Sunday 31 August 2014

100 Beautiful Places in India (Part-5)

http://www.thrillophilia.com/blog/beautiful-places-in-india/


100 Beautiful Places in India (Part-5)

41. Belum Caves

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Image Source: Praveen – Flickr
They are the longest in India and the second largest in the country, well known for their stalagmite formations. The caves were discovered way back in 1884 by a British named Robert Foote. The caves have several passages and chambers to explore, making it a mystical experience.
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Image Source: Mahesh Telkar – Flickr
Even if you are not too much into cave exploration, the natural formations in these caves will leave you speechless. Head to these caves in Andhra Pradesh for an eclectic adventure experience.
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Image Source: harikrish.h – Flickr

Kerala

42. Alleppey

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Image Source: Amit Rawat – Flickr
Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country” for its beautiful natural treasure. One of the best places to experience the natural beauty of Kerala is Allepey and is among the must visit places in India. Stay in a houseboat and take a tour of the backwaters of the Alleppey for a romantic experience. While taking the cruise, do not forget to visit the quaint villages which are located by the backwaters. A trip to a local toddy shop completes this amazing experience in the lap of Mother Nature.
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Image Source: harikrish.h – Flickr

43. Munnar

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Image Source: Ramesh NG – Flickr
Leaving out Munnar from the list of beautiful places in India is a cardinal sin. This hill station of Kerala is a nature lover’s delight. You are greeted with a vast expanse of tea and cardamom plantations here, rich forest cover and plenty of opportunities for trekking.
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Image Source: jonbrew – Flickr
At an altitude of about 6000 feet above sea level, Munnar is all about gorgeous valleys, majestic hills and pristine surroundings. There are resorts here which date back to colonial times. They add to the charm of the place (as if it needed it!).
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Image Source: Liji Jinaraj – Flickr

44. Athirapally

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Image Source:  Manoj K – Flickr
Located about 70 km from the city of Cochin is Athirapally in Kerala, a gorgeous location, like most of the rest of Kerala. The region is a fantastic riparian region in Kerala. A riparian region refers to the area between land and a river stream. Athirapally is known for its rich wildlife and boasts of some rare species of flora and fauna.
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Image Source: Karthick Ramachandran – Flickr
It is also well known for Athirapally Waterfalls. You can take a trek to the waterfalls and be amazed at the beauty of it. If you love nature, you will love to spend your entire life in Athirapally.

45. Wayanad

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Image Source: Chandru – Flickr
Wayanad is a stunning hill station located in the north-eastern part of gorgeous Kerala. The hill station is characterized by several tea and coffee plantations, making it ideal for a relaxing holiday. The best way to experience the beauty of Wayanad is to stay in a homestay and enjoy the hospitality of local people.
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Image Source: Arun Katiyar – Flickr
With its low population, verdant greenery, and several beautiful trekking trails, it energizes your body from the inside out. Also known as the “Land of Paddy Fields”, it is epitome of what Kerala stands for- green, tranquil and relaxing.
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Image Source: Chandru – Flickr

46. Varkala Beach

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Image Source: shiva1o8 – Flickr
For those who love to idle by the sea with a book in hand and nothing else to do, head to Varkala Beach in Kerala. It is a beautiful secluded beach where you can while away your time looking at the crashing waves.
[Love beaches? Here are 50 more Indian beaches for you to fall in love with.]
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Image Source:  Aleksandr Zykov – Flickr
The beach is also considered holy. It is believed that a dip in the waters here will absolve you of all the sins. For the ultimate decadent pleasure, book yourself a relaxing Ayurveda massage at the beach. It is the most blissful experience you will ever have.

47. Sunset at Cochin

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Image Source: Brian Snelson – Flickr
Cochin is very unlike the rest of Kerala, and yet, very similar to it. It is known for its colonial past, which is still evident today in the cobbled streets and the quaint cafes of the city. There are more than a few highlights of Cochin. There are the Chinese Fishing Nets, which are a different kind of experience.
There is the beautiful sunset by the harbor which makes for a really romantic experience. And there is also the sunset cruise you can take, alone or with your special someone. Just roam the streets of Cochin and are in for a delightful surprise.

Lakshadweep Islands

48. Agatti Island

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Image Source: swiss.frog – Flickr
It is not only mainland which has some beautiful places in India. If you are prepared to venture off from the mainland, you can expect some delightful experiences, such as those in Agatti Island in Lakshadweep Islands.
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Image Source: Rainer Voegeli – Flickr
 The island is one of the rare few in Lakshadweep which are open to tourists. It is a coral island, and you can expect some really pristine natural beauty here and is among the must see places in India. The best way to experience Agatti is to hire a bicycle and roam the streets.

Andaman and Nicobar

49. Havelock Island

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Image Source: Andrew Miller – Flickr
Havelock Island is one of the largest islands of Andaman and Nicobar, spread across an area of about 113.93 square kilometers. A trip to Havelock Island makes for a fantastic eco-tour, with its lush greenery and azure waters. There are quite a few fantastic diving and snorkeling sites in Havelock, which make it a great place for avid divers.
[Apart from the visiting beaches, what else can you do in Andaman?]
Image Source: Mark Shann – Flickrm_Havelock-Island1
But even if you are not much into snorkeling and diving, try snorkeling with Rajan, the elephant here. Rajan is an expert in underwater swimming, and if you have even been afraid of going underwater, you can always pick a few tips for him.

Punjab

50. Golden Temple

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Image Source: sandeepachetan.com travel photography – Flickr
If you thought only nature constitutes beautiful places in India, the Golden Temple in Amritsar could make you eat your words. The upper floors of this religious landmark for the Sikhs are actually made of gold, which gives the temple its name. Even after the hostile attacks during the times of Sikh terrorism, the temple hasn’t lost any of its charm.
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Image Source: Punjabi Assassin – Flickr
You can feel the prevailing calm here. For those interested in architecture, the Golden Temple offers loads. It is the confluence of Hindu, Muslim and European architectural principles, making it a masterpiece in its own right.
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Image Source: sandeepachetan.com travel photography – Flickr

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