About Hirapur and the temple:

Supposedly, there are six Chausath Yogini temples in India. Two of them are situated in Odisha, three in Madhya Pradesh, and one in Jirapur. The temple at Jirapur in Madhya Pradesh is functional but in a state of ruin. Hirapur is situated in the state’s rural parts, away from modernization, commercialization, and where you can see acres and acres of rice fields. The Chausath Yogini temple was constructed in the 9^th century. Locals come here, worshipping and seeking the blessing of the main deity daily. It’s been a long, the temple wasn’t a tourist attraction, but now it came into the limelight in today’s time. It was discovered in 1953 by the Kedarnath Mahapatra of Odisha State Museum and under India’s Archaeological Survey. It is open to tourists and visitors.

History and Architecture of the temple:

As per the experts, Queen Hiradevi of the Bhauma dynasty builds the temple. As the stories say, the name of the village and the temple come from her character. The very first thing that you will notice about this enticing temple is its architecture. It is not like any of the temples that you may have seen across the country. This small circular-shaped temple uses sandstone, and the primary deities shine in black granite. The temple is neither too massive nor too small. In the front, there is a platform, also known as Surya Pitha or Sun platform. This is for those who come to worship the sun. As the entry is a bit low and narrow, it is a must to enter by going as low as possible. At a time, only one person can enter the temple. At the entrance, one can see intricately carved sculptors of Kaal and Vikaal. Want to know the best thing and beauty of the temple? When you go inside, the entire sky is open to see as the walls are not high. It not only makes one feel at peace and relaxation but also warm. The look is surreal and serene. The Yoginis drew around stand out, as they are stunningly arranged. Each Yogini has a different posture that one can realize after a time. The Yogini figurines are delicately carved stunning sculptures, a perfect thing of beauty and charm, with magnificent hairstyles and animals acting as their pedestals. When you look at them, there is something tranquil and soothing, like channelizing and transferring their energies into the looker. During Navratri time, these are all dolled and dressed up, and special rituals are performed.

When you exit the Chausath Yogini temple, there is a Shiva temple. It is also known as Sankateshwar. It is painted in all white, standing elegantly. There is a Nandi sculpture, too, and is covered in a shiny, vibrant-colored scarf. Another fascinating aspect is the idol of Lord Krishna kept under a shady tree.

The Grandeur of Hirapur Chausath Yogini Temple:

The Chausath Yogini Mahotsava is the best time to feel the grandeur and enjoy the most at the temple. It usually takes place every year between 23^rd to 25^th of December. During this Mahotsava, the temple becomes alive with lights, and music, and folk dances by the locals right outside. It is a grand event, and visitors come from all corners to watch the festival’s brilliance and grandiosity. A few quick tips related to visiting the Yogini temple are as follows:

1. It opens at 6 in the morning and closes by 7 in the evening.
2. Do attend the evening aarti if possible before the temple closes.
3. The temple is near the Bhubaneswar railway station and airport, and it is possible to visit in a day from the city.
4. Try to come either early morning or evening, as afternoons are generally hot.
5. There is no entrance fee here.
6. If you feel like, you can donate anything you wish in the donation box.

Undeniably, the Chausath Yogini temple in Hirapur, Bhubaneswar, is one such rare sight that must get more appreciation and recognition. It has magnificent folklore and vibrant, colorful history. The Yogini temple is more like a revelation in India’s history, and when more people visit, it will start blooming. There are many other Bhubaneswar sightseeing spots, and when you visit, you can accordingly plan to check out. Contact Best Choice Holiday, a reliable Odisha travel agency, to customize your itinerary at the best quotes. Happy holidaying, and do not forget to visit the enticing Chausath Yogini Temple in Hirapur!

The post Eccentric Tourist Places in Odisha- Chausath Yogini Temple first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.

In Odisha, there are special extended weekend packages that you can opt for depending on the interest and preference. Aside from Odisha, people can opt for many other destinations, including Kokan, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Khandala, Shimla, Kullu Manali, Assam, Kerala, Goa, and a lot more. From Odisha, you can plan the outstation tour to West Bengal, Goa, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Dwarka, Somnath, Kerala, Munnar, Vishakhapatnam, etc. First of all, I want to share with you all of these long weekends month-wise that will fall this year so that you can plan your trip at its earliest and with well-thoughtful planning. If yes, do go through the following and know of the dates and times you can plan to take off and enjoy the vacations.

1. January – Taking on off on the 1^st Friday will give you a scope to travel and make memories. It is already gone. So, you can think of taking an off on the 15^th Friday this month, as it will be a holiday for Makar Sankranti, or on 25^th Monday, so that you can get four days as 26^th is Republic day.
2. February – Taking an off on Monday, 15^th this month will allow you to enjoy four days in line, as 16^th would be a holiday for Vasant Panchami.
3. March – Taking an off on 12^th Friday will give you a long weekend of four days, as the 11^th would be a holiday for Maha Shivratri. Holi is on 29^th Monday this month, so if you are not a guy who enjoys this festival, then three days long weekend is available to enjoy.
4. April – Take an off on 2^nd this month, Friday as it will be off due to Good Friday, and merging it with one or two more holidays, you can enjoy a long weekend of 4-5 days.
5. May – The 13^th of this month is Eid-ul-Fitr, and taking an off on the next day, Friday, will give you a chance to enjoy a long weekend of 4 days.
6. June – There is no long weekend falling in this month.  
7. July – The 12^th of this month will be Rath Yatra, Monday, and a perfect chance to enjoy the sacred city of Puri, Odisha, with full enthusiasm, and devotion. The 20^th is Bakra Eid, and taking an off on the 19^th, Monday will give four days to enjoy and travel.
8. August – The 30^th of this month, Monday is Janmashtami, and a three-day long weekend is there.
9. September – The 10^th, Friday is Ganesh Chaturthi and gives a scope of three days to travel.
10. October – The 15^th Friday is Dusshera, and a three-day weekend is falling for all the travel enthusiasts to enjoy.
11. November – The 19^th of this month, Friday is Guru Nanak Jayanti, and it is an excellent time to travel.
12. December – 25^th, Christmas is on Saturday, so taking an off on Friday or Monday, or both, will give you some time to enjoy and take a tour with your loved ones.

So, is your planner out already? Have you started marking the dates for a perfect escapade this year? I can feel everybody is excited to travel and be away from that mundane routine for some time. In Odisha, the weekend getaway packages can be as following, depending on travelers’ interests and passion.

1. The wildlife tour package – It is an intriguing tour package for all wildlife lovers and a perfect opportunity for all those who love jungle safaris, tiger reserves, bird sanctuary, etc. It will cover a visit to Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Nandankanan Zoo, Bhitarkanika Sanctuary, Similipal National Park, and local sightseeing.
2. The Golden Triangle tour package – It covers a visit to Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri and is one of the preferable tours among tourists.
3. Honeymoon tour package – It is perfect for youth and those looking for some quiet time to spend with special ones. It will cover a visit to Gopalpur on the sea, honeymoon island, Chilika, and Puri.  
4. Pilgrimage tour package – It is perfect for those who want to visit ancient monuments and spots for more than 2000 years. It will cover the visit to Bhubaneswar, Konark, Puri, and Biraja temple in Jajpur.
5. Tribal tour package – Odisha is known to be the homeland of over 62 tribes. The tour will cover visiting these different tribal villages, interaction with the tribal people, getting awareness of their traditions and cultures, etc. The visit will be to Rayagada, Jeypore, Baliguda, Bhubaneswar, and Puri.
6. Buddhist tour package – The tour will cover a visit to Dhauli hills, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri caves, Buddhist monasteries, and artifacts.
7. Student tour package – It is perfect for students looking to know about the history of the state. The package will cover a visit to Puri, Chilika, and Bhubaneswar.
8. Spiritual tour package – The tour will cover a visit to Puri, Bhubaneswar, and all the ancient spots that will help evolve spiritually and bloom in personal and professional life.
9. Senior Citizen tour package – The tour is specially designed to cover a visit to Bhubaneswar sightseeing, Chilika lake, Raghurajpur village, Puri, and Dhauli hills.
10. Family tour package – It is a specially designed tour package for the entire family to visit Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, and Chilika lake.

Aside from Odisha, Best Choice Holiday tours arrange outstation tours from Odisha to different destinations, involving West Bengal, Shimla, Goa, Kerala, and a lot more to describe and imagine. These places are awesome, and anyone can take a tour of them anytime throughout the year. Do not think much! Just plan a trip, contact a good Odisha tour operator, make the preferable destination’s bookings, and be all ready for the memorable vacation that you have been waiting for long. The destinations mentioned above are none but evergreen sites and will rejuvenate you from all the chaos that is going around these days and keep you all sane. What an indescribable feeling! Isn’t it! Enjoy the long weekends and plan to go for a weekend getaway this time and spend an eventful time remembered forever! Feel free to contact Best Choice Holiday tours anytime to make the bookings, arrangements for staying, and make your travel a memorable one!

The post Long Weekends for Perfect Escapade in Odisha in 2021 first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.

In today’s hectic living style, no one has enough time to plan their trips every month or very frequently. Undoubtedly, the demand for weekend getaways is increasing as it helps travellers to manage both personal and professional lives. If you are one of those who love greenery, scenery, forests, jungles, wildlife, animals, birds, and nature plan a trip this time to a bird sanctuary or a national park to enjoy and feel that off-beaten experience. What about Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary and national park this time? Do you want to plan and opt for Bhitarkanika tour package from your city? Be it any place, Best Choice Holiday tours Odisha can make the arrangements as per the preference of visitors in the most efficient way and within their budget. And Bhitarkanika is among one of those lesser-known spots to unleash the true essence of an unexplored destination. The travelling is possible in this pandemic either via flight or via the road network. Whether you are visiting from Delhi, Mumbai, Vizag, or any other city across the country, a right travel agency like Best Choice Holiday can make the trip memorable. Bhitarkanika is one of the cheap tour packages in Odisha, a homeland of endangered saltwater crocodiles, and blessed with a mangrove ecosystem offering so much for the travel aficionados to explore the natural charm and splendour.

The biodiversity in Bhitarkanika National Park:

Bhitarkanika is an excellent choice for a travel enthusiast to enjoy and experience the wilderness. It is situated in the North-East Kendrapara district of Odisha, guarded by the Brahmani river on one end and Bay of Bengal on the other. The nearest cities are Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The advisable way of travelling and making moments with the loved ones is to hire a taxi service or car rental and travel around. The biodiversity found in the sanctuary includes not only saltwater crocodiles, but also white crocodile, Indian python, snakes, monitor lizards, etc. The plenty of water availability makes the site avifauna and a must-visit place in a lifetime. If you wish to watch the migratory birds, do make sure to visit the sanctuary during winters. A few of other animals to spot during your tour to Bhitarkanika are spotted deer, wolves, jungle cats, chitals, rhesus monkeys, hyenas, wild boars, sambar deer, olive ridley turtles, etc.

Places to Stay:

Even if you are planning to opt for a Bhitarkanika tour package from your city for a day or more, it is advisable to always stay in comfortable accommodation. Feel free to contact Best Choice Holiday tours Odisha for the same, as the options are many such as staying in a deluxe tent, or cottage amidst beauty and nature. Also, the agency can help in arranging car rentals, flights booking, guides, and whatever that makes your stay memorable and cherishing. If you are planning for the tour, visit this time from December to March as the weather is pleasant and enjoyable to the most.

Activities to Engage:

Being a wildlife sanctuary and national park, you will relish an unforgettable experience of spotting crocodiles, migratory birds all around, wild animals, reptiles, and others sitting and moving freely nearby. The experiences to not miss out at all while your visit to the Bhitarkanika national park is as follows:

1. Spend some leisure time at an isolated pristine beach at Habilkahti, watching sunrise and sunset, perfect for rejuvenation.
2. Watch the only female captive Albino crocodile in the country, estuarine crocodiles in the Dangamal island at the Captive Breeding and Research Centre.
3. Check out the Olive Ridley Turtles nest at the Gahirmatha Marine sanctuary.
4. Check out the ancient Shiva temple having a history dating back to 5^th century BC inside the forest.
5. Watch the largest rookery spotting the endangered white-bellied sea eagle.
6. Check out the watchtowers, enjoy thrift and amazing boat rides and enjoy the moments.
7. Watch out the world’s most enormous white crocodile and explore more of the adventure around.  

Bhitarkanika is that one national park having a refined culture, rich history and heritage as it is believed that the king of the area takes a tour of the prime hotspots frequently looking out for the remains that are available till date. The boat rides allow visitors and tourists to enjoy the much-needed vacation time to the most and making memories. Opt for any of the Odisha tourism package and custom itinerary as preferable from Best Choice Holiday tours and make moments directly in the hearts that will last for a lifetime. Bhitarkanika tourism provides the experience that is real and it cannot be brought by any penny or anything. The forest will tick you in the way that you haven’t thought of in any sense. Along with the park, the visit can cover other destinations, including Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri, to make it even more worth remembering. So, opt for the tour package from your city, and make it a memorable sojourn.

The post Visit Bhitarkanika National Park for an off-beaten experience first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.

Puri – One of the Sacred Char Dhams and holiest city in India!

The city’s history dates back to 3rd century BC, and is rich in heritage and culture, well-known for its rivers, lakes and beaches. The ideal time to be here is in winters, and the must-visit spots are as follows.

Lord Jagannath Temple – The famous and pious temple was built in 1161 and is an integral part of Char Dhams of India. It is a must to go there and seek the blessing of the deity.
Puri Beach – It is among one of the relaxing beaches of the country and is a treat for eyes, especially at the time of sand art annual festival.
Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary – Spread in a huge area of 1100 square kilometers, the wildlife sanctuary is home to several fauna and flora species. It is also known as among the largest coastal lagoon in India.
Atharnala Bridge – This Bridge is constructed by the kings of the Ganga dynasty in the 13th century and offers beautiful surrounding views to travellers.
Gundicha temple – Situated next to Lord Jagannath temple, it is another marvel to check out and seek the blessing of the deity.

Aside from this, the nearby sightseeing spots can also be involved in the tour, such as Dhauli hills, Raghurajpur crafts village, Konark Sun temple, chandrabagha beach, etc.

Visakhapatnam – Vizag – The port city and Jewel of the Eastern Coast India!

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park – Spread in a large 625 acres of land area, it is situated in a spectacular setting, and that makes the zoo seems homely to the wildlife. The park was built earlier in 1977.
Kailasagiri Hill Park – It is a beautiful hill station and is surrounded by small hills and beaches. The interesting attractions here is the road trains for children, play park, ropeway trolleys, etc.
Vuda Park – The lush green surroundings here is going to lift your spirits high. Here, it is not only about promoting the environment but also about offering different physical activities for children as well as elders.
Rishikonda Beach – Situated a bit far kilometers away from Vizag, it is among one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches of Andhra Pradesh. Windsurfing, swimming, and skiing are among a few of the water sport activities that could make your moments magnificent.

Still, Araku Valley and Borra Caves is something that should be checked out and not miss at all. A bit away from Vizag, the tour will not be complete and worth seeing without visiting Araku Valley and Borra Caves for sure.

Araku Valley – This hill station is situated 3200 square feet above sea level and is an exquisite land bestowed with lush green and natural streams, gardens, and waterfalls. The trekking to the valley is going to elevate your spirits and senses in a completely refreshing way, and 19 tribes who live here are not influenced by modern living.
Borra Caves – The million-year-old caves are breathtaking and situated above 1400 meter sea level. These caves are among the biggest caves that are available in India, and the remarkable formation of rocks here provides amazing views. There is an 80 feet long tunnel that lets you take altogether in a different world. Also, there is an idol of Kamadhenu and a shiva lingam inside the caves.
Yarada beach – The location of the beach is simply breathtaking. The beach bestows the beautiful hills on its three sides and the huge Bay of Bengal on the fourth, and it makes it the best beach of Vizag.

The other sightseeing attractions that can be visited include Thotla Konda, Bheemili Beach, Vabikonda Buddhist heritage, etc. After the stay over at Araku Valley and seeing the desired attractions, this is the time now to get back. Isn’t it? Best Choice Holiday is the reliable travel agent that can help you in arranging a custom tour to Puri, Vizag and Araku Valley and making it worth travelling and remembering. Feel free to personalize the tour, as desired, and make it one of the best sightseeing trips of your lifetime.

The post The Fascinating and Soul-Soothing Puri Vizag Coastal and Araku Valley Tour Package first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.

To plan Darjeeling Gangtok tour from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, first you have to decide, which mode of transport you will prefer to reach Darjeeling, like via train, via flight or road. The distance between Odisha and Darjeeling in West Bengal is 955 km and via NH27, if you have your car or using a taxi, it is going to take 25 hours in covering the distance. As such, there is no direct flight or bus or train service available from Odisha to Darjeeling. The fastest and most convenient way is to take IndiGo from Bhubaneswar to reach Bagdogra and then use a taxi service from there to reach at Darjeeling. The distance from Bagdogra to Darjeeling is just 67 km and it will take 2 hours and 30 minutes via road in covering this distance. From Odisha to Bagdogra station, it is going to take about 4 to 5 hours in being there. The other way is to first reach to Delhi from Odisha, via flight or train and then use the direct preferable mode of convenience till Darjeeling, but it is going to be more time consuming and that is not advisable. In case, any arrangements or customization needs to be done in this direction, it could be done.

Darjeeling – The worth exploring town in West Bengal, amidst the Himalayas, recognized for producing the quality best Tea in India!

The town, Darjeeling is located in the West Bengal state in India. Being amidst Himalayan foothills, at the backdrop, Mt. Kanchenjunga is there, the world’s highest peak. Famous for its vast tea estates and producing the best tea in the country, the town was founded in the mid 19th century by the British. It was controlled by the Sikkim government and later on, was taken by the Gorkhas and over time by the British. It is situated at an average elevation of 2050 m, coming under the Eastern geographic zone and is gifted with natural resources, rich cultural history, pleasant weather all year round, making it indeed ideal as a tourist destination for all to come and enjoy the very best of all. The must-to-visit attractions and tourist spots that must be covered, while being here are as follows.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – ‘Toy Train’ introduced by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most popular attractions for tourists to just hop on and take a ride. This narrow-gauge rail line is about 2 feet in width and was built between 1879 and 1881. The rail line runs in between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and it was even listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making it the second railway worldwide to get such an honour.

Singalila National Park – Located in the highest regions of West Bengal, the national park is well acknowledged for its awesome panoramic views, amazing peaks of the Himalayas. Ideally reckoned as a trekker’s paradise, it has been blessed with a large variety of fauna, vegetation, birds, and wildlife, including Black Bear, Red Panda, Tigers, Leopard, Serow, Yellow-throated Marten, Pangolin, Wild Boar, Takin, Cat and Barking Deer.

Tiger Hill – It is among one of the most popular peaks and a must to visit spot for sure. Here, you can reach either by foot or via jeep and the way goes through some of the oldest tea plantations of the town and that is simply indescribable. A perfect trekking destination, the peaks offer some of the breathtaking views of monolithic Mt. Everest and Kanchendzonga.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Spread in a large area of 67.56-acre land, it is famous for its Snow Leopard and Red Panda breeding program. It is located at the largest high altitude zoo in the country and 2134 elevation above sea level. The rare species in the zoo that can be seen include Tibetan wolf, red pandas, snow leopards, Siberian tigers, and Himalayan mountain goats.

Observatory Hill – It is situated nearby Chowrarasta Square and is famous for offering beautiful views of the Kanchendzonga and of the ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Batasia Loop – It is known for housing the Gorkha war memorial and it can be seen and visited when the toy train traverses via looped tracks of parks. Here, a 360-degree view of the town can be watched and moving in a train and checking out spirally landscaped parks, tunnels, and hillocks is an awesome experience. Also, do make sure to visit the local crafts market at the nearby place.

Happy Valley Tea Estate – It is situated at an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level and widespread across a large area of 437-acre land, amidst magnificent views and surroundings. Famous as one of the prime tourist attractions of Darjeeling, it even houses one of the highest and biggest tea factories of the world, was founded by an Englishman in 1854 and later on, was taken over by an Indian aristocracy belonging from Hoogly.

Japanese Peace Pagoda – Constructed during the 1885-1985 period, the beautiful Buddhist shrine is situated amid some remarkable locations and views. It was founded by a Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fuji and the white and golden colour structure is 28.5 meters high and 23 square meters wide.

Neora Valley National Park – Being popular as one of the richest biological zones across the North East region, it is widespread in a large area of 88 square kilometers. It is acknowledged to be housing one of the biggest populations of Red Pandas in the country. Founded in 1986, it is a home of different rare and endangered species in both flora and fauna.

Joey’s Pub – After a hectic day in the town, it is the best place to relax and chill out. This English style pub was built in 1948 and is one of the major tourist attractions for visitors in India. Do make sure to visit here and try some affordable priced snacks and drinks along with enjoying some light blues and classic rock music in the background.

Darjeeling Ropeway – This cable car circuit is an amazing means to check out exquisite landscapes, charming valleys and humungous snow-capped mountains with blooming tea estates all over.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – Founded in 1954, the institute regularly conducts basic, advanced and adventurous levels of mountaineering programs aiming to encourage mountaineering as a sport.

There are other nearby attractions as well like Nightingale Park, Darjeeling Rock Garden, Sandakphu trek, Tinchuley, monasteries, Bengal Natural History museum that can be seen, if you are having more time bandwidth and as per the interest. With simply awesome weather all year round, the town Darjeeling is one of the top-notch and highly preferred tourist destinations in West Bengal. The culture and history that the hill station has accumulated over the years under different rulers, make it a must-to-visit spot in India. Sightseeing at Darjeeling is what makes it a place of interest for tourists and visitors coming from all corners of the world. To enjoy leisure time here and spend quality moments with your loved ones, do keep 5-10 days for Darjeeling and keep Gangtok as the second part of your tour in the loop. The ideal time to be here is in summer, from April to June, though honeymooners and couples love to come here in winter as well. Hand knitted items, cheap electronics, handicrafts and souvenirs, carpets, woollen clothes, tea and more are among a few of the things that are must to buy.

The next destination to visit is Gangtok. The distance from Darjeeling to Gangtok is just 100 km and it is going to take about 4 hours via road in reaching there, via bus or a private cab service moving via Rishi Road and NH 10. The safest and convenient way to be there is via car or cab only, rather than by any other means. Gangtok doesn’t have any rail station of own and the nearest railhead is at Jalpaiguri, which is at 91 km distance from there.

Gangtok – The capital of Sikkim and depicting ‘Lofty Hill’, ideal for trekkers, hikers, mountaineers and nature seekers!

If you are one of those, who simply love everything about mountains, seeing and visiting Gangtok must be on your list. It could be a dream come true for all those nature adventurists and trekkers, as the city is located at an altitude of 5500 above sea level and across the Eastern Himalayan range. Mount Himalayas and the remarkable views of Khangchendzonga are going to leave you all in awe and inspired for sure. It gained popularity more after the construction of the famous Enchey monastery in 1840 and over the years, it has become a famous pilgrimage spot for all Buddhism followers and seekers. The must-to-visit and worthy destinations to see here are as follows.

Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve – The national park and biosphere reserve got its name because of the location at Mt. Khangchendzonga that is well-known as the third highest peak in the world. The park is spread in a large area of 850 square kilometers, comprising many glaciers, and a home to several species of both flora and fauna with more than 550 species of native as well as migratory birds.

Tsomgo Lake – Situated at an altitude of 3780 meters above sea level, it is also famously acknowledged as Changu Lake. Crossed over by the Nathu La Pass at the North, the Chinese border is in close vicinity with only at 5 km distance and at 18 km distance via road. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is been there and houses brahminy ducks.

Saramsa Garden – Built in 1922, it has been famous for varied reasons. As of now, it is serving the prime purpose of the Gangtok tourism department promoting floriculture. Located at 14 km distance on the Pakyong Road from the city, it is even an ideal picnic and recreation spot and can be enjoyed to the full with family, friends and loved ones.

Ganesh Tok View Point – A small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, it is situated at an altitude of 6500 m above sea level. The main thing that is noticeable and admirable is the breathtaking and amazing panoramic views of the city below.

Tashi View Point – It is the perfect place to experience the most magnificent and inspiring views of the Himalayas in Gangtok. The spot offers a brilliant panoramic view of the famous Kanchendzonga mountain peak on a sunny and clear day.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary – The Sikkim tourism department has introduced a special spot to keep Rhododendrons and it is worth seeing to check out so many varieties of flowers at the same place. The breathtaking landscape has the Yumthang River flowing via the sanctuary and the best time to be here is in between April and May.

Hanuman Tok – This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is situated on the upper reaches of Gangtok. It is well maintained and even known to be frequently visited by the soldiers of the Indian Army.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary – This wildlife sanctuary lies in between Tsomgo Lake and Nathu la Pass and is an eye-catching spot especially for all those who adore the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Covering and spread in a large area of 31 square kilometers, it comprises a large number of rare species to be found in both flora and fauna.

Nathula Pass – Situated at an elevation of 4310 m above sea level, it is counted among one of the highest motorable mountain passes of the world. It is open for all Indians and a special pass needs to be permitted for the foreign tourists.

Himalayan Zoological Park – Situated at an average elevation of 2134 m above sea level, it is among one of the highest of all high altitude zoos in the country. Founded in 1958, it specializes in keeping and breeding in captivity the endangered animals including Red Pandas and Snow Leopards that were found in the alpine area.

MG Road – It is the heart of Gangtok and referred to as one of the most happening places too. Being the shopping hub of the city, it has lined up many restaurants, shops, and hotels on both sides of the road.

Rumtek Monastery – Located about 24 km away from Gangtok, it is among one of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and this is why a large number of tourists and devotees come by from all corners of the world here.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – This museum is built in a Tibetan style mansion and is promoting cultural research and Tibetan culture by showcasing artifacts related to Buddhist manuscripts, Tibetan cloth paintings, icons, Tantric ritual objects, thangkas, human thighbone trumpet, mementos, books, jewellery, documentaries, etc.

This is not all, and there are other sanctuaries and monasteries which you can plan to tour around, as per the feasibility and preference here. Paragliding, Yak Safaris, and such activities are also enjoyed by the tourists aside from trekking and hiking. The perfect time to visit Gangtok is in between October to mid-December months. During this time, the clear views of the Himalayan peaks are assured. In between March and May months, the beautiful Rhododendron flowers in the blooming state is a sight worth treasuring and watching for sure. During January and February months, snow is at a peak in the higher altitudes. The city is renowned for handicrafts and Tibetan exquisite carpets reflecting the art and culture of the destination. Also, hand-woven jackets are a must to buy. Sikkim Tea is also famous and highly advised to take it as a souvenir. Considering the sightseeing attractions, Darjeeling has more spots to check out to and in Gangtok, Nathula Pass and Changu Lake stands out. It is extremely advised to do check out both, if you are planning a tour from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. When it comes to getting back to Bhubaneswar, Odisha, via road, it could take 26 hours via NH 27 in reaching there. There are direct flights as well connecting Gangtok and Odisha and is taking about an hour. Bagdogra airport is the nearest airport nearby Gangtok. Even, direct trains are also available and the nearest railhead is Jalpaiguri station, at an approximate 91 km distance from Gangtok. Though, most of the percentage of people prefers to travel via train and rest prefers flight to travel to tour around these destinations. Nobody likes to go back and that too from such a refreshing and beautiful trip to Darjeeling and Gangtok. Best Choice Holiday is a reliable and trusted tour operator and travel agent that can help you with making your tour pleasant and unforgettable. Specialized in offering and customizing tour packages from Odisha, do personalize your tour to Darjeeling and Gangtok with their support and turn the trip into lasting and experiencing journey for you and your loved ones. Nothing can beat the love of your special ones and quality time spent with them, and indeed, Darjeeling Gangtok tour from Odisha is going to turn your experience into something meaningful and enlightening. From arranging comfortable stays in decently priced accommodation to resorts and suites to car rentals to sightseeing tours to everything is possible with them. In short, contact them right away, customize your tour as per the choice and be ready to make the lasting memories.

Happy vacationing and holidaying!

To book any Odisha tour or outstation tour email us at book@bestchoiceholiday.com or Call/WhatsApp on +91 8114378182!

The post Summer Holidays Tips: How to Plan Darjeeling Gangtok tour from Bhubaneswar, Odisha first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.

From Bhubaneswar, first it will be required to reach Delhi via flight, train or via road using AC Volvos or private taxis and then from there, you will be heading to Shimla, Manali and Kullu. The distance from Bhubaneswar to Delhi is of 1721 km and it will take about 33 hours via road, 23 hours via train, and 3 hours by flight. From Delhi, Shimla is at a distance of 342 km and it is going to take 8 hours via Volvo bus, 11 hours via train and 2 hours via flight. It is advised to do prefer to opt for the overnight journey via bus or take a flight to reach Shimla.

Shimla – The ‘Queen of Hills’ and ‘Summer Capital of India’

The rich greenery, amazing snow clad mountains and pristine lakes in Shimla make it simply a timeless beauty for tourists to come and enjoy great moments with their family and friends. A perfect place for couples to visit and make some really cherishing memories, Shimla is one of the most preferred and visited places in Himachal Pradesh that has the magic and spell in air and that is breathtaking. The place has captivated the minds of British people so much that they made Shimla as their summer capital and the influence could be seen clearly in the attractions there. The best places to visit here and that must hold a place in any tourist’s itinerary is as follows:

1. The Ridge – Offering amazing views of the mountain peaks of the place, it is open all days from morning 8 to evening in 6. A perfect spot to delve into nature, do shopping and get awesome photography shots, the spacious open space and marvellous views is definitely going to take your heart away.
2. Jakhoo Hill – The highest peak in the hill station, it is 2 km away from city and this 8000 ft hill is a popular tourist spot visited mainly by pilgrims and nature lovers in large numbers. Open all days; do visit the wax museum and Jakhoo temple here (6 AM to 11 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM).
3. Mall Road – Filled with several cafes, shops, book shops, restaurants and others, it is the ideal spot to give you an overall glimpse of Shimla. Do shopping, photography, enjoy cuisine, history, tourist spots, or simply take a stroll down on the mall road and make memories.
4. Kalka Shimla Railway – Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was constructed back in 1898 connecting Shimla with other railway lines of India. A rail trip on this line would be worth catching few indescribable views and the travel under the tunnels and bridges would make it a lasting experience.
5. Christ Church – Constructed in 1857, this neo gothic architectural marvel is housed with the largest pipe organ in the country and has been even a part of several Bollywood films including 3 Idiots, Black, etc. The clock tower, stained glass windows and frescos are the prime attractions here.
6. Indian Institute of Advanced Study – Open all days except Monday in between 9:30 AM to 4:50 PM, it was built during British rule in between 1880 and 1888. Situated on the top of Observatory Hill, it is a historic building worth seeing.
7. Summer Hill – Also known as Potter’s Hill, it is a peaceful town situated on the outskirts of the city. Open all days, it is visited by tourists in large numbers to get a glimpse of the breathtaking sights and greenery from the top.
8. Kufri – A perfect spot to enjoy nature, get some beautiful shots, this adventurous attraction is 17 km away from Shimla. A must to see spot for everyone, enjoy the views, adventure sports including skiing, Kufri Fun World, an amusement park and if possible, get to Himalayan wildlife zoo.
9. Annandale – Also famous as Annadale, it is at 4 km distance away from Ridge and is one of the prime attractions of the city. Once, it was a playground for British, who played Polo and Cricket here. Right now, it is turned into a golf course and used as a heli pad.
10. The Shimla State Museum – Constructed in 1974, the museum is built aiming to preserve the rich past and cultural richness of the state. The collection that is available here includes objects related to art, archaeology, cultural anthropology, handicrafts, sculptures, paintings and coins.
11. Chail – A beautiful relaxing hill station, at around 55 km away from Shimla, it was founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. An ideal destination to chill out with special one, the destination holds the world’s highest cricket ground, and must visits are Kali temple, Palace hotel, Sidh Baba ka Mandir and Chail wildlife sanctuary.
12. Solan – Also famously acknowledged as ‘City of Red Gold’ and ‘Mushroom City of India’ due to high tomato and mushroom production, the city is not going to lose you in amazement. Pandavas lived here during their exile time and British people can be credited for the initial economic development here. Do visit here for the delicious cuisines, scenic views and quaint time with the special one.
13. Daranghati Sanctuary – Open all days in between 9 AM to 5 PM, it is situated 150 km away from Shimla and is a perfect spot to do trekking and camping.
14. Naldehra and Shaily Peak – An exquisite hill station to visit to, the amazing greenery and dense deodar trees create a spell in the surroundings. It is an absolute treat to watch the snow clad Himalayan Mountains. The place is so quaint that you can even hear the sound of the wind and leaves. Do visit Naldhera golf course, sunrise or sunset, horse riding that can let visitors explore more of the forest zones here.
15. Arki Fort – A perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, it is a must visit for all history lovers. Visit it once and get amazed by the astonishing architecture of Durga Devi temple, Shakhni Mahadev temple, Lutru Mahadev temple and Kangra paintings.
16. Chadwick Falls – Situated in the Glen Forests of Shimla, it is a perfect spot for adventure explorers. The best time to visit here is in monsoon, in between June to September months.
17. Scandal Point – It is among one of the most famous tourist attractions, located at the intersection point in between the Mall Road and the Ridge. The point is named after a romantic folklore and is worth seeing.
18. Tattapani Hot Springs – Located at about 50 km away from Shimla, the place is popular for a hot water spring, coming out of Sutlej River and on the river bed this side. Tourists and locals enjoy the hot water bath here that is known to be high in Sulphur content, having medicinal value and properties and also good for skin.

The best time to visit Shimla with family is in summer, when the weather is pleasant to tour around and plenty of outdoor adventures are there to enjoy. The best season to cherish moments with your special one or couples is in winters, in between November and February months. The snowfall starts in late December and lasts till February. The speciality here in cuisine is Channa Madra that is must to eat and is usually served with rice or white bread. In all, it is blessed with scenic surroundings, a variety of delicious cuisines, crafts and souvenirs made from wood.

The next destination to head on from Shimla will be Manali. The distance from Shimla to Manali is 247 km and it will take around 7 hours and 40 minutes in covering the distance via road and 1 hour and 10 minutes via flight. There is no train connectivity in between them. The roads are pretty good and there is connectivity and easy accessibility from Shimla, Delhi and Chandigarh.

Manali – A Perfect ‘Honeymoon Destination’ and Have the Best Lifetime Experience!

This high altitude town is in Himachal Pradesh state and has an acknowledgement as a honeymoon destination and a backpacking centre. The must to do and popular attractions in Manali are the outdoor adventurous activities to engage to including mountain biking, rock climbing, ice skating, paragliding, heli skiing. Indeed, it is one of those places that shouldn’t be missed by travel lovers at all. Make sure to do go through the following attractions for a fun and happy hill vacation.

1. Rohtang Pass – Closed on Tuesdays and in between November to April months depending on weather conditions, it is a place to be once in a lifetime. Enjoy adventure sports, jeep safari, Nehru Kund enroute and take the photograph of snow peaked Himalayan mountains and picturesque location blessed with scenic views, hidden waterfalls and beauty.
2. Solang Valley – Open for all days from morning 10 to evening 6, the spot is well referred to as the ‘Snow Point’, acknowledged for hosting varied adventure based activities including parachuting, skiing, paragliding, etc. The views are spectacular, checking out glaciers, snow capped peaks and participate in activities including zorbing, paragliding, skiing, parachuting, horse riding, etc.
3. Hadimba Temple – Open all days from morning 10 to evening 6, the temple holds prominence among people and the overall structure is pretty distinctive and catchy.
4. Vashist Hot Water Springs – A famous attraction site among pilgrims and tourists, the hot water springs are simply good to enjoy. Take a dip in them and do visit Saint Vashist shrine, and enjoy trekking around the hills.
5. Tibetan Monasteries – The famous Tibetan monasteries are Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and are a must visit for anyone who want to know about their culture. Feel free to shop for Tibetan art and craft.
6. Beas River – Referred to as the heart of Kullu Manali, the spot has many water sports and camping spots to check by. The things must to engage in here are river water rafting, taking walks along by the river, picnicking, and seeing Pandoh Dam.
7. Great Himalayan National Park – Referred to as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is indeed a heaven for all wildlife seekers and nature lovers. A large variety of both flora and fauna can be found here.
8. Gulaba – The peaceful village is blessed with scenic views and snow peaked mountains and is a perfect alternate when Rohtang Pass is closed. Tourists can enjoy amazing topography and some peaceful time with special ones.
9. Kothi – A perfect attraction for those who like to explore less discovered path tracks; it is a quaint village, offering trekking, geothermal springs and awesome views.
10. Manikaran – A significant pilgrim spot for both Hindus and Sikhs, the peaceful site must visits include Sri Guru Nanak Ji gurdwara, Shiva temple, Kulant Pith and hot springs.
11. Kasol – A paradise for all nature lovers, the place is really a gem treasured and visited by many adventure enthusiasts, hikers and backpackers. Also, it is reckoned as mini Israel as Israeli population is attracted here in a significantly large number.
12. Manu Temple – Constructed in a famous Pagoda style, the spot is situated near to Beas River and proffers some amazing views of the valley and mountain peaks.
13. Bhrigu Lake – Perfect to do camping and trekking, it is an amazing sight to simply capture and behold. The views are breathtaking and would definitely amaze everyone for sure.
14. Sultanpur Palace – Formerly been famous as Rupi Palace, it houses several wall paintings, and is an amazing blend of colonial style and Pahari style architecture. Do eat at the restaurants and make sure to visit the Raghunathji temple.
15. Basheshwar Mahadev Temple – Open at all the time, it is situated at 15 km away from Manali at a small village named Bajura, dedicated to Lord Shiva deity. It is famous for its intricate stone carvings and getting the blessing for years ahead.

The best time to visit Manali is in the winter season, in between October to February months. If you like snowfall and chilly weather, January is the month to visit by here. The temperature drops by below zero degrees Celsius this time and summer starts in the month of March and usually lasts till June. Situated at the Beas River, Kullu Valley is the home to the bewitching and breathtaking towns of Kullu and Manali and is well renowned for spectacular hills, temples, and sightseeing attractions alluring attention of visitor’s at a large scale every year. It is certainly counted among one of the top notch and widely preferred travel destinations in the country. Ideal for spending time in the great outdoors and adventure activities, there is a lot more to engage in here. From Manali, Kullu is 40 km away and it is going to take around 1 hour in covering the distance via road via NH3. The road condition is in good shape and it is going to be a lovely stay in Kullu.

Kullu – ‘A favourite destination of Adventure Enthusiasts’

Aside from awesome views, majestic hills, deodar and pine trees, Kullu is among one of the favourite spots for all adventure enthusiasts and lovers. A lot of adventure and fun activities keep people engaged here including river rafting, trekking, wildlife watching, paragliding, mountaineering, hiking, and more over the Himalayan hills and glaciers. The must visit attractions at this beautiful destination are as follows.

1. Great Himalayan National Park – Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the national park was founded in 1984 and is widespread in a large area of 754 square km. It is the home of more than 375 species of fauna, 181 species of birds and 31 species of mammals.
2. Raghunath Temple – Being one of the oldest temples of the town, the temple is surrounded with lush green beauty and is pretty much popular among locals and travellers.
3. Bijli Mahadev Temple – It is among one of the known point of interests in Kullu and the temple can be reached by doing trekking of about 3 km long via pine trees and it is surrounded with charm all along.
4. Pandoh Dam – It is famous as the man-made lake that is turned as a dam, alluring attention of many from all over rendering spectacular views.
5. Friendship Peak – It is another famous attraction spot providing a large number of choices to people to do trekking. Trekking here will take you on this great lifetime experiencing journey via alpine meadows, Solang valley, colourful orchards, thick and dense forests, gushing streams, etc.
6. Chandrakhani Pass – Situated on the Beas River, the valley is blessed with evergreen thickets, fertile fields and crystal clear gushing waters. An ideal paradise to all those looking for natural beauty surrounded with massive valleys and mountains at the backdrop.
7. Bhrigu Lake – A perfect spot for a short weekend trek and the lake is located at a great altitude of 14000 feet that provides an astonishing view of the valley covered with white snow on mountains and that too in winter.
8. Bhuntar – It is an isolated town, a bit far from Kullu and perfect to spend time with your special one in a quiet and serene environment. The locals are simple and travellers get surprised with their ease of living.
9. Naggar – An unexplored town in the Kullu district, it is another quaint town to be where it is simpler to spend as many days as you want with near and dear ones.
10. Jagannathi Devi Temple – The temple is not only famous but also is reckoned to have a legend attached to it. Definitely, it is a must visit for sure.
11. Gauri Shankar Temple – Being one of the most admired and visited temples of the town, it has been built in a Shikara style dated back to 12th century AD and is famous among locals and tourists, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Now, comes the question to simply get back to Bhubaneswar and if required, the tour plan will be same, that is to come to Delhi or Chandigarh via road or via flight and then to Bhubaneswar via road, flight or train as per the convenience. Let Best Choice Holiday assist you with this devising customized Shimla Manali tour from Bhubaneswar or Kullu Manali tour from Bhubaneswar, the much visited and worth seeing destinations for honeymooners, couple, family and friends to enjoy the views, beauty, magnificence all around, participate in outdoor and fun activities, and more. Best Choice Holiday is among one of those reliable and well acknowledged tour operators and travel agents whom can be trusted and specializes in providing customized tours to their prestigious customers. They also provide competent priced car rentals services, arrange flight and train tickets, accommodation for the comfortable and relaxing stay and everything, which is needed to make the tour pleasant and memorable. In a shell, have a wonderful and lasting time with special ones to be cherished ahead!

To book any Odisha tour or outstation tour email us at book@bestchoiceholiday.com or Call/WhatsApp on +91 8114378182!

The post How to Plan Shimla Kullu Manali tour from Bhubaneswar, Odisha? first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.