Top Places to Visit in Andhra Pradesh

Top 15 Places to Visit in Andhra Pradesh

Situated in the southeastern coast of India, Andhra Pradesh is the 4th largest State of India. The capital of the state was Hyderabad which is also the largest city here. However, due to the announcement of the recently formed Telangana State, Hyderabad will be a part and capital of Telangana from the 2nd of June 2014. The State of Hyderabad will continue to function as the State Capital of Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding 10 years till a new capital is determined. The state of Andhra Pradesh is mentioned since 800 BC in the Sanskrit Epics like Aitareya Brahmana and Mahabharata. The native language ‘Telugu’ is often associated with the Early Cholas. Andhra Pradesh also came under the rule of the Maurya Empire, the Ikshvaku Dynasty, Pallava, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Later Cholas.When it comes to geography, Andhra covers most of the eastern part of the Deccan plateau and the eastern plains of the Eastern Ghats. The Eastern Ghats being a mineral rich area is covered with thick vegetation and the two regions are connected by patch of sparse vegetation. The State of Andhra Pradesh is well promoted by their tourism department and is well known for its rich natural resources, temples and rivers. The state of Andhra also shares a part of the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. The rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture and historical importance have made Andhra Pradesh one of the top tourist destinations in India. We shall discuss in brief the top 15 places to visit in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

1. Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam was the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh and a major sea port of India. However, with the recently announced Telangana State, Vishakhapatnam will now be the largest city of Andhra Pradesh and a probable Capital of the future state of Andhra Pradesh. The climate is tropical and humidity is high throughout the year. The city has all the necessary attractions and resources to make it one of the top tourist destinations in India. Its various beaches, hilltops and a wildlife sanctuary attract a major tourist crowd. The place is the major port of the Indian National Army and is the deepest ports of India. There are various valleys like the Araku Valley, which is a picturesque location for picnics and is a hill station that has some really great trekking hotspots. The various beaches like Yarada and Rishikonda are situated in some of most picturesque locations and are relatively clean and are frequented by many tourists.Given below are the major tourist attractions of Visakhapatnam:

• Borra Caves
• Araku Valley
• Yarada Beach
• Rishikonda Beach
• Katiki Waterfalls
• Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
• Kailasagiri Hill Park
• VUDA Park

2. Tirupati

Tirupati is one of the Major cultural and religious pilgrimage spots in India. The city is located at the southern part of Andhra Pradesh and is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats in the Chittor district. Although the major language spoken here is Telugu, the word Tirupati is a Tamil word as saint Ramanujacharya who was a Tamil Vaishnava saint was responsible for founding this city. The town is famous for its temple dedicated to ‘Balaji’, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temples foundation history is unknown and it was expanded over the centuries by various kingdoms and dynasties including the Chola, Pallava and the Vijaynagar Empire. The temple is one of the major pilgrimage spots in India and especially in the southern India. Apart from the temples, there are various other attractions like parks and zoos. Here are some of the major tourist attractions of Tirupati:

• Sri Venkateswara Temple
• Talakona Waterfalls
• TTD Gardens
• Deer Park
• Sri Vari Museum
• Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
• Srikalahasti
• Kanipakam

3. Vijayawada

Vijayawada, being the third largest city of Andhra Prades is number 3 on this list. The city is an agriculturally rich state and has been recognized as the Global city of the future by McKinsey. The former name of the city was Bezawada and has been under the rule of various ancient kingdoms of the South and has been one of the places the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang stayed at. The River Krishna runs through the city and is located at the hills of the Eastern Ghats. The city’s location is unique as well as to its west lays the deep jungles of the Kondapalli Reserve Forests which is known to house leopards, jackals, wolves, wild boar and wild dogs. The city itself is a cultural and religious center with its various temples, religious monuments, rivers, ancient caves and many more. Do not forget to buy the famous Kondapalli Toys as souvenirs. Some popular tourist places in Vijayawada are:

• Undavalli Caves
• Mogalarajapuram Caves
• Prakasam Barrage
• Bhavani Island
• Victoria Museum
• Kondapalli Fort
• Kolleru Lake
• Gandhi Hill

4. Nellore

The name ‘Nellore’ literally means ‘Paddy Place’ and is thus one of the primary agricultural cities in Andhra Pradesh. The vast paddy fields of Damaramadugu are one of the prime sources of rice in the state and in the country. The town is split in two by the Pennar River and is thus located at both the banks of the river. Towards the east of the city is the Bay of Bengal and thus Nellore is at a unique and strategic geographical location. The city has seen various ancient dynasties like the Mauryas, Chola, Pallava and Vijaynagar etc. Nellore is also famous for its ancient temples which are amazing owing to their stunning architecture and the cultural history associated with them. Nellore also has the Nelapattu bird sanctuary which is a great spot for the photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. The various lakes, temples, forts in the ancient agricultural town of Nellore are sure to keep you enchanted. Here are some important tourist destinations in Nellore:

• Udayagiri Fort
• Venkatagiri Fort
• Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
• Penchalakona
• Jonnawada
• Mypad Beach
• Pulicat Lake

5. Chittoor

The city of Chittoor lies at the banks of the Ponnai River and is thus an important agricultural town in Andhra Pradesh. The town’s major source of economy is its crops and agricultural products like grain, sugarcane, mango and Peanuts. The town has a unique climate which is high in the Eastern areas and low in the western areas because of the change in the altitude. The place is considered to be a backward district as far as the economy is concerned; nevertheless it is a great place to visit and an undiscovered gem for a tourist. The town with its various hills, rivers, temples, forts and a rich collection of flora and fauna is a must visit. A personal recommendation would be to spend more time at the western areas near the Horsley Hills and simply relax. While most attractions in Chittoor can be covered in a day, it is more of a place to relax and rejuvenate. Some major tourist places in Chittoor are given below:

• Horsley Hills
• Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kalavagunta
• Gurramkonda Fort
• Nagari Hills
• Sri Venkateswara Temple
• Mogili
• Ramagiri

6. Anantapur

The Largest of all the districts in Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur is famous for diamond mining and agricultural produce like rice, cotton, maize, chillies etc. The town is located near the bordering State of Karnataka and has 6 rivers that flow through the district. The town is an undiscovered tourist location with a number of monuments that exemplify the ancient reign of the Vijaynagar Kingdom and is famous for its ancient temples as well. The old ruins of the hilltop forts, its hidden waterfalls make it an amazing tourist attraction. The town of Anantapur is also famous for housing the mighty banyan tree of ‘Thimmamma Marrimanu’ which is one of the largest trees in the world. Its branches are spread in an area covering around 2.5 acres and a canopy that is spread around 19,107 sq meters. Anantapur is a definitive visit for all people visiting Andhra Pradesh. Given below are major places to visit in Anantpur:

• Penukonda
• Ravadurg Gooty Fort
• Thimmamma Marrimanu
• Dharmavaram
• Hemavathi
• Aluru Kona
• Lepakshi
• Raidurga Fort

7. Kurnool

Kurnool is known for being the erstwhile capital of the State of Andhra Pradesh. The town is one of the oldest cities and based on the rock paintings of Ketavaram, the town has seen humans since the Paleolithic era. The ancient caves and fort ruins in Kurnool date back pretty far in history and are a marvel to behold. The town is surrounded by the parallel running mountain ranges from north to south. The various temples and pilgrimage sites in this ancient town are not only significant when it comes to their cultural history but are also important architectural heritage of the city. The Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is one of the prime reasons one must visit this town as it is a great place for both nature lovers and the shutterbugs. Some major attractions of Kurnool are given below:

• Kurnool Fort
• Belum Caves
• Nallamala Forest
• Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary
• Adoni Fort
• Mahanandi
• Kurnool Museum
• Mantralayam

8. Kadapa

Kadapa literally means a “Gateway”. This name owes to its special location which acts as a gateway to the pilgrim spot of the Tirumala Hills. The town was a part of the various ancient kingdoms of the South and it’s famous for its various temples and forts that exemplify a marvelous Dravidian style architecture and prowess of the artisans when it comes to stone carving. The Bellum Caves are few of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent and a spot that one shouldn’t miss. The town got its economic boom when the large deposits of natural Uranium were discovered here and is one of the world’s top 20 reserves of the nuclear fuel. The Shree venkateshwara wildlife sanctuary located here is also a great spot worth visiting and is rich with flora, fauna and some breathtaking views. Major tourist places in Kadapa include:

• Belum Caves
• Gandikota Fort
• Sidhout Fort
• Bhagvan Mahavir Government Museum
• Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Pushpagiri
• Ontimitta
• Ameen Peer Dargah

9. Srikalahasti

Located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, Srikalahasti is located near the pilgrim city of Tirupati. The name of the town comes from the native names of three animals (spider, snake and elephant) which are said to have received salvation owing to their worship of Lord Shiva. Many different spots of this sacred town have been mentioned in the ancient texts and epics like Mahabharata. The town being a holy spot for the Hindu pilgrims boasts of its various temples which are architectural marvels and are located in few of the most picturesque locations between the surrounding hillocks. The town’s major sources of economy are agriculture and tourism so the visitors can expect good food and hospitality. Here are some major tourist places to visit in Srikalahasti:

• Sri Kalahasti Temple
• Talakona Waterfalls
• Veyilingala Kona Waterfalls
• Ubbalamadugu Falls
• Gudimallam
• Sahasra Linga Temple
• Bharadwaja Tirtham
• Durgambika Temple

10. Ongole

Ongole is an ancient town that came under the reign of the ancient southern Indian kingdoms like Mauryas and Sathavahanas and the Pallava Ruler Krishna Deva Raya. Due to this ancient history behind the town’s origin, it is famous for its Hindu temples which date back to the 17th century. The town’s major produce is tobacco and is famous for its various small scale industries. Ongole is famous for its small beaches which are often devoid of huge crowds and has various water sport facilities. The sands are grainy and golden and the waters are clean. The hidden waterfalls of Bhairavakona are also not to be missed and you’re sure to get lost in the breathtaking and relaxing surroundings. Here are the major tourist attractions of Ongole:

• Kothapatnam Beach
• Vodarevu Beach
• Chennakesava Swamy Temple
• Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple
• Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
• Tangutur
• Chandavaram
• Bhairavakona

25 Best Places to Visit in Goa

An international tourist destination, Goa is fondly called the fun capital of India. A small state in Western India and lying in the Konkan region of the Western Ghats, this place is blessed with exotic biodiversity. From beaches to places of religious significance and to flea markets; Goa has it all. Every aspect of this party hub effuses the attributes of a perfect tourist destination.

Bestowed with moderate climate, the weather in Goa is another major attraction for being salubrious for most times of the year. Live entertainment on the beach, at shacks and on docked ships are perennial features. Music and merriment are a part and parcel of everyday existence.

Some of the best beaches to visit in Goa:

1. Baga Beach

One of the most sought after beaches in India, Baga Beach is the centre of tourist attraction in Goa. Situated in North Goa, pleasant ambience, scenic views of the shoreline and plenitude of things to do makes this fishing village one of the finest places to visit in Goa. On any visit to this sandy retreat, you can witness innumerable fishing boats docked by the shoreline.

Unlike most of the Goan beaches, Baga is secluded from the outside world. Well, this has contributed a lot to its charm and appeal of this beach. Salubrious atmosphere all through the year, the quiet and calm atmosphere, plenty of water activities and the beach shacks on this holiday destination entices visitors from different parts of the world.

Amongst all the activities, dolphin spotting, parasailing, banana boat rides and sun-basking are highly enjoyed at this beach. Though you can visit this sandy paradise at any point of the year, November to March is considered as the ideal time to make it to the Baga Beach.

2. Aguada Beach

Known for its Aguada Fort, Aguada Beach is among the places to visit in Goa. The seashore is positioned in North Goa and is perfect to bask in beachy allures. This destination stands apart with the many historical attractions. It also allures with pristine landscape and the background of ancient citadels. Thanks to the great settings, the beach is also a favourite among honeymoon goers.

3. Arambol Beach

Permeating a distinct bohemian vibe, Arambol Beach is said to be the most beautiful in the state. It lies on the north of Keri Beach and south of Mandrem Beach. This is also a traditional fisherman hamlet.

The sandy shore is considered safe for swimming and hence attracts several family goers. It also lures many foreigners especially during the months from November to March. The accommodation provided is simple in the form of homestays and beach shacks and relatively cheaper. Over here, one can indulge in adventure sports such as paragliding and kite surfing. Those who are interested can also avail of courses in yoga, meditation, Odissi Dance and more.

4. Palolem Beach

Placed in Canacona, Goa Palolem beach offers serene and soothing allures. The beauty of the shore lies in it being mostly untampered. People who reside here include fishermen and foreign tourists.

Such is the exquisiteness of this beach that it was featured in The Bourne Supremacy as the Goan home of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). Each season, bamboo-hut stays and restaurants are opened up by the beach for travellers to get a true experience of the sun, sand and sea.

5. Calangute Beach

One of the captivating tourist places in Goa, Calangute Beach is constantly bustling with tourists looking for some relaxed and good times. It is located about 15 kilometers from Panaji. The largest beach in north Goa, this place especially gets flooded during winter and summer months. There are several accommodations available here. This is where one can dabble with some water sports such as parasailing and water skiing. With Baga Beach just a hop, skip away, you can reel in some vibrant nightlife too.

6. Butterfly Beach

A delightful little sandy cove north of Palolem Beach, Butterfly Beach beckons with silver sands and lucid waters. Not accessible by road, you would have to embark upon a trek of around 2 hours through woody areas to get here. You can even take a ferry ride from Palolem Beach to reach this place. Needless to say, the beach is not crowded. The hills and thick vegetation fringing the sands further add to the allure. It is among the offbeat places to visit in Goa. 

Famous islands in Goa:

7. Bats Island

Also referred to as The Pequeno Island, the Bat Island is ideal for adventure seekers. About a kilometre from Baina Beach of Vasco-da-Gama, the delight has a little beach and tiny green stretch. This is where one can enjoy snorkelling or simply spend a lazy day soaking up the charms of the setting.

With snorkelling, you might be able to get a glimpse of star coral, brain coral, sea fans, sea whips, parrot fish, angel fish, squirrel fish, butterfly fish, sea cucumbers and many other denizens of the water world.

8. Divar Island

Lesser known than its famous counterparts, Divar Island is huddled away across the Mandovi River. At this place, you can unravel the appeals of old Goa countryside. Enjoy a pictorial drive amidst paddy hills and woody hillocks. The place was once popular among Hindu pilgrims where several ancient temples existed. They were destroyed by the Portuguese and the main Ganesh idol had to be replaced in Khandola hamlet near Marcel.

 When at the hilltop, you can soak in sweeping sights of the surroundings as well as Old Goa and meandering Mandovi River. The island especially comes alive during the Bonderam festival that is held with great gusto during the monsoon.

Historical places in Goa:

9. Bom Jesus Basilica

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest churches in the country, the church of Bom Jesus Basilica was formally consecrated in 1605 and is amongst the top places to see in Goa. This church is considered to be one of the finest representations of Baroque architecture. An important pilgrimage for the Christians, it is here where the body St. Francis Xavier is kept. Aging over several centuries, the mortal remains of his body are still preserved at this church – an astonishing fact indeed.

Located near Gandhi Circle, Old Goa Road, Velha Goa, the best time of the day to visit is 9:00AM to 6:30PM on all days; except Sundays when the church opens at 10 am. Every day mass is held from 7:00AM to 8:00AM. The Sunday mass is held from 8:00AM to 9:15AM. Whether an architecture enthusiasts or a history worm, amongst all the best places to visit in Goa, this ancient landmark with all its glories, will surely keep you stunned!

10. Fort Aguada

This fort is amongst the many preserved places to see in Goa and essays an era of yore filled with events. A Portuguese fort overlooking the Sinquerim Beach and the Arabian Sea, Fort Aguada was constructed in 1613 and since then it has become a prominent landmark or a reference point for ships visiting the Goan shores from Europe.

Apart from being of navigational assistance, this fort was also of strategic importance for the Portuguese as centuries ago, it added to the defense line of the Portuguese from the Dutch and Marathas. Located in the Candolim Beach, Goa, and at the shore of the Mandolim River, it remains open on all days of the week from nine in the morning to six thirty in the evening. In addition, even one can have many more best happening things to do in Goa during the visit with family and friends.

The Top 10 Tourist Destinations in India

The Top 10 Tourist Destinations in India

Agra

Agra’s Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, and one of three World Heritage Sites in Agra.

Completed in 1653, the T?j Mahal was built by the Mughal king Sh?h Jah?n as the final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumt?z Mahal. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens.

Jaipur / Udaipur

Jaipur is also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is a very famous tourist and education destination in India.

Lots of people flock to Jaipur to view the various forts and monuments in Jaipur which reflect its glorious past. Tourism is a significant part of Jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here.

Forts & Monuments

• Hawa Mahal
• Amber Fort
• Jaigarh Fort
• Nahargarh Fort
• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar
• Jal Mahal
• Rambagh Palace
• Chandra Mahal, The City Palace, Jaipur
• Diwan-e-Aam, City Palace
• Central Museum, (Albert Hall Museum)

Goa

Goa is Famous for its pristine beaches, infact 90% of all the tourism in Goa happens only for its beautiful beaches in Coastal Areas. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.

In 2008 there were more than three million tourists reported to have visited Goa, more than half million of whom were from Foreign visitors. Infact, many foreigners have made Goa as there home for its laid-back and relaxed lifestyle !

Kashmir

Kashmir was once called Heaven on Earth, and once of the most beautiful places in the world. However, in last couple of decades, terrorism has faded its charm – A place home to Himalayan Ranges.

The State of Jammu & Kashmir has main three geographical regions known as “The Lesser Himalayas” or the “Jhelum Valley” (Kashmir), “The Inner Himalayas” or “The Indus Valley” (Ladakh & Frontier areas) also called “Trans-Himalayas”, and “The Outer-Himalayas” or “The Southern mountain range” (Jammu). The area of Jammu & Kashmir is 2, 22,236 square kilometers.

Kanyakumari

Though there are several places of tourist-interest in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea – makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time – on either side of the horizon.

Kerala (Backwaters)

Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the “ten paradises of the world” and “50 places of a lifetime” by the National Geographic Travelermagazine, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives, Beautiful Backwaters and Alternative healing massages.

Old Delhi

Delhi, Capital of India has many attractions like mosques, forts and other monuments that represent India’s history. The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort. New Delhi on the other hand houses many government buildings and embassies, apart from places of historical interest.

The Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb have been declared World Heritage Sites.

Ajanta Ellora

Ajantha & Ellora are 28 – 30 rock-cut cave monuments created during the first century BC and 5th century AD, containing paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art and universal pictorial art.

The caves are located just outside the village of Ajantha / Ellora in Aurangabad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Since 1983, the Ajanta & Ellora Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling in India owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun.

A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight.

Mysore

Mysore is a tourism hot spot within the state of Karnataka and also acts as a base for other tourist places in the vicinity of the city. The city receives the maximum number of tourists during the period of the Dasara festival when festivities take place for a period of 10 days. One of the most visited monuments in India, the Ambavilas Palace (also known as Mysore Palace) is the center of the Dasara festivities.

Leh / Ladakh

Leh Ladakh

The Ladakh capital city of Leh lies near the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir, on the crossroads of the historic “Silk Route” from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. The humbling monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse and Lamayuru will nurture your spiritual needs, and the landscape of Leh provides for a number of adventure activities including mountaineering, white-water rafting and trekking along the Markha Valley.

Gangtok

Gangtok

The capital of the state of Sikkim, Gangtok is an attractive tourist destination, reflecting a unique ambience which derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity. Alongside the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also bustles like any other thriving town. Some of the key places to visit include Rumtek Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point and the local bazaar, Lal Bazaar.

7 Places In India You Must Go

India bristles with beautiful travel destinations especially if we look beyond the popular commercialized spots. And what’s better than to explore these mind-stirring landscapes and chilling spots with your best friend! Your BFFs who know you better than you know yourself, who run halfway across the city on your blue days, who have seen your best and your worst sides and most importantly, who will jump into the car without a thought to create history! No journey is long with good company and even better when you have the best company! 

1: Auli, Uttarakhand – For friends who show signs of snow madness!

This place in the Himalayas is a lesser known ski destination than Shimla, Manali or Gulmarg. The lofty slopes surrounded by oak forests provide enough thrill to a professional skier as well as a novice. Camping is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy Auli with your buddies in the midst of snow over a bonfire and some beer. It also has the world’s highest man-made lake as well as Asia’s longest cable car. A little less commercialized than other hill stations, Auli is purely an adventure spot for trekking and skiing enthusiasts.

 

2: Savandurga, Karnataka – for friends who are in love with adventure!

This hill station is situated 60km west of Bangalore, forming a part of the Deccan Plateau and is considered to be one the largest monoliths in Asia. This place is great for a backpacking trip with your best friends to make the most of the forests, caves, water sports and climbing activities present here. It boasts of some top class serious slab climbing routes in the world ranging from 700 to 950 feet of technical climbs with very innovative names such as ‘Simple Monkey day’ or ‘Cloud 9’.

3: Lonavla, Maharashtra – for a spooky playtime until dawn!

A small hill station in the Pune district that has the reputation of being haunted! This place calls for a night stay not just to enjoy the spooky feel and ambience of the place but also because it is one of the most beautiful sunrise spots in the district. ‘Ati kya Khandala’ can be finally taken into serious consideration with Khandala lying just adjacent to Lonavla.

  

4: Hampi, Karnataka – go with your culturally inclined friends!

A must visit for all who are fascinated by ruins and an equally captivating history. This small village with historical temples all around provides a much needed serene and scenic getaway from the noise and pollution of the city. Words would not do justice to this beautiful place, which topped the charts for the ‘Most Searched Place in 2014 in Karnataka’.

5: Gangtok, Sikkim – when you have crazy friends, you can have crazy times!

What’s great about Gangtok? Everything! From duty free goods to duty free alcohol, the capital of Sikkim is one of the best places to chill with a crazy bunch of friends! This place has something to offer to everyone – adventure enthusiasts who can go trekking nearby, shopping enthusiasts, nature lovers and even people who have come to simply chill and have fun. With numerous cafes, pubs, clubs and casinos, this may very well be a mini Las Vegas in India and an alternative to Goa!

6: Chail, Himachal Pradesh – A hikers paradise!

Situated near Shimla, Chail was the summer retreat for the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj. The Chail Palace is well known for its architecture and is tucked inside the pine and deodar forests surrounding the area. Camping and trekking trips to Chail serve as a lovely weekend getaway spot from Delhi! A hike to the world’s highest cricket ground is tempting reward for all cricket fans!

7: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan – for friends who go a long long way in history!

It is one of the most beautiful and underrated places in Rajasthan that falls on the way to Udaipur from Ajmer. The place boasts of an enchanting history and a complete view of the city below. It has one of the few historical towers in India that is still open to the public and one must take this rare opportunity simply for Victory Tower’s beauty. The architectural design is very different from the inside, almost like a maze and the view from the top is simply breathtaking! To make things more interesting, this place also manufactures saris from the plants of bananas, custard apples and other such plants!

You can always make money but you cannot always make beautiful and crazy memories! Grab your bags and make this weekend memorable. The time is NOW!