Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka,India. It has a population of around 20,000. The main temple and deity is Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Shiva's linga (Atmalinga). There are many other temples all over this small town. Gokarna is known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers. It is on what was once an unspoiled beach near the estuary of the river Aghanashini. Recently, due to the influx of tourists, the character of the town has changed; it is no longer just a centre of pilgrimage, though large numbers of devotees visit to offer prayers and worship to Shiva.

Gokarna is about 238 km north of Mangalore, 483 km from Bengaluru and about 59 km from Karwar. It is between the Gangavali and Agnashini rivers along the Karwar coast by the Arabian Sea.

By Road

 Gokarna can be reached by buses and maxicabs from Kumta (30 km), Ankola (26 km), Karwar (59 km) and Bhatkal(88 km) on National Highway 66 (NH-66). Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs long-journey buses from cities like Panaji, Bengaluru and Mangalore. Private buses (Vijayanand Roadlines - VRL, Sugama, Sea Bird, etc.) operate night journeys from the capital city of Bengaluru to Gokarna daily.

By Train

It can be reached by Konkan Railway on the Mumbai to Mangalore route or Goa to Mangalore route. The railway station (called Gokarna Road) is 10 km from the town. The station has a retiring room at a nominal price. Many important trains like Matsyagandha Express, KSR Bengaluru Karwar Express, Poorna Express, Marusagar Express and Mangalore Local and DEMU local are the Daily Local Trains halt here.

By Air

The nearest airports are Hubli Airport, Karnataka which has domestic flights only, Goa International Airport at Goa and Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe, Karnataka are the nearest airports to reach at Gokarna.

Murudeshwar

Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is 378 kilometres west of the state capital, Lucknow, 206 kilometres south of the national capital New Delhi, 58 kilometres south from Mathura and 125 kilometres north of Gwalior. Agra is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh, and the 24th most populous city in India.

What to do in Agra

1. Taj Mahal: A Monument to Love

The last remnants of Mughal architecture are alive even today in the Taj Mahal. Every year, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts anywhere from seven to eight million visitors. So majestic and imperial are her exteriors that no one would ever guess, at first glance, that the ivory-marble facade is actually a mausoleum. Resting on the banks of the Yamuna river, the palatial tomb, which Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, also houses a mosque and a guest house. The exteriors are flanked by lush gardens and pristine pathways.

2. Agra Fort: An Ancient Stronghold

With its 380,000 square feet and semi-circular design, not to mention the distinctive red 'terra' look of sandstone fortification, the Agra Fort is a piece of both Indian history and Indian architecture. It is rumoured that the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan died in one of its towers (with a view of the Taj Mahal, of course). Besides its sprawling size, the Agra Fort features the majestic Delhi Gate, the Diwan-i-am and the gorgeous decorations on its exalted columns will mesmerize you for the day.

3. Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: The Baby Taj

Before the Taj Mahal, there was a first draft: Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb. Just like its successor, this popular tomb is also a decadent monument left from Mughal rule, featuring the palatial structure in the centre, surrounded by serene and manicured gardens. Though smaller in size, it is no less stately, often called the 'jewel box'. Climb the stairs to the top of its domed minarets or walk across to the gate for a sequestered view of the mausoleum. The detailed carvings and decorations on the exterior walls will make you realize this is no mere resting place.

4. Fatehpur Sikri: An Emperor's Touch

The city that Akbar built himself is the entrance to a city that houses many historical spots of significance, including the famed Jama mosque. The most recognizable of these is the Buland Darwaza, a 54-meter-high entrance, intricately carved and designed. The city of Fatehpur Sikri houses many beautiful tombs, such as the Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, Turkish baths known as 'hammams' and the Diwan-i-Khas, with gorgeous geometric designs and serpentine columns that hold up the circular platform, fit for a king.

5. Tomb of Akbar the Great: A Complete View of History

Of course, no tour of Indian Mughal reign would be complete without a visit to the famed emperor Akbar's tomb. While the renowned emperor rests peacefully under a cenotaph today, thanks to his son Jahangir, the tomb and building has plenty of stories of splendour, conflict and sacred symbols. It was eventually restored by the British Lord Curzon. Today, the grand Circumferential Gallery that guards Akbar's grave, its impeccable front facade, the beautifully detailed inlay panels on the southern gate and the scripture in calligraphic hand over the doorways stand in for an era and aesthetic long gone but unforgotten.

How to Get to Agra

By Plane

Most visitors to Agra fly into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). From there, you can take the subway to New Delhi Railway Station, then catch a train to Agra (2 hours 55 minutes, between ₹450 and ₹1,200).

By Train

India has an excellent rail network, and Agra can be reached from almost every major city by train. Journey times are around three hours from New Delhi, three hours from Jaipur, and eight hours from Mumbai. The majority of trains stop at Agra's Cantt station. From there, a taxi to city center hotels will cost about ₹150, while auto rickshaws will cost ₹50.

By Car

If you touch down at New Delhi airport, you'll find car rental companies like Autoriders and Europcar nearby. From there, the best route is to follow highway 48 southwards, then turn left onto the Kundli Manesar Palwal Expressway at Panchgaon, before changing to highway 19 at Palwal, which will take you straight to Agra.

By Bus

Rajasthan's government runs RSRTC buses to cities like Jaipur in the province, and there are also daily bus connections between Delhi and Agra (journey time 4-5 hours, ₹300). Most buses will stop at the Idgah Bus Stand in the south of the city, and it will cost around ₹100 to take a taxi to city center hotels.

Haflong 

Haflong is quite a lovely place for a holiday in North East India. Boasting of rich wildlife, green rolling hills and tranquil ambiance, Haflong offers a pretty side of Assam to behold. It is indeed a delight for nature lovers and an excellent place for the weary souls. Haflong is a beautiful hill station in the state of Assam and is also the headquarters of Dima Hasao district. The place has many tourist attractions which makes holidays here more interesting. It is the only hill station in the state of Assam and is visited by many travelers throughout the year.

A tour to this hill station is absolutely breathtaking as it includes several must visit places that are not be missed out by the vacationers. Haflong hill station is often called as the White Ant Hillock and has a very rich cultural heritage. Among the many sightseeing places the greatest attraction of the place is the Haflong Hill whose picturesque beauty appeals to the people. The nature lovers are sure to be allured by this place and they can take a long walk with their beloved amidst the greenery of the place. It also serves as an ideal place to organize picnics with family and friends. The Haflong Lake is another beautiful spot of this destination where you will be mesmerized. The lake is very well maintained by the efforts undertaken by the government. Tourism places in Haflong also include Maibong, which is about a distance of 47kms from the place. Haflong is adorned with a beautiful lake, with the same name as of the hill station. This scenic lake offers opportunity to enjoy boating and the picturesque surroundings. There are two prime attractions around Haflong, namely, Maibong and Jatinga.

How to Reach Haflong Mentioned below 

BY AIR

One can reach Haflong via the Guwahati Airport from where many private cars and taxis are available on hire that carry tourists to this destination. You can also take a flight to Shillong and then reach the hill station from there.

BY RAIL

The closest railway station to this place is about 3 kms distance from the main town from where one can easily reach Haflong hill station. The scenic beauty from the train is simply amazing. Another station quite close to the hill place is the Lumding Junction Railway Station.

BY ROAD

Haflong is well connected with local transport system that operates in the city and you get ample number of buses plying on the road that carry tourists from one place to another.

    Gopalpur-On-Sea (Berhampur) 

Gopalpur is a coastal town and a Notified Area Council on the Bay of Bengal coast in Ganjam district in the southern part of Odisha, India. Today it is a commercial port, a famous sea beach and a tourist destination. Gopalpur is around 15 km from Berhampur. Gopalpur-on-sea is a beach resort in Ganjam district of Odisha (formerly Orissa). Once a busy sea port, it is now a quiet place. The din and bustle of the temple towns is totally absent and one can really enjoy the roar of the waves and the breeze bustling through the palm trees. With an increase in the inflow of tourists from the late 1970s, Gopalpur-on-Sea enjoyed a slow revival and is today one of the foremost beach resorts in India. There is also a Light House on the beach (1965), which offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Gopalpur, the sea and a portion of the Chilika Lake. The Visiting time is 15:30 - 17:30 local time daily. Be on time, they close sharp at 17:30! Nominal fees apply which are displayed there. Avoid carrying bags and umbrellas as they are not allowed atop the Light House. The Gopalpur-on-sea is considered to be one of India's most beautiful beaches mainly due to its remoteness and offbeat crowd. The beaches are sparkling gold, which along with the azure water of the Bay of Bengal provide a perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in nature. Besides the beach, the food is pretty great too.

• By air - The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, 180 km from Gopalpur-on-sea. Bhubaneshwar is a one-hour flight from Kolkata.

• By rail - The nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 km) on the Kolkata-Chennai line. Berhampur is 608 km from Howrah and 1069 km from Chennai.

• By road – One can drive in to Gopalpur-on-sea from Berhampur (now renamed Brahmapur ) on National Highway 5.

• Gopalpur-on-Sea does not have a tourist office but Government of Odisha has a tourist office at Berhampur. It is near the New Bus Stand (1st Floor), Berhampur, Distt Ganjam, Telephone: +91 680 2280226.

 Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Varkala has some of the best pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouses, natural fisheries and springs - all of this together makes this town a little paradise. It is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music and the samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is the only town in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and are known among geologists as Varkala Formation. The cliffs have been declared a national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India for their protection, maintenance, promotion, and the enhancement of geotourism. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. In 2015, the Ministry of Mines, the Government of India, and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) declared Varkala Cliffs a geo-heritage site. 

How To Reach Varkala Mentioned Below 

BY AIR

Nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram located around 45 km away from the beach town. It caters to over 40 international and national flights and over a thousand passengers every day. Flights connect Thiruvananthapuram to many major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi (Cochin), Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It is also connected by flight to several destinations in Middle East. Pre-paid taxis are available from the airport to Varkala.

BY TRAIN

Varkala lies on the rail line connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam. However, all trains do not stop at the station. Thiruvananthapuram is the major rail head close to Varkala. Thiruvananthapuram is connected by rail to several Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. Taxis can be hired from the railway station to Varkala.

BY ROAD

The state-government run KSRTC plies buses regularly from Thiruvananthapuram. Tourists coming from Kochi can board a bus to Thiruvananthapuram and get down at Attingal to catch a connecting bus to Varkala. Buses can get crowded and the journey can get a tad tedious.