Category: Relax

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Relax Staycation

48 Hours in Mumbai via #ghoomophiro lens

A trip to Maharashtra is incomplete without at least a two-day stay at the heart of India’s Bollywood hub ‘Aamchi Mumbai’. The state capital of Maharashtra represents what truly being Indian means with its loud style and grandiosity. It showcases the ‘bindass’ attitude that most of us carry with us along with amazing sights to see and dishes to try. Though two days aren’t nearly enough to see everything that this ‘City of Dreams’ has to offer, we the #ghoomophirosisters will help you squeeze in most of it.

Must see:

 Gateway of India

Built during the 20th century, Gateway of India is a historical arch monument which was erected for commemorating the landing of Queen Mary and King George V on their visit to India. The gateway then became a symbolical entrance for Viceroys and Generals in India. It is a popular attraction of Mumbai because of its magnificent structure and has also been called as the “Taj Mahal of Mumbai”.

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway

This Railway station was formerly known as Victoria Terminus and has a rich history as well. The railway terminal is designed in Victorian Italian Gothic style architecture and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The majestic design of the terminal is a sight to behold.

 Haji Ali Dargah

 Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular religious spots and visitors from all over the world, no matter the religion or caste come here to visit Pir Haji Ali. If by chance you end up here on a Friday, you might also get to enjoy the divine sufi Qawalis.  This place is surrounded by talks of myths and legends but most of all, stories of miracles. Even an atheist would like to visit just to satisfy his curiosity.

 Siddhivinayak Temple

One of the most popular and rich temples in India is Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir dedicated to Lord Ganesha of Hindu mythology. Located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, it is the busiest spot on Ganesh Chaturthi. The wooden doors on entrance are carved with images of Ashtavinayak and the roof is plated with gold. There is also a Hanuman temple nearby that one may visit as well.

 Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves are another popular spot and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  This collection of cave temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has many rock-cut statues and shows the harmonic existence of Hinduism and Buddhism. The carvings are incredible to see.

Definite Do’s

 Watch a movie at Maratha Mandir

Every day at 11:30 AM, the place shows DDLJ. This cinema hall that opened in 1958 has become one of the most iconic spots of Mumbai. It is a very valued place for the Bollywood industry, so if you have the time, enjoy the grand Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge experience.

 Click a Selfie at Red Carpet Wax Museum

 Located in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, this wax museum displays wax statues of many famous personalities. From the popular Avengers to many Bollywood stars, they have celebrities lined up just for your amusement. It is a great feeling standing next to Obama or Harry Potter or getting to click a selfie with the Queen.

 Evening stroll at Marine Drive

 An evening stroll at Marine Drive around 6 pm would give you a glimpse into the nightlife of Mumbai. As you walk down the road or sit on a slab enjoying the twinkling lights parallel to the road, you will be amazed by the beauty of it all.

 Shop at Colaba Causeway or Fashion Street

 If you have confidence in your bargaining skills and enjoy shopping, the street-shopping experience in Mumbai would be a memorable one for you. In Colaba Causeway, you can find anything from handicrafts to antiques or books, even clothes, and jewelry. Fashion Street is more popular with the college chaps because of the latest trends and styles hitting the street first.

Take a Bollywood tour

 See the houses of Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachan, and other Bollywood celebrities while getting to know about the film city on a Bollywood tour. You get to see the behind the scenes working of Bollywood movies and meet some of the stars as well. But the tour takes 7 to 8 hours so opt for it only if you have the time.

 Best Eating Joints:

 Seafood at Trishna

Not trying Seafood in Mumbai should be criminalized. Trishna has been a great seafood restaurant for around 23 years now with Garlic Butter Crabs being its specialty. From sports legends to Hollywood celebs, all have dined here. Enjoy a heavy dinner here and try the jumbo prawns as well.

 Kebabs @ Mohammad Ali Road

 Try Skewered kebabs at Sarvi located a little ahead of Mohammad Ali road near Dimtimkar road. They set the benchmark for delicious mouth-watering kebabs and have been around for 90 years. They grill the most tender and yummy seekh kebabs but get here early before they sell out.

Sukh Sagar Restaurant near Chowpatty Beach: You cannot hope to come to Mumbai and not enjoy the delights of street-side Vada Pao/ Pao Bhaji at Chowpatty. Forget about your diet qualms for a day or two and relish the tastes of roadside eateries.

When to go:

 Mid-June to October: Travelling during this season is messy because of flooded streets during monsoon season. But it shows a different side of Mumbai amidst the falling raindrops. Even with the hassle, the life in Mumbai doesn’t slow down and you can always head off to hill stations like Khandala, Lonavala etc to enjoy.

November to February: the winter season is the best time to spend in Mumbai since it is a coastal region and the temperature remains mild and pleasant during this time. Moreover, spending Christmas in the beautiful churches of Mumbai as well as New Years in the City of Dreams can be a memorable event.

March to May: Summertime is very hot and humid in Mumbai and the temperature may go up to 40 degrees which aren’t the ideal temperature to head out or enjoy oneself. Remember to wear cool cotton clothes and carry sunglasses along with sunscreen.

Getting there:

 By Air: Mumbai has Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport with its two terminals being Santa Cruz and Sahara International airport. It is connected by domestic as well as international flights.

 By Road: One can travel from Nashik which is 170 km away via Nashik-Mumbai Expressway. Buses also travel from Nashik to Mumbai within 2 hours and 20 minutes.  Mumbai is also connected via road to Pune, Aurangabad, Goa, etc It has a well-connected bus network.

 By Train:  If you’re traveling by railways, you can choose among Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, Mumbai Central, Dadar Railway station or Kalyan Railway station. It connects Mumbai with all major cities of the country.

 Getting around:

Mumbai’s local trains are popular for being jam-packed so you can opt for it only if you wish to have that experience. Otherwise, buses, cabs and both public and private means of transport are easily available. But you might get stuck in traffic often so prepare yourself for that while making plans for the day.

 What to pack:

  1. If you are traveling during the summer, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cool cotton clothes are a must.
  2. Monsoons can be very wet and messy so carry a raincoat and umbrellas along with waterproof jackets and shoes.
  3. Don’t forget Mosquito repellents.

 Where to stay:

 Since this place is a famous tourist spot, getting prior hotel booking is always an advantage. As a visitor, you have complete flexibility to opt for 2-star hotels to 5 Star Hotels in Mumbai

Sofitel Mumbai: This is a luxury hotel located in Bandra Kurla Complex and has five-star hotel rooms with great aesthetic and services. There are many options for relaxation and enjoying the true essence of Mumbai.  The main highlight of the place would have to be the varied palate of culinary delights that it offers.

Ibis Mumbai Airport Hotel: This is the nearest hotel to the airport at Nehru Road, Western Expressway. With a good location and satisfactory rooms and room service along with basic amenities like an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi, it is the right place to stay.

The Hotel Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach:

The hotel offers a great view of the city and is a delight for the eyes as well. With rooms looking out to the sea or the city, and outdoor pool to provide full relaxation to its guests, this is one of the best picks for a hotel. And if sun terrace, free Wi-fi, and 24 hr service wasn’t enough, they also have a shared lounge and a hairdresser at the property. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy the beaches and the nightlife of Mumbai.The City of dreams awaits you in Mumbai with its charming lights and warm people. Embrace the soothing air and be free and wild. Take in all the history and get bewitched by stardom.

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Beaches Itinerary Relax Staycation

Exploring The Desert City of Palm Springs, California

A short two-hour drive away from LA is this desert oasis known for the popular names associated with it. Be it Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley, none could resist the retro charm of Palm Springs, California. The place is already popular among tourists especially girl looking for a nice relaxing vacation. It is an Instagrammer’s dream place with the legendary pink door and so many chic spots. But anyone can visit Palm Springs to just kick back on the poolside and enjoy cocktails.

Here’s a travel guide for those visiting Palm Springs for the first time, with a to-do list that you should pin to your travel guide right now. It includes when to visit, where to eat and where to stay – there are a quirky selection of hotels and, if you prefer, many cool villas in Palm Springs.

Things To Do In Palm Springs – and More

Let’s begin with the most important question of when to visit:

January to April: These months experience the winter climate and are the peak season for tourists who get to enjoy all the tourist attractions. One must not forget that it is the desert area and what’s the fun of vacation if you have to complain about the heat the whole time?

May to September: The best part about visiting during this time is that there will be no crowds and you will easily find hotels at a great price. Though, you will have to tolerate the heat during the daytime. But if you consider yourself a night owl, the evening time would be perfect to wander.

October to December: Fall is a great season to visit Palm Springs for an average traveler. Not too much worrying about the weather and there won’t be a huge tourist crowd either.

The place is filled with hipster hotels and artsy places to stay that you would not even want to leave your hotel room. And on top of the list of best places to stay in Palm Springs is:

The Ace

The hotel has such a good vibe and is the most hipster hotel in the whole area. You can pick the room with fireplace and a patio to get the better living experience. But there won’t be any shortage of photo opportunities here so keep your camera handy.

The Saguaro

If the Ace is a hip place, then this hotel is a piece of art with cute shades at every corner. It’s more of a party hotel and you can enjoy your weekends to the fullest while staying here. Staying at Saguaro is like being surrounded by rainbows. The place even has two great restaurants.

The Hyatt Palm Springs

The main highlight of the place is the pool. The good music playing around and a pool bar on weekends made the whole experience ten times better. You can also get on a retro bike (available there) and wander the roads. Their restaurant, the guard dog in the lobby, the comfortable room makes it a perfect place to spend your vacation in.

Where To Eat

This is going to be the hardest list since Palm Springs is filled with places you would want to eat at. We suggest not filling up on one meal and just trying out different things at different places so you can get the whole experience.

Koffi makes the best latte around the place but you can also try their other refreshing drinks. For brunch, we visited Cheeky’s and their menu keeps changing but you can always find something that appeals to you. Then there was Birba which was the perfect pizza place. That taste you will find nowhere else.

Things To Do:

There are as many things to do on the way to Palm Springs as to do when you are there.

Go see the world’s biggest dinosaur and click a selfie with it. Enjoy the view of Palm Springs windmills and stop by at the Morongo casino to try your hand. Maybe Lady Luck would smile on you.

And once you are finally in Palm Springs, here’s what to do:

Bike riding: Many hotels give rental retro bikes that you can just take off on with your girlfriends and see Palm Springs in its natural beauty.

Shopping: There are many thrift stores and places where you can buy cute or antique things. One of the stores we’d suggest would be Just Fabulous. You would wish to get your hands on everything.

Instapics: There are a million photo opportunities in this retro fun town and you just have to find a cute spot and pose. Your Instagram account would look like a rainbow once you start clicking pictures in Palm Springs. From Vintage cars to the 60s look, and colors spread everywhere, you won’t have to look hard to find a perfect place.

Art Museum: There are two locations of Palm Springs Art Museums and if you have time, you can check them both out. Fr an art lover, what better thing to do.

Follow The stars: There is a Walk of Stars in Palm Springs areas and what’s special about it is that it honors famous celebrities who once resided in the area. You can find famous artist names and even the former Presidents of United States.

Palm Canyon Drive: You cannot go here. It is the tourist spot where you can just grab a bite to eat, look at amazing views of the palms and even spend some money on shopping, entertainment or gambling.

Palm Springs Air Museum: The place has a collection of planes from World War II which have been restored wonderfully to give you an idea of how planes must have looked during that time.

Joshua Tree National Park: If you are in Palm Springs for longer than a weekend, you might want to go here and be part of nature. The National Park has great views of mountains and even a waterfall. But you might not want to visit during the summer season because the heat would be crazy intense at the time.

A Walk In The Desert: A 20-minute walk through the desert would take you to Tahquitz Canyon and through the terrain is difficult to endure in the heat, the walk to the falls is worth it. Just don’t forget to carry water and sunscreen.

In the end, the best thing to do while leaving Palm Springs is getting your hands on a date shake at Hadley’s. The experience is not complete until you have tried that.

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Inspiration North India Relax

Misty Morning in Floating Market, Dal Lake, Kashmir

Dal Lake is the jewel of Kashmir. #ghoomophirosisters during their stay at Kashmir wanted to spend a misty morning on the beautiful Dal Lake. Floating Markets, Shikara, the tranquility of lake always attracted us and we could not resist getting up at 5 AM in the morning to witness this beauty. It was totally worth it. Wrapping ourselves in the blankets in the Shikara, sipping our Kehwa slowly and watching these Kashmiris rowing their boats. Do not want anything more in this blog as pictures speak 1000 words, and I leave it to the readers to decide on their own on the charming Dal Lake. I am sure, these pictures will definitely inspire you to pack your bags for the next trip to #Kashmir.

All the pics have been clicked by Himadri Garg, official photographer of team #ghoomophirosisters, and you can follow her on Instagram, and also request for the print of these pictures.

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Beaches Corporate Outings Relax South India

To DO’s in Kochi aka Cochin

Kochi or Cochin is one of the biggest Indian cities and the financial capital of the south Indian state of Kerala. Also known as the “Queen of the Hills”, Kochi is one of the evolving cosmopolitans in the southwest part of the country and a bustling commercial port. It is also popular due to its proximity to Allepey, where-in travelers rush to experience the alleppey houseboat

How to Reach

Cochin airport is the 4th busiest Indian airport and one of the main getaways to India. The international airport is located 29 kilometers away from the city center and is well connected to major cities of India and the world.  Kochi is home to two major railway stations – Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction and is well connected to all the major railway stations in India. Cochin has a well-established network of Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services that enables good connectivity to all the major cities in Kerala and other neighboring cities and states.

Places to visit

Fort Kochi- Once you reach the Kochi City of Kerala, you can board a cab, auto-rickshaw or bus to Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is a region in the south-west part of the city of Kochi and an important part of a handful of water-bound regions. This little island offers some main tourist attractions such as Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi beach, Sree Gopalakrishna Devaswom Temple, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and Jain Temple.

Hill palace museum- It once was the palace of Kochi’s Maharaja and now it’s a full-blown museum that has been attracting the tourists in hundreds every day. With about 500 artifacts placed inside, this museum is rightly known as the biggest museum in the entire south Indian region. There is also a small zoo nearby.

Santacruz Basilica- It is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala and amongst the oldest churches in India built by the Portuguese in the year 1502 when they shifted their base here to make the most out of the business opportunities the city had to offer. The place is counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala and visited by tourists the whole year-round.

Chendamangalam Fort- Historically, the fort is known as the prime minister of Kochi and is one of the important forts in Kerala. Now a great tourism spot, the place is famous for coir manufacturing and handloom weaving. Three rivers are flowing nearby the Fort, which adds to the scenic view of this place.

Durbar Hall ground- The place is the center for various cultural activities in the city. It’s a great place to take a break from the bustling city and spend time exploring the skyscrapers, restaurants, shops and crowded streets.

Cherai Beach- Kerala is full of beaches and backwaters that could satisfy your tourism bones to their core. Cherai beach is known to be one of the best beaches in the city which happens to be totally safe for water sports and general hanging out. This place filled with locals during weekends and backwater stretch is the scenic and pleasing sight.

Things to Explore

Kochi Books

This is one place you must visit if you are an ardent lover of books. It is the one-stop shop destination for all types of books that you ever wanted to own.

The Onam Festival

And there is the Onam festival. The festival of Onam is celebrated every year for 10 days that lasts from mid-august to mid-September. The festival marks the welcoming back of the mythical king Mahabali. The people are known to celebrate the festival with high-level enthusiasm as a parade takes place with showcasing different art forms. The final celebrations take place at Thrikakkara temple located in the city.

The Chinese fishing nets

Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations used for catching the fishes, as the name suggests. Each installation is operated by a team of six fishermen.

The Chinese fishing nets are a great reminder of the close relations the city shared with Chinese emperors at one point in the history. These nets have been the official icon of the city and were gifted to then king of Kochi by the Chinese emperor Kubalagi in the 14th century. He gifted more than a hundred of them to the kingdom of Cochin, but only a few remain in the working condition.

Kochi Tips

–It may very well be a place as beautiful as Goa, but far more conservative. Wearing short clothes here is not good for the women.

-A half an hour time to the soothing ayurvedic massage must be tried. Ayurveda comes from Kerala and the massage parlors in Kochi are nothing short of magnificent.

-Coconut milk and cashews are a part of every other Kochi meals, so in case you are allergic, be aware every time of what you have been eating.

-There is a high margin of the population that doesn’t speak or understand Hindi, so be prepared for the worst.

Food

The cuisines from Kerala are popular all across the country for their seafood quality and other vegetarian and nonvegetarian cuisines. The restaurants in Kochi such as Hotel Thali, Hotel Unnikrishnan, Uruvi, Shri Krishna Cafe and the Royal food court serve some great Indian as well as international food items.

Places to Stay

There are some great hotels in Kochi to stay such as the Mariott hotel, Le Meridian, Hotel Crown Plaza and Keys hotel. There are options for every budget range.

The intense natural beauty of the state is perfectly reflected in the city of Cochin, so in case you want to spend some quality time away from the hectic city life, head here, you won’t regret.

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North-West India Relax

Wine Lover’s heaven- Sula vineyards

If you are one of those people who are hopelessly in love with wines, there is very less chance that you haven’t heard of Sula wine yards. Well, it’s okay for those who didn’t! Sula wine yard is located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra near the financial capital of the country, Mumbai. The land is magnetic with the grape wines spread across the massive fields, the churning sound coming straight out of the wine factory, and it’s calming to the senses. A 4-hour drive from Chembur would bring you here as you gear up to explore the most famous wine yard in the country.

The day would easily be spent tasting different wines, getting to know about how to make it and there is a restaurant that serves some delicious cuisines. Nearby the main building there is a restaurant that goes by the name Little Italy which serves some great Italian food to the visitors which goes perfectly well with the freshly brewed wine. However, in case you aren’t interested in the wines at all, there are ample of things for you to do here as well. For one, you can visit the sights around the place, its Nasik at its beautiful best. The wine yard also happens to have an amphitheater and an open garden which offers a great opportunity to spend some quality time at a picnic with your loved ones.

Sula wine yards are a large establishment that covers a total area of 30 acres. The grape fields are here in abundance and greet you as you first enter the place. In between the fields is the road to walk upon which leads you directly to the factory where the wine gets manufactured. The beautiful aroma in the climate gives you a soothing feeling and you feel all relaxed after the tiring journey on your way here.

You have to buy the tickets in order to be able to see the actual working space of the wine makers. There is also a rooftop restaurant right there where you can eat something and relax before starting the trip. The cheese sandwich along with their very famous barrelled red wine was a great experience and you should have one before you go further. The wooden flavor coming from the wine makes you wonder if you could ever get the freshness and taste in the bottled wines that we all have become accustomed to.

You can also visit the wine tasting hall where you could meet the fellow wine enthusiasts and share your experiences with all the different wines that you have tasted over the years. The charge for wine tasting is 150 rupees per person. The souvenir shop nearby will let you buy all the different wines that are manufactured there. There will be a guide who will accompany you and tell you how the company got started and all.

For the wine lovers and nondrinkers alike, the place is wonderful to spend 24 hours at. Don’t forget to make a stop here for your next trip to Maharashtra.

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Relax Travel Trends

Exotic places to Visit with Your Better Half in India

Spending some quality time with your significant other is not only fun, but it can also be a great chance to connect with them on a spiritual level. And if the surroundings happen to be good and moody, that’s just icing on the cake. However, there are many places in India, where the married couples and the committed ones do visit commonly such as Shimla, Manali, and Rishikesh. But there are still many unexplored places in the country which are as beautiful as the above-mentioned spots, if not more. So, start packing up, because here we go!

Mashobra- A little far away from all the crowds and chirps of Shimla lays this little haven of silence known as Mashobra. This is somehow different from other romantic places around the country. The wild strawberries, orchids and most importantly, the calm around the area makes for a perfect romantic getaway with your partner. Try the cuisines here or just walk around the place hand in hand; this will spark the innermost wild romantic that lies inside you.

Singinawa, MP- When one arrives here, they feel something paranormal stuff going on in there. The reason for the feeling is the romantic vibes that flow here like anything. The picture perfect place is one of the most criminally underrated holiday destinations for the couples. But given that we have tried to make it come to the mainstream light, you may as well give it a chance. Singinawa is my personal recommendation for all those looking for new year bash.

Triund- Have you ever in your felt in your life that you are walking on the clouds? Maybe in a pleasant dream some time, but it becomes so real in a place like this. Located at about 15 kilometers away from McLeodGanj, Triund is the dream of every nature lover. The trek here is tiring at 4 hours time, but it surely is worth a shot with your lover walking beside you.

Kerala Backwaters- The ultimate heaven on the planet, Kerala is the south Indian state full of lustful beauty. The untouched natural beauty is at its very best here. There are many romantic places here from the beaches to the resorts, but what takes the cake are the backwaters in Kerala. A backwater in the evening light is just the thing that you always wanted, but you were unaware of that. This is the beauty at its best and the true love you have for your girlfriend/boyfriend gets more purified here in the arms of beautiful landscapes.

Imphal- The eastern India still remains mostly unexplored by the mainstream, but people who come here knows what most of the country has been missing. The beautiful lush green hills make it a wonderful place to cuddle with your lover and talk for hours. The place is known as the Jewel of India, and you are likely to visit the place again, such is the charm of this little heaven.

When it comes to love, everything is fair. So, taking leave from the offices and steal a trip to one of those places may cost you some money. But it will all be worth it and more.

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Relax South India Spiritual Hubs Staycation

Auroville – An Experiment

Humanity has somehow survived right up to this point. The world is full of so many evils such as wars, famine, diseases, communal violence etc. which act as a threat to humanity as the whole. Located primarily in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu with some parts of it extending right up to Pondicherry, Auroville too is known as the Dawn of Humanity for all the right reasons. In order to reach here, one has to take a car ride from the Chennai international airport that will get them here in a few hours. It falls about 150 kilometers south of Chennai.

Auroville, a universal township in the making  is a dwelling place for a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world. The concept of Auroville reaches out to human unity and transformation of consciousness. The first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity point out to sustainable living and anyone with idealistic leanings will certainly love this ‘the City of Dawn’. The community is dedicated to future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind where people from across the globe join hands together to build a universal, cash-free, non-religious township and recognize good old human unity.

The project came alive in the year 1968. The inauguration ceremony was held on 28th February 1968, when about 5000 people along with 124 representatives from different countries gathered here under the huge banyan tree. The people from different countries bought soils from their lands and put in a marble urn, which now rests at the focal point of the amphitheater.

Auroville is known as the one and only such project in the entire world and the concept of it has been supported by almost every other country in the world. The sustainable living, the cultural and social structure of the present world is all studied here. Auroville has maintained its distance from the happenings of the outside world and the people living here belief in the concept of one universal subconscious mind aspect. They believe in harmony among the individuals and propose the very idea that on the basic level, we are all the same person.

The present population of the area is about 2400; with almost one-third of them are Indians. The place has been divided into a few parts based on the functions.

Peace Area- The peace area lies at the very center and is having the Matri mandir as a place for worship. The amphitheater carrying the urn from the different soils is also located here. The atmosphere is calm in here, perfect for relaxation.

Industrial Zone- To the north of the peace area is the industrial zone, the center of self-sustainment of the people here.

Residential Zone- Covering an area of 189 hectares, the residential zone is the biggest of all in the place. The 50-50 ratio is maintained between nature and the residential housings and other institutions.

Cultural Zone- Spread across an area of 93 hectares, the cultural zone is the center of the artistic expressions of the people residing here. The arts and crafts centers of the entire township are located here.

The idea for the township came back in the year 1930 as the world was still shaking from the horrors of the First World War. The concept was unique and was initially rejected but gained support over time and now we are here. The township is growing day by day and the numbers of residents are on an all time high.

Auroville is a quiet and calm place known for its wide open roads full of all natural looks. You can enjoy a guided tour of the place where a well-experienced guide will take you through all the attractions of the place such as Matrimandir and Pitanga cultural center. One can collect passes from the office at Visitors’ centre for entry into the Matrimandir.

The sports activities such as volleyball and tennis are also very popular among the people here who are known to be quite health freaks and way too much of different types of outdoor activities.

 

 

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Architectural Historical North India Relax

Epitome of Love – The Tajmahal

The final product of the involvement of about 22,000 workers comprising masons, painters, stonecutters, carvers, inlayers, dome-builders, calligraphers and other artisans, from all over Central Asia and Iran is a sight to behold! It is the Taj Mahal, a monument which has a unique blend of Islamic, Persian and Indian architecture. An ivory-white marble mausoleum on the southern bank of river Yamuna in Agra, it is designated as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

The charisma of the structure then created is such that even years after its establishment, it is still regarded as one of the most magnetic and eye- catching manmade monuments of the world. Not only the Taj but also the structures alongside it are extremely charming and add to the artistic wonder and architectural grandeur of the place.The entire Taj complex consists of the following major constituents.

Darwaza – The Main Gateway

The main sandstone gateway adorned in calligraphy with verses from the Holy Quran and having a domed central chamber, was constructed in between 1932 and 1938. The door of the gateway was originally made out of solid silver to prevent outsiders from catching sight of the tomb until they are right in the doorway itself.

Charbagh – The Taj Garden

On entering the Taj Gateway, you can view a garden stretching in front of you up to the plinth of the Taj and it occupies most part of the Taj complex- 300 m X 300 m out of the total area of 580 m X 300 m. Symmetry is the guiding principle in creating this garden and it can be experienced everywhere.

The Main Tomb

Although Taj was built to epitomize Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, but later it was decided to make it their final resting place also. The southern face of the tomb is the prime entrance to the interior. A finely cut marble screen, decorated with precious stones, scatters light over the cenotaph of the wife in the centre and that of the husband too beside it. The 99 names of Allah embellish the top of Mumtaz’s tomb and rest of them into Shah Jahan’s -the ones that are the indicator of a male ruler.

Naqqar Khana – The Rest House

The Taj Mahal Rest House, also referred to as the Assembly Hall or the Naqqar Khana, is established on the eastern side of the Taj and Taj Mahal Mosque’s replica  lies exactly opposite, on the western side. It is believed that the rest house was built to provide a ‘jawab’, as it balances the architectural symmetry of the entire structure.

Best time to visit

There is no time of the year when the monument’s grandeur and magnificence fade away but comparatively better months to visit the Taj Mahal are from October to March. It comes to the peak of its luminescence during the sunrise, sunset and the full moon nights. Night viewing is permitted on full moon nights, plus minus two days, but tickets need to be booked one day in advance for the same.

 

 

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Asia Rejoice Rejuvenate Relax Travel Tips Travel Trends

Go travel to these Visa free countries

Everybody knows that getting a visa on an Indian passport can be a real pain. We all wish we could go on a vacation just like that, just pick a destination, plan a trip, pack our bags and simply go for it without any hassle. God, why is it not that easy!!

The process, in reality, requires first to look for options then choose a getaway based on the size of the hole it will burn in your pocket. By chance, if the chosen place is abroad then you have to apply for a visa and then the problem of obtaining it starts. Day in and day out you have to go to the visa office for various verification formalities.

So here are some places abroad where Indians can go to without getting a visa, and they will amaze you with their landscapes.

Bhutan

A visit to Bhutan, the land of happiness, from India requires just the payment of a certain amount of money. The perk of an Indian’s passport is that you pay a lesser amount as compared to people of other countries. While in the beautiful country, you get to explore the Switzerland of the East, visit the peaceful Tiger Monastery and relish the spicy local food. If you drive from India to Bhutan, you get an entry for 7 days without a passport and if you fly to the place, you get an entry for 1 month. Both of them are extendable, though.

Ecuador

Ecuador which is considered as the equatorial paradise of South America can be toured by the holder of an Indian passport without getting a visa from beforehand. It is the place to behold and enjoy in the vast Amazon rain forests, the sensational beaches, the Andes Mountains, the isolated Galapagos islands and the world’s highest capital city of Quito. Indians get free visas if they show valid return tickets or the visas of any other place that they plan to visit from Ecuador.

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

Antarctica

Being the last land on the earth, it is a place for people who want to see mighty glaciers, icy white landscapes and plenty of penguins. It may be the only place on the planet where there is minimal human involvement and boasts of untouched natural beauty. You can go to Antarctica via the USA, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand. Since it is uninhabited, there is no visa regime for visiting it.

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

El Salvador

With an insane number of volcanoes, El Salvador is amongst the smallest countries in Central America. The tropical paradise has hospitable people along with a diverse culture, natural beauty, beaches, volcanoes, lip- smacking food, nightlife and much more to offer to its visitors. Indian citizens get a free visa for a maximum of 3 months, depending on the show a valid return ticket or a valid visa for the next destination.

Fiji

The honeymooners’ destination Fiji is a coral paradise of South Pacific. Imagine yourself flopping on a beach sipping Pinacoladas and relaxing with your family or going scuba diving in the exquisite coral reefs and enjoying the natural beauty under the sea. Indians can get a free visa for 4 months if they show a valid return ticket and have sufficient funds for their stay.

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

Hong Kong

The amazing skyline, the awesome shopping venues, the delicious Cantonese food and the fact that it is nearest to the gambling hub of Macau make Hong Kong one of the most favourite spots for Indian tourists. They can get a free visa for 14 days after showing a valid return ticket with sufficient funds for the stay and a valid hotel booking.

Macau

It is the place where you can go to try your luck at Blackjack, Poker or SOT machines. It is also the place to witness rich Portuguese history and relish Portuguese food. Indians do get a free visa for up to 30 days on showing valid return tickets with sufficient funds to cover their trip.

Mauritius

Mauritius  is one of Indian Ocean’s top holiday spots. Its water sports and scuba diving spots are amazing. If you are planning for a relaxed beach vacation, this is the perfect spot. Here you will find a mixed culture of Indians, French and Africans. Indians can stay here visa- free for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 180 days on the condition of showing a valid return ticket along with sufficient funds for their trip.

Nepal

India shares its border with Nepal which means you can drive, ride or fly into the country. Indians do not even need a passport for the purpose; having a voter’s ID card or a driving license is sufficient. You can go to Nepal to trek or to visit the Buddhist temples or to enjoy the beauty of its capital city Kathmandu. As mentioned above Indians don’t need a visa, they can visit Nepal with a valid voters ID card or driving license. Also, they can stay and work there for 6 months.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go for them..!!

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Relax

Facts you would not know about Machli; the Royal Tigress of Ranthambore

Machli, the queen of Ranthambore was known so, because of a fish-like mark on the left side of her face. Machli was 20-year-old tigress and that made her world’s oldest tigress.She boasted of being one of the most photographed tigeress in the world.

This tigress was the mother of over 50 per cent of all the tigers and tigresses in the park and is responsible for around Rs.65 crore per annum business for the national park.

She was also known as the “lady of the lake” since she loved spending most of her time around water bodies, and some time ago, had a fierce encounter with 14 feet long crocodile, during which she lost her teeth.

Popularly known as ‘grandmother of Ranthambore, she is most popular amongst the wildlife lovers, naturalists, and TV channels. Be it national geographic, or Animal planet or BBC world, her 50 min documentary titled “Queen of Tigers” became very popular.

For her exemplary contribution to tourism , The Indian government issued a commemorative postal cover and stamp to honor the tigress and also been bestowed with TOFT lifetime achievement award.

She truly lived the life king size!!

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