Nature is filled with never-ending surprises. We hear scientists discovering something new every day; a myriad of new elements are recognized every year. However, one such mesmerizing factor about nature that has been recognized and might not have been heard of is the existence of bioluminescent forests. In simple terms, glowing forests.

Maharashtra’s Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve which is situated approximately 100 km to the east of Mumbai has a rare yet beautiful occurrence — after sunset when the whole forest is dark, it actually glows and lights up. The bioluminescence phenomenon doesn't happen every day. There are chances you might have a wonderful stroke of luck and get to catch the view after an evening of heavy rains in the monsoon months of July, August and September. The fireflies, on the other hand, can be spotted easily in the pre-monsoon months of May and June.

Spread over an area of 131 km square, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve is located in the Khed and Ambegaon area of Pune District (Western Ghats). The reserve was created in 1984 for the purpose to save and protect the endangered species of Indian Giant Squirrel. A total of 9 tribal villages are part of this reserve.

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Glowing Forest: Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve

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One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches. Because of its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations.

A visitor to the Great Barrier Reef can enjoy many experiences including snorkelling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and pulling away from it, and viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. Great Barrier Reef has over 100 islands, from unique and exotic islands to the Whitsundays and the remarkable Northern Islands. The islands of the Great Barrier Reef will redefine your idea of paradise.

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Great Barrier Reef | Australia's Great Natural Wonder

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Khau Gallis are an integral part of Mumbai’s metropolitan culture. Usually located near railway stations, colleges and offices, these narrow bylanes, with their roadside carts and hole-in-the wall eateries, offer visual and gastronomic treats. Packed with crowds making beelines for their favourite snacks, sweets and more, Khau Gallis remain supremely busy from the lunch hours to when the clock strikes midnight.

Mumbai consists of so many Khau Gallis around, that you will find one around the corner every now and then. They are located generally near schools, railway stations, colleges, offices, lanes, etc. These eat-streets are always hustling and bustling with huge crowds of office-goers, college students, etc. It matured into the most favorable outing spot for the people of Mumbai in the past few decades.

Google Search Khau Gallis in Mumbai & you will see Ghatkopar Khau Galli marked on Google Maps that pretty much shows its popularity. It is within walking distance of 10-15 Mins from Ghatkopar station. Different varieties of Dosa, Chaat, Pasta, Gola, Ghatkopar Khau Galli have that all.

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For Your Street Food Cravings :Mumbai Khau Gallis

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Indigenous Peoples are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy or from which they have been displaced. Indigenous Peoples' knowledge & food systems are fundamental to preserving biodiversity, promoting climate action, ensuring food security.

The tribal communities of Kumily, which have a total population of around 2000, live in perfect harmony with Nature. Five ethnically different communities -- the Mannans, the Paliyas, the Uralis, the Mala-arayas and the Malampandarams -- have settled in Kumily panchayat, mainly on the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Though they used to earn their living through traditional occupations like fishing and agriculture, with the advent of eco-tourism initiatives, they have found alternative jobs. They actively take part in the tourism-related programmes and serve as guides for tourists or as forest guards to prevent poaching and other illegal activities. In the remote forests, there are tribes who still carry out their age-old practices such as building small dolmens for honouring the dead.

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The Indigenous Colour of India – The Kerala Tribes

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Family holidays are the most awaited time of the year. These vacations are loaded with fun-filled & thrilling activities. And nothing beats the family beach vacations in India. The Indian coastline is a long one. The best beaches in India, with their sparkling sands and amazing views, are perfect for family vacations. 

1. Radhanagar beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Radhanagar Beach has been ranked as Asia’s best and the world’s 7th best beach by Time Magazine. And it comes as no surprise that this sparkling white sand beach, also known as Beach No 7 of Havelock Island, is a popular hangout place for some of the best family beach vacations. The beach boasts of its turquoise water, luxuriant coastal vegetation, serenity, and ample options for water sports & beach fun.

2. Varca Beach, Goa

Varca is one of the most exotic and best family beach vacation spots in Goa. Located 2 km from Benaulim, this is one of the cleanest white sand beaches. Wooden boats, fishing nets, and other equipment used by the fishermen can be seen on the entire shoreline here. And some of the best beach resorts for families here are known for their luxury and casinos.

3. Palolem Beach, Goa

The scenic Palolem beach is one of the best places for family beach vacations in South Goa. Its serenity, nearly transparent waters, plush green coconut plantations, and crescent-shaped sparkling stretch of sand is to something die for. One can take a long stroll or the entire family can enjoy the beach parties in the shacks. It is one of the best beach destinations in India to enjoy and relax with your family.

4. Promenade Beach, Pondicherry

The scenic Promenade Beach in Pondicherry is one of the favourite destinations of family beach vacations. The cleanliness of the beach and the lofty boulders spread across the shore present a charming picture. It is amongst the best beach places in India.

5. Kovalam, Kerala

Kovalam is famed for quite a few charming beaches. Among these, Lighthouse Beach and Hawah Beach are the best family beach vacation spots. With a wide range of stay options, one can hope for some affordable family beach vacations in Kovalam.

Lighthouse Beach offers water sports and beach activities. Overlooked by a vintage lighthouse on the Kurumkal Hill (hence the name), this crowded & bustling beach has a lot of shacks and restaurants. Families can also enjoy delicious pastries, aromatic coffee, cheesy quiche, perfect pancakes, creamy milkshakes, and spicy pizza in the German Bakery here.

Hawa Beach is famous for photogenic sunsets and sunrises. Also known as Eve’s Beach, this place is not so favourable for swimming.

Beach Destinations in India for Beach Lovers!!

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Chettinad is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. If visiting Chettinad and experiencing the region’s rich culture, delicious cuisine and exceptional architecture has been on your to-do list for too long, then the upcoming Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival is a good place to start.

Curated by renowned Bharatanatyam artist Leela Samson, the four-day festival to be held next month will bring forth literary talks, dance and musical performances. “The main idea is to draw attention to the heritage properties of Chettinad and our cultural moorings which are well maintained in districts like Chettinad and surrounding areas like Pudukkottai,” says Leela of the event to be held in Leela. The architecturally stunning Chettiar Haveli and spacious courtyard, as well as in the open air.

The region of Chettinad is located in the southern part of the State of Tamil Nadu (South India), with Chennai (Madras) as its capital. The main town of the region is Karaikkudi, which is 400 km south from Chennai and 90 km from the major sites of the state, such as Thanjavur (WHS UNESCO), Tiruchirapalli and Madurai.

It is inhabited, among other local communities, by some 110,000 Chettiars (a community of Tamil merchants) who are spread over two cities and 73 villages. Beyond the iconic Rajah’s Palace, what makes the charm of the towns and villages of Chettinad is perhaps the beauty of an overall village landscape created by the harmony of architectural elements and urban planning. Streets in grid Pattern, the perfect alignment of houses against street axis, slope of tiled roof and height of the buildings…. Even if the façades of the mansions bear witness of personal extravaganza of rich Chettiars families, the Chettinad villages stand out with their remarkable unity in architectural style that gives unique cultural heritage identity to the Region.

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Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival

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Chopta is a picturesque hamlet which is still unexplored by travelers, is also famous as "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand". Wake up with cool salubrious breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta which is a far cry from the blaring horns of the cities and other hill stations, morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of sun kisses the snow-laden Himalayas.

This hushed abode is enclosed by the dwindling pines, deodars, rhododendrons and other conifers that can be found in this region, which makes Chopta rich in flora and fauna. Chopta is at the epicentre of the Panch Kedar – the five most sacred Shiva temples in the state. On its left are located Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar shrines and on the right, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar, and just above it, the Tungnath temple. Chopta is a birding paradise and you can see over 240 species of birds here, including native and migratory species like Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and so on. Nearby places like Dugalbitta, Mandal village, Makkumath and the Tungnath trek route are the best sites for watching our feathered friends. Chopta has been declared as an important bird-watching site by national and international conservation and biodiversity organisations.

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Offbeat Hill Escapes- Chopta!!

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