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TIME YOUR TRIPS
The best places to visit in December.
INDIA KUTCH, GUJARAT
The largest district not
only in Gujarat, but also India, is synonymous with the
Rann of Kutch, the seasonal wetland that
forms one of the largest salt deserts
in the world.
WHY NOW?
The weather is good in
December-February. Besides, you also get to see the
salt desert and enjoy
the Rann Utsav.
WHAT TO SEE
Time your trip to
include Rann Utsav between 18 Nov 2015 and 23 Feb 2016
at the Great Rann, where
the prime attraction is the white salt desert.
You can book a package
via the Gujarat Tourism site (rannutsav.com) too.
Here are the other sites
to visit:
Dholavira: One of the five largest Harappan
sites.
Bhuj: Pick handicraft
& textile.Visit Aaina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Kachch Museum,
Hamirsar lake.
Mandvi: Vist the beach
and Vijay Vilas Palace.
Bhunga: Stay a night in
these decorated mud houses.
Kala Dungar: Highest point
in Kutch with great views of Rann.
Wildlife sanctuaries:
Pick from Wild Ass, Kutch Desert Wildlife
and Narayan Sarovar
sanctuaries.
HOW TO REACH
Air: The closest airport
is in Bhuj, the administrative city of Kutch, about
72 km away. There are
regular flights to Bhuj from all major cities and
one can hire taxis to
reach Kutch.
Train: Again, the
nearest railway station is in Bhuj, which is connected
to all major cities in
the country and you can easily hire a taxi to Kutch.
Road: The city is well-connected
by NH-8 to other cities and you can use
the state transport or
private and luxury buses to travel.
WHERE TO STAY
There aren't many luxury
hotels, though good resorts and deluxe tented
accommodation is
available (more than `10,000). You could stay in tents
at the Rann Utsav venue
and should also try the bhungas or eco-resorts
homestays. There are
many options in mid-range and budget segments in
Bhuj and Mandvi (less than `4,000).
WORLD AUSTRALIA
Australia comprises the
mainland continent, the island of Tasmania,
and other smaller
islands. It also ranks 6th in the Lonely Planet's listing
of top countries to
visit in 2016.
WHY NOW?
It's summer in
Australia, and with its currency and petrol prices down,
it's a good time to
visit and plan road trips.
WHAT TO SEE
You'll need two-three
weeks and here's a sample itinerary.
Start with Brisbane and
move to Gold Coast the next day for its golden beaches
and theme parks. Take a
flight to Cairns, the popular gateway to the Great
Barrier Reef. Take a train to Kuranda and
return on the Skyrail. Also trek
the World
Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Then fly to Uluru to look at
the famous rock, before
moving to Alice Springs, and then flying to Sydney.
Take in a wine tour and
Bondi beach, then move to Melbourne.
Finally fly to Adelaide
and back home.
HOW TO REACH
Air: You can find
cheaper fares to Brisbane with the Thai Airways
And China Southern, with
the Delhi-Brisbane oneway fare starting at
around `43,000 per person in December.
The fares from Adelaide
to Delhi start at around `53,000.
Travel within Australia:
There is a range of options from domestic flights
Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue,
Rex), and busescoaches (national coach operator,
Greyhound, offers
passes), to trains, ferries, monorails and trams.
You could also hire
cars, four-wheel drives, caravans or motorbikes.
WHERE TO STAY
Stay is typically
expensive in Australia, starting with the international chain
hotels and the old
hotels, which offer a luxurious stay (starting at `8,000 a night).
The next price range is
resorts, motels, and serviced apartments (start `5,000).
For budget
accommodation, choose from rentals, bed & breakfasts, hostels
and country homes (less
than `2,000).
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Riju Dave ETW2NOV15
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