Sonamarg is a premier tourist destination nestled at an elevation of 2,740 meters above the sea level in Ganderbal district of the Northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The natural beauty of this heavenly place is crowned with several snow carpeted peaks, sapphire sky, exciting Sindh River and vast tourist places of interest along with number of adventurous activities which makes it a top tourist destination for travelers in the valley of Jammu and Kashmir. Major Attractions:
Thajiwas Glacier: Covered with thick forests comprising of pine and birch trees, Thajiwas Glacier which rests at the foot of the Sonamarg Glacier, about 7 km away from Sonamarg remains covered by snow all round the year making it ideal to enjoy sledge ride even in the mid summer. The nearby area of this glacial side which is adorned with emerald surroundings offers an excellent site for camping.
Gadsar Lake: Beautifully set at an elevation of 5,000 meters above the sea level, Gadsar Lake is one of the highest altitude lakes of Kashmir region owing to its location in the Himalayan range. Brown trout fishing is a popular activity that is enjoyed by visitor visiting this lake apart from being a trekking base which starts from the alpine trek.
Nilagrad River: Meeting point of the Indus River and mountain rivers, Nilagrad River, about 6 km from Sonamarg is supposed to have curative powers in its reddish water. The further beauty of this place is maintained by the picturesque lakes and emerald meadows which makes it an ideal picnic spot.
Zoji-La Pass: Popularly referred as the gateway to Ladakh, Zoji-La Pass at a height of 3,465 meters above sea level is considered as one of the most dangerous in Kashmir valley. The pass is open only in the late spring months as it remains closed for the rest of the year owing to heavy rains. Located about 20 km east of Sonamarg, it connects the Kashmir valley with the paradise of Ladakh. Make sure to visit this place to relish the immaculate scenic beauty and high passes.
Adventurous Activities:
Trekking and White River rafting are the two most popular activities to relish while in Sonmarg. Sonamarg serves as a base for moderate as well as hard level trekking to Gangabal, Vishansar, Satsar, Kishansar and Gadsar which are all set at very high elevation. On the way, you will witness the most amazing gifts of nature from snow covered peaks and exotic natural beauty.
The river of Sindh offer visitors with ample amount of stretches in its water to enjoy the thrilling rafting. Visitors can go for long rafting starting from Baltal and ending at Sonamarg’s Shutkari Bridge.
Sonamarg is also the trekking route for the holy Yatra of Amarnath Cave which is supposed to be the dwelling of Lord Shiva.
Best time to Visit: April to October is the best time to visit Sonamarg or you can visit during the winter season (November to March) to relish winter sports.
Accommodation: Sonamarg offers a unique combination of luxury, mid range and budget hotels and resorts in and around it vicinity to the tourists. Almost every of the staying option in this place are nestled at a heightened elevation and in an unspoiled environment which makes it possible for the guests to relish some astonishing views along with staying in serene ambience. Some of the hotels of Sonamarg which are festooned with all the required amenities are Sonamarg Glacier, Hotel Snow Land and Hotel Rah Villas.
How to Reach:
By Air: Srinagar airport is the closest airport to Sonamarg at an expanse of about 70 km.
By Train: The nearest railheads are placed in Udhampur (246 km approx) and Jammu (about 301 km).
By Road: Once you reach Srinagar, you can get on a routine bus/luxurious bus or hire a taxi to reach this hill beauty.
Szechenyi Bath, Budapest
Renowned for its refreshing spa culture the place is just a heaven for traveller. Before we take a course of splendid water activities
we must thank Turks for bringing the lights of Ottoman bathing system. Here you have brilliant opportunity to visit the site of Art Nouveau Gellért baths where you can enjoy both the course of Indoor and outdoor pools.
we must thank Turks for bringing the lights of Ottoman bathing system. Here you have brilliant opportunity to visit the site of Art Nouveau Gellért baths where you can enjoy both the course of Indoor and outdoor pools.
But the most exclusive experience you are going to witness is within the gulf of Széchenyi Bath where you can have all the blends of bathing culture. Structured beautifully the sight of complex depicts the glory of Baroque palace and within its doors you will witness the charm of charismatic Chandeliers and the unique carves of Venus and Neptune.
The three grand outdoor pools where you can relax mobilize, socialize and can even look to play chess on floating chess boards. Beside that make sure to relish the glory of Indoor pools where you can sit seduce the site of message centres and restaurants.
Cagaloglu hamam, Istanbul,
Settled within the heights of Istanbul grand bazaar The Cagaloglu Hamam was actually a gift by gift by Sultan Mehmet I to the city which he presented in the year of 1741. The amazing high domed complex reflects the piece of architecture. Relish the moment of sybaritic message or get going with scrub or how about enjoying the bath while sipping the taste of apple tea.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Just a 40 minute drive from the site of Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon of Iceland with its water bubbles that springs in with steaming geo speaks the real notion of spa.
Imagine taking the field in between the course of Dark Lava where bubbles of water hits the temperature of 43 degree C. as they say the springs here spells the elements like sulphur and silica and what’s more amazing is the site has its own beach.
The blue green algae that you are going to witness here are friendly to your skin and the touch of silica cleanses to give that extra glow in your face. Beside that here you have amenities like changing rooms, indoor pool, showers and restaurant.
Dogo Onsen, Japan
Since the active volcano around the country have led to the formation of many hot springs and amongst them the name Dogo Onsen requires special mention not because the site is the oldest spring within the site of Japan but legends states that the site has the healing power.
Dogo Onsen is remarkably stunning place and its three storey wooden complex speaks the volume of architecture beside that make sure to make your way to Kami no yu where you can get away from all the sins of your life.
Dead Sea the Lowest Point On Earth, the Dead Sea
Renowned for its deep absorption of salts the water that runs down the valley includes more than 35 minerals and as they say all the minerals are good for skin and since its mud is renowned all over the world and much because it was the key cosmetic of Queen Cleopatra and King Herod the mud has got its name impelled in a historical frame.
Although its high tide and saline density makes swimming an impossible task but what best you can do is float around the corner of the beach.
Beer Spa, Chodovar, Czech Republic
Since the world is pretty aware regarding their consumption of beer so it is quiet imaginable that they have installed the beer spa and Chodovar is actually a place where your imagination would have its wings. Inspired by pre historic Egyptian beer traditions here you can have message which is followed by beer bath.
You would be shock to know that they would heat the spring till it reaches the point of 33 degree Celsius and what’s more amazing is they would mix the herbs, hops and yeast within the mineral water and as they say the mixture would heal the joint ache, sprains of muscles and would also come handy in improving the complexion.
Hot Water Beach, North Island, New Zealand
Settled within the distance of 175 km from the mesmerizing charm of Auckland this amazing beach is circled by cliffs of Limestone and has underground fissures and hot springs. Make sure to hire bucket and shovel before taking the beach. While digging the course you will witness the bubbles of water and understand the face the digging procedure can be done at low tide.
Friedrichsbad, Baden Baden, Germany
Give yourself an opportunity to explore the historic bath which they call in Friedrichsbad within the ambiance of Baden Baden. Baden which is a small town within the shore of Germany is renowned for its gallon which has a capacity to hold the 200,000 gallons of water which is hot and curative and as they say that water that surges closes out from the 12 thermal springs.
When it comes to its history it dates back the glory of 1869 and it is bond with traditional bathing system where they elaborate three-hour and seventeen-stage bathing ritual which is consequently followed by soaking in pools which varied in temperature. After that you will be called for cream message where you can just relax your mind and to be here you have to be in Buff which they call it non textile in order to enjoy the course.
Pammukale, Turkey
As it name suggest cotton candy the place is adjourn by tremendous relief which is shaped by calcite laden waters. The complex is design with the thermal pools and hot springs within the glide of balcony and the sacred waterfalls was once the chronological city of Hierapolis.
At present you can take bath in 17th hot springs that meanders from the terraces with the varied temperature that ranges up to lukewarm to boiling hot. The healing touch of waters primarily looks to cure the disease related with skin and also comes handy in curing eye problems and circulatory ailments.
Huife Hot Springs, Chile
Located within the site of Pacific Ring of Fire, Chile is blessed with many hot springs which is speckled throughout the country. The Huife hot springs which is located in the Lake District of Chile is circled by 300 hectares of resident rain forest.
The thermal bath is acquainted with hotel Termas Huife which comes with amenities like cabins, suits and thermal pools where you can enjoy the notion of whirlpools, message and mud therapy. Surrounded by the wonders of Sylvan the bamboo and palms within the steep valley of Liucura River compliments the site.
As they say the curative springs of the Huife is renowned for touting alleviate muscle, bone problems and skin ailments
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Sipadan Island which is also known as the Pulau Sipadan in the Malay language is located in the east coast of Malaysian Borneo in Sabah
. Practically, the island is placed in the Celebes Sea, close to Borneo Malaysia. The island is globally renowned for some of the finest scuba diving sites in the world and the rich marine biodiversity.
. Practically, the island is placed in the Celebes Sea, close to Borneo Malaysia. The island is globally renowned for some of the finest scuba diving sites in the world and the rich marine biodiversity.
This popular island among the divers can be easily reached from the town Semporna, which is situated at a distance of about 35 km towards north of the island and takes around an hour by boat. The divers who have grown fed up with the regular sights of the big turtles and bigger sharks throughout the day at the close by Mabul Island and Kapali Island, can reach the Sipadan Island, which is just a 20 minute speedboat ride from the other two islands.
The Sipadan Island is very much popular among the regular divers because of its mystical images hammerhead sharks, uncountable species of reef fish along with dozens of sea turtles swimming around.
The Prominent Dive Sites of the Island
The island of Sipadan includes twelve dive sites in total. The sites found in this island are Turtle Patch, White-Tip Avenue, Coral Gardens, Staghorn Crest, Lobster Lair, West Ridge and North Point and the most notable ones are the Sipadan Jetty, Barracuda Point, Turtle Cavern, South and Mid-Reef.
Sipadan Jetty:Your dive excursion initiates as soon as you land at Sipadan Jetty. As you swim along the water of this jetty, it can be a very adventurous venture with the view of hard and soft corals on one hand, while on the other hand you can even see schools of barracuda, mackerel and batfish.
Barracuda Point: As the name suggests, the site involves a large school of barracuda. Hundreds of barracuda assemble at this place and if you are lucky enough, you will be able to watch the fascinating sight of the barracuda tornado, which is formed with a rapid spiral movement of the schools. Other species of marine life that you will see at this place are triggerfish, eagle rays, reef sharks and bump-head parrotfish.
Turtle Cavern:One of the most popular sites in the island is Turtle Cavern, which is also known as the Turtle Tomb. A short swim of about 20 m to the right of the Jetty will take you to a widespread cave system. The locals of this region believe that the turtles come to die at this place and you would certainly believe them once you find several turtle skeletons over here. But you do not have to feel sad, as there are plenty of live turtles swimming around these caves.
South Point: One can reach this site by a 15 minute boat ride from the jetty. One can watch marine species like hammerheads and thresher shark, white-tip reef sharks, banner fish, moray eels along with a variety of hard corals.
Mid-Reef: It is one of the most vibrant dive sites in the Sipadan Island. Besides the marine corals, the main highlight of this site is the corals. The water surrounding the site includes colorful sea fans, Moorish idols and anemone fish. Green turtles can also be sighted at this site.
Best Times to Visit
Scuba diving, the main highlight of the island can be enjoyed throughout the year with decent degree of visibility. Still, the best time to visit the island is from March to October, as during this time of the year, you can enjoy visibility reaching up to 50 m.
How to Reach
By Air: The best way to reach this island by flight is Kota Kinabalu or Tawau in Sabah.
By Road: It can be reached through road, as bus services are available from Tawau airport to Semporna, from where the Sipanad Island is just an hour’s drive.
By Boat: Sipanad Island is just a 40 minutes ride by speedboat from Semporna.
Brilliance of tropical testimony where hegemony of nature speaks the mild tone and invites spurs of springs to flourish within the hamlets of God’s own country, Kerala.
Luscious ambiance of small village Kumarakom leads to the wonders of kerala and if you are amongst those who believes in symphony of nature then how about inviting your feets towards the beautiful doors of Kumarakom, where desires meets the possibility.
Kumarakom which is situated at the pristine side of Vembanad Lake and its vicinity which is just 15 km away from Kottayam has a pure serenity and the bottom-line of this location is you are going to see some of the natural art of the nature drawn with simplicity and perfection.
Cluster of Small Island that surrounds the valley of this magical environment is complimented with picturesque backdrop of conglomeration of village which sets a perfect location for nature lovers.
Splendid backwaters that runs and seduces the tourist to feel the sensual norms of tropical beauty drives the mind of the tourist who loves sitting beside the glory of this enchanting backwater as if they are the apprentice of nature.
Leisure walks at the vicinity of Kumarakom beach which offers the adventures of boating, windsailing, waterskiing and fishing is something that excites the tourist to be at a site of this splendid beach.
A fringe of coconut and palms that waves in along with the blow of wind entices million of tourists every year within the gulf of this magical backwater.
Beside this you have a brilliant chance to spot bird sanctuary which spreads and stretches over an area of 14 acres is a centre of attraction here.
Much to the delight for bird watchers this sanctuary is just a humble approach of the respective department to create an environment like this where migratory birds travels a distance and settles here for a month until they sense another season to travel back here.
Witness the charm of an old bungalow which has been turned into beautiful resort is a glorious place to be and at a same time how about a visit to Taj garden retreat.
Thick woody forest displays the beauty of balance environment and an abundance of flora that correspond an essence of blossom is picture perfect place for you and within this lusty ambiance and the splendour of fauna which in turn comprehend and compliments the site is just majestic.
Crystal clear water and white washed velvety soft sands where you could settle down and enjoy the sanctum of sun bath is just ideal and sounds prominent.
Experience ride of Kettuvallams or houseboats above the surface of tranquil backwater and imagine time to stand still.
How about the healing touch of ayurveda, during this vacation rejuvenates your mind with the traditional meditation and feels the peace inside the mind within the periphery of Kumarakom.
How to Reach
By road, Kottayam bus terminus which stands under the radius of 12 km from Kumarakom could lead you here.
By rail, the nearest railway station here is Kottayam and it is just 13 km away from Kumarakom.
By air, nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is about 94 km away from Kumarakom.
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