There is a common perception that one must not travel during the monsoon season. Agreed. We all know that the slippery roads and landslides do make some of these locations inaccessible. So, what do mountain lovers do in these times? Well not all hill stations become inaccessible during this season. Instead, there are places where the rains bring out the best in them. Knowing this fact, here’s a list of hill stations in India, where you can travel in this monsoon.
Yelagiri
Yelagiri formally known as Vellore Yelagiri is a hill station in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. It stands majestically amidst four mountains at an altitude of over 900 metres above sea level surrounded by orchards, rose-gardens, and green valleys. Mostly inhabited by tribals, the destination exhibits their unique customs and habits. A haven for trekkers, Yelagiri is also a refuge for lovers of adventure sports such as paragliding and rock climbing.
Horsley Hills
It is a series of hills in Andhra Pradesh in Madanapalle taluka of Chittoor district. Horsely Hills is one of the least explored hill stations near Bengaluru. Named after the British Collector, WD Horsley, who built his home there in pre-Independence India, this tiny hill station is an oasis in greenery in an otherwise dry and barren area.Amboli Hills
Amboli which lies in the Sahayadri hills of Maharashtra, at an altitude of 690m is the last hill station before the coastal highlands. Declared as one of the world’s “Eco Hot-Spots” it abounds in unusual flora and fauna. A haven among the clouds, one must visit the Amboli waterfalls and experience the panoramic view of the valley from Shirgaonkar point. If you are in Amboli then the Kavleshet point is a must visit where you can witness reverse waterfall as water is dragged upwards due to the force of wind beneath the valley.
Ananthagiri Hills
Most Hyderabadis know the place very well as it’s a favourite amongst trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. While you’re there, check out the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple if you enjoy being around heritage buildings, or trek to the nearby Nagasamudram Lake, which offers stunning views during monsoon.
Chikaldhara
Chikaldhara is the only hill station in Maharashtra abundant with wildlife like panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and wild dogs. Situated at an altitude of above 1000m, it is the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra. Apart from copious wildlife, Chikhaldara has deep valleys, breath-taking waterfalls and a placid lake which makes this hill station an excellent getaway in the rainy season.Agumbe
Often called the Cherrapunji of south India, Agumbe in Karnataka is best known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Agumbe is considered as one of the best monsoon trekking destinations. The trekkers love this place for its verdant charms and the spectacular view that they can get of the Arabian sea from one of the highest points of the trail. Known to be home to many rare medical plants, it boasts rich biodiversity. If you would like to know more about this place, you could visit some of the heritage spots, ruins of ancient temples dating back to Hoysala Empire. Besides all this, Agumbe also triggers nostalgia for many, as it once served as a setting for the famous television series which was an adaptation of the book Malgudi days.Wayanad
Wayanad in Kerela is undoubtedly one of the most picture-perfect monsoon destinations in India. The slopes of Wayanad are carpeted with lush greenery and it is a soothing sight for city dwellers. While it is famous for its luscious tea gardens, trekking up to the Chembra Peak can promise you with stunning panoramic views of the place. And if you would like to go to a beach too, you can drive to Kozhikode, which is just 76 km away.Pahalgam
Set in heart of Anantnag district of the picturesque Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam is a popular hill station located at a height of 7200ft. Situated at the confluence of streams flowing from Sheshnag lake and the Lidder river, one can get stunning views you can get. Much famed for its postcard like vistas, Pahalgam is indeed one of the most beautiful places to visit during this season.Kausani
Often described as ‘The Switzerland of India, Kausani is a quaint village, nestled under dark green hills of Uttarakhand. It is a popular destination for back packers and a dreamland for writers. Kausani offers a striking panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan range peaks such as Trishul, Nanda devi and the mighty Panchachuli peaks. Other attractions near Kausani are Rudradhari waterfall, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery and Anashakti Ashram.Shillong
Snuggled among the clouds, Shillong in Meghalaya is listed top among the best places to visit in India during monsoon. Known for its captivating beauty, the hill town looks even more beautiful during the monsoon. If you like to walk in the clouds and feel the mist on your face, a trip to this place is a must. Other places of interest are the Elephant Falls and the Spread-Eagle Falls. Both waterfalls fed by rains make for a remarkable sight. The calmness and the beauty of the town relaxes your senses and the delectable local cuisine sets the pace for a pleasant holiday.Is your flight delayed or cancelled?
Here are some tips to plan ahead and stay composed in such situations.
It is that time of the year when you look forward to celebrating the winter holidays with your loved ones. If you are a meticulous planner, you are likely to have spent days or even weeks to plan every step of your vacation. However, despite your exhaustive checklist, all that might be required to derail your travel plans, would be one unexpected delay or cancellation of a flight. This is no reason though for you to go into panic mode. Just a few precautions, knowledge of your air travel rights and being prepared with a few insider tricks, can help you stay composed in such anxiety-inducing situations.
Know your air travel rights
If your flight is delayed by more than two hours and less than 12 hours, then you are entitled to meals and refreshment at the airport according to regulations laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). If your flight is delayed by over 12 hours, you are entitled to hotel accommodation along with transfers. In case your flight is cancelled, your carrier is bound to provide you a seat on the next available flight on that airline or give you a refund. You must know that the airline is under no obligation to compensate, if the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances such as natural disaster, civil war, political instability etc.
Stay proactive
In times of crisis, the gate agents and the airport staff are inundated with hundreds of requests while pacifying irate passengers, so it may be easier to call the airline’s customer service to get yourself rebooked on the next flight.
Download the right apps
You never know when you are likely to be faced with a situation when your flight is delayed or worse, cancelled. To keep yourself updated at all times, you can download apps such as FlightAware, Flight Board, GateGuru etc which will give you real time information on the status of your flights.
Overseas travel
Different rules apply for different airlines. If you are planning to travel to Europe you should familiarise yourself with the regulations applicable there. Usually if your flight is delayed for more than three hours in Europe, you may be entitled to compensation (anywhere from 50 to 600 euros) based on a few factors, including your flight distance and length of delay.
Invest in travel insurance
The best way to prepare for travel-related emergencies is to invest in a travel insurance policy. A typical travel insurance plan may cover losses stemming from medical bills, curtailment or cancellation of a flight, loss of personal belongings or baggage, and emergency evacuation. If travellers need coverage for other type of emergencies, additional coverage options are available and can be added to the standard travel insurance plan.
Hold on your documents
When you arrive at your final destination, make sure that you keep your boarding pass and other travel documents. Many airlines or insurance companies may reject a legitimate claim, if you do not have the relevant documents. You may be able to recover your expenses caused by flight delays, including missed reservation, for your hotel or car rentals, if you keep your original receipts and documents in place.
Trying to Pack too much?
Trying to pack too much? Ten genius space saving tips to pack your suitcase
A business trip or a family holiday, travel by train or air, domestic or international, if there are two elements that are common, they are the excitement of a journey, and the stress of packing your bags.With airlines being stricter with their baggage policy, you may get to check in one bag or maximum two depending upon the destination and airline. Similarly, if you are travelling by train, the prospect of lugging or pulling your bags from one platform to another, over long and high bridges, to your compartment and berth is daunting even for the strongest, hardened passenger. Therefore, a primary requirement ahead of every trip is to ensure that you travel light and smart and try and fit everything you need for your trip into one bag, so that it does not exceed weight limitations, and is easy for you to carry yourself. A piece of cake? Yes, absolutely, especially if you follow these simple but effective tips below:
1)Organise your Jewellery
We usually pack all our jewellery in a pouch and stuff it in our bag, and then when you open the bag you realise that it is all tangled. To avoid such a situation, place your jewellery sets between sheets of plastic wrap, this will restrict their movement. For dainty chains, string the ends through straw to prevent them from tangling. To pack your earrings, organise them in a pill case compartment or in an old lip balm container. If you are packing really small studs, then fasten them through buttonholes.
2)Crease proof clothes
When you are packing clothes that wrinkle easily, lay them flat inside a plastic dry-cleaning bag, and then fold as normal. The plastic will prevent creases from setting in.
3)Roll your clothes
For saving space, roll your clothes instead of folding them. You will be surprised by how much more you can fit this way.
4)Cover Shoes
Keep the dirty soles of your shoe away from your clothes by sticking them inside a shower cap.
5)Utilise empty spaces
Stuff socks inside one shoe, so that it is easy for you to find them and it also saves space. The other shoe could be used to stuff bath products that won’t burst inside, such as shampoo bottle or shower gel.
6)Packing breakables
To protect your favourite perfume bottle from breaking, slip it into thick socks.
7)Hairpins in a box
Sometimes searching for hairpins in a big purse is like searching for a needle in a hay stack. Store the hairpins and clips in an old tic tac container for easy access.
8)Avoid Bulky bottles
Instead of packing big bulky bottles of lotion, for a quick weekend trip, just pour a little bit of the product into a clean contact case or small air tight container.
9)Packing liquids
To prevent liquid products from bursting and ruining everything else inside your bag, cut a small square of plastic wrap, unscrew the product’s lid, set the plastic wrap on top and secure it with a rubber band, then screw the lid back on. This way even if the lid pops open, no product can spill out.
10)Cap for your razor
If your razor doesn’t have a protective cap or the cap has broken, use a large binder clip to cover the sharp blades.
9 Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to bid farewell to the past and welcome the future with joy, hope, and adventure. From fireworks to electrifying parties, the world offers an array of destinations where you can make your year-end celebrations unforgettable.
A Comprehensive Guide to Monsoon Travel
The monsoon season, with its lush greenery and refreshing rains, offers an enchanting and challenging travel experience. With the proper preparation and mindset, travelling in the monsoon can be a delightful adventure. This guide provides essential tips and insights to ensure your monsoon trip is safe, enjoyable, and memorable. From packing the right gear to choosing the best destinations, we cover everything you need to know about monsoon travel.
Tips for Travelling During MonsoonPacking the right items can significantly impact your monsoon travel experience. Here are some essentials to include in your luggage:
Also Read: Benefits of Travel Insurance
Health and Safety Tips for Monsoon TravelMaintaining health and safety during your monsoon trip is paramount. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Monsoon travel can be a magical experience if approached with the proper preparation and mindset. Following these tips and packing the necessary items can ensure a safe and enjoyable monsoon trip. Remember to check the weather, avoid risky activities, and prioritise your health and safety. With the best travel insurance in India, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are covered for any unexpected situations. Embrace the beauty of the rainy season and explore the best destinations for a memorable monsoon adventure.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.