abundant.

March:

Tulips@Netherlands

Rishikesh: For Rafting and International Yoga Festival

Kasol: Experience the festival of Holi like never before

Mathura-Vrindavan: Known for its week-long celebration of Holi festival

Coorg: Watch the beautiful white coffee flower bloom

Mahabaleshwar: Mapro Strawberry festival

Morocco: One of the most sought destinations for 2016. The weather in Southern Morocco is perfect for travel during this time

Cuba: No summer storms, no winter chill. Enjoy the white sandy beaches

Netherlands: Beautiful multi-coloured tulips blossoming

April

Hot air ballooning@Cappadocia

Jim Corbett/Ranthambore: Best chances to spot the tiger

Shillong/Pahalgam: Best the summer heat

Srinagar: Tulips bloom and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold

Phuket: For bike lovers – Phuket Bike Week

Turkey: No summer rush and very pleasant weather. Try hot air ballooning at Cappadocia.

Tokyo: Gorgeous Cherry blossoms

May

Cheetah@Namibia

Gangtok: Beat the chill and enjoy the International Flower Festival

Leh-Ladakh: The snow can be found in the upper parts

Borneo: Best season to visit the rainforest and Mt.Kinabalu

Madagascar: – At its greenest best after the rains

Namibia: Though the nights are cold especially the deserts, wildlife can be found in abundance

June

Tea Estate@Munnar

Munnar: Enjoy the lush green landscapes during the monsoon

Tawang: Unexplored and beautiful, this is the place to go in 2016

Spiti: Adventurous treks, exquisite lake and rugged territories

Singapore: Explore with kids during their summer break

Italy/ Greece/Portugal: Great weather for cycling/hiking and water activities

Arctic Cruise: 24 hour daylight around the summer solstice

July

Great Wildebeest Migration@Kenya

Orchha: Walk around the rustic charm of the city

Dalhousie: Lesser rainfall, ideal weather and perfect time to beat the heat and summer rush

Mount Abu: Rich in history, diverse flora and majestic mountains never fails to pull the crowd

Kenya: Don’t miss the great wildebeest migration

Iceland: Virtually 24 hour daylight and best time to spot migrating whales

Bali: Lots of sun, no rainfall and warm sea water for a lot of water activities

August

Valley of flowers by Alosh Bennett

Kovalam: Monsoon about to get over, unwind yourself with ayurvedic massage

Valley of flowers: The hill station in Uttrakhand looks like a paradise with a variety of flowers at full blossom

Udaipur: Venice of East – no piercing heat of Rajasthan

Lonavala: The Sahyadri monsoon brings the place alive with greenery and it’s an enchanting experience

Seychelles: Excellent time for diving

Austria: Salzburg Festival

Rio: Golden beaches, lush mountains and samba night-life. Host for Olympics 2016

South Africa: Best time for safaris

September

Ganesh Chaturthi by Wikipedia

Coonoor: Cheese making at Acres Wild

Mumbai/Pune: Get immersed in the spirit of devotion during the grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi

Shillong: Fresh look post monsoon

Ziro: The music festival of Arunachal Pradesh is the most enjoyable outdoor festival. No better reason to visit the beautiful hidden gem of north-east India.

Oman: For Turtle spotting

Bhutan: For trekking

London: Open house London – visit 700+ landmarks for free

Botswana: Fantastic wildlife viewing

October

Kids@Halloween

Bir Billing: Paraglide in the splendid Himalayas

Mysore: Celebrate Dussehra like never before

Kabini: Spot the wildlife in the lesser explored terrain

Tarkarli: Dive in the sea or go dolphin spotting

Hampi: Good weather to explore one of the 32 UNESCO’s world heritage sites in India

Munich: Ocktoberfest is the time to be at this place

New York/Hongkong: Enjoy Halloween with the kids

Vietnam: Dry and warm but not too hot to explore the northern side

November

Aarti@Varanasi Bank of River Ganges

Varanasi: Do attend the festival of Indian Classical Music & Dance or the aarti on Dev Deepawali on the bank of River Ganges

Sundarbans: Most pleasing temperature to visit the richest and most balanced eco system of the country

Pushkar: Rajasthan’s most spectacular event – Pushkar fair

Kohima: The festivals of festival – Hornbill festival in Nagaland

Gir: The place is shut during monsoon hence better chances to spot Asiatic Lion

Canada/USA: The lovely autumn time

Antarctica: See the pristine snows capes and large icebergs before the summer kicks off

Taiwan: Stellar month for sports enthusiast as the place hosts number of outdoor events

December

Geminids Meteor Shower by whotalking

Kochi: For Biennale – an international exhibition of contemporary art

Konark: Annual dance festival in Orissa

Ranthambore: As the winter sets in, the tigers come out to bask in the sun.

Kaziranga: The national park is the habitat for one horn rhinoceros

Goa: The EDM party is at full throttle and it is one the best places in India to be on the New Year Eve

Auli: The largest skiing destination of India

Maldives: For a luxurious escape

Bangkok: Shopping sans the sweat

New Zealand: For the pretty much the first sunrise of the New Year

Chile: At the Atacama Desert, get spellbound witnessing the celestial storm in the skies – The Geminids Meteor Shower