Toranmal, a very little known hillstation of Maharashtra, India, is a sublime spot for nature lovers. You would hardly see any tourists around and even the local population is sparse. Nature is at its pristine best. The huge Yashwant Lake, in the centre of Toranmal, is a treat for the eyes, especially during the monsoon, and you could see a beautiful waterfalls originating from its overflow. The best mode of transport in Toranmal is walking. [View Full Entry]

---

---

For people like us, in the plains, Auli is heaven. From Joshimath, at 6200ft, a 20min. ropeway ride takes you up to 10,500ft. As you get out of the cabin the Hathi(elephant), Ghora(horse) & Palki(palenquin) peaks welcome come - almost at touching distance. The temperature difference between Joshimath and Auli is overwhelming. You can further climb up (optional) another 750 ft to get an even better view of the peaks. During the winter they are all snow covered as is the slope you are standing on. Even during summer, if you are fortunate, you can see a sheet of snow on [View Full Entry]

---

---

Amboli is a very small but pleasant hill resort on the way to Belgaum from Kudal on Mumbai - Goa road. It does not merit more that a 1 day stay. There are a couple of view points you can go to but Mahadevgarh and the source of Hiranyakeshi river are the important ones. [View Full Entry]

---

---

Its not for nothing they say Kerala is god's own country. The beauty of Kerala is beyond all description. The diversity (and beauty) between the coastal areas and its eastern part is astounding. Kerala always makes you want to go back there. [View Full Entry]

---

---

We went to Tarkarli in the 1st. week of Jan. 2008. We took the road leading to Goa from Bombay(Mumbai) and turned right from Kasal, aout 500kms from Bombay. 40 kms after the turn we reached Malwan. Tarkarli is 6kms from Malwan. The beach of Tarkarli is the best I have seen of all the beaches in India. It is a talcum-powder-white sand beach, giving a very soft feel. The water is deep blue as blue can be and the seabed is visibile almost upto 20ft. depth - it is fabulous. There are hardly any tourists around and the beach still [View Full Entry]

---

---

We were in Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole and Hampi in 1st. week of Jan 2008. While you are in these loctions, their history seem to weigh on you heavily. In a metaphysical way, you seem to get transported in that era. The greatness of Vijaynagar empire of which these were parts, seems to touch you through the mist of these hundreds of years. [View Full Entry]

---

---