Along the northern route from Manali, Himachal Pradesh or Keylong via the Rohtang Pass or Kunzum Pass respectively, the Spiti valley lies in the North East of the Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh, and forms part of the Lahul and Spiti district. One of the least populated regions in India, Spiti possesses a distinctive Buddhist culture. Spiti valley is a research and cultural centre for Buddhists. Highlights include 'Ki Monastery' and 'Tabo Monastery', one of the oldest monasteries in the world, 'Guru Ghantal Monastery', 'Gondla' and 'Kunzum Pass'.
Spiti is renowned as 'Little Tibet' since its landscape, vegetation, and climate are akin to that of Tibet. Lahaul and Spiti should be ideally visited between the months of June to October. To reach Spiti by air, the nearest airport is at Bhuntar. By rail, the nearest broad gauge railhead is at Chandigarh, while the closest narrow gauge railway station is at Joginder Nagar. To reach Spiti by road, you have to come from Manali via Rohtang Pass to Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters (capital) of the Lahul and Spiti district. For all the seeming bleakness, Spiti possesses a haunting beauty.
Mawsynram
The curving roads of the hilly terrain with scenic view of the picturesque snow covered ranges and roaring waterfalls are breathtaking for every wanderlust who makes his way to Mawsynram. Known as the wettest place on earth with the highest average annual rainfall, Mawsynram is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in north-eastern India. The place is famous for the gigantic formation of stalagmite, which resembles the shape of a 'Shivalinga'. This formation is housed in a cave, whose local name is Mawjymbuin.
An extraordinary rock formed by geological means called Symper Rock is located close to the Weiloi Village, at a distance of one and half kilometers from the Ranikor-Balat-Mawsynram-Shillong Highway. Its body resembles a dome, which looks like a loaf. To visit Mawsynram, one has to come to the east Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The airport closest to Meghalaya is located at Guwahati, which is at a distance of 128 kms from the Meghalaya capital, Shillong.
Havelock Island
An inevitable and imperative part of the immaculate Andaman Islands is the land of sparkling blue waters, and endless stretches of golden and silver sand on spectacular beaches, the ecstasy on earth- Havelock. The most visited of the Andaman Islands, Havelock Island is the hotspot for scuba diving lovers. It is famous for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and for a relaxing holiday.
The distance between Port Blair and Havelock Island is 30 kilometers. Beach No. 7 on the western coast, better known as "Radha Nagar" Beach, is one of the most popular beaches on Havelock and was named "Best Beach in Asia" by Time in 2004. Other notable beaches include Elephant Beach on the northwest coast and Vijaynagar Beach (No. 5), Beach No. 3 and Beach No. 1 on the east coast. Best time to travel Havelock Island is between November to April. Ferries operate between Port Blair and Havelock Island 6 times a week and the journey takes almost four and half hours.
Ponmudi
The exotic hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The enchanting beauty of nature can be witnessed here in the quiet surroundings. Rested at an altitude of over 100 m above sea level on the Western Ghats, the glistening green waters of the winding streams and verdant woods of Ponmudi catch the eye of every nature lover. Another attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. Ponmudi is connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road offering scenic views. The climate is pleasant year-round. It takes 2 hours by road, driving 65 kms northeast from Thiruvananthapuram, to get to Ponmudi.
Alwar Town
Lying on the fringes of the Aravalli Range in eastern Rajasthan, Alwar is a nice mix of the old and the new, the green and the dry. The region is famous for one of the oldest sites in the country - Viratnagar - associated with the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata fame. Alwar boasts of many beautiful monuments like the City Palace, Bala Quila and Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri. The Tomb of Fateh Jung (1647AD) is a local landmark. The Nehru Park is a beautiful patch of green, lined on one side by blue mountains. Travelling a little away from the hub of the town, you could visit the Vijay Mandir and the beautiful Jaisamand Lake. In fact, many of Alwar's beauties lie outside town, like Siliserh, Neemrana, Rajgarh, Bhangarh and Neelkanth. By air, the nearest airport is Delhi International Airport which is located 163 kms from the city. From Delhi, one can also come to Alwar by a bus or a train.
