Manali Tour – Paradise for Honeymooners

When the scorching heat becomes irrestible on the plain lands in summer then it makes people think of to escape somewhere where it is cold and cozy . In my experience I have seen people choossing Manali or to Shimla 8 out of 10 times. One of the best place among honeymooners and those looking for cooler climes – Manali is an ideal destination in Himachal Pradesh. But it is not only in the peak summer that people go to Manali, I have seen a lot of my friends going to Manali with their personal cars or rented ones in the months of December and January too to experience the snowfalls.

The scenic beauty of Manali and an irresistible appeal that attracts tourists to this small town located 274 kilometers north of Shimla. Its close proximity to the snow-line in the lap of the Kullu valley makes it a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. Manali stands at an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level. The Beas River that flows through the town accentuates its scenic beauty.

Manali is also called ‘Valley of the Gods,’ Manali literally means the ‘abode of Manu,’ a mythological character who believed to have survived when the whole world had submerged under the flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. This has made Manali a pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It also has a number of Buddhist monasteries as well.

Manali is just not a two dimensional tourist destination; it has other facts as well. Apart from the beautiful views of the snow covered peaks, Manali also offers good options for adventure tourism. One can try skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, trekking and mountain biking in and around Manali. It also has amazing snowfields and some flourishing apple orchards. Manali is a refreshing getaway and first choice for those who want to see and touch snow for the first time.

There are plenty of other exciting things to do in Manali. It is a typical tourist destination, where you get to do all sort of activities. Shopping, dress & photo in traditional Himachali costume, sit on a Yak & get yourself clicked, hold a rabbit in your lap and get yourself clicked again, learn skiing and stumble, try ice skating, go paragliding, visit ancient temples, and go for a trek. The multitude of options available in Manali makes it popular tourist spot among people of all age groups.

Other Places of Interest:
Naggar Fort, south of Manali is a reminder from the Pala Empire. The fort is made from rocks, stones, and elaborate wood carvings, which resembles the rich and elegant art works of Himachal. The castle was later converted to a hotel and is currently under himachal tourism.

Hidimba Devi Temple, erected in 1553, is dedicated to the local deity Hadimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhim. The temple is noticed for its four-store pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings.

Rahla waterfalls lie some 27 km (17 mi) from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m (8,205 ft).

Solang valley, popularly known as Snow Point, is 13 km northwest of Manali.

Manikaran, located about 45 km. from kullu on the way to Manali is known for its hot spring near the river Parvati.

Rohtang, located about 40 km from manali is one of the most famous snow point, but its closed during winters due to snow.

Climate:
The climate in Manali is very cold during winters, and moderately cool during summers. The temperatures range from 4 °C (39 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 14 °C (57 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F), and between −7 °C (19.4 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in the winter.

Time to visit:
The best time to visit Manali is May and October but one can visit this place during winters too.

How to reach?
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar in Kullu about one and a half hour’s drive from Manali. Not all airlines fly to Bhuntar, only a few do. Please find out before you decide to fly to Manali.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Chandigarh at 310 kilometers and Jogindarnagar at 180 kilometers, which has a narrow gauge track.

By Bus: Manali is 570 from Delhi, from Shimla the distance is 280 km. From Delhi, there is a regular HPTDC Luxury and Volvo Coach to Manali from Janpath. There is one that leaves Janpath at 7 pm and reaches Manali at 10 am. On the way you'll cross Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu before reaching Manali.

One can always make Delhi, India to be the centre point to visit Manali.

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Holiday Tours in Mauritius

Mauritius - Paradise of Charm and Wellness

So far away, yet so much at home

Mauritius is an island in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is situated 1200 miles off the coast of Africa in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The combination of colors, cultures and tastes makes Mauritius so charming that it will make your holiday tour just unforgettable. A unique sort of luxury and refinement will uplift your soul. The island offers an essential beauty that will force you to return to its shores again and again. Mauritius was named after Dutch Prince Maurice Van Nassau. The island is located on latitude 20º south of the equator and longitude 57.5º east. English is the official language of Mauritius. French and Creole are commonly used with a population of 1.2 million, the literacy rate hovers around 90%.

Clear warm waters and white beaches make Mauritius more beautiful to visit. The sea is famous for water sports. In the evenings, with a view on the sunset, the trendy bars, restaurants and clubs are just an amazing experience. To make your holiday tour more exciting you can experience the natural undersea life by diving with trained and expertise divers and for this all you need is a swim suit. Deep sea fishing, scuba diving and water seeing are few more choices to cherish yourself in the water. Not only water sports but golf here is also one of the famous sports. Most of the golf courses here are mind blowing. Infact, Mauritius was the third country where golf was played after UK and India. Gymkhana Golf Club is the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mauritius is not just about sun, sea and sand. There is so much to experience inside the island, in the midst of its lush vegetation. Replete with lush forest, wild waterfalls, unique wildlife, Moonscape Mountains and palm-fringed beaches, Mauritius is the dream tourists spot and perfect for an ideal holiday tour. Mark Twain liked Mauritius so much and was so impressed that he quoted "Mauritius was made first, and then heaven was copied from it", and anyone who has experienced the holiday tour in the island would no doubt agree with him.


Climate:
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South. Summer months are wet and humid, lasting between November and May, while the dry winter starts from June and lasts till September. The region is prone to cyclonic activity and Mauritius has seen some major cyclones in the last century.

Culture :
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.

Currency:
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 30.

Duration:
The duration of the Mauritius tour packages differs depending upon the number of destinations covered. As there is so much to see here, you are advised to go for the tours that last for at least 6- 7 days. To enjoy all the major destinations and relax at some of the luxurious beach resorts, you should opt for the longer tours that can last up to 15 or more days.

Destinations:
The Mauritius tours cover all the major sites of the island in a systematic format. The tourist attractions in Mauritius covered by these tour packages include all the major scenic spots, museums, religious places, and protected forests. Some of the tourist spots covered by the tours include – Port Louis, L’Aventure du Sucre, Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin, Black River Gorges, Balaclava Ruins, The Labourdonnais Orchards, The Triolet Shivala, Martello Towers, Domaine du Chasseur, and Ile aux Aigrettes.


Language Spoken:
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

Visa & Entry:
A visitor must carry a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel : (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax (230)210-9322.

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