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Kaziranga National Park, India

By
Dhriti Chatterjee
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One Horned Rhino in Kaziranga National Park
One Horned Rhino in Kaziranga National Park
Home » Travel Blog

I was delighted to have recently received the following guest blog from Dhriti Chatterjee, showcasing the splendour of the Kaziranga National Park in the Golaghat and Nagoan districts of Assam in North East India.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then read on and discover why you need to consider a visit.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaziranga National Park welcomes millions of domestic and international visitors annually.

One of the main attractions is that the park is home to over 2,400 magnificent one-horned rhinos and boasts two-thirds of the world’s total population of this species.

In addition to this in 2006 the local authorities designated the area a Tiger Reserve and today a wide-ranging and successful conservation program exists to protect both these and many other unique species of wildlife.

The Journey

Our trip was to explore this Northeastern region of India, so as I was travelling from the country’s capital, I booked a Delhi to Guwahati flight.

Upon reaching Guwahati, one of my friends from the city suggested that I should join them on their Kaziranga National Park trip. No doubt I couldn’t resist the urge to discover the flora and fauna of this hyped place. We took the National Highway 27 early in the morning for what was a 3-4 hours drive covering 191 kilometres.

The journey affords the chance to admire the lush green meadows, beautiful people, and the many holy Thaans which are religious temples in Assam. En route, you should stop to eat at one of the many Dhabas which provide well affordable, on-the-go, food. As a little tip and a way to find the best outlets, always visit the crowded Dhabas as customers and locals will be attracted there!

We finally reached the Infinity Resort Hotel in Kaziranga, checked in, and freshened up. Since we had already booked a jeep safari online, we waited for the guide to pick us up from the hotel. Within half an hour, our journey to one of the world’s most amazing jungles was underway. We were excited!

The Kaziranga National Park Zones

The mighty river Brahmaputra flows through the park and the mountain range of Karbi Anglong adorns its backdrop. The park is divided into four zones- Mihimukh in the central range at Kohora, Bagori in the western range at Bagori, Agoratoli in the eastern range at Agoratoli, and Ghorakati in Budhapahar at Ghorakati.

Each of these four zones are home to varied species of flora and fauna and each is worth a visit in its own right. Since we had limited time, we visited Agoratoli and Bagori.

Jeep Safari to Agoratoli

Our guide picked us up at around 1 pm and within 20 minutes we approached the Agoratoli range. Before we entered the jungle, we noted the abundance of Assam-style houses, where green-coloured jeeps were common. In almost every house we came across this mode of transport parked outside, which showed that the national park is their source of livelihood. At least one member of every family works as a guide here.

When we reached the main entrance, our guide completed some paperwork on our behalf and an armed ranger hopped onboard our jeep. With Rhino and Tiger residing in the park sadly there is always the chance of poaching so while these rangers may seem intimidating it is what is needed today to protect these incredible animals and ensure their existence for generations to come.

As we passed through the main and final entrance, a herd of deer together with their fawns greeted us. Then as we headed deeper into the jungle, we got glimpses of rare species of migratory and native birds like pelicans, hornbills, raptors and shanks. The Kaziranga National Park area is home to 25 globally threatened and 21 near-threatened species of birds.

All of these sightings are a sign of a healthy ecosystem and for ornithologists, this is heaven!

Kazeranga National Park Tour

The Wildlife of Agoratoli

After a few kilometres inside the park, we finally got to witness the star resident- the world-famous one-horned rhino. Today, you can see them at every turn in the park. This is thanks to the government which took very strict measures to stop poaching and this has naturally brought about an increase in the population of these majestic animals. It is indeed a sight to behold when you see these innocent creatures roaming in their natural habitats.

As we continued, we came across some monkeys and langurs monkeying around. Although it was fun to see them playing, I gripped my binoculars and camera a little tighter in case one tried to make off with it! We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the elusive tigers, which are common in the area, but as our guide and our ranger said, only the lucky ones can see them and, on this occasion, I was not the chosen one.

My disappointment soon turned to joy when we got to see a herd of elephants drinking in the nearby lake. This elephant family of at least 26 members had babies with them so were very protective. It was best we did not disturb them so kept a distance and enjoyed the sight from afar.

There was so much to see and admire in the park that we almost lost track of time and only realized when we saw the sun drowning in the lake that it was time to head back to our hotel. On our way out, we came across some wild hens, peacocks, and rare plants.

A Bagori Safari

The next day our guide woke us up at around 5 am, as we had to visit Bagori, which is a 50-minute drive from our resort. Without even sipping a cup of tea, we headed straight to the Bagori Bananchal area which is considered the best zone for wildlife sightseeing in the entire Kaziranga National Park.

The safari at the western range covers Donga Beel and Mori Diffalu River. This 26 km trail generally takes two hours, but with our guide, it may take 3 hours, as he was very passionate about his job and knows the area and the residents very well.  He knew where to find particular animals and often pointed his fingers into the jungle where creatures have been spotted or are known to reside. Local knowledge of any park such as this is so valuable.

Unlike the Agiratoli safari, we found the western range wilder and bumpier. This raw experience was so worth it as we were again greeted by a group of rhinos, elephant herds, swamp deer, wild buffalos, tortoises, and varied species of both migratory and native birds.

 At one of the turns, our guide pointed us at a tree, where tiger claws were visible. Never mind that we couldn’t see the tiger, his scratches on the tree were enough for us – I guess something is better than nothing.

Kasiranga National Park Water Buffalo

The Wildlife of Bagori

As we passed through the dense forest trails, we came across a wide variety of native plants, and larger-than-life trees. and even spotted a wild boar

There is more for the ornithologists here with a variety of bird species such as bar-headed geese, Indian Rollers, Adjutant storks, woodpeckers, white-breasted waterhens, etc. With just a few tigers in this park, the deer population here is considerable. Wild buffalos, elephants, and rhinos can be seen at most turns and also keep an eye on the ground to spot a tortoise heading towards his nest.

The only drawback with this jeep safari is you can’t get close to these beautiful animals and have to see them from the jeep trailer. There is the chance to ride an elephant through the park which would allow closer access to animals however I have seen how the elephants are abused by the mahouts so I would advise against taking these trips. I would also urge the Assam Government to consider providing an alternate source of income to these mahouts and ban animal riding for good.

Kaziranga National Park Touring

Orchid and Biodiversity Park

On our way back to our hotel, we decided to visit The Orchid and Biodiversity Park. We heard a lot about this place from our guide. Spread across 6 acres of land in Durgapur village, it is the largest orchid park in the northeast region of India. The park houses 500 varieties of wild orchids, 132 species of sour fruits and leafy vegetables, 46 species of bamboo, 12 species of cane, and more than a hundred varieties of foxtail orchids.

The park has employed local youths, with whom you can interact to know more about these orchids. I found it overwhelming, as I had not visited such a large orchid park before. It also has a medicinal plant garden, rice museum, local fruit and flower garden, and a dedicated space for native fish. It also houses a greenhouse and a tortoise shelter. You can visit the museum on site that contains agricultural equipment and other antiques of different ethnic groups, who call this region their home.

Kaziranga National Park Flora

Ethnic Village

Our trip wouldn’t be complete if we hadn’t visited the Ethnic Village in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, which is just a few kilometres from Kaziranga.

It is an initiative to showcase the culture, tradition, heritage, and history of various Karbi ethnic groups, like Rengma, Karbi, Kuki, Dimasa, Mantai, Adivasi, Khasia, Tiwa, Bodo, Garo, and Nepali. There are some traditional huts and some sculptures outside depicting daily life.

A visit to the Ethnic Village is worth the time.

Best Time To Visit

The Kaziranga National Park remains open for tourists from 1st November to 30th April. The park remains closed from the first week of June to the first week of October due to the monsoon and annual flood.

Hence, plan your trip between February to April, when the dense fog evades and it is easy to catch sight of the residents.

Where To Stay

Being a popular tourist destination, accommodation is abundant including hotels and resorts in and around Kaziranga The type of accommodation depends on your budget and the area you choose.

We stayed at the Infinity Resort Kaziranga, which is surrounded by Tamul Gos (betel nut tree), common in Assam. The Assam-style huts are made of bamboo and are well-equipped with a comfortable bed, and other amenities including a swimming pool.

Where To Eat

You may find several small hotels and restaurants in Bokakhat itself. Most of them are pocket-friendly and serve delicious meals. I believe the best way to know a region is by feasting on their traditional meal. Our guide suggested two restaurants for authentic Assamese meals.

On our first day, we visited the Saikia Hotel, as suggested by our guide. It doesn’t have much decor or ambience and is just a small eatery. We didn’t expect anything good, but we were amazed by their hospitality and traditional food. We ordered the local’s favourite pork thali, and it turned out to be so good.

You can also visit the Hotel Chang Ghor, which has a small dining area. It is run by a woman who prepares the meal herself. She took immense pride in her cooking skills and even gave us a bowl of Assamese chicken to taste for free. The spread was good and the prices were affordable. Later, we came to know that this restaurant is visited by a lot of famous people on their way to Guwahati from Upper Assam and vice versa.

Apart from these two, there are many Chinese restaurants however, I would recommend you sample local dishes and savour authentic platters.

Kaziranga National Park Where To Eat

Tickets & Fares

Before you visit the park, it is worth understanding the costs. First of all make sure you take some cash as online transactions are not popular. There is an entry fee for each zone, and they charge for cameras as well. Here is a guide to the costs at the time of our visit in 2022. Naturally, these will change over time:

Park Entrance Fee: INR 50 for Indian citizens and INR 250 for foreigners.

  • Vehicle Entry Fee: INR 200
  • Camera Fee: INR 50 for Indian citizens and INR 500 for foreigners
  • Video Camera Fee: INR 500 for Indian citizens and INR 1,000 for foreigners
  • Jungle Jeep Safari: Kohora: INR 4,000

Bagori INR 4,100

Agoratoli INR 4,900

Kohora, Bagori & Eastern: INR 7,700

Handy Travel Tips

Avoid visiting during winter as the dense fog may hinder spotting the wildlife. April is the best month as nature changes its colours and you can easily spot the animals.

The park remains open for safari between 05:30 AM to 04:30 PM and you are required to arrive at least half an hour before the scheduled safari time if the jeep is not coming to pick you up from the hotel.

Carry binoculars to enhance your wildlife adventure experience.

Wear comfortable and light clothes. Avoid bright colours.

You will be denied entry if you carry arms, weapons, or sharp objects.

Do not touch or harm the flora and fauna.

Put your phone on silent and maintain silence when near an animal. You may not want to startle them.

Our Promise To Return

Keeping aside the incredible wildlife, the Kaziranga National Park has a lot to offer. Only if we had time, we would have explored the other attractions and zones.

Whether you talk about the hospitality of the people or the traditional food, we came home with a promise to visit this beautiful place again. When we do I will tell you my story!

Author’s Bio

My thanks to Dhriti Chatterjee for her wonderful guest blog. Dhriti is an avid traveler and a blogger, who loves to share her journeys across the country with her readers, 

I loved hearing about the region’s nature and wildlife as well as the local life and traditions. It is certainly a part of India I did not know but it is very much now on my radar especially given the wonderful efforts of the Government to protect some of our planet’s most majestic species of animal! Well done to them and Dhriti – we look forward to hearing more from your travels.

For more blogs check out my India pages.

Best Things To Do in York 2023

By
Rupert Diggins
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Upcoming Events & Best Things To Do in York 2023
Upcoming Events & Best Things To Do in York 2023
Home » Travel Blog

The term ‘unique’ gets banded about far too often nowadays, particularly when it comes to describing popular travel destinations.

However, if there’s one city that deserves this moniker it’s the ancient city of York, located in the United Kingdom largest county Yorkshire, and close to the so called capital of Yorkshire, Leeds. Punctuated by medieval streets and hushed alleys, boasting a dramatic gothic cathedral and many other incredible landmarks that pay homage to its decorated past, this bustling municipality attracts millions of visitors each year.

A popular city break destination, or a stopover point for intrepid travellers wanting to explore the nearby Yorkshire Dales, there’s so much to see and do in this historic city that deciding what to cram into your itinerary can be a little bit daunting.

Luckily, and to save you time, we’ve done the hard work for you!  Here’s our guide to the best upcoming events and attractions in York that you won’t want to miss in 2023.

York Races- Events Throughout The Year

York is home to one of the UK’s most popular racecourses and throughout 2023 there are plenty of great horse racing events to enjoy.

Staring from mid-May the Dante festival rolls into town; don you finest apparel and head to the track for a weekend full of fun and thrills as you watch your pick attempt to gallop to glory.

Moving further into the summer York racecourse then hosts the June meeting, a popular date in the horse racing calendar for groups and couples looking to embrace the British summer and enjoy a few glasses of champagne from the stands.

In August 2023, the Ebor Festival, York’s biggest racing meet rolls up and the 2023 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Watch some of the world’s finest horses and jockey’s battle it out for the biggest prizes. 4-day event packages are available if you’d like to experience the whole festival, whilst weekday/weekend tickets are also available to book now.

York Chocolate Festival, April 6th-April 10th

This April, and just in time for Easter, York is set to usher in the return of York Chocolate Festival for the first time since 2019.

The festival pays homage to York’s remarkable confectionary history which includes proudly standing as the birthplace of Rowntrees, and all the wonderful sweet creations they have gifted to the world.

The festival will take place on Parliament St, which will be lined with dozens of stalls selling a variety of chocolate and sweet-related goodies. Taking place over four days, there’s no better time to call a cheat day (or week) as you sample everything from dreamy fudge to decadent chocolate bars.

If previous incarnations of this spectacular event are to go by you can also expect music and entertainment; drinks vendors will also be on hand so you can grab a refreshing beverage to wash down your sweet treats.

JORVIK Viking Festival, 11th-19th February

History buffs may be aware that York has an intriguing Roman past. However, did you know that this incredible city was also invaded by Ivar the Boneless and his Viking crew way back in 866?

Today York proudly celebrates this Viking encounter and there’s even a museum in the centre of town that gives visitors a surreal glimpse into what life was like for the settlement centuries ago.

This same museum, JORVIK, are the one’s responsible for running the Viking Festival this upcoming February. Between 11th-19th, visitors to York can expect to be greeted by dozens of Vikings camped out in tents as they gather to commemorate the region’s Norse heritage.

Expect live battle re-enactments, craft workshops for children, and there’s even a ‘best beard’ competition. Some events require purchased tickets so keep that in mind.

York Christmas Festival, November (TBD)

York is a magical place to visit regardless of the time of year. However, when the winter arrives the cobbled streets take on an extra charm and you’d be mistaken for thinking you’ve been transported into the heart of a Dickens novel.

As Christmas 2023 approaches be sure to mark down a visit to York Christmas Festival. Complete with restaurants, shops, festivals, music and other attractions, there’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit and no place better to soak up the festive atmosphere.

The exact date for York’s Christmas Festival has yet to be confirmed for 2023 however we expect it to once again take place on Parliament St, in the heat of York, around mid-November.

The only thing we’d advise is to wrap up warm because York in winter is not renowned for its hospitable temperatures!

Places to Eat

Whether you’re heading to York races for a day of fun by the tracks, or you’re getting up close and personal with some Vikings, you’ll no doubt need to recharge your batteries at some point and fill up on some scrumptious food and drink.

Meat lover? Italian aficionado? Vegan? Veggie? Whatever your culinary preferences and tastes fear not because York is home to an abundance of top-class restaurants for you to choose from.

For a casual bite head to the Shambles Food Court and enjoy a variety of tasty street food; everything from yummy Greek dishes to flavour-packed Middle Eastern plates are on offer here.

Celebrating a special occasion or searching for a charming restaurant with a view? Consider booking a table at The Star Inn The City, which sits amongst the top restaurants in York City centre according to visitor reviews. Affording diners stunning views of the River Ouse from their delightful dining room, the Modern British menu boasts divine daily specials and a mixture of delicious starters, mains and desserts crafted using the best quality ingredients sourced from the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.

Alternative high-end dining options include the popular Roots, who offer an elegant tasting menu and Melton’s, a Modern European restaurant with an emphasis on vibrant flavour combinations.

Places to Shop

If you’re visiting York and you’re in need of some retail therapy then fear not because the city is home to a diverse mixture of brilliant shops, and shopping centres.

In the centre of the city, you’ll find Coppergate, which houses stores including a variety of well-known British high street shops. You’ll also find plenty of fashion outlets, jewellers and craft shops dotted across the city’s cobbled streets that are well worth a visit.

If high end fashion is more your penchant, but your wallet twitches at the thought of paying high-end prices, head to York Designer Outlet, located a short drive from the city centre. From Hugo Boss to Ted Baker, you’ll find bargain deals on a whole host of designer items.

More Information

If you fancy a trip to York then why not check out the Visit York website and get more information on the best things to do in York 2023.

Pachmarhi Travel Guide, India

By
Shreya Patel
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0
Reechgarh Cave, Pachmarhi, India
Reechgarh Cave, Pachmarhi, India
Home » Travel Blog

This Pachmarhi Travel Guide is from guest author Shreya Patel. Here is what she had to say about Pachmarhi – a hill station in Madhya Pradesh in the very heart of India:

Pachmarhi, Queen of Satpura or Satpura ki Rani (in Hindi ), has an abundance of eye-tempting attractions to explore. Although the place is lesser known, once you visit Pachmarhi, its beauty will leave you in awe.  The good thing is that the government has kept it in the same condition, which means a plethora of unadulterated natural beauty for all travel junkies. Encompassed with lush greenery, rich wildlife, pristine waterfalls and picturesque landscapes, this Central Indian spot offers a high level of tranquillity for those who prefer hill stations over beaches.

So, being a wanderlust Indian myself, I am always keen on exploring those untraversed spots and so my curiosity led me to this beauty. I visited Pachmarhi with my family and booked a local gipsy camp to enjoy the beauty of this place better. We covered several attractions and I must say, the warmth and remarkable aura of Pachmarhi left me awestruck and happy.

In this Pachmarhi Travel Guide, I will be listing all the places you must visit when heading to this beautiful undiscovered part of India.

An Introduction to Pachmarhi

Located at a height of 1607 meters above sea level, Pachmarhi is in the second largest state, Madhya Pradesh. Since it’s the only hill station and the highest point in the state, it serves as a vantage point and is the most visited by locals and tourists across the nation.

The place is also home to wild animals – leopards and bison. The town isn’t very large and is a perfect cosy retreat for tourists from metropolitan cities.

Pachmarhi Travel Guide Facts

Some amazing fun facts I learned about this place are:

Pachmarhi was named a Biosphere reserve by UNESCO in May 2009.

A lot of cave paintings found in the caves of Pachmarhi are believed to be about 10,000 years old.

Dhoopgarh is the highest peak point of this hill station. During my trip, I visited here during sunset, and I can say that the views from the peak were unmatchable.

The name of this place, Pachmarhi, is derived from the words “Panch (Five) and Marhi (Caves)”.

Many Bollywood movies have been shot in this beautiful location. When I visited Reechgarh, a local guide told me that scenes of the popular movie Ashoka the Great, (starring Shah Rukh Khan & Kareena Kapoor), were shot here.

Bee Falls Pachmarhi

Amongst the count of waterfalls, the Bee Falls Pachmarhi is the most renowned. Also known as Jamuna Prapat, it offers the most extreme tranquillity one could ask for. The hiking trail, which is a wonderland in itself, leads visitors to this waterfall. Amid the trail, you’ll see 2-3 picturesque spots. Tourists here can be often found pushing and shoving to get a click with the mesmerizing view, especially the first-timers.

People sit and relax by the brooklet, while many dip their feet in the water and enjoy fish offering a very natural and free pedicure. It may be a little exhausting to hike down to the Bee Falls Pachmarhi, but as you arrive, the drizzle from the fall, the soothing sounds of gushing water, and the view will be enough to take away the fatigue.

Jatashankar Caves – A Lord Shiva Temple

The Jatashankar Caves is the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. It is said to be the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the wrath of Bhasmasur. Although it’s a long walk to reach the temple entrance, it’s all worth it. On the way to the entrance, you will come across street sellers selling different items such as pipe fryums, papad, labdo ber, and herbal oil.

Here at the Jatashankar Caves, water seeps from the rock above and flows into the temple’s courtyard, making one’s feet numb. You may come across a lady, who sits on the cliff, and chants mantras of Lord Shiva, and her voice echoes can be heard throughout the entire cave. There is a cave built in the rock, from which you have to stoop to reach and worship before the idol of Lord Shiva.

Jatashankar Caves, India

Bade Mahadev Caves

Sitting in the lap of rugged nature is this Lord Shiva shrine, which goes by the name of the Bade Mahadev Caves. The temple also consists of the idols of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Ganesha, which are of major significance in the Hindu religion. At the entrance to the cave, there is a lot of Trishuls and Damru, symbolizing the tenacity of Lord Shiva.

Natural water streams inside the cave, which forms a holy pool. It is believed that whoever bathes in this pool, can wash away their sins. Here also, you will have to stoop to get to the end point of the cave, where you will find the idol of Mahadev and all the above-mentioned Gods.

As an extra travel tip for your visit to the Bade Mahadev Caves, beware of the monkeys roaming around, as they can snatch your food and bag.

Bade Mahadev Caves, India

Pandav Gufa Caves

Pandav Caves or Gufa are well renowned and have a reference to Indian mythological characters Pandavas, hence the name. These caves are said to be the place where Pandavas ( 5 sons of Kunti ) stayed during their exile period. It is now a protected tourist spot, and people from all over India visit here to witness this place. Built in the 9th century, these caves are adorned by beautiful sculptures and ancient carvings.

A pathway from a large beautiful garden leads to the Caves.  Here you can see a group of five small caves, covered with grills, and carved on a hilltop. The caves are covered with lush greenery and provide a tranquil aura away from bustling cities.

This was, however, the least interesting place for me in Pachmarhi. 

Pandav Gufa, India

Reechgarh

Reechgarh is a huge cave hidden in the folds of Pachmarhi. A myth says that a giant bear (reech in Hindi) used to live in this cave, and hence, a local legend gave this place the name Reechgarh. Here you’ll get to see sunshine peeking through craggy rocks, making it a beautiful place to take pictures. The climb above the cave offers vistas of lush greenery and this cave serves as a natural air conditioner since a cool wind blows through them.

However, to enjoy the best views of this place, you will have to hike down through the streak boulders. And, while doing so, you need to be very careful to avoid tripping over.

Dhoopgarh

Dhoopgarh is the highest point in Pachmarhi and is located at a height of 1352 meters. It serves the most eye-tempting views of the place. It is the best place to admire sunrises and sunsets, and hence, most people come here during these times only. The vistas are truly incredible, and people often enjoy this view with snacks and tea.

However, you can only reach here by trekking up to the peak. The route isn’t easy either. The path passes through certain waterfalls and valleys, therefore making the way as steep and challenging as you can imagine.

For first-time visitors it’s best to visit Dhoopgarp with an experienced Pachmarhi Travel Guide, as the hike can be a little overwhelming.

Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India

Handi Koh

Being one of the most beautiful ravines in central India, Handi Koh is a v-shaped ravine covering a 300-foot-deep precipice in the heart of a dense forest. This place has a rich mythological history and is said to be closely linked with Lord Shiva. Although it was said to be a lake earlier, it dried up due to the wrath of a giant snake. Now Handi Koh is well known for hiking, trekking, horse riding, and photography.

Here you will get a view from the cliff of a ravine laden with trees, and greenery. Local people will hand over binoculars and telescopes for a fee. Indigenous people use a rope to get down into the jungle to get herbs for medicinal virtues. 

Handi Koh, Pachmarhi, India

Best Time to Visit Pachmarhi

The best time to visit Pachmarhi is anytime year-round, thanks to its pleasant weather and topography. The days here are pleasant with chilly nights, which makes it a perfect getaway destination. However it would be best to avoid the monsoon (July to September) since the precipitation is quite high in this region.

In my experience, the best time to visit Pachmarhi would be in the summer season (April to June), which is perfect to escape the dry heat of the plains. Not only is it less crowded, but it also tends to be much cooler as compared to other hotter parts of the country. The weather is just as perfect as any hill station encounters. Plus, what’s the best time to enjoy playing around in waterfalls? It’s always the summer.

How to Reach Pachmarhi

Being the only hill station of Madhya Pradesh, it’s the most visited and hence is well connected with major cities of the region. Bhopal is one of the nearest cities to reach here (210 km). Those taking a flight from Delhi, Mumbai or any other Indian city, can utilize Raja Bhoj Airport to reach Bhopal and then take a taxi to Pachmarhi (which is a 4-hour drive).

If you’re someone who prefers travelling by train, then a useful Pachmarhi Travel Guide tip is to take a train to reach Pipariya Railway Station, the closest to Pachmarhi (only 54 km). This train station is linked directly with several major stations including Varanasi, Surat, Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkata, etc. When you reach Pipariya, take a taxi to Pachmarhi and you will reach in about an hour.

If you prefer a road trip, then you are most welcome to bring your vehicle. Although driving can be exhausting, you will get to enjoy the stunning vistas as you drive. Remember that the travelling time will depend upon the traffic and whether you make stops in the middle.

For the road route, you can also opt for a bus ride. Yes, several state-owned and private buses are accessible for Pachmarhi from nearby cities like Bhopal, Jabalpur, Nagpur, Indore, and renowned tourist attractions like Kanha National Park and Pench National Park. Being a cantonment town, the road conditions here are quite phenomenal.

Accommodations in Pachmarhi

It makes sense that being a popular spot amongst the locals and tourists, there are a handful of accommodations accessible in Pachmarhi. From budget stays to chic hotels, there is a suitable option for everyone. That said, budgeted hotels are available for a stay starting from INR 600 to INR 1500. Although these hotels are affordable the quality of stay provided isn’t questionable.

But for me, the budget wasn’t the issue, so I decided to book a lavish hotel. And since hill stations call for a chic stay with a mind-blowing view from the balcony, I went for a hotel that offers the same. Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible options nearby Satpura National Park, Dhoopgarh, and Pandav Caves. And since hill stations call for a chic stay with a mind-blowing balcony view, I went for a hotel that offers the same.

Final Takeaway

I have always preferred natural beauty over man-made attractions and this place offered it all. And indeed, a trip to a cosy hill station can better rejuvenate your entire soul. Pachmarhi is truly a gem brimming with a myriad of remarkable attractions and offers the most tranquil vistas you could ask for.

The best thing I realized here was that even with an excessive population, such a mesmerizing gift of nature still exists in the country. If you’re in India or ever plan to visit here, then make sure to spend some time exploring the beauty of this hill station.

Not only will this place offer you peace, but will take you a step closer to the tales of Indian mythology. I will also recommend you carry strong grip shoes for rugged trails, sunglasses and a hat to avoid being smothered in dust, as well as some motion sickness tablets.

Author’s Bio

My thanks to Shreya Patel for her wonderful Pachmarhi Travel Guide guest blog.

Shreya loves to travel with her family. She has completed all the safari trips of India and writes content for lowestflightfares.com for a living.

Shreya Patel, Pachmarhi Travel Blog Author

EasyJet Flights and EasyJet Holidays – Whats on Sale?

By
Rupert Diggins
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0
Easyjet Airlines
Easyjet Airlines

Home » News » EasyJet On Sale

Summer 2025 Flights & Holidays

On 05 October 2023 Easyjet released their Summer 2025 programme of holidays and flights.

Book your Easyjet Holidays summer ’25 getaway today with just a £60pp deposit and get your flights, hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers included. You can lock in the price of your holiday and spread the cost, paying in instalments as often as you like until 28 days before departure.

Package holidays to over 100 of Europe’s most stunning destinations are now on sale up to 31st October 2025.

Winter 2024/2025 Flights & Holidays

On 28 September 2023 EasyJet Holidays released its winter 2024-25 package holiday programme. More than 30 destinations are on sale, with seven-night beach packages costing from £399 and two-night city breaks starting at £269.

Update: on the 23 March 2024 flights were released for sale up to 2nd March 2025!

Autumn 2024 Flights

Flights are now on sale up to 30th November 2024. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to snap up great-value flights to hundreds of destinations.

Summer 2024 Flights & Holidays

On 14 September 2023 Easyjet put on sale their Summer 2024 programme of holidays.

Easyjet Holidays has released its schedule of amazing value-for-money summer package holiday getaways right up to and including October 2024. For 2024 Easyjet Flight-only sales, you can currently book flights, from 21 UK airports.

Easyjet Cabin Bag Sizes

All customers can bring on board:

One SMALL cabin bag with a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm which will need to fit under the seat in front. The maximum weight of this item is 15kg.

You can then also pay extra to have a LARGE cabin bag

One large cabin bag with a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm will need to fit in an overhead locker. The maximum weight of this item is 15kg.

You can then also pay extra for HOLD luggage of either 15kg, 23kg or 32kg

Always check the Easyjet website for the latest on Cabin baggage in case of changes to their rules.

Peace of Mind

Not only can you get a great early deal but you also receive total peace of mind booking so far in advance with their Flight Protection Promise and also their Holiday Protection Promise.

Carrying over 65 million passengers every year to 35 countries destinations include some of my favourites such as Croatia, Italy, France, Spain, Slovenia and Germany. Here are some reasons to book:

Hand-picked selection of 3 to 5-star hotels   
Flexible package holidays
ATOL protected   
23kg Luggage & Transfers Included
Low Deposits
Best price guarantee

Follow this link for information on Jet2Flights & Holidays

Japanese Cuisine For Those New Year Celebrations

By
Rupert Diggins
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teppanyaki, Japanese Cuisine
Photo Credit Rod Long on Sunsplash
Home » Travel Blog

Travel to Japan is open again and people all over the U.K. are quickly booking their dream holidays to the “Land of the Rising Sun.” The travel experts at Scott Dunn know that one of the main reasons Japan draws many tourists worldwide is the world-class Japanese cuisine.

So, if you are looking forward to your upcoming Japanese Holiday or you want to go but can’t get away just yet, here are some tasty ways to incorporate a bit of Japanese culture into your New Year’s celebration.

mt fuji, fuji mountain, Japan, Asia, Destinations
Mount Fuji, Japan
Tokyo, Japan, Asia
Tokyo Market, Japan

Incorporate O-Sechi Ryori into your meal

O-sechi ryori, the traditional Japanese New Year’s Day feast, is said to bring luck, prosperity and good health for the New Year. This traditional meal won’t be easy to make here in the U.K.; however, you can include elements of the tradition in your feast. Include the following ingredients in your dish as a nod to the traditional:

Baby anchovies are a key ingredient in Tazukuri, which is said to bring prosperity and abundance.

Salmon, which makes up half of the popular dish salmon kombu, represents youth. 

Include shredded carrots and daikon to represent the Japanese colours of the new year, red and white. 

Prawns are an excellent addition as they represent longevity and wisdom. Their half-rounded shape is meant to resemble the backs of an aged person.

Anchovies, Japanese Cuisine
Photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash
Japan Travel Blog
The Magic of Japan

Include the staples of Japanese food 

The lead-up to the New Year is a special time when we say goodbye to the year that has just passed and reminisce about all the highs and lows of the past 12 months. Represent the tried-and-tested friendships and relationships with the Japanese staples that are most common in Japanese Cuisine. These are: 

Noodles (ramen, soba, somen, and udon) and rice

Vegetables including sea vegetables and daikon radish

Soy (soy sauce, tofu, miso, edamame)

Fish such as salmon, mackerel

Fruits, like tangerine, persimmons and Fuji grapes

Including some Japanese staples in your New Year celebrations will be a great way to start looking forward to your travels in the year ahead and celebrating the events of the past year. 

Japanese Cuisine Staples
Photo by Susann Schuster on Unsplash
Tokyo Travel Blog Japan Bullet Train
Japan Bullet Train

Give your guests the Teppanyaki experience

For the Japanese, a meal goes beyond just eating. It is a practice where people can socialise, build stronger bonds, and come together. What better way to reflect that than incorporating teppanyaki into your New Year’s celebrations? 

Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cooking derived from the words ‘teppan’ – meaning iron plate – and ‘yaki’ – meaning grilled or pan-fried. You can recreate this by simply grilling meat or vegetables on a hot iron plate. Remember, part of the joy of a teppanyaki meal is to experience the chef cooking it in front of you, so make sure you’re ready to entertain your guests while they eat.

You may not be as talented as an authentic Japanese teppanyaki chef, but your guests will find it even more entertaining watching you try!

teppanyaki, Japanese Cuisine
Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash
Win a Holiday to Japan Travel Competition
Osaka, Japan

Japanese Cuisine Contact

My thanks for this Japanese cuisine blog goes to the team at Scott Dunn – the experts in tailoring your dream holiday to Japan. If these tasty Japanese ideas have whet your appetite then why not get in touch with them today and discover the very best of this amazing country?

For further information check out my blogs from my visit to the amazing country of Japan

Free Trees For Every Household in Wales

By
Rupert Diggins
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Free Trees Wales
Free Trees Wales

Home » News » Free Welsh Trees

The Woodland Trust in Wales, United Kingdom together with The Welsh Government and Coed Cadw are offering a FREE tree to every household in Wales. These FREE Welsh trees will help address the effects of climate change and will also contribute to the National Forest for Wales. How good is that!?

In March 2022 over 5,000 trees were given away. Between now and March 2023 there are a further 295,000 trees available on a first-come first served basis.

If you live in Wales you simply have to get involved with this initiative! There are three ways you can claim your Free Welsh Trees:

Collect Free Welsh Trees From a Hub

There are over 50 tree collection hubs throughout Wales. Opening dates are from 19 November to 19 December 2022 and then again from February to March 2023.

Free Trees Wales Promotion
National Forest Of Wales

Have A Tree Planted For You

If you do not have the space to plant a tree but still wish to take part in this amazing cause, then the Woodland Trust have 55,000 trees to plant a tree on your behalf.

Welsh landowners have committed to providing space to plant free Welsh trees on their land on your behalf. All these native trees will contribute to the National Forest for Wales.

Simply follow the link to this online Plant A Tree form.

Once your tree has been planted, they will email you to let you know

Have A Tree Posted To You

If you want to take part but cannot get to a hub how about having a tree posted to you?

There are 40,000 postal trees available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply simply fill out their online Post a Tree form. 

You will receive two trees, arriving in the post between January and the end of March 2023.

More Information on Free Welsh Trees

I would love to see and hear about any of you readers of my blog that get involved. It’s such a great thing to do and it will make you feel good! Keep me informed and take a photo if you do!

Get the latest Wales tree giveaway updates on their website or social media pages

If you are going to shout about it please use the hashtag #MyTreeOurForest and if you would be kind #justonefortheroad who love projects like this that address climate change while protecting and growing our natural world.

Well done Wales – surely its now time for England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to do the same (unless you have already in which case tell me about it).

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