5 waterfalls in India that you must visit this monsoon

There is nothing more relaxing and invigorating than watching a waterfall. And it's even more glorious in the rains. If you're planning a holiday in this season, make sure the destination is somewhere near these scenic sights. There is something really exciting about a waterfall cascading down from a mountain. And more so during the monsoon when the water gushes down with full force and vigour. If you haven't decided on a destination yet, here are some of the places in our country which are considered to be the 'Niagara Falls' of India.

Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
Often called the 'Niagara' of India, this waterfall is situated in Thrissur district of Kerala. One needs to hold their breath — the panoramic fall of the water is 330 foot wide. However, the falls are relatively low with water falling from a height of only 80 feet, but what makes this waterfall all the more beautiful at this time of the year is when the clouds come floating down.

Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

Far from the beaches and the tourist hotspots in Goa, stands the Dudhsagar Falls which stands at a height of 1,017 feet. This 'milky' looking falls is a part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and is something that the tourists wait to see during the monsoon.

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Chitrakoot Falls, Chattisgarh
Known as the most majestic waterfall in the country, this waterfall is 520 foot wide and is spread across a cliff which is shaped like a horseshoe. However, the water here is muddy unlike the other waterfalls in the country as it is filled with silt from Indravati River in the rains.

Jog Falls, Karnataka
Hidden deep within the forestland of Sagara in Karnataka, about 340 km away from Bangalore, the Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River which has four points of fall and when merged looks like one grand waterfall. These four points are known as the Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The water falls from a height of 829 feet and looks absolutely stunning.

Langshiang Falls, Meghalaya
A land where incessant rainfalls make it a traveller's favourite destination, the Langshiang Falls in Meghalaya is a treat to the eye. This is known to be the third largest waterfall in India and is located on an island called Nangkhunaum. However, visiting this waterfall is no mean feat as one has to take a boat to reach it.

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Top waterfalls of Maharashtra
Tungareshwar Falls : Head to Vasai and Naigaon, if you do not wish to travel too far from the city. The area around the falls is heavily forested and is often frequented by city people over the weekends. You can also go for trekking or climb on the nearby rocks.

Bhivpuri Falls : This waterfall is also not too far away from the city. Located in Karjat, this waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery. From mountains to vast stretches of plain, you can also camp nearby and enjoy the fall during this season.

Malshej Ghats : Just about 154 km away from Mumbai, you will be passing many waterfalls in this area. Malshej Ghats come alive during the rains and you can see various kinds of birds and flowers in this area

Meghna Mukherjee, TNN | Jul 3, 2016, 01.00AM IST

offbeat honeymoon or tour destinations in india

June 2016 

Forget usual suspects like Goa, Manali, Nainital, Shimla, Kerala, etc. Today, couples aren't hesitating to explore unconventional places to celebrate their honeymoon. So, if you want to visit something off the beaten track, read on...

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Located near the snowy peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, Buddhism is revered in Tawang. If you want to embark on some adventurous treks with your better half, this is an ideal place to visit, away from the crowd. With gorgeous high altitude lakes and waterfalls, you're sure to fall in love with the place.
Ideal time to visit: October to May

Kumarakom, Kerala
Places to visit include the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and, of course, the famous backwater cruises. Stay in a houseboat, see spectacular boat races or simply stroll around and enjoy the lovely scenary.  Ideal time to visit: September to March

Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is located 4,908 feet above the sea level and doesn't just boast of bountiful nature but also beautiful colonial architecture. You can see huge waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes and several nature trails which you can explore. Don't miss the living root bridges, tea estates and popular resturants here. Must-visit places include the Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak and Butterfly Museum.  Ideal time to visit: Throughout the year

Binsar, Uttarakhand
If you love the mountains, this place is for you. Binsar is located in the Kumaon region and offers panaromic views of the majectic Himalayan range. Expect to witness some unique flora and fauna, birds and animals here. You can trek if you want or simply go for long walks in stunning forests full of ancient oak trees and flowers.  Ideal time to visit: March to December

Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

This hill station is about 25 kms away from Dalhousie and surrounded by lush forests. Thanks to its location of being 6,500 feet above sea level, Khajjiar is also known for its pretty lakes. Often called Mini Switzerland, you can go on leisurely walks among the plentiful fauna, visit the Khajjinag temple or spend time by the Khajjiar Lake. If you want to go trekking, there are several trails to choose from.
Ideal time to visit: Throughout the year

Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Home to beautiful meadows, mountains, temples and waterfalls, Valparai's tea estates are a must-visit. Ideal for nature lovers, the Anaimalai tiger reserve is a great option as well. So, if you want to spot some exotic animals, this is an ideal visit. You could also see the impressive Athirapally Falls that are just a short drive away.  Ideal time to visit: Throughout the year

Cruise from Guwahati to Kolkata via Bangladesh

A luxury passenger cruise set sail on Monday from Guwahati to Kolkata via Bangladesh, marking a new dawn for trans-border inland water navigation. The maiden journey for m.v. Mahabahu followed an agreement between Delhi and Dhaka to allow river cruises on the India-Bangladesh protocol route involving four major rivers — the Brahmaputra in Assam, the Jamuna and the Padma in Bangladesh and the Ganga in West Bengal, besides a network of smaller rivers through the Sunderbans delta — in October 2018

Brilliant tips from well travelled indian celebrities

We Indians just love to travel. An extended weekend coming up? We'll pack our bags and leave for the hills. But whether you are travelling alone or with your family, there can always be unforeseen circumstances with the potential to ruin your well laid out plans. Here are some fantastic travel tips from Indians celebrities who have been there, done that.

Always be prepared - by that I mean condoms are a must. After all, you’ve got to protect your boys from mosquitoes. And don’t carry them for too long in your wallet because they expire faster.

- Manish Anand, VJ turned actor

Have a meal before your flight. And don’t eat till you arrive, to avoid your digestive system from taking a toss. Because that’s worse than travelling empty stomach.

- Karsh Kale, musician

You never know when you will run out of gas. Carry a jerry can. If you do run out, scout local shops who sell petrol and diesel in cans and bottles. But be prepared to pay a premium for adulterated stuff!

- Ajay Jain, travel photographer

Coloured ribbons make great accessories for your hair, hands and feet, and to recognise your suitcase on the conveyor belt.

- MadSam TinZin, designer label

Don’t keep all your money in one spot. Distribute it among secure bag pockets or even your check-in luggage. That way, if your wallet is swiped, you won’t be stranded for cash.

- Anirban Lahiri, professional golfer

Always travel with an open mind. The more experimental you are, the more fun you will have, I guarantee. Keep a journal if you really want to experience a destination well. If something tugs at your heart and senses, write it down. Clip tickets and photos to the pages.

- Purab Kohli, actor

In-flight drinking aside, the best time to drink a good glass of wine is when you’ve reached your destination and are suffering from jet lag. It’ll knock you right out so you’ll get good sleep.

- Monica Dogra, musician

Look for a place which promises entertainment for kids as well as some degree of education. We visited, in my opinion, one of the best zoos in the world in Edinburgh. They provided prams for older children to be wheeled around in, which we hired, and could walk around with easily. They also had petting farms, which is a rare treat for Indian kids.

-Subi Samuel, celebrity photographer

Keep plastic bags and medical tape on you. They can become shoe covers, head covers, dirty underwear cases, emergency waterproofing for your medical kit et al and they take up almost no space.

- Satyajit Sarna, laywer turned author

Check calling card rates before you leave. Even if you pick up an Indian calling card, it can prove to be expensive especially when you’re in a group and calling each other all the time. Places like Bali and Singapore offer cheap pre-

paid calling cards.

- Hussain Kuwajerwala

Look for clothes that tout claims of being wrinkle-resistant. They’ll still get wrinkled, but more slowly and less obviously than other garments.

-Mira Gulati, jewellery designer

Always tell someone—and not just a random outsider, but someone close—where you’re headed and when you’ll be back. NB: See 127 Hours, and you’ll know why.

- Adam Bedi, model

Looking for awesome food on a road trip? Roll down a window and ask the locals for the best eating places in their town. Their pride will fill your tummy with the best food.... Trust me, it works every time.

-Rocky Singh, TV anchor

Brush up on your swimming skills! Swimmers always have more fun on a holiday, be it snorkelling, scuba diving or just completing a few laps in the hotel’s pool!

-Nisha Millet, professional swimmer

Keep some change (currency of the place you’re traveling to) handy, because most places require coins for a luggage trolley.

- Chandru Bhojwani, author

Don’t pack clothes, swimsuits or shoes that have not been worn or tried on before. Last-minute wardrobe malfunctions are the worst.

- Gagan Ullalmath, professional swimmer

Carry a few herbal tea bags, such as ginger or chamomile. They’re an excellent choice if you are prone to nausea or an upset stomach.

- Sanchita Ajjampur, designer

Download a travel app on your phone. Try Babelingo for language conversion. Tripit for travel planning or Kayak for flight search and flight-related information.

- Tulip Joshi, actress

If you don’t want to buy new sunglasses, change the frames before a tropical vacation.

- Sumer Verma, wildlife photographer

The effects of sun exposure are greater near the water or snow, as they are reflective surfaces. And remember, sunscreen should be applied after every hour.

-Shahnaz Hussain

Know your basics: riding a bike or a scooty, skating or skateboarding. Hit places where you can use these skills. You’ll explore a lot more than the usual touristy places, and relish the pleasure of getting lost, then finding your way again! -Priyanka Bose, actress