Planning a Trip to Manali this Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Weather
Nestled high up in the magnificent Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Manali stands as one of India’s most idyllic and popular summer retreats. As the sweltering summer months approach, you may be dreaming of planning a rejuvenating escape to this picturesque hill station, away from the scorching heat of the plains. However, before packing your bags with gusto, it is essential to understand Manali’s fickle climate and weather patterns during the summer. The weather in Manali can fluctuate wildly and be extremely unpredictable in the summer months between May to August. Sudden downpours, chilling thunderstorms, misty clouds obscuring mountain views – the weather vagaries are manifold. View of a foggy mountain peak (Source: canva) Thus, advance planning and preparation becomes critical to truly enjoy the summer charms of Manali despite the temperamental climes. In this blog, I will provide a detailed overview of Manali’s weather and climatic conditions. You will get insights into the temperature range, humidity levels, frequency of rainfall, sunny intervals, and the impact of altitude on weather during this season. Additionally, I will share how the weather affects key summer activities like sightseeing, trekking, adventure sports, and transportation around Manali. By understanding all these facets, you can pack smartly, plan your summer holiday efficiently and make the most of your time in Manali irrespective of the weather gods’ whims! Manali’s weather: Quick glance Weather in Manali across the year (Source: cottagesinmanali) Summer (April – June) Summers see pleasant daytime temperatures in the range of 15°C to 25°C. However, humidity levels start rising to 65-70% by May end indicating the onset of monsoon. Rainfall also increases from June with occasional heavy downpours. Monsoon (July – September) The monsoon months are humid with average humidity levels spiking to 75-80%. Persistent heavy rainfall occurs with a monthly average of 350mm during peak monsoon season. Temperatures are cooler in the range of 12°C to 20°C.] Winter (December – February) Winters are dry and cold with negligible rainfall. Humidity levels drop further to 40-50%. Temperatures plummet below freezing point after sunset to -5°C with highs of about 10°C during the day. Spring (March – April) The spring months of March and April see temperatures rising to pleasant highs of 18°C to 25°C though nights can still be cool in Manali, with moderate rainfall occurring as light showers during this pre-monsoon transition period. However, sudden weather changes including snowfall at higher altitudes are common as the region moves from winter chill to summer warmth. Best time to visit Manali A camping site full of tourists (Source: canva) Now arrives the most awaited question- What is the best time to visit Manali? However, the answer is that it completely depends on your personal preferences. Here is a list of the pros and cons of visiting Manali in each of the seasons-: Summer (April – June) Pros: Warm, sunny days perfect for sightseeing and photography Can participate in adventure activities like paragliding, camping Scenic mountain views before monsoon fog sets in Fewer tourists and cheaper prices before mid-May Cons: Unexpected heavy showers start by late June with monsoon Rohtang Pass closed due to snow clearance Monsoon (July – September) Pros: Lush green valleys and fores with beautiful views Discounted rates ideal for budget travellers Great for white water rafting with raging rivers Less crowded compared to peak summer Cons: Heavy persistent rainfall leads to landslides Frequent disruption of travel due to landslides and road blockages High chances of road closures especially to Rohtang Pass Limited views due to fog and cloud cover Winter (December – February) Pros: Snow-covered landscapes look picture perfect Activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling Discounted hotel rates and fewer tourists Hot springs and spas ideal in cold weather Cons: Extremely cold temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C Heavy snowfall can block roads and led to being stranded Limited connectivity and accessibility due to road closures Most activities closed down during peak winter Spring (March – April) Pros: Pleasant weather with temperatures rising up to 25°C Lush valleys and flowering fruit orchards Off-season discounts on stays continue Religious festivals like Holi and Easter Cons: Sudden snowfall on higher altitudes still possible Some tourist spots remain closed before peak summer High chances of rain during March Visiting Manali in each season arrives with their own set of pros and cons. Even though some of the pros may overweigh others, visiting the hill station in every season comes out as a completely different experience. What to pack for your Manali trip? A snowy landscape in Manali (Source: Unsplash) Here are some packing recommendations for Manali for each of the four seasons round the year-: Summer (April-June) Summers in Manali have pleasant daytime temperatures, but the high altitude can lead to sun exposure. Cotton clothes that are light and airy suit the generally hot climate. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen become essential to protect against UV rays at high altitudes. The evenings can get breezy and cooler, so carrying light jackets is advised. For outdoor activities like hiking, sturdy trekking shoes with a good grip are a must. By mid-June, monsoon showers begin, so packing umbrellas becomes vital for protection. Monsoon (July-September) The monsoon months witness heavy downpours in Manali. Rain jackets and umbrellas are a must to stay dry during the persistent showers. With trails becoming slippery, sturdy waterproof boots help maintain stability and prevent falls. Quick dry clothes that can wick moisture are recommended to handle humidity and sudden downpours during outdoor excursions. Leech socks offer protection from leeches prevalent during hikes in the rainy season. Carrying medicines for common ailments like allergies, cold and body aches provides comfort in the damp weather. Winter (December-February) The cold dry winters of Manali call for ample warm clothing. Heavy woolens including sweaters, thermals and jackets help insulate the body from the chilling cold. Snow boots with good traction and gaiters are
How to Travel Comfortably on a Budget in 2022
India is a country that is full of magic no matter what time of the year you get here! There is something in every corner that can amaze you even if the place you visit will be off-season. Everyone wants to travel in a luxurious manner but sometimes, we’ve got a limited budget. You need to remember that everyone’s definition of budget vacation will differ. A luxury trip might mean different things to different people, too. However, these pointers ought to be applicable whatever your spending limit and anticipated degree of luxury may be. Image by Taryn Elliott Here are a few things you can do when you travel to India to help you comfortably enjoy your time here while on a budget: Stay at an Airbnb or Homestay Plan a trip during the off-season Eat out less frequently Bargain! Bargain! Bargain! Hire, don’t buy Go to offbeat destinations Consult online travel experts 1. Stay at an Airbnb or Homestay Image by Business Traveller Staying in Airbnbs, homestays, or guesthouses run by locals in India is a great way to obtain the sense of a luxury vacation when you’re on a budget. These are comparatively cheaper than hotels but you’ll get to experience a similar stay. Plus, these places give a far more real experience, and you’ll probably have your own bathroom that isn’t shared with the owner and their family! Your host will also be able to teach you about the local way of life. 2. Plan a trip during the off-season It might be expensive to plan a luxury trip during public holidays and vacations. On the other side, traveling to places when they are off-season can save you a lot of cash. Choose a period of the year when there are fewer tourists if you want to have a luxurious holiday. It’s important to keep in mind that many tourists come to visit around the time of Indian holidays or festivities. So, try to get to these places at other times if possible. You’ll be able to take a more peaceful vacation and save money for a few frills. 3. Eat out less frequently Image by Alex Green It is possible to have a full meal for even 300 INR if you make your own meals. However, if you don’t plan it carefully, it could severely cut into your budget. Instead of eating out every night, it is worthwhile to prepare meals for yourself whenever you can in order to cut costs and take care of your health too. Additionally, you should stay away from tourist spots where items are overpriced owing to high demand; instead, stick to consuming street food meals near markets, which are typically less expensive overall. 4. Bargain! Bargain! Bargain! In India, practically every set price that is provided to a visitor is significantly higher than the going rate, which is arguably the most overdone travel advice. You can choose the wiser approach and begin negotiating at half price and proceed from that. Indians adore a good negotiator more than anything else! Real jewelry and gemstones should only be purchased if you don’t worry too much about their value since they are not certified. 5. Hire, don’t buy To get around town, hiring a car, a cycle, or a scooter can be more cost-effective than purchasing them. To have an enjoyable, and comfortable budget trip, make sure to return them to the sellers at the end of the trip in good condition. If you want to save even more money, you can also rent an apartment, a house, or a bed and breakfast rather than make a hotel reservation. When traveling with others, a villa may provide all the pleasures while staying within your means. 6. Go to offbeat destinations Image by Tour My India Look for new or offbeat destinations because the more well-known tourist destinations are often the most expensive to visit. The living expenses will be cheaper, there won’t be as many people there, and Airbnbs/homestays will be less expensive. In certain cases, you can have a more genuine experience in a place that receives fewer tourists since the locals are friendlier there. 7. Consult online travel experts A travel agency arranges everything for you, including hotel reservations and sightseeing stops, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday in luxury without worrying about accidents. In the end, everything is handled within a predetermined budget. Although many people believe that booking a trip online is a scam, a travel agency actually benefits customers in more ways than one. You’ll be shocked to find out how much money you can save with their help. Additionally, you can also try using some of the mobile apps for budgeting & handling money. Using mobile apps can be a great way to keep track of all your expenses & help you better manage your money. On a related note, you should definitely remember us the next time you plan a trip! Conclusion Irrespective of where you go, a magnificent travel adventure is really about the moments you remember. This is regardless of whether you like exploring new locations every day or prefer to take a peaceful getaway and take in the local beauty. There are some really cool budget destinations in India that you must visit! Make the best of not just the worldly delights a place has to offer, but also the soul of the place. You should always learn more about it from locals whether you travel solo, with your partner, or with your mates. For more such information stay tuned to www.thetarzanway.com
A Guide to the Perfect Week-long Vacation to Goa in 2022
The lovely sandy beaches of Goa are what attract a majority of its visitors. However, there is far more to discover in this coastal paradise, including interesting museums, wildlife sanctuaries, stunning waterfalls, exquisite churches, picturesque Portuguese districts, and old temples. It is far more reminiscent of Europe than the other places in India. Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Judaism are all represented in the culture of Goa. So, you can see how people from many cultures and beliefs interact harmoniously. You can also comfortably speak to the people there in English. There are many ways in which you can go about spending your week in Goa. You could choose to laze around on the beaches and in your hotel room or maybe use up your time to party at a few of the nightclubs or maybe even go on treks. We’ve divided the plan into two parts; one that covers the North and the other that covers the South of Goa. Now, you don’t have to compromise on either! If you want to experience a little bit of everything, then just follow this guide to the perfect week-long vacation in Goa! Kick off your trip with the frenzy of the North The part of Goa in the North is like a boho haven and a popular party destination. The place is much more than that, though. Majestic forts, stunning cathedrals, hopping flea markets, and a wide range of other things of interest can be found scattered throughout a great number of locations. 1. Spend a day by the endless coastline Image by Limecar When in Goa, you must spend at least an entire day entertaining yourself by the beach. You can either choose to spend the day on a beach like Vagator which is a hub for tourists or on a quieter beach like Morjim, or Butterfly beach. While you’re there, you can also indulge in a few water sports or visit nearby pubs. There are plenty of activities available, such as parasailing and banana boat tours, so options are not something you’ll have to worry about. The beaches in the North of Goa are usually filled with people, so while you’re there you can always make some new friends and indulge in different activities along with them. Number of days: 1 2. Explore the quirky gems of Panjim Image by Happymind Travels The core of Goa is in Panjim. It has the ideal balance of everything—beaches, restaurants, shops, architecture, and more. Visit Dona Paula first thing in the morning. Street markets in the North allow you to enjoy Goa’s liveliness and charm while live music floods the ambiance. You’ll also be pleased to know that there are usually numerous food stands that line the streets. You should spend at least two days in Panjim. The first should be used up to take in the magic of the streets. Go on a shopping spree and get yourself some unique jewelry and souvenirs. You can also visit the numerous exhibits and museums that showcase some valuable and significant artifacts of Goa. On the second day, you should go sightseeing to all the monumental forts and learn about their history. Number of days: 2 3. Uncover the appeal of Old Goa Image by Travlics Your itinerary must include a stop in Old Goa if you want to discover the true essence of Goa and plunge completely into its history. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a great place to start your day. From here, go to the Museum of Christian Art and the Se Cathedral. You can learn a lot about the history and traditions of Goa from these breathtaking locations. Travel to Miramar Beach from Dona Paula. The majority of Goa’s wealthy residents reside in Miramar and Dona Paula, where you can see the difference by the wider avenues and tree-lined streets. Number of days: 1 Unwind in the South Many people tend to overlook South Goa because it is a region of Goa that not many people explore. It doesn’t match the common notion of Goa being a place of loud music, partying, nightclubs, and a mix of restaurants serving food that isn’t the specialized Goan cuisine. Compared to the hectic life of North Goa, it is calmer, greener and cleaner, and undeniably more peaceful and that is exactly why it is ideal for a pleasant vacation. Cabo 4. Camp on Cola beach Image by Thrillophilia An exciting thing to do in South Goa is go camping by the beach, and Cola Beach is a great location to do that. The beach is flanked by a number of affordable and deluxe camps, so you can decide according to your budget. You don’t need a permit to camp at the beach, so those who prefer the old-fashioned method can also set up their tents in a calm spot on the beach. Camping in Cola may also be done in a fairly unusual fashion thanks to the lifeguards at the Beach who frequently rent out their huts for a night’s stay. Number of days: 1 5. Admire the horizon from Cabo De Rama Image by Adventure Buddha The Cabo de Rama fort is situated at the sea’s border, once you cross the slick off-track road. You’ll find it between the well-known South Goa beaches of Cavelossim and Agonda. You can reach the fort’s top by one of its two paths, and its on-site church via the other. By visiting this historical landmark, you will undoubtedly gain a wealth of knowledge about all the fort has experienced in the past. This fort is well known for offering travelers the most magnificent sunset views. Number of days: 1 6. Scavenge the streets of Palolem for little trinkets Image by Treebo Hotels Go to Palolem if the absence of people around you
How to reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Amidst the mighty waters of the Bay of Bengal lies a gem covered in several beautiful islands. The enthralling and captivating beauty of the beaches and lagoons captures the attention of every tourist. Andaman in itself is a package for every fellow traveler, be it in nature or the activities it offers. Given the remote nature of the island, if you are wondering how to reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands, then we’ve got you covered. While flights are the most common means to reach the islands, there are various ships that ply from various port cities in India for a few days of the month. How to reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands Listed below are a number of ways how to reach the Andaman and Nicobar islands. How to reach Andaman by flight How to reach Andaman by sea How to reach Andaman by train How to reach Andaman by road 1. How to reach Andaman & Nicobar islands by air Image Source: Kevin Woblick via Unsplash The best mode of transportation to travel to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is by flight. Andaman has a very popular airport called Veer Savarkar named after a renowned freedom fighter. It is the only commercial airport located in Andaman. If you are traveling by air you will have to get down at the Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair. You can board a plane straight to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bhubaneshwar, Bengaluru, and Visakhapatnam. These are the straight routes, in case you are boarding from elsewhere, you will have to take a hopping flight and reach Andaman. Most domestic flights like Indigo Airlines, Air India, Vistara, spice jet, and Go air are available to Andaman. A flight from Chennai will be the fastest route from India. The Flight might take around 2- 3 hours to reach your dream city. The Delhi route is the longest with 5 hours of travel. 2. How to reach Andaman & Nicobar by sea Image Source: Zhang via Unsplash Passenger ships from all the port cities of India sail to the beautiful islands of Andaman daily. Traveling by sea you can get down at Haddo wharf port in Andaman. Since it takes 3-4 days to reach the destination it is not a very suggested mode of transport to reach Andaman. The main ships that connect to Port Blair are MV Nancowry, MV Nicobar, MV Harshvardhana, MV Swaraj Dweep, and MV Akbar. The rates of tickets vary depending on the ships and class your board. The passengers can book their tickets from the respective ports in advance. 3. How to reach Andaman by train One cannot reach Andaman by rail since it is an island. However, the nearest railway station to Andaman is Chennai Central in Tamil Nadu. After reaching Chennai Central you can take a flight, or a ship to reach Andaman. 4. How to reach Andaman by road There are no roadways connecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to other parts of India. You can opt for a flight or ship. However, you can travel around the Island by car. But still, a boat is a very common means of transport here. Intrastate travel in Andaman Image Source: Jeremy Bezanger via Unsplash Commuting within the islands comes with various options. On landing in Port Blair via flight or ship, there are various ways to get around the islands. These are some of the methods to ply within the state: By Ferry: Moving in and around the islands requires one to hop on a boat or ferry. It is also the most common method of hopping from one island to the other. There are both government and private ferries available. However, it is always wise to book your ferries in advance since the rush for ticket bookings is high especially during the peak tourist season. By Cabs: You can hire a cab/taxi and move from place to place. Though this is a convenient way of moving about, it is more expensive than other modes of transport. By autos: You can find plenty of tuk-tuks/autos plying around the islands. Hiring an auto is cheaper than cabs but it is not the most comfortable. The roads are not as smooth and make for a bumpy ride. By two-wheelers: One of the cheapest means of traveling within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is hiring two-wheelers like scooters or bikes. A certain level of expertise is required to drive around in two-wheelers since the roads are not well maintained. FAQs 1. How can I go to Andaman and Nicobar from Mumbai? You can take a flight or train from Mumbai to Chennai. Here, you can board a direct flight from Chennai International Airport to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. 2. How we can go to Andaman and Nicobar islands? You can reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by either boarding a direct flight from Kolkatta or Chennai. Or you can reach the islands by boarding a ship from any one of the port cities in India. 3. How many airports are there in Andaman and Nicobar Islands? There are four airports in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The main airport is the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. This is also the only International airport on the island. The other three airports are military airports. 4. Can we go to Andaman by ship? Yes, one can reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by ship. The waterways are connected to some port cities in India like Kolkatta, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam. You can board a ship from one of these ports and reach the Haddo Wharf in Port Blair. 5. Do Andaman and Nicobar have railway stations? No, there is no railway station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the Indian Government approved the first railway line to be built on the island last year to connect Port Blair and
