Over the years, the number of travelers (especially honeymooners) to India has increased exponentially.  Here is a list of 10 amazing and breathtaking honeymoon destinations in India, tailor made for the honeymooners to start their journey of romantic life.

Munnar

The south Indian state of Kerala is one which keeps getting bludgeoned by the footfall of not only overseas but local honeymoon couples as well; Munnar is one huge reason for this. The tranquil view of the terrain covered by the tea plantation and the calmness taken over in the valley is exactly the kind of isolation and escapade a newlywed couple needs.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The diverse flora and fauna, the crystal clear waters with unperturbed aquatic life and some out of the world cuisines; this entire makes these emerald looking islands a perfect romantic destination for honeymoon couples.

Udaipur

Everyone dreams for a grand, imperial wedding ceremony (especially the brides) but not all get it. But who said you cannot have a kingly honeymoon? Visit this majestic ‘City of Lakes’ from the royal land of Rajasthan, the land of Maharajas, the land of palatial comforts, for a beautiful beginning of togetherness.

Kodagu (Coorg)

Located amidst the Western Ghats of the great Himalayas, this beautiful hill station in the Karnataka state is a sheer delight to stay. The picturesque territory is known for mainly two things, coffee and wildlife sanctuaries. So if coffee and wildlife are the two words that excite you the most, this is one heaven of a place for you to spend the leisure time post wedding.

Lakshadweep

One of the most preferred honeymoon spots in India. The beautiful islands, lively beaches and warm hospitality; you cannot ask for more for a subtle and serene date.

Pondicherry

A great mix of modern and spiritual affiliations; that’s what this French colonial town of south India can be best described as. The rejuvenating and spiritual ambience of ‘Auroville’, the cool breeze brushing your face at the ‘Promenade Beach’ and the taste of some authentic French food; this can be one of the most sought after destination for honeymooners.

Kullu

Away from the city crowd with unperturbed nature in its womb, Kullu is a pure gift of nature at offer. Apart from being surrounded by the snow capped mountains, this ‘Silver Valley’ imbibes a sheer simplicity in itself.

Mt. Abu

In the entire list of destinations, this is one spot which has seldom received the kind of mention which it actually deserves. Standing tall in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan, Mt. Abu is a place, that can simply not be defined in words; it needs to be seen, felt, experienced.

 Goa

Now, this is one destination, I believe, needs no explanation as to why it is one of the most visited and top destinations for anyone (for that matter). If you are looking to break free from all shackles and go crazy for your initial post wedding days, Goa is a place for you.

Shillong

Remember The Hobbit part-2!!? No, it was not shot in here, but you’ll be in doubts whether or not it was this same location. Covered with lush green mountains, tall waterfalls and serene wildlife; this capital city of one of the smallest state of India, Meghalaya, is one of the best location for honeymooners to bond.

So if you are about to get hitched and planning your ideal honeymoon destination, have a look at these destinations before you book your tickets.

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1. Fuvahmulah

An Island on the Maldive Archipelago, it is one of the most beautiful islands in the country.

2. Kudahuvadhoo

One of the more developed and inhabited island in Maldives, there is plenty of sightseeing options available in this region.

3. Fihalhohi Island

Fihalhohi is a beautiful island based in South Male Atoll, Maldives. Visit this for some spellbinding experiences in the country.

4. Kurumba

Discover the Kurumba Island and resort to pamper yourself with overwhelming luxury.

5. Bluetribe Moofushi

Maldives is well known for its sea world, and this diving centre offer some of the best underwater experiences in the country.

6. Grand Friday Mosque

An architectural landmark in Maldives, The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the major tourist attraction and a centre of Islamic studies in the country.

7. Villingili

Villingili is the only resort island of Seenu Atoll, Maldives and offers pure delight to its visitors.

8. Maradhoo

One of the inhabited islands of Maldives, there are ample tourist attractions in the city which assure of a fun time in the region.

9. Sultan Park

One of the well known green spots of Male, Sultan Park also houses the National Museum of Maldives.

10. Dhigufinolhu Island

Comprising of the some of the most spacious and luxurious villas, Dhigufinolhu is one of the most popular islands of Maldives.

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Nowadays, Scandinavia is sometimes also used to refer to Iceland and Finland, as such the following attractions are located throughout these 6 nations to present a view as to why Scandinavia is a must visit location!

1. Happiest Place on Earth
Each year, surveys are conducted to find which countries are home to the happiest population. For years now, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden consistently rank amongst the top 10. The social benefits allowed by their governments are, in large part, responsible for this inner wellbeing. Why not visit a country where people are regarded as being such warm individuals and soak in some of their spirit!

2. Breathtaking Phenomena
Scandinavia’s cold climate deters many visitors wondering why they would head to a freezing land over a beach side resort. However, Mother Nature rewards the cold struggle in unlimited folds by showing off such wonders as the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun (when days last for 24 hours), and the Polar Nights (nights lasting 24 hours). For the record, beautiful sandy beaches are also found in the summer in this part of the world.

3. Natural Hot Tubs
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is renowned for its thermal pools. Amidst the snow covered frozen land lies naturally warmed bodies of water in which visitors can bathe. Geysers are also present in other locations in Scandinavia but Iceland offers the most famous ones. Spas are therefore a must visit in this region.

4. See the Whales
Norway and Iceland are popular destinations for whale watching. Whale safaris are available to let visitors swim with these gigantic marine animals. Over 6 species of whales swim through these Nordic waters from April to October.

5. New Taste Bud Experiences
The Scandinavian culinary scene is currently exploding due to the naming of Copenhagen’s Noma Restaurant as best in the world and its chef, Rene Redzepi’s approach to wild foraging cuisine. Affordable places are opening all over the region featuring local ingredients and preparations such as fermented fish, breads and berries.

6. Acceptance
One reason to spend some time through Scandinavia is the region’s open-mindedness. Racial, sexual and religious differences are all warmly welcomed and as such, tourists are not usually looked at differently nor do they stick out like a sore thumb.

7. Museums Galore
Culture is ever present in these countries and the capitals of Denmark (Copenhagen), Finland (Helsinki), Sweden (Stockholm), Iceland (Reykjavik) and Norway (Oslo) house multiple museums dedicated to their country’s history through the Vikings era, to medieval times and their kings and queens.

8. Fjords
Norway’s Fjords, created by the erosion of cliffs by glaciers, are famous for their breathtaking beauty. Boat operators offer tours to let you experience their full splendor from the water for limited costs.

9. Winter’s Outdoor Life
It may be cold, but people don’t shut themselves away indoors in the Scandinavian winters. Take a cue from the locals and enjoy the snow, just dress warmly first. Head out to the mountains and try skiing, snowboarding or even snowshoeing: all fun activities and great ways to glimpse some wilderness out of the cities.

10. Extreme Wilderness
From the Lapland (the northernmost part of Scandinavia), the vastest region of untamed wilderness in Europe to Svalbard, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, home to protected areas inhabited by polar bears, Scandinavia is often untouched and grandiose in all its wild and frozen glory.

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1. Majestic Monument

You cannot go to India without seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra. While you are there, don’t miss the Agra Fort to get a further understanding of what the Emperor’s life was like in the 17th Century.

2. Take the Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was the first hill passenger railway. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is worth the breathtaking views of the mountains as you climb up through these grandiose hills and even glimpse Mount Everest.

3. Give Your Taste Buds A Flavor Of Some Awesome Street Food

Some of India’s greatest foods are found in the streets. To feel, and eat, like a local, don’t be afraid to try one, or a few, of the many food carts and stalls. Discover regional dishes and let your taste buds go wild.

4. Is Shangri La Real?

In fact, it is. Shangri La is a mountain next to Khardung La in the Ladakh region. Not only is this heaven situated there but also some beautiful, refreshing, lakes to take a swim in and visit unspoiled monasteries.

5. Dare to Cross

Cherrapunji is home to some of India’s lushest forests. It is said that they are the wettest place on earth and, deep in the woods, are living root bridges. Not only can you cross these passages but trekking through the jungle will also enable you to meet some indigenous tribes and see how they live.

6. Spellbinding World Heritage Sites

Near Aurangabad are Ellora and Ajanta Caves. Both World Heritage Sites, the former is described as having the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture with sculpted monuments now open to visitors. Meanwhile, the latter are covered in paintings and sculptures which are some of the finest examples of Indian art.

7. Watch the Stars

Go camping in the desert for at least a night. Travel by camel to get a complete experience of what the culture is like in this rugged landscape and see the crystal clear night sky sparkling with stars as far as the eyes can see.

8. Groove To The Indian Tune

Through India’s various regions, music and dance are still widely used as art form and story telling. Each part of the country produces different sounds from their main instruments, such as the sitar, and uses different dance forms and wonderful costumes and gestures.

9. Discover Indian Wildlife

India is home to over 70 National Parks and 400 Wildlife Sanctuaries. Wherever you may be staying for your Volunteer project, seek one of them out and learn about the local wildlife. If you travel around the country you may get a chance to see various species of tigers or elephants.

10. Color Me Holi

In the spring (March or February), Indians celebrate Holi, also known as the festival of colors or of love. It is a Hindu festival at its roots but most people in India now celebrate it. Run around with local residents for a massive fight that may leave you soaked and multicolored.

The post Top Ten Things To Do While Traveling In India appeared first on Go Discover Abroad | Blog.

Meditate in Bhutan

Carved out in an impressive cliff-top, Tiger’s Nest Monastery is where a holy man known as the Second Buddha, Padmasambhava, is said to have meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days and 3 hours. Take a moment to meditate about the life you are embarking on, if only for 3 minutes.

Thai Water Fight

Thais celebrate the new year by having a huge water fight, expanding through the streets of every town and city, people come out in droves to drench one another with hoses, water cannons, buckets – any vessel that can contain water. So head to Chiang Mai or Bangkok and celebrate with the locals!

Giza’s Riddles

The beauty and grandeur or the Pyramids of Egypt and their companion, the great Sphinx, are Wonders of the World that one must marvel at for themselves to truly grasp what a feat their existence is.

A River Runs Through It

Whether you choose Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador or Brazil, spend some time on the Great Amazon River; sail down a part of it to see the tropical beauty surrounding the luscious waterway and take advantage of the rainforest surrounding this body of water.

Find a Lost City

The Lost City of Gold is a well-known legend hinting that the Incas built a city entirely made of this precious metal. If you cannot find it however, you can still discover plenty of abandoned history filled places trekking through the Inca Trail in Peru leading to the Great Machu Pichu.

No Need For A Nightlight

New-Zealand’s Waitomo is home to caves plastered with glowworms. Row through the caves to wonder are the light emanating from the critters covering all surfaces around you.

Underwater Light

No need to fear electrocution. In Kho Phi Phi, Thailand, the phosphorous plankton naturally lights up the water and you can swim freely among them. Magic may exist after all.

Heart of Forgotten Temples

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat was abandoned during the 15th Century never to be inhabited again. Its temples’ hand carved adornments are stunning and worth as much time as possible to marvel at.

Water Curtain

The border of Zimbabwe and Zambia is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the largest single sheet of falling water in the world. There are multiple trails one can hike to get the best views of the ‘Smoke That Thunders’ and water activities like whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking are also available.

Dream Away

Whether you have dreamt to go to a particular country, encounter an animal, see a specific landmark, whatever one of your earliest dream may be, try to fulfill one of them. As long as it is something that greatly matters to you, you will look back on it with great fondness and pride to have achieved one of your greatest desires for the rest of your life.

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1. Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal. Coupled with this magnificent building are other worthy historical sites such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri – an ancient city.

2. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, stuns with the sensual sculptures carved into its beautiful temples. The town brings visitors back to the medieval times in which it was constructed. It may be a small town but art is laced in all its structures, keeping in mind that it was built between 950 and 1050 AD, it truly is astounding.

 3. Jaipur, Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City, is considered one of the most majestic and colorful in India. In English, Jaipur translates as City of Victory. Near hills and lakes there are magnificent forts, temples and palaces, while the old city has retained its walls and ancient town atmosphere. It is located between Agra and New Delhi to complete what is known as India’s Golden Triangle.

4. Aurangabad, Maharashtra, used to be the capital of the Mughal Empire and it sports beautiful caves, the Grishneshwar Jyotirling temple and Bibi ka Maqbara which is nicknamed the Mini Taj Mahal. While the caves are over 2,000 years old, the temple is still a site of pilgrimage for Hindus.

 5.   Hampi, Karnataka, is the city of ruins. It showcases temples, forts, palaces and many more. Hampi was neglected for years and it fell into ruins due to lack of maintenance, and so it became a World Heritage Site to protect what is left of its glorious history.

6. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, is famous for its carved temples and rock-cut caves. To complement the beauty of its architecture and history, it also sports beautiful beaches. Each of the Five Rathas (temples) was built in stone and hand carved in the monolithic era.

7. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, is considered a must for Hindu pilgrimages but is also highly enjoyable for any visitor. It is most famous for the Sanchi Stupa, which dates back to the 3rd Century. It is considered the root of the Buddhist culture in India. Also noteworthy are its monasteries.

8. New Delhi is India’s capital and as such, is very modern with its shopping centers, world-renowned university and all forms of modern entertainment. However, it is a city of split personality as its ancient traditions are still very much alive. Its architectural history is dated to the 4th Century when the Iron Pillar was built. The Mughal Gardens remain a peaceful place of wonder and the temples and ancient bridges are reminders of the past. Also unforgettable is New Delhi’s street food, a true experience in and of itself.

9. Pattadakal, Karnataka, offer temples as its main attraction. This single location showcases different types of architecture – a rare occurrence.

10. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, is known for grand palaces, forts and carved temples. Built in Medieval times on the banks of the Betwa River, it became the capital of the Bundelas, one of the most powerful dynasties to ever rule India.

11. Kolkata, West Bengal, the city that used to be called Calcutta is also referred to as the City of Joy and the Cultural Capital of India. One of the most densely populated city in the country, it still reflects the British that ruled it for so many years and opened the gateway for Indian Culture to cross oceans. It is also home to the oldest museum in India.

You can enjoy these sites and more with the Classic India Tour of Go Discover Abroad.

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1. Splurge at The Boardwalk

With some of the city’s best shopping, dining, outdoor fair and movies, the boardwalk is a hub of local life. Be sure to stay after the sunset to see the beauty of all the lights reflecting off the lake.

2. Adventure Activities In Algoa Bay

The coastal bank of Nelson Mandela Bay is home to 40 km of beaches. Some offer protected swimming areas while others propose a wide variety of watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and surfing to name a few.

3. Explore History At The Red Location Museum

To understand how far South Africa has come in such a short time, this museum portrays the horrors of institutionalized racism of the past and the anti-apartheid movement that revolutionized the land.

4. Pay Tribute At Route 67

To honor the years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the public, Port Elizabeth dedicated 67 pieces of art to him. Ranging from visual art to urban design and heritage sites, Donkin Street is the epicenter of this exposition where huge silver pipes catch the winds blowing over the city and turns them into music.

5. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and this was one of the main stadiums used in the competition. It was built as a multipurpose sport complex that is a must to understand the city’s development from the oppression of racism to the freedom and open-mindedness of all cultures participating in the World Cup. It is now home to the local professional Rugby team.

6. Wildlife Exploration Kragga Kamma Game Park

A little outside the city proper, this park presents the once in a lifetime chance to observe majestic animals. White rhinos, buffalos, cheetahs, giraffes and zebras, among others, roam freely in the lush forests of the park.You could also try the  Wildlife Reserve Project in Port Elizabeth.

7. Campanile Memorial

To honor the British settlers of the 19th Century, this monument was erected in 1923. It stands 52m over the harbor and visitors are encouraged to climb the 204 steps to the top and take in the city views.

8. Seven Castle Hill

To understand how the first British Settlers lived, this cottage was built in 1830 and is one of the oldest surviving original houses in Port Elizabeth. It encapsulates domestic life and still retains a cobbled courtyard and a well.

9. Walk The Talk At Donkin Heritage Trail

A 5km walk in which you can follow in the footsteps of the 1820 settlers. This path houses 47 national monuments and historical sites all located in the middle of the city.

10. Addo Elephant Park

The third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant Park is home to over 550 Elephants. Although originally founded to protect these majestic mammals, it has now expanded to conserve a wide array of wildlife and flora.

The post Things To Do In Port Elizabeth, South Africa appeared first on Go Discover Abroad | Blog.

1. Living Large

Canada is the second biggest country in landmass, right after Russia. There are 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada. It is best to choose 1 or 2 provinces, or one territory at a time for quality travel. Another way to see the entire country however, is by train. ViaRail does offer a coast-to-coast trip from Halifax on the Eastern coast to the Pacific coast of British Columbia which lasts for two weeks. Train travel can be an exhilarating experience is recommended for people looking for a laidback and calming travel, abroad.

2. The Mountains

Mountains play a huge part in the population’s hobbies. The west coast offers the best conditions with the Rockies bordering British Columbia and Alberta. This impressive mountain range provides premium downhill skiing conditions during the winter season. As the other seasons roll by, mountains are used for breathtaking hiking and mountain biking trails.

3. Weather

You might want to consider the Canadian weather while planning your trip. As the weather is not moderate and the region is known for its extremely cold weather conditions, you can come here to enjoy an exhilarating snowfall and take train rides across towns.

4. The Falls

One of the 7 Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls is situated in Southern Ontario, about an hour and a half south of Toronto. The falls are right on the border of the United States and can be observed from both countries however, Canada offers the most stunning views.

5. Language

English and French are the two official languages of Canada. While the vast majority of the country only speaks English, French is the main language in the province of Quebec and is still widely used on the east coast provinces of Prince-Edward-Island and New Brunswick. Nonetheless, most everyone does speak English.

6. National Dish

Montreal-style smoked meat, Maple syrup, Pea meal bacon, Butter tart, Poutine, Nanaimo bar are some of the known Canadian dishes. However, due to the continual immigration waves, the food in this country is a mix of different cuisine. Maple Syrup can be considered a Canadian specialty since Quebec and eastern Ontario – are the world’s main producers of maple syrup.

7. Ask for Help

All the rumors and jokes about Canadians being so nice and polite are largely true. In the larger cities; Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, etc. if one sees a tourist looking at a map or a cellphone trying to find their way somewhere, people will stop and offer their help. So, if ever you find yourself in need of some directions or advice do not be afraid to ask, people will generally answer you gladly.

8. Residents

Only about 10% of the landmass of Canada is inhabited. Due to the extreme climate this country is subject to, the residents of the 10 provinces all live on the southern end, close to the United States border. Residents of the 3 territories; Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut, only make up a tiny percentage of the country as a whole.

9. Inner-city Transport

Canada’s 3 largest cities are, in order, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Each presents a unique set of tourist attractions and cultural sites and they are all easy to navigate. City run trains are efficient, fast and safe. The Toronto Subway, Montreal Metro System and Vancouver SkyTrain get commuters anywhere in the cities with buses complementing them. Alternatively, there are rental bikes dispersed in stations throughout the streets that can be returned at any other similar location. Vancouver has great parks and wildlife trails, Montreal’s old city still accurately portrays what the city looked like when the French first built it and Toronto is arguably the most culturally diverse city in the world.

10. Flora and Fauna

Canada’s National Parks are found all over the country and make great destination for anyone; from day hikers to campers. The Eastern seashore provinces are known as the Maritimes and offer forests as well as beaches. Quebec and Ontario are home to boreal forests filled with evergreens and the iconic maple trees. The Prairies: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta make up a part of the country mostly devoid of mountains but filled with forests.

We hope that this informative piece of blog will make your Canadian trip easier and fun. Book a Canadian package with Go Discover Abroad and get a memorable holiday experience.

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We hope that the above mentioned ways to save money helps you from a facing a cash crunch back home. Feel free to add you own fun ways to save some more money while traveling. Any ideas, readers ?

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1. Travel insurance covers a variety of things

Maybe you feel like travel insurance is a waste of money and won’t help you whatsoever, but you should keep in mind that travel insurance covers a variety of things such as: medical costs, theft, loss of your belongings and even cancelled flights.

2. Take into consideration the duration of your stay

Travel insurance only covers the amount of days you are spending abroad, no more no less. So to ensure that you are totally covered, make sure that you are insured for each day that you are
staying abroad.

3. Buy before you fly

As travel insurance also covers any cancelled flights and flights you are unable to board, it is recommended that you purchase it before travelling as this will make sure your holiday costs are reimbursed.

4. Look into annual multi-trip travel insurances
If you are a frequent flier it may be cheaper and easier to buy an annual multi-travel insurance for a certain amount of years so it is something less to think about when planning your holidays!

5. Read into the specifics
Knowing the full terms and conditions and policies of your travel insurance is essential so if something does happen, you know if you will be covered or not. Noting down any risky activities you will be doing when abroad in your travel insurance is also important as if anything happens to you on an activity not recorded, you will not be covered for it.

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