TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN SIKKIM,INCREDIBLE INDIA

One of the Himalaya’s best-kept travel secrets,Sikkim is a welcome diversion from all conventional notions of an Indian holiday. Far fromRajasthan’s royal trail, Goa’s beaches and Kerala’s backwaters, this tiny Indian hill state prides itself on pristine alpine forests, lofty snow-capped mountains, craggy landscapes dotted with quaint villages and a rich tribal culture brocaded with vibrant Tibetan Buddhist accents.

A fantastic adventure off the beaten track, Sikkim is a place waiting to be explored. Here are 15 excellent ways to get under its skin.

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Considered one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most important centres, the magnificent Rumtek Monastery is a repository of countless invaluable artefacts (precious metal statues, gem-studded cenotaphs, exotic ritualistic paraphernalia) stacked within its cavernous portals. The official – though currently vacant – seat of the revered Karmapa Lama, the monastery is especially attractive during the Mahakala Dance in February, when giant figurines of protector deities raise hell in the courtyard and fight off evil demons.

Trek to Goecha La

Many hardened hikers consider this week-long adventure to be the best trek for sighting Mt Khangchendzonga (8586m), the world’s third-highest peak. Starting from the outpost of Yuksom in West Sikkim, the trail cuts up a sylvan alpine terrain to finally peak at a gravity-defying 4940m, from where you can take in sweeping views of the snows towering above. April and November are best for photo ops.

Explore North Sikkim

Sprawled across a remote northern region of the state, the sublimely beautiful valleys of Yumthang and Tsopta are scantly visited. Frequently ravaged by landslides and earthquakes, these mountains are tricky territory to travel in. But then, isn’t that what intrepid travel is all about? So jump into a sturdy four-wheel-drive and hit the bumpy road to paradise. To adjust to the altitude along the way, spend a night in the quaint and scenic hamlet of Lachen.

Sip Temi’s tea

The tiny village of Temi in South Sikkim stands its ground as the only tea-growing region in the state. Producing a mellow and delightfully aromatic brew, ‘Temi tea’ has a loyal following around the world, and the good news is you can now relish the nectar right where it is harvested. Simply schedule an excursion through Temi’s picturesque gardens, and savour grand 360-degree mountain views along with every refreshing sip of the amber beverage (best had without milk or sugar).

Go organic

Sikkim is poised to become the first state in India to go fully organic in terms of production and consumption of food material. The changeover is already apparent in local markets, where organic produce seems to be trumping non-organic. Needless to say, this is your chance to detoxify, indulge in a nutritious vacation and eat your way to good health.

Drive to Tsomgo Lake

 

Spanning a valley at a height of 3780m, Tsomgo Lake cuts a pretty picture against a backdrop of rugged mountains rising towards the Tibetan Plateau. The outing (a four-hour return journey from state capital Gangtok) is particularly enjoyable in early spring and late autumn, when parts of the lake are frozen over and the stalls by the lake serve piping hot tea and momos (meat-filled dumplings) to fight the numbing chill. A lakeside joyride on a friendly yak? It's got that too!

Row down the Teesta

Rushing down the length of Sikkim from icy glacial heights to tropical alluvial plains, the turbulent Teesta River promises some fantastic rafting opportunities on its foamy waters. From calm stretches for novices to curling rapids for experienced oar-wielders, the river packs a variety of challenges at every level. Whether raft or kayak, choose your preferred ride and let the adrenaline flow.

Understand Tibetology

Got a thing for antique mountain cultures? Then swing by the fortress-like Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, and familiarise yourself with countless nuances of Tibetan culture and Vajrayana Buddhism. Don’t miss the museum, packed with relics such as ancient manuscripts, thangkas (religious scroll paintings) and Tantric ritualistic objects (human skull bowls and thigh-bone trumpets, anyone?).

Know your morsels

A bowl of steaming sisnoo (nettle soup), a serving of fried ningro (fiddlehead ferns) and, finally, a generous helping of rice with gundruk ko jhol (fermented mustard leaf soup) and fiery pork curry. That’s a traditional Sikkimese meal, delicious to the last spoonful. If the spice gets to you, simply wash it down with chhang, a refreshing local rice beer served in wooden mugs.

Embrace local life

Do you think hotels are characterless and boring? Wonderful. Shun the usual sleeping options and root for an absorbing experience at one of rural Sikkim’s many ambient homestays instead. Mingle with affable hosts, share stories and drinks over kitchen fires in the evening, have fun helping out with farm and household activities, and kill time with a book or iPod for company in the cosy comfort of your tastefully appointed room.

Find religion

Spirituality is an essential element of Sikkim’s social and cultural grain, and you can amply soak it up during your holiday here. Meditate in an ancient Buddhist gompa, attend a religious ceremony (such as the new year festivities of Losar), or pay obeisance at the many shrines in the temple town of Namchi. If you’re visiting a monastery, don’t forget to light a butter lamp for peace, love and prosperity.

Take a day hike

Sikkim’s mountains are criss-crossed by numerous foot trails traditionally used by locals to commute between villages. For travellers, this means a wonderful opportunity to bushwalk through the serene wilderness, exploring the region’s bucolic scenery and a plethora of plant and animal life along the way. The day walks from Yuksom to Khecheopalri Lake and Tashiding are particularly picturesque, as are short jaunts around the town of Ravangla

Smell the rhododendrons

Known to foster more than 500 species of rhododendron, the forests of Varsey and Singba (in West Sikkim and North Sikkim respectively) come alive in a riotous bloom sometime between March and May. Vivid shades of red, pink, yellow, mauve and white smear entire hillsides, and a walk under these colourful canopies is an otherworldly experience, to say the least. Mind those pesky leeches wiggling in the undergrowth, though.

Groove to Gangtok’s nightlife

Dusk is a happy time along MG Marg, Gangtok’s social and cultural hub. Snack stalls along the main drag whip up juicy servings of momos, lounge bars come alive with strains of rock and blues, and the appetising smell of freshly baked savouries perfumes the crisp evening air. The booze is cheap, the company is friendly, and the good times keep rolling. Drink, dine and dance the night away.

Glide like an eagle

The newest fix for adventure junkies in the region, paragliding is a fantastic way to enjoy bird’s eye views of Sikkim’s mountains. October and November, with clear sunny skies, are the best months for the sport – this is also when Gangtok hosts the annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival. So put on your helmet, strap on your chute and leap off the hill for a thrilling flight down to terra firma. And don’t forget to snap a self-portrait en route, to secure bragging rights back home.

Google: Algorithm Updates

Google has a long history of famous algorithm updates, search index changes and refreshes.

Below are links to some of the most important resources for search marketers:

Google has a long history of famous algorithm updates, search index changes and refreshes.
Below are links to some of the most important resources for search marketers:

• Google Hummingbird
• Google Mobile Friendly Update
• Google Panda Update
• Google Penguin Update
• Google Pigeon Update
• Google Payday Update
• Google Pirate Update
• Google EMD (Exact Match Domain) Update
• Google Top Heavy Update

Biking Adventures with prevention and safety tips

Biking is a fun way for children of all ages to get active and stay fit. Most children learn to ride a tricycle at around 3 years of age. Between 4 and 7 years of age most children learn to ride a bike. However, remember that each child is different and will learn to ride a bike at his or her own pace.

Biking can be an athlete’s primary sport, as well as a way for athletes to cross-train and avoid overuse injuries. Injured athletes often use biking to stay in shape during rehabilitation before returning to their sport.

While not all injuries can be prevented, the risk of injuries can be reduced. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about how to choose a bike and prevent biking injuries. Also included is an overview of common biking injuries.

How to choose a bike

Parents should choose a bike that allows the child to sit on the seat and touch both feet on the ground. Also, while standing there should only be a few inches between the top center bar of the bike and the child’s inner groin or crotch area. Tricycles allow a child to practice steering and pedaling. Bicycles with training wheels or bikes with no pedals can help with balance when learning to ride. Avoid purchasing a larger bike for the child to “grow into.”

Injury prevention and safety tips

• Equipment. Safety gear should fit properly and be well maintained.
• Helmets. Everyone riding a tricycle or bike should wear a helmet. Helmets are the most important protective gear for bikers. Parents should set a good example by always wearing their helmets too. Helmets should fit appropriately, and the straps should be fastened. Helmets should meet the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Clothing. When biking, children should wear bright-colored clothing so they are easily seen by other bikers, walkers, and drivers. Pant cuffs should be tight to avoid getting caught in the wheels or chain.
• Shoes. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes should be worn to protect the toes. Shoelaces should be tied securely.
• Pads (knee, elbow, and wrist pads) are useful, particularly for beginners or trick riders.
• Reflectors should not be removed from children’s bikes.
• Environment. When a child is learning to ride a bike, the area should be free of traffic and distractions. Parents should also choose areas without gravel, loose sand, or puddles. Learning to ride on a softer surface like grass will lower the risk of an injury from falls. It is always best to stay on a designated bike path. Children should not bike in the dark or twilight hours because it can be difficult for them to see or be seen.
• Rules. Bikers should follow the rules of the road at all times, including:
• When crossing roads, get off the bike and walk across the road.
• Observe stop signs.
• Ride with traffic and stay as far to the right as allowed when riding on the road.
• Do not wear headphones, text, or talk on a cell phone while biking.

Common injuries

Head injuries

Some of the most severe biking injuries involve head trauma. Helmets have been shown to decrease the number and severity of injuries. When a child has a head injury, the parent should stay calm and assess the situation. If the child is not awake, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. The parent should hold the head and neck very still and avoid moving the child until help arrives. Bleeding can be controlled with gentle pressure and a cold pack. If the child is awake but complaining of a headache, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, nausea, or dizziness, see a doctor right away. These can be signs of a serious head injury (concussion).

Abdominal and groin injuries

Abdominal injuries can happen when a child falls and the end of the handle bar hits the abdomen (stomach). Any child with stomach pain, hematuria (blood in the urine), or vomiting should see a doctor. Special tests will be ordered to make sure there has been no major injury.

Groin injuries can happen when a child falls on the center bar of the bike. Any child with bleeding, persistent pain, or problems urinating should see a doctor. Minor injuries can be treated with rest, pain medicine, and cold packs.

Fractures (broken bones)

Before a child stops growing, broken bones are more common than sprains or dislocations when a child falls. This is especially common in the wrist and ankle. If the child will not bear weight or if you push on the bone and it hurts, the child should see a doctor for an x-ray. Severe pain or obvious deformity is also a sign of a fracture. Parents can immobilize the injury with a piece of cardboard and an ACE wrap. Ice, not heat, should be applied and the arm or leg should be elevated. Nonprescription pain medicine can be given to the child.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries include cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Cuts and scrapes (“road rash”) should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. In most cases, disinfectants such as betadine or hydrogen peroxide are not necessary. Deep cuts or scrapes with gravel, glass, or splinters in them should be evaluated by a doctor. The area should be dressed with a clean bandage. Ice packs can then help to reduce pain and swelling. See a doctor if the area shows any signs of infection (such as fever or if the skin around the wound becomes red, warm, or swollen or drains pus).

Remember

Biking injuries can be prevented when the rules of the road are followed. And most importantly, everyone (including parents) should wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bike.

लोग हर मोड़ पर रुक – रुक के संभलते क्यों है

लोग हर मोड़ पर रुक – रुक के संभलते क्यों है

इतना डरते है तो फिर घर से निकलते क्यों है
मैं ना जुगनू हूँ दिया हूँ ना  कोई तारा हूँ

रौशनी वाले मेरे नाम से जलते क्यों हैं
नींद से मेरा ताल्लुक ही नहीं बरसों से

ख्वाब आ – आ के मेरी छत पे टहलते क्यों हैं
मोड़ तो होता हैं जवानी का संभलने के लिये

और सब लोग यही आकर फिसलते क्यों हैं

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आँखों में पानी रखों, होंठो पे चिंगारी रखो
जिंदा रहना है तो तरकीबे बहुत सारी रखो

राह के पत्थर से बढ के, कुछ नहीं हैं 

मंजिलें रास्ते आवाज़ देते हैं, सफ़र जारी रखो

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सूरज, सितारे, चाँद मेरे साथ में रहें

जब तक तुम्हारे हाथ मेरे हाथ में रहें

शाखों से टूट जाए वो पत्ते नहीं हैं हम

आंधी से कोई कह दे की औकात में रहें

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हर एक हर्फ़ का अंदाज़ बदल रखा हैं

आज से हमने तेरा नाम ग़ज़ल रखा हैं

मैंने शाहों की मोहब्बत का भरम तोड़ दिया

मेरे कमरे में भी एक “ताजमहल” रखा हैं

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जवानिओं में जवानी को धुल करते हैं

जो लोग भूल नहीं करते, भूल करते हैं

अगर अनारकली हैं सबब बगावत का

सलीम हम तेरी शर्ते कबूल करते हैं

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इश्क ने गूथें थे जो गजरे नुकीले हो गए

तेरे हाथों में तो ये कंगन भी ढीले हो गए

फूल बेचारे अकेले रह गए है शाख पर

गाँव की सब तितलियों के हाथ पीले हो गए

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काम सब गेरज़रुरी हैं, जो सब करते हैं

और हम कुछ नहीं करते हैं, गजब करते हैं

आप की नज़रों मैं, सूरज की हैं जितनी अजमत

हम चरागों का भी, उतना ही अदब करते हैं

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जुबा तो खोल, नज़र तो मिला,जवाब तो दे

में कितनी बार लुटा हु, मुझे हिसाब तो दे

तेरे बदन की लिखावट में हैं उतार चढाव

में तुझको कैसे पढूंगा, मुझे किताब तो दे

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उसकी कत्थई आंखों में हैं जंतर मंतर सब

चाक़ू वाक़ू, छुरियां वुरियां, ख़ंजर वंजर सब

जिस दिन से तुम रूठीं,मुझ से, रूठे रूठे हैं

चादर वादर, तकिया वकिया, बिस्तर विस्तर सब

मुझसे बिछड़ कर, वह भी कहां अब पहले जैसी है

फीके पड़ गए कपड़े वपड़े, ज़ेवर वेवर सब

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इन्तेज़ामात  नए सिरे से संभाले जाएँ

जितने कमजर्फ हैं महफ़िल से निकाले जाएँ

मेरा घर आग की लपटों में छुपा हैं लेकिन

जब मज़ा हैं, तेरे आँगन में उजाला जाएँ

BEST IPHONE APPS TO HIDE PICTURES ON MOBILE

Any picture you take or import from your PC or Mac immediately gets stored to your phone library. And anyone can see them there--which can become really embarrassing. Fortunately, there are some cool apps that hide pictures on your iPhone.

Pictures can be hidden by password-protecting them, hiding them behind a calculator, or locking them. Most of these applications create a special hidden folder, to which you can transfer your personal pictures. Here’s a rundown of some of the top applications to protect pictures on your phone.

1. Private Photo Vault

Private Photo Vault is one of the best free applications to protect your personal photos and videos by password/pattern-locking. This feature-rich app allows easy album organization by allowing you to transfer images and videos from iPhone’s photo app to your new protected album. All you need to do is select photos you want to hide and password-protect them on your private album.

Private Photo Vault has a tri-protect system. You can either hide your photos via a secure password system or a nifty pattern lock system. There’s also a pin lock option that lets you hide an image by entering a 4-digit pin.

Of many additional features, my favorite is the decoy password option. It allows users to enter two passwords – one for the personal picture album and a main password for the normal one. You can then enter the main password if someone finds this app and tells you to show what’s behind the protected album. With a smooth interface, and simple yet extremely secure protection option, the app is a good way to hide your photos on your phone.

2. SpyCalc

The photo-hiding feature of SpyCalc seems to be inspired by a James Bond flick. This amazing gadget lets you hide pictures on your iPhone behind an innocent-looking calculator. The app works exactly like a normal calculator, but doubles as a secret safe, where you can type in a number combination to hide/unhide photos.

The free version is ad-supported, but has all features of the paid version, so there’s no need to buy the app, unless you feel ads are a nuisance. With this app, you can take pictures directly and store them in the calculator app. It also lets you create categories for your hidden photos, ensuring ease in navigation. With an innovative calculator-safe gadget, Spy Calc makes image-hiding fun and exciting.

3. KeepSafe

Another free application, KeepSafe has an easy-to-use pin lock system that lets you type in a four-digit pin to hide photos on your phone. It has a nice little private camera feature that lets you take pictures and hide them directly into the app--no need for these pictures to spend any time unprotected.

Along with pictures, KeepSafe also lets you hide videos as well. All you need to do is open the application, select the items you want to pin-protect, and import them to the application. Make sure you delete the picture from your iPhone’s photo app after importing it to the application. You can also create albums inside the app and transfer pictures directly to them.

KeepSafe is a nifty little app that gives you total control over your media. It has only one protection system, but is effective enough to hide private pictures

4. Pic Lock 2.0

Pic Lock 2.0 is a free photo-hiding application that allows users to protect their private pictures by entering a strong pass code or by creating a complex pattern via a nifty pattern locking system. The app supports iPhone 5 and has a very smooth user interface.

Pic Lock 2.0 offers everything a standard photo-lock app has. These include iTunes sharing via USB, and importing and exporting pictures from and to your iPhone photo app. The free version of the app won't have regular updates; the paid version promises lifetime updates, to fix stability issues and add new features.

5. KYMS

KYMS is another fun app that lets you hide your private pictures on iPhone via a calculator gadget. The app hides both photos and videos, and has a solid password feature. All videos, whether FLV or AVI, can be played directly into the app, thanks to the integrated video support with the help of Airplay. Unfortunately, this feature is only available with the paid version.

KYMS also doubles as document protection software. You can import PDF and text files to your app and keep them hidden behind a calculator. You can view the documents, like videos, from inside the application, thanks to a nifty viewer integrated within the app. Another good aspect is the password recovery feature that lets you recover forgotten passwords via a special PUK code.

The app is free, but many of its amazing features are available via in-app purchases. You can import photos, documents and videos via iTunes or the device camera.

Laal Rang review: Randeep Hooda shines with this hot topic Laal Rang

Laal Rang review: Randeep Hooda shines in this dark Haryanvi tale with this hot topic  movie

 Laal Rang

Cast: Randeep Hooda, Akshay Oberoi

Director: Syed Ahmad Afzal

Rating: 3/5

Neither the title, nor the trailer suggests anything about Laal Rang’s dark setting. So, when the macabre thriller unfolds, it manages to keep the audience engrossed. Randeep Hooda’s character Shankar spreads its charm and completely absorbs us into his blood transfusion racket where he plays both the devil and savior.

Shankar’s friendship leads Rajesh (Akshay Oberoi) into a blood bank scam run by some ambitious Haryanvi youths. It turns out to be a goldmine for poor Rajesh who wants to own latest bikes and cool shades. Like most gangster-prodigy stories, they also fall out, but their past doesn’t let them stay in peace.

Hooda owns the screen with his spontaneity and rustic appearance. His poor household doesn’t suffice for his magnanimity, but his actions do. From a heart-broken lover to a cunning fraud, he excels in every shade. His command over the local dialect and understanding of the neo-noir genre only helps his case.

It doesn’t take him a second to transform into a menacing blood theft mafia man from an affable neighbour. He cares for the people working for him, and runs a cartel that includes his former enemies. However, he won’t let out his biggest secrets to even his closest aides. In short, he is a chameleon.

Laal Rang revolves around an extremely important subject: corruption in blood banks. It is set in Karnal, Haryana, where Shankar Malik (Hooda) runs a successful blood donation racket. To make his illegal activities easier by becoming a government insider, he enrols in a Medical Lab Technology course at a government hospital.

There he meets the young and impressionable Rajesh Dhiman (Akshay Oberoi) who is so awe-struck by his charisma, his swagger, his inventive ways of making money under the table and his Yamaha RX100 (which, the film tells us, makes men irresistible to women) that he soon becomes his protégé.

Also in the picture is their straight-laced classmate Poonam Sharma (Pia Bajpai) and a late entrant into the story, Superintendent of Police Gajraj Singh (Rajniesh Duggall), the local Haryanvi boy who made it big.

The film's supporting actors are a uniformly competent lot, though a special mention must be made of Rajendra Sethi - another excellent yet underrated actor - playing one of Shankar's cohorts. Bajpai is good for the most part even though she is not entirely convincing with her fake bad English.

In what is one of the film's nicest touches, the characters in Laal Rang are not built up as menacing repulsive villains, yet they are clearly an amoral bunch who, for instance, celebrate a dengue epidemic because of the gains it brings blood racketeers like them. What the film teaches us about their underhand dealings is terrifying. It is the kind of story that will make you hesitate to ever visit a blood bank again, though of course we do not have a choice in this matter, a realisation that would chill any normal human being to the bone.

The film's undoing is what seems to be confusion over the tone it wants to achieve. And so, although large parts of the narrative have a very apt, realistic feel to them, Laal Rang never becomes as gritty as it needed to be because of its tendency to intermittently wander off into long, loud songs supplemented by stylised, slow motion shots. The insistent background score is used to underline every single emotion, twist and turn as if for fear that the audience may miss the point.

As standalone scenes and music videos outside a feature film, some of these are pretty impressive. In one passage in the film, for instance, Shankar takes Rajesh for a ride on his mobike and as the music plays and the wind blows through his hair, he seems to ask his young pillion rider to take the handlebars while he himself lets go and reaches into his pocket for a cigarette. Ooh. Neat.

While this scene works because it comes before we discover the horrid reality of the blood underworld that is Laal Rang's focus, once we settle into that theme, the repeated musical asides become an irritant.

The music is not that memorable and the plot could have been a bit pacy with a not too predictable climax. However, all said and done, Laal Rang is not a bad watch and for fans of Randeep Hooda, the film will surely be a weekend treat.

Most Beautiful Indian Lakes That Everyone Must Visit Before They Die

India has a large number of beautiful lakes and great rivers spread all over the country from Kashmir to Kerala and from Rajasthan to Assam. Lakes in India can be divide as man made as well as natural, further natural lake again divided as freshwater lake and brackish water lakes. Indira Sagar reservoir the big lake is the biggest reservoir in India and The Sambhar Salt Lake is India’s largest inland salt lake. Most of the lakes in India are fresh water lakes, Dal Lake in Kashmir and Sasthamkotta Lake in Kerala are the example of freshwater lakes. These water bodies on the land surface are one of the most beautiful tourist attraction in India. The Cholamu Lake is counted as one of most beautiful lake in the world. The Lonar Crater the world’s oldest and largest crater in India is located in state of Maharashtra’s District Buldhana. There are so may beautiful lakes which are famous for bird watching such as Kolleru Lake, Pulicat Lake and Nal Sarovar Lake. The Kanwar Taal or Kabar Taal Lake at Bihar is Asia largest Fresh Water lake, Oxbow lake an oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water. Some Of The Top Indian  Lake Details Are As Follow:

1.  Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar’s jewel, Dal Lake with its sparkling quiet waters, gaily painted shikaras and backdrop of the mist shrouded peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountains is definitely a sight for sore eyes. Go to sleep on an ornate wooden houseboat swaying gently in the serene waters of the lake and wake up to the water reflecting whatever shades the sun throws on it, with the glorious floating gardens swirling around you.Best place to stay: Dongola Palace HouseboatsBest time to visit: July- August: Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir © wackywanderlust Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar’s jewel, Dal Lake with its sparkling quiet waters, gaily painted shikaras and backdrop of the mist shrouded peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountains is definitely a sight for sore eyes. Go to sleep on an ornate wooden houseboat swaying gently in the serene waters of the lake and wake up to the water reflecting whatever shades the sun throws on it, with the glorious floating gardens swirling around you.

Best place to stay: Dongola Palace Houseboats

Best time to visit: July- August 

2. Gurudongmar lake, Sikkim

It takes a long bumpy ride on mostly dirt roads through a barren landscape to get to the Gurudongmar Lake, but the magnificence that awaits you is totally worth it. Backed by the surreal beauty of the Himalayan pinnacles, this highly revered lake with its crystal clear snow-melt waters and icy banks feels like a world away.Best place to stay: Apple Orchard Resort, LachenBest time to visit: June to August: Gurudongmar lake, Sikkim © indiamike Gurudongmar lake, Sikkim It takes a long bumpy ride on mostly dirt roads through a barren landscape to get to the Gurudongmar Lake, but the magnificence that awaits you is totally worth it. Backed by the surreal beauty of the Himalayan pinnacles, this highly revered lake with its crystal clear snow-melt waters and icy banks feels like a world away.

Best place to stay: Apple Orchard Resort, Lachen

Best time to visit: June to August

3. Pichola lake, Rajhasthan

Limpid, large and luminous, Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty palaces, ancient temples and cool green hills on all its sides. Sail into a purple sunset on dreamy little boat or take a heritage walk around the tranquil waters of a lake which doesn’t need filters to look spectacular when silhouetted at dusk!Best place to stay: Jaiwana Haveli, UdaipurBest time to visit: September to March: Pichola lake, Rajhasthan © makemytrip Pichola lake, Rajhasthan Limpid, large and luminous, Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty palaces, ancient temples and cool green hills on all its sides. Sail into a purple sunset on dreamy little boat or take a heritage walk around the tranquil waters of a lake which doesn’t need filters to look spectacular when silhouetted at dusk!

Best place to stay: Jaiwana Haveli, Udaipur

Best time to visit: September to March

4. Pookode lake, Kerala

Cuddled in the lap of Wayanad’s lushly forested mountains, Pookode Lake is an emerald hued lake offering a surreal encounter with nature at its most spectacular. Pedal across the placid waters of this beguilingly beautiful lake, indulge in some serious nature photography (check out the blue lotus) or take quick detour to the freshwater aquarium nearby for a relaxing holiday.Best place to stay: Pookode Lake Resort, WayanadBest time to visit: December to June: Pookode lake, Kerala © besthomestaywayanad Pookode lake, Kerala Cuddled in the lap of Wayanad’s lushly forested mountains, Pookode Lake is an emerald hued lake offering a surreal encounter with nature at its most spectacular. Pedal across the placid waters of this beguilingly beautiful lake, indulge in some serious nature photography (check out the blue lotus) or take quick detour to the freshwater aquarium nearby for a relaxing holiday.

Best place to stay: Pookode Lake Resort, Wayanad

Best time to visit: December to June

5. Suraj Taal, Himachal Pradesh

Revered as the Lake of the Sun God, Suraj Taal is the place to be if you are in search of tranquillity. There’s some mighty stiff competition in the Himalayas when it comes to glacier-fed beauty but what makes Suraj Taal so stunning is the surrounding landscape - the majestically jagged mountains, piles of snow smoothened pebbles and cornflower blue skies.Best place to stay: Triveni Hotel, SissuBest time to visit: May to October: Suraj Taal, Himachal Pradesh © lifeastraveler Suraj Taal, Himachal Pradesh Revered as the Lake of the Sun God, Suraj Taal is the place to be if you are in search of tranquillity. There’s some mighty stiff competition in the Himalayas when it comes to glacier-fed beauty but what makes Suraj Taal so stunning is the surrounding landscape - the majestically jagged mountains, piles of snow smoothened pebbles and cornflower blue skies.

Best place to stay: Triveni Hotel, Sissu

Best time to visit: May to October

6. Berijam Lake, Tamil Nadu

Surrounded by verdant Shola forests, Berijam Lake is so pristine that it has a haunting quality. The perfect place for bird watching, canopied trails, and quiet reflections, Berijam Lake lies deep inside the forest, away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. Do note that you need written official permission to enter the forest area, but the effort is well worth it!Best place to stay: Kodaikanal Dreamstay, KodaikanalBest time to visit: April to June: Berijam Lake, Tamil Nadu © indiantravels Berijam Lake, Tamil Nadu Surrounded by verdant Shola forests, Berijam Lake is so pristine that it has a haunting quality. The perfect place for bird watching, canopied trails, and quiet reflections, Berijam Lake lies deep inside the forest, away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. Do note that you need written official permission to enter the forest area, but the effort is well worth it!

Best place to stay: Kodaikanal Dreamstay, Kodaikanal

Best time to visit: April to June

7. Bhim Tal Lake, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has a bounteous array of beautiful lakes, but Bhimtal Lake has traits that make it stand out: the pretty town of Bhimtal dotted with quaint temples, a stupendous panorama of the Kumaon Hills, solitary trails winding along its scenic banks and a delightful little island at its centre. Close to Delhi, it’s the perfect destination for an idyllic weekend getaway!Best place to stay: Emerald Trail, BhimtalBest time to visit: April to July: Bhim Tal Lake, Uttarakhand © tourment Bhim Tal Lake, Uttarakhand Uttarakhand has a bounteous array of beautiful lakes, but Bhimtal Lake has traits that make it stand out: the pretty town of Bhimtal dotted with quaint temples, a stupendous panorama of the Kumaon Hills, solitary trails winding along its scenic banks and a delightful little island at its centre. Close to Delhi, it’s the perfect destination for an idyllic weekend getaway!

Best place to stay: Emerald Trail, Bhimtal

Best time to visit: April to July

8. Pangong Tso Lake, Jammu and Kashmir

Remember that stunning lake from 3 Idiots? Lined with an outlandish landscape of vast barren mountains, Pangong Tso is a sublime melange of dramatically swirling mountains and vivid blue green water conjured into a lake which photographs like a dream. Remember to pay your respects at the Darbuk village nearby where a chain of war memorials and historic army bunkers stand in commemoration of the 1962 Indo-China War.Best place to stay: Pangong Inn, Pangong TsoBest time to visit: May to September: Pangong Tso Lake, Jammu and Kashmir © hpcabs Pangong Tso Lake, Jammu and Kashmir Remember that stunning lake from 3 Idiots? Lined with an outlandish landscape of vast barren mountains, Pangong Tso is a sublime melange of dramatically swirling mountains and vivid blue green water conjured into a lake which photographs like a dream. Remember to pay your respects at the Darbuk village nearby where a chain of war memorials and historic army bunkers stand in commemoration of the 1962 Indo-China War.

Best place to stay: Pangong Inn, Pangong Tso

Best time to visit: May to September

9. Vembanad Lake, Kerala

As lovely as it is large, the Vembanad Lake is a warm weather paradise. Feast your eyes on the vibrant green palette and the sheer size of India’s longest lake, from the breezy comfort of your houseboat as you dine on ethnic culinary delights (don’t miss the karimeen fish). The beauty here is not just the landscape, but the glimpses of daily life amidst the swaying palms too.Best place to stay: Vembanad Lake Villas, KottayamBest time to visit: September to March: Vembanad Lake, Kerala © timespolls Vembanad Lake, Kerala As lovely as it is large, the Vembanad Lake is a warm weather paradise. Feast your eyes on the vibrant green palette and the sheer size of India’s longest lake, from the breezy comfort of your houseboat as you dine on ethnic culinary delights (don’t miss the karimeen fish). The beauty here is not just the landscape, but the glimpses of daily life amidst the swaying palms too.

Best place to stay: Vembanad Lake Villas, Kottayam

Best time to visit: September to March

10. Loktak Lake, Manipur

The largest freshwater lake in the North east, the only ‘floating’ lake in the world, beautiful floating ‘phumdis’ strong enough to build a thatched hut upon and a thriving wilderness – there is so much about the Loktak Lake that is special and unique. Remember to ask the local fishermen to take you on a ride of their graceful flat-bedded boats through the Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary, home to the famous brow antlered dear, the sangai.Best place to stay: The Classic Hotel, ImphalBest time to visit: October to March: Loktak Lake, Manipur © allresourceupdates Loktak Lake, Manipur The largest freshwater lake in the North east, the only ‘floating’ lake in the world, beautiful floating ‘phumdis’ strong enough to build a thatched hut upon and a thriving wilderness – there is so much about the Loktak Lake that is special and unique. Remember to ask the local fishermen to take you on a ride of their graceful flat-bedded boats through the Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary, home to the famous brow antlered dear, the sangai.

Best place to stay: The Classic Hotel, Imphal

Best time to visit: October to March

11. Tso Moriri Lake, Jammu and Kashmir

Sitting at the bottom of the secluded Rupshu valley, Tso Moriri is breathtakingly striking—its deep-blue water at odds with the browns of the craggy peaks and greens of sun-kissed grasslands that surround it. World’s highest Ramsar wetland, Tso Moriri, in its utter isolation, unending vastness and sheer raw beauty bestows a sense of untouched purity on every mortal lucky enough to visit it.Best place to stay: Tso Moriri Camp and Resort, KorzokBest time to visit: May to September: Tso Moriri Lake, Jammu and Kashmir © wikipedia Tso Moriri Lake, Jammu and Kashmir Sitting at the bottom of the secluded Rupshu valley, Tso Moriri is breathtakingly striking—its deep-blue water at odds with the browns of the craggy peaks and greens of sun-kissed grasslands that surround it. World’s highest Ramsar wetland, Tso Moriri, in its utter isolation, unending vastness and sheer raw beauty bestows a sense of untouched purity on every mortal lucky enough to visit it.

Best place to stay: Tso Moriri Camp and Resort, Korzok

Best time to visit: May to September

12. Lonar Lake

Earth's largest and only hyper-velocity impact crater in basaltic rock, the Lonar Lake’s watery expanses reflects the emerald green hues of the sprawling forest that stretches around it as far as the eye can see. Trek your way down to the Kamalja Devi Temple at the crater bottom, and revive yourself under the cascading waters of the spring at the Gomukh temple. Lonar, like the meteorite that put it on the map, definitely leaves a lasting impression!Best place to stay: MTDC Holiday Resort, LonarBest time to visit: October to January © whatisnature Lonar Lake Earth's largest and only hyper-velocity impact crater in basaltic rock, the Lonar Lake’s watery expanses reflects the emerald green hues of the sprawling forest that stretches around it as far as the eye can see. Trek your way down to the Kamalja Devi Temple at the crater bottom, and revive yourself under the cascading waters of the spring at the Gomukh temple. Lonar, like the meteorite that put it on the map, definitely leaves a lasting impression!

Best place to stay: MTDC Holiday Resort, Lonar

Best time to visit: October to January

13. Naukuchiatal Lake

With its iridescent bluish waters lovingly embraced by deep wooded forests, tree flanked promenade and appealing paddocks, every corner of Naukuchiatal or ‘the lake of nine corners’ is a picture perfect frame. Wake up early to witness the mists lifting from the lush green covers of Naukuchiatal, its gentle ripples glistening in the shy morning sun, to experience the sublime beauty of this lake.Best place to stay: Lake Village, ChunotiBest time to visit: March to July: Naukuchiatal Lake © treklocations Naukuchiatal Lake With its iridescent bluish waters lovingly embraced by deep wooded forests, tree flanked promenade and appealing paddocks, every corner of Naukuchiatal or ‘the lake of nine corners’ is a picture perfect frame. Wake up early to witness the mists lifting from the lush green covers of Naukuchiatal, its gentle ripples glistening in the shy morning sun, to experience the sublime beauty of this lake.

Best place to stay: Lake Village, Chunoti

Best time to visit: March to July

14. Nal Sarovar

A splash of turquoise surrounded by yellowing grasslands, Nal Sarovar is famous for its mind-boggling assemblage of migratory birds - from flamingos in huge numbers to rosy pelicans and vast flocks of herons, ducks and cranes. For a photo-op not to be missed, canoe through the shallow waters between the islets to spy on its spectacular birdlife, especially at dusk and dawn.Best place to stay: Forest Department Rest House, Nal SarovarBest time to visit: October to February © gujrattourism Nal Sarovar A splash of turquoise surrounded by yellowing grasslands, Nal Sarovar is famous for its mind-boggling assemblage of migratory birds - from flamingos in huge numbers to rosy pelicans and vast flocks of herons, ducks and cranes. For a photo-op not to be missed, canoe through the shallow waters between the islets to spy on its spectacular birdlife, especially at dusk and dawn.

Best place to stay: Forest Department Rest House, Nal Sarovar

Best time to visit: October to February

15. Hemkund Lake, Uttarakhand

Adorned by exotic blooms in a riot of colours, with the snowy Saptashringa (Seven Hills) towering in the background, the windswept Hemkund Lake is a place of wild, untamed beauty- and one of Sikkhism’s most important shrines. Look for the mythical yellow green flower, Brahma Kamal (Lotus of the Gods) on its rocky shores before warming yourself in the Gurudwara with generous helpings of hot tea and khichdi.Best place to stay: Ghangharia Camp, GhanghariaBest time to visit: July to October: Hemkund Lake, Uttarakhand © gypsyshack Hemkund Lake, Uttarakhand Adorned by exotic blooms in a riot of colours, with the snowy Saptashringa (Seven Hills) towering in the background, the windswept Hemkund Lake is a place of wild, untamed beauty- and one of Sikkhism’s most important shrines. Look for the mythical yellow green flower, Brahma Kamal (Lotus of the Gods) on its rocky shores before warming yourself in the Gurudwara with generous helpings of hot tea and khichdi.

Best place to stay: Ghangharia Camp, Ghangharia

Best time to visit: July to October

16. Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

Rest your eyes on Sela Lake and you will know why it is also called the Paradise Lake. Sela Lake’s unparalleled beauty reaches out to your eyes and moves towards your soul. Lying en route to Tawang, the land of breathtaking valleys and misty rivers, Sela Lake remains snowed in for most of the year.Best place to stay: Hotel Pemaling, DirangBest time to visit: April to October: Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh © pinterest Sela Lake, Arunachal Pradesh Rest your eyes on Sela Lake and you will know why it is also called the Paradise Lake. Sela Lake’s unparalleled beauty reaches out to your eyes and moves towards your soul. Lying en route to Tawang, the land of breathtaking valleys and misty rivers, Sela Lake remains snowed in for most of the year.

Best place to stay: Hotel Pemaling, Dirang

Best time to visit: April to October