Some Important Things to Remember when you Trek

- Ponies may be hired at Pahalgam. One can hire an extra pony to carry your camping gear.
- One can carry a back-pack it yourself if interested.
- Tried and tested walking shoes are a must and brand new shoes are not recommended as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Always start the trek early in the morning.
- Reach the target destination before evening. This area is known to become cloudy by 5 pm.
- Always carry some cash.
- Alcohol Consumption is not allowed.
- First-aid kit is a must-carry. Medicines to carry on this trek are:
a. Painkillers
b. Anti-inflammatory
c. Wide-spectrum antibiotic
d. Anti-diarrhea
e. Anti-constipation pills
f. Mild sleeping pills

During their visit to Bijbehara, tourists can also visit Pahalgam and Srinagar.

Attractions of Pahalgam

• Mamaleshwar Temple
• Sheshnag Lake
• Tulian Lake
• Baisaran Meadow
• Betaab Valley
• Kolahoi Glacier
• Lidder River Rafting
• Lidderwat Valley Trekking Trail
• Pahalgam Golf Course

Attractions in Srinagar

• Shalimar Bagh
• Nishat Bagh
• Dal Lake
• Shankaracharya Temple
• Mughal Gardens
• Shikara Ride
• Houseboats
• Chashme Shahi Garden
• Hazratbal Mosque popular
• Pari Mahal (Quntilon)
• Nagin Lake popular
• Dastgir Sahib Shrine
• Khanqah of Shah Hamdan popular
• Sri Pratap Singh Museum
• Jamia Masjid
• Wular Lake
• Sangin Darwaza
• Masjid of Akhund Mullah
• Hari Parbat Fort
• Pathar Masjid
• Rozabal Shrine
• Kathi Darwaza
• Tomb of Madin Sahib
• Rainawari
• Naseem Bagh
• Harwan Garden
• Burzahom
• Garden of Char Minar
• Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara
• Khanqah of Khwaja Moinuddin Naqsbandi
• Jyeshtheshvara Temple
• Imambara Hassanabad
• Makhdoom Sahib Shrine

Things to do in Srinagar

• Shikaras in Dal Lake
• Parihaspora, Dewar
• House boating
• Bird viewing

Best time to visit / climate

The best time to visit Chandanwadi is between April and September. Summer temperatures range from 2 degrees to 14 degrees and weather is predominantly pleasant during the day, the nights get chilly so pack clothing and medicines accordingly. Even during summers, light woolens, mufflers, gloves and socks are essential.

Location on Google Maps

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Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=Kashmir+near+Chandanwadi&hl=en&sll=34.079429,75.416263&sspn=0.009313,0.021136&oq=chandanwadi,+kas&hnear=Chandanwadi&t=m&z=16

How to get to Chandanwadi?

The Pahalgam-Chandanwadi trail may be traversed by Mini-bus, jeep, pony or on foot.
1. Srinagar by Air
• Srinagar domestic airport is connected with many airports of the major cities in India.
• Regular flights are operated between Srinagar and Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Shimla.
• International travelers get the connecting flights from Delhi International airport.
• This is at a distance of 876 km from Srinagar.

2. Srinagar by Train
• Jammu is the nearest railway station to Srinagar.
• This is at a distance of 290 km.
• Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.
• Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
• Taxi services are available from Jammu to Srinagar.
• The fare is about Rs 6000.

3. Srinagar by Bus
• Many tourist bus service providers arrange deluxe luxurious bus package tours from many neighboring cities to Srinagar.
- Srinagar is well connected by tourist bus services to:
• Chandigarh (630 km)
• Jammu (290 km)
• Delhi (876 km)
• Leh (434 km)
• Phalgan (96 km)
- Packaged tours charge about Rs 4 – Rs 5 per km.

4. By plane
• Sheikh ul Alam Airport is commonly known as Srinagar Airport.
• It is an international airport.
• Flights are operated by Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Spice Jet, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, Jet Lite and Indian Airlines from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar.
• The frequency is once or twice a day by each airline.
• The cost is approximately Rs 2,500 from Jammu, Rs 2,500-5,000 from Delhi one way and higher from Mumbai.

5. By taxi from Jammu to Srinagar
• Hiring a TATA Sumo SUV from Jammu costs approximately Rs 1,900-2,700 depending on time of year or even time of day.
• The journey takes around 8 hrs.

6. By bus from Jammu to Srinagar
• J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu costing around Rs 350 and does the journey in around 12 hrs.
• 2 day buses run between Srinagar and Leh staying overnight in Kargil.
• There are also direct buses from Delhi taking almost 24 hrs to reach Srinagar.

Some travel books from Amazon about Sonamarg

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers)

• Hotels at cleartrip.com
• Hotels at tripadvisor.in
• Hotels at go2kashmir.com

Blogs / Sites about Chandanwadi

• Blogs and reviews at hoparoundindia.com
• Blogs and reviews at travel.sulekha.com
• Blogs and reviews at travelblog.org

Images and photos of Chandanwadi

• Images at google.com
• Images at panoramio.com
• images at holidayiq.com

Videos of Chandanwadi

Attractions in and around Sonamarg

• Gadsar Lake is stocked with snowtrout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers.
• A close by excursion is to Baltal which is 15 km north of Sonamarg.
• Baltal is a little valley that lies at the foot of the Zojila.
• It is only a day’s journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath.
• Trekkers can also reach the starkly splendid roof-top of the world – Leh.
• Leh can be reached by crossing over the Zoji La pass.
• Breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes.
• Trekking and hiking trails in snow clad peaks of Himalaya.
• Nilagrad is a colony of the Baltics and is a picturesque location.
• Here a small stream splashes in to the River Sindh.
• Vishansar is located at an amazing altitude of 4,084 m above sea level.
• The gorgeous views of this lake can be experienced from Nichnai Pass.
• Trekking can be done to this lake from Sonamarg.
• Krishnasar Lake is at a height of 3,801m above sea level.
• It is popular for fishing especially for trout fishing.
• Baltal is at the foot of the Zoji-la pass.
• Baltal is situated about 15 km from Sonamarg.
• It is located at an altitude of 2,743 m.
• The place is the base camp of Amarnathiji yatra. This can be reached by a meandering trek of 14 km from Baltal.
• One can reach the Holy Cave.

1. Thajiwas Glacier
• Thajiwas glacier is located 3 km from Sonamarg.
• This is an ideal spot for enjoying a sledge ride on the snow even in mid-summer.
• The nearby area is perfect camping site too.

2. Zoji-La Pass
• About 20 km east of Sonamarg is Zoji-la pass.
• This is the gateway to the Ladakh plateau.
• This is located at a height of about 3,528 m above sea level.
• The pass connects Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, Kashmir Valley to its south and Ladakh to its North.
• It is an ideal spot to enjoy the scenic beauty.

3. Trekking
• Trekking season is from July to October.
• The fishing season extends from March to October.
- State: Jammu and Kashmir
- District: Srinagar
- Famous for/as: Trekking
- Languages: Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri
- Best Season: Apr – Jun

Attractions in Srinagar

• Shalimar Bagh
• Nishat Bagh
• Dal Lake
• Shankaracharya Temple
• Mughal Gardens
• Shikara Ride
• Houseboats
• Chashme Shahi Garden
• Hazratbal Mosque popular
• Pari Mahal (Quntilon)
• Nagin Lake popular
• Dastgir Sahib Shrine
• Khanqah of Shah Hamdan popular
• Sri Pratap Singh Museum
• Jamia Masjid
• Wular Lake
• Sangin Darwaza
• Masjid of Akhund Mullah
• Hari Parbat Fort
• Pathar Masjid
• Rozabal Shrine
• Kathi Darwaza
• Tomb of Madin Sahib
• Rainawari
• Naseem Bagh
• Harwan Garden
• Burzahom
• Garden of Char Minar
• Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara
• Khanqah of Khwaja Moinuddin Naqsbandi
• Jyeshtheshvara Temple
• Imambara Hassanabad
• Makhdoom Sahib Shrine

Things to do in Srinagar

• Shikaras in Dal Lake
• Parihaspora, Dewar
• House boating
• Bird viewing

Best time to visit / climate

• Sonamarg experiences cool climatic conditions to snow covered chilly periods.
• Summers are pleasant.
• Winters are very chilly and snow fall occurs.
• Trekking season is from July to October.
• The fishing season extends from March to October.

Location on Google Maps

View Larger Map

Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=sonamarg&hl=en&hnear=Sonamarg&t=m&z=13

How to get to Sonamarg?

• One can reach Sonamarg by road through the Srinagar-Leh Highway.
• Srinagar is the nearest airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu.
• Tourist lodges run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation are ideal places to stay in Sonamarg.
• You may also stay at tourist bungalows and hotels in Sonamarg.

1. Sonamarg by Air
• The nearest airport to Sonamarg is located at Srinagar.
• The airport is at a distance of 70 kms away.
• Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flights.
• Taxis are available from airport to Sonamarg for a fare of about Rs 1,000.

2. Sonamarg by Train
• The nearest major railhead is at Srinagar, which is 70 kms away.
• One can reach Sonamarg from railway station by taxis or buses.
• Taxi fare is about Rs 1,000.
• Railway stations near Sonamarg are Udhampur, Jammu Tawi.

3. Sonamarg by Bus
• Sonamarg is connected by Jammu and Kashmir state owned road transport corporation buses.
• Sonamarg is well connected to Jammu (60 km, Rs 30) and Srinagar (70 km, Rs 35) by buses.
• Special luxurious buses will also be available from Jammu and Srinagar to Sonamarg.

Some travel books from Amazon about Sonamarg

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers)

• Hotels at adventuretoursofindia.com
• Hotels at mustseeindia.co
• Hotels at srinagar.nic.in

Blogs / Sites about Sonamarg

• Blogs and reviews at mustseeindia.com
• Blogs and reviews at travelkashmir.net
• Blogs at adventuretoursofindia.com

Images and photos of Sonamarg

• Images at google.co.in
• Images at trekearth.com
• Images at holidayiq.com

Videos of Sonamarg

Wild Life in Poonch

• Poonch District is rich in wild life.
• Forests in the district cover an area about 83.914 acres.
The rare mammals include:
• Markhor
• Musk deer
• Brown bear
• Leopard
• Ghoral
The birds include:
• Pheasant
• Black partridge
• Chakurs
• Snow cock kohlas

Poonch Specials

• Stunning scenic beauty
• Snow covered peaks
• Lush green meadows
• Dense forest
• Natural beautiful lakes
• Waterfalls

Attractions in and around Poonch

1. Noori Chhamb
• Noori Chammb is associated with the name of Mughal queen Noor Jahan.
• It is famous for its scenic beauty & water fall.
• It is located near Behram Galla in Surankote tehsil about 45 kms from Poonch town.
• The Emperor Jahangir had developed fancy & liking for this fall.
• Hence he named it Noori Chammb after the name of his beloved queen Noor Jahan.
• Mughal queen used to stay here for relaxation and bath on way to Kashmir.
• She had got fixed a mirror besides the fall on the mountain wall.
• Here she used to have her make- up after the bath.
• The remnants of the mirror are still there.

2. Girgan Dhok and Lakes
• It is a valley of seven lakes.
• It is located about 70 kms from Poonch town.
See the lovely and beautiful seven lakes which are:
- Sukhsar
- Neelsar
- Bhagsar
- Katorasar
- Kaldachnisar
- Nandansar
• These lakes are situated at the high altitude of 12000 ft. in the Buffliaz belt.
• Nandansar is one of the biggest lakes near Girgen dhok.
• The length of this lake is about one mile and its breadth is half a mile.

3. Poonch Fort
• The foundation of historic fort building in the capital of erestwhile Poonch Riyasat.
• This is the headquarter of truncated Poonch district at present.
• The Fort was planned as a composite structure for the fortification of the town.

4. Mandi
• It is a small village in a narrow valley.
• This village is enclosed by steep and grassy hills of no great elevation.
• This is situated near the confluence of two streams namely Gagri and Pulsta.
• Mandir Swami Budha Amar Nath Ji is situated in this village.
• Mandi is about 20 kms from Poonch town.

5. Rajouri
• Rajouri is a town and a municipal committee in Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Rajouri is important for defense point of view.
• Rajouri is about 130 kilometres (81 mi) away from Jammu city
• This town is on the Poonch Highway.
• Rajauri is also called the Vale of Lakes
• This is so as there are many lakes around the city.
• The area has seen a decline in tourists due to the Kashmir conflict.
• The District drives its name from Rajouri town.
• This town is historically known as Rajapuri/Rajapura.
• Rajouri District had been part of Poonch district prior to 1967
• On 22 September 1967, the government bifurcated district Poonch into two districts namely ‘Rajouri’ and ‘Poonch’

6. Lake of Pir Panjal Rajaouri
• The Pir Panjal falling under the jurisdiction of Rajouri-Poonch districts.
• It is a repository of beautiful lakes.
• These lakes are situated at an altitude between 13,000–14,500 ft.
• A lake is called “Sar” and meadow is called “Marg”.
• This stretch of Pir Panjal is full of lakes and meadows.
• It is considered a place to be well enjoyed by the tourists.
• There are more than 27 lakes between Simar Sar to Nandan Sar.
• This stretch is of an area of 900 km2.
• Of these seven lakes are big in size.
• The rest of the lakes are smaller.
• Next to Kaunsar Nag, Bhag Sar is the biggest lake.
• Most of the big lakes are situated at the boundary line between Jammu division and the Kashmir valley.
• All of these lakes drain into the Kashmir valley.

The important lakes are:
- Sukh Sar
- Akal Dakshni
- Nandan Sar
- Chandan Sar
- Katori Sar
- Raviwalli marg group of lakes
- Chamar Sar
- Bhsg Sar
- Diya Sar
- Padyaran Sar I and II
- Katori Sar in Bela Marg and Smat Sar

Other places near Poonch

• Loran
• Nandishool
• Surankote
• Behramgala
• Dehra-Gali

Religious Tourism in Poonch

• Mandir Budha Amarnath Mandi
• Gurudwara Nangali Sahib
• Gurudwara Deri Sahib
• Battalkote
• Mandi
• Ramkund Mandir, Mendhar.
• Shri Dashnami Akhara Mandir.
• Ziarat Sain Miran Sahib
• Ziarat Chhote Shah Sahib
• Ziarat Sain Illahi Bakash Sahib
• Ziarat Pir Fazal Shah Sahib

Trekking in Poonch

• Poonch to Gulmarg (Kashmir) via Jammia gali
• Poonch — Gaggrian Sawjian — Barshi Nallah — Barnara marg — Jamia marg — Jamia gali (15000 ft.) — Gulmarg(Tangmarg).
• Poonch to Nandishool via Loran (Sultan Pathri)
• Poonch to Yusmarg(Kashmir) via Nurpur gali and Khaara gali :
• Poonch — Loran — Sultan Pathri — Nurpur gali — Toshamaidan — Kundlan — Dood Ganga Bridge — Yushmarg.
• Poonch to Yusmarg(Kashmir) via Choti gali :
• Poonch — Behramgala — Chandimarh — Kabar Pathran — Choti gali(14100 ft.) — Kundlan — Yusmarg.
• Poonch to Tatakuti via Hill Kaka and Dhara marg
• Poonch to Shopian(Kashmir) via Peer ki gali :
• Poonch — Behramgala — Poshiana — Chita Pani — Peer gali(11500 ft.) — Aliabad Sarai — Hierpur — Shupian.
• Poonch to Hierpur (Kashmir) via Nandansar lake :
• Poonch — Behramgala — Girgen gali — Girgen marg — Panjtari marg — Khuooah — Gumsar — Nandan gali — Glacier — Nandansar lake – -six other lakes — Jaddi marg — Aliabad — Hierpur.
• Poonch to Gulmarg via Chor Gali :
• Poonch — Sawjian — Gali Maidan — Mangiana — Sari — Chor Gali — Gulmarg.

Best time to visit / climate

• It is generally pleasant and it is possible to visit the place throughout the year.
• The best time to visit is October and November.
• The summer season is from April to June and the conditions are warm for a short period.
• The monsoon season is from July till September.
• The winter season is really cold and temperature falls around freezing point.

Location on Google Maps

View Larger Map

Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=Poonch&hl=en&hq=Poonch&t=m&z=16

How to get to Poonch?

• There is a small airport in Poonch.
• A railway is under construction.
• A bus across the LOC, the Poonch-Rawalakot bus has helped to re-establish ties across the border.

1. Srinagar by Air
• Srinagar domestic airport is connected with many airports of the major cities in India.
• Regular flights are operated between Srinagar and Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Shimla.
• International travelers get the connecting flights from Delhi International airport
• This is at a distance of 876 km from Srinagar.

2. Srinagar by Train
• Jammu is the nearest railway station to Srinagar
• This is at a distance of 290 km
• Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.
• Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
• Taxi services are available from Jammu to Srinagar
• The fare is about Rs 6000.

3. Srinagar by Bus
• Many tourist bus service providers arrange deluxe luxurious bus package tours from many neighboring cities to Srinagar.
Srinagar is well connected by tourist bus services to
• Chandigarh (630 km)
• Jammu (290 km)
• Delhi (876 km)
• Leh (434 km)
• Phalgan (96 km)
Packaged tours charge about Rs 4 – Rs 5 per km.

4. By plane
• Sheikh ul Alam Airport is commonly known as Srinagar Airport.
• It is an international airport.
• Flights are operated by Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Spice Jet, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, Jet Lite and Indian Airlines from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar.
• The frequency is once or twice a day by each airline.
• The cost is approximately Rs 2,500 from Jammu, Rs 2,500-5,000 from Delhi one way and higher from Mumbai.

5. By taxi from Jammu to Srinagar
• Hiring a TATA Sumo SUV from Jammu costs approximately Rs 1,900-2,700 depending on time of year or even time of day.
• The journey takes around 8 hrs.

6. By bus from Jammu to Srinagar
• J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu costing around Rs 350 and does the journey in around 12 hrs
• 2 day buses run between Srinagar and Leh staying overnight in Kargil.
• There are also direct buses from Delhi taking almost 24 hrs to reach Srinagar.

Some travel books from Amazon about Poonch

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers)

• Hotels at wego.co.in
• Hotels at tripadvisor.in
• Hotels at holidayiq.com

Blogs/Sites about Poonch

• Blogs and reviews at poonch.gov.in
• Blogs and reviews at mustseeindia.com
• Blogs and reviews at holidayiq.com

Images and photos of Poonch

• Images at google.com
• Images at poonch.gov.in
• Images at oktatabyebye.com

The intending pilgrims are allowed to perform darshan from Ashard Purnimashi to Shravan Purnimashi.
The core meetings are held at Srinagar as well as Pahalgam which is the base-camp for Amarnath Yatra. Advance registration of yatries is on first come first serve basis and within a stipulated period. Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave is reached via a trek of a height of about 14,500 ft. The trek is full of thrill and joy mixed with devotion.
The yatra is on a path that is surrounded by beautiful valleys, mountains as if on the paradise of the earth. The registration is done by J &K Govt. Tourist Offices.

These offices are located at:
• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Calcutta
• Chennai
• Ahmedabad
• Hyderabad
• Jammu
• Srinagar

Travelling Expenditure

1. Jammu to PahalgamBus Fare (Per Person)
• DELUXE Rs. 200.00
• SEMI-DELUXE Rs. 155.00
• ORDINARY Rs. 130.00
• ARTP Rs. 220.00

2. Jammu to Baltal Bus Fare
• DELUXE Rs. 240.00
• SEMI-DELUXE Rs. 200.00
• ORDINARY Rs. 160.00
• ARTP Rs. 270.00

3. Jammu to Pahalgam Taxi Fare (Per Person)
• Tata sumo: Rs.360.00
• Ambassador: Rs. 520.00

4. Jammu to Baltal Taxi Fare
• Tata Sumo: Rs. 550.00
• Ambassador: Rs. 760.00

Nearest Attractions to Amarnath Yatra

• Pahalgam
• Chandanwadi
• Sheshnag
• Panchtarni

Attractions of Pahalgam

• Mamaleshwar Temple
• Sheshnag Lake
• Tulian Lake
• Baisaran Meadow
• Betaab Valley
• Kolahoi Glacier
• Lidder River Rafting
• Lidderwat Valley Trekking Trail
• Pahalgam Golf Course

Attractions in Srinagar

• Shalimar Bagh
• Nishat Bagh
• Dal Lake
• Shankaracharya Temple
• Mughal Gardens
• Shikara Ride
• Houseboats
• Chashme Shahi Garden
• Hazratbal Mosque popular
• Pari Mahal (Quntilon)
• Nagin Lake popular
• Dastgir Sahib Shrine
• Khanqah of Shah Hamdan popular
• Sri Pratap Singh Museum
• Jamia Masjid
• Wular Lake
• Sangin Darwaza
• Masjid of Akhund Mullah
• Hari Parbat Fort
• Pathar Masjid
• Rozabal Shrine
• Kathi Darwaza
• Tomb of Madin Sahib
• Rainawari
• Naseem Bagh
• Harwan Garden
• Burzahom
• Garden of Char Minar
• Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara
• Khanqah of Khwaja Moinuddin Naqsbandi
• Jyeshtheshvara Temple
• Imambara Hassanabad
• Makhdoom Sahib Shrine

Things to do in Srinagar

• Shikaras in Dal Lake
• Parihaspora, Dewar
• House boating
• Bird viewing

Best time to visit / climate

• The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the J &K Govt.
• This yatra is organised during the month of sharavan, July and August.

Location on Google Maps

View Larger Map

Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=amarnath+yatra&hl=en&hq=amarnath+yatra&radius=15000&t=m&z=11

How to get there?

• Air: The nearest Airport happens to be in Badgam Distt which connects to major cities of India.
• Rail: Jammu is the nearest Rail Head which is at 300 Kms away to get to all parts of the country and vice versa.
• Road: The Road transportation is fine with NH1A Highway and all sorts of buses to taxis are available for reaching places to places.

List of designated Branch of Jammu & Kashmir Bank Limited
• Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad – Pather Ghatti, J.N.Road
• Bihar Patna – Phulwari Sharief
• Chandigarh (Union Territory) Sector 17
• Delhi Azadpur; Chandni Chowk; Naraina; Navin Shadara; Okhla; Rohini; South Extenison; Sarita Vihar; Vasant Vihar
• Goa Panaji
• Gujarat Ahmedabad; Baroda (Lal Bagh); Surat
• Haryana Ambala Cantt; Gurgaon; Hissar; Karnal; Panipat;Rohtak
• Himachal Pradesh Dharmshala; Kullu; Shmla
• Karnataka Bangalore – SPJ Road; Infantry Road; Mysore
• Kerala Kochi; Ernakularm; Thriuvananthapuram
• Maharashtra Mumbai; Andheri (East); Kalbadevi, Mira Road, Vashi; Aurangabad; Nagpur; Pune
• Madhya Pradesh Bhopal; Indore
• Punjab Amritsar – Shastri Market; Majith Mandi; Batala; Bathinda; Ferozepur; Jalandhar; Ludhiana; Khanna; Moga; Mohali; Mandi Gobind Garh; Mansa; Pathankot; Phagwara
• Rajasthan Jaipur
• Tamil Nadu Chennai – Mount Road; Parrys
• Uttar Pradesh Agra; Aligarh; Allahabad; Bhadoni; Greater Noida; Kanpur; Lucknow; Meerut; Muradabad; Noida; Varanasi
• West Bengal Kolkata- R.N. Mukherji Road, Mullick Bazar
• Jammu & Kashmir Jammu – TRC Extension Counter; Rajori Jawahar Nagar ; Poonch – Main Branch; Kathua-Main Branch; Udhampur-Shakti Nagar ; Doda-Pul Doda
• Srinagar TRC Extension Counter

1. Srinagar by Air
• Srinagar domestic airport is connected with many airports of the major cities in India.
• Regular flights are operated between Srinagar and Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Shimla.
• International travelers get the connecting flights from Delhi International airport
• This is at a distance of 876 km from Srinagar.

2. Srinagar by Train
• Jammu is the nearest railway station to Srinagar
• This is at a distance of 290 km
• Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.
• Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
• Taxi services are available from Jammu to Srinagar
• The fare is about Rs 6000.

3. Srinagar by Bus
• Many tourist bus service providers arrange deluxe luxurious bus package tours from many neighboring cities to Srinagar.
Srinagar is well connected by tourist bus services to
• Chandigarh (630 km)
• Jammu (290 km)
• Delhi (876 km)
• Leh (434 km)
• Phalgan (96 km)
Packaged tours charge about Rs 4 – Rs 5 per km.

4. By plane
• Sheikh ul Alam Airport is commonly known as Srinagar Airport.
• It is an international airport.
• Flights are operated by Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Spice Jet, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, Jet Lite and Indian Airlines from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar.
• The frequency is once or twice a day by each airline.
• The cost is approximately Rs 2,500 from Jammu, Rs 2,500-5,000 from Delhi one way and higher from Mumbai.

5. By taxi
• Hiring a TATA Sumo SUV from Jammu costs approximately Rs 1,900-2,700 depending on time of year or even time of day.
• The journey takes around 8 hrs.

6. By bus
• J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu costing around Rs 350 and does the journey in around 12 hrs
• 2 day buses run between Srinagar and Leh staying overnight in Kargil.
• There are also direct buses from Delhi taking almost 24 hrs to reach Srinagar.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers)

• Hotels at southerntravelsindia.com
• Hotels at tripadvisor.in
• Hotels at amarnathjiyatra.com

Blogs / Sites about Amarnath yatra

• Blogs and reviews at amarnathyatra.in
• Blogs and reviews at amarnathyatra.org
• Blogs and reviews at amarnathyatra.net.in

Images and photos of Amarnath yatra

• Images at google.com
• Images at flickr.com
• Images at pahalgam.com

Videos of Amarnath Yatra

Patnitop is at an altitude of 2024 metres. The river Chenab flows in close proximity to this location. Patnitop’ is a distortion of the original name of Patan Da Talab meaning “Pond of the Princess”. Patni top is in the Lower Himalayan Range close to the Pir Panjal range. It is 35 kilometers from Udhampur.

The towns of Kud and Batote are nearby Patnitop. Kud is a very small town where a sweet shop makes fresh Patissa (a sweet). Batote is known as a place for quality rajma or the kidney beans.

Attractions in Patni Top

1. Trekking
• There are many pleasant walks around this popular hill station.
• Patnitop is a good starting place for many short or longer treks which go into the nearby mountains.
• An attractive one-day walk is to Shiva Garh which is about 11-km from Patnitop is at an altitude of almost 3,500 metres.
• There are three, gushing, ice-cold freshwater springs in this area.
• These springs are known to have medicinal properties.

The complete tourist circuit covers
• Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji
• Kud-Sanasar
• Patnitop-Gourikund
• Sudmahadev
• Mantali
• Latti-Dhuna

2. Adventure Sports
• Patnitop is an ideal place for walks and picnics.
• Sanasar is a 19-km away was chosen by J&K Tourism for major development.
• This town is located in a Gulmarg-like meadow which has picnic spots around.
• The 6-hole golf course is being expanded to 9-holes.
• Pony rides along little known trails.
• Camping
• Walks
• Para gliding
• Basic skiing
• Sudh Mahadev is another sacred spot that is close to Patnitop.

3. Eco-Adventure Activities
• Dawariyai take off area at Patnitop.
• Paragliding at Patnitop.
• Tandem Paragliding Joyrides at Sanasar by Extreme Himalayan Adventures.
• Billo ki powri at Dawariyai,400 steps cut into the rock face.
• High Flying from Natha Top.

4. Sanasar
• Paragliding
• Camping
• Skiing
• Trekking
• Abseiling
• Rock Climbing
• Scenic nature walks

5. Kud
• Located 103 kms from Jammu, on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
• This popular resort is situated at an altitude of 1738 mtrs.

6. Batote
• This is about 125 Kms from Jammu on the way to Patnitop.
• This is located at an altitude of 1560 metres.
• This is on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
• This resort straddles the forested slopes of the Patnitop mountain range.

7. Gauri Kund
• Some distance from Sudh Mahadev is the legendary spring.
• Here the Goddess Parvati used to have bath before commencing her daily prayers at Sudh Mahadev.
• This spring came to be named after her as ‘Gauri Kund’.

8. Mantalai
• This is located at a few kilometers further away from Sudh Mahadev.
• Mantalai is surrounded by lush deodar forests at an altitude of 2000 m.
• The place is associated with the legend of the marriage of Lord Shiva with the Goddess Parvati.

9. Mansar Lake
• This lake is located 90 kms from Patnitop.
• This is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills.
• Boating facilities are available on the spot.
• Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organised here by J&K Tourism.

Nearest Attractions to Patni top

• Pahalgam
• Chandanwadi
• Sheshnag
• Panchtarni

Best time to visit / climate

• Patnitop is an ‘anytime’ place.
• The best time for a visit is summer, during May-June, and autumn, September-October.
• For snowboard joys, December to March is the best time.

Location on Google Maps

View Larger Map

Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=Patni+Top,+NH+1A&hl=en&sll=33.073327,75.335118&sspn=0.081562,0.169086&oq=Patni&hq=Patni+Top,+NH+1A&t=m&z=15

How to get to Patnitop?

• Patnitop can be easily reached due to its proximity to the town of Jammu.
• This hill station is well connected to the town of Jammu and also to the capital city of Srinagar through a network of buses.
• These buses connect regularly ply to Patnitop.
• Local buses and taxis can be taken directly to Patnitop, and trains can be taken to the nearest city.

1. Patnitop by Bus
• Buses to the town of Patnitop can be taken from Pathankot, Jammu and Srinagar.
• These are the three major places in the state with a huge network of buses.
• Patnitop can be reached from here.
• The journey from Jammu to Patnitop will take around three hours in an average.
• Bus fares will range around Rs 100 to 150.
• This is the locally preferred mode of travel.

2. Srinagar by Air
• Srinagar domestic airport is connected with many airports of the major cities in India.
• Regular flights are operated between Srinagar and Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Shimla.
• International travelers get the connecting flights from Delhi International airport.
• Delhi is at a distance of 876 km from Srinagar.

3. Srinagar by Train
• Jammu is the nearest railway station to Srinagar
• This is at a distance of 290 km
• Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.
• Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
• Taxi services are available from Jammu to Srinagar
• The fare is about Rs 6000.

Some travel books from Amazon about Patnitop

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers)

• Hotels at mustseeindia.com
• Hotels at patnitophotels.com
• Hotels at patnitop.net

Blogs / Sites about Patnitop

• Blogs and reviews at rangan-datta.info
• Blogs and reviews at patnitop.nic.in
• Blogs and reviews at mustseeindia.com

Images and photos of Patnitop

• Images at google.com
• Images at tripadvisor.in
• Images at holidayiq.com

Cueva del Cable (Cave of the Cable)
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 10 km
Start: Rancho San Vicente
End: Hoya de Jutia
San Vicente-Ancón
Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Low
Length: 5 km
Start: Hotel Rancho San Vicente
End: Ancón

Maravillas de Viñales (Wonders of Viñales)
Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 6 km
Start: 2 km from Moncada
End: 1.5 km from Moncada

El Pinar y Su Encanto (The Pine and His Charm)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 2.8 km
Start: Hotel Rancho San Vicente
End: Hotel Rancho San Vicente

Entre Valles y Montañas (Between Valleys and Mountains)
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Low-Medium
Length: 10.8 km
Start: Hotel La Ermita
End: Hotel La Ermita

Tradiciones Campesinas (Traditional Countryside)
Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Low-Medium
Length: 7 km
Start: Intersection of the road Capón and the Viñales-Puerto highway
End: Comunidad República de Chile

Del Infierno al Paraíso (From Hell to Paradise)
Time: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Very high
Length: 8.6 km
Start: Resolladero río El Novillo
End: Mural de la Prehistoria

Tradiciones de Viñales (Traditional Viñales)
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 5.7 km
Start: Hotel Los Jazmines
End: Hotel Los Jazmines

Los Paisajes en al Valle (The Landscapes in the Valley)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 7.6 km
Start: Intersection of the Viñales road and the La Ermita Hotel
End: Intersection of the Viñales road and the La Ermita Hotels

En el Corazon del Valle (In the Heart of the Valley)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 11 km
Start: Viñales Museum
End: Farm House in Viñales

Del Mirador al Valle (The View of the Valley)
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 4 km
Start: Hotel Los Jazmines
End: The town of Viñales

De la Mano del Guajiro (Of the Hand of the Peasant)
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 4 km
Start: Viewpoint at Sitio del Infierno
End: Primary School El Sitio

Cave Exploring:
1. Cuevas Del Indio: These are Indian caves located five kilometers to the north of Vinales. There is also a boat tour here.
2. Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás: This cave that is 15 kilometers to the west of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas that is near El moncada. It is the biggest cave in Cuba.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit Vinales is between December and April. One can avoid the horrendous storms and hurricanes and avoid the sticky heat of the Cuban summer which can be unbearable for some.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
By plane: One can reach Cuba from Canada, Mexico and Europe by arriving at Jose Marti International Airport that is outside Havana. Cubana de Aviacion is the major carrier in Cuba and connects to Mexico, South and Central America, Canada and Europe. One can either take a taxi to Havana centre or take a bus service.
By boat: There are no regular boats or ferries to Cuba but private vessels may enter the marina Hemingway in Havana or marina Aqua in Varadero.
By bus: Viazul runs buses twice a day from Havana and Pinar del Rio.

Getting around:
By bike: One can use a bike to go around but one has to get one’s own bike for that.
By plane: Cubana de Aviacion or Aero Caribbean covers larger distances.
By train: The main line runs through Havana and Santiago de Cuba. It stops at Santa Clara and Camagüey. Cienfuegos, Manzanillo, Morón, Sancti Spiritus, and Pinar del Rio are the other cities that can be reached by train. Tren Frances operates between Havana and Santiago de Cuba alternately.
By bus: Viazul is the bus service in Cuba for public transport to tour the island. Astro is another bus line for touring in Cuba.
By boat: Cienfuegos or Trinidad incorporates the Canarreos Archipelago and the Juventud Islands or Jardines de la Reina Archipelago to Windward Islands is the bases for boat rides.

Travel to Vinares after reading these travel books from Amazon:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Restaurant
• Hotel
• Cubahotelreservation
• Tripadvisor
• cuba-junky.com
• Travelpod

Blogs / Sites about Vinales:

• Lonelyplanet
• Travelpod
• bugbitten.com
• globenotes.com

Images and photos of Vinales:

• Google Image Search
• Fotosearch
• Tripadvisor
• Lonelyplanet
• Tripadvisor Canada

Videos of Viñales from Youtube:

Vinales Valley, Vinales (Cuba) – Travel Guide

Unesco World Heritage “Vinales Valley”, Cuba

Vinales Valley Cuba – World Heritage Site

Indian Cave, Vinales Valley, Cuba

VIÑALES VALLEY PINAR DEL RIO CUBA

Horse ridding in Vinales

The popular events of the place are as below
• Flowers and Coffee Fair (Boquete): January
• La Candelaria Fair (Bugaba): January to February
• Boquete Jazz Festival (Boquete): February
• David International Fair (David): March
• Orchids Fair (Boquete): April
• San Andres Fair (Bugaba): November
• Highlands Fair (Volcán): December

Attractions around:
• Finca Dracula Orchids farm: This farm is five minutes from the Los Quetzales Lodge in Guadelupe. It houses one of the complete orchid collections that are found in Latin America.
• Sendero Los Quetzales: This is also known as the Quetzales Trail. This is a Natural trail which is a link between the Boquete and Cerro Punta villages through La Amistad International Park.
• Parque Internacional La Amistad: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• Coffee Plantation of Boquete: This region is famous for gesha coffee which can be visited and enjoyed and one can buy coffee that is grown on volcanic slope. Cafe Ruiz and Kotowa are for touring.
• Whitewater River Rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo: River tours that is about 1/2 day and full day rafting excursions. Among them are:
o Chiriqui River Rafting
o Panama Rafters
o Boquete Outdoor Adventure
• Visit Paradise Garden: This is a Wildlife Rescue Center in Panama which takes an entrance fee in order to support the centre.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season and from May till November it gets wet and above 3000 meters it gets very cold at night. To have best views one should be on the peak at dawn, else due to fog visibility is low.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
The easiest way is to take to reach Volcano Baru is by taking a cab from Boquete for US$5 until La Casetta.
To get around, Walking is the best way to go.

One can reach Boquete
• From David: Every 45 minutes until 8PM there are buses that leave to Boquete which takes one hour.
• From San Jose in Costa Rica: From Tracopa terminal a bus leaves in the morning to David and from there the above bus can be taken to reach Boquete.
• From Panama City: Air Panamá and Aeroperlas offers daily flights to David which is about 50 minutes.
• From the Albrook bus terminal there are buses that are run by Panafrom, Padafront, and Terminales David to David every one hour.
• There is a shuttle available between Bocas Del Toro and Boquete.

Get around Bouquete:
One can either take foot or take a taxi to go around. Apart from this there are several tour companies offering packages of tour around the place.

Plan adventure to Volcan Baru from Amazon site:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels
• Tripadvisor
• http://www.hablayapanama.com/info/boquete-hotels/
• Yahoo travel

Blogs / Sites about Volcano Baru:

• WordPress Blog
• hablayapanama.com
• Panamaforum
• Travelpod

Images and photos of Volcano Baru:

• Google Image Search
• About.com
• igougo.com
• Tripadvisor
• Flickr

Videos of Volcan Baru from youtube:

My Baru Hiking Experience (Volcan Baru, Boquete, Panama)

Volcan Baru

VOLCAN BARÚ

Viaje Volcan Baru Expedicion

Volcan Baru panama

Volcán Barú

Bahamas Attractions
• The Dig, Atlantis: It is known to everyone that Atlantis Island was very lavish and submerged in water. But it is said that it was located in Bahamas and this dig is the underwater tour of the ruins of the Atlantis city. There are many lagoons too that houses shark and manta rays. Blue lagoon, the Predator lagoon and The Mayan Temple Shark lagoon are the major lagoons.
• Joker’s Wild Comedy Club: This club is between Beach & Coral Towers where Comedians perform and one can have a hearty laugh.
• Atlantis LIVE: This is a concert series that The Atlantis Resort hosts which features the popular performers from all different genres.
• New Providence Island is dominated by the capital Nassau and is the most populated island in Bahamas. Its best attractions are small vessel harbors in the Caribbean.
• Junkanoo: This is known to be the biggest event in the Bahamian calendar. This is a street carnival which is held on December 26 which is also known as the Boxing Day. On New Year’s Day Junkanoo groups rush all through the town. Nassau town is the centre of this festival. Junakanoo music is played which has African rhythms and medley on cacophony. Every year the costumes are made from scratch. Junkanoo rush is held on Friday and Saturday evenings at Marina Village.
• Bimini Islands: These islands are a group in the Bahamas with an underwater cave system. It is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and has an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island of North Bimini, is seven miles long (11km).
• Nassau: This is the capital of the Bahamas and is on New Providence Island. This is a colonial Caribbean city which has modern American culture. It is a combination of old and new in its facilities with an old-world charm. Many of the town’s buildings are dated back to 18th century.
• Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island: This Island has white beaches and aquamarine seas and is fifty miles, that is, 80 km, east of Miami. Free port is an inland which is preferred by visitors fro stay or they choose Lucaya which is a seaside suburb.
• Andros Island: This is the largest island in Bahamas. This island is ideal for scuba divers and fisherman. This island is not that developed but tourist enjoy on the island.
• Exumas Islands: The Exumas comprises of myriad of islands and cays. They are spread over hundreds of miles. There are two parts of the islands, the largest is the Great Exuma and the little is the Little Exuma.
• Long Island: This Island hosts one of the main events of Bahamas, a yachting race called Long Island Regatta. It is held in the town of Salt Pond every may. People from all over the world come here to watch it. It is one of the unspoilt islands of the Bahamas.
• Abacos Islands: The chains of tiny islands are spread around 200 miles (322km) and is the most north part of the Bahamas. It is only 200 miles (322km) from Miami.
• Eleuthera Island: This Island has no hotels nor cruise ships and hence not very crowded. It is spread almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide. Harbor Island is considered to be its satellite island.
• Half Moon Cay: This is a private resort and people from Holland America line cruise ships get to stay here.
• Hartley’s Undersea Walk: One can take a walk along the oceanic floor here. Diving is popular and is easy with the use of undersea botanical helmet which is for normal breathing and dry hair.
• Pirate Museum: This is a tour which takes us to a journey to the heart of downtown Nassau and back to 1716. There is a replica of the pirate ship “Revenge” which can be boarded and known from inside.
• Pinetree Stables: Here people are taking on a two hour Bahamian horse back ride. This ride starts from Freeport and through the Pine Tree forest, through a castle and then to the dunes and along the beach.
• Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island: The Atlantis resort that is located on Pirate island houses the largest water park of the world and is spread on a 97-acre Park. There are many waterslide and river rides with special effects that are great fun.
• Dolphin Encounters: Dolphin encounters are where one gets to swim with dolphins. One can also watch from the side. This is located on Salt cay.
• Bahamas Historical Museum: This museum is housed in Nassau and exhibits the pre Columbian times to present times which is around 50 years of the history of Bahamas. It has interesting historical artifacts.

Best time to visit / climate:

This island has a tropical marine and waters of Gulf Stream are warm. The place is attacked by hurricanes and tropical storms and floods, with the hurricane season, lasting (officially) from June to November. The hotels charge their highest prices during the peak winter period from mid-December to mid-April and are the peak period for touring. Late summer or summer is the best time to visit the place.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Visitors from US, Canada, EU and Japan do not need an advance visa for stays of up to three months.
By plane: the capital Nassau, on New Providence, and Freeport, on Grand Bahamas are the largest airports of Bahamas. There are smaller airports in other places.
By road: Paradise Island is connected to New Providence Island (Nassau) by two bridges (one incoming, one outgoing). There’s an entrance fee of $1 per vehicle.
By boat: The capital, Nassau, on New Providence Island is one of the world’s busiest cruise ship ports, and is served by ships that originate from Florida, Freeport on Grand Bahamas Island. There is also a ferry from Paradise Island to the main land. Dock at Hurricane Hole Marina if there is a private yacht. The dock allows yachts of 200 feet in length.
Get around: One can go by Bahamasair from Nassau or take bus services from Nassau/New Providence or take a taxi or rent a car to go around the place. Mail boats are served in almost all islands in Bahamas and are the cheapest mode of transport.
Windward Islands, a yacht charter company is served in Bahamas starting from Abaco.

Plan your trip to Nassau better with these books:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Paradise_Island#Eat
• http://wikitravel.org/en/Paradise_Island#Sleep
• Tripadvisor (link1, link2)
• http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/paradise-island-resorts/
• Yahoo travel

Blogs / Sites about Paradise Island:

• realtravel
• travelpod
• http://www.blogcatalog.com/./blogs/island-paradise
• http://www.practicalparadiseisland.com/Paradise-Island-blog.html
• http://www.blogtoplist.com/rss/paradise-island.html
• http://www.travbuddy.com/Paradise-Island-travel-blogs-1291944

Images and photos of Paradise Island:

• Google Search
• Tripadvisor (link)
• http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-l2095-Paradise_Island_photos.html
• http://www.paradiseislandphoto.com/

Videos from youtube:

Paradise Islands Caribbean Beaches
‘

Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas

The Cities of French Guiana are:
• Cayenne: This is the administrative capital of French Guiana.
• Kourou: This is the city that hosts the space center and Arianespace.
• Saint-Laurent: this city is located on the Maroni River that forms the natural border between Surinam and French Guyana.
• Saint-Georges: This city is on the Oyapock River that forms the natural border between Brazil and French Guyana.
This area is a low-lying coastal plain that rises to hills, and small mountains and also consists of hill plateaus and the Tumuc-humac Mountains.
The official language of French Guiana is French but Creole is also widely spoken. Few understand English here. On the Maroni river, Taki-taki is spoken and basic Portuguese and basic Spanish are understood.

Attractions of French Guiana:
• Emerald jungle village: This village is the best of the eco tourism. It is in the Cayenne region and has the solar powered lodge which is a French Foreign Legion post. This is abandoned now. The building comprises of a library and on the property lie the botanical trail.
The lodge conducts excursions through eastern French Guiana; canoes and mountain bikes are also available on rent.
• Hattes Beach: This is a single nesting site for the giant leatherback turtles in the world. These turtles nest from April to July (which is peak season for more than 200 leatherbacks). Their eggs are known to hatch from July to September. Even green turtles nest here, along with Olive ridley turtles and hawksbill turtles. This beach also has a local museum giving information regarding turtles.
• Salvation islands: Its Local Name is Îles du Salut and these are tropical islands; a group of islands are known for being a brutal penal colony setup in 1852. There are 3 groups of islands; they are Île Royale, Île St Joseph, and the Île du Diable which is also known as the “Devil’s Island” being a penal colony from 1852 to 1953.
The population of these islands is about 2000. These islands are located in shark infested waters.
• Marshes of Caw: This is located in the Cayenne region and is a natural reserve. It is best for nature lovers. One can see abundant wildlife in here.
• Cayenne Zoo: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a zoo that is situated in a tropical rainforest.
• Place des Palmistes: This is known as the “place of the cabbage trees” and has monuments and gardens. This place is full of palm trees because of which it’s got its name.
• Avenue du General de Gaulle: This is also in the Cayenne region. This is a well known street for hotels, eateries and boutiques, named for the war hero and the former President of France.
• Place Grenoble: This is also in the Cayenne region. This is one of the main town squares full of public buildings.
• Place Victor Schoelcher Market: This is also in the Cayenne region and is Cayenne’s main vegetable market.
• Cayenne River: This river is well know for tourists to take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere around.
• Musee Departemental: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a museum that was an old Creole home.
• Fort Ceperou: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a fort that dates back to the 17th century and is on a high hillside location with perfect views.
• Fort Diamant: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a government structure dating back to 17th century.
• Remire-Montjoly Beach: This is a beach that is in the Cayenne region and there is an old sugar mill with some ruins. It has great views of the beach.
• Village Chinois (Chinatown): This is also in the Cayenne region. This village is full of Restaurants and markets and a bustling fish market.
• Kourou Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais): This is a Science museum and a space centre in the Kourou region of French Guiana. It is known for more than 500 launches that started in the 1960s. One can take a guided tour and view its six launch sites that are the region’s most popular attractions.
• Kourou River: This is in the Kourou region of French Guiana. There are organized rides in pirogues, traditional hollowed-out log canoes.

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate of French Guiana is Tropical; hot, humid with minimal seasonal temperature variation.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane: Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport (CAY) is the Airport that serves this place of French Guiana.
The flights that serve are:
- From Surinam, with Surinam Airways.
- From Brazil, formerly with Penta but now with Air Caribbes.
- From Martinique and Guadeloupe, with Air France and Air Caraibes
- From France, with Air France and Air Caraibes.
- From Panama with Air Caraibes.
- From Costa Rica with Air Caraibes.
- From Dominican Republic with Air Caraibes.
- From Miami with Air France.

By car: From Brazil a private barge serves across the Oiapoque River.
From Suriname, there is a ferry to cross the Maroni River.

By bus: From Brazil and Suriname, once you reach the border, cross the river with a motorboat or a dugout canoe.

By boat: From Brazil and Suriname, one has to cross the rivers Oyapoque and Le Maroni.

Get around: One can take a native craft or vessels and coastal river steamers or take minibuses to go between towns.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Southtravels
• Tripadvisor
• Mytravelguide
• Travel.yahoo

Blogs / Sites about French Guiana:

• Travelblog.org
• Travelpod.com
• Mongabay.com
• Expat-blog

Images and photos of French Guiana:

• Hanrossel
• Picturesofplaces
• Ddbstock

The nearby cities to Cerro Punta are:
• Limon, Costa Rica: This city is about 76.1 miles.
• Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica: This city is about 50.4 miles.
• David, Panama: This city is about 28.3 miles.
• Boquete, Panama: This city is about 10.2 miles.

The popular events of the place are as below
• FLOWERS AND COFFEE FAIR (Boquete): January 7 to 17
• LA CANDELARIA FAIR (Bugaba): January 28 to February 7
• BOQUETE JAZZ FESTIVAL (BOQUETE): FEBRUARY 25-28
• DAVID INTERNATIONAL FAIR (David): March 11 to 21
• ORCHIDS FAIR (Boquete): April 8 to 12
• SAN ANDRES FAIR (Bugaba): November 27 to 30
• THE CHIRICANO DRUM FAIR (David): November 28
• HIGHLANDS FAIR (Volcán): December 16 to 20

Attractions of Cerro Punta and around:
• FINCA DRACULA ORCHIDS FARM: This farm is five minutes from the Los Quetzales Lodge in Guadelupe. It houses one of the complete orchid collections that are found in Latin America.
• SENDERO LOS QUETZALES: This is also known as the Quetzales Trail. This is a Natural trail which is a link between the Boquete and Cerro Punta villages through La Amistad International Park.
• PARQUE INTERNACIONAL LA AMISTAD: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• PARQUE NACIONAL VOLCAN BARU: This is also known as the Baru Volcano National Park and is the core of the reserve. This core is the highest mountain of Panama which is known as the Baru Volcano.
• Coffee Plantation of Boquete: This region is famous for gesha coffee which can be visited and enjoyed and one can buy coffee that is grown on volcanic slope. Cafe Ruiz and Kotowa are for touring.
• Whitewater River Rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo: River tours that is about 1/2 day and full day rafting excursions. Among them are:
o Chiriqui River Rafting
o Panama Rafters
o Boquete Outdoor Adventure
• Visit Paradise Garden: This is a Wildlife Rescue Center in Panama which takes an entrance fee in order to support the centre.

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate is tropical with a short dry season and rainy season which is almost about 9 – 10 months of the year. The temperature during night time is often cool due to high elevation. The best time to visit this place would be December through March, which can be considered the dry season.

Location on Google Maps:

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How to get there:

• By Plane: From Panama City one can take a flight which is about one hour from David and then take a bus to the valley of clouds in about one hour and a half.
The services of flights are also from San José, Costa Rica, three days a week, also one hour, to David.
• By Car: From Panama City it is about 440 kilometers to David and Cerro Punta is about forty kilometers and the drive is through landscapes and scenic beauty.
The drive from San Jose, Costa Rica is more or less 300 kilometers to David which crosses the border in Paso Canoas.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Cerro_Punta#Sleep
• http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-487658-cerro_punta_panama_vacations-i
• Virtualtourist
• Frommers.com

Blogs / Sites about Cerro de Punta:

• http://cerropunta.chiriqui.org/
• Travelblog.com
• Travelpod.com
• Travelpost.com

Images and photos of Cerro de Punta:

• http://cerropunta.chiriqui.org/ch-cerropunta-fotos.htm
• Google Search
• http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g612409-Cerro_Punta.html
• http://www.summitpost.org/cerro-punta-bar-west-route/images/p-495882

Youtube videos:

Cerro Punta – Panama

“Guadalupe – Almost Paradise” Lobo’s photos around Cerro Punta, Panama

Virtual Tour Road VOLCAN – CERRO PUNTA – Chiriqui, Panama

Driving through Cerro Punta,Panama