How To Reach
As of now, there is no railway station or airport in Pelling so you can hire a taxi from Gangtok or Siliguri to reach Pelling. On the way from Gangtok, you can visit Ravangla (BUDDHA PARK) and Namchi Char Dham Mandir.

Best Places To Stay Near Glass Skywalk Sikkim
MAGPIE PUCCHU VILLAGE RESORT with amazing service and mesmerizing views.

Skywalk Timings
The opening hours of Pelling Skywalk are from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Entry Fee
• Indian Citizens – 50 INR
• Foreigners – 100 INR

Location – 2.5 km from Pelling

Nearby Attractions
Interestingly, you will find many places to visit nearby the Pelling Skywalk. So, make sure you have a look at these places too.
• Sanga Choeling Monastery
• Khecheopalri Lake
• Rabdentse Ruins
• Singshore bridge (The bridge has a height of over 100 m and is 240 m in length, is the highest bridge in Sikkim, and the second-highest bridge in Asia.)

FUN FACT
While walking on the bridge you have to open your shoes and socks so that you can actually feel that you are walking on a glass bridge.

The post Glass Skywalk Pelling Sikkim first appeared on WeekendsXP.

Popular attractions in Chakrata:
Chilmiri Neck: This is the area where Garhwal Rifles Mess and quarters are situated. Travelers can enjoy its scenic view of dense forests. This is the ideal spot for bird watching of different colors and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.

Tiger Fall: This is the most beautiful and highest waterfall of Uttarakhand falling from 312 feet, visitors can reach here by an easy trek between the rhododendron and oak trees forest while enjoying the natural beauty of Uttarakhand.

Hanol Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Mahasu.

Hotels In Chakrata:
Himalayan Paradise (For bookings: http://hotelhimalayanparadise.com/)

How To Reach  Chakrata:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun which is at a distance of about 116 km after that you have to take a bus or taxi to reach there.

By Train: The nearest railway is also Dehradun and buses and taxis are available here. Visitors from New Delhi can take Jan Shatabdi Express (2055) from Delhi to Dehradun. From Dehradun railway station you can hire a taxi or board a bus to Chakrata.

Snow-capped Himalayas are best seen from Chakrata during winter.
One can enjoy bonfires and barbeques in Chakrata during the winter months.

Nearby Tourist Places
Mussoorie, Dhanaulti

The post Chakrata Hill Station Uttarakhand first appeared on WeekendsXP.

Stay In Lansdowne
GMVN guesthouse

Places to see in Lansdowne

Garhwali Mess:  It is one of the oldest buildings in Lansdowne, built-in Jan 1888, an example  of  a very high quality of maintenance.

St. Marry’s Church: Construction of St. Marry’s Church began in 1895 by Colone AHB Hume of Royal Engineers and was completed in 1896. The building has now been restored by Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre with additional facilities for relevant pre-independence photographs and audiovisual display of Regimental history.

Regimental Museum:  This museum is named after Darban Singh Negi and displays the rare collection of Garhwal Rifles.

Bhulla Tal: Bhulla means “younger brother” in Garhwali and is dedicated to the young Garhwali youth of the Garhwal Rifles who contribute their services day and night in its construction without any Government funds. The boating facilities are also available.

Tip-In-Top: It is on the ridge close to St. Mary’s Church. One can plan a trek on the bring the sunny day to feel the amazing views of the Himalayas.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev: It is an ancient temple dedicated to lord Shiva surrounded by thick Cedar trees. It is located 38 km from Lansdowne at an altitude of 1800 m to the northeast of Lansdowne on road Lansdowne-Deriakhal.

How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) 145 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead for Lansdowne is Kotdwar (45 km)
Road: Lansdowne is well connected by a motorable road to almost all the important cities in Uttarakhand. Lansdowne is approx 250 km from Delhi, 145 km from Dehradun, and 95 km from Haridwar. 45 Km from Kotdwar. Up to Kotdwar, you can Board a train from Delhi.

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Mythological Fact About Kanatal:
In Kanatal, Surkunda Devi is a very sacred temple it is dedicated to Sati Ji. Kanatal is the place where Shankar Ji brought her dead body on his Trishul from Haridwar. This temple is located 8 km on the road from Mussoorie to Kaddukhal. Then one has to trek 2 km on foot to the little temple. Ponies are also available there.

What to do in Kanatal :
Nature Lovers : One can take  a walk through the lush green meadows
Picnic Time
Leisure Time
Writing Poems
Photography
Meditation or Yoga
Traveling to nearby sights

 Activities Held by some resorts and camps In Kanatal:
Adventure Sports Activities: Rock climbing, Rappelling, Valley crossing, Burma Bridge, Commando net, Parallel Rope, Zig-Zag, and Balance Beam.
Ground Sports activities: – Volley Ball, Football, Bad-Minton, Cricket, etc.
Team Building Activities: Various Team Building Activities according to Group strength and interest.
· Indoor games: – Cards, Chess, Tambola Carom, etc.
· Trekking
· Bon Fire with light music
· Forest Walk
· Special Features: – DJ night, Bar-Be-Que

Weather In kanatal :
During summer : 10 to 15 degrees
During winters :  it moves down to minus temperatures
Kanatal never gets hot in any of the climatic conditions hence the weather of the city always remains pleasant.

Best Season: March-June, October-December

Places Near Kanatal:

• Surkhanda Devi Mandir
• Dhanaulti
• Tehri Dam
• Kodia Jungle
• Chamba
• Mussoorie
• Shivpuri

How To Get There :

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. One can also take a taxi to Chamba via Rishikesh which costs about Rs 1,500-2,000 for a drop. One can also take the road via Mussoorie.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Dehradun.

By Road: Kanatal is 300 km away from Delhi, 70 km from Dehradun, 75 km from Rishikesh, and 100 km from Haridwar. From Delhi, follow the route to Mussoorie from Roorkee, then take the forested road to Chamba passing Dhanaulti, and finally reaching Kanatal.

Best Way To Get There: Travelling by road is the best way to reach there as one can enjoy the beauty of nature and can have a closer look at the breathtaking views.

Best Accommodation In Kanatal:

•  The Terraces : Spacious Rooms, luxurious services, and polite staff provides you with a pleasant stay.
•  Kanatal Spa and Resort : Well-designed spa and very warm hospitality.
• Gold Crown

The post Kanatal-A Scenic Beauty In Uttarakhand first appeared on WeekendsXP.

Weather In Dhanaulti:
The summer temperatures in the town, range from 32 °C to 37.5 °C, while winter temperatures remain between 7 °C and 1 °C.

Places of Interest In Dhanaulti:

• ECO-Park : It is the main attraction of Dhanaulti. There are two Eco-parks, “Amber” and “Dhara” about 200 m apart. It has been developed recently by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand with the help of local youth.
• Surkanda Devi Mandir : 8 kms from Dhanaulti, on the road towards Chamba lies the Surkanda Devi Temple, famous for its Ganga Dussehra fair in autumn.
• Aaloo Khet : (Potato Farm)– a Government Potato Farm, also a popular sunrise view point.
• Himalayan Weavers : Located on Mussoorie-Dhanaulti Road are the Himalayan Weavers who produce hand-woven shawls, stoles, scarves and throws using only natural dyes and wool, eri silk and pashmina.
• Barehipani and Joranda Falls : Barehipani falls from height of 399mts and Joranda falls from 150mts. Both these waterfalls are situated in the core of Simlipal National Park.
• Kanatal: Situated 15kms from Dhanaulti, Kanatal is emerging as a tourist destination. Kanatal is located on Mussoorie – Chamba Road in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state.

How to Get There:

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (82 kms). From here take a taxi to Dhanaulti or go to Dehradun and take bus.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Dehradun, 60 kms. From here one can drive up to Dhanaulti, or take a tourist taxi or bus.

By Road: Well connected to Dehradun (60 kms.). One can also easily take a bus or taxi to Dhanaulti from Delhi or neighbouring cities.

Hotels and Resorts in Dhanaulti:

• Dhanaulti woods- Mountain Camps.
• Hotel Drive Inn.
• Hotel Nest – Dalhousie.
• Hotel Aroma n Claires – Dalhousie

The post Dhanaulti Hill Station Uttarakhand first appeared on WeekendsXP.

Origin : Kempty Falls was developed as a tourist spot by British officer John Mekinan around 1835. Its name “Kempty” was derived from the word “camp-tea” as during their British rule,would organize their tea parties here.

What to do : The place is famous and is visited for taking bath under the falls and for enjoying the beautiful views of the surroundings. Tourists can also reach a beautiful pond while climbing down a few steps in the flow of the stream.

It is advisable to carry an extra set of clothing. Carry an extra set of clothing if you plan to take a dip or in any case if you forget to carry there are many shops that give the clothes on rent.
Also, it is better to head out from the area for Mussoorie before sunset as it is a difficult drive on a narrow winding road.

What you see : The area around Kempty Falls has various shops that sell artifacts and souvenirs. Some of the noteworthy shops are the ones that are selling Tibetan souvenirs, which have been made by the residents. For refreshments, there are several food shops and kids’ game stalls around the area.

How to reach : Tourists can easily reach the destination by hiring taxis or buses, which regularly operate from Mussoorie as well as Dehradun.

Best time to visit : The best time to visit Kempty Falls is between the summer months of March and June as the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor activities except in the rainy season starting from the months of July and August.

An ideal place to hang out and unwind and to be enjoyed by Families, Kids, Honeymooners, and Backpackers.

Quick Facts

• Distance – Approx 15 km from Mussoorie and 45 km from Dehradun
• Nearest Air port – Jollygrant Dehradun
• Nearest Railway Station– Dehra Dun
• Best Time- June to October
• District -Mussorie

The post Kempty Falls Mussoorie first appeared on WeekendsXP.

This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of ‘greater Mussoorie’, as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani.

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The water here has a fall of about 9 metres. Particles thus accumulating over the centuries have formed a  projecting ledge,  and a sort of cave, from the roof of which falls a shower.

A truly amazing fact: Sulphur Water Spring in Sahastradhara Dehradun:
There is also a sulphur spring in which visitors often take bath.  Its water is said to cure skin infections and possess other medicinal properties. Also one can drink sulphur water which can cure a large number of stomach diseases.

Mythological Fact about Sahastradhara:
An age-old temple and Drona cave-named after the Guru Dronacharya of the Mahabharata period- is present here in Sahastradhara which acts as an image of prayer and worship far across India.

Joyland in Sahastradhara Dehradun :
To add on the fun with kids & family & friends one can find the exotic swings and water slides in the Joyland in Sahastradhara. The children would really enjoy the slides down to the pool, the merry-go-round, the disco dance swing, the Columbus ride and many more!!

Hotels in Sahastradhara:
You don’t have to worry if you are planning to stay in Sahastradhara, there are some budgeted hotels but the best hotel you can find is the GMVN Tourist Bungalow Sahastradhara which is the government undertaking with the full facilities available at the cheapest rates.

How to reach Sahastradhara :
Sahastradhara has located about 11 km from the clock tower Dehradun and around 6 km from the Rajpur road via the Mussoorie by-pass road. A number of transport means are available to get to Sahastradhara such as local buses, taxis, autos or cabs.

When to visit Sahastradhara:
The best time to visit Sahastradhara is May to August when the river flow is good enough and the lakes are all full.

Location:
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

The post Sahastradhara – Exotic Picnic Spot in Dehradun, Uttarakhand first appeared on WeekendsXP.

The tour starts with scenic ride on a cable car followed by the visit to the Alcatraz Island. Next you will halt upto the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods..China town and North Beach which are best for having food and shopping and hitting on bars and for having fun around with friends.

If you like to walk then park your vehicle once to avoid the parking problems and traffic jams so that you can make most of your tour in San Francisco.

Alcatraz Tour: Well its the bay area’s famous prison on its own island . A short ferry drive offer very captivating views of Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the city. The audio tour guides presents you the colorful look at the history of the prison.To avoid waiting for the ferry ride just book well in advance and opt from their evening tour so that you can cover most of the city in the daytime.

Golden Gate Bridge: If you do want to see this greatly built architecture..do that first.

Then on your way back, drive down to Lombard Street and stop at the intersection of  Hyde and Lombard street and after seen enough, you can head towards the fisherman’s wharf.

For the rest of the day you can start by visiting Union Square which the epicenter of the city’s shopping district. All big brands can be found there like Macy’s, Saks, Tiffany’s, Barneys,with lots of other high-end boutiques.
After having a  look around and catch any cable car from the stop at Powell and Market Streets.

Cable Cars: Don’t get worried by the line of people at cable car turnaround..its a ride which is worth the wait.

Buena Vista Café: After completing your Powell-Hyde cable car ride,it’s a San Francisco tradition to celebrate with an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Café, located at 2765 Hyde St. across from the cable car turnaround.

After getting off at the California Street then walk down towards Chinatown which is one of the biggest communities  of Chinese people in the United States.  Follow Grant through the dragon gate into Chinatown and on to Columbus Ave.
Then turn left on Columbus and walk down through North Beach..lots of Italian restaurants and coffeehouses continue to dwell in which is still the center of the city’s Italian community.

Dinner at Capp’s Corner: Its famous for  loud, and over-sauced bastions of red sauce where the diners sit along the long tables and dine family style,food served by brusque waitresses.

Caffè Greco :After getting too much exhausted and already stuff..so to have a good end night ..have a cappuccino at Caffè Greco(423 Columbus Ave.; tel. 415/397-6261).

Have a great time in San Francisco…

The post A Day In San Francisco first appeared on WeekendsXP.

1) Gaganachukki: Located in Mandya district of Karnataka, Gaganachukki (the name means “Fallen from the Sky”), and its twin Barachukki , are just over an hour’s journey from Bangalore. These falls are formed by the Cauvery River.

2) Barachukki: The spectacular Barachukki Falls are on the eastern side of the Cauvery River and located just over an hour’s drive from Bangalore. A visit to these falls make a refreshing day-trip.

3)  Iruppu Falls: These picturesque waterfalls are situated at the edge of the Brahmagiri range  in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, about 50 km from the district headquarters at Madikeri. They are also known as the Lakshmana Theertha Falls, a tributary of the Cauvery River that rises in these hills.

4)  Chunchi Falls: Falls among the rocky range of Kanakapura in Bangalore, these falls formed by the Arkavati River are just 90 km by road from the city. A  off-road trek leads you to the falls, which are a an amazing sight to behold.

5) Hebbe Falls: An adventurous drive along a private coffee estate in Kemmanagundi – a famous hill station in Karnataka – leads you to Hebbe Falls. The water from the falls goes into the Bhadra River.

6) Jog Falls: One of the most fabulous waterfalls in India and  second-highest fall in India. Formed by the Sharavathi River in Shimoga district of Karnataka, it falls from a height of over 900 feet. It has four branches named Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani.

7) Sathodi Falls: Located about 50 km from the town of Yellapur in Kannada district of Karnataka. Falling nearly 50 feet, eventually goes into the river Kali. Together with lush forests infested with leeches, makes access to this waterfall difficult.

8) Magod Falls: Located in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada district, about 20 km from the town of Yellapur, which is the nearest railway station. Formed by the Bedti River, it falls in two steps and falls nearly 650 feet.

9) Unchalli Falls: These magnificent waterfalls in Uttara Kannada district are formed by the Aghanashini River. It is also known as Lushington Falls, it falls about 450 feet.  The nearest station is Sirsi town.

Photos by : Shivakumar L Narayan

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