Written by Keya Dutta

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MAHABALIPURAM:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

                                             MAHABALIPURAM which is also known as Mamallapuram is situated around 50 KM south from Chennai in Kancheepuram district. Its backpackers favorite destiny since it's alive history and simplicity and modernity. Mahabalipuram is ancient and historical place and major stone sculpture architecture of The crowning masterpiece of Mamallapuram’s stonework, this giant relief carving is one of the greatest works of ancient art in India, Shore Temple of Shiva, Five Rathas are important.  The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Some great cafes that serve good food are best. Those who like bicycling (like me) can rent by cycle and explore the city too.

2.Hampi:

Hampi (Hampe) is a village in northern Karnataka, India. The name hampi can also mean "champion".It is located within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagar the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire Hampi is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India located near Hospet town in the Karnataka state .
Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi unique.Dotted around the hills and valleys are 500 plus monuments.

3. Varanasi:

Spiritually enlightening and fantastically photogenic, Varanasi is at its brilliant best by the ghats, the long stretch of steps leading down to the water on the western bank of the Ganges.

Varanasi is an North Indian city on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometers (200 mi) south-east of the state capital, Lukhnow  It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favorite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva.

4.Delhousie: 

In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of old world charm and holds lingering echos of the Raj era. It covers an area of 14 sq. km. and is built on five hills - Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. It is named after the British governor General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town's average height is 2036 m, and is surrounded by varied vegetation - pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town.

5.Mawlynnong: (Asia's Cleanest Village) Is your mind conjuring images of Japan or Singapore on reading the words 'Asia's cleanest village'? I will tell you what all it has to offer besides the cleanliness it is known for,  in my next Blog.

 

Raw and still fairly untouched by the ways of cities, the areas around the village promise some good treks. And walking tour (guided) is also the best way to discover the sights and stories of little Mawlynnong, home to about 95 families. Located in the state of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong, also referred as ‘God’s own garden’ has won the acclaim of being the cleanest village in Asia in 2003.It was again declared the cleanest village in India in 2005. The village known for its cleanliness is located around 90 kms from Shillong and is a community based eco-tourism initiative. The community has made collective effort to maintain the ambiance of a clean village.

The village is quite pretty, especially in the monsoons when there is lush greenery all around, with waterfalls paving the way to small streams and abundance of flowering orchids dangling from the trees and hedges add to the beauty of the village.