Among the wandering monks of India, Swami Vivekananda is the first name that comes to the mind. The five years of his life on earth, from 1888 to 1893 was full of travels in search of truth, spirituality and a real India. He traveled as a Parivrajaka along the length and breadth of the country. He won the admiration of kings, felt for the suffering people, motivated the youth for a greater cause, studied many religious scriptures, visited many historic sites, gained knowledge, and visualized the future of India during his itinerary, which made a precious treasure of enlightenment for us. On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birthday (January 12), we at Travel Beats, an overseas Indian community portal by Indian Eagle, offer a sneak peek into his historic and spiritual travels.

Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India, was the first destination on his itinerary. In Varanasi, he came across the saints like Trailanga Swami, the authors like Bhudev Mukhopadhyay, and the Vedic scholars like Babu Pramadadas Mitra. From there, he made his way to Rishikesh through Ayodhya, Lucknow, Agra and Vrindavan. He interacted with and took favor from whoever came his way without caring their castes and creeds because he believed in non-duality of the soul. Some of those who were touched by his noble soul became his disciples and got initiated into service to the nation. Among them was Sharat Chandra Gupta, a railway station master in Haridwar, who came to be known as Swami Sadananda. Swamiji fondly called Sharat “the child of my spirit”.

Then, Swamiji spent days at Vaidyanath and Allahabad during his itinerary between 1889 and 1890. From Allahabad, he moved to Ghazipur where he got in touch with Pavhari Bana, a great sage. Pavhari Baba was known for his absolute knowledge of Advaita Vedanta. On meeting the sage, he felt blessed and referred to him as a great soul of bhakti and yoga in a letter to Pramadababu. In the first half of 1890, he took a break for the travel and returned to Baranagar Math in Kolkata (then Calcutta). After a short stay there, he left for a trip to the Himalayas in quest of truth. Swami Akhandananda accompanied him on the trip. After a visit to Nainital, Almora, Dehradun and Srinagar, Swamiji went to the Himalayas. Delhi was his destination by the end of January in 1891.

He visited the historical sites in and around Delhi. Then, his travel to Rajputana in west India began. This phase of the itinerary was so eventful that it constituted a big chapter of his biography. The first stopover in Rajputana was Alwar where he received a cordial welcome from both the Hindus and the Muslims. They were influenced by this wandering monk’s spiritual values and teachings. Swamiji was invited by Mangal Singh, the King of Alwar, who did not believe in the practice of idol worship because of his western outlook. A meeting with Swamiji changed his attitude towards the idol worship by the Hindus.

Swamiji’s Rajasthan travel was full of learning too. He studied Panini’s Ashtadhyayi under the tutelage of a Sanskrit Scholar in Jaipur. He visited the Dargah Sharif in Ajmer. His meeting with Ajit Singh, the King of Khetri in Mount Abu on June 4, 1891, is another important event. Out his interest in spirituality, the King became a follower of Swamiji and supported him in many ways. Swamiji studied Mahabhasya during his stay at Khetri and then, he went to Gujarat.

Limbdi, Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Kutch, Porbander, Dwaraka, Baroda, Palitana and Girnar were among his destinations in Gujarat. The Gujarat travel was full of enlightenment for him. He studied the Jain scriptures there. He got the idea of preaching Vedanta in the Western World from Thakur Saheb Jaswant Singh who he came across in Limbdi. Haridas Viharidas Desai, the Diwan of Junagadh, welcomed him as a respected guest. Impressed by his personality, the Diwan used to discuss on different topics with Swamiji till late at night. Swamiji immersed himself in philosophical studies during his nine-month long stay at Porbander. At Kathiawar in Gujarat, he got to know about the Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Then, he visited Mahabaleshwar and Pune. While traveling by train in Bombay in 1892, Swamiji happened to meet Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a Nationalist in the Freedom Movement of India. They spent a few days together in Pune. He moved to Panaji in Goa from Maharashtra, and studied the Christian theology at a convent in Goa.

In the second half of 1892, he journeyed to Bangalore, his first destination in South India. There, he met the Diwan of Mysore who described him as “a magnetic personality with a divine force”. Swamiji was introduced to Chamaraja Wodeyar, the then King of Mysore and welcomed cordially to the Palace. He was further introduced to the Diwan of Cochin. His travel continued till he reached the southernmost part of India, Kanyakumari, on foot through Trissur, Ernakulam, Trivandrum, and Nagercoil. The meditation on the future of India, at the Kanyakumari Rock, was the culmination of Swamiji’s spiritual journey at the end of 1892.

Having had the vision of an individual India, Swamiji traveled to Madurai, Rameswaram, Pondicherry and Madras (now Chennai) in the beginning of 1893. He met Ramnad Bhaskara Sethupathi, the then King of Madurai, who approached him with an urge to participate in the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Swamiji won the admiration of whoever came in touch with him during the itinerary across Tamil Nadu. Most of them became disciples and responded to his call for renunciation in service to the nation. One of his most ardent disciples in South India was Alasinga Perumal who collected funds for Swamiji’s voyage to Chicago by going from door to door. Swami Vivekananda embarked on the historic voyage to America on May 31, 1893.

Swamiji’s travel continued from America to the rest of the world till the demise of his mortal body on July 4, 1902. However, the journey of this greatest Indian traveler is as ceaseless as the eternal flow of time. It is still on the go through the spread of his message, teachings, values and vision

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August to March is the best time for road trips on bikes in North India. Delhi, the national capital of India, is at crossroads of weekend getaways for bikers. Weekend road trips from Delhi are adrenalin-pumping adventure drives for biking enthusiasts. Some road trips from Delhi run along highways; some run through zigzags in valleys and mountains; some run by beautiful rivers or shimmering streams; some run crisscrossing barren landscapes, while some run through green corridors at escalating altitudes. Some roads for bike trips from Delhi are motorable, while some are precarious throwing challenge to road trippers. You can soak in the natural beauty of India hanging over concrete highways, sandy trails, and mountainous passes. Indian Eagle lists the best road trips from Delhi for bikers.

Road trip to Ladakh from Delhi

Driving to Ladakh at an altitude of 13,000 feet is one of the most coveted road trips from Delhi. Riding a Royal Enfield for a whopping 1800km of round trip is not for the fainthearted. A road trip to Ladakh is full of adventure making it an inspirational story of courage, passion and obsession for the aspiring road trippers. If you are not a seasoned biker, Ladakh road trip may end up being far from euphoria. Don’t let it disappoint you. There are not-so-adventurous weekend road trips from Delhi for you, too.

READ MORE Ladakh Road Trip: An Inspirational Story

Road trip to Dehradun from Delhi

The road from Delhi to Dehradun and Mussoorie is poor, but what makes this road trip a must have for bikers is the breathtaking sightseeing. Dehradun and Mussoorie are the nearest hill stations from Delhi, in the Himalayan region. It is a 6-hr drive from Delhi to Dehradun, and driving to the hilltop of Mussoorie takes another 1.5 hours. Do halt at Cheetal Grand, a roadside eatery, to fuel your body with Indian or western food during your road trip to Dehradun.

Road trip to Jaipur from Delhi

Jaipur is on every biker’s list of top 10 road trips from Delhi. India’s Pink City is an exciting 6-hr biking trip. It is worth a long drive from Delhi for several reasons including tourist attractions and Rajasthani food. The Delhi – Jaipur Highway is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral project. October to March is the best time for a road trip to Jaipur.

Road trip to Agra from Delhi    

Needless to say why driving to Agra is one of the best weekend road trips from Delhi. Driving a bike or car on the newly built Yamuna Expressway to the city of Taj Mahal is an inexplicable experience, which India’s fastest train from Delhi to Agra falls short of. The mouthwatering taste of Agra’s street food and the mind-blowing beauty of the Taj Mahal add to the joy of road trips to Agra.

Road trip to Bharatpur from Delhi  

Bharatpur is a small town on the Agra-Jaipur Highway and famous for the Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Driving to Bharatpur is a fancy ride across vast sandy landscape. The entrance of the sanctuary looks abandoned, but the interior will mesmerize you the more you will explore. October to February is the best time for a road trip to Bharatpur because the sanctuary welcomes beautiful migratory birds during this period.

Road trip to Rishikesh from Delhi 

Rishikesh is a must visit for not only pilgrimage, yoga and meditation but also adventure. One of the holiest places in India, Rishikesh offers toast of adventure in form of river rafting, trekking and hiking. Evidently, adventure-loving bikers must hit the road to Rishikesh from Delhi at any time of the year and that is because of pleasant weather.

Road trip to Dharamsala from Delhi  

Dharamsala in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh is a scenic drive from the hustle-bustle of Delhi. One of the best getaways for summer vacation in India, Dharamsala is a beautiful canvas crisscrossed by hilly streams flowing through deodar and pine forests. This Himalayan hill station is the headquarters of Dalai Lama, too. Road trip to Dharamsala is a must for biking enthusiasts.

Road trip to Chittorgarh from Delhi 

[pullquote]Check our infographic on the unforgettable story of Chittorgarh Fort.[/pullquote] Chittorgarh in Rajasthan is one of the best destinations for weekend road trips from Delhi. Though a large portion of the Chittorgarh Fort is in ruins, the story of the fort will not fail to haunt you once you step into the fort complex. The timeless tales of Rajput rulers’ valor and Rajput women’s spirit of sacrifice in Mewar are worth 7-hr driving from Delhi to Chittorgarh.

Road trip to Chandigarh from Delhi 

Driving to Chandigarh from Delhi is an adrenalin drive for bikers. The Grand Trunk Road is the main route to Chandigarh from Delhi, giving access to Shimla and Kasauli, two most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Both Shimla and Kasauli are 2-3 hour pleasant drive from Chandigarh. It is safe not to venture out for a bike trip to Chandigarh or Shimla in the thick of winter.

Road trip to Alwar from Delhi

Biking or driving to Alwar from Delhi is an adventurous experience. Alwar is one of the princely states in Rajasthan. Visit to Sariska, one of the most famous tiger reserves in India, is worth a road trip from Delhi to Alwar. The month of February / March is the best time to visit Sariska because tigers are the likeliest to be sighted this time. You can halt to see the haunted Bhangarh Fort on the way.

READ MORE  Haunting Stories of Bhangarh

Road trip to Nainital from Delhi

Driving to Nainital is an escalating ride across high altitudes in Uttarakhand. No provision for air travel or train travel between Delhi and Nainital has made road trip to Nainital a must for bikers. Nainital Lake and Jim Corbett National Park are the best tourist attractions of this hill station at a drive of 285 km via roadway from Delhi. Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest park in India.

Road trip to Ranthambore from Delhi

Ranthambore is a paradise of natural beauty in Rajasthan and home to one of the most famous national parks in India. Located in Sawai Madhopur, the Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve used to be a favorite haunt of the Rajput kings of Jaipur. The park is wildlife photographers’ delight, too, because of its scenic landscape and rich wildlife. Evidently, bikers brim with enthusiasm for road trip to Ranthambore from Delhi.

Road trip to Ajmer from Delhi   

Of the historic cities in Rajasthan, Ajmer is worth several road trips from Delhi. A 5-hr ride on bike, Ajmer is nearer than other cities to Delhi. Nestled amidst the Aravalli Mountains and founded by Ajayraj Singh Chauhan, Ajmer still carries palpable influences of the Chauhan Era in Rajasthan. The city is famous for its age-old artistry and the Ajmer Dargah.

Road trip to Almora from Delhi 

Almora is a gateway to adventure and sports tourism in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. One of the summer capitals in the Himalayas, Almora offers a springboard of outdoor activities including trekking and rock climbing. Many bikers, adventure lovers and sports enthusiasts from Delhi make road trips to Almora. Driving to Almora is much of an obsession with seasoned bikers and young road trippers.

Road trip to Mathura from Delhi

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has many destinations for bikers from Delhi. Road trip to Mathura from Delhi is not just an adventuresome drive but a way to seek solace in spirituality since Mathura being birthplace of Lord Krishna is a glorious destination for pilgrimage. Mathura is a must visit on the occasion of Janmastami in August or September. Attend the magnificent pooja ceremony and get blessed with delicious Prasad during Janmastami in Mathura.

Indian Eagle, a leading USA-based travel booking organization, books cheap flight tickets to India and helps tourists fly to India at the lowest airfare throughout the year.

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Indian Summer Tourism revolves around hill stations and misty valleys. Your perception of summer in India as a scorching season will be converted into an impression of luxury in nature if you ever happen to visit any of the top 10 Indian summer holiday destinations listed below. These coolest places will hide you from the fury of the sun, pamper you amidst the beauties of nature, make you feel poetic with a treasure of lyrics, trap you in a labyrinth of holiday mood with no escape, and…. We are sure; our summer travel wishlist will make you redefine Indian summer as a soothing season of vacation.      

Rishikesh in Uttarakhand  

Popularly known as “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh is a mirror to Divine India with hilly beauty. Crowned with the blue sky where pearl-white clouds hang out, and bathed by the soothing waters of the Ganga River, Rishikesh is a haven of spirituality, an abode of hermits, and a seat of meditation amidst forested hills. This yoga & meditation retreat in Uttarakhand is also popular for white-water rafting and backpacking.

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh

One of the lesser-known summer destinations in India! Blessed as s summer retreat for its high-altitude location (10,000 feet above sea level), Tawang is a Himalayan beauty. The 14^th century Tawang Monastery, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, and Tipi Orchid Sanctuary are the tourist attractions of Tawang. The way to this region passes through the snow-covered Sela Top Pass. If you are in love with hills, Tawan should be on your India travel wishlist for summer 2015.

Ghoom Valley in West Bengal    

[pullquote]A visit to Ghoom Valley deserves to be scripted as a travel memoir of summer in India.[/pullquote] The highest railway station in India, Ghum Valley is a must stop during a journey by the Darjeeling Toy Train. Visit Tiger Hill at a distance of 5 km from Ghoom, and admire the majesty of Kanchenjunga on a clear day. A glimpse of the sunrise above hilltops is a divine blessing of Mother Nature, which the lucky few are favored with! Dotted with forests and streams all around, Ghoom Valley is the crown of Darjeeling at an altitude of 7,407 feet. 

Zanskar Valley in Jammu & Kashmir 

Zanskar Valley is an adrenalin-pumped road trip from Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. One of the least explored tourist places in India, Zanskar Valley sprawls over an area of 7,000 square kilometers at a height of 11,500–23,000 feet. The Zanskar River, which remains frozen for a greater part of the year, is the most picturesque artifice of nature in the Great Himalayan Region. The existence of life in Zanskar Valley is traced back to the Bronze Age.

Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh

Home to perennial streams and green landscape from Dhauladhar Range to the River Beas! Kangra Valley is famous for the Kangra-Shimla Railway, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Himachal Pradesh. One of the best summer holiday destinations in India, this Himachal valley is also known for Himalayan pyramids, which are Masroor Rock Cut Temples. Kangra Valley owes its mesmeric hilly beauty to the lofty peaks on the Dhauladhar range.

Wayanad in Kerala

One of the coolest places in India during summer, Wayanad in Kerala is the ‘Green Paradise’. The sensuous beauty of nature is felt across the dense forests, misty hills, and lush green fields of Wayanad. Home to rich flora and fauna, the valley is a favorite of bird lovers. Take a leisurely walk through tea & coffee plantations and breathe in the aroma-filled air. Nestled amidst Western Ghats, Wayanad will surely make you write a story “My Summer Holiday in India away from the Sun.”

Coonoor in Tamil Nadu

[pullquote]Visit Coonoor to hear the buzz of bees, the chirps of birds and the music of waterfalls. Here is our Coonoor Travel Guide.[/pullquote]  Sightseeing in Coonoor is a kaleidoscopic magic of nature! The queen of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, Coonoor has been a summer holiday retreat since the British Raj in the 19^th century. It has many geographical features in common with Darjeeling. A journey by the Nilgiri Mountain Railways between Coonoor and Ooty will lavish your mind with lyrics for a soulful poem. Sublimity, solitude and serenity are the facets of Coonoor at a height of 1850 meters above sea level.

Yumthang Valley in Sikkim

One of the best Himalayan valleys for summer vacation in the Indian state of Sikkim, Yumthang Valley will surely enchant you to become a travel escapist. It is a valley of flowers at an elevation of 11, 800 feet above sea level. The valley hibernates during heavy snowfall between December and March. Adding to scenic beauty of Yumthang Valley is a tributary of the Teesta River flowing past Lachung Town. The valley blooms with 24 species of rhododendrons and other hilly flowers in spring.

Lakshadweep Islands

[pullquote]October to April is the best time to visit Lakshadweep. Go through our complete story of Lakshadweep Islands.[/pullquote] One of the best imaginary places on earth, Lakshadweep is a never-never land in the Arabian Sea on the west coast of Kerala. Lakshadweep is a group of 36 coral islands; each is the flat peak of a submerged mountain. The gateway to this wonderland is the airport on Agatti Island. One of the top 10 tourist destinations in India in summer, Lakshadweep is a swing of sun-kissed pristine beaches with greenish-blue waters.

Kudremukh in Karnataka

Karnataka has its share of Indian summer tourism. One of the tourist destinations in Western Ghats close to the Arabian Sea, Kudremukh is a valley of vistas. The origin of three rivers – the Tunga, the Bhadra, and the Nethravathi, Kudremukh Valley is famous for trekking and photography. Kudremukh National Park, one of the hotspots of biodiversity in India, is a tourist attraction of this summer retreat. The park is home to endangered mammals.

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India has been the cradle of yoga and meditation for ages. People from across the world travel to India in quest of peace as well as spirituality that connection with the inner self, the soul and the universe ensures through yoga and meditation. From the Himalayas region to Kanyakumari, India is home to several yoga and meditation retreats which have cured many weary minds, calmed many agitated minds, and set many distracted minds in the right direction. Indian Eagle lists some of the best yoga and meditation centers where you seek rejuvenation of the mind, peace of the soul, knowledge of the self, and discovery of the inner strength.       

Ramana Maharshi Ashram, Tiruvannamalai 

One of the best destinations for yoga in the solitude of mountains is Ramana Maharshi Ashram in Tiruvannamalai. Situated at the foothills of the sacred Mountain Arunachala, the ashram is blessed with the spiritual power of nature. The sage Ramana Maharshi, founder of the ashram, recommends yoga and meditation as paths to the freedom of the body and the mind from physical bounds as well as mental blocks. Sprawling over a large area, the ashram has got suitable ambiance for dedicated practice of yoga and meditation. The chanting of slokas in the background adds sonority to the atmosphere that helps visitors meditate deeply on their inner selves.

Website: Sriramanamaharshi.org

Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Uttarakhand

This ashram in Dwarahat is the ultimate destination for the followers of Kriya Yoga. Its location amidst picturesque landscapes in the surrounding has made Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram an ideal venue for the pursuit of yoga. Yoga is taught as a method of self-realization here. Founded by Sri Daya Mata, the ashram is associated with the Self Realization Fellowship foundation, set up by Paramahansa Yogananda who has authored the classic book “Autobiography of a Yogi”. Those who are members of Yogoda Satsanga Society and Self Realization Fellowship are provided with accommodation.

Website: Yssofindia.org

Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh 

Rishikesh in the Himalayan region is the cradle of yoga and meditation in India. Thousands from across the world visit Rishikesh to learn the art and science of yoga every year. Parmarth Niketan Ashram which hosts International Yoga Week in March is one of the best places for yoga and meditation in Rishikesh. Situated near the holy Ganga River, the ashram is a complete hub of professional yoga and meditation practices in sync with the age-old traditions maintained by saints and monks. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a haven of peace because of its scenic and serene location.

CLICK International Yoga Week 2015 for details

Website: Parmarth.com

Santosh Puri Yoga Ashram, Haridwar

Some of the foreigners on visit to India in quest of spirituality stay back in Rishikesh for the rest of their lives. The founder of Santosh Puri Yoga Ashram in Haridwar is originally a national from Germany. She is fondly called Mataji by the locals and visitors in Haridwar. Vibrant with sacred chanting and holy hymns in mornings and evenings, the atmosphere of the ashram is full of positive vibes for yoga practitioners. Santosh Puri Yoga Ashram is recommended for hatha yoga and yoga philosophy.

Website: Sanatansociety.org

Atma Darshan Yogashram, Bangalore

If you ever fly to Bangalore, make sure to visit Atma Darshan Yogashram. A center of the Bihar School of Yoga, the ashram works to spread the holy teachings of Swami Satyananda. Small but beautiful, the ashram offers non-residential yoga courses from Monday to Saturday. Residential yoga courses are also available, but there are limited seats.

Website: Atmadarshan.org      

The Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore 

An international center of yoga and meditation, the Art of Living in Bangalore is one of the most popular destinations for spiritual seekers. A favorite of foreigners in search of peace and spirituality, the ashram runs several philanthropic activities besides yoga and meditation in India. Sprawling over 65-acre areas on top of the Panchagiri Hills, the ashram campus consists of gardens and organic farms. People from different religions and cultures are welcome here.

Website: Artofliving.org

Isha Yoga Center, Tamil Nadu

An ideal retreat for rejuvenation of the mind and the body, Isha Yoga Center in Tamil Nadu has been offering yoga programs for two decades. Located at the foot of the Velliangiri Mountains in Coimbatore, the center is a popular seat of Isha yoga in India. The yoga-intensive programs, conducted by this non-profit organization, are focused on physical health and mental wellness.

Website: Ishafoundation.org

Tushita Meditation Center, Himachal Pradesh 

Tushita Meditation Center in Dharamsala is the place to reconnect with your inner being in the solitude of peace. The way of learning yoga and meditation in India is very simple here. This small organization is blessed with peace and spirituality for its serene location in the Himalayan region. The atmosphere of the place is powerful enough to calm the mind and free it from negative thoughts or worries that take a toll on mental health.

Website: Tushita.info

March 1 to 7 is the schedule of International Yoga Week 2015 in Rishikesh, India. Book your AIR TRAVEL to INDIA at the lowest prices on IndianEagle.com. The earlier you book, the cheaper flight you get.  

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The Ministry of Tourism India is planning to introduce luxury tourism on the Ganga River from Haridwar to Hooghly. The plan to initiate luxury tourism on water is part of the initiative to rejuvenate the riverfront of major cities including Haridwar, Allahabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, Patna and Kolkata. It is an ambitious venture to build sustainable tourism on international levels.

The Ganga River has been home to major pilgrimage spots, a haven of religious festivals, an inspiration for cultural initiatives and a resource for industries till date. Luxury cruises and floating hotels are going to be attractions of the Ganga River tourism for the first time, in India. The projects, once executed successfully, will generate multiple employment opportunities and impressive revenues for the Government of India.

Luxury river cruise tourism is a western trend that the Ministry of Tourism India is looking to cash in on. Thousands of foreign tourist arrivals to Haridwar, Varanasi and Kolkata happen every year. Short-distance cruise trips on the Ganga River between Varanasi and Patna will be like icing on cake for foreign tourists and NRIs in North India.

River cruise tourism is being designed with aquatic ecosystem and environment in view. Cruises will integrate modern facilities like bio-toilets to ensure sustainability of environment. Another highlight of the riverfront rejuvenation plan is introducing floating hotels. Sound & light and laser shows at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi will make stay at floating hotels on the river an absolute joy. These shows will introduce tourists to the history, culture and life of these Indian cities.

The riverfront of Rishikesh, Allahabad, Haridwar and Varanasi is mostly frequented for religious ceremonies and festivals including Ganga Dussehra Festival and Ganga Mahotsav Ceremony. The Ministry of Tourism has also proposed to make the information of these religious festivals available to tourists through the use of apps for mobile devices – smartphones and tablets. The information will be disseminated in three Indian languages – Hindi, Bengali and Gujarati, and in a few foreign languages.

The Ministry is also looking to mitigate concerns about such basic facilities as transport and accommodation for tourists in the riverfront cities. The transport systems will be improved. The bed and breakfast accommodation plan will be introduced to these cities. More, the Ministry will approach renowned religious institutions to hold yoga and meditation events on the banks of the Ganga River in order to align luxury tourism, divine tourism and wellness tourism.

Get cheap flight tickets to India and experience luxury, divine & wellness tourism on the sacred banks of the River Ganga. Only IndianEagle.com offers cheap air tickets from international airlines.

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You may have heard several stories of Indian summer. That summer is hot and scorching in most of the Indian states is an undeniable fact. At the same time, it is true that India has many summer holiday destinations in the lap of nature. Since the British Raj, these destinations have been the summer capitals where heat does not dare to touch anyone. Most of these places are hill stations where nature does not obey to the whims of summer. Indian Eagle points out on the map of north, northeast and west India the top 10 summer holiday tourist destinations for fun, romance, peace, adventure, photography….

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

It won’t be unjust to call Srinagar the goddess of natural beauty in India. The capital of Jammu & Kashmir, it is a mirror to the wonderful artifices of nature. The summer ambience of Srinagar is cozy and charming. Adding to the lure of the landscape and the serenity of the surrounding is the Dal Lake where the floating vegetable and flower market is a photographers’ delight, in the morning. Sonmarg at a height of 2740 meters is an ideal visit for trekking and skiing which offer dollops of adventure. The snowy beauty of Sonmarg is really admirable.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The summer capital of the British Raj in the colonized India, Shimla is one of the best summer destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The face of Shimla dramatically changed when Charles Kennedy, a Scottish Civil servant, set up his summer abode here in 1822, and when the town became the official capital of the British for the summer season in 1864. After the capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata (then Calcutta) to Delhi, the officers of the East India Company and the British ladies took refuge in the cool & cozy atmosphere of Shimla in summers. October to June is the best tourist season of Shimla.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

The geography of Darjeeling is waved by green valleys of tea plantation and rocked by scenic mountains. Established by the British as a summer destination for their army, this hill station is the life and soul of West Bengal tourism. Darjeeling ticks all the boxes – wildlife, adventure, fun and romance. The panorama of this tourist destination spans across Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill, Happy Valley Tea Gardens, Toy Train, Senchal Lake, and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Photography is an irresistible pleasure during sunset and sunrise. To be precise, Darjeeling is nature’s darling!

Shillong, Meghalaya

Surrounded by rolling hills, landscaped by tall pine trees and beautified by picturesque waterfalls, Shillong is like a piece of cloud floating in the sky. Now the capital of Meghalaya, it used to be a major British settlement. The food habits of the locals are influenced by the British. One of the summer capitals of the British India, this northeastern hill station is full of tourist attractions such as Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Park, Wards Lake, Don Bosco Museum, and Mawsynram. Shillong takes pride in its hills and waterfalls which keep summer away.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Called “gateway to the heaven”, Rishikesh is a major destination in North India. Not only the beauty but also the spirituality of nature makes itself felt all over here. Home to hermits, sages and monks in the Himalayan region, Rishikesh is famous for the Gangotri. Besides being a spot of pilgrimage, a seat of meditation and a hub of yoga in India, it is a swing of adventure as well. It is equally popular with pilgrims and adventure buffs. It is a very short drive from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Many foreign tourists visit Rishikesh to attend the International Yoga Festival in the first week of March every year.

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

One of the best summer destinations in India, Cherrapunji is the right place for those who spring into adventure even in summer. In India, it is one of the few tourist destinations where there is no off season. It teems with tourists and buzzes with activities throughout the year. The beautiful natural setting of Cherrapunji promises a rejuvenating vacation to the tourists in search of relief from the heat of summer. Among the tourist attractions of Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Falls is an irresistible temptation in itself.

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

The abstract beauty of nature is sensuously manifested in each nook and each corner of Nubra Valley in Ladakh. Nicknamed Ldumra that means “valley of flowers”, Nubra Valley defines how pleasant, how beautiful, and how relaxing the world of nature is. The passage to Nubra Valley goes through Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. Popularly known as the Orchard of Ladakh, Nubra Valley boasts two natural rich places – Hunder and Panamik. Waved by sand dunes, Hunder is called “desert in the sky”. Monasteries add to the picturesqueness of the valley.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

If you are looking to spend summer months in the solitude of peace and silence, Tawang is a must visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang is a sparsely populated town inhabited by the Monpa people who belong to the Monyul or Lhomon Kingdom. Home to beautiful monasteries, this region is like a hidden jewel. The tourist attractions of Tawang include Gorichen Peak, Craft Center, Sela Pass, Gorsam Chorten, Tsachu Hot Spring, Nuranang Falls, Banga Jang Lake, etc. This small town in Arunachal Pradesh has all the makings of a summer capital.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

If Rishikesh is popular with the spirituality seekers, Nainital is a favorite of romantics. Among the best hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital is gifted with the romantic beauty of nature. Lavished with serenity and greenery all over, this hilly region inspires tourists to fall in love with the lakes and hills. A must visit in summers, Nainital is sure to make you feel young during a sightseeing tour. Boating and angling in the Lake Naini are among the joyous things to do. The authentic Tibetan cuisine is a must try here.

Gulmarg, Kashmir

Glorifying Kashmir as a summer holiday destination in India is Gulmarg in the Baramula District. Gulmarg is the place to be for those who drink to pleasure out of peace and those who find adrenalin rush in adventure. Do feel the soulfulness of the place during a Gondola ride, do catch an eyeful of the panorama from the cable car, and do experience the kicks of adventure while skiing on the snow. So, why not add Gulmarg to your list of Indian destinations to visit in summers?

IndianEagle.com is booking the cheapest flights to the summer capitals of India. Hope, you are no more in two minds about flying to India in summer months!

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Love and travel go hand in hand in many romantic movies of Bollywood. In some movies, romance inspires lovers to travel. Some movies tell the stories of how two strangers or friends become lovers during travel. Indian Eagle stitches together the moments of love and travel from some of the best Bollywood films to create a complete album of romantic travel for you this Valentine’s Day.

Love begins with travel in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, an all-time popular Bollywood classic starring Shah Rukh and Kajol in the lead. The inspiring love story of Raj and Simran kicks off when they meet by chance during the Europe travel. The story journeys all the way from scenic Switzerland to picturesque Punjab where the hero romances the heroine in the wavy, bright mustard fields during the romantic number “Tujhe dekha toh yeh jana sanam”.

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s saga of love, Hum Dil Chuke Sanam, it is love that makes the heroine travel from India to Italy in order to reunite with her estranged lover. The love story of Nandini, a Gujarati belle and Sameer, a music-loving NRI weaves itself across the wonderful landscape of Gujarat and Rajasthan. When the heartless social mores and family traditions take Sameer away, the lovelorn Nandini takes a flight abroad in quest of her lover.

Yash Chopra’s magnum opus Veer-Zaara depicts the power of love through travel across boundaries of India and Pakistan. The unforgettable love story begins when Zaara travels from Pakistan to India where she falls in the face of an accident, and Veer saves here just as a knight saves a damsel in danger. Their love deepens for each other when Veer takes Zaara to his native village in Punjab across panoramic fields and rivers. After the heroine leaves India, the hero travels to Pakistan to reunite with her.

In Subhash Ghai’s Pardes, love travels across geographic boundaries. The love story of Ganga and Arjun takes a flight from India, goes through a twist in America and flies back to India for a happy ending. Ganga, a simple belle with faith in cultural values and family traditions, travels with her fiancé to America where she finds lust instead of love. Eventually, she finds herself in love with her companion Arjun, and the love blooms when she comes back with him to her native land.

The touching tale of love, struggle and sacrifice travels from Rishikesh in the Himalayas to Kolkata, in Ram Teri Ganga Meli Ho Gai, an immortal creation by Raj Kapoor. Ganga, a rural belle, falls in love with Naren, an urban tourist and ties the knot with him. Naren promises to come back later and leaves for Kolkata. When he fails to keep the promise, Ganga travels all the way from the Himalayas to Bengal through Banaras. She reunites with her husband after a dramatic journey full of twists and turns.

Love happens during travel in Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express, one of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters of 2013. The hero happens to meet a damsel in danger during his train journey from Mumbai to Rameshwaram and finds that she is the daughter of a local don in Tamil Nadu. However, they fall in love with each other and keep traveling to escape from the clutches of the don. The movie explores the beauty of Tamil Nadu through their romantic travels.

In Subhash Ghai’s Taal, the son of a Mumbai-based industrialist falls in love with a village girl during a family trip to Chamba Valley in Himachal Pradesh. He promises to come back and marry his lady love. Once she gets bored of waiting for his return, the heroine travels with her father to reunite with the hero in Mumbai and finds a new goal of life after parting from him because of an unexpected incident. Then she embarks on a journey; the journey in search of an identity. The natural beauty of the valley is fabulously shot in the title number, “Taal se taal mila”.

In Ayan Mukherjee’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, two friends become lovers during a trip to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Their travel turns into a story of love which blooms later on. Driven by ambitions, the hero goes abroad and wonders across the globe. He comes back to attend his best friend’s wedding in India where he finds himself in love which had actually begun during the trip to Manali. The movie ends with their union in love.

Love blooms between a deaf & dumb boy and an autism-challenged girl during travel from Darjeeling to Kolkata, in Anurag Basu’s Barfi!. This Bollywood romantic movie is a blend of two love stories – one in the beautiful hill station Darjeeling, and the other on the way to Kolkata. The moments of love which they fall in with each other unknowingly are best captured in the golden paddy fields of Bengal, in the backdrop of the Howrah Bridge, and during the sequence of Chou nach, a folk dance.

Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met is no exception to the theme of travel and romance in the reel. In the first half of the movie, a silent love story is weaved during an eventful travel from Mumbai to Bhatinda (in Punjab) through Rajasthan, and from Bhatinda to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. During travels, the hero is bitten by the bug of love for the heroine who elopes to marry someone else. The colorful beauty of Rajasthan is captured in the song, “Hum jo chalne lage”, and the song “Yeh ishq haaye” is filmed in the snow-covered landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

If you are looking for a valentine, fly to India and travel to meet your dream valentine by chance. Indian Eagle wishes you happy travel with the cheapest flight to India. Who knows if travel plays cupid for you? Happy Valentines’ Day!

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Yoga means union. It unites the human self with the divine through harmonious integration of the body, the mind and the soul with the forces of nature. Since the dawn of civilization, Bharat or India has been the cradle of yoga in the world. From the ancient era, the sages and saints of India have been teaching the art and science of yoga to generations across the globe.

The Himalayan region has several yoga destinations; the most popular is Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Nestled amidst the hills, Rishikesh is the abode of hermits and monks who have kept the tradition of yoga alive till date. Parmarth Niketan Ashram in collaboration with the Tourism Department of Uttarakhand organizes the Yoga Week in March every year.

Many think of yoga as a key to good health and fitness. To be precise, yoga is not just a health remedy or fitness formula but also a source of divine enlightenment. It synchronizes the beats of the heart, the pulses of the nerves and the flow of the blood with the powers of nature as well as the cosmic energy of the universe. The International Yoga Week in Rishikesh is the best opportunity to experience the transforming magic of this art and science.

Initiated in 2001, the Yoga Week has gone global with participation of foreign nationals in large numbers. Learning of yoga under the tutelage of spiritual gurus is the mainstay of the event. Besides, prominent exponents of yoga attend the event and give demonstrations on different yoga postures. The experts hand over the key for physical wellbeing, mental wellness, relaxed breathing, higher concentration level, calm inner self and the ecstasy of the soul to the enthusiasts.

Parmarth Niketan is a haven of spirituality in the lap of the Himalayas. Close to the Ganga River, the ashram provides accommodation with modern facilities and soulful atmosphere to pilgrims. Most of the visitors develop a tryst with spiritual simplicity while staying at the ashram in Rishikesh. Morning prayers, chanting, yoga classes, mediation lessons, lectures, demonstrations and the Ganga Aarti are some of the daily activities there.

Rishikesh, the City of the Divine, is the escape to nature for the materialistic minds and the road to spirituality for the erring souls. This is the place to know and be one with your inner self in India. The International Yoga Week is scheduled to continue from March 1 to 7 this year.

Indian Eagle books cheap air tickets for New Delhi flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport where Rishikesh is a 5-hour drive from. Don’t miss the opportunity of flying at the lowest fare and attending the yoga festival this year!

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