Pangot

Pangot is a bird lover's paradise situated in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. Located at a distance of 17 km from Nainital, Pangot is home to 150 different species of birds. The hill hamlet of Pangot is surrounded by forests of pine, fir and rhododendron trees. A number of birds like Eurasian Jay, Black Headed Jay, Himalayan Gray Bushchat, Gray Winged Blackbird, Blue Winged Minla and White Throated Laughingthrush are seen at Pangot.

Pangot

How to Reach

Trains are running from Delhi to Kathgodam. Pangot is 53 km from Kathgodam. Cars are available from Kathgodam to reach Pangot.

Accommodation

Camp Mehi
Tariff - Rs. 1500/-
Tel: (05942) 220402

The Nest Cottage
Tariff - Rs. 4000-5000/-
Tel: 9830189778

Piyali Island

Piyali Island is one of the main entry points to the Sundarbans. Situated in a pollution free environment, Piyali Island is an ideal weekend getaway. It is well connected to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Netidhopani by waterways. The island is located at the confluence of Piyali and Matla rivers. You can enjoy a boat ride in the waters of the Matla River. The view of Piyali River during sunrise and full moon is mesmerizing. The best time to visit Piyali Island is from October to March. Many migratory birds are also seen at Piyali Island during winter.

Piyali Island

How to Reach

Piyali Island is 75 km from Kolkata. You can drive to Piyali via Baruipur-Gocharan-Dhosa. It takes about two and a half hours to reach Piyali by car. If you want to go by train then you have to catch the Lakshmikantapur local from Sealdah South and get off at Dakshin Barasat station. Trekkers are plying from there to Piyali Island, 24 km away.

Accommodation

Piyali Island Tourist Lodge. Tel: 9433435181. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 850. There are 19 double bed rooms at this tourist lodge.

Bogmallo

Bogmalo is a beach resort located 10 km from the town of Vasco da Gama in Goa. It is relatively smaller than other beaches but still it's quite attractive. The crescent-shaped beach is dotted with palm trees. The place is inhabited by the fishermen. A number of water sports are available for tourists. There are small stalls selling a variety of sea food recipes and drinks. Bogmallo Beach is frequented by a lot of foreign tourists. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and sea-bathing.

Bogmallo Beach

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Vasco da Gama. Taxis and buses are available from Vasco da Gama to reach Bogmalo.

Accommodation

Raj Resort
Tariff - Rs. 2000-3500/-
Tel: 0832-2538177

Sarita Guest House
Tariff - Rs. 2000-3500/-
Tel: 0832-2538965

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 15 km from Medak and 120 km from Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telengana. The sanctuary spans across an area of 9.12 sq. km. This mixed dry deciduous forest is home to various wild animals and reptiles including panther, sloth bear, wild boar, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, hyena, jackal and python. Ducks, teals, storks, partridges and quails are also spotted at the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary. The vast Pocharam Lake adjoining the sanctuary makes the place worth visiting. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from October to May.

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

How to Reach

The nearest convenient railway station is at Hyderabad. Distance between Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary and Hyderabad is 120 km. Hyderabad enjoys excellent connectivity with other parts of the country.

Accommodation

You can stay at the Forest Guest House in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary. Several hotels are also available at the nearby town of Medak.

Alampur

Alampur is a temple town located 130 km from Mahabubnagar and 216 km from Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telangana. It is the meeting point of the sacred rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna and is referred to as Dakshina Kashi and the Western Gateway of Srisailam. The most famous temples in Alampur are the Nava Brahma Temples, a group of nine temples built by the Chalukyas. These temples are situated within a small fortress on the west bank of the Tungabhadra River. On either side of the main entrance are temples of Goddess Kamakshi and Ekamreshwari. These temples are adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures of Gods and Goddesses in various manifestations. About 1.6 km south of Alampur lies Papanasam where there is a cluster of more than 20 temples.

Alampur

How to Reach

Alampur is 216 km from Hyderabad and easily accessible by road. The nearest railway station is Alampur Road, 9 km away.

Accommodation

Haritha Hotel. Tel: 0850-2241044, 9705392100.

Vetnai

Vetnai is a small village located in Ganjam district of Odisha. Nestled in the laps of the Eastern Ghats, the place is home to innumerable black bucks which roam freely in the mountain slopes. The local people consider the black bucks as a symbol of sanctity and good will. You can also visit the nearby Monglajori Bird Sanctuary. Various species of birds including Whistling duck, Grey-headed lapwing and Asian openbill are sighted in this sanctuary. Chilika Lake is another attraction near Vetnai which you shouldn't miss out.

Vetnai

How to Reach

Brahmapur lies on the Howrah-Chennai Main Line. Trains are running from Howrah (South Eastern Railway) to Brahmapur. Aska is 50 km from Brahmapur. Regular bus service is available from Brahmapur to reach Aska. Vetnai is 12 km from Aska. Minibuses and trekkers are plying from Aska to Vetnai.

Accommodation

No proper accommodation facilities are available at Vetnai. You can stay in one of the village houses or your own tent. You can also consider spending the night at one of the few budget hotels in Aska.
Suite Home Lodge, Aska. Tel: 9238773999.
However, the best option is to stay at Berhampur (50 km) or Balugaon (75 km).

Cavelossim

Cavelossim is a beach town situated at a distance of 17 km from Margao in South Goa. The town of Cavelossim hosts a magnificent sea beach which is the prime attraction of the place. The peaceful environment and natural beauty of the place is mesmerizing. Dolphins are also sighted at Cavelossim. Other attractions near Cavelossim include Old Goa, Calangute Sea Beach, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Panaji, Naval Aviation Museum, Terekhol Fort and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. The Cavelossim Beach is not much frequented by Indian tourists but its popularity among foreign tourists is increasing day by day.

Cavelossim Beach

How to Reach

Cavelossim Beach is situated near Margao and is easily accessible from other parts of the country by road, rail and air. Trains are running from Mumbai to Margao. Buses and hired cars are available from Margao to reach Cavelossim.

Accommodation

The Bike Old Anchor Resort
Tariff - Rs. 3000-6000/-
Tel: (0832) 2871180
Gaffino's Beach Resort
Tariff - Rs. 1500-2000/-
Tel: (0832) 2871441