Have you heard of this place called ‘Rakchham’ in Himachal Pradesh, India? If not, then you’re not alone. I planned the whole Spiti trip for over a month and still had no idea that such a magical place existed. It was Day 6 of our Spiti valley road trip and as per the itinerary we were supposed to take an overnight halt in Chhitkul. I had really high hopes from the famous ‘Last village of India’ but it failed to impress me. Well, not the place actually. Would you believe me if I tell you that we spent more than 3 hours searching for a decent accommodation in Chhitkul? But still couldn’t find anything satisfactory.

Spiti Valley Circuit Map

And, that led us to this serene village just 10 kms from the last inhabited village. Let me share some reasons why it’s a better idea to stay in Rakchham and not Chhitkul.

After several days of exploring the rugged beauty of Spiti Valley, we were looking for a place to unwind and soak in nature’s charm, and Rakchham did not disappoint.

You may also read: 15-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary!

Skip Chhitkul, Stay in Rakchham – Here’s Why

Here’s why I think Rakchham is a much better place to stay, whether you’re traveling with kids, parents, or even solo.

1. Less Crowded and More Peaceful

Chhitkul is often busier due to its popularity as the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Rakchham, on the other hand, remains relatively untouched and tranquil. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway without the usual tourist buzz, Rakchham is ideal.

2. Proximity to Chhitkul

Rakchham is just about 10 km before Chhitkul. You can easily visit Chhitkul during the day and return to the more peaceful surroundings of Rakchham for the night. You get the best of both worlds, proximity to the attractions without the crowds.

3. Scenic Beauty

Rakchham is nestled between towering mountains along the Baspa River, offering breathtaking landscapes. The village provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks. And, its proximity to the river adds a unique charm that sets it apart from Chhitkul.

4. Better Accommodation Options to Stay in Rakchham

Chhitkul has limited stay options due to its remote location. Also, the ones which are really good are even lesser. Rakchham, however, offers a range of stays, including homestays, and riverside camps. The interesting thing about these stays is that these are equipped with modern amenities. I personally felt that the accommodation in Rakchham is more spacious and suitable for families, especially those traveling with kids of elderly.

Camp Stay in Rakchham

You may also read: Tips to choose the best kid-friendly Hotel!

5. Local Culture and Village Life

Rakchham provides an authentic Himachali village experience. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in local culture, interact with villagers, and experience their lifestyle. For families or those looking to explore the region’s cultural heritage, Rakchham offers a more intimate connection with local traditions.

6. Great for Leisure and Adventure

Rakchham offers a balance between relaxation and adventure. You can take leisurely walks along the Baspa River or go on short treks nearby. Rakchham offers more variety in activities compared to Chhitkul, where options are a bit limited.

7. Less Altitude Stress

Chhitkul is at a higher altitude than Rakchham, which can make it harder for some people, especially kids and seniors, to acclimatize. Rakchham is slightly lower in altitude, which helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. It still offers stunning views and a true mountain experience.

For travelers, especially families with kids or senior citizens, Rakchham serves as a quieter, more comfortable base while allowing easy access to Chhitkul’s attractions.

Exploring Rakchham: A Hidden Gem

Rakchham may be a small village, but it is surrounded by natural beauty and offers several things to explore. It turned out to be the ideal spot to wrap up our Spiti adventure. While Spiti itself offers stark, rugged beauty, Rakchham gave us a softer, greener landscape that was easy on the eyes and soothing for the soul. After settling into our hotel, we decided to take a stroll through the village to get a feel of the local life.

The village is incredibly picturesque, with traditional wooden homes, apple orchards, and fields of mustard flowers. The cool mountain breeze, coupled with the sound of the river and the sight of towering snow-capped peaks, created a surreal environment for us to unwind.

One of the staff members at our hotel suggested a short trek to a nearby mountain. We were in the mood to explore, so we went for it. The trail wasn’t marked, but the area was open and easy to navigate. It was slightly uphill but not too difficult, even for my mom. We walked through wide fields, slowly making our way to the top. And the view from the top? Totally worth the climb! We could see the entire Rakchham village below, with the Baspa River flowing gently through it. It was one of those views that make you pause and smile.

On our way back, we took a slight detour through an open meadow. A narrow stream was flowing through it, the water coming straight from melting snow up in the mountains. It had carved a small path through the grass before joining the mighty Baspa. A few cows were grazing nearby, totally at peace. We sat there for a long time, doing nothing—just watching the water, the cows, the sky. It felt like time had slowed down.

You may also read: How to Travel Stress-free with Kids?

We spent a lot of time near the river, where Nemit enjoyed skipping stones and simply running around. It was the kind of quiet, peaceful day that was much needed after the hustle of our earlier stops in Kaza and Kalpa. My mother loved sitting by the riverside, making stone towers, admiring the scenery and soaking up the sun.

A Day Trip to Chhitkul

While we chose to stay in Rakchham, Chhitkul is just a 20-minute drive away, making it an easy day trip. The drive from Rakchham to Chhitkul is nothing short of spectacular. The road winds through lush green valleys with the Baspa River flowing alongside, and the sight of Chhitkul’s snow-capped mountains emerging in the distance is breathtaking.

Chhitkul is often referred to as the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border and is the highest inhabited village in the Sangla Valley. We visited the local Chhitkul Monastery, Mathi Temple and spent some time walking through the village, admiring the traditional wooden houses and the stone fences that line the streets.

One of the highlights of our day in Chhitkul was having lunch at the famous Hindustan Ka Aakhiri Dhaba. As the name suggests, it’s the last Indian restaurant on the road leading to the Indo-Tibetan border. We enjoyed a simple yet hearty meal of rajma, kadhi and chawal, which kept us warm in the cool mountain air.

You may also read: 7 Best Family Adventure Trips to Plan with your Kid!

For anyone visiting Chhitkul with kids, I’d recommend taking it slow and enjoying the natural surroundings rather than rushing through the itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Our stay in Rakchham was the perfect conclusion to our family’s road trip to Spiti Valley. It offered us a chance to slow down and reflect on the incredible journey we had just experienced. For anyone planning a trip to Spiti, I’d highly recommend adding Rakchham to your itinerary. It’s a peaceful retreat, away from the crowds, where you can connect with nature and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.

Whether you’re looking to explore the last village of India, Chhitkul, or just relax by the river with a cup of chai in hand, Rakchham has something to offer everyone. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

The post Stay in Rakchham: Hidden Gem near Chhitkul, Himachal Pradesh appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

When we decided to do a road trip from Bangalore to Northeast India, I knew Arunachal Pradesh would surprise us in many ways. But there was one place we hadn’t really planned for, one that felt more like a blessing than a destination — Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang.

I wasn’t expecting to feel what I felt there. It wasn’t on any must-see list I came across, and yet it turned out to be one of the most peaceful and soulful places we visited on our entire journey.

When we reached, there was no one else there, except the army personnel who maintain the place. And honestly, that made the experience even more special. Maybe not many people know about this Gurudwara, like we didn’t until just a day before (while visiting Sungester lake). Or maybe it’s because getting there involves a short uphill walk, and not everyone is up for that, especially when the weather is not that great.

It had also been raining since morning, so that could be another reason people chose not to visit it. But I’m so glad we didn’t skip it. Some places just find you when you’re meant to experience them and this was definitely one of those.

Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang is also known as Tiger Hill Gurudwara, as it is located on Tiger Hill, the name of the mountain. But why is it called Teesri Udasi?

Teesri Udasi Gurudwara Sahib, Tawang

You may check our Arunachal Trip Playlist on YouTube!

What is “Teesri Udasi”?

Before I talk about the Gurudwara itself, let me give you a quick background. The word “Udasi” means journey. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, undertook five major spiritual journeys during his lifetime. These journeys are known as Udasis.

These weren’t simple travels, they were deep spiritual pilgrimages covering vast parts of India and beyond. He covered a distance of around 28,000 km on foot, over a period of 24 years. He travelled across India, South Asia, and even reached parts of the Middle East and Tibet, sharing his message of love, peace, equality, and the oneness of God (Ek Onkar).

During his third Udasi, believed to have taken place between 1514 and 1518, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Tibet twice. The first time, in 1514, he travelled to Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, and came back to India through the same route.

Way to Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

But the second time, his path was different. He travelled through Nepal, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and from there, continued towards Lhasa in Tibet.

And it is believed that during this journey, Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated in a cave right here in Tawang. That very cave has now been turned into a Gurudwara and because it’s associated with his Teesri Udasi, the name stuck.

That’s how this peaceful little place on a hill came to be known as Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang.

Our Journey to Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

We were staying in Tawang and had just started exploring the region. On our very first day of sightseeing, we planned to visit Bumla Pass, PTSO Lake, and Sungester Lake (also known as Madhuri Lake). But since our Bumla permit was scheduled for the next day, we decided to just do the lakes for now.

Here’s a video of how to get the permit for Bumla Pass on YouTube-

After soaking in the views at PTSO Lake, we moved ahead towards Sungester, taking the left turn at the Y-junction. Just about 2.6 km from there, something caught our eye, a small Gurudwara tucked at the base of a hill.

Curious, we stopped to check it out. There was something instantly peaceful about it. But since we were on a tight schedule and had planned the day around the lakes, we skipped the trek up to the main Gurudwara on the hill and continued on to Sungester Lake.

But the story didn’t end there.

While returning from the lake, we passed the same spot again. And this time, something tugged at our hearts. There was this unexplainable pull, like the place was quietly calling us back. We paused. Talked about it. We had just one more day in Tawang, and the next day was fully packed. We were finally visiting Bumla Pass, and from there heading straight to Zemithang.

Still, something inside us knew we had to return.

And so we did.

Here’s a glimpse of our visit to Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang-

The next day, after visiting Bumla, we were driving back on the same route. We took that turn again. This time, we parked the car and walked up the hill to the Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang.

And I can’t explain it in words, the experience was so peaceful, so soulful, it felt like the place had been waiting for us all along.

Sometimes, it’s the unplanned detours that stay with you the longest. For us, visiting Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang became one of the most heart-touching moments of our entire journey in Arunachal Pradesh.

A Simple Structure, A Strong Presence

The Gurudwara is tucked into the rugged cliffs of the mountain, quite literally built into the rock face. From a distance, it almost looks like it’s growing out of the hill itself, camouflaged by nature. But as you get closer, you begin to notice the bright prayer flags, the modest building, and the narrow path leading up to it.

It’s not a grand or elaborate structure. There are no huge golden domes. Yet, it commands your attention. Maybe it’s the setting, surrounded by towering cliffs and silence or maybe it’s the story behind it. Either way, the moment you see it, you feel a sense of awe and reverence.

The stairs to the Gurudwara are narrow and steep but well-built. And as you climb, the world around you starts to fade, it’s just you, the mountain, and a sacred stillness.

A Place Respected Across Faiths

You may already know that Arunachal Pradesh is known for its monasteries, especially the iconic Tawang Monastery, which is the largest in India and the second-largest in the world. But did you know that Guru Nanak Dev Ji is also deeply respected here?

Locals lovingly refer to him as Nanak Lama. In fact, in some traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Nanak is seen as an incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. He is also known as Guru Padmasambhava, the saint who brought Buddhism to Tibet. It’s rare and beautiful to see a spiritual figure being embraced across different faiths like this.

Inside Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

This deep sense of mutual respect and shared reverence is what makes this Gurudwara even more special. It stands quietly, high up in the mountains, but holds a powerful space in the hearts of the people from this region, regardless of religion.

The Role of the Indian Army

Since this area is very close to the Indo-China border, the presence of the Indian Army is strong throughout this region. In fact, the Gurudwara itself is maintained by the Army personnel stationed here.

They also serve a simple langar (community meal), and even if you’re not there during langar hours, they’ll always offer you tea or prasad with warmth and humility.

Teesri Udasi Gurudwara

We couldn’t help but feel grateful. Not just for the physical upkeep of the Gurudwara, but for their quiet, constant presence in such a remote and extreme terrain. It’s because of their dedication that this piece of history and faith continues to thrive, high up in the mountains.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Tawang, do make time for this place. Here are a few tips:

• Start early in the day
  The Gurudwara is 25 km from Tawang and 2.6 Km from Y-junction. The weather in high-altitude areas can change quickly. It’s best to start your day early and keep extra time in hand, both in case the weather turns or if you’re planning to visit other places on the same route, like Sungester Lake or Bumla Pass.
• No permit needed
  You don’t need a special permit to visit this Gurudwara, unlike Bumla Pass. But since it’s on the way to Bumla, plan your stop accordingly.
• Located at a High Altitude
  The Gurudwara is situated at around 13,000 feet, so take your time while climbing. The air is thinner, and it’s normal to feel a little breathless. Keep yourself hydrated to prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
• Carry warm clothes
  Even if the sun is out, it can get windy, cloudy and cold, especially at higher altitudes. Layer up and keep a windcheater or warm jacket handy.

• 

  View from Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

• It’s a short uphill walk
  The Gurudwara on the hill is about a 20-30 minute walk from the road. The steps are steep but well-maintained. There are also resting sheds along the route and even a toilet, which makes the climb more manageable, especially for families and older visitors.
• Respect the space
  Though it’s maintained by the Indian Army, this is a sacred place. Cover your head, speak softly, and follow any instructions given on-site.
• Photography is allowed
  You can take photos inside and outside the Gurudwara, but always be mindful if Army personnel are around. Ask if you’re unsure.

There’s a Footwear protocol before entering. Just before reaching the Gurudwara at the top, you’ll find a Joda Ghar (footwear room). Visitors are expected to remove their shoes here and wear the slippers provided. These slippers must be taken off again at the Gurudwara entrance, as a sign of respect.

Most importantly, go with a quiet mind. You don’t have to be religious to feel the peace here.

Final Thoughts

Out of all the places we visited in Arunachal Pradesh, majestic monasteries, misty mountain passes, beautiful valleys — Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang offered something entirely different.

It gave us stillness.

It reminded me of the strength of simplicity. Of how one man’s journey, centuries ago, still touches lives in the most unexpected corners of the world.

And for that, I’ll always carry this visit close to my heart.

Have you ever visited a place that surprised you with its peace? Tell us in the comments below.

Planning a trip to Tawang? Here’s our detailed Tawang Itinerary, including how to get permits, places to stay, and hidden gems you shouldn’t miss.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mister Tikku.

The post Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh | Must Visit appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Every road trip we take feels like a new chapter in our travel story. After successfully completing our 15 Days Spiti Valley road trip in May 2024, we knew we were ready for even longer drives. But the big question was, where next? We had so many destination on our minds… Ladakh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal, and even Kashmir. After months of discussion, we finally locked in Arunachal and started planning our Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary!

There were also endless back-and-forths, last-minute doubts, and dramatic change-of-heart moments! In our home, choosing a destination is not as simple as pointing at a map, it’s a full-fledged debate, with arguments, counterarguments, and occasional cold wars. But in the end, Arunachal won. And now, looking back, I can confidently say, it was the best decision ever!

As some of you know, I’ve been sharing our Arunachal Pradesh vlogs on YouTube, and I think it’s finally time to put together our complete itinerary on the blog! I’ve been getting so many DMs on Instagram and even emails asking for trip details, so it makes sense to document everything here. So, here’s our complete Arunachal Pradesh itinerary for you!

Why We Chose Arunachal Pradesh?

Honestly, I didn’t want to go to Arunachal Pradesh. Sumit, on the other hand, had been obsessed with it ever since we started discussing our next trip. At that time, I hadn’t seen a single video or read any post about Arunachal, so I had no idea what to expect. For some reason, I imagined it to be hot, humid, and mostly plains with dense jungles. Not exactly what I was looking for! I was craving for mountains, crisp air, and breathtaking views.

So, we almost ruled out Arunachal and started planning for Sikkim instead.

We spent two full days finalizing our itinerary when we found out that Sikkim’s roads were in terrible shape due to heavy rains. Just to be sure, we reached out to a local homestay owner, and he confirmed that driving there would be tough. Plan cancelled.

I was a little disappointed until, out of nowhere, I stumbled upon a travel video about Arunachal Pradesh. And just like that, I fell in love with this beautiful North-eastern state.

This trip was not just about the drive or stunning views anymore. It was about venturing into one of India’s least explored states, experiencing its raw beauty, and meeting the incredible people who call it home.

 

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Planning Arunachal Road Trip

While researching, we found out that Arunachal has 14 unique tourist circuits, each offering something completely different, be it culture, landscapes, or local experiences. Since we had about 15-20 days, we decided to explore the Tawang and Ziro Circuit. These are two of the most stunning and well-known regions of Arunachal.

These circuits are not only close to each other but also among the most popular. The other circuits are still offbeat and less explored, so we decided to play it safe for this trip.

We planned this road trip in October 2024, during the Dusshera holidays. The land of the rising sun, unexplored valleys, and mystical monasteries was calling us! So, we packed our bags, fueled up our car, and set off on an 18-day advebture covering both Tawang and Ziro.

Whether you’re driving from Bangalore like us, flying in and hiring a cab at Guwahati, or renting a self-drive car, this Arunachal Pradesh itinerary will help you plan an epic trip.

The Ultimate Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary & Guide

We love road trips but hate rigid plans. So, for this 18-day adventure, we didn’t pre-book hotels or stick to a strict itinerary. But one thing we were sure about was covering Bangalore to Siliguri/Tezpur as quickly as possible, since it was just the driving stretch. So, we pushed through long hours on the road, driving about 14-15 hours each day.

Now, if you are not crazy about road trips or such long drives, it’s better to fly to Assam (Guwahati or Tezpur) and hire a cab from there. Or, if you love road trips but can’t drive such long distances with family, or if you are short on days, it’s a good idea to book a self-drive rental from Arunachal itself.

We even thought about transporting our car via a trailer truck, but the cost was too high, so we dropped that idea. So, weigh your options and pick the one that suits your family and travel style best.

Now, let’s begin with the itinerary.

Day 1: Bangalore to Rajamahendravaram, AP | 817 km | 14 hrs

It was a long long drive of about 14 hours. However, the roads were in good condition so the drive was quite smooth. Initially, we had planned to go till Vijayawada but had a few hours in hand before it turned dark, so we went till Rajamundry.

• Drive Highlights: Long but smooth highway drive with decent food stops along the way.
• Stay: La Hospin (INR 3,500 with breakfast)

Day 2: Rajamahendravaram, AP to Balasore, Odisha | 817 Km | 15-16 hrs

• Drive Highlights: Smooth roads, great highways, but speed cameras everywhere. Extreme truck traffic.

• Stay: NOCCI Residency (INR 2,800 with breakfast)
• Decent, clean, comfortable, just what we needed after a tiring drive.

Day 3: Balasore, Odisha to Kanki, WB | 709 Km | 14 hrs 

• Drive Highlights: Toughest day so far! Extremely tiring, bad roads, unbearable traffic.

• Stay: Kanika Dham Lords Inn (INR 3,500 with breakfast)

During the later part of the day, we were driving along the Bihar border and the deserted roads and multiple police vehicles all along the route scared us a lot. The presence of police was a sign that the route was not safe at night.

Day 4: Kanki, WB to Udalguri, Assam | 576 Km | 16 hrs 

• Drive Highlights: Got stuck in traffic at Assam border. Bad road condition, rough patches on the road before Siliguri.

• Stay: Hotel DJ Tower (INR 2,000) – Not a great stay, and no breakfast.

Entering Arunachal Pradesh

Our journey into Arunachal Pradesh began on Day 5, marking the real start of our much-anticipated Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.

There are two main entry points into Arunachal from Assam:

1. Balemu Check Post (closer for those coming from Udalguri).

2. Bhalukpong Check Post (preferred for those coming from Tezpur; better road conditions).

We entered through Balemu as it was more convenient for us.

Day 5: Udalguri, Assam to Shergaon, AR | 110 Km | 7 hrs 

Finally, we entered Arunachal Pradesh. The border was just a 30 min drive from Udalguri, Assam. Since it was raining continuously, the roads were in bad condition. We got to know that the Bhutan border was just a few kilometers from the check post. So, we decided to cross over and visited a famous hanging bridge and viewpoint.

Check out the video below to know all the details regarding what all documents you need to enter Bhutan.

After spending some time in Bhutan, we began our onward journey and chose Shergaon to spend the night.

• Stay: The Willow Resort (INR 4,000) – Beautiful location but food was disappointing.

• Important: An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory to enter Arunachal Pradesh. I’ve shared all the details in my YouTube video below.

If you have time, spend more time exploring Shergaon. It’s a beautiful, unexplored town with so much to offer to its visitors.

Day 6: Shergaon to Sangti Valley | 85 Km | 2-3 hrs 

Our plan was to reach Tawang by evening, but travel has its own surprises! When we reached Dirang, we saw the roads were a mess-landslides, mud, and slippery stretches everywhere. Still hopeful, we moved ahead, only to be stopped by another landslide. With no choice but to change plans, we decided to stay in the peaceful Sangti Valley which is just 10 km from Dirang.

Traveling with kids? Flexibility is key! Unexpected situations are bound to happen, and adapting to changes is the best way to travel stress-free with kids.

On the bright side, we got to have lunch at an army cafeteria in Sapper near Dirang, an amazing experience amidst all the chaos!

• Stay: Lanjom Homestay (INR 3,000 without breakfast) – Beautiful place beside the river.
• Visit the famous Sheep Farm and Kiwi Orchards in Sangti.

Just like Shergaon, Sangti Valley is a hidden gem. If time permits, spend at least 2 nights at this beautiful paradise.

Day 7: Sangti Valley to Tawang | 140 Km | 4-5 hrs 

Our plan was to leave Sangti Valley early morning, have breakfast in Sapper, and reach Tawang before lunchtime. But nature had other plans! It rained all night, and just a few minutes after starting from Sangti, we hit a landslide blocking the road. Instead of waiting, we decided to take a detour to Dirang Monastery.

• Stay: TYK Hotel (INR 3,000 with breakfast) – Decent hotel with great food.

The second half of the day was quite an adventure as we decided to take a detour via a local village road running along the Dirang river. The drive along the raging river was extremely scary but gave another level of adrenaline rush. We reached Tawang quite late at night, exhausted but excited for the days ahead.

Day 8: Exploring Tawang 

Our plan for the day was simple. Apply for the Bumla Pass Permit at the DC office, get it stamped at the Brigade Headquarters and keep it ready for the next day. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Tawang.

We tried handling the permit ourselves instead of relying on agents, which meant hours of running around, but we finally got it! We really wanted to understand the process so that we could share it with other enthusiastic travelers like us.

Giant Buddha Statue, Tawang

• Stay: Cheodar Homestay (INR 2,000 without breakfast) – Basic stay but wonderful hosts and good food.
• Visited Pangateng Tso Lake (PT Tso Lake) & Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake).
• Arranged Bumla Pass Permit.
• Had yummy local food at Giant Buddha Temple.
• Tip: Get your permits arranged by your hotel if you don’t want the hassle.

If you’re a vegetarian and wondering what to eat in Arunachal, check out my post on Vegetarian Local Dishes to Try in Arunachal Pradesh for some great recommendations!

Day 9: Tawang to Zemithang via Bumla Pass | 93 Km | 4 hrs

We started early for Bumla Pass, and the moment we hit the route, we were spellbound! The scenery was surreal, with colors we had never seen before in a landscape. It felt straight out of a fairytale, pristine blue lakes reflecting the sky, golden-brown-red mountains, and vast open stretches with no sign of civilization. It felt as if we had stepped into a different world.

Bumla Pass

If you love capturing travel memories, this is the perfect place to do it. You may check out my post on Easy Ways to Get Good Pictures Every Time You Travel! for some useful tips.

We decided to go to Zemithang from Bumla and stay there for the night. It’s the ‘Last Village’ of Arunachal Pradesh along the Indo-China border, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

• Stay: Pangchen Homestay (INR 2,500 with breakfast) – Warm hospitality, nice stay.
• Covered Bumla Pass (15,200 ft) & Gurudwara Teesri Udasi.
• Tip: Have enough time in hand to soak in the beauty of Bumla Pass. Visiting Bumla Pass & Gurudwara was a highlight of our Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.

Teesri Udasi Gurudwara

Also, this unexpected detour to Zemithang became one of the most special parts of our trip. If you love offbeat places, this village should be on your list!

Stay in Tawang for at least 3-4 days, if possible.

Day 10: Exploring Zemithang & back to Tawang (Kitpi Village) | 70 Km | 3 hrs

After a hearty breakfast, we explored Zemithang and attended a peaceful morning prayer at a local monastery, a truly special experience. By afternoon, we left for Kitpi village, a small village near Tawang.

Hanging Bridge to Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa

• Stay: Kitpi Kee Homestay (INR 3,000) – Best stay of the trip! Exceptional hospitality, tried homemade rice wine.
• Visited the Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa and many hanging bridges. Attended a special prayer at Guru Padmasambhaba Monastery.
• Tip: Spend at least two days in Zemithang to soak in its serene beauty and rich culture.

Day 11: Kitpi Village (Tawang) to Bomdila | 174 Km | 5 hrs

We started early, making a quick stop at Chagzam Bridge, a stunning 15th-century iron suspension bridge. After returning to our homestay for breakfast, we visited the Tawang Monastery & Tawang Market. Later, we set off towards Bomdila, stopping at the breathtaking Nuranang Falls, a towering 100m waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. We also crossed the Sela Pass and enjoyed some time at Sela Lake.

Jang Falls

• Stay: Monshing Homestay (INR 2,500 without breakfast) – Basic stay.
• Visited the Chagzam Bridge (a true engineering marvel), Nuranang Falls (also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls), Tawang Monastery, Tawang Market, Sela Pass (13,700 ft) and Sela Lake.

You may also check: 7-Day South Goa Itinerary!

Short Itinerary – Tawang Circuit (10 Nights)

Day 1 – Tezpur/Guwahati to Shergaon (2N).
Day 2 – Explore Shergaon.
Day 3 – Shergaon to Tawang (3N) – Explore Tawang Market.
Day 4 – Bumla Pass, Gurudwara Teesri Udasi, Madhuri Lake, PT TSo Lake.
Day 5 – Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, Giant Buddha Statue.
Day 6 – Tawang to Zemithng (2N) – Explore Zemithang.
Day 7 – Explore Zemithang (Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa, Guru Padmasambhaba Monastery, Gorsam Chorten Buddhist stupa, Hanging Bridges.
Day 8 – Zemithang to Kitpi Village (1N) – Day at Leisure.
Day 9 – Kitpi Village to Sangti Valley via Sela Pass (2N) – Visit Chagzam Bridge, Jang Falls, Jaswantgarh War Memorial, Sela Lake.
Day 10 – Explore Sangti Valley – Visit Sheep Farm, Apple and Kiwi Orchards.
Day 11 – Sangti Valley to Tezpur/Guwahati – Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery.

Note: If you’re only doing the Tawang Circuit, you can start your return journey from here. But if you have more time, continue to explore the Ziro Circuit like we did!

Day 12: Bomdila to Ziro | 362 Km | 8 hrs

It’s a long, tiring drive through scenic but challenging roads. We reached Ziro late in the evening amidst light rain. Instead of heading out, we kept it simple, cooked Maggi and tea at our homestay and called it an early night.

• Stay: AMI Homestay (INR 2,000) – Basic stay with a private kitchen. Perfect for groups.

Day 13: Ziro to Tezpur | 236 Km | 6 hrs

Ziro was a cultural delight! We visited an Apatani home, where locals welcomed us warmly, sharing their traditions and food.

Apatani Tribe, Ziro

• Stay: KRC Palace (INR 3,700 without breakfast)
• Explored Ziro, visited Pamu Yalang, Shree Sidheshwar Nath Temple.
• If time allows, visit Ziro Point & Koloriang.

Short Ziro Itinerary – 3 Nights

Day 11- Sangti Valley to Bomdila (1N) – Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery.
Day 12 – Bomdila to Ziro (2N)
Day 13 – Explore Ziro – Pamu Yalang, Shree Sidheshwar Nath Temple, Paddy Fields, Ziro Point & Koloriang.
Day 14 – Ziro to Tezpur/Guwahati

Day 14: Tezpur to West Bengal | 637 Km | 14-15 hrs 

A long and tiring day on the road. We retraced our route and checked into the same hotel for the night.

• Stay: Kanika Dham Lords Inn (INR 3,500 with packed breakfast)

If you are craving a beach holiday, you may check this Lakshadweep Travel Guide for Families!

Day 15: West Bengal to Mirzapur | 700 Km | 14-15 hrs 

Instead of taking the Kolkata route, we explored an alternate path, making the long drive slightly more interesting.

• Stay: Konark Grand (INR 4,400 with packed breakfast) – Comfortable stay.
• Tip: Better to stay in Varanasi, if you can find budget-friendly options.

Day 16: Mirzapur to Nagpur | 667 Km | 12-13 hrs 

• Stay: Spring Dale (INR 3,200 without breakfast) – Simple stay.

Day 17: Nagpur to Hyderabad/Bangalore | 533 Km | 10-11 hrs

We decided to take a break in Hyderabad for a comfortable end to our rugged trip. If you’re up for it, you can drive straight to Bangalore instead.

• Stay: Lemon Tree Hitech City (INR 6,700) – Super comfortable stay and great food.

Day 18: Hyderabad to Bangalore | 575 Km | 8-10 hrs 

The final leg of our journey! We took it easy, enjoying the smooth highways, reminiscing about the past 18 days of adventure before finally reaching home.

This 18-day road trip was an experience of a lifetime! From breathtaking landscapes to heartwarming local hospitality, Arunachal Pradesh has left an unforgettable mark on us. If you’re planning a similar journey, I hope this Arunachal Pradesh itinerary helps you! Feel free to tweak it based on your travel style and time constraints.

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube vlogs for detailed insights into each destination!

Happy travels!

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

The post 18-Day Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary – Tawang and Ziro Family Road Trip appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hello everyone, hope 2025 is treating you with love! My year started a bit rough, and by the time January ended, I was completely drained, physically and mentally. I badly needed a relaxing break, and our stay at RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur came at just the right time. Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a peaceful hill station known for its lush coffee plantations and misty landscapes, just what I needed to reset and recharge.

A Quick Life Update (Skip if You Want to Jump to the Resort Details!)

Has it ever happened to you that you planned something perfectly, only for life to turn around and say, “Nope, not today!”? Well, welcome to my life. This kind of thing happens to me all the time, and 2025 started off no differently. The first day was fine. We had just returned from a nice vacation in Kerala. And, I thought that was the perfect way to begin the year.

But on the second day? Boom. I fell sick. And not just a little sick, the “why is the world ending?” kind of sick. So much for a fresh start!

Now, a sensible person would have rested. But me? Nope. Instead, I poured all my frustration into work and went full-on editing machine mode on our Arunachal Pradesh vlogs. Five videos in a week, one after another. Did it help me calm down? Yes. Did it completely wreck my health? Also yes. Who could have seen that coming, huh?

After a week, I finally managed to drag myself around the house, thinking I was on the road to recovery. And that’s when these headaches kicked in. I was popping painkillers just to stay on my feet. I knew stress was partly to blame because, of course, January is Nemit’s birthday month and my mom was visiting soon.

Now, my mom visiting wasn’t the stressful part (love you, Mumma!). But planning Nemit’s birthday? That was a different story. I wanted to plan more than just a celebration, more like an experience for him and for us.

But that’s a story for another day, which I’ll share in another blog post, hopefully soon!

At this point, the headaches were unbearable, but resting was no longer an option. And since my mom was coming, we had to stick to our ritual of planning a relaxing trip together. That’s when RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur popped back into my mind.

This place had been on my wish list for ages. But, we kept postponing it because luxury comes at a luxury price. Honestly, we’re at that stage where we’d rather spend on adventures than fancy resorts. But considering how January had exhausted me, I thought it was time to give in and indulge. And that’s how this much-needed escape to RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur finally happened.

RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur

We’ve visited Chikmagalur three times before, and each time, we’ve experienced something new. RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur is one of those places that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. For someone like me, who thrives on thrilling outdoor activities in nature, this resort was a dream come true. Surrounded by dense jungles and coffee estates, it offers an alluring view of the Charmadi Ghats in the backdrop.

From the moment we arrived, it felt like we were in the heart of nature. The resort is peaceful, with lush greenery all around, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. What I loved the most is that while the resort provides the luxury of comfortable cottages and modern amenities, it doesn’t take away from the raw beauty of the surroundings. It’s like the perfect combination of luxury and adventure, where you can unwind and relax or explore nature-filled activities, depending on your mood.

How To Reach RiverMist Resorts?

The most common way to reach Chikmagalur is by car. If you’re coming from Bengaluru, it’s about a 5 to 6-hour drive (approx. 250 km). We took the NICE road, then NH75. We passed through Sakleshpura and continued on SH27, eventually reaching Mudigere. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to the resort.

The total journey took us about 6 hours, and the route is well-maintained, making the drive smooth and quite enjoyable. The resort is located around 68 km from Chikmagalur city.

A heads-up from the resort staff: about 5 km before you arrive, you’ll lose network connectivity, so they advised us to save the map offline. As we got closer, the road became more interesting especially the off-road stretch. The path was narrow, but driving through it was pretty exciting! The last 1 km before the resort was a bit patchy, and we even had to drive through a small river stream. It was a fun experience, and I’d love to go back during the monsoon to see the river with much more flow!

Overall, the drive wasn’t hectic at all. We left at 8 am, took a 30-minute break and a fuel stop, and reached the resort by 2 pm.

First Impression

As we drove through the last stretch and finally reached RiverMist Resorts, there was an instant sense of calm. We were greeted with a warm welcome by the staff, who offered us refreshing drinks, instantly setting a relaxing tone for the stay.

Upon arrival, we were also informed that the parking area is located a little higher up on the property. The staff handles parking for you, so there’s no need to worry about it.

Since it was already lunchtime, the staff kindly suggested we have lunch before heading to our room. One of the team members took a moment to give us a quick overview of the resort, outlining all the activities we could enjoy during our stay. They also told us about the private waterfall on the property, which we were all excited to visit. After thanking them, we sat down for a hearty buffet lunch. The spread was delightful, and we really enjoyed the food.

Accommodation at RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur

RiverMist Resorts offers a range of rooms designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. The resort has six types of rooms:

• Luxury Pavilion: Features a spa tub and an open shower.
• Luxury Wood House: Equipped with a jacuzzi, loft, and living space with a sofa.
• Family Room: Perfect for groups or large families, with four beds that can accommodate up to eight individuals and two washrooms.
• Luxury Cottages: Known for their classy interiors, jacuzzi, and huge balcony.
• Premium Cottages: Spacious interiors with breathtaking views of the Charmadi Ghats from the balcony.
• Deluxe Rooms: Spacious rooms, but without a balcony.

We had booked the Premium Cottage, considering both our budget and our requirements. Since my mother was also with us, we requested an extra bed, which was comfortable and met our needs perfectly. The room itself was spacious, featuring a king-size bed. The ample storage space with big almirahs was the cherry on the cake. The bathroom was equally spacious, with the shower area separated by a sliding glass door, adding a touch of elegance.

Image Source: rivermistresorts.com

One of the best features of our room was the window wall, which provided a clear view of the beautiful Charmadi Ghats. The large balcony facing the Ghats made it even more special. The room came with several thoughtful amenities, including a kettle with tea and coffee-making supplies, a refrigerator, toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, swimming towels, a yoga mat, and a clothes-drying rack in the balcony.

However, one thing I always find puzzling at resorts is the lighting in the rooms. While the room was cozy and luxurious, I personally prefer brighter lighting, especially at night. Some resorts, like this one, tend to use minimal lighting with yellow tones to create a warm atmosphere, but I do miss having a bit more brightness in the room.

Food & Dining

One of the best things about staying at RiverMist Resorts was that all three meals, along with evening hi-tea, were included in our package. Since it was a buffet setup, we didn’t have to worry about ordering from an à la carte menu, which made mealtime super convenient.

The food was a mix of different Indian cuisines, with a strong influence of South Indian flavors. Every meal had both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and the best part? The food was light, non-spicy, and well-balanced, making it enjoyable for all of us, including our son, who can be a bit picky at times. They always had at least one or two kid-friendly options in every meal, which was a thoughtful touch.

Breakfast mostly leaned towards South Indian cuisine, with just one North Indian option. While everything was delicious, I do feel they could add a couple more North Indian choices to make it more balanced. That being said, the highlight for my family was definitely the dessert section! My husband, son, and mom all have a major sweet tooth, so they looked forward to trying different desserts after every meal. Seeing them enjoy their sweet treats was a joy in itself.

Activities at RiverMist Resorts

This was hands down my favorite part of the stay at RiverMist! In fact, there’s so much to share that I’ve decided to write a separate post just about the activities. Otherwise, this one will turn into a mini travel guide on its own.

But to give you a quick idea, RiverMist has an exciting lineup of activities throughout the day, from nature treks and river walks to stargazing and bonfires. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an adventure junkie or just looking to unwind in nature.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking Your Stay

• Road Conditions & Accessibility – The last stretch to the resort includes an off-road patch and a river crossing, which can become tricky during the rainy season. If you’re driving a sedan, proceed with caution, as SUVs are better suited for this terrain. If you’re planning a trip during monsoon, check with the resort in advance about road conditions.
• Resort Layout & Mobility – RiverMist is built on a steep landscape, which means walking from your room to the dining or play area involves climbing slopes. If you’re traveling with very young kids, carrying a stroller can help. For elderly family members who may have difficulty walking, it’s best to be mindful of the terrain before booking.
• Mobile Network & Wi-Fi – There is no mobile network in the area, but the resort provides Wi-Fi. However, the Wi-Fi connection varies by location within the property. Some may find this inconvenient, so it’s best to disconnect and enjoy the serene surroundings with family.
• Best Rates & Booking Tip – If you’re looking for the best rates, it’s advisable to book directly with the resort rather than through third-party websites.
• Seasonal Activity Availability – Certain activities like river walking and waterfall visits may not be available during monsoons due to safety concerns. If these activities are a priority for you, check with the resort in advance about their availability.
• Weather & Packing Essentials – Chikmagalur has pleasant weather, but it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. Carry light woolens if you’re visiting in winter. If visiting during the monsoon, be prepared for heavy rains and pack accordingly.

We made the most of our time there, indulging in everything from off-road rides and fish feeding to silent stargazing sessions under a sky full of stars. But I’ll save all the details (and my favorite moments!) for another post. Stay tuned!

Have you been to Chikmagalur before? Did you know about RiverMist Resorts before? Or is this going straight to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

The post Our Stay at RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur | A Weekend Getaway appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hello everyone! I started this Lakshadweep Travel Series to share my experience of traveling to Lakshadweep with family. Along with that, I also wanted to share my learnings to help you plan a perfect trip to this beautiful island destination. I have already written 4 posts in this series and made 4 YouTube videos. I have covered the topics like how to choose the perfect beach destination; different ways to reach Lakshadweep; which island to visit in Lakshadweep and how to do the bookings. Since, we stayed at Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep, I want to share more about this beautiful island. Hence this post. I will do this post in 2-3 parts which will give you a clear picture of what to expect in Bangaram. And, if you have any other doubts, you are always welcome to ask them in the comments below.

Bangaram Island is the most famous island among the tourists and it’s also the least explored part of Lakshadweep. It has also been ranked among the best getaways of the world. It’s the uninhabited island and it has only one Govt. run beach resort (Bangaram Resort) for the tourists.

It is nearest to the airport island, located just 12 kms to the North from Agatti. And, it takes about 30-45 mins to reach Bangaram island by boat.

The only way to reach Bangaram is by boat from Agatti Island. And, to reach Agatti, one has to take an Alliance Air flight from Kochi.

You may read – Different ways to reach Lakshadweep Islands to find all the details about flight and ship bookings.

I have also shared our experience of reaching Agatti from Kochi in this YouTube video.

Agatti to Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep

Once you reach Agatti island, you have to wait for 30-45 mins at the airport. During that time, they will check all your documents like hotel booking, return flight booking and entry permit. After this, you will be directed to the cab which will take you to the jetty.

That 10 mins cab ride is something I will never forget as I have never been on such a beautiful road which has the sea on both its sides. The views were truly mesmerizing!

Airport Road, Agatti Island

At the jetty, they will help you board the boat to Bangaram. The islands in Lakshadweep are surrounded by shallow blue lagoons with crystal clear water. For 10-15 mins, you will enjoy the boat ride through the surprisingly calm waters of the lagoon. You can also see corals down there and if lucky you may spot some turtles swimming around.

As the boat starts moving out of the lagoon, you will feel the choppy sea but not much if the weather is good. The color of the water will change from turquoise to teal and then to dark blue. You would want to sit tight as the ride gets a bit rough for 20-30 mins. If you tend to get motion sickness/sea sickness, don’t forget to carry your medicine. And, here you may as well spot some dolphins racing with your boat.

And, after that when the boat starts entering the lagoon of the Bangaram island you get to enjoy the serenity once again. Along with that, you get to experience the gorgeous view of the Bangaram island. I bet you would want the time to stop there, it’s a very different feeling, I can’t even explain that in words. But at the same time you would want to get down on the island and touch the white sand.

Boat to Bangaram Island

It was the moment when we realized that we have actually reached Lakshadweep. It was not a dream!

Day 1 at Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep

The day we reached Bangaram, I knew that 4 days were just not enough. Though the island is really small (just 1 km) and there is not much to explore, you still can’t get enough of its beauty and calmness. But that’s it, you can not book a stay for more than 4 days at Bangaram. So, prepare your mind before reaching Lakshadweep otherwise you will cry like I did on our last day there. Honestly, there is no other place that has made such a huge impact on me. I can’t wait to plan a trip to Lakshadweep once again.

You may also read – How to do the Bookings for Lakshadweep?

As soon as you deboard at Bangaram, you will receive a warm welcome with a cool refreshing drink. The manager then gives a short briefing explaining about the island and activities, etc. After which, you will be directed to the restaurant where a scrumptious buffet lunch awaits you.

Restaurant at Bangaram, Choora The Food Court

Some people decide to go directly to their rooms first, get freshen up and come back for the lunch. But since our flight was delayed it was already 2 o’clock when we reached Bangaram and we were starving so we decided to have lunch first and then went to our rooms.

So, you actually get only 3.5 days to spent at Bangaram.

On day 1, you are already tired with all the traveling and you are a bit overwhelmed too. You would want to rest for a few hours after lunch.

But if you are traveling with a kid who is past his afternoon napping age and who loves sand and water more than anything else then be ready to turn into super parents and ditch resting for the rest of your life. Just kidding!

No, I am not!!!

We skipped the resting part and decided to explore the backside of the island as we were told it’s surrounded by a shallow lagoon. So, Nemit (our son) could enjoy in the water and we can sit under the shade of a tree.

To reach to the backside, you need to walk through the overgrown shrubs and tress and follow one of the several paths. It’s so easy to get lost even in that small area if your direction sense is really bad. It’s better to ask the staff for the best and shortest route to the backside, trust me it will save you a lot of time. Even if you decide to do it your way like we did, the first look of the beach through those shrubs will take take your breath away. It felt like we are looking at the door to heaven.

Way to the backside of Bangaram Island

We spent a few hours there, came back, took a shower and spent the rest of the evening just lazying around. And, after having a candle light dinner under the stars, we decided to call it a night.

In case, you are still in the process of deciding which island to visit in Lakshadweep, then you may want to check out this video.

That’s it for this post. In the next posts of Lakshadweep Travel Series, I will give a quick review of the resort room and share about the activities that one can enjoy at Bangaram island in Lakshadweep. You may also check out the Lakshadweep Playlist on our YouTube channel.

I hope you are enjoying reading this travel series. Do share this post with your friends and family. I will meet you in the next post. Till then, bye bye and take care!

The post Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep | Day 1 of our Lakshadweep Trip appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hello everyone, I hope you are finding this Lakshadweep Travel Series helpful. In today’s post, I will discuss about the process of doing the bookings for Lakshadweep. And, how to easily obtain an entry permit. When we were planning a trip to Lakshadweep, doing the bookings was the most tiring and frustrating part of the whole process. But it was because we had no one to guide us. And, assure us that whatever we were doing was the right way. I tried searching on Google as well as on YouTube to get the answers to my doubts. But the information out there seemed incomplete and somewhat unreliable. And, that is the biggest reason why I want to write this post and share what we learned about doing the bookings for Lakshadweep. And, I hope that this post helps you in planning your trip with ease.

First Step to do the Bookings for Lakshadweep

Now, this is very important to understand that when you plan a trip to Lakshadweep, wait until everything gets confirmed. Don’t rush to book the trains and flights before getting the confirmation for the hotel/package you want to book in Lakshadweep.

Even if you get the verbal confirmation, I would say, hold on till you get the written confirmation.

Also, you need to keep an eye on the flight/train availability while you wait for the package confirmation.

So, the first step to do the bookings for Lakshadweep is to decide how you want to travel to Lakshadweep i.e. by ship or by flight.

I have already shared this part in my video, so do check it out before moving ahead with this post-

Also, to get more clarity you may read this detailed post, what is the best way to reach Lakshadweep. I have also shared the approx. prices for each category in this post, so that you find it easy to plan your budget for the Lakshadweep trip or to take the right decision based on your budget.

And, to decide which island you would want to visit in Lakshadweep, check out this post, how to plan a trip to Lakshadweep.

Once you go through these posts, I am sure you will get a clear idea what you want to do; whether you want to book a ship cruise or you want to stay at an island.

Now comes the main question!

How to do the Bookings for Lakshadweep?

There are two ways to do the bookings for Lakshadweep.

1. Through the Govt. website (SPORTS)
2. Through a Travel Agent (Only SPORTS Authorized)

Usually people like to go with travel agents and book the pre planned packages offered by them. But we, on the other hand, absolutely hate booking travel packages even if they come with great deals. Simply because they limit our options to explore and it feels like we don’t get much freedom to do as we please.

And, that’s the reason we choose to plan and execute all our trips on our own. That’s what we tried doing with Lakshadweep trip as well. So, let’s take a look how you can book directly through SPORTS website.

Step 1 – Go to the link https://samudram.utl.gov.in/ and Sign Up!

Sign Up!

You can skip the sign up initially and access the website like that only and once you want to proceed with the booking, you can do the Sign up.

Step 2 – Go to the Booking section and select the package you want to book.

Here you can choose Samudram, which is a 5-Day Ship Package or Bangaram, Kadmat and Kavaratti which are the Island Stay Packages.

Select the Package!

Both these packages are all-inclusive (stay and food) except certain activities for which you need to pay on the island. Please check the details of inclusions and exclusions under the Packages section on the website.

You will see there is an option to book Thinnakkara island but please note there is no stay option available at Thinnakkara as of now (March 2023).

Step 3 – Check Availability.

This is the most difficult part of the booking process. Because 99.99% times it will show ‘Sorry, Rooms are not available for the selected dates’. This could be because the website is not updated regularly. You will be tempted to try and check the availability for other dates or may be for other months too but don’t keep your hopes very high, you just may get only disappointment. Don’t want to demotivate you here but just stating what we experienced. So, try but don’t lose hope, okay!

Check Availability!

We started checking the availability in October for a trip we wanted to take in January. Luckily, we got it for the dates we were looking for. Right now in March I tried checking availability for the rest of the months but every time I got the same message of non availability. Here’s an update dated 2oth March, it seems like the website got updated recently as I checked the availability again and this time it worked in the first attempt.

Here I am sharing the screenshot of how it looks like-

Source – https://samudram.utl.gov.in/

The above screenshot shows the number of available room at Bangaram Island.

The above screenshot shows the availability of Samudram Package for the month of October and November 2023.

Step 4 – Booking & Payment.

Now once you get the available dates on the website, you can simply follow the further steps, fill out all the details and make the payment. In this case, you will receive an email from the SPORTS about the confirmation of your booking. You can also send an email on your own to confirm your bookings at laksports.reservation@gmail.com (e-mails will be answered within 48 hours). Or, you can call at +91 484 2666789, +91 484 2668387.

Fill out the details!

Once you get the confirmation, you can proceed to apply for the Entry Permit.

Even though we got the option to book the package online we couldn’t convince ourselves to make the payment because of the uncertainty of things. We were worried what if we never get an acknowledgement. What if things get delayed, etc.

Package Price for Bangaram Island for 4 people (2 rooms) for 4 nights

When we tried to contact on the number provided on both their websites, they gave us another number which belonged to some private travel agency.

We were quite skeptical about the online booking process hence decided to skip it altogether and go directly with the travel agent.

But let me tell you we were unnecessarily paranoid because in Lakshadweep we met people who have booked the package directly online and they faced no issues. Also, they mentioned that once the payment was done the SPORTS personnel stayed in touch with them through WhatsApp.

So, it’s totally up to you how you want to do the bookings.

However, I can give you one solid reason to go ahead with a travel agent. There’s a high probability that you may get some discount if you negotiate with the agent. While there’s no chance of getting a discount if you book directly online.

We talked to 2-3 travel agencies and did the final bookings with Mr. Irshad Hussain from Lakshadweep Voyage.

Lakshadweep Voyage

We found him easy to talk to, he sounded genuine and he also didn’t take any extra amount or service charge from us. He stayed in constant touch with us through calls and WhatsApp messages. I must say it was our best experience of booking a package through a travel agency. So, if you too decide to book with a travel agent you may consider, Lakshadweep Voyage, without a doubt.

Here is the list of all the SPORTS Authorized Travel Agents – https://samudram.utl.gov.in/sprt_Agents.aspx, in case you want to check out the others too.

Another thing to note, if you book with a travel agent then you don’t have to worry about the entry permit too. As, they take the whole responsibility for that as well. Entry permit is usually issued within 7-15 days of your journey.

How to Get the Entry Permit?

You will need to apply for an Entry Permit if you do the bookings for Lakshadweep online. There are two ways to do that. One, you download the application form for entry permit, fill it and send it to the concerned authority. You will have to provide the police clearance report with this and your id proofs.

Another way is to do it online.

E-Permit

Go to https://epermit.utl.gov.in/ and create your account. Here, click on Apply for new Permit under the Permit section. Fill the details in the form and attach the required documents. Pay the entry fees and it’s done. Your permit will be ready for download 15 days prior to your journey date.

To visit Lakshadweep Islands, you need a sponsor. If you know someone residing in Lakshadweep then you may ask them to sponsor you, they will provide you a letter which you need to upload in the form. Or else, you will need to get entry permit with the help of a travel agent. If you are booking a private hotel then they can also sponsor you for the permit.

So, this is how you can do the bookings for Lakshadweep trip and get the entry permit. I hope this information helps you in planning your trip to Lakshadweep. If you still have any queries, please feel free to ask them in the comments below.

PIN IT!

In the next post of Lakshadweep Travel Series, I will share all about Bangaram Island and what to expect there. So, stay tuned!

When are you planning your Lakshadweep trip? Please do forward this post to your friends and family. I will meet you in the next post, until then bye bye and take care!

The post How to do the Bookings for Lakshadweep and get the Entry Permit? Part 2 appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

It was August, my birthday month and just like the last year, we decided not to travel anywhere for the sake of our safety. But it was too hard to not think about the mountains and the beaches, the travel craving was at its peak. Surprisingly, this time even Nemit was missing the travel too much, he kept asking us when we will go on a vacation. And, we kept ignoring our inner voice until we could no longer control it. And, finally, we decided to keep all our fears aside and planned this family road trip from Delhi to Lansdowne.

However, this time the planning was next level and we had only 3 days to finalise everything.

Hello friends, welcome back to my blog. If you have been following us for quite some time now then you know that our travels are mostly to the less explored, quiet, and peaceful destinations. We try to avoid crowded tourist destinations as much as possible since that is not our style of travelling.

And, this time again we chose the destination which is not too famous among the tourists.

Planning for The Trip

The moment we decided to travel, we had to choose the destination. The beaches or the hills?

Since we felt we were not yet ready to resume air travel, we chose the hills. Next question was, Himachal or Uttarakhand?

Check out – Weekend Getaway from Delhi? Where to go, Himachal or Uttarakhand?

And, because we had only the weekend with us, we wanted to visit a nearby hill station.

By the evening, we zeroed upon two places where we could go, Rishikesh or Lansdowne?

I don’t have much experience of driving in the mountains but both Rishikesh and Lansdowne are known to me. We visited Rishikesh in 2019 and I drove to Lansdowne with my parents in 2013. So, now the final decision had to be made based on the place we like for our stay.

Check out our Rishikesh Road Trip Vlog from 2019, here-

Where to Stay?

We wanted to be very careful while booking the place to stay. Even though the coronavirus cases have drastically reduced in numbers, we still can’t take the risk. So, our best bet was to look for Airbnb properties like cottages with a bedroom, hall, and kitchen.

Check out – Why You Should Book an Airbnb when Traveling with Kids?

We didn’t like the Airbnb properties in Rishikesh, the ones we liked were out of our budget. So we called the resort where we stayed the last time. There the manager told us that weekend is not the right time to visit as it gets a bit crowded. Even that resort was fully booked for the weekend. We took the cue and dropped Rishikesh from our list.

It was Wednesday morning, I was sitting with Nemit for his online class. While he was busy doing his work, I was busy scrolling through the Airbnb app. And, just then I found this beautiful property by the name Blue Pine Orchards, 30 mins from Lansdowne. It looked really good. They had private 2 bedroom studio villas with a front yard. And, from the pictures, it looked perfect, just what we were looking for.

We booked it!

Source – Blue Pine Orchards

One tip – You may avoid booking through the 3rd party websites if you are looking for some discount. You can call the property first, and talk to the senior personnel, there are high chances they will offer you a good discount for booking directly.

Travel Guidelines to Visit Uttarakhand

Most asked question – Is the RT-PCR report mandatory for travel? Yes!

Before traveling to any place, do check the travel guidelines of that state. When we checked it was mandatory to carry a travel e-pass, vaccination certificate, or the RT-PCR negative report along with the hotel booking receipt.

All these documents were checked at the border and our details were registered. It took around 15-20 mins for the whole procedure at the check post.

Source – euttaranchal

The day we booked the hotel, we went for our RT-PCR test, the test was not mandatory for the kid. After that, we were just hoping that we get our negative report by the next day so that we could start our packing.

All our stars were in favour of this trip, we got the report within 12 hrs and we spent our Thursday packing our bags and daydreaming about the mountains & the pine trees.

Preparing for the Road Trip – Delhi to Lansdowne

No matter where you are travelling to, when you have kid/s with you, plan everything very carefully. I want to talk about packing for kids here.

• Always pack warm clothes even if the temperature shows not too cold. Go prepared.
• Always carry an umbrella and raincoat. The weather in the mountains is quite unpredictable.
• Carry a lot of dry snacks for munching on the go.
• During the road trips, we usually pack sandwiches and masala idlis, favourite of our son.
• Don’t forget to pack your child’s favourite toy.
• The car seat is a must for the safety of your child.

Check out – 5 Simple Packing Hacks for Traveling with Kids.

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Delhi to Lansdowne – The Trip Begins

It was Friday morning, surprisingly that day we woke up even before the alarm. Our bags were ready, all our documents in place, the food was packed and we were all set to go on a road trip from Delhi to Lansdowne. We started at 6.30 am from Noida and reached our destination at 2.30 pm. We took 2 long breaks only after crossing Kotdwar. Since it was raining the whole night and some of the road patches were not in good shape, we wanted to cover most of the distance without stopping. Thankfully, our son, Nemit didn’t make any fuss this time, he was totally enjoying the road trip.

This is the route we followed-

Noida – Meerut – Bijnor – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Lansdowne – Chundai (Blue Pine Orchards)

Source – Google Maps

When it comes to hill stations, not many tourists prefer visiting Lansdowne probably because it’s not that commercialised and there are not many things to do here.

But if you prefer quiet, serene, and peaceful surroundings with not many tourists around then Lansdowne is a perfect place for you. It offers an unspoiled beauty to its visitors.

And, if you want to show your children how it feels to be closer to nature, then nothing can beat this place.

Check out our Day 1 Lansdowne Vlog here –

One Request– Avoid going to any hill station during monsoons especially when you are travelling with kids.

Lansdowne is still the safest of all hill stations during the rainy season.

We travelled in the last week of August. Usually, the rains stop by this time. But this year we can clearly see the impact of climate change since we are getting more than normal rainfall in the Northern regions. And the day of our travel we got to know that it will be raining heavily for the next 3 days.

Though there were small landslides at few places around Lansdowne the roads were still accessible. Mainly because this area is maintained by the army.

Luckily, we didn’t face any problem during our trip and there were only light showers which in fact enhanced the beauty of the place and made it more scenic.

Check out – 26 Best Tips for Traveling with Kids.

That’s all for this travel blog – Delhi to Lansdowne Road Trip. See you next time!

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I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa.

My theme for #MyFriendAlexa is All under one roof called Parenting. And, this is my second post under the category Travel #TravelingWithKids.

If you liked this post, please do share it with your friends and family. Thank you!

The post Delhi to Lansdowne Weekend Road Trip #TravelingWithKids appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hey guys, today’s post is about my travel bucket list. Just taking a small break from the theme of traveling with kids.  In this post, I want to talk about my travel dreams. Traveling for me is not just a leisure activity. But it’s an emotional experience which stays with me in my memories forever.

For people who like exploring new places, traveling becomes their teacher & inspiration. For me, travel doesn’t only mean visiting new places, it’s much more than that. I develop deep bonds with those places, the mountains, the beaches, the cities, and the people.

When I am traveling, I feel deeply connected to my soul.

My Travel Memories

I was only 11 years old when I realized there’s a traveler in me. I used to watch a travel series every day which was aired on the Discovery channel in the ’90s – Travelers. And, I remember that was the first time I made a travel journal of all the places I wanted to visit.

The desire to travel was so strong that I would even argue with my parents to allow me to go on school trips, even if there was no one going from my friends.

My first school trip was to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary when I was in the nursery, just 3.5 years old. My first flight experience was from my school trip to Agra when I was in 1st std. And, one of the best memories of my school trips is from Goa (11th std). I was the only science student traveling with the arts and commerce sections & I knew no one. It was the trip when I made some of my best friends during my last days in school.

I am all about planners and journals.

When it comes to travel planning, I like to keep a travel journal where I maintain my travel bucket list. Until a decade ago, all I wanted to do was travel to all the famous tourist places in the world. However, when I first traveled to Kerala with my mother in 2010, I realized the true beauty of a place doesn’t lie only in popular destinations.

Kerala 2010 (with mom)

Instead, it’s hidden from the general crowd & can be found only in off beaten paths. Since then, I make sure to find some off beaten unexplored destinations and add those in my travel itinerary.

I am lucky that my husband loves traveling as much as I do & now I see a traveler in my son too!

Places & Adventures which I have already ticked off my Travel Bucket List (India)

So, here’s a list of 30 places and 10 adventure activities which I have already ticked off my travel bucket list. Some of these places I’ve visited multiple times. However, there are still many destinations which I want to revisit & explore some of the less visited locations there. Waiting for my son to grow up a little so that we can travel like backpackers family & explore the world. That’s our travel goal.

Dharamshala 2011

30 Destinations in India

1. Goa
2. Kerela
3. Kashmir
4. Meghalaya
5. Kaziranga National Park
6. Andaman Islands
7. Manali
8. Mussoorie
9. Nainital
10. Kausani
11. Jim Corbett National Park
12. Agra
13. Jaipur
14. Udaipur
15. Pondicherry
16. Mukteshwar
17. Kanyakumari
18. Amritsar
19. Mcleodganj
20. Rishikesh
21. Dalhousie
22. Mount Abu
23. Lansdowne
24. Badrinath
25. Kedarnath
26. Hemkunth Sahib
27. Jammu
28. Patnitop
29. Dharamshala
30. Dawki

Lansdowne 2013

Adventure Activities

1- River Rafting

2- Paragliding

Paragliding at Manali (2012)

3- Rappeling

4- Snorkeling

5- Mountain climbing

6- Camping

6- Caving

Exploring Caves at Cherrapunjee (2014)

8- Night Jungle walk

9- Jungle Safari

10- River crossing

Travel Bucket List – 40 Places I want to Visit/Things I want to do before I turn 40! 

My Travel Bucket List – In India

Destinations

1. Mahabaleshwar – Done (Aug 2019)
2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – Done (Oct 2019)
3. Dudhsagar falls – Done (Jan 2020)
4. Jodhpur – Done (Feb 2020)
5. Jaisalmer – Done (Feb 2020)
6. Lakshadweep – Done (Jan 2023)
7. Sakleshpur – Done (May 2023)
8. Wayanad – Done (Aug 2023)
9. Coorg – Done (Aug 2023)
10. Lachung, Sikkim
11. Ladakh
12. Gokarna, Karnataka
13. Darjeeling
14. Binsar
15. Ooty
16. Puri, Orissa
17. Chennai
18. Kanatal
19. Spiti Valley
20. Tawang
21. Sunderban
22. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
23. Mizoram
24. Kasol
25. Panchgani
26. Wellington, TN

Adventure Activities

1. Sky diving
2. Scuba diving
3. Trekking – Done
4. Hot air ballooning
5. Kayaking – Done (Oct ’22, Jan ’23, Mar ’23)

My Travel Bucket List – Outside India

1. Bali
2. Sri Lanka
3. Mauritius
4. Singapore
5. Nepal
6. Bhutan
7. Dubai
8. Vietnam
9. Europe

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So, these are the 40 places and adventures which I want to tick off my bucket list before I turn 40! There’s a lot to be done and time’s running so fast. I should soon plan my next adventure trip.

That’s all for today, guys. Hope you liked this post. Now you tell me which destination or adventure activity is on top of your travel bucket list. Write it down in the comments below.

See you tomorrow! And, don’t forget to share this post.

Today is Day 9 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘I’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen I for Incredible. 

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The post My Travel Bucket List- 40 Incredible Places I want to visit before I turn 40!! appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hi friends, I am back again with another post on Andaman Island. In this post, I want to share about our experience of visiting Elephant beach in Havelock Island. So far, I have taken you to the extreme North in the Andaman archipelago to Diglipur. And, to the Middle Andaman, where I took you on a mesmerizing journey to the Limestone Caves at Baratang.

In South Andaman, I took you on a cruise to Havelock Island. And in that post, I also mentioned about the best beach to visit with kids in Havelock i.e Radhanagar Beach. While Radhanagar beach is an ideal place to relax & rewind, Elephant beach is a perfect place to enjoy water sports and adventure activities.

So, while coming back from Radhanagar beach, we asked the bus conductor to suggest some fun activities we can enjoy as a family. It’s always better to check with the locals, they can be your best guides, you know! And he suggested a Trek to the Elephant Beach. He told us about the trekking path which goes through the beautiful jungle and leads directly to the beach. And, we decided to try that out the next day.

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Trek to Elephant Beach

Next morning, we all were so excited about the adventure. We reached the exact location from where the trek begins. There were a couple of forest guards seated at the entrance where they were noting down details of people taking that trek.

We checked with them about the trail and asked them if it is safe to go with a 2-year-old child and 2 senior citizens. They said it’s a plain trail through the forest and if we can walk for 30 mins then we are good to go. Just then a local villager approached us & asked if we want to take a guide. We wanted to do this trek on our own and at our own pace hence refused him.

Beginning the trek

During the trek, something went wrong perhaps we should have hired a guide. Though, we are still not sure!

You may check our Andaman Trip Itinerary here!

And, the Trek Begins…

After completing all the formalities we started our trek. We anticipated that this trek could take around an hour since the guards said it is a 30 min trail. We had walked only 15 mins when we were joined by 2 foreigner ladies who were also grannies & they were friends.

Trekking going smooth

For the next 15 mins, we all walked together and chatted along the way. It was getting hotter, I remember it was not noon still we could feel the sun directly on our head. Even though it was hot & humid, we were enjoying the trek. But a moment later, we saw a big mud puddle in front of us.

There was no way to go around it, we had to walk through it. And when we walked into that puddle, we realized that this was going to be very difficult. It was not mud, it seemed like clay, very slippery and it was deep. We couldn’t keep our balance and had to hold on to the little branches hanging from the trees. Now, this was totally unexpected. And, we were not prepared for it. 

Also, this was not the kind of adventure we were looking for!

But to our own surprise, we were quite thrilled after crossing that puddle. We were giving hi-fives to each other as if we accomplished some kind of a mission. We took a short break there.

Happy faces

You may also read – How to manage food for babies & toddlers while traveling?

We had no idea just after a turn, the whole path was covered with even bigger mud puddles. My mom told us that it had rained last night which might have resulted in this. But, forest guards didn’t mention this at all.

Millions of thoughts were crossing our mind. Maybe we were on a wrong path since we hadn’t seen anyone in the last 15 mins. Maybe we should have hired that guide. Our phones were not working so there was no way to call for help. Also, the 2 ladies who were walking with us, they suddenly disappeared. None of us saw them going ahead. All this was freaking us out!

We crossed another puddle and saw elephant poop on that path. Well, that just added to our anxiety. And we thought this is called elephant beach so there might be wild elephants in this jungle too. Oh my God, we were so terrified and all kinds of irrational thoughts were crossing our minds.

Just before getting into a big puddle

The next step was to calm down and look for a solution. In that particular moment when none of us was speaking a word and we could hear our heart’s thudding sound, I felt a moment of Nirvana.

And after some time, we all said together, let’s do this!

Although it took us another one and a half hour to come out of that trail, the feeling was idyllic. I was never so happy to see a beach in my life. We were covered with mud from head to toe. Yes, because at some places we had to crawl on our knees & bums to pass through the puddle.

Happy & excited to see the beach

I can never forget that trek. That 3 hr long trek taught me so much about life, balance, fear, love, will to survive, togetherness, moreover, accepting the situation when it is not as per our plan.

This is what travel teaches us and that’s why I want my son to travel and explore such places from this very early age.

Finally, we saw the white sand beach with the most beautiful turquoise water in the distance. We ran to the shore and cleaned ourselves and thanked our stars. We were happy we didn’t find any wild elephants!

Water Sport Activities at Elephant Beach

After relaxing a bit, we checked what all we can do there. We were shocked to know that they were almost closing. Yes, the beach closes around 3.30 pm. They clear off the beach by 4 pm as it gets high tides in the evening. And, it’s not safe!

We realized why we couldn’t find anyone on that trail. The officials at the beach told us that the best time to reach here is early morning.

Water Sport Activities

There were many activities to do, like snorkeling, banana boat ride, jet ski, and sea walk. We chose to go for sea walk since we had never tried this before. So, our mothers decided to relax on the beach and we left Nemit with them. And, booked a sea walk session for us.

Sea Walk at Elephant Beach – 2500/- per person.

It was a surreal experience to walk on the sea bed, circling around a big coral, and feeding colorful fishes with our hands. What did I like most about that experience? Making poses underwater and getting clicked!

Sea Walk

So, guys if you plan to trek to the elephant beach, do consider hiring a guide. And as I always say, be flexible, keep your calm and have a Plan B ready.

You can also take a boat to reach the beach.

Speed Boat

Speed boat transfer – 750/- per person 

That’s all for today.

This is Day 5 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘E’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids‘ & I have chosen E for Elephant Beach. 

You can read all my posts under BlogchatterA2Z here!

I hope you liked reading our experience. Do leave a comment below and don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.

See you tomorrow!

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The post Elephant beach – Trek with Kids in Havelock, Andaman Island appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hey guys, hope you all are doing good. Today, I want to share my experience of traveling to the extreme North in the Andaman archipelago to the town of Diglipur with my family. As I mentioned in our Andaman Itinerary, Diglipur is the largest & the farthest town in North Andaman. Although, it is not the main tourist attraction you can witness a beautiful island village life here, which makes it truly special. Also, you will find some most exotic & untouched beaches near Diglipur.

You may also want to read –Best Beach to visit with kids in Havelock Island!

Diglipur seemed to me like a dream. People were just lazying around, there was no stress on their faces, they were happy doing their own thing. And their simple rice & sambhar with pickle & papad is the most delicious meal I’ve ever had in my life. The whole experience at Diglipur was just magical. And, I wanted to stay there forever.

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Not many people know about Diglipur including the locals at Port Blair. None of the travel operators will add this in your trip itinerary unless you mention it specifically. Only a few tourists travel this far in the North & they are mostly the explorers and the nature lovers. Yes, we can call Diglipur a nature lover’s paradise.

No doubt, we are a family of nature lovers!

How to Reach Diglipur?

I want to say one thing to all the people reading this post. Don’t expect too much, you won’t find any luxury in any part of Middle or North Andaman. But you can experience the best of nature, pristine beaches and explore the most beautiful untouched locations there.

In my previous post on Baratang Caves, I have shared the route maps from Port Blair and few options for the overnight halt. The distance from Port Blair to Diglipur is 300 Km and it may take up to 14 hrs if traveling with kids. The road condition in many parts is not that good which will further slow you down. You will need to cross Jarwah Reserve Forest and 2/3 water streams on vehicle ferries if starting from Port Blair.

The Route we followed to reach Diglipur

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We started early morning around 5 am from our resort (Ixzire Resort) and reached Jirkatang check post by 5.45 am. After all the formalities to get the permit to pass through the Jarwah Reserve Forest, we started in a convoy at around 6.30 am. We reached the Middle strait jetty after an exciting road journey of 90 mins. Next, we took a vehicle ferry to reach Baratang jetty at Baratang Island. From there, we started our onward journey towards Rangat.

You may also read – Meghalaya Trip Itinerary!

We reached Rangat at around 1 pm and stopped at Priya International Hotel for lunch. This is the same hotel where we stayed overnight while returning back from Diglipur.

Amkunj beach

After lunch, we directly visited Amkunj Beach which is a famous beach in Rangat with eco-friendly facilities like eco huts, log sofas & wooden swings. After spending some 30 mins in and around the beach, we started our onward journey.

Amkunj to Dhani Nallah Beach and Dhani Nallah walkway to Beach

There is another beautiful beach located 13 km from Amkunj beach towards Diglipur i.e Dhaninallah Beach. It is famous for the longest Mangrove Nature Walkway, 713 meters long, in India.

Dhani Nallah Mangrove Nature Walkway towards Dhani Nallah Beach

The boardwalk and the beach facilities are completely eco-friendly. There are many halts on the long boardwalk and these are named after the commonly found birds in the Andaman Islands.

Halts named after famous birds of this region

Since we had to reach Diglipur before night, we visited Dhaninallah beach on our way back from Diglipur. Our next stop was Diglipur market where we ordered a cake for our son since it was Nemit’s 2nd birthday on the next day.

You may also read – Krabi Trip Itinerary!

Where to Stay in Diglipur?

There are only a few accommodation options in Diglipur mainly in nearby Kalipur village. And you need to book your stay well in advance. We had stayed at Pristine Beach Resort which is the best resort in Diglipur. Other in the town are Turtle Resort (it is government property) & Saddle Peak View Resort.

Places to visit in Diglipur?

Ross & Smith Island – Twin Island

As I mentioned earlier, the next day was Nemit’s birthday and to celebrate that we chose Ross & Smith Islands.

Nemit with his Nani & Dadi at Smith Island

These are one of the most pristine and secluded Islands of Andaman. And are connected to each other with a thin strip of the white sandbar. You can literally walk from one island to another. Check out the detailed post on Twin Islands here.

Kalipur Beach – Turtle Nesting Ground

Kalipur beach was 10 mins walking distance from our resort. It is famous for turtle nesting and tourists visit this beach mainly to watch turtles. As per our guide, one needs to spend some 3-4 hrs at the beach late at night to spot the turtles which come out of the water to lay eggs on the beach.

Since we had only 2 nights to spend in Diglipur, we couldn’t cover all other places of interest. And these are still on our travel bucket list.

Diglipur map

-> Saddle Peak – Highest Peak in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

-> Alfred Caves – Limestone Caves in Diglipur

-> Mud Volcano at Shyam Nagar 

That’s the hidden gem of North Andaman for you guys. We traveled with our 2-year-old son and his grandmothers. The journey was a bit tiring since it was quite hot even in the month of January. But the whole experience was out of this world and I can’t truly express it in words. One should visit Diglipur to witness the charm of this rustic village and its nearby places.

Today is Day 4 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘D’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen D for Diglipur.

You can read all my posts for AtoZ challenge here!

That’s all for today, guys! I hope you liked the post. Do tell me in the comments below if you have visited this place or would like to travel to Diglipur soon. Also, you know sharing is caring, so please share this post with your friends and family. I would really appreciate that.

Take care, see you tomorrow!

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