5 Most beautiful places in India

The diversity of India makes it a truly beautiful country. Not only are the people and cultures diverse but also the geographical locations and terrain as well. India is a country which has beaches, jungles, deserts, mountains, cities, towns, villages, and the list just goes on. Whichever type of location you find appealing, you will certainly find it in India. Everyone has their own idea of what a beautiful place would be to them. If you are planning to retire or travel to India, then here is a list of some of the most beautiful places to go to.

Yumthang Valley

If you like mountains and you like grasslands, then you will love the Yumthang Valley in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a very green and rugged pasture that is located upon rolling meadows. You will also find some natural hot springs, a smooth flow of river water, and the famous Himalayan mountains in the background. Above sea level, the valley is approximately 3,564 meters high. With all these natural geographical features in one place, your eyes will be amazed wherever you turn.

Munnar, Kerala

The town of Munnar is located in the state of Kerala. This is a town which is comprised of mostly tea plantations. These are some of the most beautiful tea plantations that you have ever seen. They literally stretch for miles into the green hills in the background. Some of these plantations go above sea level to about 7,000 feet. If you are ever in Kerala, just travel to the southwestern region of the state to find Munnar. It will be an experience that you will never forget.

Stok Range, Jammu and Kashmir

There are a lot of mountain ranges in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the state’s Ladakh region, you will find a range called Stok Range. The range forms part of the Himalayan Mountains of southeastern Asia. The tallest mountain of this range is called Stok Kangri, which is 20,187 feet above sea level (6,153 meters). If you can make it to the peak of the mountain, you will be in Hemis National Park. Stok Range attracts many mountaineers and mountain climbers from around the world. Some people climb these mountains because of the spectacular views of the mountain range around them while others are just practicing here before they climb the almighty Mount Everest.

Nubra Valley, Jammu and Kashmir

You might not think of a desert when you think of beautiful places, but India’s Nubra Valley in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir has a desert that you should visit. Since Nubra is at such a high altitude, it is a colder desert than the traditional deserts which are at lower altitudes. There is hardly any rain or precipitation in the desert, but there is a mild amount of vegetation and water bodies. The mountainous terrain in the back will be the most beautiful thing that you ever see.

Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

If you prefer beautiful wet environments, then check out Nohkalikai Falls in the town of Cherrapunji. This is in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Nohkalikai Falls is the highest plunge waterfall in the whole country. The name “Nohkalikai” means “Jump of Ka Likai,” which refers to a local legend about a woman named Likai that jumped off the cliff because of a family tragedy that made her go crazy. The height of the waterfall is 1,115 feet, so it is not advisable for anyone to try jumping from the top of it. But it is still a beautiful tall waterfall to visit and enjoy seeing.

Festivals of Rajasthan in October

October Rajasthan is a special time of the year in India. There are a lot of unique festivities which are made available during this time. On top of that, the summer heat that plagues the entire city will slowly be moving away while the cooler air settles in. This means you can walk around more without having to sweat so much. Meanwhile, the clear blue skies and the picturesque scenery of the surrounding sites and festivities will make the whole trip worthwhile.

In total, you will find 4 major festivals in Rajasthan during October. The culture of Rajasthan can be attributed to ancient traditions which took place there. The people of this state have these festivities in October for the purpose of simply celebrating life. You don’t necessarily have to be a spiritual or religious person to appreciate this kind of celebration.

The biggest celebration which takes place between October 24^th and October 28^th is the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in the city of Jodhpur. Here you can listen to lots of cultural folk music that is unheard of outside the state. Most of the musicians perform at the Mehrangarh Fort, starting at dawn and ending at dusk.

If you’re in an adventurous mood, Rajasthan has an Adventure Festival in the city of Kota from October 18^th to November 5^th. When you’re idle, you can watch the beautiful Chambal river and the massive acreage around it. But then, you’ll be partaking in various fun and exciting activities such as windsurfing, rock climbing, trekking, water skiing, gliding, and more. This will give you a chance to see the real countryside of Rajasthan that you’ve never seen before.

Then, at night time during these 3 days in Kota, you can witness the Hindu Navaratri festival known as Dussehra Mela from 9th to 18th October. This is basically a celebration of good conquering evil and features an effigy of the mythical demon king known as Ravana. This effigy is 75 feet tall and is filled completely with crackers. At the end of the festival, the effigy is lit on fire.

From October 23rd to October 24th in Jodhpur, there is the Marwar Festival. This celebrates the historical rulers of Rajasthan who are considered heroes to the people there. Tourists might not appreciate this particular meaning but they will be attracted to the folk dancing and music that takes place on the streets during this time. The romantic lifestyle of these celebrated heroes is the main theme of the dancing and music that you witness. You can find the festival celebrated at the Mehrangarh Fort, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the Mandore Gardens.

When going to these events, it is recommended that you arrive a few days early just in case there are flight delays. You just start in the city of Jodhpur and then travel by train to Kota. It may be hard to find flights to Kota because they only have one small airport that just goes to Jaipur. That’s okay because the train ride to Kota will give you a chance to truly see the Indian countryside like you have never seen before.

5 Goan Colourful Flea Markets You Shouldn't Miss

Goa is best known for its gorgeous beaches, shady swaying palms, and tranquil sunsets. That, however, is not all. Goa is a vibrant state full of life. By this we do not mean just the music and dance culture. One look at the bustling flea markets of the state is quite enough to reveal the love and pride that the locals take in their wares and the wonderful cultural experiences that these markets offer to the tourists.

Anjuna Market

Anjuna Market Goa. Photo by David Jones

The Anjuna Flea Market in Anjuna Beach, North Goa, is one of the best and most colourful flea markets in this beautiful coastal state. The market is more of a local bazaar where you can expect to find all sorts of paintings and rugs, handicrafts and antique pieces, slogan T-shirts and sarongs, shoes and jootis. It starts early in the mornings and closes down by about mid-day. Look out for all the little knick-knacks that you’d like to take back from Goa. It is lively and cheerful and haggling with one of the local vendors is one of the best ways to spend a morning in Goa.

Calangute Bazaar

The Calangute Beach is one of the largest beaches in Goa and is a popular choice with tourists. The Calangute Bazaar that is set up along the beach is a shopper’s dream come true. Look out for the gorgeous junk jewellery, cowrie wall hangings, copper vessels, and colourful textiles on display in little stalls. The Tibetan section of this bazaar is the best place to shop for Buddha idols, carpets, and authentic Tibetan shawls. This is also a morning market and most of the stalls shut shop by noon. Right alongside the stalls are little shacks that sell freshly cooked and scrumptious seafood.

Mapusa Friday Market

Mapusa Friday Market.

Unlike some of the other flea markets in this list, the Mapusa Market is a weekly market. Each Friday the North Goan beach of Mapusa comes to life with the heady sights and sounds of this bazaar. While you can expect to find all the items available in other Goan flea markets such as pottery, clothes, and trinkets, the Mapusa Market is known for its food and spices. It is quite rightly referred to as a gourmet’s delight. From local produce to pickles and jams, from cakes and sweets to marinated pork sausages, from tamarind to varieties of spices, from home mulled wine to fresh fruits – this market has the best of all that Goa offers.

Saturday Night Market

The popular Saturday Night Market at Arpora is another popular weekly market that you must visit on your Goa trip. Unlike the others this is a night market and the music and entertainment scene here add charm to the bohemian ways of Goa. Arpora is a medley of heady music and delightful local food and the usual beach market wares. From clothes to musical instruments and from trinkets to artefacts and from decorative items to accessories – you can find it all here. Local home cooks and bakers also tempt you with delightful bebinca and cakes and seafood. Alongside you will find singers and musicians and performers holding the crowd’s attention.

Palolem Beach

If you are staying at one of the 5 star hotels in South Goa, a short walk will take you to the beautiful Palolem Beach. Lined along the beach are the stalls that make up the Palolem Flea Market. This is perfect place to look for all your touristy requirements such as rucksacks and pretty bags, light clothes and towels, hats and caps, and even sleeping bags. You’re also likely to find decorative pieces and art works for sale here.

How To Spend 3 Days In Pune - A City Guide

The second largest city in Maharashtra, Pune is known as its cultural capital. A potent mix of modernity and ethnicity, Pune is home to top-rated educational systems, IT Parks, residential/pensioner havens, ancient wonders, distinguished museums and a vibrant cityscape. Want to explore Pune in a couple of days? Make the perfect itinerary with this short guide.

Where To Stay

Caption: Treebo Park View in Pune

There are many budget stays in the city, particularly on Apte Road, Tilak Road and Karve Road, so it is not difficult to find good hotels in Pune. However, most of the hotels situated here are suitable only for backpackers on a shoestring budget, looking for minimum to basic facilities.

Where you stay while you travel matters for the reasons of safety, amenities, comfort, peace of mind and convenience. The best option to enjoy a truly comfortable and world-class stay in Pune is Treebo hotels, India’s best budget hotel chain. Tariffs start at Rs 999, but you can find a hotel of a higher range too, if you’d like to spend a bit more. The booking process is online and extremely simple.  You’ll be served with the motto of ‘Perfect Stay Or Don’t Pay’. Features include complimentary breakfast and assured amenities.

Pune City Guide: A 3-day itinerary in Pune

 Day 1: History & Architecture

 Visit the hottest historical and architectural tourist destinations in Pune on your first day. Pune is an ancient city famous for its many cultural marvels like museums and historical forts.

 Where To Eat

There are a variety of foods here that you can choose from. While you will always want to explore special Indian delicacies, you can also find good restaurants in Pune that offers different cuisines from Asia and other parts of the world.

The German Bakery Pune: Image Kevin Scott

Caption: German Bakery

 German Bakery

Known for burgers, pizzas and a variety of delicious desserts, German Bakery is one of the best places in Pune to eat.

What to eat: Breakfast spread

Location: Koregaon Park

Timing: 7:45 am to 11:45 pm

Average cost: Rs 1000 for two

 Malaka Spice

Caption: Malaka Spice

 Famous for Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine, Malaka Spice is an excellent casual dining restaurant with a great bar.

What to eat: Pan-Asian recipes

Location: Koregaon Park

Timing: 11:30 to 12:30

Average cost: Rs 2000 for two including alcohol 

 What to do:

 Caption: Shaniwar Wada 

Visit the Aga Khan Palace where Indian Freedom Fighters including Gandhi were imprisoned, explore the historical fortification ruins of Peshwa-era wonder called Shaniwar Wada, known for its imposing gates, check out the rare collection of over 20,000 artefacts at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which exhibits ancient ornaments, utensils, musical ornaments, clothing, metal and earthenware, visit an 8th century rock-cut cave temple called Pataleshwar Cave Temple, renowned for the wide temple corridors, columns, Nandi Bull Statue and a unique cube shaped sanctum of Lord Shiva.

Day 2 – Urban wonders in Pune

Pune is home to many gardens, parks and spiritually uplifting spots, including NDA and the famous Osho Ashram. Visit them all on day 2.

Where to eat: 

1. Tales and Spirits

Image by Tales & Spirits

Caption: Live music at Tales and Spirits

A veg-only restaurant and bar, Tales and Spirits is one of the highest restaurants in Pune. They have a full bar and live sports screening.

What to eat: Greek Pizza, burgers and salads

Location: Senapati Bapat Road

Timing: 11:30 am to 12 pm

Average cost: Rs 800 for 2 with alcohol 

2. Effingut

Caption: Effingut

Famous spot to enjoy nightlife in Pune with wine, food and music, Effingut is where the elite hang out. The restaurant is famous for its live music performances.

What to eat: Prawns and chicken delicacies

Location: Koregaon Park

Timing: 11:30 am to 12 midnight

Average cost: Rs 1700 for two with alcohol

What to do: 

Caption: NDA passing out parade

See the technological wonder of Darshan Museum, which delivers spiritual messages through holographic demos, realistic art and lifelike silicon-based technology, visit Saras Bagh, a sprawling lake-park which also houses the legendary Talyatla Ganpati Temple, experience the enchanting sights of Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, a Japanese garden with manicured lawns, gazebo structures, straw bridge,  and strategically placed water bodies, take amazing pictures at National Defence Academy atop a picturesque hill, alongside the beautiful Khadakwasla Dam known for its sunset point, also visit Peacock Bay famous for its birds and water sports.

Day 3 Walking tours

There are many places in and around Pune where you can indulge in solitary treks and nature walks, enjoy adventure at its best on your third day in Pune.

Where to eat:

1. Elephant & Co 

Caption: Happy campers at Elephant & Co

A unique cosmopolitan casual dining restaurant with a bar, Elephant & Co is famous for its brunches, music and amazing outdoor seating.

What to eat: Finger food, continental fares

Location: Kalyani Nagar

Timing: 12  to 12 midnight

Average cost: Rs 1400 for two with alcohol 

2. Hard Rock Cafe 

Caption: Revellers at Hard Rock Cafe

No Hard Rock Cafe ever needed an introduction. Visit the one in Pune for live music, good food and good vibes.

What to eat: American and Mexican

Location: Mundhwa

Timing: 12 to 1 am

Average cost: Rs 2000 for two with alcohol

What to do: 

Caption: Osho Teerth Park 

Trek to the hillock of Parvati Hill, which is known for five famous temples atop. Visit its main temple and catch a panoramic view of Pune, feel inspired at Osho International Meditation Centre known for its contemporary hippie ambience, and enjoy a peaceful stroll at Osho Teerth Park, which has lush greenery, streams, bamboo trees and a utopian vibe, see wildlife at Rajiv Gandhi Zoo and spot animals like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a number of reptiles including pythons, king cobra, vipers and crocodiles, take a walk on Koregaon Park to experience the urban culture of Pune, including posh buildings, charming cafes, street markets, glitzy boutiques and the ancient banyan trees lining up the paths.

A trip to Pune will let you experience the essential 21st century Indian city, that is rooted in culture, yet aspirational & upmarket. You’ll leave the city full of fresh energy and vivified spirits.

If you have any questions, use the comment box below.

A Weekend Retreat at Lavasa

Lavasa is a beautifully planned and self sustaining luxury city situated on the Western Ghats of Pune. Its location adds value and caters to the requirements, needs and even luxuries of the visitors it receives. The young at heart and those who thrive on adventure sports are drawn to this magnetic place. Getting to Lavasa though is fairly easy if you rent a cab in Pune.

Lavasa has a dam which makes it unique for a range of water-sport activities that are on offer. Lots of tourists come to this place for trekking, mountaineering and camping. Many love the place for its water-sports activities it has to offer in the Warasgaon Lake. Since this is situated on the banks of the lake there are plenty of exciting things to so such as Personal Water Crafts (Jetski), pedal boating, luxury cruise experiences and Kayaking in Lavasa.

Lavasa also has many Ayurvedic spas famous for the relaxation and rejuvenation they generate. Being located amid the Western Ghats gives Lavasa an enviable climate and nature does its best by pffering in with some of the most stunning views. It is no wonder that Lavasa makes an ideal spot for a weekend getaways.

Just 40 km away is Temghar Dam on Pune’s River Mutha. This spot has mesmerizing views and is a spot you would be unlucky to miss. The Xthrill Adventure Academy in Lavasa is one-of-its-kind to visit with loved ones, friends, and family offering extreme sports with high safety standards. Activities like team building games, treasure hunt, raft building and paint ball make it a hub for corporate training programmes. Backpacking, camping, rappelling, rock climbing, valley crossing, waterfall rappelling and rock climbing are some of the many activities on offer. They help in decision making, team-skills and a lot more. The Cave Waterfall Trek, Cycling, Archery, Rifle Shooting, ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and hiking are also very popular among the young and old alike.

Many youngsters, men, women and the gutsy ageing learn to play golf at the Indoor Golf Recreational and Learning Centre with its golf and putting courses. Bamboosa, a local initiative in Lavasa employs local craftsmen to make bamboo products that are a rage in home decoration.

Such is the beauty of the place and with so many sports to indulge in – perhaps a weekend getaway is insufficient. Even the activity is so stream-lined with large service providers like savaari.com pitching in, that all it takes is a phone call or online booking. Pune to Lavasa cabs will pick you at your door-step and offer you a choice of vehicles to travel in at very competitive prices. Discounts and offers are very rewarding when coupled with the fact that you can safely relax in an AC environment and watch the stunning scenery knowing that the billing is transparent and you get to customize, compare and then pay the best price always!

Why wait? The weather is always good at Lavasa and the range of exciting and thrilling activities so fulfilling that you may probably not want to return at all!

Best places for honeymoon in India

If you are planning to get married, then you need to make your honeymoon as memorable as possible. The best way to do this is to choose an exotic honeymoon destination which you will never be able to forget. It just so happens that India has many beautiful locations which would make for great honeymoon spots. Some are peaceful and relaxing with picturesque views while others are adventurous and will keep your adrenaline pumping.

The Andaman Islands are located between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. They are a union territory of India, even though they are closer to Thailand and Malaysia. However, what makes these islands so great for a honeymoon is their sunny beaches and private secluded locations. Newlyweds can participate in water sports and activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. They can also learn about the history of the islands by visiting the museums and historical locations that are there. To travel to the Andaman Islands, you can fly from Mumbai to Port Blair Airport in Port Blair on the islands.

The town of Munnar is the perfect honeymoon location for anyone who likes beautiful looking hills. The town itself is a hill station that is located in the Indian state of Kerala. A lot of the landscape is covered with tea plantations, tea gardens, hills, sculpted hedges, wildlife, and the Eravikulam National Park. If you’re looking for a more adventurous honeymoon where you and your partner can hike and explore new landscapes on foot, then Munnar will be perfect. You can travel to Munnar by flying into the airport at Cochin or by arriving on a train at nearby Aluva.           

The Indian state of Goa is where both tourists and Indian residents often go to honeymoon. There are just so many romantic things to see there such as Portuguese architecture, warm seashores, and a vibrant nightlife. You could first start your honeymoon day by visiting Fort Chapora and watching the sunrise. Later in the day, you can lie around on the white sandy beaches and drink some fine beer from the nearby beach shack. If you’re interested in clubbing, Goa has some fine dance nightclubs including Tito’s, LPK, and Mambo’s. When you stay the night, book your room at the Resort Rio because it is in close proximity to all the best beaches and spas.

If you want a honeymoon filled with sparkling lakes, museums, palaces, and lots of street lights, then come to the city of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan for your next honeymoon. Anyone who has seen Bollywood films will certainly appreciate the romantic essence of Udaipur. Try getting your picture taken in front of one of the many palaces or take a cruise on the waters of Lake Pichola.

Best of all, enjoy the lights coming from above your head at nighttime as numerous rooftop restaurants illuminate themselves from above. If you want an eco-friendly resort then try staying at the Ramada Udaipur Resort. But if you prefer a luxurious room with scenic views, then the Purple Seas Heritage Resort is better.

It’s certainly worth considering India for your honeymoon. 

Best beaches in India for foreigners

India is a country with so many different kinds of sites to see. Most foreigners might not think of beaches when they think of India, but they should. India has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In fact, the Indian people themselves love their beaches because they represent nature’s most beautiful creation. The beach is the place where the ocean and sun come together with the sand and celebrate their harmony and love. That is why beaches are so beautiful and adored by tourists and residents alike.

Here’s a few of the best beaches in India for foreigners

Of course, some beaches are more beautiful than others. The Indian state of Goa has its fair share of exotic beaches. Agonda Beach, for example, is a long and mostly empty beach which has lots of palm trees and casuarinas. On the southern end of the beach, you will find a big hill which only adds more beauty to this beach. You can get to the beach by driving from Palolem to Panaji. You will need a motorbike or scooter to get to the actual beach area from there.

Daniel in Goa

Three more beaches in Goa which are quiet and clean are Mobor Beach, Varca Beach, and Cavelossim Beach. If you get hungry, there are food shacks on these beaches which have lots of seafood dishes and cuisines. There is a very luxurious beach resort on Cavelossim Beach where you can lodge at. The city of Margao has bus and rental car options for traveling to this resort on the beach. The distance to travel is only about 18 kilometers.

In the Indian state of Kerala, any foreigner will love to visit Varkala Beach. Not only can you swim and surf in the beautiful Arabian Sea, but the backdrop of the beach contains a long stretch of rocky red cliffs. Other features along the stretch of the beach include coconut palm trees, guest houses, hotels, beach shacks, and old gift shops. There are steps found along the beach that will take you up to the top of the cliff and vice versa. If you go there around late March, you can witness the temple festival there.

Another beach in Kerala that is worth mentioning is the Lighthouse Beach. This is part of the beach town called Kovalam. Lighthouse Beach has fairly calm waters, thanks to its huge promontory that is quite rocky. Foreigners will also enjoy the nearby luxuries that exist, such as swimming pools, convention centers, health resorts, and affordable cottages for lodging. You will certainly recognize this beach once you see it because of its huge red and white lighthouse.       

On the opposite side of India, you may want to check out Rishikonda Beach located in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The beach is just 8 kilometers from the large city of Visakhapatnam so you should find plenty of public transportation options to get there. At the beach, you will find lots of hills and greenery which lie very close to the sand and shoreline. Water sports such as windsurfing and skiing are also very popular here too. If you’re looking to lodge, there are some cottages available for rent on top of the hill which overlooks the sea. 

If you have visited Indian and have your own list of best beaches of India then feel free to comment and tell us about them.    

Explore India’s offbeat destinations: Malvan

Ethnically and traditionally important town, Malvan is located in Sindhudurg which is the southernmost district of Maharashtra State. Malvan is renowned for its Malvani cuisine, mangoes, and the famous historical monument, the Sindhudurg Fort. The Malvani language (Marathi and Konkani mix) and regional food signify a very distinctive culture of Malvan. Malvani cuisine mainly comprises of fish curry, rice, and coconut. Malvani Dashavtar, a critical artistic component of this region showcases the legendary stories through plays.

Malvan by Aditya Singh

Several places in Malvan are worth visiting during your trip. Sindhudurg fort built by the great Maratha warrior King Shivaji is a sight to behold. It is surrounded by water on all sides, and the only way to reach the fort is by boat. Apart from the splendid structure, Sindhudurg Fort is one of the best places in the country to try scuba diving and snorkelling.  The best way to get to Malvan is to book taxi to drive down the Konkan coast.

The rock garden is a place recommended for tourists who like to spend their evenings watching waves hit the rocks and enjoy the cool breeze. It is situated barely half a kilometre away from the Malvan jetty near Arase Mahal. Another interesting place to visit is the Jai Ganesha temple that has been transformed into its present structure by renovating an old house. This temple has a golden idol of Lord Ganesha and is very popular amongst the tourists.

Finally, let’s talk about beaches that have transformed Malvan into a tourist destination. The most famous beach of the region is the Tarkali beach which attracts visitors from around the world. Tarkarli Beach has everything that nature and sports enthusiast can dream. White sand, water sports, sea food, clear water that will make your visit memorable. When in Tarkarli do not forget to try the fantastic range of water sports such as scuba diving, Bumper boats, Banana boat ride, Parasailing, and Snorkelling that are available at very reasonable prices.

Malvan Fort by Manoj Patra

Other beaches that you can visit include the Devbaug beach, Chivla beach, and Kolamb beach. Chivala Beach is uncluttered and sparsely crowded making it perfect for tourists to relax amidst the cool breeze. If you want to spend time at a beach with no one around, head to Kolamb beach. There are hardly any tourists or locals in the vicinity.

Malvan Wild life Sanctuary, Rameshwar Temple, and Tsunami Islands are a few other places that should be visited provided you have time. The Malvan food is a bit on the spicier side, so please be careful before ordering. Some of the must try dishes include Murgh Malvani, Mori Masala, Kaju chi Aamti, and Solkadhi.

The best time to visit Malvan and Tarkali is from October to April which is primarily winter and early summer.  Malvan is 510 km away from Mumbai and at a distance of 200 km from Ratnagiri. The nearest airport is Dabolim airport in Goa, and the closest railway station is Kudal. State transport buses and Volvos are available from Pune and Mumbai. It is recommended that you hire a private taxi with Savaari Car Rentals from Pune or Mumbai to enjoy the pleasant roads en-route Malvan and Tarkali. Walking or hiring a bicycle is also suggested to explore Malvan. Happy Vacationing!

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu and one of the four metropolitan cities of India was the third most visited city by foreigners after Mumbai and Delhi in 2007.  According to the source 8,30,620 domestic tourists arrived in Chennai in March 2011 in addition to 29,558 tourists who visited Mamallapuram. Now I guess you just realised how popular is this tourist destination.

Chennai is popularly known as “Gateway to South”. It has rich cultural and traditional importance. The city is the perfect blend of old and new where the modern beliefs and conventional ways coexist in harmony. Both domestic and international tourists are attracted to this amazing city. Chennai has so much to offer to tourists that many revisit this place again.Lets take a look at some of the best places to visit in Chennai.

Places to visit in Chennai

1. Fort St. George Fort St. George is a place of pride for the people of Chennai. Built in 1640 AD, Francis Day and Andrew Cogon of East India Company were the supervisors of this project. This fort houses St. Mary’s Church along with a museum. It is said that this house solemnised the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor Elihu Yale, the founders of the Yale University in the USA.

2. The Marina Beach It is the second longest beach in the World. It has a wide sandy foreshore. Another important attraction on this beach is the Anna and MGR Samadhis, the memorials of the most popular former Chief Ministers of the State. University of Chennai, Chepauk Palace, Senate House, Presidency College, aquarium and Ice House are all located on this beach drive.

3. Kapaleswara Temple This is the 8th Century Pallava Temple. The ‘Gopuram’ or the tower of the temple is in Dravidian style of architecture. There are bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Mylapore “Myil” means peacock and ‘Oor’ means town.

4. Guindy National Park This Park is the only Wild Life Sanctuary which is situated within a city’s limits. If you visit this awesome National Park you also stand a chance to visit other surrounding places like Raj Bhavan, Indian Institute of Technology, a Children’s Park with its own mini zoo, Snake Park, Memorials to Gandhiji, Rajaji, and Kamaraj. The Anna University of Technology, Central Leather Research Institute as well as the country’s finest Race-courses.

5. The High Court The high court of Chennai is the second largetst judicial complex in the world. The domes and corridors depict the Indo-Saracenic architecture.

6. Sri Parthasarathy Temple This is a Lord Krishna temple. Originally built by the Pallavas, this temple was later modified by the Chola and Vijayanagara Kings.

7. Valluvar Kottam This is a memorial built in the shape of the temple chariot in the memory of Tamil Poet-Saint Thiruvalluvar. A 33m tall life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam can accommodate about 4000 people and is believed to be the Asia’s largest auditorium.

8. Birla Planetarium The Birla Planetarium at Kotturpura is the most modern planetarium in the country. It was constructed in the memory of B.M. Birla, one of the famous industrialists of India. Nearby is the Periyar Science and Technology Museum useful for young learners.

Anna Nagar tower park: Image by Aravindan Ganesan

9. Kalakshetra Kalakshetra was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale encourage and revive interest in Bharatanatyam. Bharatanatyam is the classical dance form of the state.

10. MGR Film City The film city has various film shooting locations and settings. It also has dubbing and recording studios. It was set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu and is located in Tharamani area.

11. Connemara Public Library The Library is located at Pantheon Road in Egmore. It is one of the well known National Libraries.

12. Crocodile Bank It is a research centre run by Romulus Whittaker .Crocodile Bank is about 42 kms from Chennai near to Mamallapuram. Varieties of Indian and African Crocodiles are reared and bred in this crocodile bank. There are about 6,000 different species of crocodiles and a snake farm is also present in the same area.

13. Amir Mahal Amir Mahal belongs to the Royal family of Arcot. It was established in 1789 and then later it was possessed by Arcot Royal family.

14. Anna Nagar Tower It is the highest park tower in Chennai located in Anna Nagar Park. It also has a special cyclic stairs.

15. Anna Zoological Park It is the biggest zoological park in South East Asia. It is the house for tropical mammals, birds and reptiles.

To God’s own country

After a couple of months living the chaotic life of Delhi and saving our work leaves, we finally got a chance to get away from the noise, crowd and cold of the capital of India and headed south to God’s own country!.. We got our backpacks, changed the office clothes for sweatpants and started our ‘New Year’s Adventure’ at the railway station of New Delhi. All set for the 48 hours ride to Kottyam. On Sleeper Class!

It may sound extreme and even risky for a lot of people, but I have to say it was one of the best trips we’ve had in India; for a young couple who can’t stand away from the road for a long time, budget is a pretty important reason, plus we like to get involved with people, experience the local customs as much as possible and appreciate the landscape. We shared our coach with a really nice South Indian family –small kids included- and had time to relax, read, play cards and enjoy the IMPRESSIVE change of scenery from North to South in 800 Rupees each. Pretty cool! Huh? Add the train meals ranging from 40 to 60 Rs, the occasional chai or coffee in 10 Rs, water bottles –pani- in 15 Rs, and you got yourself a great deal!

The Train

The food was cold, but good –I gotta say my stomach is stronger that the average expat stomach so I didn’t have any problem-, and if you don’t mind the train getting crowded sometimes and the not-clean-at-all bathrooms, you’ll be fine!… Just carry a sleeping bag or warm blanket on winter (nights are very cold and the windows not always seal properly) and enjoy the ride. At the end of the trip you’ll have a lot of beautiful pictures and videos, a lot of stories to tell back home (trust me in this one; something remarkably funny will happen on that train) and priceless memories to treasure forever.

First stop: Thekkady!

After 48 hours, we finally arrived to Kottyam… But that wasn’t the end of our ride; we were still 4 hours away from our first destination, Thekkady, home of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It was a bumpy but pleasant bus ride through the hills; the clear sky, tea plantations and eventual sight of an elephant increased our excitement! I was actually feeling like home; the mountains, plantain trees and Christian churches reminded me of my coffee lands in Colombia… Although the signboards and dressing style of the people kept the feeling of being in India. It was an amazing feeling!

Thekkady is a hill station with plenty to offer; from the Ayurvedic massages to trekking, camping in the reserve, boat cruises on the beautiful Periyar lake and –our favorite- Elephant ride. The prices rise on the high season but still we feel we got a good deal; in 1500 Rs each, we booked an Elephant adventure that included pick-up and drop off to the hotel, a 30 minutes Elephant ride, a small show and a bath; yes! We got to feed them, shower them… and get showered too! We also made sure to choose a good place where the animals are respected and well treated, and that was The Elephant Junction.

Riding elephants in india

The Backwaters of Allepey

With so little time to spend, it was a tough task to choose where to go and what to skip in Kerala, and at the end we had to sacrifice the Tea Plantations in Munar and the chilled Varkala Beach (ouch!) to fully enjoy our time in Thekkady and Allepey, also known as ‘the Venice of East’. The Kerala backwaters are a bunch of lakes and lagoons parallel to the Arabian Sea and connected through natural and manmade canals forming 900 Km. of waterways through towns, cities and islands. It sounds great, and looks even better in pictures, bust this is something you HAVE to see!

Kerala boathouse for honeymoon

You can experience the backwaters in a lot of different ways that will cost you from 200 Rs to 12000 Rs depending on the time, season and vessel; taking a ferry with other locals to go from A to B is the cheapest way and renting a fancy kettuvallam (houseboat) for the night with cook and driver on board would be the most expensive, although still worth it- option. We decided to stick to our budget and rent a comfortable canoe for 6 hours in 2000 Rs, plus the 500 we spent in lunch, coconut water, chai, snacks and tip to our guide, Captain Vijay; a sweet and funny old guy who has been working on the backwaters for decades and makes his best to explain the scenery, local life and even make some jokes in English.

The Captain took us to different islands where we could see tea plantations, temples and had a delicious lunch served on a banana leaf. He even took us to meet his family and play with his grandchildren! It was a magic and lovely journey, and at the end of it, he gave us a pen and a big notebook full of letters in different languages, drawings and pictures from all is costumers over the years. What a perfect day!..

Gods own country state in India

Once the ride was over, we took an auto back to our hotel Vrindanavam Heritage –that by the way is highly recommended!!!- and head to the beach to see the sunset between a cheering and friendly crowd that was there for a local festival. It was a great evening full of spicy snacks –mostly non-veg- carnival rides and local music, the perfect ending for the Kerala track of our south Indian adventure. The next day we woke up happy and ready to leave for Kochin –just 2 hours and 50 Rs. Away- where a longest ride was awaiting: 17 hours to our New Year’s eve destination: GOA!

But that’s another great story for later 😉

Article by my friend Manuela of Colombia. Some of her other articles include the Golden Temple, Chandigarh and Jallianwala Bagh.

Marina Beach of Chennai - The longest beach in India

A lot of drastic changes have happened in past few years’ courtesy to all the technological advancement but by the grace of God some things haven’t changed and one of them is the urge to travel and explore. When it comes to beaches the urge has only increased! Going for a dive, or just lazily relaxing, soaking in the for Vitamin D, enjoying a swim or surfing, this is what comes to mind when we think of a beach and this is exactly what Marina Beach (Chennai) offers.

Marina Beach of Chennai is probably the most famous beach in the country, more famous than the beaches of Goa. If anyone thinks of Chennai one creates an image of Marina Beach in their mind. The beach is pride of Chennai (formerly known as the city of Madras). What makes it famous is the fact it’s the longest beach in the country and second longest beach in the world. The turquoise crystal clear waters, the golden sand and a lot of fun activity on the beach make Marina Beach the prime tourist destination of Chennai. Marina beach is different from the rest of beaches as we rarely encounter a beach with statues of Tamil actors. The beach has become a sort of tomb for leaders like Anna and MGR.

Marina Beach Food Stall – Photo by Aleksandr Zykov

The beach is pleasantly cool during the evenings and the smooth breeze from the ocean makes a walk very nice. During the day in the South Indian summer, it’s scorching hot and humid. Chennai has never very cool but it can get pleasant in winters and breeze on the beach a little cooler. A lot of people come to the beach for an early morning or evening walk. It is thought that around 15000 people go to the beach every day.

Marina Beach starts from Fort St George and ends at Besant Nagar and covers a length of 13 kilometres. The beach has wide foreshores with width around 300 metres. Over the last few years it has become a bit dirty with plastic bottles being littered all over the place but nonetheless it’s the most popular picnic spot in Chennai.

Things to do on Marina Beach

Leisure & Entertainment Activities at Marina Beach

Located along the Bay of Bengal on the eastern side of Chennai Marina beach is a popular site for surfing thanks to its strong currents. Because of the very strong currents, people don’t usually swim. This doesn’t stop people coming to this place in large numbers. It’s a picnic spot on the weekends and also the meeting point for youngsters. There are number of food stalls on the beach where people enjoy snacks and dinner. In addition, there are numerous excellent restaurants along the beach some catering finest food in Chennai. Chennai is the best place to try the famous “masala dosa”.

Masala Dosa

For those interested in shopping, the local hawkers have everything Indian you can think off. From sea shells to the kites, silks sareesa and shawls, you can buy whatever you want.

Attractions around Marina Beach

Some of the most of the famous buildings that you could visit in Chennai like the Chepauk Palace, Chepauk Stadium, University of Madras, Senate House lie along the Marina Beach drive. There is a famous lighthouse called the “Madras Light House” facing the Bay of Bengal a popular landmark is worth visiting. There is also a huge golf course along the drive if you are interested in playing golf in Chennai. Here’s more on what to do on Indian beaches.

Aquarium, Pool and the Memorials

Located on the beach there is an aquarium which is home to some of the rarest and exotic tropical sea fishes. The aquarium makes you feel like you have taken a dive into the sea to watch the beautiful fishes. The aquarium also houses a variety of freshwater fishes. There is also an Ice House where ice have been brought from the lakes of US and Canada. There is also a pool alongside the beach that attracts a lot of swimmers. There is also a victory memorial constructed in memory of Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Army during the first and Second World War.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfDLYeZhkOM&spfreload=5

Marina Beach was completely destroyed in December 2004 when Tsunami lashed the shores which killed hundreds of people. Since then it hasn’t got back its lost sheen but work is being done for it to regain its lost status and become a major tourist attraction like it used to be in its glory days. When in Chennai, a visit to the Marina beach is a must to soak up the vibrant Tamil ambience.

Places to visit and things to do in Kerala

When you think of Kerala, you can think of beaches, back waters, house boats, coconut trees, ayurvedic treatments and massages, festivals, artforms and exotic hill stations. Do you need any more reasons for visiting this nature made beautiful land? Perhaps not!

Kerala is the land of coconut trees and coconuts called Kera. Fantastic wildlife and the added beauty of green paddy fields are like feast to the eyes. This narrow strip of land which stands as an independent state lies along the South western tip of Indian Peninsula. The land is guarded by Western Ghats towards east and the Arabic sea towards west.

One of the peculiar features of this state is its backwaters which connects canals and lakes paving way for water navigation system. There are 44 rivers in the state and the famous few are Bharathapuzha (209 kms), Periyar (244 kms), Pamba (176 kms), Achancoil (128 kms), Valapattanam river (110 kms), and Kadalundipuzha (130 kms). Kerala is truly the land of waters, don’t you agree?

Kerala backwaters houseboat. Source: Globetrotter girls

The must do’s in Kerala other than visiting places and beaches:

• Kerala is the home for traditional Ayurvedaic treatments. The most famous and indigenous treatments are the Shirodhara and mud bath whose authenticity belongs to Kerala! Apart from these you can get the lavish and exquisite ayurvedic spa and massages.

• Every year, Malapurram district of Malabar hosts the bullock race. You can bet and win your bit!

• Anamudi, the South India’s highest peak is beautiful. You can also experience trekking in the Eravikulam National Park.

• Thekkady, the wildlife treasure is something you cannot miss. Herds of Indian elephants is the main attraction. You can also find Tigers, Leopards, Barking deer and many other animals here.

• Try making it to HomeStay in Kerala. Many local people offer home cooked meals and stay at home in Kerala. This would bring in some distinct experience than staying at hotels.

• Must try Kerala delicacies are puttu and appam for breakfast. For lunch payasam and karimeen pollichathu. Other delicacies are neyyappam, pazham pori and vada. Here’s a typical Indian breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Do not forget to replenish your electrolytes by sipping nature’s nectar i.e. tender coconut water and also try road side special tea known for long stretch of pouring from one glass to another.

Chai and Pakora

• The Kerala festivals and feasts are unique so are the dance and art forms. Do not miss to get a glimpse of Kathakali dance, Mohiniyattam dance, Thiruvathira kali and kalari payattu. Learn more on Hinduism here.

• In the months of August and September, the snake boat race brings the calm backwaters of Kerala to life. The 130 feet long boats known as snake boats are packed with hundred rowers who put in sweat and blood to row the boat in frantic speeds.

• Elephant pageant and para-gliding are the other best options to see and try!

Kerala just after sunrise

The must visit destinations in Kerala:

• Thiruvananthapuram– It is the capital city of Kerala. The City of Thiruvananthapuram has many interesting places to visit such as the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Ponmudi hill station. A State owned handicrafts emporium, is the best place to buy authentic craftsmen’s articles.

• Alappuzha– It is called ‘Venice of the East’. It is known for houseboats which are no less than cruise with luxury comforts. You can hire house boats such as Alleppey boat house to experience the rustic backwaters of Alappuzha.

• Bekal– The fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala along with a beach known as Bekal Fort Beach.

• Cochin/Kochi– Fort of Kochi, residence of Vascho-Da-Gama and not to forget the beaches. The backwaters and the harbor from Marine Drive is really breathtaking. Cochin is called as the “Queen of Arabian Sea.”

• Kovalam– It has one of the best beaches which attract international tourists. Many people do Sunbathing, swimming, take the herbal body toning massages, go to many of the cultural programmes and catamaran cruising.

• Kumarakom– This is a cluster of islands famous for its bird’s sanctuary. Houseboats and traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) are the main attractions.

• Munnar– It is a hill station situated at the juncture of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala is a mesmerizing place for a holiday. Tea museum, National Park and many other attractions beckon the visitors.

• Thekkady– Thekkady is famous for elephants, chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests are a well known wildlife reserves in India. Mountain climbing and trekking freaks could enjoy their every bit in this place.

• Wayanad– It is a place in the Western Ghats which has pristine beauty of nature preserved from ages. It is known for its sub-tropical savannahs and picturesque hill stations apart from bearing rich cultural traditions.

Dani & Jess at the backwaters of Kerala: Read their interview here.

Do not forget, Kerala is also a hot favourite destination for love birds and honeymoon couples. Take a houseboat in the serine backwaters along with your partner, the scene is just perfect! Kerala is a must visit destination. If you are looking for deals then try these Kerala Tour Packages and you might find something that you would like.

Himachal Pradesh - Soothing Calmness on Lofty Mountains

The natural beauty of the landscape, the serenity in the environment and the majestic Sivalik hills have made people exclaim Himachal Pradesh to be the ‘Paradise on Earth’ and ‘Devabhumi’, meaning land of the Gods.

Nestled in the bosom of Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is credited as a wonderful destination for tourists, vacationers and moreover honeymooners, who flock the state to relax, enjoy, rejuvenate and escape from the humdrum of their monotonous life. The most popular tourist spots which are flocked by tourists, especially during the month of April-June are:

• Shimla
• Chamba
• Rohtang Pass
• Kangra
• Manali
• Kullu
• Dalhousie

Astonishingly, the state which is famous for being tranquil and calm, at the same time has a lot to offer for those who seek adventures. They can go trekking at Zanskar Range, Dhauladhar Range or Pirpanjal Range; engage in bird watching or jeep safaris, go out for mountain climbing near Manali and above all enjoy camping at Lahaul, Kullu-Manali, Spiti, Simla and Dalhousie. For those who love to enjoy the snowfall the best time to visit the state would be during December-January.

Flora and Fauna of Himachal Pradesh

The natural bounty of the North Indian state includes, snow capped mountains touching the skies, stunning glaciers, serene and beautiful lakes, lush valleys, green forests, flowery colorful meadows and cascading rivers.

The incredible fact that baffles everyone is that the rivers crisscrossing the mountains of Himachal Pradesh are known to be older than the mountains themselves. The drainage of Himachal Pradesh includes Indus, Ganges, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Yamuna.

Himachal Pradesh is said to be the fruit bowl of India, and now the state government is gearing up to make it the flower basket of the world as well. The state has orchards, meadows and pastures spread over not only on the plains, but also on the steep slopes. The state is famous for the Shimla apples, which was introduced by Samuel Evan Stokes, who brought the sapling from USA in 1920. Today we find variety of apples like Red Delicious, Golden and Yellow Newton which has brought prosperity to state, giving it the name Apple State of India. Along with apples the state boasts of cultivating citrus, grapes, mangoes, litchis, strawberries, apricots, peaches, cherries, pears, kiwi and olive. The gardens and orchards are worth a visit for enthusiastic tourists. At many places they can have the taste of the fresh fruits directly from the trees.

The valleys and meadows are strewn with exotic wild flowers, where as gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, tulips, lilies, roses and chrysanthemums are cultivated for trading. The flowers spread around the state in various hues and shades, especially during the months of April-August, take the breath away of the viewer with their beauty.

For those who love wild life, the state has around 1200 bird and 360 animal species to look for. Snow Leopard is the state animal of Himachal Pradesh. The other animals that are known habitat the state are, leopard, antelopes, deer, bears, thar, ibex and musk deer. Bharal, which is a wild sheep with a bluish-grey coat, and horns that curve backward, is also found in this state. There are about 32 wildlife sanctuaries, 2 national parks and 3 game reserves in Himachal Pradesh. Birds like pheasants, partridges and patient kites are sighted everywhere, where as the rare bird species like Himalayan Monal and Asian paradise flycatcher can be seen in sanctuaries or Birds Park. 

 What to Shop

Himachal Pradesh is a wonderful place to shop for handicrafts. Seeing that the state is famous for carpets, Pashmina shawls, coarse Desar, Himachali Caps, woodwork, exotic metal wares, leather goods and Kangra miniature paintings, one can sure give in to a shopping spree.

Getting There

For those travelling by air, there are three main airports serving Himachal. They are at Jabbarhatti near Shimla, Gaggal near Kangra and Bhunter near Kullu.

Rail travel is not recommended for this hilly state as it has just two narrow gauge rail lines between Kalka and Shimla and Pathankot and Joginder Nagar.

The best way to travel would be through road transport as the state is crisscrossed by 3 national highways. The roads are fairly well maintained, making the travel a pleasant experience for the tourist.

If you are planning to visit Himachal Pradesh then you will a good few days to see all the top spots. There are plenty of hotels for every budget. I suggest you go though the top hotel sites. You will be able to find good hotels if you shop around for the best deals. If you want good Hotel Deals at Best Prices then I suggest you check out the voucher deals they have on offer. I am sure you will be able to good deals. Before you rush out to buy your tickets to India and to fly locally you might wish to check out the Travelguru Domestic Flight Ticket Offers. There are plenty of offers, vouchers and coupons for you to choose from. If you need any help or you want to ask any questions then feel to contact me.

I hope you will enjoy this beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh.

Gurgaon (Gurugram): The Cyber Hub of India

If you are visiting Delhi then you might as well visit Gurgoan (also known as Gurugram). In recent years Gurgoan has seen rapid urbanization and has become an industrial hub. You can do plenty of things in Gurgoan such as visiting local parks and cinemas to spending time at the shopping malls. You will be able to visit Gurgoan and come back to Delhi the same day.

Gurgaon is a city located in Haryana, India and lies just south of Delhi, which is the nation’s capital. Over the last four decades, Gurgaon has become more urbanized with all of the Fortune 500 companies building their offices there. This increase in commercial real estate development links back to a piece of legislation passed in 1957 called the “Delhi Development Act.” This legislation gave the local government in Delhi control over all the real estate development that occurs within the vicinity of their city. One of their biggest acts was to ban all private real estate developers from constructing residential buildings. This paved the way for commercial real estate developers to building structures where businesses and companies could place themselves in. India’s largest commercial real estate developer named DLF Limited, or Delhi Land & Finance Limited, is mainly responsible for this.

After the Delhi Development Act was passed, DLF Limited purchased commercial land in Gurgaon for very cheap prices. In the 1970s, DLF Limited started a city project where they developed hotels and buildings under special economic zones on the commercial property they owned. As a result, an Indian car manufacturer named Maruti Suzuki India Limited came to Gurgaon and built their manufacturing plant there. This created more job opportunities for local residents of Delhi and gave an incentive for more Indian people to move to Gurgaon for employment. As the population continued to increase in the city, big companies started establishing local offices in Gurgaon to capitalize on this trend. As of today, over 250 companies on the Fortune 500 list have established local offices in Gurgaon. The city has become one of India’s largest industrial and financial hubs and has the 3rd highest income per capita out of any other city in the nation.

Gurgaon is often referred to as the “cyber hub of India” because of all the companies that have moved there. Most of them reside in an industrial park within the city centre known as the DLF Cyber City. This is named after DLF Limited because it owns the buildings and property where the companies are located. The “cyber” part of the name is in reference to the futuristic look of the buildings that you won’t see anywhere else. Westerners who visit DLF Cyber City compare the hub to New York City in terms of their economic influences over their respective countries. The industrial park which houses these companies in Gurgaon is considered to be the “Time Squares” of India.

Some of the city’s most noticeable buildings include Gateway Tower, the Cyber Green building, and the Innov8 building. These buildings aren’t just typical skyscrapers that look like vertical blocks. They look like something that no one has ever seen before in the present. For example, the Cyber Green building has a series of solar panels that go from the top of the building down to the bottom. As for the Gateway Tower, it has a narrow oval shape that is recognizable to anyone who sees it. In fact, the majority of the buildings in the Cyber Hub area have glass windows everywhere. Between the glass, the solar panels and the oval-shaped buildings, you will certainly feel like you are in a futuristic setting. Some of the corporate tenants you will find in these buildings include Pepsi, Shell, Discovery Channel, Google, IBM, Phillips, Hewlett-Packard, General Electric, Samsung, LinkedIn, Expedia, Canon, Yahoo, and others.

Gurgaon is a city filled with skyscrapers, office blocks made of glass and steel, golf courses, and shopping malls. Due to the increasing population, they even have towering residential apartment buildings now. These apartment buildings come with an array of accommodations including swimming pools, gymnasiums, security, tennis courts, Wi-Fi, and more. The interiors contain laminated wooden flooring with marble and walls painted with acrylic emulsion. These high-end apartments are typically occupied by wealthier people who either have a second home in Gurgaon or work for one of the Fortune 500 companies located in the city. As for the lower-level workers, they can still live in Delhi and commute to Gurgaon for work just as easily. Gurgaon is a critical factor in India’s growing economy and is continuing to grow as we proceed further into the 21st century.

The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon governs the city. Gurgaon has a relatively low crime rate for a city because of the job opportunities there and the high level of police presence. The biggest problem in the city is the traffic congestion. With Indira Gandhi International Airport being so close to the city, tourists are adding more traffic congestion to the roads. Because of this, Rapid MetroRail Gurgaon was developed in the city so there would be a railway connection to Delhi Metro. There is a total of six railway stations for Rapid MetroRail within DLF Cyber City. This gives people more options to travel throughout the city at a faster rate. If you don’t want to travel by train then you can drive on the National Highway 8, or NH-8, from Delhi right into the Cyber City.

There are lots of places to visit in Gurgoan and I have listed my top ones below. If you are planning to visit Delhi then you can try flights deals from travelguru.com as they seem to have good deals. You can either take a day trip or you can spend a few days in Gurgoan if you like. If you do plan to stay then check out some of the deals here on OYO rooms coupons for Gurgaon City.

Kingdom of Dreams: Photo by Os Rupais

Gurgoan attractions

Cyber Hub: This place is perhaps the most happening place in the National Capital Region. It’s like a big shopping complex with a large number of good restaurants and bars.

Address: DLF Cyber City, Phase 3, NH 8, Gurgaon, Haryana 122002

Kingdom of Dreams: If you are into art, culture, heritage, craft, cuisine and performing art then this is the place you should be visiting. It’s a place where you can watch live theatre. It has two main sections “Nautanki Mahal” and the “Showshaa Theatre” and has an arts, crafts and food boulevard section called the “Culture Gully”.

Address: Auditorium Complex, Near IFCCO Metro Station, Sector 29, Gurgaon, Haryana 122001

Sultanpur National Park Bird Sanctuary: As the name suggests, it’s a sanctuary for migratory birds coming from Europe, Siberia and Central Asia.

Address: Gurgaon-Farrukh Nagar Road, Sultanpur, Gurgaon, Haryana 122506

NeverEnuf Garden Railway: If you like trains then you will like this. It’s a place where miniature trains are displayed. Children will love it and it makes a great day out with the family.

Address: Para, Haryana 122105

Image credits: Os Rupais and Harsh Mangal.

Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai

Haji Ali Dargah a magnificent sight to behold is one of those rare Islamic religious places that are accessible to people of every caste, creed, color and religion.  The great structure with its white domes and minarets, standing majestically surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Sea; is one of the most important landmarks of Mumbai, which attracts not only people of faith but also tourists from all over the world. Though commercialized, the shrine has managed to maintain its magnificent, exotic mystic value.

The shrine entombs the body of the famous Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was known to be a merchant from Persia. He had travelled many places around the world before settling down in Mumbai somewhere around the mid of 15^th century A.D.

Travel India: Enjoying India to the Fullest: Things to do in India

Legends of the Shrine

Legend has it that the casket of the saint had floated by itself and chosen the rocky islet as the final abode for his body; even though he had died quite far off from Mumbai, on a pilgrimage to Mecca which he undertook after giving up all his riches to the poor.

Another legend states that he drowned himself in the sea after being grief stricken over the guilt of hurting mother earth. The story behind this legend goes as follows. Once the saint saw a poor woman sobbing uncontrollably over the oil she had spilled. She was afraid of the wrath of her husband who would thrash her for her folly. The saint poked the spot where the oil had spilt; to the utter surprise of everyone present a fountain of oil gushed forth. But later he started feeling sad that he had hurt earth and fell sick due to the remorse.

As there is no proper record to substantiate the claim, today, all we know is that his followers erected the monument on the high rising rocks of the Arabian seas as he had wished in his lifetime.

Construction and Renovation

The shrine which is a great example of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture is known to be constructed by a ship owner Usman Rangikar in 1431. In 1916 a legal trust was founded to renovate and expand the structure, which has given it the present day form. The trust also undertakes performance of festivities on special occasions like the death anniversary of the saint, birthday of prophet Mohammed etc according to the traditional customs of Islam.

Another renovation of the Shrine was undertaken in 1960 and again in October 2008, when a great plan was laid to enhance the beauty of the structure with white marble of Makrana.

Attractions of Haji Ali Dargah

The main attraction, especially for the followers and believers, is the Saints Tomb. The tomb is artistically constructed and decorated with art of glass work. Many visitors swear to have felt a powerful mesmerist energy flowing from the tomb, which makes them go back to place again and again.

The other things which catch attention are

• The amazing floral inlay decorating the structure.
• The beautifully carved artistic minaret behind the shrine.
• The very popular Mannat tree or dagha (thread) which is said to grant the rightful wishes of the people who tie it with faith.
• The attractive zhumar (chandelier) which is claimed to be nearly 500 years old and part of the original construction. There is some exclusive glass work arranged around the chandelier to reflect the 99 different Islamic names of Allah.

The place is also known for its famous qawwals and fakirs. The beggars are not so welcoming guests of the causeway and premises of dargah. These are no ordinary beggars, as they are known to earn quite a lot in one single day and also that they do have good collection of currencies from all over the world.

Travel Mumbai: Places to Visit in Mumbai: Mumbai Travel Guide

Getting There

As the islet is situated in heart of Mumbai, off Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, there is no difficulty in getting up to shore of Arabian Sea. Beyond that, the glorious floating structure can be accessed only by a 500 yards narrow causeway, which unfortunately submerges under the water during high tides. As there are no barricades erected for the safety of the pilgrims, the shrine can be reached only when the tide is low.

Read this if you are visiting Mumbai

Upon reaching the entrance, the males and females of the family have to separate, because the place has different entrances and prayer halls for males and females. The prayer hall is often too crowded and noisy for someone who would really try to pray or meditate.

Opening times are Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Indian Standard Time).

Address and contact details Haji Ali Dargah:

Haji Ali Dargah Trust
Above Kinara Masjid,
Haji Ali,
Lala Lajpat Rai Marg,
Mumbai 400 026

Telephone: +91 – 22 – 23529082

Fax: +91 – 22 – 23524221

A trip to the Haji Ali Dargah would be ideal for the religiously inclined. (Image credits: Yogesh Mhatre)