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.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
KHICHDI–CHOKHA
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.
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.
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.
