It’s true what they say about cafés in Paris. And I didn’t believe it either, till I saw for myself. [...]

When my centre for a particular exam was declared to be Mumbai I was excited to visit the city, the prime reason for the visit being conveniently forgotten. Taking this opportunity, when my cousin who recently moved there called me for a weekend trip, I was simply overjoyed.

Mcleodganj is a place not only of tranquility, but of art and language. Tucked in a nook of Kangra valley, Himachal Pradesh, this town of three roads houses the Tibetan Parliament-In-Exile, the spiritual head of the Tibetans and Nobel Peace Prize winner, The Dalai Lama, drawing throngs of Buddhists from around the world.

Off the coast of mainland Singapore lies the tiny island of Pulau Ubin. This haven for tourists and locals alike allows them to escape the urban sprawl of the mainland, and turn back in time, in a place which has been largely unchanged since days of yore.

Pahalgam, also known as the valley of shepherds, is located on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7,200 ft. above sea level in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The only way to reach this town is via road or rail. The closest airport to Pahalgam is at Srinagar, which is around 96 kms away (approx. 3 hrs drive). Various private and public (run by Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation) buses and taxis are available to reach this town from Srinagar. The closest railway station is at Jammu Tawi, Jammu. The train covers a distance of approx. 275 kms, close to an eight hour journey.

Many weekend picnickers in Mumbai flock to the beach town of Alibaug. Mainly known for its beaches and forts, Alibaug is now a well-known tourist attraction but it tends to get overcrowded. Fortunately, just 30 Km away from it lies Kashid beach.

So what exactly is it about the city that makes it so special? I used to wonder the same until I visited the city on a short trip. I began to understand people’s attachment to it.

The enchanting beauty of the evening had not even set in when I entered my destination; a place which appeared no less than paradise, Nainital. The first sight of this small hill station fascinated me and filled me with a strange sense of déjà vu.

So, why should you visit Shillong? Well, to start, the tourist spots, the food, the culture and the colourful festivals are the special and outstanding features of Shillong. The places mentioned below are the hotspots to visit. Make sure not to miss them even one of these whenever you visit Shillong.

As one approaches the islands you get an amazing view of gigantic cliffs, leading to a beach with snow-white sand and the crystal clear blue water. The limestone mountains with cliffs, caves and beautiful white sandy beaches, make the view absolutely breathtaking.