TRAVEL SPECIAL... Break away & Travel

Break away & Travel 

Explore the far side of India . Discover places that even though hard to get to, are truly worth the distance 

    It’s little wonder why writer Mark Twain had once stated, “So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds.” Discovering this country we live in always brings to light something different, unique and wonderful. However, when making travel plans we most often opt for the destination closest to us or most convenient to travel to. In this issue of ET-Travel, we go beyond and visit some of India’s gems that are worth the lengthy travel. Rajasthan, being the largest state in terms of area in the country, has its desert delights that still draw many travellers. Assam and Meghalaya are gifted with varied natural beauty, of which, much is still untouched. Munisiyari, up in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand beckons adventurists, while to the south of the country, Tamil Nadu’s culture offers stories of the past mixed with folklore and tradition. Come along... explore India!
 

WHERE: KANCHIPURAM, TAMIL NADU
    WHY GO THE DISTANCE: Heritage and silk Called the City of thousand temples, Kanchipuram is emersed in tradition and culture. Visit Sri Ekambareswara Temple, Sri Vardaraja Perumal Temple, Sri Kailasanathar Temple among others, to understand and appreciate Chola religious architecture. Mamallapuram, a port town that flourished during the time of the Pallavas, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture and art.
    Also known as Silk City, Kanchipuram weavers have been following the age-old traditions of silk production and weaving that have earned them a GI (Geographical Indication) status. Before shopping at the stores, take a tour of one of the weaving houses and learn about this world-famous silk.
    For a bit of adventure head to Muttukkadu, on the outskirts of Kanchipuram. This lake has been made into a picnic spot and offers various water sport opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts can stop by at Vendantangal, a water bird sanctuary or the Crocodile Bank, a breeding centre for about 5,000 of these snappers. www.kanchi.tn.nic.in 

WHERE: SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA
 WHY GO THE DISTANCE: Untouched natural beauty
Mother Nature has bestowed Meghalaya with rich beauty, most of which is still untouched by commercialism. Forests, mountains, valleys, waterfalls and raging rivers of this area are also home to various indigenous tribes. Visit Shillong’s golf course for a game, trek your way to Elephant Falls or go boating at Wards Lake.
shillong.com 

  WHERE: KAZIRANGA, ASSAM
  WHY GO THE DISTANCE: Rich wildlife
Escape to the wild in Kaziranga National Park and get the chance to spot the endangered
Great One Horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, deer and wild water buffalo. Both jeep and elephant safaris are available for visitors to explore the area. The jeep venture is better for evening trips while the elephant ride makes for a great early morning tour. The weather is great this time of the year and one can also expect to meet various migratory birds that stop by the area. www.kaziranganationalpark-india.com 

  WHERE: MUNSIYARI, UTTARAKHAND
  WHY GO THE DISTANCE: Mountain trekking
If you’ve already scaled the slopes of North India’s popular mountains, then head out to Munsiyari in Uttarakhand. The area is garnering attention from mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts and high altitude trekkers. Khaliatop and Betuldhar offer skiing options in winter. Come spring the lower region is buzzing with the sound of birds nesting in the rhododendron forests. River rafting can be done at Gori Ganga.
www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/ munsiyari 

WHERE: THARANGAMBADI, TAMIL NADU 

WHY GO THE DISTANCE: Heritage temples, beaches Tharangambadi, earlier known as Tranquebar (meaning place of the singing waves) is an ex-Danish sea-side colony and is still home to many heritage structures. Visit Fort Dansborg and the Danish Museum. Travellers coming to Tranquebar can buy local handicraft items such as jewellery made from beads, jugs, toys, idols made of terracotta, slippers made of palm leaf and wood furniture. Spend time on the beach or roam through the old neighbourhoods. www.tamilnadutourism.org 

DID YOU KNOW
EASY ACCESS: Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur are soon going to be even more tourist friendly. The government has opened these state gates to foreign tourists after 50 years, dismissing the need for permits.

Compiled by Lara Rebello ETTR1303207