Team Heavenly Plan – Heavenly Plan

August 27, 2016April 15, 2020

8 Most Underrated Cities in Europe that You Just Have to Visit

Underrated Cities in Europe

Take a trip down small historic towns that will definitely give you a feeling of the warmth and rich cultural heritage of Europe. Here is a listicle that contains some small towns that should be on your travel itinerary as must-visit places to see in Europe.

Heidelberg, Germany

Top among places to see when you travel to Europe should be the picturesque little town of Heidelberg. Nestled in the valley of the Odenwald Mountains, the River Neckar alongside this quaint historic town. A trip to see the Heidelberg Castle is essential as it is a city landmark you don’t want to miss. Follow the trail along the Philosopher’s Walk to the mountains to see famous churches and the University of Heidelberg.

Bruges, Belgium

If you have not seen the Anglo-American neo-noir crime drama ‘In Bruges’ or you have, Bruges is a city that will draw you in with its historic attractions. The striking medieval architecture and multitude of canals have earned it the sobriquet “The Venice of the North.” For art aficionados, Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture can be seen here.

Ferrara, Italy

The city of Ferrara is ringed by an ancient wall that is over nine kilometers. Apart from some stunning cathedrals, you can also see palaces that were built during the 14th and 15th centuries. Stroll along the broad walkways and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city. Ferrara is also the hometown of several famed writers, artists and musicians.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is located strategically between Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza. Spain’s third largest city is filled with old-world charm like winding streets, striking architecture and gorgeous cathedrals. The large plaza in Valencia has many well-known museums and galleries to engage visitors.

Porto, Portugal

In 2001, Porto was crowned European Cultural Capital because of its long standing tradition in music, art and athletics. The city celebrates several cultural festivals like St. John (late June) and Queima das Fitas (early May). It is also home to the FC Porto among other football (soccer) clubs.

Biarritz, France

Situated on the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is a lively coastal city that attracts a lot of tourists and surfers. The Biarritz Surf Festival is held annually that brings in surfers and fans from around the world. Interestingly, Biarritz is located in the Basque Country region so it offers a wonderful blend of French and Spanish cultures.

Innsbruck, Austria

The city’s claim to fame is the fact that it has played host to the Winter Olympic Games twice (both in 1964 and 1976). The high altitude makes it the perfect place for winter sports and it is also the ideal playground for hiking, climbing and mountain biking throughout the rest of the year. The little city is full of museums, castles and notable sites of historic value.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is a university city that is well-known for hosting festivals like the Gothenburg International Film Festival and music festivals Way Out West and Metaltown. The city is a bastion of Scandinavian architecture, museums, sports and rich cultural history.

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August 26, 2016April 15, 2020

14 Fairytale Destinations You Must Visit In 2016

fairytale-locations

Here is a listing of some fairytale destinations that look so picturesque like they are right out of a book.

Hoi An, Vietnam

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for producing silk lanterns. Located off the coast of the South China Sea, this place has preserved the charm of South-East Asian culture of the15th to the 19th centuries. You can visit the famous Elephant Bridge here along with pristine white sandy beaches.

Greenland

This is the biggest island in the world, which is covered with snow throughout the year. A place of soulful quietude, this sparsely populated nation offers gorgeous vistas and chocolate-box houses in vibrant colors.

Bamboo forest, Kyoto, Japan

This is one of the most famous tourist spots in Kyoto, also known as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In Japan, bamboo are said to protect against evil. But the swishing sound of these beautiful bamboos are known to put people into a state of soothing reverie.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this place exudes a feeling of calm. Filled with ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries, the atmosphere radiates spiritual bliss. Archeologists have found traces of civilization in this ancient city dating back to 185 CE.

Sintra, Portugal

A stone’s throw away from Lisbon, the historic town of Sintra was the inspiration behind Lord Byron’s Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. Lined with exquisite 19th century architecture, Sintra is a great place to just walk around absorbing the beautiful vibe. Preserved by the UNESCO, Pena Palace is a sight to behold.

Colmar, France

The little town in north eastern France goes by the sobriquet of ‘Fairytale Town’. With only 65 thousand residents, this quaint town emits peace and serenity. Noteworthy painter Martin Schongauer, sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi (of the Statue of Liberty fame), and Alsatian wine all find their home here.

The Faroe Islands

A chain of islands located in Denmark, the Faroe Islands are well-known for breathtaking landscapes, the pleasantly chilly Nordic climate, rolling mists and remarkable volcanic rocks with steep hills that create an environment fit for a painting. The kind where you are sure to find creatures from Scandinavian myth.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain

The Sultan of Granada built a palace on a fortress in 1333. An excellent exemplar of Islamic architecture, the palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, gushing fountains and glistening pools. This palace has served as an inspiration for many artists, writers and filmmakers.

Cappadocia, Central Anatolia, Turkey

This historic spot is known to be steeped in rich heritage as much as it is a natural wonder. The rocks in this region have formed hoodoos or fairy chimneys. These rock formations are used for dwellings, with the oldest carvings going back to the 8th century.

Venice, Italy

This city is a group of small islands joined by bridges and canals. So you can very well imagine that the streets are filled with water so you will be travelling across town in a gondola instead of a car. A cultural center of Europe’s Renaissance period. This city is fast sinking so go see it before it is no more.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Suspected to be the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, this 19th century castle in Germany towers atop a craggy peak over the village of Hohenschwangau in south-west Bavaria. Built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, this castle is a major tourist spot that has attracted more than 61 million tourists.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Right in the midst of a glimmering lake in Slovenia lies a tiny charming island, surrounded by exquisite scenery. A perfectly romantic spot to be married, this island houses a 170-ft high church which you can reach to by boat. According to folk custom, it is thought to be good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the stone Baroque staircase, and then ring the bell in the tower and make a wish while within the church.

Tunnel of Love, Ukraine

In the heart of a forest corridor lies the Tunnel of Love, which is a leafy route that is known to have induced many a lover to propose to his beloved. The perfect spot for a romantic walk, this foliage-encased is also a train tunnel so you will need to watch out for the train along this two-mile track.

Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

The Sea of Stars on Vaadhoo Island really doesn’t seem like its real – the glittering waters that lick the shore are actually caused by a special type of plankton called dinoflagellates, emitting a light as their cell membranes experience electrical signals which causes them to glow. This bioluminescence makes this a brilliant display which seems like it’s molten moonlight.

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August 26, 2016April 15, 2020

8 Enchanting Flea Markets to Visit in Europe

best-flea-markets-in-europe

Flea markets are places for great deals and unearthing some one-of-a-kind treasures that is sure to make your trip to Europe all the more special. European flea markets are known for a bit of everything from jewelry to handmade edibles. For connoisseurs of times past, you will also find vintage flea markets filled with flea market antiques that can be bought at great prices.

Braderie de Lille Flea Market

An hour’s ride away from Paris by the TGV, the quaint town of Lille in France has the biggest flea market in Europe – the Braderie de Lille Flea Market. An annual event that lasts two days, the “Braderie” (French for “sell at a low price”) flea market attracts over 10,000 sellers. Dating back to the medieval times, this French flea market attracts more than two million visitors every September.

Portobello Road Flea Market

The Portobello Road Flea Market in Notting Hill, London is a gigantic crowd puller every Saturday, though you will find shops open from Monday to Friday. With more than 2,000 exhibitors on Saturday, this is one of the top flea markets in Europe with a bohemian vibe. You are likely to find everything from Limoges to exotic culinary ingredients in this place where you can shop and wind down with something to eat after you are done.

IJ-Hallen and Waterlooplein Flea Markets

Amsterdam’s most famous flea market has to be the Waterlooplein. The Amsterdam flea market is open six days a week and houses everything you can possibly imagine from vintage garments to old cameras. But if you would like to discover hidden gems in Amsterdam, then head to the IJ-Hallen in Noord, which is the largest flea market in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe.

Waterloo Flea Market

The Waterloo Flea Market of Belgium is held on Saturdays in the parking space of the Carrefour supermarket. Other names that this flea market goes by are “La Brocante du Biggs”, “Brocante Château Cheval”, “Brocante du Carrefour”, “Brocante de Waterloo”, or “Brocante du Lion”. If the historic battlefield doesn’t get you to visit the area, consider the 300 flea market booths packed with goodies for bargain hunters.

The Antiques Market/Flea Market in Arezzo

At the heart of Tuscany lies the ancient city of Arezzo in Italy, with Roman buildings, medieval Piero della Francesca murals and Renaissance architecture. This town is a great attraction for art enthusiasts, but every month on the first weekend, the Piazza Grande is an antique lover’s paradise. The Arezzo flea market offers paintings, bric-a-brac and Roman coins.

El Rastro Flea Market

More often going by the name “el Rastro”, this is the popular open air flea market in Madrid, Spain. This flea market is situated along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo. Regulated by the Madrid town council, this market has 3,500 stalls hawking their wares new and old. By municipal discretion, this market is held every Sunday and public holiday of the year, from 9 am to 3 pm, in the barrio de Embajadores (‘Ambassador’s neighborhood).

Munich Flea Market

Munich is always happening – if it’s not the Oktoberfest, the Theresienwiese grounds house the Munich flea market is one of the top flea markets in Europe. This humongous flea market sets up during the Munich “Frühjahrsfest” (the first Saturday of the Spring Festival of Munich, in April). With around 3,000 exhibitors that pull in crowds of 80,000 from all over Europe. Thrifters who love flea market merchandise will delight in the great selection of militaria, home appliances, electronic, antiques, etc.

Cormano Flea Market

The Cormano Flea Market near Milan is open every Saturday at 7.30am and winds up by lunchtime (2 p.m.). With 150 stalls that make up this treasure hunter’s cove, you will also find great deals on what the area is famous for since the 14th century: silk. Here is the most beautiful market for vintage silk fabric in Europe as well as household goods, glass and silver and whatnot!

August 26, 2016April 15, 2020

10 Heavenly Holiday Destinations Ruined by Terrorism

terrorism

Once considered to be relaxing getaways, these places have been touched by the horrors of terrorism. A terror threat hovering over a place can destroy its reputation and make it considered to be the most dangerous place on Earth. This simply means that tourists can no longer access these pieces of heaven on Earth for fear of a terror attack.

Here are 10 breathtaking locales that are now out of reach due to terrorism.

Turkey

This beautiful country known to be the hub of Islamic architecture like the Blue Mosque has been turned into a terror spot thanks to ISIS. Many countries have warned their citizens against travelling to this tourist magnet. The breathtaking and ancient city of Istanbul is also considered to be constantly under a terror threat.

Syria

Another country that has been destroyed by ISIS is Syria. It has been branded as the most dangerous place on Earth. Once the country prided itself of gorgeous architecture from ancient times. Today, more than 200,000 Syrians have lost their lives in this war-stricken land while many have fled. The unspoiled settings of this glorious country have been lost to terrorism.

Kenya

Al-Qaeda has made Kenya its activity center since 2013. With bomb blasts and other such happenings, tourists are deprived of the natural beauty and teeming wildlife that made this country feature on the watch list of other nations. With unspoiled beaches and other natural wonders, Kenya has been tainted by humans.

Sulu Archipelago, The Philippines

A breeding ground for revolts and terrorism, this tropical paradise has turned into a perilous place. The Sulu Archipelago was home to unspoiled beaches and lush foliage that was sure to be a favorite with nature lovers but has been unfortunately become a safe harbor for terrorists.

Iran

Many western nations have warned their people against travelling to Iran because of its unstable political atmosphere and the security threats. Iran is filled with many striking examples of Islamic architecture and World Heritage Sites. Isfahan is a city that’s dotted with marvelous mosques featuring floral tile work and elaborate mosaics.

Libya

A long-running civil war maimed this beautiful country. Formerly, Libya was reputed for its well-laid out transport routes and golden sands of the Sahara with dazzling oases. The distinctive medina in Tripoli was a tourist draw. The home of ancient civilization has been reduced to rubble due to the ceaseless warfare.

Yemen

One of Al-Qaeda’s top bases, Yemen has gone from the land of milk and honey to a barren wasteland. Travel to this nation has been discouraged by most western countries.

Egypt

Regions in this country, like the Sinai Peninsula, have been banned from allowing tourists. What this implies is that you will not be able to visit the oldest functioning monastery in the world and grand vistas of the sunrise and sunset over the Red Sea. Terrorists and insurgents have caused this area have become an obstruction that keeps locals and tourists away from its underwater attractions.

Jammu and Kashmir

After the partition of India, the land that was once called “A slice of heaven” by poet Amir-e-Khusru Dehluvi became a terrorist-ridden political plot. Jammu and Kashmir with its scenic valleys, snow-laden mountains, crystal lakes and rosy cheeked people can be seen in many a Bollywood film. But the constant conflict in this region has caused tourism to drop here.

Tunisia

This small strip of land off the Mediterranean coast made for the perfect beach holiday. However, there are varied landscapes that will interest travelers looking for scenic beauty. The British government has issued a warning to discourage tourists to this country due to its terror attacks on tourists.

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August 25, 2016April 15, 2020

6 Ways You Can Ruin Your Vacation and How to Avoid It

how-not-to-ruin-vacation

We all want a holiday that is smoothly orchestrated to the last detail. However, here are some ways in which you can ruin your vacation easily and how to avoid these pitfalls.

Forgetting to check the travel documents needed

Many western nations have the liberty of their citizens being allowed in most countries without a visa or with some simple paperwork upon entry. However, others have to plan ahead and have the right travel documents on hand or you will be barred from entry.

Quick Fix: A basic Google search should direct you about all the immigration documents you will need to carry upon your person. Ensure that you start this procedure at the earliest as some visas can take weeks to process.

You have chosen the wrong travel partner

When traveling with someone, you might have to also plan the trip keeping in mind your travel partner’s preferences and limitations. Ideally, you should travel with someone you are comfortable with.

Quick Fix: just because someone is your spouse or good friend, that does not immediately mean they will be a good travel buddy. It is better to travel solo or go with a person you feel will like to do similar things with your on the trip.

Not addressing problems during your trip

When you travel abroad, communication with your travel mate is very essential. If you are travelling with someone where you are unhappy about them leaving wet towels on the floor or getting up late, keeping a lid over the issue will only result in it being blown off one day.

Quick Fix: If you are experiencing a problem, the best thing is to do is to talk about it with the other person from a non-accusatory perspective. Effective communication can get you over great hurdles.

You keep socializing to a minimum

The whole idea of travelling is to go out there and experience the world – and that is not likely to happen if you keep only to the person you’re with. For example, if you are travelling to an all-inclusive resort it is just too easy to miss out on the local culture.

Quick Fix: Be open to talking to people, whether it’s with a local shop owner or a person you meet in an art gallery (or wherever you visit). You never know what meeting a new person might teach you.

You overbudget your vacation

Overspending on a holiday can seem like the right thing to do when you’re having fun but the rush is bound to go away after a while. If you are travelling with a partner, ensure that you both agree on what you wish to spend. Going a little over budget is totally acceptable, but do not go way above budget.

Quick Fix: Set a certain budget and stick to it. If you’re travelling with someone, make a list of the costs involved and who will be spending on what.

You only stick to the familiar

Travelling means doing new things and seeing something you haven’t seen before. Don’t hang on to the familiar just to be comfy.

Quick Fix: Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to try something you have never experienced before when you travel.

August 25, 2016April 15, 2020

5 Heavenly Getaways in South Africa for Couples

South Africa for Couples

Africa is the place to go to if you want to experience beautiful landscapes and nature in all its glory. South Africa is one of the hottest couple destinations as it offers so much by way of both fun and adventure.

Here is a list of the places to visit in South Africa that make for very romantic getaways.

Franschhoek, Cape Town

Franschhoek is along a picturesque town set along the southern slope. In fact, this pretty town with its vineyards is one of our most recommended honeymoon destinations as will bring to mind the lush wine country of provincial France. You can take a walk down the vineyards to enjoy fine wine or take a romantic ride on the Franschhoek wine tram. For car enthusiasts, the Franschhoek Motor Museum with its excellent selection of vintage cars makes this one of the places to see in Africa.
Best time to visit: September to November

Queenstown, Eastern Cape

Queenstown is an idyllic town that is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa because of its laidback vibe and scenic beauty. Located at the foothills of Hangklip Mountains, the place is perfect for a morning hike followed by a dreamy breakfast at the peak, with a bird’s eye view of the town. The river resorts in Queenstown can be perfect for those who love fishing.
Best time to visit: September to November

The Garden Route, Western Cape

Travel to South Africa is incomplete without a love-filled holiday to Garden Route. Among the scenic beauty of the Cango caves, Plettenberg Bay, Knysa and Tsitsikamma, you can take canopy tours of the wild forests in this region. Rightly called Birds of Eden, you can see some brightly-colored tropical birds here.
Best time to visit: May to August

Elephant Coast, Kwazulu Natal

Kwazulu Natal is one of the perfect places to visit in South Africa if you want to unwind after a wild wedding. This makes it to the list of honeymoon destinations in Africa as you can sip on a glass of wine and just gaze into the vast expanse of nature. Gaming at he game lodge is an option for adventure seekers as is enjoying the serenity of Nottingham Road. Being a coastal area, the fresh seafood is definitely a draw.
Best time to visit: October to December

Johannesburg, Gauteng

The premium city life – great nightlife and fantastic food. Johannesburg is the place to go on a shopping spree. Its beachside resorts feature big fireplaces to help you wind down or treat your lady to sumptuous dinners at Carnical City and Entertainment World. George Harrison Discovery of Gold is the place to get some shiny baubles for your beloved.
Best time to visit: August to October

August 25, 2016April 15, 2020

5 Cheapest Holiday Destinations for 2016

cheapest-holiday-destinations

Vacationing can be an expensive affair and this keeps a lot of people from travelling. Here is a roundup of the cheapest holiday destinations that will definitely get you some summer sun or steamy salsa lessons (whichever you prefer) at a fraction of the cost that you think exotic vacations should cost.

Cambodia

Among the top places to get a glimpse of culture while enjoying cheap holidays is Cambodia. If you are seeking luxury five-star stays on a backpacker’s budget, then this is the country of choice. This is where you can visit Southeast Asia’s beautiful temples like the Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vietnam

Untouched and hugely underdeveloped, this beautiful country can be one of the cheapest places to travel. Being a former French colony, you can see slivers of French culture in excellent patisseries and French villas. The local food like the infamous Vietnamese pho can be a soul food experience while you are seated on a small wooden stool enjoying the locals practice tai chi. A trip to the countryside will show you the iconic rice terraces, flower farms and even cashew nut plantations. Don’t forget a trip to the former French mountain resort of Da Lat in the central highlands.

India

A country which is known for its diversity in culture – which means you have access to even more types of food, architecture, clothing, terrain and whatnot. It is a large and very varied country so it is wise to plan what you want to do on your trip in advance. You can relax on a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala or shop for beautiful blue pottery in the Pink City of Jaipur. If you want to go on a shopping spree then cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi have much to offer.

Bolivia

Another one of the cheapest countries to travel where there’s just so much to see and do is Bolivia. Here is where you can experience South American life with a touch of its Spanish past. Stroll along the Calle Jaén for beautifully preserved colonial buildings with whitewashed facades and ornate grilled balconettes. Lots of museums along the Calle Jaén can help you go back in time. Food and drink here is the best value for money, and the proximity to the Altiplano Mountains so it is cool for most part of the year. If you’re there in February or March, attend the Altiplano Carnival for a UNESCO protected presentation of indigenous and religious Bolivian culture.

Hungary

If you are on a trip to Europe, you just cannot pass through without visiting the historic Hungarian capital, Budapest. From mouthwatering cakes to steaming thermal spas, there’s something for everyone here. If you want to visit the countryside, then head over to Lake Balaton – the biggest lake in central Europe. You can find big resorts in the cities of Siófok and Balatonfüred. If you are a wine connoisseur, then try the locally produced wines from the vineyards that dot Badacsony Hill.

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August 25, 2016April 15, 2020

5 Most Relaxing Holiday Destinations around the World

vacation-relaxation-holidays

If you are planning a relaxing family vacation, your best bet is to steer clear of the usual package-holiday resorts which are packed with people. The best places for a relaxing vacation with your loved ones are the places where you can rent a villa with a pool, enjoy a staycation at an apartment or find decent hotels depending on your budget and preference.

Here is a selection of quiet relaxing locations that offer a lovely place to laze around.

The Seychelles

The Seychelles are what you think of when you think tropical vacation. Miles and miles of soft white sand, crystal clear blue waters and a lush interior that will thrill adventure seekers.

Vancouver, Canada

Chic and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is Canada’s bustling city set amid mountains and situated by the water. So you can enjoy living the city life while being in the midst of nature. The city has the relaxed vibe of US’ west coast. Ensure that you go to the semi-wild Stanley Park, which makes up the city’s verdant core.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands are located at the extreme north of New Zealand, is the best place to get away to after the exciting adventure sports that are available in the country. A nature lover’s paradise- this subtropical group of islands is where you can observe whales, penguins and dolphins, with the major island – Urupukapuka – being far away from civilization and a stronghold of quietude.

Sacred Valley, Peru

Located just north of Cusco, the expanse of the Sacred Valley reaches out to Machu Picchu. If you are a history buff, here is where you will find the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, perched high above the river. Going downriver, you will come to Urubamba, a peace haven for spiritualists to unwind under the snow-laden peaks of the Andes.

Valladolid, Mexico

The Yucatán Is filled with quiet, scenic spots that are ideal for those seeking a relaxing family vacation. But the vibrant town of Valladolid is all about high spirits and great food – panuchos, small tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with pork are a local delicacy. The natural cenote (sinkhole) located along the outskirts is the perfect place to cool off after you have experienced the town.

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August 24, 2016April 15, 2020

3 Safest and Beautiful Destinations for Women Solo Travelers

Solo travel is quite a task in any country across the world. This task becomes all the trickier if you are a woman. Women too, especially young women in their 20s and 30s, want to experience the wide world around them. But safety in travel destinations for women is a paramount concern.

Though we might wish that every place was a safe haven for women, solo travel can be a dangerous undertaking. On the whole, in most places women should be safe if they follow the local customs of dress code and mannerisms. Some, unfortunately, are countries where women Here is a list of the safest travel destinations for women which are female-friendly and perfect for the wandering soul.

Iceland

Whale watching is a thrilling experience where you can see and even touch the whales as they come close to your raft. Experience the dancing aurora or Northern Lights that brighten up the night sky. The Skaftafell Glacier is definitely worth a visit if you are going here and love natural wonders. Visit the National and Saga museums in Reykjavik to trace Iceland’s Viking history as well as the Hallgrimskirkja church with the rotating glass dome.

Denmark

This is home to the world’s oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Amusement Park, Copenhagen. If you want to be a happy girl, Denmark’s second city Aarhus is the place to be because it was recently voted one of the world’s happiest cities. A visit to the majestic Kronborg castle is a must as is the stopover at the idyllic Faroe Islands.

Singapore

One of Southeast Asia’s most modern and vibrant countries, Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, cuisines and architectural styles. Visit the breathtaking Universal Studios with themed zones. For those with a longing for the sea, you will enjoy the oceanarium Underwater World where they can walk through glass tunnels with 250 species of marine animals.

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August 24, 2016April 15, 2020

Top 5 Peaceful Getaways in the Himalayas

ladakh

Travel to the majestic Himalayas means you will be greeted by snow-capped peaks and dense evergreen forests and rushing rivulets. The Himalayas are filled with off-beat places you could visit to spend some quiet time with nature.

Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Leh-Ladakh are a favorite of photographers who love to capture the striking landscapes, beautiful Buddhist monasteries and rugged mountains. These cities are also great for adventure seekers who can indulge in trekking, mountain climbing and mountain biking due to the mountainous terrain. The Suru Valley is known for its natural bounty, with the grand ‘Kun’ and ‘Nun’ peaks.

Malana, Himachal Pradesh

Malana is a quaint village situated along the Parvati Valley near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. Recently discovered by ardent trekkers, this self-contained village is remarkably untouched by outsiders as villagers are wary of letting anyone entering their houses or temples. Tucked away in the recesses of the Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani peaks, this is a wonderfully ‘secret’ getaway if you want to go someplace unique. This tranquil settings can be very relaxing but one will need to live in the guesthouses in the outskirts.

Andretta, Himachal Pradesh

The village of Andretta is situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The picturesque village is located near the Shivalik Hills and magnificent Dhauladhar range of the Indian Himalayas. This town was founded by Norah Richards, an Irish theatre artist in 1920s and is the haunt of artists and art connoisseurs. It is a well-known learning spot for pottery and craft making. The highlights of this pleasant village include ‘Norah Richard’s House’, ‘Shoba Singh Art Gallery’ and ‘Andretta Pottery and Craft Society’.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Another charming village located in the enchanting Parvati Valley near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is Kasol. Popularly known as the ‘Mini Israel of India’, you will see that this place is very popular with Israeli tourists, has several Israeli restaurants and hoardings in Hebrew. This is the place to relax, dabble in trout fishing, take a leisurely stroll along the babbling Parvati River, visit the well-known ‘Manikaran Gurudwara’ or trek to through a forest to nearby Tosh Village or Kheer Ganga.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is one India’s least populated places, located in the heart of the high mountain ranges in North-Eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. This land is a Buddhist haven with many old monasteries and waving prayer flags. Trekkers make it a point to stop at this scenic little valley, which is the access point to popular trekking routes like Pin-Parvati, Pin-Bhaba and Parang-La. Immerse yourself in the local culture with a homestay or explore the beauty of nature at the ‘Pin Valley National Park’ or ‘Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary’. The Spiti River is the perfect spot for thrill seekers who enjoy white water rafting.

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