12 Fabulous Locations to Explore In India Before They Get Commercialized

Traveling is an enticing experience especially if you find exploring new and unique places thrilling. Today, you don’t have to restrict your travel plans to the typically crowded tourist spots like Goa, Shimla, Ladakh etc. Travelers nowadays prefer locations which are little or not explored. Grab your bags, do a little bit of research and purchase a good domestic travel insurance policy and you are all set for a new adventure. 

A crucial part here is your domestic travel insurance policy. Most of the people take travel insurance seriously while traveling abroad and it gets sidelined when it comes to domestic travel, as we feel much secure in our own country. Today, insurance providers have skillfully designed domestic travel insurance policy that caters to the needs of various types of travelers. The policies cover the vast area of the nation so that you can visit and experience even the less commercialized spots without any hassles. 

Here are 12 fabulous and unexplored locations in India, which should be on your bucket list this year:

1. Majuli Islands, Assam

Spread across 1250 sq. km, Majuli is the world's largest river island. Located in the Brahmaputra the island is 20km away from Jorhat city. Main inhabitants of this area are tribal and its rich cultural heritage has resulted in its being known as the cultural capital of Assam. Majuli is one of the few cities in the world that relies on waterways. 

2. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

Also known as the valley of flowers, the picturesque landscapes of Yumthang Valley are inviting for those looking for serenity and tranquility. A sanctuary for the soul, surrounded by the Himalayas Yumthang valley, situated in North Sikkim, is famous for rolling meadows and hot springs. 

3. Kavaratti, Lakshwadeep

Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshwadeep Islands and is considered as one of the virgin islands of India. The quiet, fresh and unpolluted air of Kavaratti will transport you away from the clutches of commercialization to a tranquil paradise. Its crystal clear waters present you with a breathtaking view that you will never forget. Not to mention one of the world’s most beautiful corals and a great spot for scuba diving. 

4. Chandra Taal, Himachal Pradesh

The Chandra Taal lake is located at an altitude of about 4,300 meters and is one of the highest altitude lakes in Indian Himalayan region. Situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau of Spiti valley, it is believed that the lake’s source is underground. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and amazing treks, Chandra Taal Baralacha Trek is one adventure packed paradise for all.

5. Chembra Peak, Kerala

Located Eight kilometers south of Kalpetta, near to the town of Meppady lays the impressive Chembra Peak. With an altitude of 2100m, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad. 

6. Yuksom, Sikkim

Also known as the “gateway to Kangchendzongha”, Yuksom is a historical town in Sikkim. Yuksom is known for the gorgeous landscape and snow-capped mountains. Yuksom literally means, “meeting place of the three lamas” and has a rich Buddhist heritage.  

7. Drang Dung Glacier, Near Kargil

Drang Dung Glacier near Kargil is one of the few glaciers in the world that are accessible by road. The 22km glacier offers a spectacular view but requires a 3-day strenuous trek from Padum. While the glacier can be reached via NH 1D, the true captivating essence of the glacier can only be captured through the trek. 

8. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha is a quaint historical town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. Established by King Rudra Pratap Singh, it is also known as the capital of the mighty Bundela Rajput Kings. Even today the town sings the glory of the Rajput Kings and transports tourists to the exotic and majestic past of the region. Surrounded by the lush green area and breathtaking hills, Orchha is bliss for people who seek nature and history.

9. Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu

180 km from Bangalore and 46 km from Dharmapuri, lays the exquisite Hogenakkal Falls on the river Kaveri. Also referred as the “Niagara Falls” of India, these falls are known for great medicinal baths and hide boat rides.

10. Tungnath, Uttarakhand

Tungnath offers something for everyone, be it a devotee, adventure seeker or nature lover. Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Tungnath will surely steal your breath away if it’s enchanting views.

11. Tamenglong, Manipur

Tamenglong is one of the nine districts of Manipur and home to rare orchids, virgin forests, rare species of birds and animals. Small hamlets dot the valleys surrounded by hills and ranges adding to its mystical beauty. 

12. Matheran, Maharashtra

Matheran is a refuge in Sahyadri Hills, which is accessible through the scenic Mumbai Rail. The smallest hill station in India, Matheran is famous for its picturesque views of the Western Ghats and the dramatic sunrise and sunset that will surely transport you right in the lap of nature.

When traveling to unexplored locations, make sure you are traveling with the following:

1. Cash

Since most of these locations are away from the clutches of commercialization, there may or may not be the facility of plastic money. Hence do carry cash to make essential transactions on the trip. 

2. First Aid Kit

Being remote and untouched by commercialism, especially in the regions of the trek, it is recommended that you carry a basic first aid kit equipped with essentials. 

3. Water purifying tablets

There may or may not be hygienic or potable water available and many areas in order to protect their natural beauty have banned the use of plastic. Do carry some water purifying tablets with you to keep you hydrated and well during the trip. 

4. Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen

Make sure that you are traveling with hand sanitizer and a good sunscreen, especially if you are traveling with children. 

5. Hard Copy of essential documents 

Most of the unexplored areas have spotty network connections and you may not have access to the Internet at all. Therefore it is recommended that you carry hard copies of all your key documents such as ID Card, Travel documents, domestic travel insurance policy papers etc. 

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Are you travelling solo? Here is why you must buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will cover various kinds of risks associated with your journey. If you are travelling alone, you should take additional care as you should be able to manage the situation when something goes wrong. There are various kinds of travel insurance policies offered by Indian companies. You should choose a plan that best fulfills your needs. If you are covered by a health plan offered by your company, you should fill the gaps with the travel insurance plan. 

Benefits of travel insurance plan 

The best Travel Insurance Policy will take care of your needs in a very efficient manner. 

• Medical emergency - The travel insurance plan will protect you from medical emergencies. If you make a claim, upfront payment will be done by the insurance company. When you have access to cashless treatment facility, there will be great convenience. 

• Trip delay/trip cancellation – If you pay higher insurance premium, you can take advantage of the trip cancellation benefit. You should be aware of the trip length and trip delay clauses as well. 

• Age restrictions – The travel insurance plan should fulfill your needs. If you are above 65 years, some restrictions are applied by the insurance company. 

• Loss of baggage – If there is loss of baggage or personal items, the insurance company will bear the expenses. You should declare the value of items in your policy proposal form. The insurance company will take all possible searches to find out the lost baggage. If your baggage cannot be traced due to several reasons, you can make the claim. 

• Loss of travel documents – Loss of travel documents will be replaced by the travel insurance company. As soon as you notice the loss of travel documents, you should report the information to the insurance company. 

• Personal liability – The travel insurance company will offer legal help if you are involved in an accident. 

• Single/multi-trip – If you travel very rarely in a year, you should go for a single trip travel insurance plan. For frequent travelers, the multi-trip travel insurance plan is ideal. 

You should go through the terms and conditions of the travel insurance plan very carefully. Some travel insurance companies offer full coverage for the pre-existing health conditions. Other policies stipulate that your health should be stable for few weeks or months before covering the pre-existing conditions. Even though the premium is high, you should opt for a policy which covers the pre-existing health issues so that there will be great satisfaction. 

Cash hospitalization 

The travel insurance policy offers cashless treatment facility. It is the best policy to take care of your medical emergencies. You can carry the electronic travel insurance card from your insurance company so that there will be great convenience. The insurance company will have agencies in various countries. The services will be rendered through their partners in a seamless manner. 

How to choose the travel insurance plan?

Before buying a travel insurance plan, you should assess your insurance requirements. The policy should be purchased based on your single trip or multi-trip needs. It should offer the medical and dental coverage. 

The following features are prominent in a travel insurance plan:

• Trip cancellation/ trip interruption/trip delay 

• Loss of baggage 

• Pre-existing medical conditions 

• Emergency medical reunion 

You should share complete information in the proposal form so that the insurance claim will not be rejected by the insurance company. If the insurance company comes to understand that your information is false, it can reject the claim. 

 You can buy travel insurance policy from the following companies:

• SBI Travel insurance 

• TATA AIG Travel Insurance 

• Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance

• HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance

• Bharti AXA Travel Insurance

• Apollo Munich Travel Insurance

Types of travel insurance plans 

Individuals can buy domestic or international travel insurance plan as per his or her requirements. 

• Domestic - If you are travelling within the county, you can opt for domestic travel insurance plan. If you are travelling to a foreign country, you will want to overcome various contingencies as part of your journey and stay. 

• International - International travel insurance policy will offer comprehensive coverage. The policy will take care of your medical expenses, baggage, travel delays, repatriation, and loss of travel documents. 

• Student - With the help of the student travel insurance plan, student will be able to pursue higher studies in a distant land. Students who enroll in academic or professional courses will cover various kinds of risks with the best student travel insurance policy. The policy should be in tune with your university/school requirements. 

• Medical – The medical travel insurance plan will cover healthcare as well as medical expenses. If you are travelling solo, there is every need to cover emergency medical expenses. 

• Senior citizen – If you are in between 61 and 70 year age group, you will get benefits under the senior citizen travel insurance plan. You will have a pleasurable travel experience when you are insured by a reliable company. The insurance company will extend help you fulfill the needs of senior citizen in the best possible way. 

Key features of travel insurance plan 

• Covers flight issues – The flight delay or cancellation will be covered by the insurance policy. You will get accommodation at the nearest hotel until your catch the next flight. 

• Medical liability – If you meet with an accident, the insurance company will bear the medical treatment expenses. 

• Legal liability – Various kinds of legal expenses will be covered by the travel insurance company. 

• Loss of baggage – The loss of luggage and travel documents will be covered by the insurance plan. 

Conclusion 

Before buying a travel insurance plan, you should be aware of the limitations of the policy and the coverage extended by the policy. The policy should cover the places of visit and the duration. The insurance policy should be adequate enough to absorb all kinds of travel-related risks. Trip delay, trip cancellation, loss of baggage and medical & dental coverage will certainly help you accomplish your vacation with great ease. The solo travel insurance plan will be a great companion during your vacation. 

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Checklist for student travelers who are going to study in a new country

When you get a student admission in a foreign educational institute, you should prepare with the right gear so that there will be great comfort and convenience. You should make a checklist of important documents that you should carry with you. If you are traveling for the first time, you should be diligent enough to prepare a checklist so that you will not take the risk. You should have a list of items so that if the airline loses your baggage, you can claim them easily. Thus, after the confirmation of your admission, you should plan for the rest of the process.

Essentials 

You should prepare a list of essentials and it should have space for the right student travel insurance plan as well.

The following travel documents are essential:

• Passport
• Visa
• Airplane ticket
• Contact numbers
• Mobile phone
• Prescription papers
• Address list
• Travel insurance document
• Accommodation details

The above documents and your mobile phone should be in your personal handbag so that you can access them very easily. For carrying the currency, you can also use a handy travel pouch. Pouches are available with straps so that they can be attached to your waist very easily.

You should complete the paperwork related to your travel arrangements. The passport should be up-to-date and you should complete the interview at the embassy. It is very much important to procure several passport size photographs.

Checklist related to the educational institution

• If you get financial aid from the university or institution, you should get confirmation.
• The paperwork related to the admission at the university/college
• Buying or renting of textbooks
• Requirement of additional applications for other purposes
• The free time that you get after reaching the new destination and before attending the classes
• Your reporting information with the international studies office

Housing and accommodation 

• Your plans and arrangements for temporary and permanent housing
• Payment of security deposit towards housing facility
• Who will arrange the accommodation for you, the status and the contact numbers
• The exact location that you should shift after landing at the airport
• Who will pick you up at the airport?
• Do you need a rental car for transportation from the airport?
• Do you have relatives or friends in a foreign country? Are they are aware of your arrival?
• Does your student travel insurance cover travel-related issues?

Medical and health checklist 

• Have you obliged with the mandatory vaccinations with necessary documentary proof
• Health insurance to take care of your medical treatment in foreign land
• Are you fit to travel?
• Special medications that you should carry with you and the prescription
• Your consultations with your family doctor or physician about your foreign trip

Gadgets 

• You should take special care in packing electronic gadgets
• Universal power adapter will help you connect various kinds of gadgets very easily
• Pack your laptop, camera and smartphone
• Mp3 player and electric shaver
• Some items can be purchased in the country of the visit so that you can save space in the bag.
• If you do not own essential gadgets, you can buy in the new place at a low price (as per availability)

Luggage 

• Should have a list of all the clothing that you should carry with you
• Weather-proof dress, shoes, and protective gear
• Albums and mementos that you would like to carry with you
• Have you packed the luggage as per the air travel code?
• The suitcase and bag size should be as per the international travel luggage norms
• You should have some Indian currency as well as foreign currency to take care of emergency needs

Social contacts 

• You should have access to the contact numbers, email IDs, phone numbers and social media
• You can choose innovative communication channels to engage others in a very efficient manner. You can create a group on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp and the information can be shared very easily.

What should be avoided?

• You are advised to move to a distant location with minimum jewelry. If you need essential jewelry, you can wear them.
• Sharp items such as knives, blades and scissors should be avoided in your luggage as they are banned in most of the advanced countries.
• Perishable food items should not be packed as they may make your luggage messy
• Soaps, toiletries, shampoos and other items can be purchased in abroad
• You should collect information about your accommodation. If you are provided with pillows, bed sheets and other items, you can avoid them in your luggage.

Additional items

• You can carry important books, CDs and pen drives as per your needs.
• Lotions, creams and make-up items can be included as per their usage
• Functional slippers and shoes should be included in your luggage

Student Travel insurance

There are best Student Travel Insurance Plans to cater to all kinds of students. The best plan will cover various risks including study interruption, accident medical expenses, personal accident cover, maternity benefit, and mental & nervous disorders.

You can go through the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. The best policy will cover the hospitalization expenses, loss of baggage, bail bonds & tuition fee, dental pain relief, and home burglary cover.

The sum assured and the premium rate should not be the sole criterion for the selection of the insurance plan. The online facilities support and claim settlement ratio are important parameters.

Conclusion 

You can go through the best Student Travel Insurance Plans offered by Indian insurance companies so that you will settle for the appropriate plan to cover various risk factors. The checklists will help you prepare for the new destination with great ease. The insurance copy should be readily accessible so that you can get assistance as per your need. 

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