5 Reasons You Must Plan a Tour of the Russian Golden Ring

If you are a globetrotter and don’t know what the famous Russian Golden Ring stands for, chances are that you are living under a rock. That is how popular this tourist route is! It’s located north-east of the Russian capital, Moscow. There are so many towns here, each one more splendid than the other that you will be spoilt for choice.

There are many Russian Golden Ring Private Tours that operate today, and we would recommend them if you want to see the best of Vladimir, Suzal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and other favourites without wasting any time. In an attempt to lure you to this wonderful 1-day trip from Moscow, we have listed down the top 5 reasons why you must take this trip soon:

1. Rich culture

Visiting the cities in the Russian Golden Ring is probably one of the best ways to learn about the rich tradition of Russian history, culture and traditions. The list of temples, monasteries and churches here is endless and if you are a history or culture fanatic, you would love to spend time just walking from one to the other. Picturesque churches, golden domes, ancient history, nature and tasty Russian food await you on this famous tourist route not far from Moscow.

2. Intriguing history

The history of this route goes back to the Soviet Era, when it was drawn with the objective to boost the influx of foreign tourists. In 1967, Yuri Bychkov, a famous journalist and art historian, travelled through the streets of Vladmir,  and wrote extensively on these cities, ending with Yaroslavl. Since his route was in the form of a ring, he termed it as so “The Golden Ring.”

3. Beautiful structures

Of all the things that it is known for, the Golden Ring houses some stunning churches, convents and monasteries. One of the most popular monasteries is one that was built by St. Sergius at Sergiyev Posad, somewhere around 1340 and you must make a stop here.

4. It is relatively cheap

One of the best parts about visiting the Golden Ring is that the cities here are way cheaper than other mainstream cities such as Moscow. Whether it is accommodation or food, you can save a lot of money. So, if you are traveling on a budget, it doesn’t get better than this!

5. Perfect Road Trip option

If you are looking to head out on a road trip from Moscow, then the Golden Ring is the best option. This circuit of about 10 ancient towns, each with its own tourist attractions, is a delightful trip that you must take, whenever you have the chance.

Now that we have apprised you of the 5 best reasons to visit the Russian Golden Ring, it is time for you to look for an itinerary generator and get packing!

Incredible India - 30 Things to Know Before You Go

Known for its deep spiritual history and unbelievable beauty, India remains one of our customers’ top locations for a reason. No matter the type of vacationer you are, there’s something for you in this superb country — whether it’s the complex and flavourful cuisine or the uniquely colourful culture.

Holidays in India suit a wide variety of tastes and preferences. If you enjoy bustling and vibrant cities then you would be right at home any of their sprawling urban areas. Or if you want to relax outdoors, you can spend your time surrounded by the imposing Himalayas or relaxing on the beaches of Western India. A paradise for foodies, you can experience dining unlike any other in some of Asia’s top restaurants or sample the regional flavours from food carts and street vendors. India’s history runs deep and the entire region is home to some of the most famous UNESCO Heritage sites. There’s so much to see and do in India, where you will encounter some of the richest and long-lasting cultural traditions in the world.

If it’s your first time considering India or even if it has been your dream destination for years, you should always try to learn as much as you can before heading off on your eastern adventure. India is an enormous subcontinent and with so much to do, planning your journey can be a little daunting. To help you along, we’ve assembled this handy list of facts and attractions to consider when looking at this location, so that you can spend your time taking in the sights, rather than on last-minute bookings.

Source: https://www.tdactiveholidays.ie/blog/incredible-india/

My Favourite Destinations For Luxury Retreats

I love travelling and will do what I can to make sure I get to do so as often as possible. A lot of the time, this involves spending as little as possible on a trip, enjoying a holiday without needing money for thrills. I don’t feel like I miss out on anything by sparing myself the cost of some of the most expensive attractions.

However, once in awhile I love taking a luxury retreat. A holiday in a beautiful villa or house can be the perfect way to relax. There’s no way to relax in a hostel or a busy hotel, after all.

Not all destinations are great choices for a luxury retreat. In some, you’ll simply be paying way too much. In others, there is too much to do to consider relaxing by a pool. But the following destinations strike just the right balance.

Lake Como, Italy

If you’re going to stay at Lake Como in Italy, you need to look for lake front villas. Lake Como has been the playground of the rich and famous for thousands of years – since Roman times! It is not the sort of place you want to visit on a shoestring budget.

Lake Como is truly stunning. The lake itself is just one of many incredible attractions, making for stunning sunsets and sunrises. Then there are the towns that make up the region. Varenna is the largest and is quite something, but Bellagio is the most famous for a reason. Its cobbled streets and markets are picturesque and quaint, and the town in itself is an attraction. While away your time going to different restaurants, checking out markets, and getting acquainted with the culture.

If you’re itching for something to do, take a cruise, during which you can party, relax, or simply look at the scenery passing by.

Simonstown, South Africa

Simonstown (or Simon’s Town) is a small town near Cape Town in South Africa. It has been a naval base and harbour for over two centuries, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all industry. On the contrary, Simonstown is the perfect place to relax in luxury and take in some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful scenes.

A trip to Boulders Beach is ideal for seeing the hoards of penguins that live in the region. Seaforth Beach is just down the road, and the perfect place to swim in crystal clear, relatively warm water. It is also home to many penguins and, as long as you don’t try and get too close, you can comfortably share the beach with them.

Simonstown is such an idyllic and gorgeous town that artist retreats are regularly held there. Whether or not you need artistic inspiration, you can find tranquility and luxury during your stay.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If you’ve never been there, you might imagine Rio de Janeiro as being a bustling place where you’ll never get a moment’s rest. People go there looking for parties, specifically living it up during Carnival each February.

However, if you stay at the Copacabana, you can get luxury and relaxation, with just the right amount of salsa dancing. The Copacabana was immortalised in the song by Barry Manilow, but long before then its beach was recognised as one of the best in the world. You can lie there all day as attractive waiters serve you caipirinhas at a reasonable price.

You can walk just down the street to get a taste of Rio’s markets, with wares being sold on the side of the road every night. They even let you pay by card if you have an aversion to cash, which I’ve never seen in any other such market.

If you do want to party, there are tons of clubs in the city where you can dance all night. Make sure to visit a club where salsa dancing takes place, so you can get a taste of Brazil’s national pastime.

El Nido, Philippines

A lot of people don’t think about the Philippines when considering holiday destinations. It’s understandable – while you will find Filipinos around the world, most people know little about the country. However, with thousands of islands to choose from, the Philippines can be the perfect place for a luxury retreat.

El Nido, on the island of Palawan, is my favourite. It is not yet overrun by tourists, but is home to some of most stunning beaches in the world. The town itself is small and charming, with tourism driving industry. Just down the road from the town are resorts that cater to the luxury traveller.

El Nido is perfect because you can get the best of island living (which is slow and carefree) while enjoying a town that is actually quite vibrant. You can get on a boat and go island hopping, stopping at the lagoons made famous by Instagram. The sea is full of exotic fishes and if you don’t love snorkelling, you soon will.

You can spend the end of the day at Las Cabanas beach where you will see a sunset featuring colours you didn’t know existed. And last but not least, it is one of the cheapest destinations you’ll find. Everything, from accommodation to transport to food and drink, comes at prices that you won’t quite believe, considering you’re getting the best of it all.

By all means, spend as little as possible and travel as much as you can. But once in a while, when you want a luxury retreat, the above destinations are waiting!

Things You Must Do On Your First Visit To Mumbai India

Mumbai is the financial capital of India that remains active throughout the day and night. This city never sleeps even at dead hours of the night, as many of its pubs, restaurants, and roadside food outlets remain open all through the nights. It is a cluster of seven islands, with numbers of beaches and various historic landmarks. Thus, numerous tourists flock here to enjoy their vacations in Mumbai, for which they need to have an idea about all the tourist attractions of this city.

Anytime is the best time to visit Mumbai City

 The climate of Mumbai remains favourable for tourism almost throughout the year, except for the rainy season. The mild coolness and dryness of winter days from November to February encourage tourists for sightseeing, shopping, and participating in local festivals. The summer from March to May can be uncomfortable during the daytime while the evenings are very pleasant for all kinds of outdoor activities. However, the monsoon from June to October is not convenient for free movements of tourists, due to heavy rainfall frequently.

Experience the incredible sacred temples

 Various parts of Mumbai contain numbers of Hindu temples that attract thousands of pilgrims all over the year. Mumbai got its name from Mumba Devi Temple in Bhuleshwar Road, dedicated to Mother Shakti.

• Siddhivinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati is another sacred place for the Hindus and it is the richest temple of Mumbai, located in Prabhadevi area and thronged by thousands of devotees.
• Mahalakshmi Temple in Bhulabhai Desai Road is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga; this temple overlooking the sea is also known for its unique architecture.
• ISKCON Temple close to Juhu Beach is made of white marble and dedicated to Radha-Krishna, containing a vast auditorium, guest house, and library. Swaminarayan Temple, Babulnath Temple, Walkeshwar Temple, Mini Sabarimala, Balaji Temple at Nerul, and Vaishnodevi Temple in Malad are other old temples of this region.

Notable historical places in Mumbai

 Mumbai has a rich historical heritage as this place was developed by the Portuguese and then English over many centuries.

• Gateway of India is the prime landmark of Mumbai and this huge monument of yellow basalt overlooks the Arabian Sea on Apollo Bunder.
• Elephanta Caves is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the medieval period, by cutting solid rocks and turning into Hindu and Buddhist temples containing beautiful sculptures and paintings.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is the main railway station of South Mumbai that is now declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its marvellous architecture.
• Kanheri Caves in northern Mumbai, Mount Mary Church in Bandra, Asiatic Library in South Mumbai, and Mahim Fort on Mahim Bay are few other noteworthy historical sites of this region.

Noteworthy festival celebrations in Mumbai

Many traditional festivals are celebrated in Mumbai, joined by the people of all religions and social statuses. Different religious festivals, like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dusserah, Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated with grandeur all over the city.

• Ganesh Chaturthi is the most prominent festival of Maharashtra, which is celebrated in all households and also in public places in September.
• Kala Ghoda Festival is an annual art event that is held in February, for nine days in South Mumbai where people take part in dance, music, drama, poetry, and many other art forms.
• Elephanta Festival, Banganga Festival, and Mumbai International Film Festival are some other cultural events that can be highly entertaining for tourists.

Enjoy water parks in Mumbai

 The tourism department of Maharashtra has developed some water parks for the enjoyment of tourists and local residents.

• The Water Kingdom in Borivali is the largest theme-based water park in entire Asia, containing numerous exciting rides and slides where people need to wear swimwear made of nylon or Lycra.
• Imagica Water Park is located on Mumbai-Pune Expressway and containing 12 attractive rides made of the latest technology.
• Great Escape Water Park and Suraj Water Park are located quite close to the city centre of Mumbai, on the Expressways linking to other nearby cities.
• Tikuji Ni Wadi is a fun resort and its water park has slides for different age groups.

Ride the local transport

 Numbers of local trains link Mumbai city to the eastern and southern suburban areas, which are availed by millions of people every day. There are also Mumbai Metro and Mumbai Monorail services that help many people to commute regularly. Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Company operates plenty of buses all over the city and it is considered to be a safe and comfortable mode of transport. There are also AC and non-AC cabs running all over the city while auto rickshaws are more frequently seen in suburban areas. Hence, it is best to book hotels in Mumbai that are well connected by different public transports to all parts of this city.

Local train in Mumbai by RubyGoes

Delicious street food in Mumbai

 Mumbai is quite famous for delectable street foods that satisfy all food lovers.

• Vada Pav is the most favourite street food available here, which can be termed as Poor Man’s Burger due to the similar recipe.
• Pav Bhaaji is another popular spicy street food that is available in almost every street corner.
• Batata Vada is also called Aloo Bonda, which is actually a deep-fried pakora made of mashed boiled potato.
• Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, and Sev Puri are universal favourites among people of all ages.
• Bombay Sandwich, Kanda Poha, Baida Roti, Dabeli, and Faluda are also vital attractions of foodie people.

Beaches in Mumbai

 Since Mumbai is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, there are many beaches in different parts of this city.

• Juhu Beach is the most famous and crowded beach of suburban Mumbai while Marve Beach in Malad and Gorai Beach close to Gorai village are also very popular.
• Mad Island Beach is another favourite tourist spot and Aksa Beach is mainly noted for its quiet nature.
• Versova Beach, Dadar Chowpatty Beach, Uran Beach, and Girgaum Chowpatty Beach also draw huge people every day, due to roadside eateries, fish market, and natural scenery.

Explore the shopping markets in the city

 Hill Road and Linking Road in Bandra, Fashion Street in Marine Lines, Nataraj Market in Malad, Colaba Causeway in Colaba, and Lokhandwala Market in Andheri West are only a few names among the numbers of famous marketplaces in Mumbai. Crawford Market or Jyotiba Phule Mandai is the oldest and best wholesale market for groceries and raw food materials.

Thus, vacation in Mumbai can be a memorable one with proper knowledge and prior planning of the tour.

Meaning of Namaste

Namaste is a popular greeting in India, Nepal and countries where Hindu population are in large numbers. Like Arabic ‘Salam Aleikum’ or Spanish ‘Adios’, ‘Namaste’ crosses the boundaries of language and region. Irrespective of your location inside India or Nepal, people will know your intentions are not bad if you join your hands and greet them by saying ‘Namaste‘.

If you are travelling to India then the word Namaste would come very handy as the most widely used greeting in India. Let’s take a look at the meaning of the word Namaste.

What does Namaste mean?

Namaste is the corruption of a Sanskrit greeting. In Sanskrit, it is a combination of three words.

“Namah” which means ‘bow’,

“Ast” is a grammatical case of ‘I’ and finally

“Te” which is rendered into English as “you.”

So it literally Namaste translates as “I bow to you.” In ancient India, it was used to show one’s respect to the addressee. The effect of that Hindu old tradition still influences the way ‘Namaste’ is used in contemporary India.

Usage in modern India

Mostly this way of greeting is used by the by the children or young people to greet those who are older. It’s rarely used between friends and people of the same age; with these groups preferring English “Hi!” or “Hello!” Also, when older people greet children or young people, they usually ask “How are you?” It’s rare to find an old person who will greet a child with a Namaste.

Foreigners and Namaste

However, it’s different with foreigners. They are not expected to be familiar with the customs or the culture of India, so they can use ‘Namaste’ when meeting anyone. Rather than making fun of foreigners, Indians will most likely appreciate the effort and reply with a “Namaste.” The US President Barack Obama greeted Indians with a Namaste when he came to India few of years ago, and it went down well with the Indians.

Namaste at any time

Unlike English, where there are special greetings for the morning, afternoon and evening; Namaste can be used at any time of the day, or night. You will often hear children greeting relatives or older people with a Namaste even when they meet them at night.

Types of Namaste

There are two popular ways to say Namaste. A more modern way is to bow a little and just say it. It’s mostly used in the cities. A more traditional way is to place your hands together near your chest, close your eyes, bow a little (not like the Japanese!) and then say Namaste. The latter is a little old fashioned and extremely formal. You may find Indian air-hostesses, or employees at a big hotel greeting you in this manner but outside you will be hard pressed to find someone who closes his eyes while greeting.

There is still a third way to say Namaste. It’s formal in another way. Here after greeting, a person touches the feet of the addressee to show their respect. It’s never used among friends, or people of the same age. You will not encounter it in any hotel. Nonetheless, children greet their parents, grandparents and other relatives this way. Children are expected not to overdo it, as it may appear slavish.

Indian sadhu performing Namaste

Next time you see your Indian friend; don’t be shy to greet them in Namaste.