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Meghalaya is one of India’s easternmost states, sharing a long border with Bangladesh. Due to India’s geographical position and size, it technically falls under three time zones. However, the country follows only one time – the Indian Standard Time. Since the sun rises in the east, the day starts and ends early in the eastern states of India. It is recommended to commence your journey early in the morning to conclude your day by 5 pm (around the time the sun typically sets in winters). I highly recommend starting your journey early to make the most of the daylight.   During our trip, we stayed in Shillong for three nights, organizing two full-day trips from Shillong and spending one day exploring the city. One day trip took us to the Indo-Bangladesh Border, Dawki River – absolutely stunning, and Mawlynnong village, awarded the cleanest village in Asia. On this day, we also hiked to the live root bridge at Rewai village. The other day trip was to Cherrapunji – known for receiving the maximum rain in India and once considered the wettest place in the world (a record now held by a nearby town). Here, we saw amazing waterfalls and a cave. The drive in Meghalaya is a total joy. The hills are lined with pineapple and bamboo trees, along with ferns and other unique plants. Dawki   Our visit to Dawki was one of the highlights of our trip. The Dawki River was spectacular. We arrived early, a highly recommended strategy to avoid traffic jams. The crystal-clear water allowed us to see the beautiful pebbled riverbed. The boat ride was peaceful and refreshing. We opted for a 30-minute boat ride, which was perfect. By the time we left, there was a traffic jam at least 2 km long on the approach road. We were glad to have arrived early.   Indo-Bangladesh Border   Our hotel manager suggested visiting the India-Bangladesh Border. Our driver and locals at Dawki river discouraged us, but we persisted. The border is a good 30-minute drive from Dawki river. The road was not in great condition, and there were many trucks en route. Nevertheless, the visit was interesting. The India-Bangladesh Border is an open border. Gates were open, and vehicles from both sides were traveling across. We interacted with guards and met a Bangladeshi boy selling fresh vegetables and berry pickles. According to border security, the sheep were Indian and stayed within their territory.   Mawlynnong Village   A short and beautiful drive from Dawki river is Asia’s cleanest village. Mawlynnong village is breathtakingly beautiful, resembling a fairytale from a Disney movie. Each house has a tiny garden with colorful flowers. The tiny streets are clean, and as you walk, you witness children playing and some drinking water from a hand pump. The village has souvenir stalls, and if interested in staying overnight, there are home-stays available.   Rewai Village   Our next stop was Rewai village and our hike to the single-decker live root bridge. The walk from the car park to the root bridge took around 30 minutes, mostly downhill. We had never seen anything like this before, and it was definitely worth visiting. Meghalaya is home to a number of live root bridges, handmade by the Khasi and Jaintia people to navigate the mountains.   Cherrapunji   Our day trip to Cherrapunji was good, known for waterfalls and the highest rainfall. Cherrapunji also hosts a beautiful Eco Park with breathtaking views. The limestone and sandstone caves of Cherrapunji were another fascinating stop.   Shillong Sightseeing   Our last day in Meghalaya was spent exploring Shillong. We visited the Elephant Waterfall, the Dam, Shillong Zoo, and the Church, built-in 1936. In Shillong, we also visited the Golf course, created in 1889. The third oldest golf course in India with an 18-hole course. One of the most interesting places in Shillong is the Don Bosco Museum, focusing on showcasing indigenous communities of the Northeast.   Food   When planning our visit, there was uncertainty about available food and facilities. Shillong, being the capital, offers a variety of options. During excursions, there were limited food options, adding to the charm of the countryside. Roadside shops sold caps, strolls, souvenirs, instant noodles, chips, biscuits, and freshly cut pineapple. Most roadside eateries offered a standard thali (fixed meal) with rice, dal, a dry vegetable, chicken, or fish. If traveling with kids, it’s advised to be prepared, having a heavy breakfast, and packing some fruit cake and instant soup packs for lunch. On excursions to Dwaki and Mawlynnong, fixed meal roadside restaurants were the only food option.   I had combined our trip to Meghalaya with Assam. It is recommended to spend 7 nights in Assam and 3 nights in Meghalaya. You can make two separate trips or do it as one tour.

In the heart of India, a captivating tapestry of culture, history, and diverse landscapes unfolds, inviting globetrotters from every corner of the world to embark on an enchanting journey. Picture this: From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene beaches of Goa, each corner of this extraordinary country holds a unique blend of experiences, tailored to every traveler’s taste.   Our narrative begins with an exploration of the top tourist spots in India, where the vibrant streets of Delhi lead to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and the royal heritage of Jaipur. This adventure unveils the beauty of India, seamlessly weaving together the threads of its history and modernity.   As we dive into India’s cultural tapestry, heritage tours become a gateway to exploring ancient sites and witnessing the grandeur of Indian festivals. From the awe-inspiring Qutub Minar to the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi, every step resonates with the echoes of India’s glorious past, inviting travelers to become a part of its living history.   India is a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts who crave an experience. Explore the Himalayas on a trekking expedition, venture into jungles for thrilling wildlife safaris, challenge yourself with exhilarating rafting adventures in roaring rivers or simply unwind and connect with nature while camping, amidst its abundance.   Our tour then takes us to the famous Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Witness the grandeur of Delhi, marvel at the architectural prowess of the Taj Mahal. It’s an adventure that captures the spirit of India’s cultural and historical diversity.   Culinary tours through bustling food markets will allow you to indulge your taste buds in the gourmet delicacies of India. Savor the various flavors that define the country’s culinary heritage, from traditional Indian cuisine to the spicy allure of street food.   Seek refuge in India’s land of yoga and wellness, where retreats offer revitalizing experiences, Ayurvedic practices, and the transformational power of meditation against the backdrop of the country’s various landscapes.   Escape to India’s coastal paradises, from Goa’s vibrant beaches to Kerala‘s peaceful coasts and the exotic beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Coastal vacations promise the ideal balance of relaxation and activity.   India offers a tapestry of luxury experiences for people seeking richness. Enjoy customized travel arrangements, stay in elegant boutique hotels, travel on luxurious trains, and relax in high-end resorts that provide elegance.   Even the most visitor will be welcomed in India. Explore low-cost travel choices, discovered smart travel solutions, and enjoy the excitement of backpacking across this diverse and budget-friendly destination.   Before you travel in this multi cultured country, prepare yourself with important travel advice. Learn about local customs and etiquette, pack appropriately for different temperatures, and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel through a land where every step is a dance between the ancient and modern, earning experiences that will last a lifetime. Set out on this incredible voyage to India, where time and tradition blend effortlessly, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

In the heart of Delhi, where the city’s vibrant past collides with the dynamic present, a cheerful and conversational guide eagerly takes the helm to lead curious tourists on a captivating journey. Honored to be part of Shikhar Travels India, this seasoned guide is delighted to share tales of a special tour meticulously organized for those eager to explore the historical tapestry of Old Delhi.   The day unfolds with a burst of energy as the guide, having spent considerable time navigating the city’s labyrinthine streets, embarks on a full-day Old Delhi heritage tour. Delhi, with its quintessential old-world charm, promises an experience for every palate, and Shikhar Travels seamlessly brings this charm face-to-face with the modern traveler.   Guiding a group through the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, the guide becomes a storyteller, unraveling the generational, architectural, and culinary legacy woven into the city’s fabric. The journey kicks off at the legendary Chandni Chowk, a lively marketplace renowned for its vibrancy. From the tantalizing street food stalls to historic landmarks like Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid, the day promises a kaleidoscope of experiences.   The first stop is the historic Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara, nestled just outside Chandni Chowk Metro Station. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle, the guide shares the Gurudwara’s historical significance, its nomenclature, and the poignant tale of the battle between Sikhs and Mughals. As the group meanders through the iconic market around the Gurudwara, the guide responds to queries, revealing that this site marks where the ninth Sikh guru met his tragic end at the hands of Aurangzeb.   The tour progresses, with the Red Fort standing as a majestic testament to the Mughal Era’s architectural prowess. The awe-inspiring structure prompts eager inquiries from the tourists about its history and its connection to the Agra Fort. As the group explores the fort’s various sections, including Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, and The Pearl Mosque, a second leg of the journey unfolds—a Traditional Rickshaw Tour through the congested lanes around Jama Masjid.   Unearthing the colorful secrets of Old Delhi, the tourists marvel at the ingenuity of shopkeepers who expertly accommodate their offerings despite space constraints. Paying respects to the iconic Jama Masjid and wandering through its corridors, the group then ventures to Kinari Bazar and Khari Baoli. Each locale pulsates with vibrancy, from wedding attire showrooms to the aromatic narrow alleys of Asia’s largest spice market—Khari Baoli. The guide enlightens the tourists about the culinary and therapeutic uses of various spices before granting them time to explore the market independently.   As the day winds down, the group indulges in the most famous street food preparations of Old Delhi. From Dahi Bhallas to Rabdi Falooda, Kudemal ki Kulfi, and the mesmerizing Daulat ki Chaat, each dish is savored and appreciated for its unique flavors. With a final stroll through the area, the guide provides insights into each narrow lane, the architecture, and the remarkable construction of the metro system in such a congested space.   The tour concludes with heartfelt farewells at the hotel. The tourists, thoroughly immersed in the historical, cultural, and culinary significance of Chandni Chowk and the surrounding area of Old Delhi, depart with memories that will linger as enduring souvenirs of a day well spent.

‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, is an Indian phrase in Sanskrit that translates typically to ‘Guest is God’. So, go anywhere in India and you are bound to be treated like God.   India is a beautiful country, with so much to offer when it comes to travel and tourism that a lot of its mesmerizing territory remains undiscovered. Be it the Himalayan foothills or the Kerala backwaters or even the Desert of Jaisalmer & Barmer; any part of India that you travel to will make you feel like you want to explore more.   Major attractions in India include the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Mughal monuments in Delhi, the palaces of Rajasthan, the lakes of Udaipur, backwaters in Kerala and beautiful hills in the north. All of these and more is what any person looking to explore India as a whole would want to see and get a firsthand experience at.   Discover a Vibrant India India travel can be quite exhausting due to the unfavourable weather conditions and different languages & ethnicities that change every 10 kilometres. Despite that, a lot of people book tours to India and look for Indian travel packages to explore the culture, vibrancy and beauty of it.   If you are planning to come visit India, Hotels in India are known for the best of the hospitality measures and being good hosts so you are bound to have a great time. In fact, the travel and tourism department of India ensures that all guests in India are treated with dignity and respect; hotels just extend these measures. With that in hindsight, the tour packages in India are pretty cheap and can go as high as a person wants them to the, based on the kind of luxury they like. If you are travelling to a part of India, ensure that you get hotel & travel packages at attractive costs which might help you save money.   Holiday Like a King! India is one of the best destinations in the world for luxury holidays. If you are the one who does not shy away from splurging when you are on a holiday; then India is the best place to be. With palaces now open for tourists where kings once lived; India has a lot to offer in terms of luxury. Be it a seven-star dining experience or a Maharaja foodie trail, you are spoilt for choice when luxury and food comes to together. Talking of luxury and food, there are some trains in India that run across some of the best tourist destinations and are a Mecca of luxury.   One of the best luxurious hotels in the world includes the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which is India. Hotels like these are adept with all luxury facilities and will keep you engaged for a very long time. When it comes to luxury, not mentioning The Imperial in Delhi would be a sin. This is one of the first hotels that were established in the British Raj and remains one of the best hotels in India.   Luxury holidays in India are well received as a concept in Rajasthan and places that were once ruled by kings. With palaces being converted to hotel properties, you actually get to experience how living like a king would have been!   Luxury and holidays are synonymous with India and any wish that the guest has can be turned into a reality. There is no luxury in the world that is not available in India and you will have a great time exploring the country in some of the finest properties.   You will end up with a beautiful experience that you would be taking home forever!   For more information about Incredible India email us: info@indiatravel.com

As our plane descended towards Srinagar we were welcomed by beautiful mustard yellow fields and snow capped mountains. The feeling of purity and calmness sets in and the base is made for what will be an amazing journey.   This was my fourth trip to Srinagar. We were staying on the Dal Lake. The drive from Srinagar airport to Dal Lake takes less than one hour. As you approach the boulevard road, you are amazed by the unique and eventful life on the Dal Lake and the famous houseboats of Srinagar.   Our houseboat was in the ‘open lake’… the shikara was waiting for us as we arrived at Ghat No 17 of the Dal Lake. A short shikara ride on the lake brought us to our houseboat. We stepped onto the deck and then onto the porch of the houseboat, where following Kashimir traditions we removed our shoes before we entered the living hall of our houseboat. The houseboat had three ensuite bedrooms, living areas and dinning room and a small pantry. Most houseboats have three rooms, a few have four and even fewer have two. If you are visiting in a group , you can book your stay at a ‘group’ of houseboats, which normally is a collaboration between a few neighboring houseboats.   It is recommend to prebook your dinner at the houseboat. Your houseboat incharge will often consult you before finalising your dinner menu. You can request your food to be spicy to mild; from Kashmiri to Continental …though I highly recommend sticking to Kashmiri food while in Kashmir. Some of my favourite dishes are Gustaba (pounded meat balls in a yogurt gravy), Rishta (pounded meat balls in a onion and tomato gravy), Rogan josh (mutton on the bones cooked in a tomato and onion gravy), Nihari (lotus stem cooked in a yogurt gravy), Palak saag( Mutton cooked with spinach). All of these are best eaten with boiled rice. You can also try the traditional Kashmiri bread. It is softer and fluffier version of the naan bread, similar to the afghani bread. On the houseboat you will be able to get rice and chapati (traditional indian bread made on a iron pan) as most houseboats will not have a tandoor( clay oven) in which the Kashmiri naan bread is made. To finish a meal you must try the famous Firni ( rice cooked in sweetened saffron milk flavoured with cardamons).It is best eaten cold and often served in a earthen bowl.   The Sikaara ride is a fun experience. As you travel on the waters of Dal Lake, you are welcomed by local vendors. You can enjoy a fresh fruit salad, hot Kehva, or even freshly barbecued Kebabs. As you travel through the back lanes of the Dal lake, you cross the floating market where you can buy carpets, cloths and wood carved items .You will also go past homes of locals. There are also shops on boat where you can purchase a range of souvenirs to take back.   Srinagar is home to the famous beautiful Mugal Gardens, Jama Majid , Dargha Hazratbal and Shankachariya temple. There are three gardens, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chasma Shahi. The best ones is Shalimar Bagh followed closely by Nishat Bagh .The Shankachariya temple is on top of a hill. One you drive up to the top, you need to walk up 100 steps to reach the temple. The steps are small and very easy to walk up on. You don’t feel any strain on your knees or legs while walking up. The Hazratbal Dargha is a fascinating experience. Pigeons are seen in large numbers outside the Dargha . There are local eateries around the Dargha serving some lovely Kebabs and super large naan bread. You can also find vendors selling flowers and other offerings for the Dargha. The Jama Majid in Srinagar, is a unique piece of architecture. It is a good mix of arabic, Persian and Kashmiri architecture.   Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam are the three prominent tourist destinations in Kashmir after Srinagar. You can go for a day trip or overnight excursion to these places from Srinagar.   Gulmarg is a one and a half to two hour drive from Srinagar, while Sonmarg and Pahalgam are both two and half hours drive from Srinagar. You would have to take a local car and guide for sightseeing in these places as vehicles from Srinagar are not allowed for sightseeing. Your vehicle from Srinagar will only be able to drop you till your destination and bring you back to Srinagar. If you are not equipped for the snow, then there are a number of vendors who are lined up to rent out boots and jackets enroute. Your driver will take you to a rental shop he recommends. There is really no difference as all the shops rent out the same things.   Activities available at Gulmarg and Sonmarg include, snow biking, snow sledging and skiing. In Pahalgam, you can walk up or take a pony to Bisaran which is a plateau surrounded by beautiful Pine and Deodar trees. On the way to Pahalgam and Sonmarg, stop by a stream for a hot cup of Kehva. In Gulmarg you can also take a Gondola (cable car) ride. It is a beautiful 10 minute journey. There are two points where the Gondola stops, I have always been until the first point and second point is mostly for skiers.   Do buy yourself some walnut wood souvenirs, hand embroidered scarves, paper mache gift items and some original Kashimiri dry fruits and spices to take back with you. The best place to shop is Srinagar is Polo View. It is a street a small sheet with handicraft, souvenir and dry fruit shops.   Kashmir is a all year destination. It is not possible to visit Sonmarg once it starts snowing as the roads close. Gulmarg has become India’s Ski capital with skiers coming from around the world in January and February. Pehlagam is best