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I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Start from Mysore, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatna and Sangam
Check in the hotel and head to Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatna, and the Sangam Experience the Birds and wildlife and the majesty of the river Kaveri In the evening, Site seeing of Mysore palace and illumination of the Palace. Rest at the hotel at Mysore in the night
Day 2: Tala Kaveri - Abbey Falls, Kabini Wildlife Park
Head to Tala Kaveri - Abbey Falls (2 h 49 min (122 km) by Road) Cover the beautiful Abbey Falls on the way and head to Tala Kaveri- the birthplace of Kaveri in Kodagu (1 h 29 min (48.9 km)) Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri hill is the origin of the River and there is a tank beside the temple of Goddess Kavery. The Kaveri's origin as per legend is from the Rishi Agastya's Kamandala. In the evening return to Kabini Wildlife Park. (3 h 51 min (167 km) by Road) Night/Evening Safari at National Parks and stay overnight.
Day 3: Morning wildlife safari and head towards Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (2 h 10 min (103 km) by Road. The Reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, Bamboo of the giant variety, valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood, etc,. There are several species of endemic flora. Such a varied habitat is inhabited by a variety of animals which include Tiger, Elephant, Indian Gaur, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Common Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Wild Dog, Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Hyena, among others and more than 260 species of birds. Spend rest of the day at Muthumalai
Day 4: Muthumalai Wildlife Safari and head to Srirangam
Srirangam ((7 h 20 min (344 km)) Overnight) is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirappalli (the heart of Tamil Nadu), India. Stay at Trichy
Day 5: Srirangam, Kollidam and Kallanai
Srirangam is bounded by the Kaveri River on one side, and the Kaveri distributary Kollidam on the other side. Srirangam is home to a significant population of Lord Vishnu devotees. Kallanai (24 min (16.7 km) by road) is an ancient dam, which is built across the Kaveri river in Thanjavur District. Located at a distance of 15 km from Tiruchirappalli, the dam was originally constructed by the Chola king Karikalan in 100 BC – 100 AD. It is the fourth-oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world and the oldest in India which is still in use.
Day 6: Pichavaram Mangrove Drive and return to the destination with optional drop at Pondichery
Pichavaram (3 h 53 min (148.0 km) via NH36). Boat through the canopies of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest. This is the second largest mangrove forest in the world covering about 1100 hectare of area. The mangrove consists of species like Avicennia and Rhizophora. It also supports the existence of rare varieties of economically important shell and finfishes. Pichavaram ranks among the one of the most exquisite scenic spot in Tamil Nadu and home of many species of Aquatic birds. Night : Back to Bangalore (7 h 49 min (413.1 km) via NH 44 )
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Day 1: Morning – Reach Ahmedabad Afternoon – Introduction to Gandhian thoughts with visit to Sabarmati Ashram Followed by quirky Ahmedabad gems – Lock museum And Night Market/ Sabarmati Ashram Riverfront
Day 2: Lothal, Saragwala, Gujarat, India
Day 2: Explore India’s journey over Millennia Morning – Drive to the Lothal Harappan period site and museum (about 80 km and 2 hours away) Afternoon – Visit the Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Centre on the way back Evening – Akshradham temple show/Heritage Night walks of Ahmedabad
Day 3: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Day 3: Explore Ahmedabad Starting with the famous Pols, explore old and new Ahmedabad coupled with a visit to the Calico Museum of Textiles
Day 4: Patan, Gujarat, India
Day 4: Gems of Gujarat Morning – Drive to Modhera Sun Temple heritage site (about 90 km and 2 hours away) Morning – Drive on to the Rani ki Vav heritage site (about 36 km and 1 hour away) Afternoon – Before driving back visit the Patan Patola Heritage museum to know about the unique fabrics Afternoon/Evening – Drop in to the Dandi Kutir on the way back to Ahmedabad
Day 5: Statue Of Unity, Gujarat, India
Day 5: Modern marvel Morning – Drive to the Statue of Unity (210 km and 3.50 hours away) Afternoon – Trail ends at Vadodara (90km and 2 hours away)
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Pune --> Guhawati --> Shillong
Reach Guhawati from your town, hire a car (for 8 days) and reach Shillong by evening. Night stay at Shillong
Day 2: Cherrapunji Mawsynram Reserve Forest
Leave for Cherrapunji-Mawsynram reserve forest, book a stay at one of the resorts/hotels in the jungle. Check-in, rest and post lunch explore the forest area for living root bridges, caves and waterfalls. Night stay.
Day 3: Cherrapunji Mawsynram Reserve Forest
Explore the forest area for living root bridges, caves and waterfalls. Some of the points that can be covered on Day 2 and Day 3 are: - Mawsmai Caves - Seven sisters waterfall - Nohkalikai Falls - Rainbow Falls - Double Decker living root bridge All of this can be covered either by car (if possible or hike to these places) The visit to these places will tell you why it is the wettest place on earth. Rest well. Night stay at the same hotel/resort.
Day 4: Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India
Leave for a village that is rewarded as the cleanest village of Asia. What a sight it would be to visit this village. Book a homestay. Get involved with the locals and realize how a day passes by for these villagers. See for yourself what extra efforts are taken to keep the village clean. Eat and do what locals do. Rest well after some informative day. Optional: Visit Balancing rock of Mawlynnong and witness the beauty of nature
Day 5: Night Camping at Dawki River
Boats in dawki river look as if they are floating, which means the river water is crystal clear. enjoy the water activities like boating, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, swimming around this river. Go boating to the Bangladesh and India border. There are many camping sites around the river. Rent a tent and spend the night around this river. Rest well after a water filled day.
Day 6: Shillong
Leave for Shillong. Day 6 and 7 will be dedicated to the sightseeing around Shillong. Visit the scenic area of Umiam lake. Take a stroll and enjoy nature. Night stay at a hotel in Shillong
Day 7: Shillong
Visit Ever living museum and Lewdud Bazaar. This bazaar is set up everyday from morn to dusk from Monday to Saturday. It is an animated bazaar and you will see all kinds of edible animals for display. Also the tribes from around get their fresh produce for sell. Night stay at a hotel in Shillong
Day 8: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Leave for Guhawati, drop the car back and catch a flight back to hometown after a roller coaster ride in Meghalaya.
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Srinagar – Naranag
(Route: Srinagar - Naranag (3 - 4 hours drive). Distance - 47 Km) Naranag is famous for its natural beauty . There will be an overnight stay.
Day 2: Naranag - Gangabal Lake
(Route: Naranag - Budsheri Top - Trunkhol Huts - Nundkol Lake ( 6- 8 hours trek). Distance - 15 Km.) In early morning the trekking route will starts from Naranag towards Budhsheri , this route starts from the main market of Naranag and to get up to top of Budhsheri, this route leads through pine trees and as you go higher the Dumail and Shadimarg could be seen. It will take 2 to 3 hours to reach top of Budhsheri. It will take more 2 hours to reach Trundkhol Forest Huts. It will take 2-3 hours at the most to reach Nundkhol Lake.
Day 3: Gangabal Lake and Nundkol lake
(Rest Day) On the 3 day of trek explore two Great Lakes. It’s an amazing time for anyone to explore the beauty of Twin Lakes which are the main water source of Wanganth River. This day will be full of nature photography and videograpy.
Day 4: Gangabal Lake to Satsar Lakes
(Route: Gangabal - Judgeball bari - Mangun Dub - Satsar Lake. Trek duration: 5 - 7 hours trek. Distance - 10 Kms.) The next day will starts from Ganagabal lake. The group has to go for an accent trek for 1 hour. The trekking trail moves from the top of Judgeball for next 1 hour. A U shaped valley having green steep slopes will start right after the end of Judgeball, this valley is named as Mangun Dub. Following the trail through the center of Mangun dub will be entering in another valley named as Satsar. Done for the day.
Day 5: Satsar Lake to Gadsar Lake
(Route: Satsar Lake - Dubta Pani - Gadsar Lake Trek duration: 6 - 7 hours (1 hour accent trek.) Distance - 12 Km) On the 5th day of trek will start from Valley of Satsar lake to another destination named as Gadsar Lake at an altitude of 12000 feet above the sea level for 3 hours and while getting through a ridge we could see mind-blowing views. An accent trek of an hour will take you to route connecting Satsar Lake to Gadsar Lake.
Day 6: Gadsar lake to Vishansar Lake
(Route: Gadsar Lake - Gadsar Bari Top - Krishansar Lake - Vishansar Lake. Trek duration: 5 - 6 Hours. (Steep Uphill for 2 hours) Distance - 10 Km.) The Day will start from the Gadsar Lake heading towards the Gadsar Lake Meadow and Vishansar Lake. There is 1 hour of normal walk through Gadsar Meadow. Then, After 2 hours of normal trek, we need to get to the Gadsar Bari Top. It will take 2 hours to get over the ridge. Vishansar and Krishansar Lake, situated in the lap of highly elevated rocky mountain peaks.The most magnificent scene of the whole trekking trail.
Day 7: Vishansar Lake to Nichnai
(Route: Vishansar Lake - Vishansar Lake Meadow - Nichnai pass (Bari) - Nichnai Meadow (Campsite). Trek duration: 6 - 8 Hours. (Steep Uphill for 2 hours ). Distance - 13 Km.) Today, the route will lead us to second highest pass of the whole trekking trail, which is named as “Nichnai Pass” Approx. elevation 3,660 m (12,000 ft). The trekking route is easy to follow and is the almost normal walk for 2 hours. The trail, after 2 hours of up steep, will get over the pass and it gives a magnificent view of Himalayan Mountain Ranges and The Thajwas Glacier which is fed by snow throughtout the year.
Day 8: Nichnai to Sonamarg via Shekdur
(Route: Nichnai Valley - Bruzawas - Shokhedur - Gagangir Sonamarg (Campsite). Trek duration: 6 - 7 Hours. (Steep Up ascent for 1 hour). Distance - 9.5 Km.) On the last day the trek from Nichnai Valley to Shekdur is an epic adventure of its own, the trail will take us through the mountains covered with blue pine, cedar and spruce in the successive low altitude zones, following the trail towards Shekdur and going parallel to the flowing stream at the end, up ascend trek for 1hr leading to Birch and next to Shekdur. The last hour of down ascends trek will take us to Sonamarg
Day 9: Sonamarg
After an adventurous trek of 8 days its the time for a rest day.
Day 10: Sonamarg to Srinagar Airport
Au revoir
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Srinagar
Sight seeing, making art (Painting),visiting local artisans
Day 2: Kargil
Pass Zojila pass to reach Kargil pay regards to the war memorial.. see the valley. .Paint some more.. feel the local culture ,Photography
Day 3: Lamayuru
Experience the Peace.. Photography, Painting
Day 4: Leh
Walk around to feel the Ladakhi way of life.. Photography
Day 5: Siachen Road
Visit Nubra Valley on the way to say hello to double humped camels.
Day 6: Turtuk
Visit the "village of beautiful people" to interact with them. Photography, Painting the beautiful surroundings.
Day 7: Pangong Lake Road, Karu
Breathtakingly beauty of this endless lake. . Painting.. photography
Day 8: Hemis
Monastery visit.. offering prayer. Spend the day with monks.
Day 9: Keylong, Himachal Pradesh, India
Walk around and feel the freshness of nature.. river and simple natured people..
Day 10: Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, India
Visit IRMT.. the place chosen by great painter/philosopher/writer Nicholas Roerich.. his house,museum,Art gallery and Lab.
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Day 1 Chennai- Visit the famous Marina beach -the longest in India. Have sumptuous south Indian tiffin in Chennai and then drive towards Mahabalipuram to see ancient Indian sculptures by the roadside.
Day 2: Puducherry, India
Day 2 Puducherry- Drive to Puducherry. The union territory is lined with impressive French architecture as you taken in the sea breeze. Visit the Auroville ashram and the Mothers abode in Puducherry. Relax on the beach front.
Day 3: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
Day 3 Thanjavur – Drive on to Thanjavur 160 km away to one of the largest Shiva temples in South India, the Bhrihadeeshwara, also the royal palace of Sarfoji and his excellent library and the magnificent watch tower are worth a visit.
Day 4: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India
Day 4 Rameshwaram - The Lord of the universe resides here at the Rameshwaram Shiva temple. A geometric marvel if one looks at the massive pillars in the main temple hall. The drive about 50 kms to Dhanushkodi from where Sri Lanka is about 30 kms by sea. The drive is unlike anything you will eever see with sea on both sides and the just the road in between.
Day 5: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Day 5 Chettinad – Explore the heritage houses and try the unique Chettinad cuisine before winding up at Madurai.
Day 6: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Day 6 Madurai - Madurai Meenakshi temple is so massive that one can barely describe the feeling when one enters the hall of the Rajamatangi. Then drive to Srirangam to see the Lord Vishnu in his full glory. Also when in Madurai don’t forget to have the unbelievable Murugan Idlis at the original Murugan Idli House. Definitely not worth missing. Trail ends here.
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati, travel to Cherrapunjee
I would like to visit the Kamakhya Temple and then proceed to Cherrapunji
Day 2: Visit various places in Cherrapunji
Visit the waterfalls: Noh-Kalikai, Dain-Thlen, and Kynrem. Spend time at the Root bridges. Also, visit Mawsmai Cave
Day 3: From Cherrapunji, go to Krang Suri Waterfall and then proceed to Schnong Pdeng
A swim in the Krang Suri Waterfall, perhaps partake some of the adventure activities at Schnong Pdeng like Scuba Diving and cliff diving. And finally camp at Schnong Pdeng
Day 4: Proceed to Shillong
From Schnong Pdeng, I could visit Dawki. From Dawki a quick visit to the cleanest Village in India, Mawlynnong (It was declared the cleanest village in Asia in 2003!). From here, I would proceed to Shillong
Day 5: Nameri
A quick visit to Umiam (An artificial Lake) and go to the Nameri National Park.
Day 6: Nameri and Dirang
Visit the Nameri and Dirang Monasteries. Visit the hot water spring in Dirang and also the Sangti valley if possible.
Day 7: Dirang to Tezpur
If the Sangti valley could not be covered on Day 6, try to make it to Sangti valley and then travel to Tezpur. If time allows, visit the tea garden in Tezpur
Day 8: Travel to Majuli
Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra river, Assam. Spend time on the island
Day 9: Majuli to Kaziranga
One of the safari trails if time permits
Day 10: Kaziranga Safari in the morning and then proceed to Guwahati
Return home from Guwahati
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Namchi, Sikkim, India
We start in Darjeeling the previous day, before driving over to Namchi where we will be based for today. Today is the first wildlife highlight of the trip: Maenam Wildlife sanctuary. There is a great diversity of bird life, and some species unique to the region like the Darjeeling Pied Woodpecker and the Blue-fronted redstart can be seen. Rare medicinal herbs from the local area can also be found there! Views from the top of Maenam Hill are also stunning, and you might spot a Red Panda!
Day 2: Ravangla, Sikkim, India
We have a short birding trip in the morning, after which we head over to our next stop - Ravangla. There, we continue hiking and trekking in the local region, and visit monasteries and local Lepcha villages. The hot springs are a highlight too!
Day 3: Lachen, Sikkim, India
We transfer to Lachen starting in the morning, and aim to reach by lunchtime. This is one of the northernmost places we visit on the trip, and the first time we get to visit Khangchendzonga National Park - try to spot some of the larger animals like the serow, Himalayan tahr, and maybe even a snow leopard, red panda, or bear! Driving over the the Gurudongmar lake from Lachen also has some great views.
Day 4: Lachen, Sikkim, India
We spend the morning in Lachen, and explore the national park further. We then head to Yumthang, the valley of flowers in the afternoon, which is a two hour drive.
Day 5: Yumthang, Sikkim, India
We spend the day in the stunning valley of flowers and the rhododendron sanctuary, appreciating the stunning scenery.
Day 6: Ravangla, Sikkim, India
We return to Ravangla today, and spend the day relaxing, and maybe visiting some more of the cultural and historical landmarks of the area. In the evening, we transfer to Yuksom.
Day 7: Yuksom, Sikkim, India
We are now on the western side of Khangchengdzonga National Park, and can go on a number of hiking trails - this might be a great opportunity to spend some time camping in the forest. The trek to Dzongri hill is a great opportunity available here - this would be 8 hours of trekking today, going to Tsokha.
Day 8: Tshoka, Sikkim, India
Tshoka to Dzongri - we would continue the hike, and this may warrant an extra day here to account for altitude acclimatization (details to be confirmed).
Day 9: Dzongri, Sikkim, India
We get to Dzongri peak today, which gives some stunning views of Kanchenjunga, and then return to Tshoka.
Day 10: Yuksom, Sikkim, India
We return to Yuksom today, and then drive to Darjeeling - the culmination of a great passion trail in the Himalayas!
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Forts of Delhi
Visit UNESCO world heritage site Red fort and Purana Qila
Day 2: Bikaneer and Junagarh fort
Visit Junagarh fort and other gems of Bikaneer
Day 3: Jaisalmeer Fort
Visit Jaisalmeer fort , Bada Bagh and Gadisar Lake
Day 4: Mehrangarh fort
Travel to Blue city of Jodhpur and visit Mehrangarh fort
Day 5: Kumbalgarh fort
Visit Kumbalgarh fort , the second largest continuous walled structure ( after great wall of China ). On the way back , visit Jain temples of Ranakpur known for their exquisite architecture
Day 6: Chittorgarh fort
Visit Chittorgarh fort in the town of present day Chittor , previously capital of Mewar
Day 7: Amer , Nahargarh and Jaigarh fort
Visit forts of Jaipur
Day 8: Gwalior Fort
Visit Gwalior fort and Jaivilas palace
Day 9: Jhansi & orchaa
Visit historic city of Jhansi , its fort and follow to Orccha and its fort
Day 10: Agra fort
Back to Delhi , . Visit Agra fort on the way back
I have worked a little on the itinerary of my Dream Trail. Here's how it goes:
Day 1: Kudremukh, Karnataka, India
We start in Kudremukh, which provides us the unique opportunity to explore the Shola ecosystem, or montane grasslands. Exploring the valley forests also gives us the unique opportunity of looking for rare orchids and plants, as well as birdlife and the lion-tailed macaque.
Day 2: Kudremukh, Karnataka, India
Continue exploring Kudremukh.
Day 3: Agumbe, Karnataka, India
Agumbe is famous for the King Cobra, as well as its high-quality rainforests. We continue trekking here, and try to spot and photograph some of the rare birdlife and wildlife, including Hornbills, Trogons, Dhole, Tigers, Sloth Bear, etc.
Day 4: Agumbe, Karnataka, India
We continue exploring Agumbe - a visit to the local Krishna temple, which is very historic, or the nearby town of Sringeri is also possible to explore to heritage of the area.
Day 5: Kollur, Karnataka, India
We now go to Kollur, which is adjacent to the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. Once again, we go trekking in the hills, and can also visit the Kolllur Mookambika temple if interested in the local cultural heritage.
Day 6: Kollur, Karnataka, India
We continue exploring Kollur.
Day 7: Dandeli, Karnataka, India
Dandeli is one of Karnataka's premier wildlife destinations, and a great way to end our trip. We can continue our search for the tiger here, but can also see Elephants. The black panther, rare elsewhere, is also seen here sometimes - Dandeli is a a wildlife photographer's delight!
Day 8: Dandeli, Karnataka, India
We continue in Dandeli - however, the opportunity for water sports is also there, and one can go rafting on the river Kali if so desired. All in all, that ties up a week and a bit of wildlife exploration, culture, and photography - a great way to explore Karnataka's rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage!