places to visit in north india Archives - Skyview by Empyrean

March 4, 2021May 7, 2022

5 Best Holiday Destinations in India that you need to take your family to

The year 2020 has been a hectic year for almost all of us and especially for travelers. The good news though is that the world is slowly getting back to normal ways. After a year of closed borders, many places are now welcoming visitors and travelers, hence allowing you to finally hop around on some of the best places to visit with family.

A country of diverse culture and landscapes, India is the perfect escape for a getaway trip, especially when planned with family and your loved ones because there are lots of amazing places one can explore and enjoy. Ranging from classic palaces of Jaipur to beaches of Kerala and lush green mountains of Himachal, India has it all!

In this blog, we will tell you the list of the five best holiday destinations one can visit in India with their families: –

Table of Content:

Himachal Pradesh
Kerala
Rajasthan
Patnitop
Meghalaya

1. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is the hub of adventure activities such as trekking, paragliding along with other scenic views and hence can be considered as a paradise for family trips. There are several places one can explore in Himachal including Manali, Shimla, and much more. For a different experience, Kufri offers Yak rides which provide a unique experience.

2. Kerala

Famously known as the ‘God’s Own Country’ and after exploring along the coastal lines, Kerala deserves all the praise it receives. From cruising on the backwaters of Alleppey to rides on elephants, it has all the ingredients for a perfect family vacation. Among its host of activities, Kerala also offers Ayurvedic massages which are beneficial especially to older people making it one of the best places to visit with family.

3. Rajasthan

Boasting its glorious princely past, royal cultural heritage, and incredible forts Rajasthan is one of the amazing places to visit in India. A complete family holiday destination, one can enjoy all sorts of arts, cuisines, and tour some of the beautiful palaces in Jaipur. Known as ‘Pink City’ Jaipur is a vibrant and colourful city. Along with that, one can also visit Ranthambore National Park, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

Rajasthan is a prominent place for adventure activities in India such as hot air balloons, zipline, elephant safari which is also considered a popular family sport.

4. Patnitop

Located at about 95 km from Jammu airport, Patnitop has everything a nature lover asks for. Lush green forests covering the mighty Himalayan ranges and a picturesque view soothes the minds of people. The Patnitop along with its raw nature and beauty is home to a world-class adventure destination know as Skyview Patnitop.

Skyview Patnitop is a must-visit place for leisure as well as adventure activities. Ranging from amazing food cuisines, mountain biking, or simply rest in the lap of nature or if one is looking for something exciting and adventurous, adding to this Skyview Patnitop offers cable car ride which is India’s highest in terms of ground clearance.

5. Meghalaya

Meghalaya, with its high winding valleys, high plateaus, and beautiful waterfalls is located in the North-eastern part of India. Its capital, Shillong is the highest visited place in the state and easily one of the best places to visit in North India. Historically, Shillong was a summer retreat for Britishers. Since then, it has become a famous place as a tourist destination.

The exquisite beauty of Shillong includes activities such as a visit to Umiam lake or one can take a dip in the Elephant falls.

February 4, 2021August 27, 2022

5 Best Weekend Getaways From Delhi

Life in metro cities is very stressful and fast. People are more concerned about their jobs, livelihood, and in a bid to selfishly guard our time, we lose some significant things in our lives.
But thankfully the national capital Delhi has many options as it is surrounded by numerous scenic destinations. The drive to these locations will take you through the small towns, villages, and scenic landscapes.
In this blog, we will tell you a list of the 5 best weekend getaways from Delhi.

Table of Content:

Skyview Patnitop
Manali
Kasol
Shimla
McLeod Ganj

1. Skyview Patnitop

Over the years the place has become a new identity for Jammu and Kashmir. Its exemplary natural beauty and adventure are one of the many reasons that make Skyview Patnitop one of the best holiday destinations in India.

From Jammu airport to Skyview Patnitop – a distance of 95 kilometres is covered in approximately two hours, passing through the four-lane highway and several small tunnels.

There are many places to visit in Jammu, but Skyview Patnitop, however, is the most favourite destination. The major attraction of this location is that the place has the highest ropeway in India and has one of the longest zig-zag ziplines in Asia. Besides the magic carpet, tube sledge, and hiking trails. For food lovers, the scenic destination offers several culinary delights in its restaurants and cafes making this one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.

2. Manali

Nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali is among the favourite places to visit in north India. It is considered one of the oldest tourist resorts in the country.

When it comes to Manali, paragliding remains the most favourite activity. The best time to visit the place is from January to May and October to December.

Delhi to Manali – a distance of 555 kilometres is covered in 13 hours approximately. Bus ticket booking can be done online and also Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) remains an economical and good option to book buses between Delhi and Manali.

3. Kasol

Situated on the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a small village in Himachal. With its natural beauty, the place is often dubbed as ‘Amsterdam of India’, and many call it the “Little Greece”. All nature lovers, bikers, and trekkers find adobe here which is why Kasol is one the most loved weekend getaways from Delhi.

Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, this destination is famous for its trekking trails, which include treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass.

The distance from Delhi to Kasol is 510 kilometres and the journey is smoothly covered by the bus in 10 hours. Due to the huge rush of tourist, more than 18 buses ply between Delhi to Kasol.

4. Shimla

Plan a trip to Shimla to witness nature at its peak. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is very popular for rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice- skating, and heli-skiing.

Among many things you are planning to do in Shimla, do not miss a ride with your dear ones on Shimla Toy Train. This 4 hour and 40 minutes journey on the toy train will give you the experience of a lifetime.

For Delhiites, Shimla is one of the most accessible hill stations. There are more than 17 busses that ply daily from Delhi to Shimla including Himachal Pradesh Road and Transport Corporation. The distance of 342 kilometres is covered in 9 hours.

5. McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala and a famous tourist destination in north India. The place is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant monasteries, stunning backdrop, quaint cafes, and thrilling adventure activities.

While you are in McLeod Ganj, do not miss the Bhagsunag waterfall. It is the most favourite spot for tourists across the globe. For nature lovers, this place is apt. We strongly recommend you visit Bhagsunag waterfall to enjoy your trip and this location is ideal for an excursion with family and your dear ones.

Ends…

November 19, 2020May 7, 2022

5 Must Visit Exhilarating Places to Visit in North India

5 Must Visit Exhilarating tourist destinations in North India

Extending from the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir to the high dunes of Rajasthan, North India comprises a traveler’s paradise. North India is signified by hill stations, temples, pristine lakes, historical monuments, and beautiful waterfalls. Along with that, there are lots of places that are unexplored and not touched by human presence. Below are some exhilarating tourist destinations in North India which are amazing family holiday destinations.

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal for family vacations and honeymoon, Shimla is one of the best tourist destinations in North India. Surrounded by lush green forests, the erstwhile summer capital of British India offers a destination that has a fusion of history, scenic settings, and rich local culture. Along with the natural beauty, there are hosts of adventure activities to extend the fun, or else, you can enjoy the tour on a wildlife sanctuary and view some of the exotic animals such as the barking deer, Tibetan wolf, and the monal bird. Lakkar Bazaar is quite a famous market in Shimla where you can select from a host of local items as souvenirs.

2. Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

Most people envision Rishikesh as the place only for river rafting, but Rishikesh is much more than that. Located along with the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh is a hub of meditation and yoga ashrams, comprising many cafes, temples, and huge potential for adventure tourism. The industry of whitewater rafting has grown exponentially hence Rishikesh has been quite a popular choice for all types of people.

3. Udaipur, Rajasthan

For the people who are interested in lakes and museums, Udaipur is the place for them. It is also known as “The City of Lakes” and the historical capital of the Mewar kingdom. You can explore forts, palaces, temples, and many other attractions while you are here. Some must-visit places while you are exploring Udaipur are City Palace, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Pratap Park. The best time to visit Udaipur would be during the winter season when the weather is much pleasant.

4. Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir

Located at the foothills of the Shivalik range in Jammu and Kashmir, Patnitop features evergreen forests, meadows, and so much more. While you are here, a must-visit destination is Skyview Patnitop which offers a gamut of adventure activities unique to India such as magic carpet, zipline, hiking trails, birding, and a gondola ride as well. Not forget some mouth-watering dining options as well. The all-season destination will surely leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.

5. Leh, Ladakh

No list would be incomplete without mentioning Leh when it comes to exhilarating tourist destinations in North India. Best explored in your vehicles like a car or a motorcycle, Leh is a cultural and natural treasure chest. Places to visit are the Pangong Lake, Royal Leh Palace, Khardung La, and Tsomoriri Lake. The ideal time to visit Leh would be in summers as the winters are extremely cold and harsh.

August 19, 2020July 31, 2021

Top Places to Visit in North India While Easily Maintaining Social Distancing

COVID-19 has brought with it self loads of troubles and restrictions to all of us and particularly for travel enthusiasts. It is very difficult to decide if it is safe to travel or not and it is imperative to ensure that all travellers follow the authorised SOPs diligently.

As the situation improves, several local authorities have eased restrictions or have made it necessary for tourists to test for COVID-19 on their arrival and quarantine themselves till the results are issued. It is also mandatory to have the Aarogya Setu app for your safety and for others. In this blog, we will be sharing top places to visit in north India while easily maintaining social distancing.

1. Patnitop

About 112 km from Jammu, the famous hill resort of Patnitop is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 m, across which the Jammu-Srinagar highway passes. With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breath-taking views of the valley of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. In winter, December to February, the resort is generally covered with snow, thus offering a spectacle for everyone to experience.

However, in the current times, ensure that you stay in a hotel that practices all the standard safety measures set by the government and local health authorities. And one such location is Skyview by Empyrean, where you can experience adventure activities backed with world-class hospitality and other amenities, Skyview by Empyrean is the apt place to visit. The major attraction of this location is that the place has the highest ropeway in India in terms of ground clearance and has one of the longest zig-zag ziplines in Asia. Besides the magic carpet, tube sledge, and hiking trails. For food lovers, the scenic destination offers several culinary delights in its restaurants and cafes.

The entire property was comprehensively audited for Covid-19 preparedness by SGS, leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. They certified Skyview By Empyrean as a safe destination for all visitors with strict SOPs like face masks, online bookings, thermal screening, social distancing, sanitization routines, digital menus, etc.

Further, all the adventure and the ropeway cabins undergo deep disinfection and sanitization before allowing guests to enter at both the terminals, and only 4 passengers are allowed at a time inside the cabin.

2. Khajjiar:

Credits: hpchamba.nic.in

This beautiful destination is in Himachal Pradesh and is famous among honeymooners as well. It is also popularly referred to as mini-Switzerland and offers a few fun activities like paragliding and horse-riding making it one of the best places to visit in north India. Surrounded by lush greenery, this place also witnesses snowfall during the winters making it even more beautiful. However, this place was not commonly explored even during the pre-COVID times and thus is less-crowded. Given the current scenario where very few people will choose to travel, it is going to be even more peaceful. Hence, if you decide to visit this place, you will be able to maintain social distancing easily. Visit this place for some solace as you go around seeing picturesque meadows, lakes, and more.

3. Kalimpong

Credits: MouthShut.com

Another famous place to visit in north India, this time on the north-eastern side, Kalimpong is a beautiful hill-station located in north-east India and is a perfect haven for those who want to go to less-crowded yet beautiful places. This place is one of the most important tourist destinations in West Bengal. For nature lovers, there is plenty to explore here. With rich flora and fauna, beautifully lined pine trees, and lush green valleys and meadows, you will simply feel enchanted. Since it is not commonly explored, the crowd is also less during this time and thus makes it suitable to go to. It also witnesses snowfall and has majestic views of the Himalayas that will leave the discerning traveler to only want to come back again.

4. Gurez Valley

This is another less explored destination in India where you can go which offers social distancing. This valley offers breath-taking views and is perfect for those who want to explore nature at its best. You can only go here for trekking or hiking. If you want to explore more about this place in terms of culture, you can choose to stay at a place where the locals are closer to your stay. The valley also has beautiful rivers and places that offer a perfect spot for picnic and more. And since it is not commonly explored, the crowd will also be less and you can explore places by maintaining proper social distancing and have a safe trip with your loved ones.

So here it is, the list of top places to visit in north India while easily maintaining social distancing and keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

July 15, 2020May 17, 2022

Top Places to Visit in Katra besides Vaishno Devi

Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, Katra is famous for its pilgrimage destination Vaishno Devi and attracts numerous visitors from all around every year. With warm hospitable people and nature at its best, Katra is an ideal place to visit. What’s more, there are many other places to visit in Katra that are popular and are in close proximity that you can visit with your loved ones.

So if you are visiting this place, don’t just think Vaishno Devi temple is the only place you can go to but there are several places to visit near Vaishno Devi as well. Explore the rich culture and beauty of this town that is situated in the Reasi district.

Here are a few places that you can visit when you are in Katra:

Ban Ganga Temple

Located about 3 km from Katra, this temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples and holds great significance. It is believed that Goddess Durga had halted here to take rest while heading to the Trikuta Hills. As she was resting there, her attention was caught by a langur which was lying there thirsty. In order to help the langur, Goddess Durga used an arrow to shoot into a rock. When she did that, a freshwater spring emerged which is now popularly referred to as Banganga. Hence, this spring water is considered very holy and significant by the devotees. Several pilgrims also come here to take a holy bath after which they start their religious journey. The water here is believed to be pristine and helps those who take a dip here to get rid of the sadness or obstacles in their lives. As per the legends, Goddess Durga washed her hair in this river. The Banganga temple is located by this river amidst the picturesque views of the majestic hills making it look even more attractive. The temple offers a very serene atmosphere. It is one of the famous places to visit in Katra.

Bagh-e-Bahu

Situated about 45 km from Katra, Bagh-e-bahu is a unique place and is at the top of the list of places to visit in Katra and its surroundings. Many devotees choose this place to relax after visiting the holy temples and shrines in Katra. One of the most popular gardens located in Jammu, this garden is perfect for a stroll or a refreshing walk. One of the most noteworthy things about this garden is the beautiful lake which enhances the beauty of this garden even more. The garden also houses a temple of Maa Kali on its premises. Once you enter the garden, you will get to see beautifully aligned trees that lead to the walkway. There is also a terrace garden and a variety of pleasant blooming flowers that adds to the vibes of this garden. Thus the aesthetics and the serene environment of this garden attract tourists to this garden throughout the year. You will also get to see locals visiting this garden for a relaxing time. So whether you are alone, or with your family or your partner, this garden is a perfect place to visit. For couples, the Bagh-e-Bahu garden will definitely be romantic due to the calming natural surroundings. Other than a lake and a temple, this garden also houses one of the largest underground aquariums that you can find in India. This aquarium has been well-maintained and houses several species of fresh-water and marine water fishes. Other than that you will also find a museum and a laboratory. Bagh-e-Bahu garden is a perfect place to visit for those who want to explore nature, aquatic life, and more. There is no wonder why it attracts tourists to this place.

Jhajjar Kotli

While in Katra, do not miss out on visiting Jhajjar Kotli, situated about 15 km from Katra, this destination offers serenity and peace with lush greenery and a soothing surrounding to make you feel refreshed. The fresh air and the beautiful sight of this place make it a popular place among tourists.

Himkoti

If you are looking for a place that offers nothing but only nature at its best, you should definitely go here as it is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Katra and around it. It is situated at a distance of about 13 km from Katra and provides a splendid view of the entire valley. You will also find many locals who travel here for a fun picnic. An artificial pond in Himkoti adds even more charm to this place. And in case you want a completely serene experience in this already calming spot, there is also a meditation center. Isn’t that an icing on the cake? So if you are in Katra do visit Himkoti for its majestic views and beautiful greenery. This place is also known as the Himkoti viewpoint for the breath-taking view it offers.

While you are here for a picnic you can also enjoy some dishes from the restaurants and counters that have been set up here. They serve mouth-watering delicacies thus adding more to your experience.

So here is the list of famous places to visit in Katra and around it.

July 8, 2020November 5, 2020

5 Best And Unexplored Places To Visit In North India

We are sure you would agree with us when we say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world that we know. The travel and tour industry has been one of the most severely impacted industries globally and it is no different in India. People will now seek to explore places that facilitate social distancing. In this blog, we will share with you 5 best and unexplored places to visit in north India after the lockdown.

New habits and measures have emerged to become the ‘new normal’. In the weeks gone by, the government announced relaxations in the lockdown measures and we all are hopeful that in the weeks to come, there will be more relaxation in the lockdown. This would mean looking out for unexplored places that do not feature large crowds and yet offer experiences that will create memories to last forever.

Let’s take a look:

1. Doodpathri, Kashmir

doodhpathir kashmir — Source: thedispatch.in

Doodpathri or literally translated to ‘Valley of Milk” is a pristine hill station in Kashmir, 42 km from Srinagar, and is situated at an altitude of 8,960 ft above sea level. As per the local legend, the famous Kashmiri saint Sheikh Ul Alam prayed here. The water flowing through the lush green meadows have a milky white appearance from a distance and remains cold even in summers. You can experience a diversity of multi-coloured flowers while you holiday here. Not to forget, the famous Tosamaidan is in proximity to this destination. The bowl-shaped alpine valley features snow-covered mountains and meadows of Deodar and Pine. In summers, you can also witness daisies, buttercups, and forget-me-nots making Doodhpathri one of the ideal places to visit in north India in summers. Additionally, the most convenient way to visit Doodhpathri is by flying into Srinagar and then hiring a cab. Also ensure that you are exploring the vicinity of Doodhpathri such as Dishkal, Palmaidan, Tangnar, and Mujpathri.

2. Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean

Continuing in Jammu and Kashmir, if you are looking for adventure-filled weekend getaways from Delhi, I would strongly recommend visiting this destination. The scenic tourist destination features India’s highest ropeway in terms of ground clearance hovering over scenic lush evergreen forest. Additionally, you can also experience various adventure activities like tubing sledge, magic carpet, and zig-zag zipline. For the foodie in you, Skyview Patnitop or Patnitop Gondola as it is locally called has a gamut of dining options to offer. The vast open spaces will allow you not only to enjoy the outdoors but also to make the most out of social distancing. This destination is located 2 hours away from Jammu city and can be accessed throughout the year. This largest Indo-French mountain infrastructure project of India promises something for everyone and is one the best places to visit in north India.

3. Hemis National Park

Located in Ladakh, Hemis National Park is the only national park in India north of the Himalayas and is the largest notified protected area in India. The national park is famous for spotting one of the rarest animals in nature – the snow leopard. You can also observe the golden eagle, Himalayan Snow Cock, Eurasian brown bear, and the Tibetan wolf. This unique park offers several routes for trekking from mid-June to October. You can also witness the Indus river meandering north of this national park. However, the best chances of witnessing snow leopards would be in late December-January. While you are here, you can also explore the 400-year old Hemis Monastery.

4. Khirsu

Situated 92 km from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, this less explored hill station is set at an altitude of 1700 m. The highlight of this picturesque destination is the 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayas. Some of the mountain peaks visible from here are Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, Nandakot, and Trishul. The dense forest of Pine, Deodars, and Oaks cover the pathways filled with mushrooms, apple trees, herbs, wildflowers and so much more making it one of the most exotic holiday destinations in India. You can also engage in trekking and mountain biking while you are here.

5. Kalpa

One of the most serene villages in the old Hindustan Tibet Road in Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa is situated 260 km from Shimla. This exotic destination has all the virtues of a heritage village. While you explore this hamlet which came into prominence under the rule of the British government, don’t forget to explore Narayan-Nayani temples and Hu-Bu-Ian-Car Gompa Buddhist monastery founded in the 11th century AD. According to the local legend, Kalpa is the winter home of Lord Shiva. The highlight of this scenic village has to be the view of Kinner Kailash mountain during sunrise. The best way of reaching Kalpa is by hiring a cab from Shimla and driving through the picturesque landscape of the road to this village.

So there you have it, 5 best And unexplored places to visit in north India. We hope you enjoy your next trip.

March 5, 2019May 17, 2022

Skyview Patnitop: Jammu’s newest destination offering breathtaking views, entertainment, adventure & tastes!

Jammu region is one of the world’s most sought-after destination for travelers seeking adventure and witness nature at its finest. Just two hours ride from Jammu, lies the hilltop tourist destination, Patnitop which is one of the best places to visit in North India. The summer of 2019 would see the launch of Skyview Patnitop, an integrated destination with the theme “One destination, endless experiences” offering stunning views, entertainment, adventure and a range of food options. The destination’s key highlight would be one of the most scenic and state-of-the art ropeway in India spread between the ground station in Sanget near the famous Chenani Nashri tunnel and top station located at Patnitop and soaring high above the pine trees. The destination offers the following activities:

One of the highest (ground clearance) CEN (European) Standard Certified ropeways in Asia with one of the longest spans between its towers, its spacious gondolas offer a captivating view of the scenic destination. The cable car offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Patnitop sightseeing through never-before-seen panoramic views of Jammu’s hidden gem.
Ziplining is for all thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts who love the rush of hanging from a line, and zipping through the majestic Deodar and Kail trees.
If sliding down a slope wasn’t titillating enough, experience tube sledging amongst the magnanimous hill-scapes of Patnitop. If you’ve never been tubing, sitting in an air-filled rubber tube as you slide down a steep slope is something you must try! It’s a rush of excitement and a truly exhilarating experience.
Witness the local arts and culture at Skyview’s expansive Amphitheatre. Learn about Patnitop as you sit around the Amphitheatre stage, viewing amazing performances presented by the Patnitop locals and other acts.
Aladdin has left behind his magic carpet in Patnitop! Escapade all the way up to the mountain top when taking a ride on the Skyview magic carpet. Experience a sense of solitude as you take in the breathtaking sights all around you. A whole new way of adventure traveling, never seen in India!
Indulge in sumptuous varieties of food at the best restaurants in Jammu at Banana Leaf – a 100% vegetarian North & South Indian cuisine restaurant and Pine View – a market café offering an array of international cuisines.

Summer is not too far away, so start planning your this year’s summer visit to the Jammu region and visit Skyview Patnitop for a lifetime experience. Comment below if you know any other beautiful places to visit in North India.