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 Romantic Hotels in Dubai for a Rejuvenating Couple Getaway

When it comes to a romantic getaway, Dubai is an ideal destination that comes with the promise of glamour, glitz, and umpteen fun activities. With easy accessibility, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and modern venues, Dubai is a perfect destination for a honeymoon, or to whisk away your partner for a vacation. If you are planning a Dubai tour, it is always advisable to look out for some romantic hotels in advance to have an amazing experience. You can also book Dubai tour packages, while you sit back and relax, and enjoy the city. To shed some light on the subject, this blog enlists five romantic hotels in Dubai perfect for a rejuvenating couple getaway. Take a look.

1.  Fairmont The Palm

Palatial and swanky, the Fairmont The Palm is a perfect place to stay, located at Palm Jumeirah. Spoil your better half with authentic dining choices at the seven restaurants, or just order in and spend the day in bed! Take your romance a step further in the rain showers or chat the night away in the private balconies offering mesmerizing views.

2.  One & Only Royal Mirage Resort

One&Only Royal Mirage is located at a romantic and serene location right by the beach. The idyllic surroundings make it an ideal location to spend a lovey-dovey holiday. Take your special someone to a resort amidst regal and grand decor where you have the choice of three distinct environments. You will find Restaurant & Spa, Arabian Court, the Palace and the sea.

3.  Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Anantara Dubai – The Palm Resort & Spa is another hotel located at Palm Jumeirah. It is the only place in Dubai where you can stay in water or beach pool villas that offers direct access to the lagoons right form your room. The underwater location of the rooms makes this place one of the most romantic hotels in Dubai. You can also dig into delicacies such as Thai and Mediterranean to Chinese and Continental.

4.  Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

Right in front of Pearl Waterfront, the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa promises breathtaking views perfect for a cozy twosome. If you are an outdoorsy kind and like adrenaline activities, indulge yourself in couple massages and some water sports. Take a dip in the swimming pool and sip mind-blowing drinks.

5.  Burj Al Arab

Taking your partner for a stay at a legendary structure in Dubai, Burj Al Arab is going to be the ultimate indulgence. Shaped like a sail, the hotel stands high at 321 meters, giving you panoramic views to die for. The choreographed illumination at night will work as an add-on and help you spend a larger-than-life holiday at this super-romantic hotel in Dubai.

Looking for a Dubai Tour Package?

If you are planning a vacation to Dubai, it’s better to book a Dubai tour package so you can relax while a reputed travel company takes care of the arrangements for the trip. Whether you are looking for Dubai tour from Mumbai or Ahmedabad, you will find many travel service companies that can help you have an amazing time. Before parting with your money, always remember to check website ratings and customer feedback to make an informed decision.

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.