Odisha govt urges NTA to hold NEET UG 2021 exam in all its 30 districts

 

The Odisha government has urged the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct the All- India NEET UG 2021 examinations in all the 30 districts of the state instead of selected seven cities.

Study Circle Online : The Odisha government has urged the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct the All- India NEET UG 2021 examinations in all the 30 districts of the state instead of selected seven cities.

The request was made by Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, P K Mohapatra in view of the COVID-19 pandemic situation still prevailing in the state.

The All India NEET UG Examination is conducted by the NTA for admission to MBBS/BDS courses and other undergraduate medical courses in approved/recognized Medical/Dental and other Colleges/ Institutes in India.

In a letter to NTA Director General, Vineet Joshi on Monday, Mohapatra said the state’s plea should be taken into consideration and the NEET UG examination be conducted in all the 30 districts.

The NTA has notified to set up examination centres in seven urban pockets of Odisha namely in Angul, Balasore, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela and Sambalpur.

In view of COVID-19 pandemic, it will be highly unsafe for students to visit the few examination centres to physically appear for the NEET UG 2021 test. Further, due to frequent lockdown and shutdown imposed by different district administrations the transportation system is very often disrupted making the movement of student’s further worse, Mohapatra mentioned in the letter.

“Odisha has got vast tribal pockets having geographically inaccessible areas and far away from the urban centres of the state for which the students of this state may be deprived of appearing the NEET UG as they will have to move long distance for appearing the test,” the letter said.

BHU suspends offline classes indefinitely after surge in COVID cases, asks students to go back home for Holi

 

The university said that the COVID-19 situation will be reviewed in the first week of April after which a decision on restarting offline classes will be taken.

Study Circle : Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has suspended all offline classes till further orders in view of the sudden surge in Coronavirus cases in the hostels and across the country. Classes will, however, continue online. In an official notice released on Monday, the varsity stated that all students have been advised to return to their homes and any kind of Holi celebration on the campus has been banned.

The university further added that cases of COVID-19 are on a rise every day and if the current trend continues it is likely that cases may rise even more in the coming days. “Hence, in the interest of the safety of the students, they are encouraged to go to their homes and leave the hostels by taking their books and study materials with them so that in the event of worsening of the situation they may continue their studies through online classes to be conducted by the concerned teachers and take the examination which may be conducted in the online mode if the situation so demands,” BHU stated in their notice.

There will not be any Milan Samaroh or gathering on the campus, including in the hostels for Holi celebrations, the varsity clearly mentioned. The university said that the COVID-19 situation will be reviewed in the first week of April after which a decision on restarting offline classes will be taken. Parents and guardians will be informed beforehand about the reopening of offline classes, following which the students can make suitable plans. However, the offices and other functions of the university shall continue as per the schedule and faculty members shall perform their duties, as usual, the varsity stated.

According to government data, India detected around 40,000 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued an order with guidelines for effective control of COVID-19 which will be effective from April 1, 2021, and remain in force until April 30, 2021. The guidelines mandate the State/UT governments to strictly enforce the Test-Track-Treat protocol in all parts of the country.

Centre sets stage as measure to attract international students to India

 

The Ministry of Education is deliberating on measures to increase the number of international students coming to India for higher studies.

Study Circle Online : In a review meeting of the Ministry’s Study in India Programme with partner institutions on Friday, Secretary Higher Education Amit Khare said that the criteria for institutions partnering under the programme will soon be revised so that more institutions that have the necessary infrastructure and academic quality can join the programme.

He also said that no distinction will be made between private and public institutions in matters of supporting internationalisation.

According to the Ministry of Education, Study in India is a programme of the Government of India that aims to attract international students to higher education institutions in India.

Select 117 institutions are partners under the programme that was launched in 2018. Admissions are merit-based and done through a common portal. Around 7500 students from over 50 countries have come to Indian institutions so far under this programme.

The Government has also recognized the importance of creating a conducive, on-campus ecosystem for international students, where they not only get quality academic inputs but can also feel safe, welcome, happy and hassle-free.

Odisha set to stop physical classes as COVID cases rise. What are the other states doing?

 

Meanwhile, the higher educational institutions in the Capital have also been asked to intensify their safety enforcement in campuses and hostels after the cluster outbreak of the virus in XIMB.

Study Circle : After educational institutions in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack reporting the cluster outbreak of COVID-19, the Odisha government is contemplating stopping physical classes from April 1 and ask students to only attend remedial sessions in schools.

Currently, classes are being conducted in schools for the secondary (Class IX and X) and higher secondary (Class XI and XII) students in physical mode.

School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash said courses of the students will be completed in schools by April 1 after which revision will start and the department is mulling to focus more on online classes during this period. Only those having doubts will be asked to visit the school campus to attend doubt clearing sessions.

The spread of infection in two private higher education institutes in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar has raised concern over the safety of students on campuses across the State. The Minister, however, said Covid SOP is being implemented with all seriousness in schools for which the department has managed to check the spread of the infections in campuses effectively.

He added that instructions have also been issued to the district authorities for proper enforcement of the safety guidelines in school hostels.

Meanwhile, the higher educational institutions in the Capital have also been asked to intensify their safety enforcement in campuses and hostels after the cluster outbreak of the virus in XIMB on Monday. The Higher Education department has asked the University and College authorities to focus on regular screening and compulsory use of masks apart from social distancing.

2,61,406 Indians went abroad for studies last year: Government

 

As many as 2,61,406 Indians went abroad for studies last year as compared to 5,88,931 in 2019, according to government data.

Study Circle Online : As many as 2,61,406 Indians went abroad for studies last year as compared to 5,88,931 in 2019, according to government data.

In written response to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that according to data provided by the Bureau of Immigration, 3,71,506 people went abroad for studies in 2016; 4,56,823 in 2017; 5,20,342 in 2018; 5,88,931 in 2019; and 2,61,406 in 2020.

Citing the data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Muraleedharan also informed the House that 1,37,26,945 Indians have travelled overseas in the last five years (January 1, 2016 to March 18, 2021), on an employment visa.

He also informed that as on March 22, around 52 lakh people have been repatriated to India under the Vande Bharat Mission.

In addition, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has facilitated international travel of people, including those returning to their country of work or residence abroad, taking the total number of people facilitated under the Vande Bharat flights to 67.9 lakh, he said.

The mission was launched last year to evacuate people stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic.

CBSE launches English, Maths and Science assessment framework for Classes 6 to 10

 

The framework is a part of the CBSE Competency-Based Education Project that aims to replace the existing rote learning model as directed in the new National Education Policy (NEP).

Study Circle : The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday launched a competency-based assessment framework for classes 6-10 for three subjects — English (reading), Science, and Maths.

The framework is a part of the CBSE Competency-Based Education Project that aims to replace the existing rote learning model as directed in the new National Education Policy (NEP) over the next two to three years.

“The new National Education policy 2020 envisages a significant shift in the education ecosystem in India. It aims at preparing students for the 21st century and lays emphasis on competency-based education rather than education that tests rote learning. The CBSE has had a collaboration with the British Council and three UK agencies — Cambridge, NARIC and Alphaplus — who are helping CBSE in attaining this objective. The work has already started, and significant progress has been made and we do look forward to this co-operation and working with British Council in the future,” CBSE Chairman Manoj Ahuja said.

The framework is the basis for a larger project exercise currently underway where 40 assessment designers, 180 test item writers and 360 master trainer mentors are being trained in using this framework to create a model question bank and collection of ideal lesson plans.

In the first phase selected Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, UT Chandigarh and private schools across the country will participate in the programme which will be rolled out to all 25,000 CBSE schools in India by 2024.

XAT 2021: Last Minute preparation tips | Study Circle

 

Candidates should check few tips as they gear up to prepare for XAT 2021 exam.

Study Circle: Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2021 is scheduled to be held on January 3, for those who want to take admission into Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur, and participating institutes. Therefore, it is important to remember certain last-minute preparation tips for XAT 2021 so that one can perform well for the exam.

XAT 2021- Last minute preparation tips

 Topic-wise revision

• Candidates must do a quick revision of the sticky notes of each and every topic they prepared during the XAT preparation journey.

Avoid taking up any new topic

• Candidates must refrain from studying any new topic which they have not prepared before as it will lead to confusion.

Practice from XAT sample paper

• One should solve the XAT sample paper or previous year question paper to get a hang of the type of questions that would be asked on the day of the exam.

Mock tests, an elixir for any competitive exam

• When candidates are left with 3-4 days for the exam, they should take at least two XAT mock tests each day prior to the exam and effectively analyse the test they have given so that they do not repeat the mistakes on the day of the exam.

Check the details of allotted XAT 2021 exam centre

• To avoid last-minute hustle on the day of examination, candidates should get a detailed information about the allotted exam centre beforehand.

Do not forget to carry XAT 2021 admit card

• It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of XAT admit card on the day of examination for the verification process.

HSEE 2021 dates announced; Applications to open on Feb 1 | Study Circle

 

HSEE 2021 application forms for MA to be released on February 1, 2021. Candidates can apply using the link here.

Study Circle: Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Exam (HSEE) 2021 application forms will be released on February 1, 2021, for a 5-year Integrated MA programme at IIT, Madras. Candidates who wish to take the entrance exam can visit the institute website at hsee.iitm.ac.in. to learn more.

The last date of submission of application forms for candidates who wish to pay the application fee online is March 15, 2021, while for those who want to avail Indian Bank challan, the last date is March 16, 2021.

The HSEE application fee for candidates from all categories is Rs 2,400, except SC, ST, and PWD — for whom the application fee is Rs. 1,200.

As per the official notification, the HSEE 2021 admit cards will be made available on the institute’s website between May 12, 2021, and June 13, 2021.

The Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Exam 2021 is scheduled to be conducted on June 13, 2021, and the result is expected to be declared on June 28, 2021.

UP Board Class 10, 12 first pre-board 2021 exams to begin from January 15 | Study Circle

 

Uttar Pradesh Board 10th and 12th pre-board exam 2021 commencement date has been announced. The pre-board exam will be conducted between January 15 to 25, 2021.

Study Circle: Uttar Pradesh Board Class 10 and Class 12 first pre-board will be conducted from January 15 to 25, 2021 in Lucknow, district school inspector of Lucknow Dr Mukesh Kumar Singh said, according to the Navbharat times report.

In the order issued today, Singh said that the pre-board time table of the high school and inter pre-board exams are supposed to be decided by the respective schools.

As per the Navbharattimes report, the district inspector of schools (DIOS) said that the answer copies of the pre-board exams 2021 of Classes 10 and 12 must be checked by January 30, 2021. The list of toppers has to be submitted to the DIOS in the first week of February. On the basis of the topper’s list, the special counselling session will be conducted.

The report further said that the UP board has not yet decided on the board 2021 exam dates. The exam conducting authority will announce the UP board Class 10, 12 datesheet 2021 on the basis of the ground situation of that time.

The first Class 10, 12 pre-board 2021 exam will be conducted until January 25, whereas the second pre-board is all set to take place in March 2021.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, exam centres will be set up for the UP Board Class 10, 12 examination twice this year. It is expected that around 225 to 250 exam centres will be set up in Lucknow district.

NIT Srinagar signs MoU with IIT Delhi to collaborate on academic activities | Study Circle

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

Study Circle: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi to collaborate on different academic activities.

The scope of collaboration on academic and research activities in the MoU includes Academic and Research collaboration in the areas of mutual interest, exchange of students and faculty, exchange of academic information, scholarly information, materials and publications and admission of NIT Srinagar students for direct PhD entry at IIT Delhi.

For research collaboration, proposals for collaborative research work under this Memorandum will be submitted with the prior approval of the Head of each institution or his/her nominee.

“Each institution will nominate one of its members as its representative in allergic to the cooperative programme. Individual programme of work under this Memorandum will be jointly planned and conducted by the nominees or both parties,” read the MoU.

“Neither National Institute of Technology Srinagar nor Indian Institute of Technology Delhi will be held irresponsible for any liability to the party, and neither party shall be required to purchase any insurance against loss or damage to any property due to activities to which this agreement relates,” it said.

CBSE to declare 2021 board exam dates on Dec 31 at 6 pm | Study Circle

 

CBSE has reduced the syllabus by 30% for the 2021 board examinations.

Study Circle: Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Tuesday ruled out conducting CBSE board examinations for classes 10 and 12 till February next year in view of Covid-19 situation. He said a decision on conducting the CBSE board exams 2021 would be taken later after due consultations and assessment of the situation.

“Keeping the current situation in mind, it has been decided that the board exams for classes 10 and 12 will not be conducted till February 2021. A decision on the exam schedule will be taken later after assessment of situation and more consultations,” the education minister said during an online interaction with teachers.

According to Nishank, CBSE has reduced the syllabus by 30 per cent for the 2021 board examinations. CBSE officials have clarified that there is no proposal to hold the CBSE board exams 2021 online.

A detailed plan for the conduct of CBSE examinations 2021 will be prepared according to the health protocol orders issued by the Ministries of Health and Home Affairs.

Low income, high fee: Why fewer children may join private schools in 2021 | Study Circle

More than 80% of parents with children studying in government schools reported that education was “not delivered” during the lockdown.

Study Circle: Fourteen-year-old Alisha Saini loves to study. “I understand everything I am taught in school and what I don’t, didi next-door helps me understand,” she said. But she couldn’t access online classes, between March 24 and August 2020, when the government senior secondary school in Dorasar, in northern Rajasthan was shut, like all other schools in the country, because of the COVID-19-induced lockdown. (The Rajasthan lockdown began on Sunday, March 22.)

Teachers would WhatsApp lesson links to students, but few students could access those, and few of those who could access understood what was being taught, survey data, students and teachers told us. Even bright students like Alisha were unable to keep up. “My father has a smartphone but he is out of the village at least 15 days a month for work,” she said. Alisha’s father helps run a small eatery (bhojanalaya) in Jaipur, three and a half hours from their home.

“This has been a devastating sort of year,” said Bikkrama Daulet Singh, managing director at Central Square Foundation (CSF), a nonprofit working on school education. “There is going to be an impact on student learning.”

More than 80% of parents with children studying in government schools reported that education was “not delivered” during the lockdown, because families did not have digital devices or access to digital learning, a survey by nonprofit Oxfam India in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh in May and June found.

This problem is not unique to India. At least 463 million students globally were unable to access remote learning during school closures because of COVID-19, either due to a lack of remote learning policies or lack of equipment needed for learning at home, UNICEF had found.

Union Cabinet approves Rs 59,048 crore scholarship for SC students

 

Cabinet committee approved a total investment of Rs 59,048 cr of which the Centre would spend Rs 35,534 cr, amounting to 60% of the total scheme & the balance would be spent by the states.

Education News: The Cabinet committee on economic affairs has approved changes in the centrally-sponsored post matric scholarship to benefit more than forty million scheduled caste (SC) students in the next five years to enable them successfully complete their higher education.

The Cabinet committee approved a total investment of Rs 59,048 crore of which the Centre would spend Rs 35,534 crore, amounting to 60 per cent of the total scheme, and the balance would be spent by the states.

This replaced the existing ‘committed liability’ system and brings greater involvement of the union government in this crucial scheme.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday also approved the merger of four government film media units with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) with an aim of converging activities and resources and better coordination to ensure synergy and efficiency in achieving the mandate of the bodies.

Along with these, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an ordinance extending protection from punitive action to unauthorised colonies, JJ clusters and constructions in Delhi’s rural areas built on agriculture land for another three years, Union minster Prakash Javadekar said.

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CBSE Board exams 2021 after February, says Education minister

 CBSE has reduced the syllabus by 30 per cent for the 2021 board examinations.

Education News: Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Tuesday ruled out conducting CBSE board examinations for classes 10 and 12 till February next year in view of Covid-19 situation. He said a decision on conducting the CBSE board exams 2021 would be taken later after due consultations and assessment of the situation.

“Keeping the current situation in mind, it has been decided that the board exams for classes 10 and 12 will not be conducted till February 2021. A decision on the exam schedule will be taken later after assessment of situation and more consultations,” the education minister said during an online interaction with teachers.

According to Nishank, CBSE has reduced the syllabus by 30 per cent for the 2021 board examinations. CBSE officials have clarified that there is no proposal to hold the CBSE board exams 2021 online.

A detailed plan for the conduct of CBSE examinations 2021 will be prepared according to the health protocol orders issued by the Ministries of Health and Home Affairs.

Find Civil Exams Books & Online Courses → Study Circle

Indian Edtech startups see investment of $2.22 bn in 2020

 

Byju’s and Unacademy have raised the most capital, $2.32 billion and $354 mllion, respectively, in 2020.

Education News: Indian Edtech startups have seen a total investment of $2.22 billion in 2020 as compared to $553 million in 2019, according to Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (IVCA) and PGA Labs data.

The IVCA report ‘The Great Un-Lockdown: Indian Edtech’ released on Thursday stated that 92 players received funding in 2020, out of which 61 players received seed funding.

Byju’s and Unacademy have raised the most capital, $2.32 billion and $354 mllion, respectively, in 2020, while B2B edtech received a total funding of $31 million in 2017-2020.

The report estimates that education is a $117 billion market in India with around 360 million learners in 2019-20. The report further said around $49 billion is spent on school education, 66% of which is spent on primary education and 27% on secondary education. Around $42 billion is spent on supplementary education, which primarily comprises private coaching and test preparation.

The education and edtech market can be divided into 5 segments: pre-K, K-12 and test preparation, higher education, continued learning and B2B edtech.

According to the report, the education market is expected to grow 2x to $225 billion by FY25 at a CAGR of 14 per cent over FY20-25.

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JEE Main 2021 from 23rd February 2021; check exam details

 

JEE-Mains exam for admission to engineering colleges will be held four times a year starting 2021 to offer flexibility to students.

Education News: The first session of JEE Main 2021 will be conducted from February 23 to 26, followed by rounds in March, April and May, and the JEE Main result 2021 will be declared within five days from the last day of exams, announced Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Wednesday. From the next academic year, JEE Main will be held in multiple shifts – February, March, April and May.

The JEE-Mains exam for admission to engineering colleges will be held four times a year starting 2021 to offer flexibility to students and a chance to improve their scores, according to Union Education Minister. Students can appear in all the four sessions, and their best score in JEE Main 2021 will be considered as final. The first shift of JEE Main examination will be from 9 am to 12 pm while the second will be from 3 pm to 6 pm.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the JEE Main admit card 2021 in the first week of January.

JEE Main 2021 schedule: Important dates

• Application process begins: December 15, 2020
• Last day to apply: January 15, 2021
• Last day to pay fee: January 16, 2021
• Correction in particulars: January 18-21, 20201
• Admit card: 1st week of February

Study Circle is the pioneer in training students for the civil service in Maharashtra. Its books, magazines, weeklies and notes are highly sought after as they give very good results.

GATE 2021: How to change exam centre and other details

 

The GATE 2021 examination will be conducted on February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14, next year.

Education News: The procedure to change choice of examination city/centre (for successfully registered candidates only) in GOAPS portal for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, (GATE) 2021 will end on Tuesday i.e, December 15. Candidates who successfully filled the application form for GATE 2021 can change the exam city/centre latest by today on the official website at gate.iitb.ac.in. The facility to change the choice of exam city opened on December 14. GATE 2021 will be held for 27 subjects.

Candidates need to visit the GATE 2021 application window and login using their enrolment IDs and passwords to change the GATE 2021 exam centre. The GATE 2021 examination will be conducted on February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14, next year at various centres across the country. The GATE examination will be held in two shifts (forenoon and afternoon) and the GATE 2021 result is scheduled to be released on March 22, 2021.

It is important to note that the schedule of the GATE 2021 examination may change depending on the Covid-19 situation. IIT Bombay is the organising institute for GATE examination.

Steps to make corrections in GATE 2021

• Visit the official website at gate.iitb.ac.in
• Click on – ‘GATE Online Application Processing System’ link
• Log in using your enrollment id/email address and password
• Make changes for ‘GATE 2021 exam city/centre’ choice in the application form

GATE 2021 important dates

• Organising institute: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT) Bombay
• Exam date: From February 5 and February 7, and from February 12 to February 14, 2021
• Mode of exam: Computer Based Test (CBT).
• Total number of subject papers: 27

Study Circle is the pioneer in training students for the civil service in Maharashtra. Its books, magazines, weeklies and notes are highly sought after as they give very good results.

Top Places to Visit in Maharashtra

These top Maharashtra tourist places offer a diverse mix of ancient cave temples, forts, mountains, wineries, and beaches.

India Excursion: Vacations can be pretty and relaxing, especially if you plan a trip to one of the best places in India, Maharashtra…a place where the coast is always sultry, the hills are always scenic and the cities always tourist friendly. However, in order to let you have the best vacation, we have shortlisted the top places to see in Maharashtra especially one week long trip.

1 .Alibag

• Alibag is known for its pristine beaches like the Varsoli Beach and Nagaon Beach. It is located 100 km away from Mumbai. This coastal hotspot is home to Kanakeshwar forest, and it allures many tourists and travellers for its sight of rare and exotic animals and trekking options. Kolaba fort, built in the 17th century, is another tourist attraction in Alibag.

2. Mahabaleshwar

• Known for its scenic charm and many vantage points, Mahabaleshwar is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra in November. Located at an altitude of 1400 m, Mahabaleshwar has many viewpoints. However, Arthur’s Seat offers an alluring view of the Elphinstone Point, the Jor valley, and the Wilson point. Apart from the majestic landscapes, Mahabaleshwar also hosts many temples like Panchganga Temple and Old Mahabaleshwar Temple, to name a few.

3. Panchgani

• Located about 100 km from Pune, this stunning hill-station sits amidst five mountains of the Sahyadri Range. Extending from the Deccan plateau, Panchgani is the second highest volcanic plateau in Asia and is also locally known as “Table Land.” Panchgani offers a stunning view of the Parsi Point and Dhom Dam lake, from one of its famous spots, Sydney Point.

4. Tadoba National Park

• Tadoba is an area spanning 625 km, hosting a national park and a Wildlife sanctuary. The Tadoba was made a National Park in the year, 1995, as an initiative to preserve Tigers. Apart from tigers, Tadoba National Park is also home to many rare and exotic animals. You can also opt for a wild safari to spot the ever-glorious Bengal Tigers and migratory birds like the Serpent eagle and endangered reptiles like the Indian Star Tortoise.

5. Aurangabad

• With Ajanta and Ellora Caves on top of the must visit places in India, this fabulous Maharashtra destination of Aurangabad must be on your go-to list. While these above-mentioned caves give recognition to this place, Bibi Ka Maqbara, a replica of the Taj Mahal, gives a chance to the visitors to hum romantic songs as you explore. The picturesque landscape of Aurangabad possesses some amazing places to spend solitary time with nature, and of course, its religious sites and historical monuments that date back to 3rd century BC are worth paying a visit.

6. Matheran

• Entrenched in the Western Ghats range, Matheran is an environment-friendly place that does not allow any vehicle, and thus, walking or taking a pony ride are the options you can choose from. This popular getaway in Maharashtra is ideal to offer you respite from the hectic urban life. Enjoy basking in the warm sun, panoramic views of the rolling hills and pleasant weather that can compel you to extend your holiday. The major tourist attractions in Matheran that you can go for a sightseeing tour are Echo Point, Louisa Point, and Alexander Point as well as Charlotte Lake and Vikatgad Peb Fort.

7. Nashik

• A visit to some of the historical attractions and holy places like Trimbakeshwar and Muktidham Temples is the must thing to do here. Also, not to miss out is a visit to Pandavleni Caves which is adorned in vihara style of architecture. Nasik is also associated with the Hindu Mythology of Ramayana as it is believed the three saintly figures – Ram, Lakshman, and Sita dwelled in this land. Nonetheless, to offer a rather relaxing and new experience, 30 minutes away from the heart of the city is Sula Vineyards. Sample some wine brewed in the Sula winery and oh my! you will feel like being in heaven with Gods.

How to reach Vaishno Devi

 

One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India lies among the mountains and clouds. Located at Trikuta Mountains in Jammu, Vaishno Devi he most popular and widely visited Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess.

India Excursion: In 2017 itself, more than 81 lakh people have visited Vaishno Devi temple. These numbers do not lie and it has given a boost to Kashmir tourism. Being located in one of the most breath-taking locations, Vaishno Devi is among one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.

Here are the convenient options to reach Vaishno Devi by air, road and train.

BY AIR

• Jammu Airport, or Sarwari Airport, is the nearest airport that serves Katra. Regular air services ply for Katra through this airport. Once you have touched down, take a taxi from the airport and voila, you reach Katra in an hour. Buses are also available for this route. In Katra, however, helicopter services are available for the main Bhawan till Sanjhhi Chat, which is some 5 km. from the Holy Bhawan.

BY TRAIN

• Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at Katra is the nearest railway station from the holy cave of Vaishno Devi. Regular train services ply from almost every major city of India, which earlier stopped at Jammu Tawi. Luxurious accommodation is also available just near the railway station. Sree Shakti train that starts from Delhi on Friday evenings and returns to Delhi on Sunday morning is the best way to reach Vaishno Devi.

BY ROAD

• Regular bus services ply to and fro the base of the pilgrimage, that is Katra. Buses, at extremely affordable rates, are available from places like New Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu Tawi as the list goes on. You can also take a shared taxi or cab once you’ve arrived at Jammu Tawi.

Best Places to Visit in Kashmir

 

Kashmir is heaven on earth with its alpine peaks and snow-clad ranges. From trekking to solo trips to leisurely family vacations, Kashmir is a complete package.

India Excursion: An unbelievably beautiful landscape, valley of flowers, serene lakes and amazing trekking trails, Kashmir has a little of everything to offer to its visitors. Looking to decode Kashmir for your next trip?

Here is a complete list of places you must visit during your tour:

1.Srinagar

• The capital of J&K, Srinagar is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. Take a shikara ride on the peaceful Dal Lake, view the city from the top of Shankaracharya Temple and stay in the iconic house boats on your next trip. You’ll definitely fall in love with Kashmir! Srinagar is home to the Shalimar Gardens that are on the back of the Rs. 10 Indian Currency Note.

2. Pahalgam

• Surrounded by Lidder Lake and Betaab Valley, Pahalgam is the place you visit to experience clear water rivers and exhilarating deep valleys. This place is famous for river rafting at Lidder Lake, golfing and shopping for traditional Kashmiri items.

3. Gulmarg

• Gulmarg is the snow paradise of Kashmir. This skier’s paradise is popular for having one of world’s highest and largest ropeways with an aerial distance of approx. 5kms. The view from top of the mountains at 3979 metres above sea level is bewildering. Snow falls are regular even during summer, giving every tourist a fair chance to enjoy the fall!

4. Sonmarg

• Sonmarg or ‘the meadow of gold’ has one of the most picturesque views in Kashmir. Snow-clad mountains, green grasslands and ponies to ride on, this place is what they call, ‘Jannat’ or heaven. Sonmarg is also one of the base points for starting the Amarnath Yatra. River rafting, zorbing, trekking are the various events conducted around the popular tourist spots. Sonmarg is inaccessible in winters due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.

5. Kashmir Valley

• Kashmir Valley, the largest Himalayan valley, is an elliptical saucer shaped landmark of Kashmir. Surrounded by the Karakoram and Pir Panjal ranges, Kashmir Valley has a mesmerising view in all the directions possible. This 140km long valley is the perfect spot for all trekkers and mountaineers alike!