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India for kids

How to travel with limited PTO


We all dream of having endless time to travel. Months, even years, free to wander the globe and explore everywhere you have always dreamed of visiting. You’ve probably got plenty of potential trips already mapped out in your head and a bucket list of epic proportions.

Sadly, ordinary life just keeps getting in the way. For most of us, our jobs mean that we can’t just drop everything and head off on an adventure, and limited paid-time-off (PTO) means that vacations need to be carefully rationed.

However, just because you don’t have endless PTO, it doesn’t mean you should give up on traveling altogether! There are plenty of tips and tricks to getting the most out of your vacation time and ensuring that even with limited PTO, you can still see the world.

Read on, and discover the secrets of traveling with limited PTO.

Keep time zones in mind

Paying attention to the time zones you are traveling through is a great way to make the most of the time off you do have is another sneaky trick. For example, if you are flying east, you’ll be losing time, so try and book a red-eye flight to ensure you arrive as early as possible. Flying overnight is another great way to ‘find’ an extra day. If you are flying west, you’ll actually gain time so you can stay a little longer in Europe, for example, before heading back to the States.

Think about remote working

Remote working and ‘workcations’ are great ways to see the world without having to use up precious PTO. Talk to your manager about flexible working arrangements and see if remote working is something your company can get behind. If so, as long as you can stay productive, you can work from anywhere in the world! Think about sitting in a bar with your laptop overlooking the beach or coding in a cafe with a mountain view. You can work as much as you need to and explore your awesome destination in your free time!

Travel near to home

Most of us have a wrong perception about traveling; we think traveling is always about going far away from home. However, we never pay attention to the sites that are closer to our residence, and they always remain unexplored. It doesn’t matter where you live; we are sure there will still be some incredible places within driving distance of your residence that are still unexplored. Therefore, you need to explore them and tell others too.

In the past couple of years, people are more into doing adventures on short trips. According to a survey conducted in America, 80% of Americans travel to nearby places every weekend to find some new spots. The survey shows that people are now tired of the same routines and places; they hunt for new places near and good.

Wait for the long weekend

Your job can be hard, and you might not find time for traveling except weekends. However, in such a scenario, you have to learn the art of utilizing long weekends. We will take the example of Muslim countries, where there is three days holiday on the EID festival, and most of the time, they are combined with the weekend. Even if they are not coming on the weekend, you can take one or two mandatory leave from the office and take your family on a good trip. Seven days trip is more than enough if you are traveling inside your country. Most of the people living in Muslim countries go on trips on these vacations. Therefore, such weekends are best to travel within your country or to the nearby countries. Yet need to decide the priority list that will help you to identify what are some things that you must do in that certain place. In this way, you will be able to enjoy yourself more in less time. However, if you go without a plan, you might end up wasting your time on things that are not worth it.

Adding extra vacation days onto longer holiday weekends where you already have some free time off is a great way of sneaking in a vacation where you might not expect to take one. Pick a convenient federal holiday like Labor Day or Independence Day when you might have a Monday or a Friday off, add a couple of vacation days, and hey presto, you’ve nearly got a full week off! If you’ve got five days, a short cruise is a way to go or a quick dash to a surprisingly accessible tropical paradise!

Travel at night

Traveling at night is not fun neither safe for anyone. However, we have to understand its importance when it comes to saving time. If you take the flight at night, you can easily sleep on the flight, and once you reach your destination, you can start exploring things for the same day. IF we compare the night flights with the day flights, you have to waste all your day while traveling, and you would not be able to sleep on the flight as well. Moreover, once you reach your destination, you would already be tired, and you will not have enough energy to go out on the same day. Yet, you will have to waste that day while sleeping in the hotel room. While traveling to any other place, your hotel room should be your least priority.

Do some extra time to save holiday hours

Multiple industries run day and night. They want their workers to give extra time, and in return, they provide them with some extra bucks, and you can also utilize those hours if you want to take off. Therefore, if you are working in an industry like that and love traveling, you have to get a little hectic to save some good time for the vacation. This will help you save time and save some money so you can enjoy the trip.

Extend your official business trips

Do you travel for your business? If so, it’s not at all difficult to extend those trips by a day or two, and trust me, in these few days you can actually see a lot and explore the place. Moreover, suppose the place you are traveling to is not good. In that case, you plan a step over, as most of the famous airlines as Qatar airways, emirates, and Iceland Air allows you to stop for a day or two to any destination without any charges. Moreover, they also provide you with a hotel room if you have step over to any big city such as Istanbul or Dubai.

Use all your mandatory leave

For some people traveling is more beautiful than the destination and for some people, it is the other way round. If you don’t like to travel often, you can travel once a year but make sure you plan a good trip at that time. You can use all your extra vacations and mandatory vacations at that time, and you can even ask for some unpaid leaves as well. Taking one month off from the office can bring multiple good changes in you, and it can also increase your productivity once you get back in the routine. Therefore, travel once a year but make your trip as luxurious as possible because once you get back, you will not have any holidays left and you have to work all the year constantly.

Plan your trip in advance

Planning your trip in advance can make multiple things easy for you. If you have submitted an application in the department and have accepted them, it makes things clear for you, such as: How many days do you have to travel? At what time your leave starts? Etc. Moreover, you can book the tickets and hotel rooms in advance that will save your time and save your money. You cannot make your trip good if you plan that in a hurry. You would not be able to research the good places that you should see, and you will end up regretting that you should have seen that specific place.

Conclusion

We have provided you with all the ways that can help you travel with limited PTO. However, if you still leave your vacation plan on the table, that really means you have no passion for traveling. We are sent to this world to explore, and you would realize that once you cross your 60’s because you might have money and time at that time, you will not have enough energy to travel. Therefore, travel before you retire and make your life as exciting as you can. You should have some stories to tell your grandchildren.

Indian Saree Trending on Twitter

For the last few days the Saree has been trending on Twitter. Women from all over the world have been showing of their best sarees. The hashtag #SareeTwitter and #SareeSwag has really taken off on the micro-blogging site worldwide. Take a look at some of the sarees shared on Twitter.

Saree by Actress Meera Chopra

Saree by Author Ruchi Kokcha

Saree by politician Angellica Aribam

Wife of Ron Malka – Ambassador of Israel to India

What exactly is Saree

The “Saree” or “Sari” is a very popular piece of dress for Hindu women of India. It’s a long piece of cloth which is wrapped around the waist, going around the body and then one end ending up over the shoulders. The saree is worn with a choli (also known as blouse) to cover the breasts and a peti-coat around the waist. The sari is not just a dress but a cultural icon. There are various styles of saree. To the casual onlooker the saree might appear the same but those who are well versed in their knowledge of Indian clothing will know that there are various styles of sarees and wearing sarees.

saree twitter trending

In Northern India, married women usually wear the saree while unmarried women (referred to as girls) in India wear salwar kameez. Pakistani women do not wear the saree however many rich and high class women of Pakistan do wear them at parties to stand out of the crowd. Women of Bangladesh do wear the saree in their own Bengali style. Considering Hindu population of Bangladesh is around 8.5% the saree remains popular there. The saree is also part of women’s dress in Nepal. In the picture below Indian women are wearing the saree and the salwar kameez.

Indian women in Salwaar and Saree

If you have any questions about the saree or Indian clothing in particular then feel free to comment below.

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World’s 2 most dangerous roads to avoid

When you think of a dangerous road, what images come to your mind? You may think of roads with lots of potholes that could cause an accident. Perhaps you think of roads with lots of cars and people everywhere. But unless you’ve traveled extensively, you will never know what truly dangerous roads are out there. These are roads which run alongside cliffs or contain lots of wreckage and debris that never gets cleaned up. Their dangerous conditions are known for causing numerous traffic deaths, some of them happening daily.

Below are the top 2 most dangerous roads in the world

Jalalabad to Kabul Highway in Afghanistan

Most of you will probably never travel to Afghanistan, so you won’t experience what is known as the most dangerous road in the world. This is the highway road (Highway 1) which stretches from the city of Jalalabad to the capital city of Kabul. There are two major dangers along this highway. The first danger is the risk of a Taliban attack since the highway runs straight through territories which are occupied by the Taliban. For the most part, this does not happen too often anymore. Your only real problem would be if your car breaks down and left you stranded there.

However, the second danger is even more threatening because it pertains to the area of the highway which runs through the gorge called “Kabul.” This area has winding lanes which are very narrow and go all the way up as high as 600 meters. With all the heavily loaded trucks driving on this, other drivers are constantly trying to pass these trucks in a reckless manner by erratically going onto the reverse lane. If you happen to be driving on that lane, there would be nowhere for you to swerve to get out of the way. Not unless you want to drive right off the gorge and fall 600 meters to your death.

Reports show that there is a fatal car crash every single day on this highway. They are not all as dramatic as driving off the gorge, but there is certainly fatal car crashes on the highway itself. They mainly pertain to people trying to pass slow-moving trucks and then colliding with another driver moving on the reverse lane.

North Yungas Road in Bolivia

North Yungas Road is often referred to as the “Road of Death.” The Inter-American Development Bank had once famously called this road the most dangerous road in the entire world. It is a very narrow one-lane road which is mostly gravel and dirt. It exists upon very tall cliffs that are as high as 600 meters, which is around 2,000 feet. There are a limited number of guard rails on the road too. You may find some as you’re winding around a curve or corner but they end immediately afterward. Drivers must watch where they are going very carefully because one little distraction could send them flying off the cliff in their vehicle.

This is supposed to be a route from the capital city of La Paz to the town of Coroico. There are a lot of cyclists who take this road just for the adventure aspect of it. But the real danger comes from the oversized trucks and buses which are hauling a heavy load. It is quite common for these big vehicles to drive right off the road and kill all their passengers. And if someone happens to be traveling in the opposite direction on the road, good luck trying to pull over to let them go. The steep hills and cliffs do not leave you any room to pull off anywhere on the road. It is like a wall of rock on one side and a deep fall on the other side. Take your pick. In total, there are between 200 and 300 deaths on this road per year. 

Types of greetings in India



India is a country that is known for its rich culture, hospitality, various religions, languages, and lots more. People living in different states have their own sets of principles, rules, customs, traditions, and rituals. There are various ways of greeting and each particular state has its unique way. It is very important to know about these greetings or gestures before visiting a particular state or the country.

Take a look at some of the types of greetings in India

  • Namaste

This is one of the most common and profound methods of greeting each other in India. This traditional form of greeting is practiced in every region. Namaste is made of two words; Namah and Te. This word is derived from Sanskrit and it means “Not me, they”. It has also been said that it means ” I bow to the goodness in you”. In this case, they are refereed to all the Gods in the Hindu mythological. This can be further explained as, Namaste is a form of greeting or statement that indicates the doer of everything is not me but God. All you need to do is, join both your palm, fingers sticking to each other, and a simple bow and say Namaste. This is a very warm type of greeting in India and is practised by most individuals when they first meet each other. More on meaning of Namaste.

  • SAT SHRI AKAL

People living in Punjab greet each other by saying SAT SHRI AKAL. This form of greeting is highly practiced by Punjabis and Sikhs living in different parts of the country. Sat means truth, Shri is referred as honorific word and Akal means timeless. In other words, Sat Shri Akal can be defined as God is the Ultimate truth. This form of greeting is used by the Sikh community whenever they meet each other regardless of their native language.

  • Khuda Hafiz

People who follow Islamic religion greet each other with Khuda Hafiz. This is generally used by Muslim people when they meet each other. Khuda Hafiz means let God be your protector. At the time of Good Bye or see off, people greet by saying Allah Hafiz, which also means the same. This is again an old form of greeting that is strictly followed in the Muslim community.

  • Vanakam

When you visit south India, you will see people greeting each other by saying Vanakam. It means welcome in Tamil and is usually greeted when a person arrives at your house. This form of greeting is practiced by Sri Lankans, Tamils, and Malayalams. In many cases, people also use this word to say Goodbye.

  • Pranam

The Hindu mythological or philosophy teaches us to do Pranam when we meet someone who is elder to us. When you greet someone with Pranam, you are required to touch the feet of the elder and say pranam. It indicates respect and love you have for the other person in your heart. People follow this type of greeting whenever they meet their Guru, parents, or while leaving home for the day. There are six types of pranam; Ashtangana, Shastanga, Panchanga, Dandavata, Namaskar, and Abhinandan.

  • AS SALAM ALE KUM

This is another form of greeting that Muslim community follow. This Arabic word means Peace be unto you. This is one of the most common form of salutation followed by people of this religion. This greeting was deployed to Muslim people whenever and wherever they meet each other, be it place of worship or at social events. Whenever someone greets you with AS SALAM ALE KUM, you can return by saying WaAlaikumSalaam, which means “And unto you peace”.

  • Jai Sri Krishna

When you come to Gujarat or visit a Gujarati family, you will come across Jai Sri Krishna. This form of greeting is used by every Gujurati when they meet each other in praise of lord Krishna. In other words, Jai Sri Krishna also means Victory to Krishna. This form of greeting is used by many individuals in many parts of the country.

Be it any form of greeting in India, you are always welcome with a warm smile and positivity. People in India consider guest as their God and you will often come across people saying “AtithidevoBhav”. So, before you visit India, it would be great if you have some knowledge about these greetings to blend with the people of this country.

Visiting the capital of India, Delhi

Delhi is a wonderful city with a fascinating history and a promising future. It’s a city of contrasts, where the old and the new exist simultaneously. It is the place where important decisions are made and what direction this nation of a billion people should take is discussed everyday. Despite having only a fraction of the area of Australia, it has a population comparable to that vast continent-size country. In terms of money, it’s one of the richest cities in India. However, unlike many other big cities, it has managed to preserve its heritage while keeping in pace with the rest of the world.

Map of Delhi

History of Delhi

There is archaeological evidence to suggest people were inhabiting in Delhi as long ago as third millennium BC. There are signs of urban dwellings going back to 6th century BC. From 12th century to until the arrival of the British in 17th century, it was one of the most powerful cities in the world. The English moved the capital to Calcutta (Kolkata). They later changed the capital to Delhi and since then it’s remained the seat of most powerful men and women in South Asia.

Best time to visit Delhi

Delhi is one of the few places where temperatures fluctuate from over 40C in the summers to a little over 0C in the winters. Therefore it’s advisable to visit the city when it’s neither burning or freezing. September, November, February and March are the best months to come to the city.

Places to visit in Delhi

There are tons of places to visit when you are in New Delhi depending on what you want to do. For instance, the area around Jama Masjid is popular among food-junkies, while those interested in historic sites don’t miss the Lal Qila and Connaught Place is the Delhi’s equivalent of Times Square. Here are some of the places tourists generally visit:

(a) Qutub Minar

Delhi
Qutub Minar

This World Heritage building is the most popular tourist destination in India, attracting over three million visitors a year. The “Minar” (Arabic for “Tower”) is a seven storey tower built more than 800 years ago in twelfth century AD to celebrate Mohammed Ghori’s victory over Rajputs. Back then it was only one-storey tall. More storeys were added to the original structure by other rulers in ensuing years.

(b) Jantar Mantar

"New Delhi India"
Jantar mantar, Delhi

This structure stands in defiance of a common misconception that science is exclusively a European invention. Built in first half of the 18th century this vast sprawl of buildings is an astronomical observatory.

(c) Connaught Place

"Connaught Place"
Tourists, Connaught Place. Source: prolix6x’s photostream

Named after Duke of Connaught, this city centre was constructed back in the late 1930s. It is one of the most important commercial districts in the city and an upmarket area for shopper where they can virtually find anything.

Then there is Chandni Chownk which offers a glimpse into what the old city was like. And there are thousands of other places. We can’t list all of them here, but you can certainly find more information on here on places here to visit Delhi. It is the official website of the Government of Delhi which caters to tourists wishing to visit this wonderful city.

Travel Delhi Places to Visit in Delhi

Here are more places to visit in Delhi

How You Can Afford Traveling in College

Traveling is a fascinating and unique experience at any age. It expands your boundaries, exposes you to new lifestyles, and reveals your strengths and weaknesses. Thrown into new environments and situations, you learn to find creative solutions and adjust better to different circumstances. And this is exactly the experience that young students need for their professional and personal advancement.

Truly, there is no better moment to travel than in college days. While you’re still young, full of energy, and daring ambitions, it’s a perfect time to try new things and surmount challenges that inevitably come with any trip abroad. At the same time, with all the costs that accompany college – from paying for accommodation to endless need of buying new stylish outfits – going abroad may be impossible to afford.

Unless you know a few tips to help you work around this problem.

Plan Well Ahead

The earlier you start planning the details of your trip, the more time you’ll have to save money and settle all the matters. As soon as you figure out where you want to travel, you can finally start bringing your plans into life. Your travel expenses will greatly depend on the chosen destination. Make sure you include all the costs, like flight tickets, rent, transfers, local transportation, food, etc. You may notice that a trip to Europe, for instance, looks cheaper due to the relatively low cost of the flight tickets. However, the money you need to afford a week there can cover a month-long stay in Thailand.

Like with pretty much everything in this life, force-majeure situations may happen. Every trip entails unexpected costs. And it is almost the rule when it comes to going to a foreign country where you don’t know a soul. Keeping in mind that you need backup money can help you to get everything covered well in advance. It’s a good idea to save a bit more for emergency cases, so plan to save more than you need.

And Start Saving

If traveling is actually what you long for, make peace with the thought that you need to refuse something to save another dollar. Perhaps, you don’t need that jacket so much, so as those couple of drinks at the bar, a nightly pizza, or a fancier car.

To avoid splurging all your savings for immediate satisfaction, make a deal with your bank, and open a savings account. Alternatively, there is plenty of applications that help you to track your income and spending to convert some into savings.

Monitor Cheap Flight Offerings

If you ask avid travelers, they will tell you they start planning their trips at least 6 months ahead. And this is the first tip of how you can cut costs: buy flight tickets in advance. Also, there are certain days when flights are normally cheaper. For example, most of the air carriers announce their latest deals on Monday evenings, so Tuesday is usually the cheapest day to book and take the flight. However, it may work out pretty well on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well.

Demand plays a crucial role in setting the ticket price. An early morning trip is hard, inconvenient, and often troublesome. And, therefore, the cheapest. Taking a flight at 4 a.m. may be too burdensome for a middle-aged employee. For a student, however, it may turn into an adventure with a would-be good story. It is better to choose off-term months as well as flight providers tend to sell off-season flights at a good discount.

If you are a risk-taker, you can take advantage of the last-minute deal from the airline. Sometimes, flight providers offer tickets that didn’t sell out at a drop price. One caveat, though: you may end up getting nothing.

Flying with American Airlines or Lufthansa may be super comfortable, but is given at an additional cost. The flight with these popular brands may be twice the price of the ticket from the budget air carrier. Additionally, direct flights are usually significantly more expensive. A flight with stopovers can considerably reduce the costs and add one more destination to your itinerary. If you have a visa, of course.

Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Airbnb has already gained popularity all over the world as the most optimal place to stay. Basically, you get a fully-equipped apartment with a small kitchen, where you can cook your own meals and save on eating out. The prices are usually quite reasonable, especially compared to traditional hotel rooms. The cons, however, are that you’ll have to make time for cooking and sometimes cleaning, and there is a chance that the place owner may ignore your calls after you arrive, or come to be a weird person. It’s better to check feedback rather than choose the cheapest bid.

If you don’t mind sharing a room, or you want to make friendships with other travelers, booking a bed in the hostel may be a good idea. Another great way to meet other people, as well as learn more about the local lifestyle, is doing a homestay.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Traveling in college is not always about money issues. For Lucy, it was rather a time-related problem than financial. “Before setting off, I gave a sneak-peak into a few blogs of other student travelers. They gave me a few worthy money-saving tips, as well as an idea of how to make time to travel in college. I decided to buy term paper and submit it a few months before the due date as I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see Europe.” By taking a tough decision to delegate some work, she was able to make her dreams come true.

Communicate

And last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of communication. By interacting with locals, you may get an opportunity to buy something at a fraction of the price, crash at someone’s place for free, or learn about hidden non-touristic spots. Plus, such connections have a chance to grow into life-long friendships.

The Exotic Luxury of India

If you’ve grown tired of lazing on sun loungers and crave a life changing, truly authentic traveling experience then choose India as your next travel destination. Embrace the complete, colorful chaos and plunge head first into one of the most vibrant and exotic cultures planet Earth has to offer.

Although India may sometimes feel like a remote and undiscovered land, Thomas Cook Airlines makes reaching this wonderful place easy, affordable and convenient. Peruse this list of Indian highlights, some world renowned, others more obscure, and we guarantee you’ll be completely inspired and intrigued by this striking land of extremes.

A Worthwhile Wonder

The heartbreakingly romantic history of the Taj Mahal makes it an unmissable marble monument to visit during your stay. You’ll completely understand why this majestic structure is deemed one of the world’s wonders after gazing across the channel of water at sunset, drinking in the remarkable architecture of this mind blowing structure.

Jog Falls

Visit one of India’s most stunning sights by heading down to its highest waterfall, Jog Falls. Although seasoned travelers have seen many a waterfall during previous adventures, this one is completely different. Roaring deluges of water haphazardly stream down the 180 meter gorge, perfectly symbolizing the random chaos of many of India’s cities.

Dizzying Delhi

Traffic screams, aromatic steam billows and residents slalom like frenzied shoals of fish: this is Delhi, the chaotic and kaleidoscopic capital of India. This city with get under your skin and whether you love it or hate, it is a truly unforgettable place. Visit majestic mosques that look like fairy tale castles, escape the frenzy by wandering through serene burial gardens and delve in the city’s turbulent history by visiting the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Like its stunning botanic garden, Delhi is certainly the city of the five senses and a life affirming experience.

Valley of Flowers

Whether a seasoned traveller or a novice adventurer, the Valley on Flowers is a sight guaranteed to blow your mind. Nestled within the Himalayas, this blooming valley looks as though a rainbow has fallen from the sky and set up camp upon the rolling green hills. If you are incredibly lucky, you may ever see a snow leopard or black bear, just a couple of the creatures that call this paradisiacal place home.

A Culinary Adventure

Although you won’t find much of the Tikka Masala or Korma that dominates the menus of Westernized Indian restaurants, authentic Indian cuisine is an absolute delight. The country thrives upon food and the spicy aromas and street food stalls are a ubiquitous banquet for the senses. Sample all of the sumptuous street food you can, ensuring you try sizzling, smoky meat kebabs, spicy samosas fresh from the frying pot and impeccably seasoned succulent crab. All of the major cities in India offer similarly delicious cuisine but Mumbai tops the chart as India’s culinary capital.

So ditch the gripping thriller and beach towel this year and plunge into a truly unforgettable travel adventure by booking your holiday the luxurious land of India today.

Top 5 Delhi Sites for Solo Female Travellers

India is a definite dream destination for many travellers and was mine growing up. Back in 2017, I visited for the first time and promised myself I’d visit many more times. There are many reasons I love India, the vibrant colours, welcoming people, varieties of culture, architecture and of course the food. India will never grow old on me, and for the rest of my life. I’m sure I will have an ever-blossoming love affair with the remarkable country. However, I would like to mention that even though India has some incredible reasons to travel, one in particular, hinders a lot of travellers. That it’ is not a safe country for solo female travellers. I disagree, just like many countries, of course, you have to be wary of your surroundings while travelling in India. However, not everyone is evil or has bad intent.

If you’re travelling around Northern India, it’s most likely you’ll arrive in the capital New Delhi. If not pass through it. Delhi is a city which is so cosmopolitan yet has some old charms in its heart and on its perimeters. From my experience, I feel it’s a great starting point for solo female travellers to visit. Especially as there is so many crowds filled destinations it’s easier to protect yourself from harassment. Based on my experience, I would like to recommend the top 5 Delhi Sites for Solo Female Travellers:

  1. Red Fort

The Red Fort is one of the Delhi Sites for Solo Female Travellers. It’s one of the main areas to visit situated in Chandni Chowk. An impressive large fort which was built around the 17th century by Shan Jahan. To date, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ll see exactly why when visiting. On the outside, before you enter, there’s lots of greenery and ques for tickets. It’s often the case; you’ll be in a smaller queue as there is a different booth for the foreigners. After some time waiting, you’ll enter the fort. This site attracts many international and domestic tourists. Don’t be surprised if you find many families, couples or individuals trying to approach you for a photograph. If this is the case and you don’t feel open to it, politely decline, and they will leave. What is great for solo female travellers at the Red Fort is that there’s a lot of armed guards who you can report any unwelcome incidents too. They are there to help.



  1. Humayun’s Tomb

Another destination I’d recommend visiting is Humayun’s tomb in New Delhi. Any time of day is beautiful to visit, however, if you want to avoid people I’d recommend visiting here early morning. It’s in the centre of everything and easy to reach by tuk-tuk. This monument is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and worth visiting! When I visit, I love the gardens surrounding the tomb. Even though the monument is magnificent in itself, it’s the exterior which fascinates me. Bring a book and sit, relax in the tranquil environment around the tomb. You don’t feel like you’re in the noisy capital!

Humayun's Tomb Delhi

  1. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Not just any temple, this is a Sikh temple located in Delhi near Connaught Place! As long as you cover your head and remove your shoes, you may enter. This temple-like many is a sacred and special place. For me, I’d say it’s a must-visit and a safe destination too. Once you go inside be mesmerised by the interior, cleanliness and the community. Inside there is also a community kitchen where they provide a free meal.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

  1. Jama Masjid

Talking about diversity, it’s worth visiting Jama Masjid a mosque in old Delhi. Likewise the second largest mosque in India! It’s built, so it’s facing Mecca and constructed in the 16th century. The architecture of this mosque is simply stunning, being constructed of red sand and white stone marble. While waiting to enter, you’ll be made to pay extra if you have a camera. Likewise, you will have to wear a gown to cover up out of respect. Out of many of the sacred sites in Delhi, this is probably the place I felt the most at ease in.

Jama Masjid Delhi

  1. Qutub Minar

A large tower of 73 metres and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth visiting and a safe destination. Initially, it was constructed in 1193 Qutab-ud-din Aibak. This site is open seven days a week and fun to walk around its ruins. When I walked around this site, I had goosebumps, sensations all over my body I was in a historic place!

There are many more Delhi sites for Solo Female travellers. However, these sites I’ve visited I felt incredibly safe as a female exploring. What I’d like to mention, is if you encounter any trouble or harassment, there are guards on site. Whom you can report to. Generally, you shouldn’t as these are safe and well visited by many travellers.

Alex is from Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. She’s been travelling the world on and off since the age of seventeen. Currently, on a pit stop operating from Nepal. More about her travels on her website https://extractsofalex.com.

9 Extremely delicious, healthy & famous food of Bihar to try


Namaste🙏 friends, welcome to Bihar– a state which is intimately linked to the Buddha’s life. Have you ever visited Bihar or planning to visit in the future? If yes, then this article is for you.

Bihar and Biharis are known for their friendly nature and warm welcome, which they offer to their guests. Being a Bihari, I want a delicious welcome for you in my state. You have already known much about India on this fantastic blog, and today I am here to share some most delicious and famous food of Bihar with you all.

Biharis love to eat spicy food. Are you thinking we eat unhealthy food? No, no. It is not that way; in Bihar, you will experience taste on the spicy side, but it will also be healthy. Food of Bihar most often includes green chilies, which have lots of benefits like improving the immune system, skin regime, balancing blood sugar levels, and many benefits more.

I want to add one thing more. I have cooked each meal you will see in this whole post, especially for you all. So, come along, follow me to taste some of the awesome and most famous food of Bihar.

1. Chura-Dahi

Chura-Dahi

CHURA-DAHI

Chura Dahi and gur is one of the quick, easy and tempting dishes of Bihar which can satisfy your morning hunger. This is one of the most famous and delicious sweet dishes which you can’t skip while visiting Bihar. Its sweet mouth-licking taste will make you fall in love with it. I wonder, how one visits Bihar and remain unaware about Dahi-Chura? Despite its sweet taste, it is also very healthy for stomach and bowel movement. Dahi means curd, Chura means flattened rice and Gur means Jaggery. So, whenever you visit Bihar, at least try once this dish to befriend your sweet tooth.

2. Khichdi-Chokha

Khichdi-Chokha

KHICHDICHOKHA

Khichdi is an easily digestible, wholesome, and complete food that always manages to satiate our hunger. Yes, I am talking about Bihar’s healthy food, which you can try in your kitchen too. Khichdi is full of benefits of proteins and vegetables like peas, cauliflower, carrot, spinach, and many more. It is the first solid food given to children. If anyone is ill, then too, we provide them with khichdi to eat for quick recovery. Khichdi is eaten after slathering it with ghee and in combination with achar(pickles), Chokha (boiled potato mashed together with salt and chilies), papad (a thin, crisp disc-shaped food).

3. Kadhi-Bari

Kadhi-Bari

KADHI-BARI

Kadhi-bari is incredibly delicious food from Bihar that tastes best with steamed rice. Food that tastes awesome but in no way unhealthy. It is made with besan (gram flour), Dahi(curd), and spices. Kadhi-Bari is one of the dishes made on the auspicious occasion of Holi (the festival of colors) in every house of Bihar. The bari/badi means fried soft balls made of gram flour and spices. And kadhi/curry is the gravy made up of curd and gram flour/besan used as gravy in which bari is soaked. I assure you that you will not regret tasting this yummy dish.

4. Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada

DAHI VADA

Dahi Vada is a delicious food not only in Bihar but the whole of India. But in Bihar, it is a must to prepare the dish on every auspicious occasion, whether Holi or Diwali. Deep-frying small balls make the Vada of split black lentils (which we call urad ki daal in India). After preparing Vada, it is dipped in dahi (curd solution) until vadas get softened. We like to eat Dahivadas with tamarind chutney or roasted spices sprinkled all over. So, never mind tasting Dahivada when you are in Bihar. You will be left finger-licking for sure. I like them so much that I often eat 6-7 at one time😀.

5. Poha


Poha

POHA

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we Biharis know very well how to start our day with healthy food. Poha is one of those healthy and tasty food we all like to be served on most mornings. It is made with Chura (flattened rice). Chura is soaked in water for a short period to soften them and then fried in ghee or vegetable oil with vegetables (like peas, cauliflower, tomato, chilies, etc.). It is very light for the stomach and loaded with nutritional benefits. So, in my personal opinion, it is one of the most famous foods in Bihar that must be tasted by everyone.

6. Rajma Ki Sabzi

Rajma Ki Sabzi

RAJMA KI SABZI

Rajma-a protein-rich kidney beans is a famous pulse which is widely used in all the states of India. Punjabis love to eat Rajma masala. In Bihar, we make it a little different, a gravy variety that we love to eat with steamed rice, onion salad, and green chilies. The chilies you must have noticed in the picture are one ingredient that we love to have with every meal because it is full of vitamins and a taste-enhancer. Rajma ki sabzi (Kidney beans cooked with spices) is garnished with coriander leaves; you can have it with either roti/chapati(bread) or steamed rice. If you try this spicy dish of Bihar, you will experience a new range of taste.

7. Sewai

Sewai

SEWAI

Are you having a sweet tooth? Or want to have something after trying some of the spicy dishes of India? Wait, we have cooked something sweet, soft, and delicious for you. Sewai is a food that tastes sweet and is served at every auspicious occasion of our state, i.e., Bihar. On Eid’s celebrations, we love to eat this sweet traditional delicacy at one another’s house. It is made with dried rice sticks, milk, cardamom powder, and lots of dry fruits. It is a quickly cooked and easily digesting desert which you once tasted will ask for more.

8. Aalu Ke Paraanthe

Aalu ke Paraanthe

AALU K PARAANTHE

Aalu means potatoes, and parantha means stuffed bread fried in oil or ghee. So, here comes one of the famous foods of Bihar that we can eat for breakfast and lunch or dinner. Aalu parantha is made by stuffing mashed potatoes in bread. It is often served with tamatar ki chutney (mashed cooked tomatoes with sliced onions, garlic, etc.) and achar(pickles). I am mentioning all Indian names to recognize the dishes when you hear their names quickly. Paraanthas are cooked with love in Bihar. Children love to have paraanthas in their lunch boxes for school. It is yet another fabulous dish which we Biharis eat with love.

9. Litti-Chokha

Litti-Chokha

LITTI CHOKA & SATTU PARANTHE WITH MATAR K CHOLE

You visited Bihar and missed Litti Chokha; it is not done. Litti-Chokha is that famous food, for which Bihar is known worldwide. It is a traditional dish of our state which we cook when our whole family unites together on vacations. You can’t imagine how awesome is the experience of baked Litti (it is baked on cow dung or charcoal) in winters. Families in Bihar sit together and bake Litti while enjoying the heat of the fire in chilling winters. Litti is also cooked in microwave ovens, but the taste you will get of traditional baked litti is beyond comparison. In the picture, I had made baked litti, fried litti, and sattu paraantha (similar to aalu parantha but stuffing changes to gram flour/sattu).

Wrapping up

I hope you enjoyed these tasty and famous foods of Bihar. Next time you visit our state, meet us, be free to ask for these delicious dishes. We would love to serve them for you. In our culture, we believe, “Atithi Devo Bhava (Guests are equivalent to God)”

Author bio-

Name- Shubha Tiwari

I am a blogger at JustWomenWorld, who loves to explore new ideas and help women to define their personalities in a more powerful and beautiful way. Mostly I write articles related to women’s empowerment and life of a woman. I believe that every woman is unique and is full of all capabilities to handle herself gracefully.

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Swami Vivekananda’s speech text at Chicago in 1893

Someone recently asked me about Swami Vivekananda’s original voice. I looked into this but as far as I understood I do not think there is any recordings of Swami Vivekananda’s original voice. There are lots of videos claiming to be Swami Vivekananda’s original voice and speech but they are fake. No recordings were made at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

At the famous World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, he delivered a speech where the audience loved his opening remarks so much that they clapped for several minutes as he was the first one to address them as sisters and brothers. In his famous speech in Chicago, Swami Vivekananda introduced Hinduism to America and asked for religious tolerance and an end to radicalism that was raging the world.

Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Dutta (12 January 1863). He was follower a Hindu mystic called Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda is credited for the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the West.

His speech in text form at the Parliament of the World’s Religions 1893:

Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Which Should You Travel To


A tropical oasis in the midst of ocean expanse, the 1,500-mile Hawaiian Islands chain is like nowhere else on Earth. And while this Pacific paradise’s oceanside sunsets and sandy beaches are sure to please just about everyone, the island cluster is filled with diversity.

Travelers originating from the continental United States can embark from numerous airports on “the mainland.” Cities on the West Coast offer some of the best flight rates and shortest travel times (though still a few hours in the air). Start your Hawaiian adventure from Los Angeles or plan a side trip while visiting San Francisco. Luggage storage in SF makes it simple to branch off for a quick trip; take only what you need and store the rest.

When planning a visit to Hawaii, consider the island vibes. Beach days, hula dances, and traditional Hawaiian luaus probably rank high on the trip itinerary, but delve a little deeper and you can experience a trip to the Hawaiian islands tailored just for you.

Hawai’i – The Big Island

Island Vibe

Kona coffee, volcanoes, and vast natural areas to explore; Hawai’i’ offers a balanced blend of cultural attractions, city amenities, and an array of experiences and recreational opportunities.

Popular Activities

Favorite pastimes on this sprawling island range from golfing and hiking to snorkeling and beach bumming. Lots of guided tours are on offer, too. Whale-watching excursions and boat tours are fantastic ways to get out on the ocean, and visitors can also partake in guided nature hikes, guided kayaking adventures, and surfing lessons.

Attractions and Cultural Stops

The rugged-yet-refined island of Hawai’i has some pretty fantastic natural areas. In the shadows of the massive Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park features rare plant life, petroglyphs etched into lava rocks, and lots of (sometimes treacherous) land to explore. Backcountry hiking is popular here, though there are also trails designed for day hikes.

On the southeastern coast of Hawai’i, the black sand of Punaluu Beach is a must-see during a Hawaii vacation. Pictures don’t do this otherworldly beach justice…you’ll have to forge a footpath through the coal-colored granules to fully experience the spot. Camping at Punaluu Beach is an option, too; pack the sleeping gear and you can spend a night or two enjoying the oceanfront.

Just a 30-minute drive north of Hilo, you’ll find Akaka Falls State Park. The main trail can get a little challenging here, so bring your A-game. Along the half-mile trail, a series of steps lead climbers to the 400-foot-tall cascades of water at Akaka Falls.

Head to the island’s west coast to experience some history, ocean views, and remnants of island royalty at the Hulihe’e Palace. The former residence of many Hawaiian kings and queens, this lava-rock structure’s been through a lot. Earthquakes and transfers in ownership haven’t done much to shake the palace’s appeal, though. Guided tours are offered, and cultural events are often held here, too.

How to Get to Hawai’i

Touch down at the Hilo International Airport and you’ll be surrounded by this Hawaiian island’s largest city. Hilo’s an excellent place to start your island adventures, and shuttle services, taxis, and rental cars can be easily accessed on-site.

Maui

Island Vibe

With beaches and a booming nightlife scene, Maui is Hawaii’s entertainment hub. If you’re seeking lots of island-y fun and tourist-centric attractions, this is the place to go. The smaller and less developed islands of Kaho’olawe, Moloka’i, and Lanai surround Maui, offering some limited access to the more rugged regions of the island chain.

Popular Activities

The list of Maui’s most popular activities is a long one; for starters, this place can be toured by nearly all methods of transportation. Want to jostle along rustic dirt roads? Book a Jeep tour. Prefer things a little more bumpy? Go for an ATV tour, designed to provide riders access to some otherwise unreachable sites. Horsebacking riding along a rainforest floor is an option, too, and if you’d rather see it all from above, hook up to a zipline.

Attractions and Cultural Stops

Haleakala National Park is one of the most popular natural attractions on Maui. This place highlights Hawaii’s cultural past and features some amazing terrain. If you’ve got the time to plan ahead, book a place on the Haleakala Sunrise list. That’s right, visitors wait for months to position themselves front and center for this epic, seconds-long Maui moment.

See the island for yourself by spending time at some of Maui’s best beaches. For waterfront recreation and vast ocean views, post up at one of the Kama’ole Beach Parks in Kihei. In Maui’s northwestern region, a beach day with a side of snorkeling comes easy at Manini’owali Beach. Here, the sand’s soft, the sun’s usually shining, and swimming and coral-reef scoping are top-tier.

Maui’s packed with fun and inclusive attractions, but the island’s luaus are not to miss. This is a dinner you won’t soon forget. While sampling some excellent island cuisine, you can learn a few Hawaiian moves and a little history, too.

For a fantastic self-guided tour of unique spots around Maui, pack a bag and embark on the Road to Hana. The route spans 60 miles and typically takes two or three hours to complete, but if you’ve got the time, it’s probably worth making it a multi-day excursion.

How to Get to Maui

As one of the most-visited Hawaiian islands, Maui’s easy to reach. The Kahului Airport services flights from all over the world and is in a prime, central location within the island, offering convenient access to all regions of Maui.

O’ahu

Island Vibe

Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu’s packed with attractions and its hospitality is on-point. Like Maui, entertainment is top-notch, beaches are beautiful, and there’s a ton of nightlife.

Popular Activities

Surfing and skydiving are popular activities on Oahu’s North Shore, where adrenaline runs high and the atmosphere counters with a laidback, beach-life charm.

Beach-bopping is another favorite pastime here and there’s plenty of sand for everyone, with over 100 beaches spread out along the island’s coastline. Waikiki Beach, on the southern coast, is probably the most famous, but spots like the tranquil Pokai Beach on the island’s western shore offer some excellent respite from the crowds.

Attractions and Cultural Stops

This hopping island’s got endless entertainment opportunities. And while it’s easy to fill a day (or three) exploring the sites of Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, there are some other notable places to check out.

The island’s brimming with breathtaking views, so once you’ve maxed out your city explorations, branch out for some scenery changes at some of Oahu’s best natural attractions. The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is in the island’s eastern region (just a short drive from Honolulu) and features sweeping views of the Windward Coast. For more stunning sights, head to the island’s southern tip and explore Ala Moana Beach Park. Walking paths, exercise equipment, and calm waters make this place perfect for an active afternoon along the ocean.

How to Get to Oahu

Home to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Oahu’s easy to reach from anywhere in the world. This world-class transportation hub has shuttle service to island hotspots, and rental cars are available, too.

Kauai

Island Vibe

This ancient Hawaiian island features rugged terrain ideal for outdoor adventures. The lush landscape here is less developed than the other three major islands – it’s perfect for visitors hoping to experience Hawaii in a more authentic form.

Popular Activities

“The Garden Isle” features some of the best outdoor adventures in Hawaii. Scope out some of the terrain by ziplining through rainforests or hooking up with a helicopter tour for aerial views of craggy coastlines, sweeping valleys, and lush greenery.

Ocean kayaking and whale watching are popular, too, and seascapes can also be observed by snorkeling in popular spots like Ke’e Beach. Take surfing lessons, hike the Kalalau Trail, and round out your island visit with a backcountry camping trip on the Napali Coast.

Attractions and Cultural Stops

It comes as no surprise that Kauai’s best attractions are found in nature. The Wailua River is a popular spot for kayaking on Kauai; gear can be rented and tours are offered. Kokee State Park is another place to check out while touring Kauai. Seven hiking trails weave through the park, offering ranges in difficulty and fantastic views of Kalalau Valley.

Exploring some of Kauai’s towns is an excellent way to get a feel for the island’s culture. Several small villages dot the island, though Hanapepe should make it to the top of the list. This artsy town features locally-owned art galleries and shops, and on Fridays, hosts an open-air market with live music, arts and crafts vendors, and food galore.

How to Get to Kauai

Visiting the slightly-secluded Kauai is simple. International, continental U.S., and Honolulu flights are serviced at the Lihue Airport, on the island’s east coast. Buses and taxis offer service to and from the airport, and rental cars are available.

7 Reasons to visit Bangkok

Bangkok isn’t just Thailand’s capital but also the best spot to begin a Southeast Asia trip. Many associate Bangkok with a love-hate relationship: On one side, the city is deafening, stuffy, and stinky. But in contrast, the chaos and the hurly-burly are fascinating. Bangkok’s markets offer everything your heart desires, specifically for shopping. The skyscrapers, high-traffic jams, extreme heat, and the notorious nightlife don’t get the best impression initially – but don’t let that discourage you. Bangkok is one of the most multicultural cities in Asia with spectacular temples and palaces, authentic waterways, energetic markets, cooking adventures, modern shopping centres, and world-class hotels. Today, I’m gonna share 7 reasons in detail, which will convince you to visit Bangkok as soon as possible.

Exploring Bangkok by Bike

When you show up at the Thai capital, you could experience the difficulty of unsure how to start exploring. A great technique to begin your Bangkok trip is to look into the city by bike, which is an easy way to get a first look at the beautiful town. You can rent a bike, and even reserve a biking tour of 5 hours, in which you will be led by a local who knows all the fine places in the city. It is an excellent technique to get to understand the city for the first time, and you’ll get some physical activity as well!

Floating Markets

Shopping is an incredibly compelling reason for most tourists but doing it while aboard on an extended wooden boat is just as incredible or even more. Damnoen Saduak is the leader for these floating markets, and consumers swarm here because of the products and the experience. Ride one of those rowboats and pick from other floating boats that are stuffed to the brim with fruits, vegetables, food, and other products. Be sure to accept items securely with both hands to prevent shedding them to the stormy waters below.

Cultural & Historical Sights

Now, let’s go back to why Bangkok is unquestionably a great tourist destination. Bangkok, in Thai, referred to as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, offers a significant wide selection of activities. First, there are lots of ancient and cultural points of interest to view. There are plenty of temples to observe, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha & the Temple of the Golden are most likely the most amazing ones. Along with these historical and cultural masterpieces, Bangkok also offers a vast selection of palaces and museums to see. The Grand Palace and the Museum of Contemporary Art are perfect choices, but there are various more, so don’t feel restricted to the presented options.

Historical places in Bangkok

Thai Foods

Among the best things about travelling is uncovering new dishes and flavours! At this point, Thailand is a paradise of unique flavours and various foods where individuals can jump in. Thai food dishes use mostly fresh ingredients, which are somewhat baked but full of fragrance, spices, and new flavours. Thai cuisine is according to the idea of equilibrium of flavours between sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. In that way, Thai dishes are a combination of various tastes put together flawlessly. One of the many vital ingredients in Thailand’s food is chillies. Usually, food in Thailand is very peppery, specifically for taste buds.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is probably the most in-demand activity in Thailand. Wherever you are going to Thailand, you can find a Thai massage parlour on just about every street. Started over 2500 years ago, Thai massage is a conventional recovery system. It brings together the practices of acupressure, assisted yoga stretches, and includes Indian Ayurvedic concepts. Nowadays, there are more than 10,000 massage spas in Thailand!.

Bangkok Nightlife

Though Bangkok can keep you busy from dawn until dusk, it’s after sunset that the city truly gets hotter. Take full advantage of your time in this Venice of the East by continuing long after dark, regardless of your entertainment choice. There is absolutely no lack of ways to experience the darker side of Bangkok culture at night, from backpacker-packed streetside drink carts to exclusive riverboat quartets.

Good to Hang Out

Though Bangkok is recognized for its outrageous nightlife, this sleepless city has plenty of places for you to go out with friends. While there are various places to hang out in Bangkok, some places provide just the best mix necessary for a fun time out. Chinatown is certainly one of Bangkok’s significant cultural and spots for hangout. It’s home to two wats, the Wat Traimit (which houses the world’s largest gold statue) and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat; both positioned within walking distance to the best eats in the area.

 Conclusion

Bangkok is deservingly referred to as the gateway to Southeast Asia because you can discover the country and the whole region in all directions. Since almost all flights from the world’s biggest airports depart to Bangkok Airport, the administrative center is ideal for being the first stop on your Thailand tour. Bangkok provides a distinctive mix between the modern and the past with its modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, historic temples, and palaces. Here you can easily move and get your own picture of the busyness of the metropolis. From golden ancient monuments to the vivid nightlife, every visitor will find their preferred spot in the City of Angels.

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