One of the most well-known travel destinations in India, there is no dearth of things to do in Dharamshala, a scenic mountainous city in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Even the thought of this place paints a serene image of gorgeous landscapes in our head, doesn’t it? The beautiful city captivates you with its charm, cool climate, lush greenery, peaceful environment, breathtaking views, and friendly locals.

Dharamshala: An Overview

Geographically, Dharamshala is divided into two parts: upper Dharamshala and lower Dharamshala.

The history of Dharamshala, also spelt Dharamsala, dates back to the 8th century, when it was known as Bhagsu. During the British era, the cool town was a popular summer retreat for the colonial officials.

Indo Tibetan relations began as Buddhism spread from India to Tibet during the 6th century AD. In 1959, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled to India and sought refuge in McLeodganj, a small town in Dharamshala, making it the centre of the Tibetan government in exile. 

The Central Tibetan Administration is located in McLeod Ganj and focuses on the welfare of the Tibetan exile community in India. Dharamshala is often called Little Lhasa and is known all over the world for its connection to the Tibetan independence struggle. It is the  largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside of Tibet.

Dharamshala is situated 1475 meters above sea level in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. It is home to many indigenous tribes, including the Gaddis. The town has many monasteries and meditation centres perfect for yoga enthusiasts and people seeking spiritual fulfilment.

This small town in Himachal Pradesh with Tibetan influences and Buddhist heritage has many amazing places to see and do – gorgeous trails, beautiful architecture, mesmerizing landscapes and Tibetan cuisine. Here is our list of places to visit and the top 12 things to do in Dharamshala.

1. The Dalai Lama Temple Complex and other monasteries

The first thing on your bucket list to Dharamshala should be visiting the Dalai Lama Complex. The core of Dharamshala’s spirituality, it is a very important monastery. You will get to watch the monks meditate and chant their prayers. The views from the temple are spectacular. An interesting part of this monastery is the Namgyal Gompa, which is a place reserved for the monks to engage in a debate – something you would not see anywhere else! It takes place either in the mornings or afternoon, so don’t miss it.

The Gyuto Monastery is set against the backdrop of Dhauladhar mountain range. This is one of the main places that specializes in Tantric meditation studies and other Tibetan rituals.

The Mani Lhakhang Stupa in Dharamshala houses a gold plated statue of Lord Buddha in his signature lotus position.

Some other monasteries you can visit in Dharamshala are the Namgyal monastery (also a premium tantric college), Norbulingka institute, Tsuglakhang temple, Sherabling monastery, and the Prayer Wheels Monastery.

2. Kangra Fort and Museum

A mighty fort built in the Himalayas, shrouded in mystery and surrounding beauty, Kangra fort is the perfect offbeat spot in Dharamshala. 20 kms from the town just outside Kangra town, this is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala. The fort dates back to the Mahabharata era, having been built in around 4th century BC. It belonged to the Katoch dynasty and survived about 50 attacks, before an earthquake in 1905 destroyed major parts of the fort.

The fort complex has several temples, palaces and museums. The Kangra museum showcases the rich culture of Dharamshala.

Make sure you reach the Kangra Fort Terrace at the golden hour. It overlooks the vast Kangra Valley, offering majestic panoramic views.

Check Out: Rajasthan’s Leading Tourist Attractions

3. Visit the Dal Lake

If you want a peaceful and relaxing evening, you can go to the Dal Lake. Snow-capped mountains and pine trees decorate the backdrop beneath blue skies, with a calm lake resting in front – a picture perfect location that will soothe your eyes. Sometimes, you can enjoy a boat ride here. The Dal Lake Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is held in September, when many tourists from all over the world come here.

4. Trekking in Dharamshala

You cannot leave Dharamshala without attempting a single trek. The town is especially famous for its trails and magnificent views from their tops. Here are few of the treks you can do while in this town.

Triund Trek

One of the most popular activities at Dharamshala is the Triund Trek. Not to easy and not too adventurous, the trek to the top of Triund Hill requires 4 hours of walking, 2 hours of climbing, and another 2 hours to come back down. You can spend the night there, sleeping under the stars, or choose to make it a day trek. However, we would recommend you to spend the night because the scenic views and the starry night sky is worth it.

Bhagsu Nag trek

If you feel that this trek is too intense, you could do the Bhagsu nag treks. At the base of the Triund Trek is the beautiful Bhagsu Falls, ideal for a short adventure. When you make your way up to the Bhagsu waterfall, take a small detour and visit the quirky Shiva Cafe, where you can enjoy a bowl of the classic Maggi Noodles.

Kareri Lake Trek

Kareri Lake is located in the Dhauladhar mountains around 40 kms north of Dharamshala, but to reach this glacial lake, you have to go through a 8 to 9 hour trek from Ghera village. A lesser-known trek than Triund or Bhagsu Nag, the path is much less-travelled. The lush green trails are lined with forests of beautiful trees like pine, broadleaf, and deodar.

Camping in McLeod ganj

The trails between Dharamshala and McLeod ganj offer clear skies, crisp mountain air, and stunning views of the majestic mountains and valleys, making it a popular camping spot. There are many shops in Dharamshala which sell or rent camping equipment, or you can bring your own.

Lahesh Cave trek

Lahesh Caves are located 3475 meters above sea level and the trek follows one of the trails that Gaddi shepherds use to reach the grazing pastures in the upper Ravi Valley and Lauhal. The trek ends in some mesmerizing views of the Indian plains and Dhauladhar Mountains.

Read on: Immersing in India’s Things to Do

5. Adventure sports

Besides trekking, there are many adventure sports you can do in Dharamshala.

When in Dharamshala, paragliding is an activity you cannot miss. The best time for paragliding would be from March to May and October to November. You will get a bird’s eye view of the Himalayan mountain ranges and untouched scenic landscapes. Bir Billing, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, is extremely popular for this activity. It was the first place to host the Paragliding world cup.

Some other activities you can enjoy here are ziplining, bungee jumping, flying fox, mountain cycling, ATV ride, and rock climbing.

6. visit the Temples

Whether or not you are religiously or spiritually inclined, the magnificent rock-cut temples and peaceful monasteries in and around Dharamshala should be on your list.

The Bhagsunag temple is one of the most ancient temples of Dharamshala, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The best time to visit the temple is during the annual fair held in September. Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, also known as Khaniyara Temple. The majestic architecture of the temple and the beautiful waterfall near it will make you fall in love with the place.

You must visit Jwalamukhi Devi Temple in Jwalamukhi town, about 56 kms from Dharamshala. The unique thing about this temple is that there is no idol or image. Dedicated to the hindu goddess Jwala Devi, or the goddess of light, there is a constantly burning blue flame, believed to have been burning since centuries.

7. Shop till you drop

The local markets in India offer ann insight on the life and culture of the locals. Make sure to visit the markets of McLeodganj when in Dharamshala. Tibetan carpets and mats, handicraft, carvings on metal and wood, kangra tea, Himachal wines, colorful prayer flags, and woolens are a few of the things to buy here. There are many shops on Temple Road, Central Square as well as the Kotwali Bazar. Sometimes you might catch a few local artisans selling their products there – they would love to chat about how the product is made and how they started the craft. 

8. Local sightseeing

Located 1457 meters above sea level, the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, or the HPCA Stadium is one of the highest sports grounds in the world. Visiting a cricket stadium in Dharamshala might sound odd, but the incredible landscape and cool winds make it an experience like no other.

St John in the Wilderness Church is a stunning example of neo-gothic architecture with Belgian stained-glass windows. One of the oldest structures in the region, the chuch exudes a peaceful and serene ambience.

The Dharamshala War Memorial is another place you must visit here. It was built in honor of the brave Kangra soldiers who sacrificed their lives during wars.

At the fragrant tea gardens in Dharamshala, you can learn about the process of tea-making and taste different varieties of tea.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is located halfway between Dharamkot and McLeod ganj. Here you get to see different performances of music, operas and traditional dance performances.

9. Live the local life

If you want to truly experience a culture, the best experience to have is to live with a local when you travel. You can live in homestays in the quaint Himachali homes and learn about Tibetan culture, their daily life and customs.

Some great options for your homestay experience are The Divine Hima for its hospitality, Navek-La Country Home for it’s jaw dropping views, lovely hosts, and the dog on their property is an added bonus! You can also stay at Bhagsu or Dharamkot. For a more authentic experience, you can even go to any of the villages and ask them if you can lodge with them. They will charge you a minimal fee. Don’t expect anything fancy, though.

10. Cafe hopping

Sample the delectable Tibetan food that is prominently found in Dharamshala. The quaint and quirky cafes around the town offer some of the yummiest and most delicious Tibetan cuisine. Some classic light snacks you must try are the thukpas (Tibetan noodle soup), thentuk (pulled noodle soup), and Tibetan momos.

We would recommend to try freshly steamed momos from the street shops rather than the ones at restaurants. Some of the best cafes in Dharamshala are ‘The Tibet Kitchen’ – a great place for thukpas, the Namgyal cafe and Joyful cafe – popular for their wood-fired pizzas, the Woeser Bakery, which offers you spectacular views from the terrace along with great food, especially cakes, and the Tibet Quality Bakery,, popular for their garlic bread and cheesecakes.

11. Volunteer at the Lha Organization

The best feeling while travelling is to be able to give back to the community. In Dharamshala, you can do so. The Lha Charitable Trust allows you to participate to help build the Tibetan community. Depending on the number of days you have, there are different categories as to what you can offer to do. So if you have spare time and wish to volunteer, this is the place to make a change in someone’s life.

12. Relax in Naddi village

One of the best-kept secrets of Himachal Pradesh is Naddi village. If you are in Dharamshala looking for some solitude, there is no place better. Imagine waking up to nothing but the sounds of nature! You can truly connect with nature in this quaint little town amidst the clear blue skies, breathtaking sunsets, and views of snow-covered peaks. Take a nature walk through the town or just relax as you take in the landscapes.

So if you love nature, culture and good food, you must visit Dharamshala. You would need a good 3 to 4 days in this location. If you want to know more about other locations that you can cover, you can Click Here and fill up this questionnaire and get in touch with our experts who can assist you in planning the rest of your adventure to India. 

Want a break from your monotonous stressful city life? Rishikesh is the place for you. This destination, located in northern India surrounded by the Himalayan ranges will help you de-stress and also embrace your spiritual side, as the famous river Ganga flows through this city. Rishikesh because of its mountainous terrain and the riversides has many adventurous sports to offer which will keep you at the edge of your seat throughout your stay.

If you want to make sure you experience the city the right way, here are a few ideas of the things that you can do in Rishikesh.

1. Ditch The Gym And Enjoy Yoga in Rishikesh 

Well, to the city that’s called the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, it goes without saying that when in Rishikesh, yoga is a must. Even if you are not a yoga enthusiast, make sure you either take a one day yoga class or do a proper course here! If you are an expert then you can even go by the banks of the river and meditate on the rocks. It will be the most peaceful thing to do. If you are looking for classes, at every street on the walls you will find details of yoga classes taking place all around the city. A few good places to try this are at Anand Prakash Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, Yoga Niketan Ashram. 

2. Say Namaste To The Ganga First

One of the things that makes Rishikesh so special, is that divine Ganga that flows in this city first and then goes on to the rest of the states in India. The best way to feel one with this city is to partake in the Ganga Aarti (a prayer ritual) that is organized by Parmath Niketan. You would have to cross the Ram Jhula (bridge) to get to this place. The timings of the aarti would vary depending on which season you will be visiting Rishikesh. Hence, it’s best to cross check with your hotel/hostel before getting there. 

During this ritual you will see the priest praying and worshiping the Ganga, chatting players and the rest of the crowd as well join them by capping some even dancing to the tunes of the holy song. It is an experience you would not want to miss. You even get a chance to use the pooja thali (the holy plate) that the priest uses to pray

3. The Beatles Ashram in rishikesh

One of the reasons why Rishikesh got so famous internationally is because of the popular british band ‘The Beatles’ who visited Rishikesh in the 1960’s. They had met Maharaj Mahesh Yogi in London, who had invited them to visit his Ashram in Rishikesh. And so they did! The ashram is now abandoned, it’s a small hike up but it’s worth it. The views from up, the graffiti on the walls there and the stone meditation caves too is very interesting. There is a cafe and museum as well inside. You have to pay a fee of INR 600 for forgein nationals who wish to visit the ashram. All you Beatles lovers can listen to some of their songs while walking around. I am sure it will give you chills!

4. Discipline Yourself At An Ashram in Rishikesh  

Want to live a simple life for a while? Living in an Ashram is the way to do it! An ashram is a place where you can go for spiritual or religious retreats away from society. There are plenty of Ashramas stays in Rishikesh, however, the top recommendations would be – Yoga Niketan and Parmarth Niketan. They have fixed schedules of meditation and other courses during the day, it is not a compulsion to follow all of these, it is up to you. However, through this stay, you get to live the life of minimalist needs and it’s great self-reflection. The accommodations are simple, clean, and basic. Do note you would have to dress appropriately, avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts or dresses. 

There are quite a few rules to follow but it’s a great way to learn to discipline yourself and fully immerse yourself in reflection and meditation.

5. Looking For Adventure, Say No More! 

If you are that type of a person who cannot get enough of the pumping adrenaline while engaging in outdoor activities, Rishikesh is your go to place. There is so much to do from rock climbing, to mountain biking to white river rafting. Name it and Rishikesh has it! Rishikesh is known for its White River Rafting in all of India, the best time to do this is in the Summers and Monsoons because the streams are stronger at that time. You can enjoy Rock climbing at the Shivalik Hills, topography of this mountain makes it perfect for climbing, however you have to be mentally strong to conquer this task. 

You can ask your hostel/hotel to have this arranged for you. So the next time you wish to plan an only adventure trip with your friends or alone, you know which destination has to be on your list. 

6. Day Trip To Devprayag – A Divine Confluence 

About  2.5 hours away from Rishikesh, is where you get to witness the birth of the famous Ganga River. The sight is just breathtaking and will give you chills especially if you have a deep spiritual connection with the Ganga. The two rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, meet and you can actually see the two different colours of each river meeting and then forming the Ganga. There are a few flights of stairs that you need to climb to reach the point to watch this meet, hence, do be careful at that point as certain steps can get a bit steep. 

7. Jhilmil Caves Trek 

This is not any ordinary trekking experience, while one treks through the Jhilmil caves, you not only enjoy the thrill of trekking itself but also get a experience these enchanting caves, furthermore there will also be Sadhus here who perform religious and spiritual activities, which is very interesting to watch. There are a set of 3 temples here and one of the trekking trails will take you through a National Park – Rajajj.  Just make sure to trek here before it gets dark as there are a few wild animals around this area.

This trek is about an hour or so away from the main town of Rishikesh. And you might as well see a lot of pilgrims who come here for spiritual purposes. Make sure to visit Mouni Baba cave, as the Sadhu here has been living here since his childhood and is always happy to interact with the people. 

Read on: Experience India’s Unique Offerings

8. Cafe Hopping 

If you want to start eating healthy, Rishikesh is just the place for you! Reason being they only offer vegetarian meals! However, do not get disappointed, the cafes here offer some really interesting veg dishes and have some of the best views. Here are a few of the ones that is must visit – 

Little Buddha –  Located near Lakshman Jhula, the views and food make it the perfect place to dine. There are vegan and gluten free options too! The Hummus and Pizzas would be the two favorites here. 

Beatles Cafe -Overlooking the Ganga, this cafe is dedicated to the Beatles, the music, ambiance and views is simply the best. The food here will take a while to get prepared, however, it will be worth it. The must-eats would be the Veg Burgers.

Cafe Karma – The only good Karma you will get back is tasty food! They have a lovely range of drinks and food. The masala chai and hazelnut coffee are the favorites. If you have a sweeth Tooth try the Banana Chocolate cake.   

Whilst you are cafe hopping, you get a chance to cross the two famous Jhulas (bridges) Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. Get those Instagram-worthy pictures here, however, be careful of the monkeys here. Besides taking your food and anything that’s in your hand, they also make for experts in Photobombing!

9. Take a Dip at Neer Garh Waterfalls 

Looking to enjoy a nice cup of chai with the voice of gushing water in the background coupled with a pleasing view? Take a trip to the Neer Garh Waterfalls. It is about 5 to 7 kms away from Lakshman Jhula. There are some nice cafes close to the waterfall which you can enjoy. To get a more up-close view of the majestic falls, you would have to trek for a while. It is nothing too strenuous. You can even take a dip in the waterfall. It can get a bit crowded, however, this should not stop you from visiting this fall.

10. An Afternoon On The Beach!  

Yes, you’ve heard that right, you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon on this beach, called the Goa Beach. However, if you have been to Goa, do not expect the tides to be such as the Goan ones, as it is called that because of the sand there that looks like the beaches of Goa. 

You can take a dip in the Ganga, Meditate on the rocks or simply just get a nice tan. However, this beach tends to get a bit crowded during the summer months. But is it still relaxing and one even feels much closer to the sacred Ganga, as some tourists even offer prayers here. Spend the afternoon here after that delicious meal. The serenity and quietness here is something else!  

11. book a massage session in Rishikesh

After white water rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking it’s now time to relax your body. So do yourself a favor and enjoy a massage session in Rishikesh. The relaxing views of this town will anyway get you eased up but a massage session will be a cherry on the top. The ayurvedic massage and herbal oils used will relax your muscles and leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

There are multiple places where you can get this from – Prana Spa and Salon, Yoga Niketan Ashram, Tattva Ayurveda & Massage Centre.

Make sure you cross off all these things to do once you are in Rishikesh. Travelers usually spend around 4 – 5 nights here, however, those who are deeply interested in yoga and spirituality would spend more time here. I am sure you will leave Rishikesh promising yourself that you will be back again. If you want some more trips and help to get around in Rishikesh along with what to do next, Click Here and get in touch with our team of experts who can help you. 

Madurai is known as the ‘Athens of the East”. This charming city is the cultural capital and third largest city of Tamil Nadu. This quaint, ancient city is also of great historical, architectural and cultural significance. There are tons of fascinating places to visit in Madurai. The town is renowned for its trade routes, the Tirumalai Nayak Palace and its gorgeous temples, like the famous Meenakshi Temple.

If you are looking at visiting a city full of culture, delicious food, temples and more, Madurai is just the place. Overwhelmed with the number of places to explore here? Well, here’s a list of our recommendations of things to do in Madurai. Get out that checklist, and be sure to add these to your list. 

1. Hike up Samanar Hills – The Jain temples

Located approx 10 – 15km from the main city, Samanar hills was previously known as Thiruvasagam. It is known for its ancient, rock carved, Jain temples which are over 2000 years old. These caves have inscriptions in Tamil and Kanadan which gives a glimpse into the life of the monks who lived there. The carvings and inscriptions here will have you marveling at the rules, the religion, education and lifestyle of the monks. While you are here, make it a point to stop by the neighboring village, a great opportunity to interact with the locals.

Be sure to commence your hike early morning in order to avoid the harsh afternoon heat. The climb to the top is approximately 2 hours. Once you are at the top you’re in for a sheer treat. A picturesque view bound to take your breath away. The best way to get here is by a sedan car (INR 4,000 for a day).

 

2. Visit one of the many ancient churches of Madurai

Built by Fr. Garnier in the 18th century, Our Lady Of Dolours is a popular tourist destination because of its architecture and religious significance. The main structure of the church was built in 1939 and later in 1969 it got the status of being a Cathedral. It is now known as the St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

Religious or not, a visit to this Church should definitely be on your list of things to do in Madurai. Its fascinating rich history, that is over 100 years old, and stunning architecture that has traces of Roman, European and Gothic influence, will definitely win you over. 

3. Spend the day temple hopping

A visit to the Temple town is incomplete without exploring some of the many ancient temples that exist here. The temples here display the spiritual wealth and the past glory. It attracts visitors who are not only intrigued by the brilliant architecture and vibrant charm, but also popular myths and fascinating tales associated with the temple. The list of temples is endless, and covering all is not really possible.So, here’s a few that you ought to add to your list of places to visit in Madurai and how each of them is unique in its own way.

• The Famous Meenakshi Temple

When you talk of this temple town, the Meenakshi temple is a name that you’ll hear recurringly. Set in the heart of Madurai, this temple was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s consort. The attention to details is simply mind blowing and can be best witnessed in the pillar hall. Here, magnificent sculptures depict scenes from Lord Shiva’s wedding to Meenakshi and her beauty.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is crowded all year round. So we recommend visiting the temple early in the morning to avoid the large crowds.

Hours : 5 am to 12:30 pm & 4 pm to 9:30 pm.

• Alagar Kovil Temple

The Alagar Kovil Temple is set at the foot of the Alagar hills. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is the protector of the universe. It is not only known for its intricate, Dravidian architecture but also for its serene natural surroundings. The main highlight of this temple is the idols of the Gods. The craftsmanship is marvelous and definitely a must see. 

Hours : 6 am to 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm to 8 pm.

Note : One of the best times to visit this temple is during the Chithirai Festival which is celebrated in the month of April or May.

• Koodal Azhagar Temple 

Said to be older than the Meenakshi temple, the Koodal Azhagar temple is another temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has Lord Vishnu’s sculpture in 3 different postures in 3 alters. This temple ought to be part of your list of things to do in Madurai. Its architecture, paintings and carvings will leave you in awe.The five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway to the temple, is one of the most attractive features of this temple.

Devotees visit this temple throughout the year. However the temple’s charm increases during festivals. Some popular festivals include the Car festival, the float festival, Garuda Seva, Celestial Wedding Festival, Adyayana utsava, Navarathri festival, and Vasantha Utsava.

Hours : 5:30 am to 12 pm and  pm to 9 pm.

• Pazhamudhir Solai

Surrounded by a beautiful dense forest, this gorgeous hill top temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, the God of war. The walk up to the top is quite worth it as you will not only get a breathtaking view of the forest but also of the wooden and marble sculptures.

The temple also has a holy tree which is worshiped by devotees especially couples that are engaged to be married, newlyweds or those trying to conceive.  

Most of the temples are 5 – 20 kms which is about an hour away from the main town. The best way to get there is to hire a car (it should cost around INR 4000 for a sedan). 

4. Visit the Majestic Thirumalai Nayak Palace

This was built in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak as his royal residence. This palace is one of the most significant structures in the town and is a very popular spot for all the history buffs. The Nayaka place is divided into two sections, Swarga Vilasam and Ranga Vilasam. The Swarga Vilasam also known as the Celestial Pavilion used to be the throne room. It has great Islamic, Dravadian architectural influence, intricate sculptures, and paintings on the roof that will have you marveling with awe from the minute you walk through the grand door. 

If you are here just for a day, do visit the palace in the evening for the sound and light show (06:45 pm). It shows a glimpse of important events that took place in the king’s life.

5. Gandhi Memorial Museum 

For history enthusiasts, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Madurai or rather best places to visit in Madurai. The museum is located inside the Nayak queens palace which was built in the 16th century and converted into a museum in 1959. The museum is dedicated to the ‘father of the nation,’ Mahatma Gandhi.

It is also one of the 5 Gandhi Museums in India which includes his letters, writings, ordinary objects but the highlights are, the letter to Adolf Hitler and the blood stained garment which he was wearing when he was assassinated. Do add this museum on your list not just for historic reasons, but also its architectural beauty and nostalgic past.

6. Stroll through the ancient city

Leave aside the tourist spots and spend your time exploring the city. Walk the streets and the bazaars (markets) of this ancient temple town. Definitely not what you were looking for when you asked for the top things to do in Madurai. But give it a shot and you’ll see what makes it so special. Here, each lane street has a story to tell. This will also give you the opportunity to interact with the locals and give you an insight into the local culture and timeless traditions. You can explore the place independently. However, we do recommend taking a guide who will show you around. A fun way to explore all the hidden gems that the town has to offer. 

While you are at it and if you love Bananas, Madurai’s famous Banana Market is the place to be! This wholesale market has over 16 varieties of bananas sold to local vendors and it not only attracts traders, but large tourist crowds as well. A photographers paradise, it is one of the most famous places to visit in Madurai besides the temples. 

7. Try the delicious local food 

Get out of your comfort zone and try some mouthwatering, authentic South Indian cuisine. While you may get the same food in the comfort of your hotel, we highly recommend getting out. It makes for an entirely different experience all together. You could also do a street food tour here. But here are some of the local eateries you ought to add to your list of places to visit in Madurai –

Meenakshi Bhavan – a lovely simple local restaurant that is known for its crisp and delicious dosas (pancakes) served with a variety of lip smacking chutneys (dips).

Murugan Idli Shop – Get ready to feast with your hands. This small restaurant serves authentic south Indian food the traditional way, on a banana leaf! They serve Uttapam and dosas but a must try is their amazing puff Idilis (rice cakes).

Amma’s Mess – Looking for some delicious non – vegetarian food? Amma’s Mess is the place to go! It started as a small shop and now is a very popular tourist destination. For a traditional South Indian meal, head here. And try out the famous Bone Marrow Omelette!

Jigarthanda – When you are in Madurai you cannot miss out on having its popular refreshing drink “Jigarthanda” at Jigarthanda to beat the heat! This lovely drink is made of ice cream, condensed milk and tree gum, it is so delicious that you will keep coming back for more.

Hope our recommendations on the things to do in Madurai help you explore this gorgeous temple town at it’s best. Wondering where to head next? this guide on itineraries for South India, should help. If you need any assistance, simply get in touch with us or hit the Plan Your Trip button. We will help plan your dream trip to this vast subcontinent.  A trip that will be the perfect blend of all your interests and will cater to all your requirements. South India is brimming with places you ought to uncover and a never ending list of things to do. Let us take the weight off you and help plan a trip to suit your travel style. Be it adventure, basking in the midst of nature or spotting rare wildlife, South India has it all and so much more.

In this article, we explain the three different payment ways which you can use to pay for your trip to India with India Someday.

Payment by credit card

The fastest and easiest way to pay us is via credit card via our own gateway here. This is only possible for visa and master card, not American Express. 

There is a transaction fee of 2.75% with this payment option. For your advance payment, simply pay EUR/GBP/USD 500 per person, and we will deduct the amount in INR that we will receive after the deduction of the fee from your Total in INR. To find out your balance amount, including 2.75% credit card fee, check the TOTAL in your currency in the account summary in your travel plan.

Sometimes credit card payments don’t go through at first attempt because banks block a transaction into a foreign country. If we don’t receive the payment, we will inform you and you can try again or speak to your bank in that case. 

For any clients in countries that don’t use the currencies EUR, USD or GBP, we apologize, but a double conversion will take place (from your currency to EUR/USD/GBP and then to INR). Therefore, we’d recommend a payment via wise.com, see below.

Payment by Wise

Wise is an easy-to-use international money transfer platform with low rates and fast transactions. Many of our clients have used it over the years and especially like the good currency exchange rates as well as the swift service. 

Before we explain to you how it works, please note: 

• You have to pay the due amount in INR! We can not accept any other currencies. 
• You have to enter the email address thinkingindia@indiasomeday.com

So here is a step-to-step guide on how to transfer money with Wise.

1. Open wise. 

2. Sign in or login if you have used Wise before. Set a secure password! 

3. After your login, click on ‘Send money’. You will see the following page:

You will have to first set your currency (EUR/GBP/USD/AUD etc) on top (You send) and then INR below (recipient gets). Then you will enter the due amount in INR in the lower input line (for example Rs 45000 as an advance for one traveller). It will automatically show you how much this will be in your currency on top, how high the fees are and what’s the current exchange rate. See as an example for an advance payment for one traveller in the image above!

4. If you haven’t used wise before, you will have to enter your details such as Name, birthday, phone number and address.

5. Now it will ask you about the recipient. Click on ‘Business or charity’. Now you have to enter our email address thinkingindia@indiasomeday.com. It will show you immediately that ‘India Someday Travels LLP is already on Wise, and would like to receive INR in the following account’.

6. Next it will ask you ‘What’s the reason for your transfer?’. You can select travel expenses!

7. After a review, you choose how you want to pay. You can pay with your online banking, credit or debit card or another option offered only in your country. 

8. Done! Depending on your chosen option of payment, the money should reach within minutes or 48h.

Payment by Bank transfer

Often clients prefer to pay via bank transfer through their own bank instead of using credit card or an online money transfer platform. This is okay for us, but please note the following:

• Please make sure that you bear the fees as we need to ensure that we receive the costs of your trip in INR on our account.
• Bank transfers take 5-10 working days to reach us. We will only start booking your trip when we have received your advance payment. So if you want us to book your trip ASAP please consider credit card payment or Wise as those are faster.
• Please make sure that you type in all details correctly when making your payment as often payments don’t get through due to wrong spelling.
• We do not have an IBAN! Only European accounts have IBAN and we only have an Indian bank account. You will have to do an international money transfer to a non-EU country which is often only possible at your bank branch and not through online-banking.
• For the calculation of the amount in your currency we use the currency calculator of our receiving bank (HDFC) which is different from the current international exchange rate. This is to make sure that we will receive the necessary amount of your trip costs into our account. 
• Since bank transfer would take a few days and the exchange rates can often vary drastically within a few days, it can happen that we receive less in INR. Even though you paid the correct EUR amount at the time of payment. In the case of receiving too little, we will have to ask you to make another payment to us. If we receive too much, we can refund it via PayPal.

Here are the required bank details: 

Account Name: India Someday Travels LLP

Account Number: 00052560002509

Swift Code : HDFCINBB

Name of the bank : HDFC Bank

Bank branch : Mahalakshmi, Mumbai

Address of the bank branch: 4 A, Tirupati Apartments, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400026

IFSC Code of the bank branch: HDFC0000005

India Someday Travels address: India Someday (C/O Abbas & Co), 235, Abdul Rehman Street, Mumbai – 400003, India, +91-022-23093228 (Phone number)

Voluntourism, an outgrowth of the ecotourism movement of the 1990s, began when travellers shunned package trips for more authentic experiences. Willing to pay for these experiences, they unintentionally fueled a profit-driven growth of organisations offering such “authenticity”. Even today, most people don’t realize that short-term volunteering in a foreign country is more detrimental than beneficial. Don’t get us wrong- voluntourism has its benefits but only when approached in a well-informed manner. Read through our blog on Voluntourism in India, and find out about how you can still do your part for society despite it being such a heated topic of debate.

The negative side of Voluntourism

Voluntourism, though fueled by noble feelings, is built around contradictory economics. Volunteers happily sign up with organisations offering chances to contribute to construction projects in poor villages, or visit an orphanage. While definitely transformative for the guests, how much it actually helps is a gray area.

Voluntourism in villages

Village voluntourism is a big part of voluntourism in India. However, you may be doing more harm than good. For one, people in such villages are often desperate for jobs. The last thing they need is imported unskilled labour that not only takes away their chance for employment, but also leaves them with sub-par infrastructure or service. Most often than not, these villages have ample willing and able locals. And the time and resources used to train and monitor unskilled well-wishers diminishes the effort the local communities could put into simply implementing the projects themselves. The next time you’re tempted to volunteer at digging wells or building schools, do think again.

Orphanage & school tourism

Orphanage tourism is the second big part of voluntourism, and is also problematic. It involves tourist visits to orphanages, schools and other institutions as part of packages, day trip excursions or tours. For one, several countries are in the process of deinstitutionalization- shifting from institutional care to family care, due to their harmful effect on children’s development. Additionally, orphanage tourism creates a market for orphans, causing kids to fall into the hands of criminals. India has had several cases of orphanages being a front to evil, sinister activities. This only proves that voluntourism in India has gone too far in the wrong direction. Similarly, Cambodia’s orphanages have grown significantly only to meet foreigners’ desire to help, with children who are not orphans being used to attract voluntourists. In cases like these, voluntourism rears its ugly head as a money-making business with no real social impact. 

Likewise, visiting schools for a short period of time is also detrimental. Volunteers must be native English speakers, or excellent in fluency, for their teaching to be of any use. Short term volunteering fulfills nothing other than disrupting the students’ academic flow. Lastly, volunteers must not be given the power to decide the curriculum. This is a red flag, and such organizations have nothing but profit at heart. While it might appear that the kids are happy with the interactions with strangers, it disturbs their school routine and curriculum, and has no real benefit to their learning. Certain countries, like India, have enough locals who are excellent English speakers, and do not need foreigners to fill the slots of English teachers in schools. 

Instead of visiting an orphanage or school for a short while and leaving the children with the familiar sense of abandonment, supporting local NGOs and caregivers is a much better alternative.

Voluntourism – the right way

The situation might seem bleak, yet there’s loads you can do for a volunteer experience that benefits both you and the receiving communities.

Duration

Volunteer for multiple months instead of a few days or weeks. This ensures both sides get time to acclimatise and find a middle ground to produce the most fruitful work. If not for long-term engagement with skilled people, then monetary or resource support is often more beneficial than a short stint,

Background research

Thorough research always helps. Inform yourself. Directly source out NGOs instead of going with distributing organisations that charge money. Consider volunteering with organisations that can use the skills you possess. Accounting, fundraising or administration work may not seem as exciting as teaching children or digging a well. However, consider that those are often the skills that NGOs require the most, therefore your positive impact is the biggest.

Getting your hands dirty

If you do want to volunteer at building infrastructure, we recommend a long-term period where you can interact and preferably work under someone who is skilled at knowing how to lay brick and mortar. Find out if the NGO hires locals as well, and do not shy away from working alongside or under them. Even more importantly, ensure that this construction is a part of a larger developmental plan for the community. Or, help develop a sustainable strategy that doesn’t just offer short term solutions. A long-term plan revolving around necessities like water and sanitation, housing and infrastructure are signs that the NGO has the good of the community at heart. 

Sustainable work

Play a role in ensuring the positive outcome of your work is as enduring as possible. Sustainability is paramount, as if there is only volunteering with no sustainability, there is no real benefit to the receivers. Help to find new volunteers, spread the word about the need for help, and teach and interact with the locals whenever you can.

Lastly, address the eternally debated dilemma- are you volunteering to quench your desire to help, or as a means of self-gratification? Though it is an unpleasant question, it is also one that must be addressed. In case you find yourself unable to go to countries where you can volunteer, whether it is due to different skills needed or time restrictions, consider the local communities around you and the social or environmental issues you can help address.

Voluntourism in India

Does it seem too bleak to bother volunteering at all? Don’t fret- There are NGOs and projects that make up the silver lining to the dark cloud of profit-making. Here’s a few NGOs and organisations in India that we have researched, and personally feel they fit the bill when it comes to voluntourism in India-

• The Himalayan Media Welfare Society located in Gorubathan near Darjeeling, has ethical volunteering with an emphasis on sustainability, educational and awareness programs.
• For those looking for something more challenging, Aarohi in Uttarakhand has long term volunteering in remote locations.
• Clap Global, located in Mumbai, is perfect for travellers looking to get in a few hours of volunteering while in the city. You have the opportunity to speak about your country to a group of young children; contact us to know more.
• Located in Mumbai and a few other cities, the Fandry Foundation supports projects in tribal areas.
• Atma, based in Pune & Mumbai, provides volunteering opportunities, but for a minimum of 3 months. Your role will be based on your level of experience and personal background.
• If you’re keen on living in and experiencing India, also check out Workaway or Worldpackers, both global organisations. You will be expected to work for select hours per day in exchange for food and accommodation.

 

If you want to do some good on your next trip abroad, you must be aware of some of the practical and ethical questions that you are likely to confront. Being a responsible traveller is yet another way to do good, even without volunteering. Eventually, as with all situations, the final call is ultimately going to be yours. India Someday offers advice and assistance for volunteering in India, but only for those looking to volunteer for 2+ months. Apart from this, we are always up to help you plan a sustainable trip to India. Just hit Plan My Trip and we’ll help you out.

Are you a ski or snowboard enthusiast? If your plan is to travel to India, we would certainly recommend skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir. As one of the most popular ski resorts in India, Gulmarg, Kashmir offers a wide variety of winter activities, and most certainly plenty of exciting stories to take home with you!

Located on Mt. Apharwat, Gulmarg Resort is home to the highest ski lift in Northern Hemisphere – the Gulmarg Gondala, ascending to 3980 meters. Skiing in Gulmarg is a fabulous experience, with the outstanding beauty and unique hospitality and undoubtedly full of adventure; making it an undoubtedly unforgettable experience.

skiing in gulmarg, kashmir

Gulmarg has absolutely fabulous skiing conditions. It is home to 6000 vertical ft (1800m) of skiable ground – this is rare even in Western resorts. Skiing in Kashmir is not the same as skiing in large Western resorts. This means that the variety in slope difficulty is far less. Gulmarg skiing and snowboarding up at the highest slopes are generally suited to advanced and expert skiers, whom are comfortable in off-piste, backcountry terrains.

Looking to learn how to ski or snowboard? Gulmarg offers packages in order to learn in the most comfortable way possible. For less experienced skiers, there are bunny slopes in the town. ‘Mary Shoulder’ is ideal for intermediate skiers. Experienced skiers and snowboarders could head to the pistes and off-pistes of Sunrise Peak, Monkey Hill or Jamiah Gulley. Nevertheless, we recommend in engaging in the services of a guide. For more information, or for packages on guides and lessons, please feel free to contact us for help!

No matter your ability, the skiing conditions are absolutely magnificent in Gulmarg, Kashmir. You will practically have the mountain to yourself with very few fellow skiers; ski in fresh new powder every day! Further, the views are unmatchable; witness the stunning, picturesque Himalayan skyline from the slopes.

You can purchase a Gondala pass very cheaply, from roughly GBP 15 for the day. Further, a full range of accommodation is available at Gulmarg. Whether you are looking for a cheaper, backpack travel, or the most luxurious stays, Gulmarg has it all. Accommodation with central heating will go from around 100 GBP a night. The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa is a fabulous choice for those looking for some luxury.

when to go

We suggest skiing in Kashmir in January to March. The heavy snowfall and high elevation of the resort means that experienced skiers will love the snow off-piste, even days after a snowstorm. Enjoy the stunning views of snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes. Further, Gulmarg offers plenty of winter sports and activities, as well as cosy winter hotels to make this the perfect, cosy winter getaway for all travellers.

For more information about weather in India in January, February and March, feel free to visit our blogs.

what to know about skiing in kashmir

Training and gear is available for renting in Gulmarg. Great quality skis, snowboards and skiwear can be hired cheaply, for roughly GBP 10 a day. Further, weather can be extremely cold during winter, so warm clothes are a must. Other than skiing, you can also enjoy other winter sports such as ice skating and ice hockey.

Gulmarg, Kashmir is relatively near to the India-Pakistan Border, of which can be extremely dangerous to wander near alone. Further, the ski-resort itself is an avalanche-free zone, however going outside of this boundary must be at your own risk. For up to date avalanche risks, visit this website. In any case that you get lost, ensure you have a post-paid phone. Phones from outside Kashmir are unlikely to have roaming and network coverage will be very weak. Stay safe and connected up in the mountains.

At India Someday, we can provide any packages for you for skiing in Gulmarg (Kashmir), including accommodation, ski hire and lessons. For any more information about skiing in Gulmarg, or for help planning your dream trip to India, please contact us!