Travel freaks, it’s time to head north!

PLACES TO VISIT: Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Bada Bagh, Khuri Dunes, Gadisar Lake, Khaba Fort, Surya Gate and more.

THINGS TO DO: Camel safari, desert camping, stargazing, boating in Gadisar, quad biking, parasailing, paramotoring, and a lot more.

HOW TO REACH: 

Nearest airport from Jaisalmer:  Jodhpur Airport (300 km) 

Nearest railway station: Jaisalmer Railway Station

The pride of Bengal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans comes somewhere at the top of every avid traveller’s bucket list. This dense mangrove forest is one of the largest reserves of Bengal tigers and one of the best national parks in India. Jungle cat, fox, wild boar and spotted deer are among other animals which inhabit Sundarbans, which literally means beautiful forests. It is one of the best wildlife places to visit.

THINGS TO DO: Go tiger spotting, enjoy boat ride, meet Olive Ridley turtles in Kanak Island, take holy dip in Gangasagar, and treat your eyes with beautiful birds in Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary

HOW TO REACH: 

Nearest airport from Sunderbans: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (112 km)

Nearest railway station: Canning Railway Station (64 km)

One of the oldest, most holy cities in the world, Banaras or Varanasi celebrates Ganga Mahotsav in the month of November every year. The festival spans for five days on the banks of Ganges and also acts as a treasure trove for lovers of Indian culture and craftsmanship. As per the legends, gods descend to earth and bathe in the Ganges during the festive time. This occurrence is celebrated with cultural performances by popular artistes. In the past, eminent artistes like Zakir Hussain and Ustad Bismillah Khan have been the star attractions of the celebration. Ganga Mahotsav also happens to be a perfect place to enjoy boating, wrestling, kite flying and more. Don’t forget to treat your taste buds to the delicious local cuisine.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum 

Attend Ganga aarti, take spiritual tour, bathe in the Ganges, take morning boat ride, and shop for knick-knacks in the local market

Nearest airport from Varanasi:  Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (In Varanasi) 

Nearest railway station from Varanasi: Varanasi Junction (aka Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Buddhist pilgrimage spot, Bodh Gaya is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. If you are in search of peace that touches your inner self, then there couldn’t be a better place. Monks from different parts of the world wearing red attires hum holy scriptures here. The most sanctified spot of the town, Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a treat to the eyes and soul. The months from November to March are considered the best time to visit. The temperature stays moderate and Tibetan pilgrims from Dharamshala also make a visit during this time. 

PLACES TO VISIT: Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodhi Tree, Royal Bhutan Monastery, Thai Monastery, Chinese Temple, Vishnupad Temple, and Root Institute for Wisdom Culture 

HOW TO REACH:  

Nearest airport from Bodhgaya: Gaya Airport (In Bodhgaya) 

Nearest railway station: Gaya Junction (In Bodh Gaya)

The rugged ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and erstwhile capital of Vijayanagara Empire is a must visit. This historic city is a people’s favourite not just because of its past and architectural precision but also due to religious importance of Virupaksha Temple. Hampi Festival (aka Vijaya Festival), a three day annual festival falls on the first week of November and magnifies the number of travellers. It exhibits the culture and history of Hampi, along with dance & music performances, processions, fireworks, and puppet show.

PLACES TO VISIT: Archaeological Museum, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Monkey Temple (Hanuman Temple), Queen’s Bath, Royal Enclosure, Hampi Bazaar, Underground Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha, Hemakuta Hill Temples, and Virupaksha Temple sunset from Hemakuta Hills, rent a bike & explore the locale, bathe Laxmi (temple elephant) early in the morning in Lotus Hall Complex, and go cliff jumping and swimming 

HOW TO REACH: 

Nearest airport from Hampi: Hubli Airport (167 km) 

Nearest railway station: Hospet Junction (13km)

One of the most popular festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar Camel Fair allures travellers from around the world, thanks to its colourful and enthusiastic vibes. Other than being main livestock fair, the Fair entertains visitors with various quirky competitions such as the longest moustache, camel decoration, cricket, and more. This five-day annual fair (on till November 4 this year) takes place on the banks of Pushkar Lake. Along with trading of cattle, this fair is a cultural affair where you may imbibe the Rajasthani vibes and shop for some vibrant attires, jewellery, and handloom.

PLACES TO VISIT: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Varaha Temple, and Sri Raghunatha Swamy Temple 

THINGS TO DO: Camel safari, hot air ballooning and street shopping 

HOW TO REACH: 

Nearest airport from Pushkar: Sanganer Airport  (150 km) 

Nearest railway station: Ajmer Junction (15 km)

Among the finest places to visit in winter in India, the desert-scape of Kutch opens a wide window for photo ops, as the bright colours of Gujarat come popping. The Rann Utsav (a festival that lasts for two to three months from Nov. to Feb.) is when Gujarat is most captivating. Right from the white desert in the full moon, historical marvels to shopping for handicrafts, this event is nothing less than a much awaited extravaganza. 

PLACES TO VISIT: Mandvi Beach, White Desert, The Wild Ass Sanctuary, Aina Mahal, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Prag Mahal and more 

HOW TO REACH:  

Nearest airport from Kutch:  Bhuj Airport (70 km) 

Nearest railway station: Kutch Railway Station (in Kutch)