How to Reach: Fly to Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) from major Indian cities or take a train to Madgaon or Thivim railway stations.
Places to Visit: Beaches: Enjoy sunsets at Baga, Anjuna, or Palolem Beach.
Old Goa: Explore Portuguese architecture and churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Dudhsagar Falls: Witness the majestic waterfall.
Aguada Fort: Enjoy panoramic views and historical insights.
Things to Do: Water Sports: Try parasailing, jet-skiing, or banana boat rides.
Nightlife: Experience vibrant beach parties and clubs in North Goa.
Goan Cuisine: Indulge in seafood and local delicacies.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider hotels like Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, The Leela Goa, or Grand Hyatt Goa.
Best Restaurants: Fisherman's Wharf, Gunpowder, and Ritz Classic offer delicious Goan cuisine.
2. Kerala
How to Reach: Fly to Cochin International Airport or Trivandrum International Airport. Trains and buses also connect major cities to Kerala.
Places to Visit: Backwaters of Alleppey: Cruise in traditional houseboats.
Munnar: Explore tea estates and lush greenery.
Periyar National Park:Enjoy wildlife and boat safaris.
Kochi:Visit Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace.
Things to Do: Ayurvedic Spa: Relax with traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
Kathakali Dance Shows: Witness traditional dance performances.
Local Cuisine: Try Kerala's famous seafood and appam with stew.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider resorts like Kumarakom Lake Resort, Vivanta by Taj - Bekal, or The Zuri Kumarakom.
Best Restaurants: Malabar Junction, Oceanos Restaurant, and Paragon Restaurant offer authentic Kerala cuisine.
3. Rajasthan
How to Reach: Fly to Jaipur, Udaipur, or Jodhpur airports or take trains to major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, or Udaipur.
Places to Visit: Jaipur: Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal.
Jaisalmer: Visit Jaisalmer Fort and enjoy desert safaris.
Udaipur: Discover Lake Pichola and City Palace.
Ranthambore: Explore the national park for wildlife.
Things to Do: Camel Safari: Experience the desert landscape in Jaisalmer.
Cultural Shows: Enjoy folk music and dance performances.
Shopping: Buy traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and textiles.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider hotels like Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas, or Rambagh Palace Jaipur.
Best Restaurants: Suvarna Mahal, Spice Court, and Kesar Kyari Restaurant offer delectable Rajasthani cuisine.
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
How to Reach: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair from major Indian cities.
Places to Visit: Radhanagar Beach: Relax on one of Asia's best beaches.
Cellular Jail: Explore the historic jail's museum.
Havelock Island: Snorkel or dive at Elephant Beach or visit Kalapathar Beach.
Baratang Island: Visit limestone caves and mangrove forests.
Things to Do: Water Activities: Try snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides.
Trekking: Explore nature trails and viewpoints.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood at beachside shacks.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider hotels like Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Fortune Resort Bay Island, or SeaShell, Havelock.
Best Restaurants: Anju Coco Resto, Full Moon Cafe, and New Lighthouse Restaurant offer delicious local and international cuisine.
5. Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: Fly to airports in Shimla, Kullu, or Dharamshala or take a train or bus to major cities like Shimla, Manali, or Dharamshala.
Places to Visit: Shimla: Explore Mall Road, Christ Church, and Jakhu Temple.
Manali: Visit Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Hadimba Temple.
Dharamshala: Explore McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu Nag Temple.
Kasol: Enjoy scenic views and trekking.
Things to Do: Trekking: Explore trails like Triund in Dharamshala or Hampta Pass near Manali.
Adventure Sports: Try paragliding, river rafting, and skiing (seasonal).
Local Cuisine: Enjoy Himachali dishes like Sidu, Dham, and Babru.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider hotels like Wildflower Hall Shimla, The Oberoi Cecil Shimla, or The Himalayan Manali.
Best Restaurants: Johnson's Café, Cafe 1947, and IL Forno offer delicious local and international cuisine.
Exploring these diverse domestic destinations in India in December offers a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and historical marvels. Whether you prefer relaxing on Goa's beaches, cruising Kerala's backwaters, or immersing yourself in Rajasthan's royal heritage, these destinations promise an incredible travel experience without leaving the country.
Let’s dive into the top 5 international destinations to visit in December, tailored specifically for travelers from India.
1. Paris, France
How to Reach: Fly from major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Direct flights are available with airlines like Air France, Emirates, and more.
Places to Visit: Eiffel Tower: Iconic and romantic, a must-visit especially at night when it sparkles.
Louvre Museum: Explore art and history, including the renowned Mona Lisa.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Admire the stunning architecture.
Montmartre: Wander through the charming streets, visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider staying at Hotel Lutetia, Shangri-La Hotel Paris, or Le Meurice.
Indian Restaurants: Saravanaa Bhavan or Rasoï are excellent options for Indian cuisine.
Visa Details: Indian travelers need a Schengen Visa to visit France. Ensure you apply in advance.
2. Tokyo, Japan
How to Reach: Fly from major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai to Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airport. Airlines like Japan Airlines and ANA offer direct flights.
Places to Visit: Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea: Experience the magic of Disney.
Asakusa: Visit Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
Shibuya Crossing: Witness the bustling pedestrian scramble.
Tsukiji Fish Market: Discover fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Things to Do: Onsen Experience: Relax in traditional hot spring baths.
Explore Harajuku: Discover quirky fashion and street food.
Sumo Wrestling: Catch a sumo wrestling match if in season (January, May, or September).
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider hotels like Park Hyatt Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, or The Peninsula Tokyo.
Indian Restaurants: Priya Indian Restaurant or Tokyo Tandoor serve authentic Indian flavors.
Visa Details: Indian travelers need a visa to visit Japan. Apply for a tourist visa in advance.
3. Dubai, UAE
How to Reach: Dubai is well-connected from major Indian cities with direct flights to Dubai International Airport offered by airlines like Emirates, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.
Places to Visit: Burj Khalifa: Experience the world’s tallest building.
The Dubai Mall: Shop and enjoy attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Desert Safari: Experience dune bashing and Bedouin culture.
Palm Jumeirah: Relax at luxurious resorts and enjoy water sports.
Things to Do: Ski Dubai: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the desert.
Dubai Fountain Show: Witness the mesmerizing fountain dance.
Cultural Experiences: Visit traditional souks for spices, gold, and textiles.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Stay at hotels like Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, or Address Downtown.
Indian Restaurants: Options like Indego by Vineet and Options by Sanjeev Kapoor offer delicious Indian cuisine.
Visa Details: Indian travelers can get a visa on arrival in Dubai or apply for an e-visa beforehand.
4. Sydney, Australia
How to Reach: Fly from major Indian cities to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport with airlines like Qantas, Air India, and Singapore Airlines offering connecting flights.
Places to Visit: Sydney Opera House: Iconic architectural marvel.
Bondi Beach: Relax and soak up the sun.
Sydney Harbour Bridge: Climb or admire the views.
Taronga Zoo: Explore Australian wildlife.
Things to Do: Coastal Walks: Enjoy breathtaking views along coastal trails.
Explore Darling Harbour: Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or enjoy dining and entertainment.
Hunter Valley Wine Tour: Indulge in wine tasting at this renowned wine region.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider staying at The Langham Sydney, Park Hyatt Sydney, or Shangri-La Hotel Sydney.
Indian Restaurants: Zaaffran or Malabar South Indian Restaurant offer delectable Indian cuisine.
Visa Details: Indian travelers require a visa to visit Australia. Apply for a tourist visa in advance.
5. Bangkok, Thailand
How to Reach: Fly from major Indian cities to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Airlines like Thai Airways, Air India, and IndiGo offer direct flights.
Places to Visit: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: Explore Bangkok’s historic heart.
Chatuchak Market: Shop for unique souvenirs and goods.
Chao Phraya River: Take a river cruise and witness the city’s landmarks.
Bangkok’s Temples: Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
Things to Do: Street Food Tour: Taste the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.
Thai Massage: Relax with traditional Thai massage therapies.
Floating Markets: Experience the lively atmosphere of markets on water.
Accommodation: 4/5 Properties:* Consider hotels like Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Peninsula Bangkok, or Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.
Indian Restaurants: Options like Rang Mahal or Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology offer Indian delights.
Visa Details: Indian travelers can obtain a visa on arrival in Thailand for a short stay or apply for an e-visa beforehand.
Planning a December trip from India to these international destinations can offer a diverse range of experiences, from winter wonderlands to sunny beaches. Remember to check visa requirements and plan ahead for a memorable vacation. Whether you’re exploring Parisian streets or embracing the warmth of Dubai, these destinations promise an unforgettable holiday experience.
Kashmir, also known as "Paradise on Earth," is a beautiful region in the Indian Himalayas. It is home to snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning flower gardens. Kashmir is also a popular destination for vegetarian travelers, as there are many restaurants and hotels that serve delicious vegetarian and Jain cuisine.
Miles & Smiles Holidays is now offering a special 6N/7D Vegetarian Meal Group Tour to Kashmir in February 2024. This tour is designed to give travelers a comprehensive experience of the region, including its natural beauty, culture, and cuisine.
Tour Highlights:
Accommodation: 6 nights in luxurious hotels
Food: All meals included, with a focus on vegetarian cuisine
Transportation: Return-class airfare and home-to-home group travel from Jodhpur
Activities: Visit to Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg; sightseeing tours; boat rides on Dal Lake and Nagin Lake; gondola ride/worlds highest cable car ride in Gulmarg; visit to the Mughal Gardens; and shopping for souvenirs
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar and check into your hotel. Visit the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Take a boat ride on Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner at your hotel.
Day 2: Take a day trip to Gulmarg, a popular ski resort known for its stunning scenery. Take a gondola ride to the top of Kongdoori Mountain for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Alpather Lake and the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Pahalgam, a beautiful hill station known for its lush forests and cascading rivers. Visit the Betaab Valley and the Aru Valley. Take a pony ride to the Baisaran Meadow. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Day 4: Visit the Hazratbal Shrine, one of the most important Muslim shrines in Kashmir. Take a walk through the bustling Lal Chowk market. Visit the Shankaracharya Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Take a day trip to Sonamarg, a beautiful valley known for its Thajiwas Glacier. Take a pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier. Visit the Vishansar Lake and the Krishansar Lake. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Day 6: Depart from Srinagar.
Why Choose Miles & Smiles Holidays for Your Kashmir Group Tour?
Miles & Smiles Holidays is a leading travel company with over 10 years of experience in organizing group tours to Kashmir. We have a team of experts who specialize in vegetarian and Jain meal group tours. We offer our customers the following benefits:
Luxurious accommodation: We book our customers in luxurious hotels that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Delicious food: We provide our customers with all meals, with a focus on vegetarian and Jain cuisine. Our meals are prepared by experienced chefs who use fresh, local ingredients.
Comfortable transportation: We provide our customers with return-class airfare and home-to-home group travel from Jodhpur.
Expert guides: Our tours are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about Kashmir and its culture.
Excellent customer service: We are committed to providing our customers with an excellent travel experience. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that our customers may have.
Book Your Kashmir Group Tour Today!
If you are interested in booking a 6N/7D Vegetarian Meal Group Tour to Kashmir in February 2024, please visit our website or contact us today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you book your tour.
Conclusion:
Miles & Smiles Holidays' 6N/7D Vegetarian Meal Group Tour to Kashmir in February 2024 is the perfect way to experience the beauty of this region. With luxurious accommodation, delicious food, comfortable transportation, expert guides, and excellent customer service, you are sure to have an unforgettable travel experience. Book your tour today!
Whether you've seen enough of India's most popular destinations or are simply keen to discover some less-touristy spots, there are some remarkable places to visit in India
that are off the beaten track. Read on to find out lesser-known alternatives to well-trodden places.
01 of 15
Instead of Rajasthan: Kutch Region of Gujarat
The vast Kutch region of Gujarat is sometimes described as India's "Wild West." Much of Kutch consists of seasonal wetlands known as the Great Rann of Kutch (famous for its salt desert) and smaller Little Rann of Kutch (famous for its Wild Ass Sanctuary). The region's handicraft villages are also a highlight.
02 of 15
Instead of Leh and Ladakh: Spiti in Himachal Pradesh
When it comes to high altitude desert in India, you've most likely head of Leh and Ladakh. But what about lesser-known Spiti? Bordered by Ladakh in the north, Tibet to the east, Kinnaur to the southeast, and the Kullu Valley to the south, Spiti has an average height of around 12,500 feet above sea level. This stark alpine desert land is scattered with small villages and monasteries, and enclosed by soaring peaks crowned with snow.
03 of 15
Instead of the Kerala Backwaters: Majuli in Assam
Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, sits amidst the imposing Brahmaputra River in Assam. A world within a world, ride bicycles through the fertile green landscape, go bird watching, and visit Hindu Neo-Vaishnavite monasteries. La Maison de Anand is a quaint bamboo stilt house homestay there, designed by a French architect who fell in love with Majuli. The Majuli Ras Mahotsav festival, held in mid-November each year, celebrates the life of Lord Krishna with plays, folk dances, puppets, masks, songs and dance.
04 of 15
Instead of Darjeeling: Kalimpong in West Bengal
Kalimpong is the perfect solution for escaping the crowds at Darjeeling. This peaceful town is perched on a remote ridge in the Himalayan foothills, about two-and-a-half-hour hours away from Darjeeling, near the Sikkim border. It offers a diverse mix of attractions—Buddhist monasteries, historic churches, local markets, villages, nature trails, tea gardens, and a superb view of Mount Kangchenjunga (the third highest peak in the world).
05 of 15
Instead of Varanasi: Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh
Often referred to as the "Varanasi of Central India", the small holy town of Maheshwar is set along the banks of the Narmada River and is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. Stroll along the ghats (steps leading to the water), watch local life, and take a sunset boat ride along the river and out to Baneshwar temple. If you want to splurge you can be a guest of the royal Holkar family at their Ahilya Fort hotel, which they've established in part of their palace. Maheshwar is also renowned for its weaving industry.
06 of 15
Instead of Hampi: Mandu in Madhya Pradesh
Mandu can be visited in conjunction with Maheshwar, as it's only a couple of hours away. This abandoned city from the Mughal era is commonly labeled the Hampi of Central India because of its treasure trove of ruins. They're spread over a 2,000 foot-high hilltop and enclosed by a 28-mile (45-kilometer) stretch of wall. In recognition of its importance, in 2018, the Indian government jointly named Mandu as Best Heritage City in India (along with Ahmedabad in Gujarat) at the National Tourism Awards.
07 of 15
Instead of Fatehpur Sikri: Champaner-Pavagadh in Gujarat
These days, the abandoned 16th century Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri near Agra is overrun by touts. A lesser-known, short-lived, capital that's also a UNESCO World Heritage site is Champaner-Pavagadh, situated about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southeast of Ahmedabad. Notably, it's the only unaltered and complete Islamic pre-Mughal city in India. Its historical treasures, dating back to between the 8th and 14th centuries, include a hill fortress, palaces, places of worship (Jama Masjid is one of the most spectacular mosques in Gujarat), residential areas, reservoirs, and step wells.
08 of 15
Instead of Jaisalmer: Osian in Rajasthan
Osian is perfect for those who want to avoid the commercial desert tourism in Jaisalmer and have a peaceful camel safari experience. This small town is situated about an hour and a half north of Jodhpur, on the way to Bikaner. Its surrounded by several sand dunes. Intricately carved stone temples, dating from the 8th to 11th centuries when Osian was an important trading center, are an added attraction. The main one is a Sun Temple dedicated to Surya the Sun god. Stay at Osian Sand Dunes Resort and Camp or Reggie's Camel Camp.
09 of 15
Instead of the Sundarbans: Pichavaram Mangroves in Tamil Nadu
You can be forgiven if you didn't know about Pichavaram mangrove forest, despite it being one of the world's largest mangrove jungles (the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is the largest). After all, it's not on the tourist trail. However, this remarkable and fascinating place is definitely worth visiting. Spread over nearly 3,000 acres, it has 4,400 big and small canals that can be explored by boat. In addition, Chidambaram Nataraj Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form) is not far away.
10 of 15
Instead of Varkala Beach: Kannur in Kerala
The small town of Kannur, in northern Kerala, is known for its secluded beaches, mysterious masked spirit-possession theyyam rituals, and hand loom weaving. The theyyam season runs from October until May and Kerala Tourism has a comprehensive calendar of theyyam events. There are some delightful, laid back (and inexpensive) beach houses in the Thottada beach area, such as Kannur Beach House, Waves Beach Resort, Chera Rock Beach House, and KK Heritage Homestay. Kannur district is also home to Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach. You can drive all the way along its vast stretch of sand.
11 of 15
Instead of Kanha National Park: Kawardha in Chhattisgarh
Thinking of visiting famous Kanha National Park but want to avoid the crowds and prefer nature over tiger spotting? Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat is a few hours drive away and has three atmospheric cottages nestled in the Maikal Hills, close to the ancient Bhoramdeo temple complex. The owner is a native of the area and has an excellent rapport with the indigenous villagers, who belong to the Baiga and Gond tribes. Guests can visit their tolas (villages) and colorful weekly haats (tribal markets). Treks into the jungle are offered, and the butterflies, birds and wildlife are exceptional. It's also possible to go on longer treks into the Maikal Hills, staying in villagers' homes.
12 of 15
Instead of Manali: Kalap in Uttarakhand
Manali in Himachal Pradesh attracts plenty of adventure seekers, who come to enjoy its surrounding village trekking trails. However, to go where very few tourists have gone before, head to Kalap, 7,500 feet above sea level in the upper Garhwal region of northern Uttarakhand. This tiny village is not accessible by road or rail (you'll need to trek, and porters and mules are provided). A responsible tourism project was started there in 2013 to help the villagers generate an income. You can stay with them and experience their way of life, as well as spend time in the pristine surroundings.
13 of 15
Instead of Nagarhole in Karnataka: Pollachi in Tamil Nadu
Nagarhole National Park is one of the top national parks in India. It gets its name from the snake-like river that winds its way through it. However, the government-run minibus safaris through the park tend to be rather disappointing and noisy and private safaris are costly. Alternatively, Pollachi in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu is an unexplored place teaming with wildlife, plus Anamalai Tiger Reserve is in the area. The annual Kongu Nadu Cattle Festival, held in January, is also a highlight. Thadam Experiences offers customized trips including bird watching, nature walks, boat rides, village and farm visits, and tea tours. Grass Hills Tours and Travels is also a reputable company that specializes in local nature and wildlife tourism. Stay at Coco Lagoon Resort, or the cheaper Coconut County Farm Stay.
14 of 15
Instead of Hyderabad and Golconda: Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
Golconda Fort near Hyderabad is one of the top forts in India. However, about seven hours south of the city are the ruins of another fort that hardly anyone is familiar with, despite the fact that it was possessed by many powerful rulers including the Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayaks, Golconda Sultanate, Mughals (under Aurangzeb), and the British. Gandikota is a fort on a gorge in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. The gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of India. It's possible to kayak along the Penna River, hike along the gorge, and enjoy spectacular star-lit nights and sunrises over the canyon. Accommodations are limited in the area. If you don't want to stay at the Haritha hotel run by Andhra Pradesh Tourism or camp by the canyon, Royal County is the best option although it's an hour from Gandikota.
15 of 15
Instead of Goa: Maharashtra's Konkan Coast
North of Goa, across the border in Maharashtra, the Konkan Coast offers a bounty of beautiful beaches that are among the most pristine in the country. Delightfully off the tourist trail, they are devoid of much development and many are practically deserted. Inexpensive beachfront homestays are popping up in many places, and you'll get mouthwatering home-cooked coastal cuisine. If you'd prefer somewhere with more facilities yet still noncommercial, Gokarna in Karnataka is ideal.
