Thursday 9 May 2013

Little known places to visit in Delhi

Delhi is a hugely popular tourist destination. And the number of places to visit in Delhi is many and well known. However, Delhi has numerous lesser known destinations that are equally enticing.

Such as the ISKCON Temple - one of the largest Krishna temples in India. Thousands of devotees, both Indian and foreigners throng to the temple during Janmashtmi, the birth day of Lord Krishna. And even on other days, the place situated on a slight elevation, radiates peace and divinity.

The Lodhi Garden is also a beautiful place to visit. Tourists generally visit only the monuments adjacent to it, but the gardens themselves are worth visit. The Safdarjung Tomb is a garden tomb with a marble mausoleum of Safdarjung and well maintained gardens. For those who love exploring historical places, the Purana Qila is worth a visit. The Hauz Khas Village is an art and culture connoisseurs delight. The National Gallery of Modern Art is one of the best Delhi places to visit for an art lover, or maybe the Crafts Museum, that houses excellent traditional embroidery, weaving, carving and pottery.

The National Rail Museum is a favorite place for kids to places to visit in Delhi. It includes a toy train ride around a 10 acre track. The museum houses several very old railway coaches and different type of engines showcasing the history of Indian Railway. For the religious minded, a visit to the Hanuman temple is a must. And while you are on the spiritual tour, don’t miss the Kalka Ji and Chattarpur temples. The Nizamuddin Dargah is another popular religious and spiritual place.

There are many more such gems just waiting to be discovered in Delhi.


Monday 6 May 2013

Discover unending delights in Delhi

What is Delhi all about – even a hard core Delhiite would find it hard to describe in a few words. It is India’s biggest metro, a cultural hub, a history buff’s dream, a cosmopolitan potpourri, a place to see, be seen. There are so many facets to Delhi, that there is something for every kind of tourist here.

There are a plethora of places to visit in Delhi. One could start with the India Gate and work your way to the Lodhi tombs and Gardens, the Jantar Mantar, red fort, Kutub Minar, Purana Qila, parliament house…and that would be a good start. There are numerous art galleries and museums for art lovers, at least a half a dozen big markets for the shopper, numerous temples, mosques, places of worship of every religion, parks, zoo, amusement parks, theatres – think of anything that you like to see, and you will find it in Delhi.

Just step out of Delhi, and you have a whole new world of places to see in Delhi; within a 100-250 km radius, you could see the world famous Taj Mahal, tiger reserves and hill stations.

One could spend a whole week here just to soak in the ambiance. Every part of Delhi would have something different to offer, be it the high grounds of posh south Delhi, the older and more traditional old Delhi, with its narrow but charming streets and bylanes, the newer localities of Noida and Gurgaon that can give any large city in the world something to compete, with its glitzy highrises and malls.

It’s all here in Delhi.


Thursday 25 April 2013

Nature abounds in Ratnagiri and Puri tourism

Situated on the lap of the Sahyadri mountains and on the shores of the beautiful Arabian Sea, endowed with the magic of nature, Ratnagiri tourism is a beautiful medley of sun kissed beaches of white silvery sands, swaying coconut palms, ever green lustrous mangroves magnificent hills, creeks, hot water springs and waterfalls together with ancient forts and monuments.

A little gem on the Konkan coast, the most famous spot of Ratnagiri tourism is the Ratnadurga Fort. A massive structure in the shape of a horseshoe, Ratnadurg Fort was once a strong hold of the Maratha Empire.

Today it is in ruins, but is a spectacular tourist spots, offering a dazzling sunset. The marvelous lighthouse situated in the bastions of the fort is a sight not to be missed. But perhaps the most intriguing attraction of tourism in Ratnagiri is the Swayambu Ganesha temple. The idol of Ganapati here is built of pure white sand and is believed to be self-originated - not man made.

One of the foremost attractions of Orissa is the Puri tourism. Counted amongst the ‘Char Dhams’ Puri is one of the holiest spots in India. The Jagannath Puri temple with its annual rath yatra attracts millions every year. What’s unusual about this temple is the main idol itself. Here the idol of Jagannath is a carved and decorated wooden stump with large round eyes and with stumps as hands, with the conspicuous absence of any legs. And don’t miss the gorgeous beaches of Puri.

Sunday 14 April 2013

Trivandrum - A capital experience in God’s own country

The view from the air is itself enticing. A dense cover of green keeps one in suspense of the hidden treasures below. And one was not disappointed. Tourism in Trivandrum or Thiruvanandapuram as it’s called now is truly a magical experience. Art lovers can start their journey of visiting tourist places in Trivandrum from the Sri Chitra art gallery. This houses the entire collection of Ravi Varma paintings, alongwith a vast display of exquisite Mughal, Rajasthani, Rajput and Balinese paintings. Don’t miss a visit to the Kanakakunnu Palace, residence of the erstwhile royalty. Magnificent architecture & intricate craftsmanship of the Kanakakunnu Palace stands testimony to the rich heritage of Trivandrum.

Perhaps the most attractive destination among the places to visit in Trivandrum is the Kovalam beach. This attracts tourists from all over the world and is haven for backpackers and luxury tourists alike. Known for its pristine waters and golden sands, rocky outcrops provide private havens for foreign tourists looking for some sunbathing. One could also check out the Hawa beach nearby, which is less crowded. For those wanting to get away from the madding crowds, try the Varkala beach, about 50 kms away from Trivandrum. This is a very scenic beach with craggy cliffs towering over the beach. A host of restaurants and beach houses are situated atop the hills.

One could find numerous hotels in Trivandrum or in Varkala and Kovalam. The luxury traveler can find some amazing beach resorts and 5 star hotels in Trivandrum. The beach comber or backpacker too could find great homestays or smaller hotels in Trivandrum or at any of the beaches

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Discovering Hyderabad and Srisailam

Sarees, bangles, pearls, biryani – it is said that these are what Hyderabad tourism is all about. But the list is long, the sights many. Hyderabad is known as The City of Pearls has many traditional and historical landmarks and bazaars located around the city.

The Charminar is the most well-known landmark in Hyderabad tourism. The Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India alongwith the Qutb Shahi Tombs. The Paigah Tombs are also not to be missed. The seat of Nizam dynasty, numerous palaces dot the skyline - Chowmahalla Palace, Asman Garh Palace, Falaknuma Palace, Taramati Baradari, Purani Haveli, to name a few.

Tourism in Hyderabad is incomplete without a visit to the amazing museums. Salar Jung Museum – The museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. The city museum, state museum and Birla Science Museum are also worth a visit. It is also a city of lakes – Hussain sagar and Osman sagar among others. And for a film buff, the Ramoji Film city is not to be missed.

Srisailam is a renowned hill town located on a majestic natural setting on the banks of the River Krishna in AP. Tourism in Srisailam is all about its many ancient temples, a wildlife sanctuary and a dam. Srisailam is most visited for its wildlife sanctuaries and temples. If you are looking for hotels in Srisailam you will mostly find basic low budget accommodation which is the norm at city, though you can also stay at private guesthouses and motels. Numerous budget and lodges and hotels in Srisailam are found around the Mallikarjuna Swami Temple and most of these do not require any prior reservation. Keep in mind that there are some lodges that cater to particular communities only, therefore check before booking the rooms. The other thing to keep in mind is that you cannot take alcohol or smoke in any of the hotels or lodges in the entire temple town.

There are no luxury hotels in Srisailam and all the places to stay will provide you with facilities like A/C or non A/C rooms and food on order.


Monday 8 April 2013

A stay in God’s own country - Trivandrum

Trivandrum the capital city of Kerala, offers enchanting backwaters, beautiful lakes and bountiful nature along with all the trappings of a large metro city.

Trivandrum tourism is a medley of temples, museums, beaches, architecture and modernity. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the most imposing landmark in the town with the presiding deity of the temple, being Vishnu. The famous Museum Complex includes art and natural history museums along with an art gallery and botanical and zoological gardens. Situated amidst the city, this museum houses the beautiful paintings and other articles that belong to the royal family. The Shanghumugham Beach is a favourite destination or tourist places in Trivandrum. The Veli Tourist Village situated 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram and surrounded by the Veli lagoon and the Arabian Sea, it is a popular tourist attraction.

Hotels in Trivandrum range across all budgets. These include heritage bungalows, 3 star, 4 star and extremely luxurious ones. Services offered by hotels in Trivandrum have a distinct character enhanced by natural beauty and outfitted with clean, contemporary furniture, a balcony overlooking amazing natural views, as well as all necessary amenities needed to make your stay comfortable. If you are looking for personalized service, attentive staff and a feeling of being the only guests, then 3 star hotels in Trivandrum is an excellent choice. Hotels here offer laundry service and dry cleaning, Wi-Fi in public areas, coffee shop, safety deposit boxes, and meeting facilities. Guests can choose among different varieties of rooms, all of which exude an atmosphere of total peace and harmony.

Monday 18 March 2013

Tourism Hyderabad and Goa – Have a Little Fun

Hyderabad, the city of Nizams has always been an important commercial place in south India. Way before it was the trading center for pearls and diamonds, but now it is also a hub of BPO’s, MNC’s and IT firms. Backed by a strong history Hyderabad is a splendid city and home to several monuments, museums, gardens, etc. Also known for its delectable biryani, which is quite popular amongst foodies touring Hyderabad. The rise of world-class institutions, Tollywood, a fine airport with a stream of designer labels and luxury hotel chains, have all contributed to the existing charm of Hyderabad tourism. Thankfully, the old gems of the city – delectable Nawabi cuisine, the Islamic culture and art, the thriving Charminar area, a brilliant museum – are still accessible. Tourism Hyderabad is known for its fantastic places and attractions such as the Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Mecca Masjid, the Buddha Statue, the Nizam’s Museum, the Ramoji Film City and the various art galleries.

A tropical paradise, surrounded by beaches, the Arabian Sea waters, coconut palms, cool breeze, lots of sun and cheap booze, it doesn’t get any better for a holiday in Indian than Goa. This holiday destination is a global favorite! The exotic beaches and the most delicious and fresh seafood are a few things, which make the tourism in Goa so special! The peak season is between October and February, which is when the temperature is the most ideal to enjoy a holiday here. There are many tourist places in Goa – while the North side more alive and a favourite amongst the youth , South Goa on the other hand is more peaceful and has a lot of churches and other architectural buildings that you can visit.

Head to Goa for a laid back vacation or to Hyderabad for a gastronomical tour – you’ll have a fun time at both these cities.