Tag: Travelling

  • Top Places in India to Visit in March

    Top Places in India to Visit in March

    Spring Travelling?! These are the Places for you

    When the leaves fall, when new leaves bloom, when buds blossom spreading magic all around it is the onset of the spring season. This season in India starts from mid-February and lasts till April. It is considered one of the most beautiful seasons in the country. During this time, the maximum temperature settles around 32 °C.
    As per Hindu Calendar, these months are known as Chaitra and Baisakh. It is also the time for some important Hindu festivals including Vasant Panchami, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Holi, Rama Navami, Vishu, Bihu, Baisakhi, Puthandu, and Hanuman Jayanti. Here are the places you can plan to visit in March in India :

    Darjeeling:

    Known for awesome climate, delicious food & breathtaking landscapes. Darjeeling is the right kind of Destination for a visit in March. 

    Nestled among the rolling mountains with the shining Mt Kanchenjunga towering over the cyanic sky, Darjeeling is famed as “Queen of the Hills”, provides a perfect getaway for those seeking to be in harmony with nature. This is the land of the widely famed for its flavoured Darjeeling tea recommended by connoisseurs across the globe. It also has the heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the century-old miniature steam engine still chugs uphill vying for space with the fast disappearing Land Rovers. “Flowers are everywhere. The days are cold and the sun almost seems to play hide and seek with us”. – Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.

    Wayanad:

    This picturesque little hill station will welcome you with a flavorful aroma of spices.

    Adorning the northern hills of Kerala is the beautiful district of Wayanad.  This area is famous for its large amount of camping and trekking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, caves, bird-watching sites, flora, fauna, and an overall plethora of magnificent sights. It has been a tourist favourite over the years. People are especially delighted by the range of exotic products including spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products, honey, and herbal plants available here. Still mostly uninhabited by humans it’s a solace for a peace-loving crowd.

    Munnar:

    The onset of spring in March adds to the charm of mesmerizing Munnar. The rolling hills around this hill station are South India’s largest tea-growing region, which is carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped, and sculpted like ornamental hedges. The low Western Ghats scenery is magnificent – you’re often up above the clouds watching veils of mist clinging to mountaintops. Munnar itself is a little crowded traffic-clogged administration hub, just like any North Indian hill station, but wander just a few kilometres out and you’ll be engulfed in a sea of a thousand shades of green.

    Nainital:

    Sitting at the foothills of gorgeous Kumaon mountains, this beauty of a place easily tops the charts of places to visit in March. The moment you enter the Nainital district, you step into a magical, new, parallel world. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the transition to the scenic splendor of the likes of the place is a treat to the senses, a characteristic balming bliss of an experience that one can only understand through the live experience.

    Mahabaleshwar:

    Are you a strawberry person? Then you are in for a heaven of strawberries once you enter Mahabaleshwar! It is also a sacred pilgrimage place for Hindus as the Krishna river originates from here. Once a summer capital of the British, the hill station of Mahabaleshwar comprises ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys. It is often used as a base to visit the magnificent Pratapgad Fort, located an hour away.

    Varanasi:

    The best time to visit this place of pilgrimage is March the weather is mostly pleasant during this time making it comfortable for the pilgrims to visit all temples & Ghats. Varanasi is the typical India of your imagination. This is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

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    Rameswaram:

    A perfect place for beach lovers & also for pilgrimage Rameshwaram, an unspoiled and quiet town, lying in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the best places to visit in India in March and a part of the enchanting Pamban Island is a perfect getaway during the month of March. The town is connected to the rest of the country via the famous Pamban channel. The Mannar Island in Sri Lanka is about 1,403 km away from Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram is regarded as one of the holy places of the Hindus and a must-visit during the Char Dham Yatra or the holy pilgrimage.

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  • Top favorite Places to visit in Rajasthan

    Top favorite Places to visit in Rajasthan

    Quintessentially Royal Rajasthan

    The state which tops the list in India as far as tourism is concerned is unarguably Rajasthan. One of the most visited states in India. It’s not surprising because it shows India at its most colourful, iconic, and exotic best. The most common things that come to mind when you think of India can be found in Rajasthan—palaces, forts, desert, camels, and elephants. Don’t miss to visit these top tourist places when in Rajasthan.

    Jaipur

    The “Pink City” of Jaipur forms part of India’s renowned Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Doesn’t come as a surprise why it is one of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations. It has many famous forts and palaces, with most of them boasting evocative views and elaborate architecture. Staying & spending time in Jaipur is beyond mesmerizing. Accommodations are reasonably priced and many have been converted from heritage properties, giving guests a very regal experience! Jaipur is a perfect place for the shopaholic in you as well.

    Udaipur

    Often touted as the most romantic city in India, Udaipur is filled with expansive lakes and palaces. The landmark City Palace Complex, which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, dominates the city and the royal family still lives in a part of it. Many personal royal heirlooms, family photos, and other memorabilia are displayed in the City Palace Museum, giving Udaipur a very regal feel. Believe us when we say, You can even stay in the City Palace! Alternatively, for those on a budget, there are heritage hotels by the lake with amazing views, such as the Jagat Niwas Palace hotel.

    Jodhpur

    Endearingly known as the “Blue City” because of its blue painted buildings, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. The walled old part of the city is presided over by Mehrangarh Fort, which provides the best outlook across Jodhpur’s blue buildings. It’s one of the largest and best-maintained forts in India. Inside are a number of ornate palaces, a museum, and a restaurant. You can find many inexpensive yet characterful places to visit in Rajasthan and stay in Jodhpur with views of the fort. It’s refreshing to do nothing but relax on their rooftops and soak up the atmosphere. Here’s how to best experience Jodhpur.

    Jaisalmer

    An outstanding sandstone city that rises mysteriously from the sand dunes of the Thar desert, Jaisalmer looks like it’s straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. Its mesmerizing ancient fort, built-in 1156, is perched high on a pedestal overlooking the city. Inside the fort is full of life and enchanting. It boasts palaces, several temples, and some elegant Havelis (mansions), as well as shops and other residences. These top things to do in Jaisalmer cover the best of the city and its surroundings. Stay at a hotel with a fort view or a desert camp.

    If you’re keen on a desert camel safari experience but without the crowds and commercialization, Osian is an ideal alternative option. This small town is about an hour and a half north of Jodhpur, on the way to Bikaner, and is surrounded by several sand dunes. Intricately carved stone temples dating back to the 8th century are interesting too. Stay at Osian Sand Dunes Resort and Camp or Reggie’s Camel Camp.

    Pushkar

    For most of the year, Pushkar is in slumber and this little holy town attracts a lot of backpackers and hippie types. Yet it really comes alive for a couple of weeks in October or November, when the Pushkar Camel Fair hits town. Pushkar is worth visiting at any time of year if you want to chill out. Sadly, the town isn’t like it used to be though. Lately, it is much more westernized and tourist-focused. The priests by the bathing ghats (steps) are nagging in demanding donations. Avoid this part, and head to the Pushkar market for some fun shopping instead!

    Bikaner

    The distant and picturesque desert town of Bikaner receives fewer tourists than many other prominent places to visit in Rajasthan because of its unique location over five hours north of Jodhpur. The main attractions are the atmospheric walled Old City and fort. Bikaner is renowned for the rather astonishing Karni Mata rat temple nearby as well. The Karni Mata Festival, held to worship the rats there, is one of the eccentric festivals in India. A Camel Fair also happens in Bikaner every January. 

    Kota and Chambal

    Rajasthan’s third-largest city — Kota — sits alongside the Chambal River. Once you’re done revelling in the beauty of its palaces, temples and museums head out to explore the National Chambal Sanctuary and take a boat ride along the river. It’s home to rare wildlife such as the gharial (a long-snouted, fish-eating crocodile) and Gangetic river dolphin. Bhainsrorgarh Fort boutique heritage hotel was once a royal abode and has an enviable position atop the cliff. The view is breathtaking! Plus, the 9th century Badoli Temples are nearby. Kota is famous for its Dussehra festival and fair in October.

    Ranthambore

    Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan, India to spot a tiger in the wild. In contrast to many national parks in India, Ranthambore is also really accessible and easy to get to. This makes it very popular (and, unfortunately, it’s been facing a lot of tourist pressure). As well as nature, the park is home to the formidable 10th century, Ranthambore Fort. It’s a huge structure that contains ruined pavilions, monuments, and three Hindu temples. The park is packed with history, having witnessed many battles played out on its land, and the rise and fall of many rulers.

    Bharatpur

    One of India’s top bird sanctuaries for bird watching and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was formerly a duck-hunting reserve of the maharajas. More than 370 species of birds can be found there, including a large congregation of non-migratory resident breeding birds.

    Mount Abu

    The British preferred  Mount Abu because of its comfortable climate, and they relocated the headquarters of their political Rajputana Agency therefrom Ajmer in 1857. Mount Abu has a reputation as a honeymooner’s haven but Indian families flock to the area as well. However, it remains an offbeat destination for foreigners. These top things to do in Mount Abu are centred around enjoying the great outdoors.

  • Merry up your Christmas!

    One festival which doesn’t come under any religious disparity would be Christmas. It’s not just a festival, it’s an experience which brings people from all over the world under one big tree and makes them wait for Santa Claus!

    Though any festival is best enjoyed in the comfort of your homes and with your loved ones, the wanderlust souls love to explore different places to experience this phenomenon. The places to witness Christmas are umpteen, we bring you our curated list for the same!

     

    Belgium:

    The authenticity of Christmas Celebrations easily belongs to Belgium as it’s one of the first which embraced Christmas. The religious connotations may have changed in years but it still is a torch bearer for all that comprises an authentic Christmas and all that it entails. The second Santa, Children putting up shoes filled with carrots, the Christmas village, and the traditional big Christmas dinner tables all set apart Belgium in Christmas Celebrations. Cozy villages built out of wooden chalets and a family-centered Christmas Eve around an overflowing table are traditions dear to many a Belgian heart!

    Finland:

    The fact which sets apart Finland and makes it one of the most sought Destinations for Christmas is Santa himself. The Finnish believe that Santa Claus lives in the northern part of Finland and people from all over the world send letters to Santa over here!

    Christmas Eve is very special and the most important day over Christmas. It’s traditional to eat rice porridge and plum fruit juice for breakfast. Then the tree is bought if not already and is decorated. Christmas days are quiet ones with family and Santa supposedly visits and delivers goodies under the Christmas trees!

    USA:

    The USA being home to many cultures and traditions, it has a variety of Celebrations as well. Many customs are similar to ones in the UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, and Mexico. 

    People in America like to decorate the outsides of their houses with lights and sometimes even statues of Santa Claus, Snowmen, and Reindeer. Some cookies and a glass of milk are often left out as a snack for Santa on Christmas Eve!

    In the Southwest USA, there are some special customs which have some similarities to those in parts of Mexico!

    Customarily the streets and houses and all around the places are decorated in a stunning way that it’s a sight to behold.

    Italy:

    One of the most important and unique ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the Nativity crib scene. Using a Nativity scene to help tell the Christmas story was made very popular by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 (Assisi is in mid-Italy).

    Having Nativity scenes in your own home became popular in the 16th century and it’s still popular today (before that only churches and monasteries had scenes). Nativity scenes are traditionally put out on the 8th of December. But the figure of the baby Jesus isn’t put into the crib/manger until the evening/night of December 24th!

    On Christmas Eve they abstain from eating meat & dairy products as they attend the masses and once they return from that they get to eat a special Italian cake named panettone. A big Christmas meal consisting of many fish dishes is another specialty of this region. The Christmas Celebrations start 8 days ahead with multiple masses and prayers at the Churches!

    Germany:

    Something which sets apart German Celebrations is Advent. Different types of advent calendars are used across German. Christmas trees are a very important part of Celebrations. Mother’s decorate the Christmas trees secretly for the young ones in the family, mostly they are brought in during Christmas Christmas Eve is the main day when they exchange gifts & presents. Germany is famed for its extraordinary Christmas markets. You can find all kinds of Christmas decorations here. The most famous German decorations are glass ornaments. The glass ornaments were originally hand blown glass and were imported in the USA in the 1880s by the Woolworth stores. Over Christmas and the New Year in Germany and Austria, the famous Ski Jumping ‘Four Hills Tournament’ (‘Vierschanzentournee’) is held!

    Switzerland:

    Though it borrows a lot of traditions from Germany & Austria, Switzerland has its own Christmas traditions as well. Advent calendars & crowns are a part of Celebrations in Switzerland as well. Along with highly decorated Christmas markets, you can find multiple Carol’s & processions all over. The ‘Urnäsch Silvesterkläuse’ processions take place in the Appenzell Ausserrhoden, especially in the villages around Urnäsch. They take place from December 31st to January 13th and date back over 200 years. 

    Star Singing is also very popular among children. They go carol singing carrying a large star infant of them. The star represents the star that the Wiseman followed when they visited the baby, Jesus. Cookies are the most popular when it comes to delicacies. Each family has their own favorite recipe and traditions!

    Austria:

    Austria shares many traditions with its neighbor Germany but has a few of their own as well. They have the custom of Advent wreaths. Most towns have Christmas markets from late November. Every town will also have a large Christmas Tree in the town square. In homes, trees are decorated with gold and silver ornaments and stars made from straw. Christmas Celebrations start from Christmas Eve around 4 pm where people gather around Christmas trees and sing Carol’s.

    The main Christmas meal is also eaten on Christmas Eve. It’s often ‘Gebackener Karpfen’ (fried carp) as the main course; this is because Christmas Eve was considered a ‘fasting’ day by many Catholics and no meat could be eaten. Turkey & Goose are quite popular and then there is a section of people who go skiing!

     

    England:

    In the UK families make it a point to celebrate Christmas together to catch the sheer joy on each other’s faces while opening Christmas gifts. Most villages, towns, and cities are decorated with Christmas lights over Christmas. Often a famous person switches them on. The most famous Christmas lights in the UK are in Oxford Street in London. Every year they get bigger and better. Thousands of people gather to watch the big ‘switch on’ around the beginning of November. This is one thing you can witness in England. Children believe that Santa Claus leaves gifts for them in stockings which are hung by their bedside or the fireplace. In the UK, the main Christmas Meal is usually eaten at lunchtime or early afternoon on Christmas Day. It’s normally roast turkey, roast vegetables and ‘all the trimmings‘ which means vegetables like carrots & peas, stuffing and sometimes bacon and sausages. In Desserts Trifle is most common!

  • 10 Best Places To Enjoy Winter

    10 Best Places To Enjoy Winter

    So, do you miss holding crushed ice lollipops? Well, how does playing with ice sound to you? Has this question made your heart crave for a bonfire? If yes, then grab your warm clothes and get ready to know about the best places to enjoy winter. 

    USA:

    The season of winter runs from December to February. The winter in the USA is mostly famous for striking off the adventure list. Here, skiing, fat biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc. attract tourists from all over the world.

    The festival of Christmas plays an important role in beautifying the landscape. If by any chance, you happen to visit the USA during the time of Christmas, you will find all the houses covered with a thick layer of snow, the pine trees decorated with lights, ornaments, and snow.  You might not find Santa Claus but you will definitely meet lots of Snowmen.

    Austria:

    Austria is also known as the “Land of Beauty and Music”. The winter here starts from December and embraces the lands of Austria till February.

    Wildschönau, the panoramic sight, holds the potential to blow your mind with its beauty, at the same time it will calm your soul with its magical aura. 

    Canada:

    Canada, a place known for its exquisite landscapes and dense forests. The ‘W’ of winter adds wonders to the landscapes of Canada.

    Winter here stays from December to February or later. Mount Edith Cavell is one of those beautiful peaks that lies in the arms of the Canadian Rockies and attracts people who love the adrenaline rush. 

    Finland:

    A country known for its “Happiness”. Winter is the longest season here, it lasts for almost five months. If you’re a winter lover, then this place has got a surprise for you. Nature has blessed Finland with soul calming Auroras. The best time to see the rings of light is from October to March. 

    Lapland, the land of silence, and Aurora Borealis, a place which will fill your heart with happiness and your gallery with memories, this place is the largest and the northernmost region of Finland. A hot chocolate in one hand and a camera in another is all you need here. 

    Germany:

    Winter here stays from December to February. If you’re a winter enthusiast, then treat yourself with a vacation to Germany. People here are fond of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow hiking, and ice-skating. 

    If your body gets tired of doing all these sports activities, then don’t worry, because Germany has a variety of saunas where your each muscle can relax.

    Italy:

    Winter is the best season to visit Italy and treat your taste buds with famous Italian pizza and pasta. From Christmas, to the World famous Venice Carnival, Italy has already planned an unforgettable vacation for you. December, January and February are marked as Italy’s winter months. Venice is the most beautiful city to visit in Italy for winter lovers. On the other hand, Sicily is the warmest city during the times of winter. 

    Norway:

    Winter nights are long in entire Norway, but the beauty never fails in brightening one’s soul. Winter here starts from the middle of November and ends in January. The darker the night, the brighter the aurora appears. Dark nights, magic of aurora, highest quality of snow, Norway is the perfect destination for winter vacations. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, etc. are among the most famous adventures here. The markets of Oslo always have something for you. If you’re a seafood lover, then be ready to taste the best seafood you’ll ever taste.

    Romania:

    The dream of visiting dreamland can still come true. Romania, a fantasy world of dense forests, rocky terrain, and vast green hills. This place is less crowded, so you get more time to listen to your inner self. Romania has a continental climate, winter here stays from December to February. The wind here has the fragrance of deep spirituality, so the festivals here generate different kinds of excitement and attract people. This country has a number of caves, caverns and mines to always hold your attention. 

    Russia:

    The frigid and chilly winter of Russia starts from December and stays till the end of March. The cosmopolitan city of Russia- Moscow, calls less overseas guests, but this city is a home to more than ten million individuals of varying culture, dance club, and history; and tells the delightful stories of winter. Feeling cold? Don’t worry, Russian cuisine will warm you up. Kizhi Island— UNESCO w orld heritage site that tells about the history of Russia through it’s outdoors exhibition hall, and is a must visit place.

    Switzerland:

    Apart from Swiss chocolate and Perfume, Switzerland is also famous for its winter. This place experiences winter from December till February. And when the snow starts falling, it becomes prime time for skiing. The Swiss Alp known for its beauty becomes more beautiful during the times of winter. Gstaad, a chalet-dominated resort has become a center of attraction for A-list celebrities. And when it comes to food, this place has a variety of dishes to offer. Absinthe drink is the most famous drink in this region.

    So, plan your vacation with ghoomosa now!