Planning to Visit Bali Soon? Read Our Detailed Guide to Know All the Essential Details for A Fun-Filled Vacation 2019 & 2020

Bali is often known to be the most hyped destination in the world, especially when it comes to planning your honeymoon. But with our Bali travel guide, you will get to know that Bali has a lot to offer to everyone than just the honeymoon couples. Located to the west of Java, in the Lesser Sunda Islands, it offers an unadulterated scenic view of the rich rice terraces, serene beaches, sky-high waterfalls, coral reefs, culinary expertise, and spiritual and cultural abundance. To top up all the serene landscape of this paradisiac island, Bali also boasts itself as a hub for adventurous and water sports activities.

If you are planning to give this hot destination a visit, it’s crucial to know some important information about the place to make your holidays a comfortable one. This is why we have undergone various research (so you don’t have to devote hours on searching about Bali anymore!) and come up with this detailed Bali travel guide to give you all the details on this tropical destination at one go. So, without any delay, keep reading!

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali is considered to be a year-round destination and can be visited during any time of the year. However, according to our Bali travel guide, you can consider the period of April to September to be the ideal time to visit. During this time, there are hardly any rains in Bali and thus, the surroundings remain dry to explore. Our curators have suggested this period to be ideal in the Bali Tour Guide because the water level remains in control and you can indulge yourself in a number of water sports and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, boating and a lot more.

Though the above period is considered to be ideal (weather-wise), the peak months to visit Bali falls in July, August, late January, and early December. During these times, the hotel prices hike up a lot and it becomes very difficult to find accommodation during these months. Thus, the first thing that you can do after going through our Bali trip guide, is pre-booking your Packages To Bali, to avoid later mishaps.

The months of January to April is an off-season to go to Bali as the area experiences torrential rain showers during this time.

How to Reach Bali

Bali is easily and most commonly accessible through airways. Many of the Bali travel guides recommend you to reach Bali by air as it is the most comfortable option. The international airlines like AirAsia, and Qatar Airways, connect directly to Bali or via any intermediary flights from international destinations. Upon reaching the destination, you can get Visa on Arrival from Bali Airport. For a smooth and hassle-free trip, select a Bali Travel Packages which comes with flight inclusion.

Seldom do you see any Bali travel guide, suggesting a direct route to Bali through road or water routes? Primary reason being, these two routes can only be used for commuting to the inward parts of the country. Inland island has a lot of motor rickshaws and private vehicle available for quick access to all the places for a lovely Bali sightseeing experience.

Things You Need for Your Bali Trip

There are quite a number of things that you will need for your Bali Trip and missing out on any of these, can affect your trip experience. In our Bali travel guide, we have listed some important Bali Travel Tips which can help you create a personalized checklist to take note of before you pack your bags for a Bali trip.

  • Documentation – The most important thing to carry is your identification details, passport, and your flight tickets because, without them, you cannot avail Visa on Arrival.
  • Swimsuit and accessories – Being a beach destination, the first thing that you need to carry to Bali is your swimwear. Pack all your swimwear and accessories so that you don’t miss out on any beach fun!
  • Toiletries – While many 4/5-star hotels provide basic toiletries, it’s important to carry a set of your own to avoid any discomfort in your trip. Pack essential health products like body lotion and sunscreen, as Bali weather is bound to give you tan under the beach sun.
  • Clothing – As there is a lot to explore in Bali, make sure you carry light and comfortable clothing only with some sandal and slipper pairs. The weather of Bali permits both pleasant sunlight and torrential rains. So, umbrellas and waterproof backpacks or waterproof covers are a must to carry.

Things You Can Do Once You Are in Bali

Pristine beaches, scenic rice terraces, and crazy watersports are usually the elements for which Bali is known for. But after reading our Bali travel guide, you will be amazed to find that there’s so much more to this destination!

Bali is rich in history and culture which reflects in the teeming number of temples located here. Take a stroll through the green rice terraces or go for a safari in the Marine Park of Bali. If beaches have always been your calling, then don’t take the route to the same old beaches of Bali, instead go off-beat! There a number of beaches in Bali which are still virgin and unhindered from human preferences. So, you can take your own sweet time to explore the virgin beaches of Bali. If you are the adventurous type, you should go ahead and choose a Bali Holiday Packages that include a lot of outdoor activities and fun. After all, there’s nothing gives more joy than experiencing an adrenaline rush in the best water sport activities along with a mesmerizing Bali skyline. Indulge yourself in some adventurous activities like paragliding, surfing, snorkeling, boat racing, and a lot more. Sunrises and sunsets in Bali are quite famous in this serene landscape and for all the nature-lovers, this experience is priceless and should not be missed at any cost.

Food Dishes You Should Try in Bali

The culinary delights of Bali is another factor which attracts tourists from worldwide. Many of the Bali travel guides let you think that you will only get some delicious seafood dishes due to the coastal location. But that’s not it. You can discover a wide diversity in the cuisines of Bali which offers a mix of curries, lip-smacking seafood, skewered dishes. You can find the authentic Balinese and Indonesian cuisines here which basically includes pork and beef as the main ingredients. Local agricultural produce like coconut, rice, jaggery, and vegetables also form a part of the Bali cuisine.

All set for your next vacation to Bali? If not, then do it now! Check out these exciting Bali Tour Packages to make your trip memorable for a lifetime! With our Bali travel guide, you can experience some of the best moments in this whimsical island.

A Seasonal Guide On The Best Time to Visit the North-East

Untouched by the routine life of the plains, the hills and valleys of North-East India boast of a flourishing scenery, complete with verdant hills, azure lakes and frothy waterfalls that invite travelers from all across the nation and beyond. If you have also been planning a trip to see all the beautiful places in North-East India but are unsure of the right time to take this trip, then read the following guide to know the best seasons for a North-Eastern India holiday.

Best Season to Visit North East India

Known for the numerous tribes and unique cultures, the lands of North-East India serve as one of the best places for a relaxing vacation. Although the wondrous beauty of the seven sisters can be seen at any time, the best time to visit North-East India to witness its charming beauty, sparkling lakes and wonderous sights majorly depends on the place that you want to cover. However, the months between November and May are a good time for a visit to North-East India. These months lie in the transitional zone when you can either witness the hills in their full glory or have a fun-filled time playing with pristine snow near the slopes.

The months of November and December are a herald for several colorful festivals in the states of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh that you can enjoy for a memorable trip.

You can also find peace in the aura of the glorious monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh during this time. During winters, the hills are covered in a blanket of glistening snow that impart awe-striking white brushstrokes on the vast landscapes. The clouds hang above the peaks, covering the entire city with a pleasant shade.

Although the monsoon is quite wet and unpredictable, visiting North-East India during this time is a treat of its own. The lush greenery of the valleys is increased manifold with emerald green leaves glistening with raindrops while the streams and lakes filled to the brim, showcase their awestriking beauty in full glow. Exploring the beauty of these hills, however, can be undertaken during any of the following seasons for a memorable trip.

Peak Season in North East India

April to June

The months between April to June mark the beginning of the summer season in the hills of North-East India. The general climate turns pleasant all around, allowing you to stroll around the towns, taking in nature’s raw beauty. Hence, this season marks the ideal time to take a trip to North-East India. The temperatures around the cities remain between twenty-two to thirty degrees Celsius. The skies are clear with a bright sun that shines down, engulfing the scenic landscape in its golden hue. The rivers and lakes flow in sparkling waves, under the rays of the sun while the diverse wildlife comes out to enjoy the summer sun as well. If you have planned your holiday to North-East India during this time, you can witness vibrantly colored birds chirping around the flower bushes or a majestic animal strolling across the borders of the forest

Adventure activities are also in full swing during this season. You can try your hands at kayaking down the river or enjoy a day of boating. Biking across the mountains and hiking can also become some of the sought-after activities in North-East India during the summer months.

Things to Do During the Season:

  • Take a tour of Kaziranga National Park in Assam and see the majestic Rhino.
  • Take the calming aura of Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district.
  • Bear witness to the wondrous sight of the setting sun behind the Khangchandzonga range in Pelling.
  • Visit the Jaintia Hills, the Nathu La Pass and the Dawki River for a lesson in nature’s surprising beauty.
  • Explore the various mountains caves along the slopes of the hills for a memorable experience.
  • Take a photography tour to capture all the gems of nature in North-East India.

October To March

Winter ascends onto the hills of North-East India during the tail end of October and lasts through to the beginning of March. Although most of the region experience extreme winters, yet, some of the places are worth a visit during this season. The temperatures during the day fluctuate between twelve to twenty-two degrees centigrade. As night falls, the mercury falls to almost minus ten to zero degrees. The hill stations of North-East India get blanketed under a thick layer of snow that turns them into a paradisiac example of post-card worthy scenery. So, if you are all up for enjoying a little snow during your tour of the North-East, this could be the best time for you to visit the hills.

Things to Do During This Time:

  • Participate in the many colorful festivals like the hornbill festival that takes place during this time.
  • Visit the monasteries to be engulfed in a serene atmosphere.
  • Walk on the ice at the Tsongmo Lake in Sikkim that is completely frozen during this time.

Off-Season in North-East India

June to September

Marked by bouts of incessant rain and wet climate, the monsoon season in the hills starts during the end of June and lasts till September. The region experiences extremely heavy rainfall all through the day, causing landslides in most of the sloping roads and blocking the routes of travel. Thus, it is not advisable to visit North-East India during this season. However, the season serves as a great off-beat getaway, where you can be amazed by the cascading waterfalls and vibrancy of freshly bloomed flowers and leaves.

Things to Do During This Time:

  • Enjoy the grandeur of the waterfalls from the hills.
  • Take in the spectacular greenery and fresh sprout buds across the valleys.

Weather & Climate in North-East India

Defined by three major seasons through the year, namely summer, monsoon and winter, the hills of North-Eastern India can usually be visited at any time of the year. However, the pleasant climatic conditions during the summer months are the perfect escape from the scorching heat of the plains and the mundanity of regular life. Winters arrive with a great amount of snowfall, turning the hills to a white expanse of tranquillity and exquisiteness while the monsoon season brings about a wet spell that helps in fresh blooms and covers the valleys in a blanket of green.

Well, the best time to explore the beauty of North-East India is whenever you plan your trip. So, pack your bags and set out in search of paradisiac elegance along the hills. You can even check out a few North-East India trip packages on OYO Total Holidays to have the perfect escapade.

Top Thrilling Adventure Sports You Should Not Miss in Northeast India

With numerous tourist destinations and the vast expanse of scenic beauty, the North-Eastern frontiers of India serve as a treasure trove of enthralling experiences and charming places to be seen. Made of the seven sister states, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland, nestled in the laps of the Himalayas, these highlands serve as the perfect escape from the routine life of the plains. Add to this the beautiful hill stations of Sikkim and Darjeeling, and you can enjoy a complete holiday package in the hills. If you have been planning a north-east getaway, here are a few places that you must visit for a memorable experience.

Reach Tashiling Through A Cable Ride

Your trip to Gangtok can never be complete until you have experienced the thrill of zooming across the sky, amidst majestic mountains and tall trees. One of the most popular things to do in Gangtok, the Cable ride from Deorali to Tashiling, gives a bird’s eye view of the verdant valleys and snow-covered slopes of the mountain range. The ride through a double-zip ropeway is one kilometer long, with each car carrying twenty-four passengers at a time, giving you a complete view of Gangtok’s beauty till you reach Tashiling, which is the highest point. If you are lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the magnificent Khangchendzonga range from your cable car. You can choose to have a two-way journey or get down at any of the two stations that the car stops at.

How to Reach:

Take the Cable car from Deorali

Famous For:

A splendid view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Major Attraction:

A view of the majestic Khangchendzonga range.

Nearby Places:

Namlang

Best Time to Visit:

Travel to this place between March-May or October-December.

Things to Do:

Enjoy the cable ride through the mountains.

Entry Fees:

INR 110 for an adult rider and INR 70 for children

Timing:

9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Trek Through the Wilderness at The Kanchenjunga National Park

Pelling, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim is known for offering numerous exciting treks and hiking activities. However, the best trek can be experienced along with the glorious Khangchendzonga ranges, with its snow-clad slopes and gushing waterfalls reverberating through the wilderness. This majestic mountain range, known to be the highest in India, is home to the Kanchenjunga National Park. You can take a trekking trip along this richly verdant trail to witness the amazing wildlife that can be found here. Along the trek, to the highest point, you will come face to face with unique animals, like the sloth bear, musk deer, red panda, and the Himalayan Black Bear, that is not found anywhere else in India. So, next time you plan to visit Pelling, make sure you obtain a permit from the Wildlife Education and Interpretation Centre at Yuksom and set out for a trek to meet the unique forms of life.

How to Reach:

Trek along the trails from the foothills of the Kanchenjunga range.

Famous For:

Exotic forms of mountain wildlife.

Major Attraction:

The Himalayan Tahr and all the other wild animals that roam around freely.

Nearby Places:

The Khangchendzonga Falls.

Best Time to Visit:

Either from March to May or October to December.

Things to Do:

Have an exciting trek through the dense forests.

Entry Fee:

INR 350 per person

Timing:

8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Visit Kurseong On A Toy Train Ride

Make your trip to the North-East memorable by going on a toy train ride to Kurseong A must-have experience in this quaint hill-station of West Bengal, the toy train chugs along the enchanting valleys, offering a breath-taking view of the blossoming valleys and grand mountain ranges. The train ride takes you from Ghoom to Kurseong, crossing through some of the most picturesque places in Darjeeling, like the Batasia Loop. It was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1999 and has been transporting several tourists through a labyrinthine railroad of tiny eateries, souvenir shops and fragrant tea gardens every day since then. This railway line is also known for offering a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges and the Kanchenjunga peaks along the ride as well.

Pro Tip:

Choose the steam engine journey for the most authentic trip.

How to Reach:

Catch the Toy Train from Ghoom station in Darjeeling.

Famous For:

The World Heritage Toy Train Ride.

Major Attraction:

The spectacular view of the many bridges and meadows.

Nearby Places:

The Batasia Loop.

Best Time to Visit:

During the summer months between March to June.

Things to Do:

Gorge on the delectable street fare at the many stops.

Entry Fee:

INR 695 to INR 1065 per person, depending on the type of engine and traveling coach class that you select.

Timing:

7:40 A.M. to 4:20 P.M.

Be Hypnotised by The Gushing Elephant Falls in Shillong

Home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, the quiet city of Shillong in Meghalaya is truly a reflection of paradisiac beauty. So, while you are finding your peace here, make sure that you visit the many waterfalls here. The Elephant falls are one of the most wondrous sites in Shillong, with frothy water cascading down a three-tier ridge and creating a beautiful pool of water underneath. According to history, its name comes from an elephant-shaped rock that is located near it and was destroyed in an earthquake. These falls are known for their mesmerizing view of dense forests and clear blue waters within the folds of magnificent valleys that impart a sense of tranquil peace and hypnotic calmness to anyone who visits the place.

How to Reach:

A small hike from Shillong Peak.

Famous For:

The three-tiered ridges of the waterfall.

Major Attraction:

The gushing waters that impart a sense of calm.

Nearby Places:

Shillong Peak.

Best Time to Visit:

During the summer months between March to June.

Timing:

9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Witness the Enchanting Beauty of A Rhododendron Meadow in Lachung

A surreal experience awaits you at Lachung’s Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. The most beguiling of Lachung experiences, this beautiful sanctuary is enlivened by vibrant varieties of Rhododendron flowers, in full bloom, during the months between April and July. Surrounded by tall peaks this colorful valley is complete with potentillas, poppies, gentians, aconites and primulas painting a picture of spellbinding beauty that cannot be experienced anywhere else. You can trek along the trails or go on a photo walk in the valley to capture these picturesque flower sceneries as a reminder of nature’s amazing exquisiteness.

How to Reach:

A little walk from Yumthang Valley.

Famous For:

A vibrant expanse of blooming rhododendrons.

Major Attraction:

The fifty-odd species of flowers.

Nearby Places:

Yumthang Valley.

Best Time to Visit:

During the summer months between April and July when the flowers are in full bloom.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a picnic with your family.

Ready with your North-East travel plans for a relaxing holiday? Don’t forget to add these fascinating things to do in your north-east bucket list for a trip of a lifetime. However, you can plan your holiday, by taking a look at a few of the North-East India tour packages that OYO Total Holidays offers you, to have a hassle-free and fun-filled journey across the hills and valleys.