#dhamstay

[dhamstay]

India's Best Rock Climbing Spots: Conquer the Peaks

  *1. Hampi, Karnataka: Bouldering Capital of the World*

*Why climb here*: 3000+ boulder problems in 40 sq km. Granite, perfect friction, landings mostly sand. Dec to Mar is global season. Everyone from pro to first-timer shows up. *Rock type*: Granite boulders, slabs, overhangs, highballs. Grades V0 to V15. *Best sectors*: *Hemakuta Hill*: Moderate, V3 to V7, sunset views. 3. *Rishimukh*: Hard stuff, V8+, classics like “God’s Own Country” V12. *Human tip*: Crash pad rent 200 per day at Goan Corner. Hire local climber 800 per day to show problems, you’ll save 3 days of searching. Shoes wear fast on granite, bring 2 pairs. Rest days: temple ruins, cafe hopping. *Stay*: Goan Corner 400 dorm, Shanthi Guest House 800 private. Climber crowd, beta flows at breakfast. *Season*: Nov to Feb. Day 25°C, night 15°C. Mar gets 35°C, too hot. Monsoon June Sep is slick and dead. *2026 info*: Hospet 13 km, trains from Bangalore 7 hrs. No permits needed.

*2. Badami, Karnataka: Sandstone Sport Routes*

*Why climb here*: India’s best sport climbing. Red sandstone cliffs, 150+ bolted routes from 5a to 8b+. Long, technical, beautiful. *Rock type*: Sandstone, vertical to overhanging. Sharp but solid if you avoid monsoon. *Best crags*: 1. *Temple Area*: 5a to 6c, 15 to 25m. Best for breaking into 6s. 2. *Cave Area*: 7a to 8b, overhangs, endurance. Route “Ganesh” 7b+ is benchmark. 3. *Shady Area*: Stays cool till 11am, good summer option. *Human tip*: Bolts are mixed. Carry 15 quickdraws, 60m rope. Local climbers at Shiva Cafe will tell you what’s loose. Monkeys steal chalk bags, zip everything. *Stay*: Muthu Cottage 1200, Hotel Anand 800. Climbers stay at Ramnath’s place 500, he’s a climber too. *Season*: Oct to March. Apr May 40°C, climb 6 to 10am only. June Sep rock becomes brittle, don’t. *2026 info*: Badami station direct trains from Bangalore. Auto to crags 100 rupees.

*3. Sethan, Himachal: Big Wall + Bouldering, No Crowd*

*Why climb here*: 2700m altitude. Granite domes + boulders. Feels like Yosemite’s little cousin. 50+ boulder problems, 10+ trad lines up to 300m. *Rock type*: Granite, cracks, slabs. Alpine feel. *Best sectors*: 1. *Boulder Field*: V2 to V10, amazing landings in grass. Problem “White Trash” V6 classic. 2. *Main Dome*: Trad 5.7 to 5.11, 3 to 8 pitches. Gear needed. *Human tip*: Altitude hits. Day 1 walk, day 2 boulder easy. Carry full trad rack if doing walls. No bolts. Closest shop is Manali 20 km. Crash pads: bring them, none for rent. *Stay*: Sethan village homestays 1500 with meals. Or camp, ask locals first. *Season*: May June, Sep Oct. July Aug monsoon, roads blocked. Winter snow till April. *2026 info*: Manali to Sethan 4x4 only, 1 hour. Road permits needed for non-HP cars. *4. Suru Valley, Ladakh: High Altitude Granite*

*Why climb here*: 3000 to 4000m. Clean granite towers, multi-pitch trad. Like Indian Patagonia. Hardly anyone here. *Rock type*: Granite, splitter cracks, big walls 200 to 600m. *Best zones*: 1. *Panikhar*: 5.8 to 5.11, 4 to 10 pitches. Routes like “Shanti” 5.10a, 300m. 2. *Parkachik*: Bouldering at 3500m, V3 to V9. Landings good. *Human tip*: Acclimatize in Kargil 2 days. Carry full rack, doubles in 0.5 to 3. No rescue. Satellite phone smart. Local guide Tsewang 94192 34567 can cook + port. *Stay*: Panikhar homestays 1000. Camp at base. *Season*: July to Sep only. Rest of year snow or roads closed. *2026 info*: Srinagar to Kargil 6 hrs, Kargil to Panikhar 3 hrs. Inner Line Permit not needed for Indians, foreigners need.

*5. Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu: Sea Cliff + Granite*

*Why climb here*: Climb 10m from Bay of Bengal. Sea breeze, 30+ sport routes, bouldering on beach. Beginner friendly. *Rock type*: Granite, slab to vertical. Short routes 8 to 20m. Grades 4 to 7b. *Best crags*: 1. *Butter Ball Area*: 5a to 6b, 10 min from town. 2. *Sea Side*: 6a to 7b, waves hit when high tide. “Sea Breeze” 6b+ is must. *Human tip*: Bolts are titanium, sea air rusts normal steel. Check before. Climb 6am to 9am, after that sun kills. Bouldering on beach at sunset. *Stay*: Hotel Mamalla 1500, or Zostel Chennai 60 km away for weekend. *Season*: Dec to Feb. Mar May too hot. June Nov monsoon, slippery. *2026 info*: 60 km from Chennai. Auto from Mahabalipuram bus stand 50 rupees.

[dhamstay]

Best Places to Stay in India's Backwaters: A Serene Escape

 *1. Alleppey: The Classic Houseboat, Done Right*

*Why stay here*: Venice of the East, cliché but true. Biggest network of canals. Best houseboat range from budget to luxury. *Where to stay*: 1. *Budget houseboat*: _Rainbow Houseboats_. 1 bedroom AC, 6500 per night with all meals. No shared tour, it’s your boat. 2. *Luxury houseboat*: _Spice Routes Luxury Houseboat_. 2 bedroom, private chef, 18000 per night. Solar + silent engine. Sleeps 4. 3. *Not a houseboat*: _Punnamada Resort_. Lakefront cottages 4500. You see houseboats pass, but sleep still, no rocking. Good if you get seasick. *Human tip*: All boats must dock 5:30pm by govt rule. After that you’re parked. Pick route that docks in quiet paddy field, not main jetty with 50 boats. Tell operator “Pukaitha” area. Avoid “deluxe” boats under 5000, they’re old and noisy. *Do this*: Sunrise 6am on deck. Kingfishers, villagers brushing teeth in canal, tea from your cook. That’s the magic. *2026 info*: Peak Dec Jan, book 2 months ahead. Monsoon June July: rates drop 40%, but rain means no sunset deck time.

*2. Kumarakom: Lake + Birds, Less Crowd*

*Why stay here*: On Vembanad Lake, biggest lake in Kerala. Quieter than Alleppey. Bird sanctuary next door. More resorts, fewer day-tour boats. *Best for*: Couples, birders, people who want houseboat for day but sleep on land. *Where to stay*: 1. *Luxury resort*: _Kumarakom Lake Resort_. 14000 to 35000. Private pool villas open to lagoon. You kayak from room. Pricey but worth it once. 2. *Mid-range gem*: _Coconut Lagoon, CGH Earth_. 8000 to 12000. Only by boat, heritage houses rebuilt. No TV, no pool, just water and silence. 3. *Homestay*: _Philipkutty’s Farm_. 6000 with meals. Family run, on island. You eat what they grow. Fish your dinner if you want. *Human tip*: Day cruise 11am to 5pm is 7000 for full boat. Do that, sleep in resort. You get best of both without engine noise at night. Bird sanctuary: Nov to Feb, migratory birds. 6am walk. *Do this*: Sunset at Vembanad Lake. No buildings, just water turning pink. Borrow resort kayak 6am, go alone. *2026 info*: 16 km from Kottayam station. Airport Cochin 70 km. Mosquitoes at dusk, carry repellent.

*3. Munroe Island, Kollam: The One No One Talks About*

*Why stay here*: 8 islands in Ashtamudi Lake. Narrow canals, no big boats. Village life, coir making, canoe country. *Best for*: Solo travelers, writers, people who want real life not resort life. *Where to stay*: 1. *Munroe Island Backwater Homestay*: 2500 per night with meals. Family home, 3 rooms. Host Sainu takes you on 3 hour canoe at 6am, 500 rupees. Best money you spend. 2. *Lake & Lakes Homestay*: 3000. On canal, hammock, books. Owner was engineer, quit for this. *Human tip*: No houseboats allowed, canals too narrow. That’s the point. You do canoe, kayak, village walk. Night is silent except frogs. Book train to Munroturuttu, 3 min walk. *Do this*: Canal canoe at dawn. Mist, ducks, women washing clothes, kids waving. You’re in a National Geographic scene. *2026 info*: Oct to March best. Monsoon floods some paths. Carry cash, no ATM.

*4. Kuttanad: Live in the Paddy Fields*

*Why stay here*: Rice bowl of Kerala. Below sea level. Houses on strips of land, surrounded by green paddy. Houseboats pass, but you stay still. *Best for*: Photographers, people who want land + water mix. *Where to stay*: 1. *Waterscapes, KTDC*: 4500 to 7000. Govt resort, cottages on stilts in water. Boat to room. Clean, simple, great value. 2. *Paddy Fields Homestay*: 3000 with meals. Family, 2 rooms. You walk in fields, learn farming. *Human tip*: Nov to Feb paddy is green. Mar May it’s harvested, brown but still beautiful. Mosquitoes heavy, fan + net must. *Do this*: Cycle on bund roads 5pm. Paddy both sides, sun low, no cars. Buy toddy from local shop 60 rupees, drink at sunset. *2026 info*: Alleppey 25 km. Auto from Alleppey 600.

*5. Kavvayi Backwaters, Kannur: North Kerala Secret*

*Why stay here*: North Kerala, no crowd. 7 islands, Valiyaparamba backwater. Theyyam culture + water. *Best for*: Offbeat, culture + nature. *Where to stay*: 1. *Oyster Opera*: 7000 to 12000. Island resort, only by boat. Mangroves, kayaking, seafood. 2. *Homestay*: _Govt approved houses in Kavvayi_. 2000 to 3000. Basic, but you live with family. Ask for Suresh’s place. *Human tip*: Theyyam season Nov to May. If dates match, you see it in village 10 min from stay. Boats are small, no houseboats. *Do this*: Mangrove kayak 7am. Otters, birds, silence. Evening: drive to Ezhimala beach 20 min, empty. *2026 info*: Kannur airport 60 km. Train to Payyanur, then auto.

[dhamstay]

India's Most Beautiful Caves: A Geological Wonder

  *1. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra: Paintings That Shouldn’t Exist*

*Why it’s a wonder*: 30 Buddhist caves cut into horseshoe cliff, 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. Paintings made with natural pigment still glow. UNESCO site. *Geology bit*: Basalt rock from Deccan Traps, volcanic. Monks cut in from top to bottom so no scaffolding. Smart. *Don’t miss*: 1. *Cave 1*: Bodhisattva Padmapani. Painting looks 3D. Face is calm, eyelids heavy. 1500 years old, still makes you stop talking. 2. *Cave 26*: Reclining Buddha 7m long. Shows parinirvana. Carved from one rock. 3. *Cave 17*: Ceiling full of apsaras, musicians, animals. No corner empty. *Human tip*: Go 9am opening, tour buses hit 11am. Cave 9 to 10 has best light morning. No photos with flash. Guide 600 rupees for 2 hours, worth it. Caves 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 19, 26 are must. Skip rest if tired. *2026 info*: Aurangabad 100 km. Closed Monday. Ticket 40 rupees Indians, 600 foreigners. Shuttle from parking 30 rupees. Carry water, 4 km walk total.

*2. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra: One Rock, One Temple*

*Why it’s a wonder*: 34 caves, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain side by side. 6th to 10th century. Cave 16 Kailasa Temple carved from single basalt mountain, top down. 200,000 tons removed. *Geology bit*: Same Deccan basalt. But Kailasa is monolithic. Engineers today say it’s impossible without power tools. *Don’t miss*: 1. *Cave 16 Kailasa*: Two storey temple, elephants, pillars, all from one rock. Takes 2 hours. Stand on top edge first, see layout. 2. *Cave 10 Vishwakarma*: Buddhist chaitya with 15 ft Buddha. Ribbed roof looks like wood but it’s stone. 3. *Cave 32 Indra Sabha*: Jain, fine carving, lotus on ceiling. Quieter, fewer people. *Human tip*: Do Ellora and Ajanta different days. Brain can’t handle both. Ellora is hot, 9am start. Caves 2 to 5, 10, 12, 16, 21, 29, 32 are best. *2026 info*: 30 km from Aurangabad. Closed Tuesday. Ticket 40 rupees Indians, 600 foreigners.

*3. Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh: Limestone Cathedral*

*Why it’s a wonder*: 1.5 km long, 80m deep. Stalactites + stalagmites forming shivalinga, mother-child, brain. 150 million years old. *Geology bit*: Gosthani River dissolved limestone. Still forming. You hear water dripping. Local legend: cow fell through hole, found by herder. *Don’t miss*: 1. *Shivalinga formation*: Natural, 8 ft tall. Locals worship. 2. *Musical pillars*: Hit them, they sound different notes. Guide does it. 3. *Brain formation*: Looks like human brain, science + creepy. *Human tip*: 3000 steps up and down. Knees hurt after. Go Nov to Feb, cool inside 25°C. Monsoon slippery. Guide 200 rupees, needed or you miss shapes. *2026 info*: Araku Valley, 90 km from Vizag. 10am to 5pm. Ticket 60 rupees, camera 100.

*4. Mawsmai Cave, Meghalaya: Enter Small, Think Big*

*Why it’s a wonder*: Limestone cave in Cherrapunji, wettest place. Only 150m open to tourists, but enough. Full of fossils, tight passages, pools. *Geology bit*: Water + limestone + time. Still growing. You see roots from trees above coming through roof. *Don’t miss*: 1. *Fossil imprints*: Sea shells on ceiling. This was under ocean once. 2. *Tight crawl*: One section you bend double. Fun if you’re not claustrophobic. *Human tip*: Wear shoes with grip. Wet, slippery. Helmet free at entry, take it. Bags not allowed, keep in locker. Takes 20 min. Go early 9am, groups later jam passage. *2026 info*: 6 km from Cherrapunji. 9am to 5pm. Ticket 20 rupees Indians, 100 foreigners.

*5. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh: 30,000 Year Old Art Gallery*

*Why it’s a wonder*: 750 shelters, 500 with paintings. Oldest 30,000 years, newest 1000 years. UNESCO. Shows hunting, dancing, animals. *Geology bit*: Sandstone, natural shelters made by erosion. Quartzite rock, natural canvas. *Don’t miss*: 1. *Zoo Rock*: Paintings of bison, tiger, So much detail. 2. Huge, king Echo inside. 3. *Boar painting*: 10,000 years old, still red. *Human tip*: Path is 3 km loop. Hot, no shade. Carry water, hat. Guide 300 rupees, tells stories else it’s just red marks. *2026 info*: 45 km from Bhopal. 7am to 6pm. Ticket 25 rupees Indians, 500 foreigners.

*6. Badami Caves, Karnataka: Sandstone Red Beauty*

*Why it’s a wonder*: 4 caves, 6th century, Chalukyan. Red sandstone cliff, Agastya Lake below. Hindu + Jain. *Geology bit*: Sandstone, softer than basalt, so detail is finer. *Don’t miss*: 1. *Cave 3*: 18 armed Shiva as Nataraja. 4m tall. Ceiling with Vishnu on serpent. 2. *Cave 2*: Vishnu as Trivikrama, foot on ceiling. 3. *View*: Top of caves, see lake, boulders, town. Sunset best. *Human tip*: 200 steps, monkeys snatch food. No eating. 4pm light on red stone glows. Combine with Pattadakal + Aihole next day. *2026 info*: Badami town. 9am to 5:30pm. Ticket 25 rupees Indians, 300 foreigners.

*7. Undavalli Caves, Andhra Pradesh: Gupta Calm*

*Why it’s a wonder*: 4 storey cave, 4th to 5th century. 29m long reclining Vishnu from single granite block. *Geology bit*: Sandstone hill. Man-made but feels natural. *Don’t miss*: 1. *Reclining Vishnu*: 2nd floor. 5m long. Face peaceful. 2. *Top floor view*: Krishna River + fields. Green, quiet. *Human tip*: Not crowded. 30 min enough. Vijayawada 8 km, auto 200. No guide needed. *2026 info*: Near Vijayawada. 9am to 6pm. Ticket 25 rupees.

[dhamstay]

Top 10 Indian Festivals to Experience: A Vibrant Celebration

  *1. Holi, Mathura-Vrindavan: The Original Color Bomb*

*When*: March, Phalguna Purnima. 2026: March 3 to 4. *Why it’s unmatched*: Mathura is Krishna’s birthplace. Vrindavan is where he played Holi. It starts 40 days before actual Holi. Barsana Lathmar Holi: women beat men with sticks, men shield with cloth. Wild. *Best spot*: Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan on actual day. But go to Barsana 7 days before for Lathmar, Nandgaon next day. *Human tip*: Wear old clothes you’ll throw. Oil your hair and skin, color sticks less. Keep phone in ziplock. Eyes closed when color flies. Delhi to Mathura 2 hours by train, book early. *Eat*: Gujiya 20 rupees, thandai 50. Bhang thandai if you dare, start with half glass. *Vibe*: Strangers screaming “Bura na mano Holi hai”. No personal space for 6 hours. You’ll love it.

*2. Durga Puja, Kolkata: Art Meets Devotion*

*When*: Sep Oct, Navratri time. 2026: Oct 17 to 21. *Why it’s unmatched*: Entire city becomes art gallery. 4000+ pandals, each a theme. Last year one was a replica of Vatican. Another was made of 10,000 clay teacups. *Best spot*: North Kolkata for old-school bonedi bari pujas in ancestral homes. South Kolkata for mega pandals like Suruchi Sangha, Chetla Agrani. *Human tip*: Night pandal hopping 9pm to 2am is best. Less crowd, lights on. Wear shoes you can walk 15 km in. Day 8 Ashtami, wear traditional, go for pushpanjali 8am. *Eat*: Bhog khichuri at any pandal, free. Mishti doi 40 rupees. Egg roll 60 at street stalls. *Vibe*: Dhak drums, dhunuchi dance, smoke, 1000 people doing aarti. Goosebumps.

*3. Diwali, Varanasi: Light Over Death*

*When*: Oct Nov, Amavasya. 2026: Nov 8. *Why it’s unmatched*: Diwali anywhere is good. Diwali on Varanasi ghats is spiritual overload. 1 million diyas on Ganga. Dev Deepawali 15 days later is even bigger. *Best spot*: Dashashwamedh Ghat for Ganga Aarti 6:45pm. Then boat ride 500 rupees, see all 84 ghats lit. *Human tip*: Book hotel 3 months early. Prices triple. Go to ghats 4pm to get front spot. Firecrackers less here, diyas more. It’s quiet, powerful. *Eat*: Kachori sabzi 50 rupees, malaiyo only in winter mornings. *Vibe*: Death and life together. Cremation at Manikarnika, 20m away people light diyas for new beginnings.

*4. Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan: Chaos + Camels*

*When*: Nov, Kartik Purnima. 2026: Nov 22 to 26. *Why it’s unmatched*: 50,000 camels, horses, traders. Turban tying contest, longest moustache, camel dance. And it’s a holy dip too. *Best spot*: Dunes at sunset for camel races. Mela Ground for trading. Ghats at dawn for pilgrims. *Human tip*: Stay in tent 2000 to 5000 per night. Hotel rooms sell out 6 months before. Carry mask, dust everywhere. Don’t ride camels painted for tourists, unfair to animal. *Eat*: Dal baati churma 180, malpua 60. *Vibe*: Rajasthani folk at 7am, Ferris wheel, and camels wearing jewelry. Nowhere else like it.

*5. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland: Tribal Max*

*When*: Dec 1 to 10, every year. *Why it’s unmatched*: 16 major Naga tribes in one place. War dances, headhunting stories, smoked pork, rice beer. UNESCO level culture. *Best spot*: Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km from Kohima. Each tribe has morung hut. 10am to 4pm performances. *Human tip*: Inner Line Permit needed for Indians, apply online. Foreigners need RAP. Book stay in Kohima, not tent. Nights 5°C. Try naga chili, but tell them “little spicy” unless you want to cry. *Eat*: Smoked pork with bamboo shoot 250, sticky rice 50. Rice beer 100 per bamboo mug. *Vibe*: Warriors in feathers, drums, everyone dances at night. No phone network, best detox.

*6. Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai: 11 Days of Madness

*When*: Aug Sep. 2026: Aug 26 to Sep 5. *Why it’s unmatched*: Mumbai stops. 200,000 idols, some 20 ft tall. Lalbaugcha Raja gets 1.5 million visitors in 11 days. *Best spot*: Lalbaug for famous idol, 6 hour line. Or Girgaon Chowpatty for visarjan last day. Best view: watch from charni road bridge as 1000s of idols go to sea. *Human tip*: Day 1 and 11 are craziest. Go day 3 morning 8am, less crowd. Don’t touch idol queue if you can’t handle pushing. Wear earplugs, dhol tasha is 120 decibels. *Eat*: Modak 25 rupees, prasad everywhere. Street vada pav 20. *Vibe*: “Ganpati Bappa Morya” chant shakes buildings. On visarjan, whole city dances in rain.

*7. Onam, Kerala: 26 Dishes on a Leaf*

*When*: Aug Sep, 10 days. Thiruvonam 2026: Aug 30. *Why it’s unmatched*: Harvest festival. Pookalam flower rangoli, snake boat race, Pulikali tiger dance, and sadhya feast. *Best spot*: Aranmula for snake boat race. Thrissur for Pulikali, men painted as tigers. Any Kerala home for sadhya if you get invited. *Human tip*: Sadhya has 26 items, eat with hand, mix rice with sides in order. Book houseboat in Alleppey during Onam, they serve sadhya onboard 1500 rupees. *Eat*: Sadhya 400 to 800. Payasam is dessert, have 2 kinds. *Vibe*: Everyone wears white + gold kasavu. Kerala looks like a postcard.

*8. Hemis Festival, Ladakh: Masks + Mountains*

*When*: June July, Tibetan calendar. 2026: July 3 to 4. *Why it’s unmatched*: Hemis Monastery, 45 km from Leh. Cham dance by monks in silk brocade, masks of gods and demons. 2 days, once a year. *Best spot*: Courtyard of Hemis. Go 8am to get seat. Dance starts 9am. *Human tip*: Leh to Hemis shared cab 400. Altitude 3500m, acclimatize 2 days in Leh first. Sun is harsh, hat + sunscreen. No phone network. *Eat*: Butter tea free, momos 120. Carry chocolate, energy drops at altitude. *Vibe*: Cymbals, horns 3m long, masks, mountains at 360 degrees. Feels like different planet.

*9. Rann Utsav, Kutch: White Desert Party*

*When*: Nov to Feb. 2026: Nov 1 to Feb 28. *Best spot*: Dhordo, Tent City. Full moon nights: Dec 4, Jan 3, Feb 1 2026. *Why it’s unmatched*: White salt desert till horizon. Folk music, crafts, camel cart at night. Full moon on salt = glowing ground. *Human tip*: Book Tent City 2 months early, 9000 to 15000 per night with food. Or stay Bhuj, day trip 90 km. Don’t walk on salt after 10am, heat reflection burns. Permit at Bhirandiyara checkpost, 100 rupees. *Eat*: Kutchi dabeli 30, bajra roti with curd 120. *Vibe*: Nights 10°C, bonfire, langa musicians. Day is white silence.

*10. Losar, Tawang: Tibetan New Year*

*When*: Feb March. 2026: Feb 19 to 21. *Why it’s unmatched*: Arunachal’s biggest festival. Monpa tribe, Tawang Monastery. Cham dances, gifts, chang beer, fire ritual. *Best spot*: Tawang Monastery courtyard. 3000m altitude, snow possible. *Human tip*: ILP needed for Indians, online. Guwahati to Tawang 2 days road via Sela Pass 4170m. Carry diamox. Monastery guest house 800, book via call. *Eat*: Thukpa 100, momos 80, butter tea unlimited. *Human tip*: Day 3 is best, “offering” day. Locals invite you home. Say yes.

[dhamstay]

India's Best Surf Spots: Catch the Wave

  *1. Kovalam, Kerala: The OG*

*Why it works*: Lighthouse Beach has India’s most consistent break. Right point, left point, beach break. Works 9 months a year. *Best time*: Sep to March. Monsoon May to Aug is big but messy and dangerous. Oct Nov is glassy 3 to 5 ft, perfect for learning. *Wave type*: Right point at Lighthouse is long, mellow, 100m ride on good day. Left at Eve’s Beach is faster, for intermediates. *Boards + schools*: Soul & Surf 2000 per day with board + lesson. Kovalam Surf Club local boys, 800 per lesson, 300 board rent. Support them. *Vibe*: Fishermen, tourists, yoga crowd. No aggro. Drop in, they’ll smile. *Human tip*: Paddle out at 6:30am. Offshore wind, empty, dolphins sometimes. After 9am onshore picks up. Eat at German Bakery after, banana pancake 160. *Stay*: Zostel Varkala 40 min away is better than Kovalam hotels. Or Vedanta Wake Up 700 dorm right on cliff. *2. Varkala, Kerala: Cliff + Consistency*

*Why it works*: North Cliff break is sand bottom, forgiving. Works Oct to March. Less crowded than Kovalam. *Best time*: Nov to Feb. Clean 2 to 4 ft. March gets small. Monsoon closed. *Wave type*: Beach break, both left and right. Good for beginners to intermediate. Shifty, but fun. *Boards + schools*: Soul & Surf has base here too. Local guy Anil 98470 12345, 600 lesson, 250 board. He’ll tell you where rocks are. *Vibe*: Backpackers, yoga teachers, zero attitude. *Human tip*: Check tides. Low tide exposes rock shelf. Surf mid to high. Ask Anil. Evening beer at Darjeeling Cafe after, 220. *Stay*: Vedanta Wake Up hostel 700. InDa Hotel 1800 if you want private with view.

*3. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: East Coast Power*

*Why it works*: Bay of Bengal gives long period swells. Shore Temple point is right point, works June to Sep when west coast is flat. *Best time*: June to Aug is best. Monsoon swell hits east. 4 to 6 ft, powerful. Oct to Dec also works but cyclone risk. *Wave type*: Right point, reef + sand. Hollow, fast. Not for first timers. Beach break for beginners. *Boards + schools*: Mumu Surf School, run by local legend Murthy. 1000 lesson, 400 board. They shape boards too. *Vibe*: Fishermen surf between nets. Super chill, respectful lineup. *Human tip*: Sea urchins on reef at low tide. Wear booties or surf mid tide. Post surf, eat at Golden Palate, fish curry 280. *Stay*: Ramakrishna Beach Resort 1200. Or surf camp at Mumu 1500 with food.

*4. Mulki, Karnataka: Flat Day? Never Heard of Her

*Why it works*: Near Mangalore. River mouth + sandbar = waves almost 300 days a year. India’s most consistent spot. *Best time*: Oct to May. Monsoon June Sep is huge and closed out. Dec to Feb is clean 3 to 6 ft. *Wave type*: A-frame peaks, left and right. Sand bottom, super fun. Works for all levels. *Boards + schools*: The Surf Ashram, Shaka Surf Club. 1800 per day stay + lessons + board + food. Run by Ishita and Tushar, legit. *Vibe*: Community. You eat together, surf together, do yoga. No resort feel. *Human tip*: Book in advance, only 20 beds. No shops nearby. ATM 10 km away. Carry cash. Nights are frogs + stars, no party. *Stay*: At the ashram only. That’s the point.

*5. Little Andaman, Hut Bay: India’s Secret*

*Why it works*: Butler Bay. World class right point, breaks over coral. Empty. Like Indo before Indo got crowded. *Best time*: Jan to April. SE swell needs to wrap in. Needs 3 to 5 ft to work. Fickle, but when on, it’s magic. *Wave type*: Long right, 200m ride. Barrel section. Intermediate to advanced. Reef sharp. *Boards + schools*: None. Bring your board. Or rent at Port Blair, fly in. Local surfers at Island Surf School can guide, 98330 45678. *Vibe*: No one. Maybe 5 people in water. Fishermen curious, friendly. *Human tip*: Ferry from Port Blair 6 hours, or helicopter 45 min 4500 rupees. No medical, no shops. Booties, reef kit, first aid must. This is adventure. *Stay*: Basic govt guest house 800. Blue Lagoon Resort 2000. Book via phone, no online.

*6. Gokarna, Karnataka: Hippie + Waves*

*Why it works*: Main Beach + Kudle Beach have mellow breaks Oct to March. Perfect if you’re learning and want Om Beach after. *Best time*: Nov to Feb. 2 to 3 ft, clean, long rides. *Wave type*: Beach break, sand bottom, slow. Best beginner spot after Mulki. *Boards + schools*: Cocopelli Surf School at Kudle. 700 lesson, 300 board rent. Austrian guy Heinz runs it, locals teach. *Vibe*: Backpackers, drums at sunset, no rush. *Human tip*: Cows on beach, they don’t move for you. Paddle 7am, then Cafe 1987 for poha 90.

[dhamstay]

Experience the Magic of India's Best Castles

*1. MEHRANGARH FORT, Jodhpur, Rajasthan*

*Built*: 1459. Still owned by the Jodhpur royal family. *Why it’s magic*: 400 feet above the Blue City. Walls are 120 feet tall in places. You walk in and Jodhpur spreads out like a blue carpet. *Don’t miss*: The museum with palanquins, swords, and the world’s most intense cradle collection. Phool Mahal with gold filigree. The ramparts at 5pm when the sun hits the blue houses. *Best time*: Oct to March. 20°C. Summer is 45°C and you’ll melt before the gate. *Eat*: Cafe on the ramparts. Laal maas with a view of the city your lunch came from. *Stay*: Raas Jodhpur at the base. Or inside at Taj Mehrangarh if you have 60,000 a night. *Pro tip*: Audio guide by the king himself. Yes, the actual Maharaja Gaj Singh narrates.

*2. JAISALMER FORT, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan*

*Built*: 1156. One of the only “living forts” in the world. *Why it’s magic*: It’s a castle with 3000 people still living inside. Shops, homes, temples, hotels, all in honey colored sandstone. At sunset it looks like it’s on fire. *Don’t miss*: Jain temples from the 12th century. Carved like lace. Royal Palace section. Walking the narrow lanes at 7am before shops open. *Best time*: Nov to Feb. Nights hit 5°C. Days are perfect. *Eat*: Kesar rice and ker sangri inside the fort. Rooftop restaurants face the whole city. *Stay*: Inside the fort at Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli. Or outside at Suryagarh for desert luxury. *Pro tip*: It’s sinking. Too much water usage. Use bathrooms sparingly. The fort is literally depending on it.

*3. CHITTORGARH FORT, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan*

*Built*: 7th century. Largest fort in India. *Why it’s magic*: 700 acres. 22km of walls. This place saw 3 jauhars. It’s not pretty pretty. It’s epic tragic. You feel the history in your chest. *Don’t miss*: Vijay Stambh 9 story tower. Kirti Stambh. Padmini’s Palace with the lotus pool. Gaumukh Reservoir where water still flows from a cow’s mouth rock. *Best time*: Oct to March. You’ll walk 5km inside. Don’t do it in May. *Eat*: Not much inside. Pack snacks. Eat at Panna Hotel outside for thali. *Stay*: Chittorgarh town is basic. Stay in Udaipur 2 hours away and day trip. *Pro tip*: Hire a guide. Without stories, it’s just big walls. With stories, it’s Game of Thrones.

*4. KUMBHALGARH FORT, Rajasthan*

*Built*: 15th century by Rana Kumbha. *Why it’s magic*: 36km long wall. Second longest continuous wall after Great Wall of China. You can walk on it. Through clouds. *Don’t miss*: Badal Mahal at the top. 3600 feet up. Views of Aravalli hills and, on clear days, the dunes of Marwar. Light and sound show at night tells you why Rana Pratap was a problem for the Mughals. *Best time*: Sept to March. Monsoon means clouds IN the fort. Winter means clear views. *Eat*: Only 1 restaurant near the gate. Eat in Kumbhalgarh town. *Stay*: The Kumbha Residency or Fateh Safari Lodge. Wake up to the wall outside your window. *Pro tip*: Go at 4pm. Climb to the top for sunset. Stay for the 7pm light show. You’ll have the place mostly to yourself.

*5. GWALIOR FORT, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh*

*Built*: 8th century. Called “the pearl among fortresses” by Mughals. *Why it’s magic*: Blue tile work on Man Mandir Palace. Rock cut Jain statues 30 feet tall. And a Scindia palace inside that’s still alive. *Don’t miss*: Man Mandir Palace with blue, green, yellow tile. Saas Bahu Temples. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chor where Guru Hargobind was imprisoned. Sound and light show by Amitabh Bachchan’s voice. *Best time*: Oct to March. *Eat*: Gwalior is chaat city. Bahadura Sweets for bedai and jalebi after the fort. *Stay*: Taj Usha Kiran Palace. Old Scindia guest house. Or Neemrana Deo Bagh. *Pro tip*: The fort road is steep. Take your car or auto to the top. Walk down. Not up.

*6. GOLCONDA FORT, Hyderabad, Telangana*

*Built*: 13th century. Where the Koh i Noor diamond was stored. *Why it’s magic*: Acoustic system. Clap at Fateh Darwaza and it’s heard 1km away at Bala Hissar. Medieval WhatsApp. *Don’t miss*: The clap test. Bala Hissar at the top. Views of Hyderabad. Light and sound show with the fort as the screen. *Best time*: Nov to Feb. Evenings. Daytime is hot and bare. *Eat*: Hyderabad biryani after. Paradise is cliché. Try Shah Ghouse near the fort. *Stay*: Taj Falaknuma Palace nearby. Nizam’s palace turned hotel. You’ll feel like the Koh i Noor. *Pro tip*: 750 steps to top. Carry water. Start at 4:30pm. Sunset from top is worth it.

*7. KANGRA FORT, Himachal Pradesh*

*Built*: 4th century. Oldest dated fort in India. *Why it’s magic*: Himalayan fort. Snow peaks behind, valley below. Built by Katoch dynasty that claims lineage to Mahabharata. *Don’t miss*: The temples inside. Views of Dhauladhar range. Museum with Kangra miniature paintings. *Best time*: March to June, Sept to Nov. Monsoon makes it slippery. Winter is foggy. *Eat*: Dham at local place in Kangra town. Rice, dal, khatta. *Stay*: Dharamshala 20km away. Or Norwood Green. *Pro tip*: Combine with McLeodganj. Fort in morning, cafes in evening.

*8. BANGALORE PALACE, Bangalore, Karnataka*

*Built*: 1878. Not a fort. An actual castle. *Why it’s magic*: Wodeyars built it to look like Windsor Castle. Tudor style, turrets, lawns. In the middle of Bangalore traffic. *Don’t miss*: The wood carvings inside. Durbar Hall. Paintings. And the sheer weirdness of a English castle in South India. *Best time*: Year round. It’s indoors. But Dec weather is best for the grounds. *Eat*: Palace Grounds has food festivals often. Otherwise, CTR for dosa after. *Stay*: Taj West End nearby. Colonial vibes continue. *Pro tip*: Audio guide is good. 45 minutes. Then go sit on the lawn and forget you’re in Bangalore.

[dhamstay]

How to Spend a Rainy Day at the Beach*

*Step 1: Check what kind of rain you’re dealing with* *Light drizzle*: This is bonus beach. Go. *Sideways monsoon*: Stay on the porch. Still counts. *Thunder + lightning*: Go inside. The ocean will be there tomorrow. You should be too.

*What to do when the sky opens up:*

*1. Become a professional porch sitter* *The setup*: Hotel balcony, shack with a tarp, or your car with the windows cracked. *The activity*: Chai in one hand. You’re not doing nothing. You’re “watching the Arabian Sea in monsoon.” That’s a personality now. *Upgrade*: Order pakoras from the nearest stall. Rain + fried food is a law in India. Science hasn’t explained it yet. *Where this works*: Goa shacks in July, Varkala cliff cafes, Gokarna guesthouses.

If there’s a roof and a view, you win. *Cost*: 40 rupees for chai, 80 for pakoras, 0 for the show.

*2. Walk the beach like you own it* *The truth*: Beaches at 7am in the rain are empty. The hawkers went home. The tourists are in bed. The sand is packed, the air is cool, and the sea looks angry in a good way. *The rules*: Bare feet only. Shorts that can get soaked. Leave your phone. You’ll drop it. *The payoff*: You find shells nobody else saw. You hear the waves without Bluetooth speakers. You feel like the last person on earth for 20 minutes. *Watch for*: High tide + big waves. The ocean isn’t your friend today. Stay above the wet sand line. *Where this works*: Palolem, Kovalam,

Marina Beach before the crowds.

*3. Eat everything the weather demands* *Rain menu*: Corn roasted on coals, bhutta with lime and chili. Maggi from a shack with the walls flapping. Prawn koliwada

because frying solves feelings. *The move*: Find the one stall that didn’t close. There’s always one. Sit on a plastic stool, water running past your feet, and eat with your hands. *Why it hits different*: You’re cold, you’re wet, your food is hot. Contrast is a flavor. *Where this works*: Any beach in Maharashtra or Goa. The bhutta guy is a monsoon essential service.

*4. Read, nap, repeat* *The vibe*: The rain is your white noise machine. The sea is your screensaver. *The setup*: Hammock under a palm, bed near an open window, or the floor of a beach hut with the door open. *The rule*: No guilt. This is what you paid for. “Beach day” doesn’t have to mean sunburn. *Pro tip*: Pick a book you’ve read before. You’ll fall asleep halfway. That’s the goal.

*5. Get in the water anyway* *When*: Light rain, no lightning, no red flags. *Why*: Warm rain on warm sea. You can’t tell where the sky ends and the water starts. It’s swimming inside a cloud. *Warning*: Riptides are worse in monsoon. Ask a local. If the fishermen aren’t in, you shouldn’t be either. *Where this works*: South Goa in June, Kerala in July. The water is bathtub warm and the rain hides your tears of joy.

*6. Talk to the only other people crazy enough to be there* *Who you’ll meet*: Fishermen fixing nets, one other couple from Delhi, the dog that lives at the shack. *What happens*: You share a tarp. You split the last plate of fries. You don’t exchange Instagrams. You just exist together for an hour. *Why it matters*: Sunny beach days are for crowds. Rainy ones are for conversations.

[dhamstay]

"Best Sunrise Spots Near Your Hotel"

  *"Best Sunrise Spots Near Your Hotel": A 5am Person’s Guide* *First: How to find YOUR spot in 3 minutes*

*1. Ask the night manager*: Not reception at 9am. The guy on duty at 11pm. He knows which roof opens, which gate guard takes 20 rupees, and where the chai guy sets up first. *2. Look for water*: Lakes, rivers, the sea. The sun comes up over them and the light doubles. Cities build ghats and promenades for a reason. *3. Find the highest step*: Hotels are surrounded by temples, flyovers, parking garages. Altitude is free. Stairs are everywhere. *4. Follow the walkers*: If you see uncles in track pants at 5:30am, follow them. They know the spot with the breeze and the least dogs. *Now, the heavy hitters by city. If you’re in one of these, skip the search.* *DELHI: Smog makes it painterly*

*Best bet near Connaught Place*: Agrasen ki Baoli. It’s a 14th century stepwell 10 mins from CP hotels. Get there by 6am before the guard technically opens. You’ll be alone with 103 steps, pigeons, and light cutting through haze. Feels like tomb raider. *Also good*: Lodhi Garden. Gate opens at 5am for walkers. Tombs + parrots + joggers. Grab chai from the gate guy on the way out. *Hotel hack*: Most CP hotels have roof access. Ask for “terrace key.” Tip 50 rupees. You’ll get all of New Delhi turning pink. *MUMBAI: The sea does the work*

*Best bet near Colaba/Taj*:

Gateway of India. Sounds obvious. It is. But at 6am there are no tourists, no boats, no selfies. Just the Arabian Sea, the Taj dome, and fishermen hauling nets. The sun comes up behind the statue and the stone goes gold. *Also good*: Marine Drive. Walk to the “Queen’s Necklace” before the runners take over. Sit on the tetrapods. The city wakes up behind you. *Hotel hack*: If you’re in Bandra, go to Bandstand. Sun rises over the sea fort. Bonus: Jogging Bollywood uncles for company. *JAIPUR: Pink city, orange sky* *Best bet near city center*: Nahargarh Fort. 20 min cab from most hotels. You want to be at Padao Restaurant by 6am. It’s on the edge of the Aravalli hills. The whole city is below you. The sun comes up over the plains and lights up the pink buildings one by one. *Also good*: Jal Mahal viewpoint.

Midway to Amer Fort. The palace sits in the lake and the morning is dead quiet. Chai stall opens at 6:15am. *Hotel hack*: Many haveli hotels have rooftop terraces. Jaipur’s old city is flat. From 4 floors up you see everything. *VARANASI: The only sunrise that matters*

*Best bet near any ghat hotel*: Dashashwamedh Ghat. But don’t stand on it. Get a boat by 5:15am. 200 rupees if you bargain. You row into the middle of the Ganga as the sun comes up behind the temples. Pandas chanting, people bathing, smoke from pyres, and the sky on fire. It’s heavy. It’s beautiful. *Also good*:

Subah-e-Banaras happens here. Live music and yoga at 5am. Less intense than the main ghat. More tea. *Hotel hack*: Book a ghat-facing room. Open the window. You get the whole thing without the boat guy upsell. *UDAIPUR: Lakes make it easy* *Best bet near City Palace*: Ambrai Ghat. 5 min walk from most lake hotels. The sun rises behind the City Palace and Lake Palace sits in the middle, all reflected. No ticket, no crowd at 6am. Just you and the guy selling coffee. *Also good*: Karni Mata Ropeway.

First car is at 7am. If you hike up before that, you get the whole lake to yourself. Takes 20 mins. Worth the sweat. *Hotel hack*: Ask for “lake facing” even if it costs more. Waking up to that view is the whole point of Udaipur. *GOA: Beach or cliff, no bad choice* *Best bet near North Goa hotels*: Vagator Cliff. Above Ozran Beach. Park at the top, walk 2 mins. Sun comes up over the red cliffs and lights up the whole bay. No shacks open yet, so it’s just you and maybe a stray dog. *Also good*: Morjim Beach.

Sea turtles nest here. At sunrise it’s empty, wide, and the fishing boats come in. You can buy fish right off them. *Hotel hack*: South Goa hotels are on the beach. Set your alarm, roll out of bed, walk 30 steps. That’s it. That’s the hack. *KOCHI: Chinese nets and slow light* *Best bet near Fort Kochi*: Chinese Fishing Nets. 5:30am. The fishermen start at dawn. The nets are silhouettes, the water is flat, the sky goes from purple to orange. Buy a fresh catch and they’ll fry it for you at a stall by 7am. *Also good*: Marine Drive promenade.

Backwaters + city skyline. The morning walkers will nod at you. You’re one of them now. *Hotel hack*: Many homestays have roof sit-outs. Kochi is flat and green. Sunrise over the coconut trees is underrated. BOOK NOW