Category: Travel Trends

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Travel Trends

5 Places for Mother-daughter solo trips

Mother-Daughter solo trip

A mother is your closest buddy in disguise and your strength in distress. Her devotion is selfless and cannot repay by everything in this universe. Whenever you need support, encouragement, and, inspiration she is always by your side. What’s a better present than a holiday with your mom? Escape with her through the wild globe to take her all the notable locations she wants to visit. Let her live the adolescent moments and let her be safe from a mother’s no-holiday work! Here’s the best collection of destinations ideal for the happy mom and daughter duo:

Jaipur

Escape into the Jaipur Royal Territory. Marvel at the royal palaces’ larger-than-life designs, feed her with the lip-smacking Rajasthani cuisines, and shop until you drop off the lively Jaipur avenues.  Jaipur is the ideal spot to spend a peaceful holiday with your mom because you will see a lot more than forts and fortresses. To honor your mother with just the finest, you get tradition, food, and hospitality. You can also take a trip to Jaipur by road from Delhi.

Pondicherry

If you can’t take your mom to Goa for beaches, so Pondicherry will be a better choice to get the beauty of Goan in a glamorous and quiet version. You will get to explore gorgeous beaches, French art and tasty seafood. Bond with your mom as never before in the peaceful environment of Pondicherry’s white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. Pondicherry filled with lovely beaches where you can rest and soak up the sun. They are also the best place to learn water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. It is a great getaway from Bengaluru

Kerala

There are several excuses to take your mom on vacation to ‘God’s land- Kerala.‘ Kerala’s lavish Ayurvedic and Spa resorts will be useful to bust her pain. Kovalam is the peaceful beaches to see. Explore the sanctuaries of biodiversity for crazy elephant trip.  Munnar is an epitome of the serenity, and the amazing is the Alleppey backwaters! You will have an excellent opportunity to experience serene backwaters and rolling hills, gushing waterfalls and adrenaline-pumping boat races on your Kerala tour; ancient history in modern cities; delicious food and vibrant festivals.

Mashobra

Mashobra, a softer version of Shimla, is not deficient in natural elegance. It looks beautiful with apple orchards and pine trees; Mashobra lets you appreciate nature’s beauty without the tourist hustle and bustle. There’s a significant explanation of why you would pick Mashobra as your travel destination instead of Shimla. You should go to Mahasu Devta Temple, Wildflower hall, etc.  If you and your mom are the people who have unconditional love for those lush Himachali slopes, then a trip to Mashobra is a must.

Srinagar

Known as Jammu’s Summer Capital, Srinagar does have every reason to be known as Kashmir an earthly paradise. With the most beautiful person in your world, there is no better place on earth to enjoy the natural beauty. Take her to the beautiful fields of strawberry, Shalimar Bagh and Gulmarg, and let her remember the old days of Bollywood when a lot of Shashi Kapoor and Dev Anand films filmed here. Srinagar also houses tremendously beautiful Tulip and Mughal Gardens in many movies. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary and Wular Lake are some of the other prominent attractions. The Mughal Gardens are among the best locations in Srinagar to explore.

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

Explore The Traveler In You  !!

Are you a traveler at heart, and does it create an energizing spirit in your mind? While exploring different types of traveling spirits within yourself, the amplification of knowledge is hard to bear. Have you ever wondered what makes you a traveler at heart? Envisage the time of booking a flight, and the grin you hold is hard to hide. The instant attractions you experience soon after booking the tickets addiction to explore become more intense. Here is what you need to know the traveler in you.

Love photography and technology

If you love to get those perfect shots during a trip, you will get a plethora of opportunities to capture those instant shots. Good photography can create a string of beautiful stories when you share them with all the people you love. Today, you can hardly miss the tech-savvy traveler who uses the latest camera and travel accessories. You can make your creativity to maximize in any location across the globe.

Adventurer

Does your mind respond to all those trips where you will get a host of activities to pursue, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, river rafting, and hiking? You can arrange your tour of those terrains that are relatively difficult. The best option is to organize a trip with a group of travelers to keep your adrenaline rushing. The backpackers are similar to adventurers who love exploring different regions irrespective of the terrain. For the adventurers, traveling to natural regions is the best they can ask. Typically, a wide range of physical activities characterizes adventurous trips.

Exploring fashion trends

For a few travelers, there is nothing more exciting than the excavation of many fashion trends across the globe. Needless to say, we #ghoomophirosisters totally enjoy shopping the local stuff from the place.

Food lovers 

If you are one of those travelers who love to move around in different locations while searching for local cuisine and good food in restaurants, you are a food lover and traveler. While you can look for some of the most reputed places to eat, the small eateries located here, and there are a few places you need to explore. Who knows, you may gorge on the archetypal food items and deviate from the usual as well. 

Romantic at heart 

If you love to watch the stars in the night sky, you are quintessentially romantic. Well, it can be your chance to capture the beach locations that resonate with your thoughts. What is best about a romantic trip is that it includes a lot of other traveling urges.

Searching for soul

The travelers looking for inner peace and wisdom can arrange trips to remote locations that are away from the crowded places. Most of these travelers all alone and prefer experimenting with mountainous locations where peace reigns supreme. 

The real tourist

If you enjoy a host of activities that combine everything from sightseeing, eating, and shopping, you are a standard tourist. These tourists typically carry maps to access different locations and regions where you will find a lot to savor. 

Traveling is one of those activities that excite travelers in one or another form. All you need is to pack your valise before going off for a jaunt.

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Spiritual Hubs Travel Trends

Shakti Peethas Outside India

There’s this thing that makes India different from the rest of the world and that is the culture and the religious beliefs that we have. There are many religious beliefs and almost 330 million Gods and Goddesses that make India the country it is. Every God and Goddess have their own shrine and stories behind the formation of the shrines.

Although there is one story of the Goddess Sati that left a huge mark in the history of Hinduism. The marks that Goddess Sati left are now known as the Shakti Peethas and there are many of them in India and outside India as well. So today we will talk about the Shakti Peethas outside India.

What is Shakti Peethas?

Now before we can head on to the list of Shakti Peethas outside India, let’s know a little about them. Shaktipeeths or Shakti Peethas are the shrines of Goddess Sati where it’s believed that body parts of Goddess Sati corpse fell.

The story behind the Shakti Peethas

The son of Lord Brahma, Prajapati Daksha had a daughter named Sati when Sati was born she was raised with the stories of Lord Shiva, and when Sati got in the age of marriage she decided to marry Lord Shiva. Prajapati Daksha didn’t like that decision and was hurt when Sati married Lord Shiva. So later to insult Lord Shiva Prajapati Daksha held a massive Yagna where he invited everyone but not Lord Shiva.

After hearing about that Sati went to her father’s place and there everyone including his father insulted Lord Shiva. Hearing all the hurtful words Sati couldn’t bear and ended up giving her life there only when Lord Shiva came to know about Sati’s death he got furious and started doing ‘Tandav’ while holding Sati’s dead body. Later to calm Lord Shiva down, Lord Vishnu chopped Sati’s dead body into 51 pieces which later fell in different places which we now call as the Shakti Peethas.

Shaktipeeths outside India

Shikarpur

  • Location: Bangladesh
  • Body part: Nose
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Sugandha

The divine temple of Goddess Sati where she resides and is worshipped by the people in the form of Shakti Sugandha is located at the Banks of Sonda River near the Barisal town. The locals here also call the Goddess Sugandha as Devi Tara.

Sri Shail

  • Location: Bangladesh
  • Body part: Neck
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Maha Lakshmi

The holy shrine of Goddess Sati where she resides and worshipped in the form of Shakti Maha Lakshmi is situated in the Jaunpur village in Bangladesh. Goddess Maha Lakshmi is very well known for bringing the money or wealth with her and worshipped by every businessman and in every house.

Shivaharkaray

  • Location: Karachi Pakistan
  • Body part: Eyes
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Mahishmardini

Just near the Parkai railways station in Karachi, you will find the hokey temple of Goddess Sati where she resides and is worshipped in the form of Shakti Mahishmardini.

Chandranath

  • Location: Bangladesh
  • Body part: Right-arm
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Bhawani

When you go to the top of the Chandranath hills in Bangladesh there you will find the holy temple of Goddess Sati where she resides and is worshipped in the form of Shakti or Maa Bhawani.

Guhyeshwari

  • Location: Nepal
  • Body part: Both knees
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Mahashira

This divine temple of Goddess Sati where she resides and worshipped in the form of Shakti Mahashira is located in Kathmandu Nepal near the temple of Pashupati Nath. This temple was made in the 17th Century by a king named Pratap Malla.

Nainativu

  • Location: Sri Lanka
  • Body part: Anklets
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Indrakshi

In Sri Lanka when you go near the capital of Jaffna you will find Nallur where this divine shrine of Goddess Sati where she resides in the form of Shakti Indrakshi is located. This is also believed that in the time of Ramayana Sri Ravana and Lord Rama used to worship Shakti Indrakshi.

Mansa

  • Location: Tibet, China, and Mansarovar. This is because the temple is just at the foot of Kailash Mountain that connects it with all this.
  • Body part: Right Hand
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Dakshayani

The divine temple of Goddess Sati where she resides in the form of Shakti Dakshayani is situated at the foot of Kailash where her Right hand is believed to have fallen. This divine shrine is famous for its stone slab form and many people visit here.

Yogeshwari

  • Location: Bangladesh
  • Body part: Palms of her hand and soles of her feet
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Yogeshwari also called as Goddess Jashoreshwari

The divine temple of Goddess Sati is situated in Iswaripur village in the district of Khulna. It is said that Goddess Shakti resides here as Goddess Jashoreshwari.

Jayanti

  • Location: Bangladesh
  • Body part: Left thigh
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Jayanti

The divine temple of Goddess Shakti Jayanti is situated at Kalajore in Bangladesh. The locals also call it the Nartiang Durga Temple where the Goddess Sati resides in the form of Shakti Jayanti.

10. Hinglaj

  • Location: Pakistan
  • Body part: Top part of her head
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Kottari

This divine temple is not easy to visit if you are Indian because there will be lots of trouble when you go to this temple which is situated in Balochistan a few Kms away from Karachi. It is believed that the top part of Goddess Sati’s head fell here and from that time Goddess Sati resides there in the form of Shakti Kottari.

11. Gandaki

  • Location: Nepal
  • Body part: Forehead
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Gandaki Chandi

In the beautiful country of Nepal near the banks of Gandaki river lies this divine shrine of Goddess Sati who resides here in the form of Goddess Shakti Gandaki Chandi. You can also find here the Ancient text encrypted by Lord Vishnu himself in this holy land.

12. Bhavanipur

  • Location: Bangladesh
  • Body part: Left ankle ornament
  • Opens on: Almost every day
  • Resides as: Shakti Aparna

The divine temple of Goddess Shakti Aparna is situated in Sherpur village, it is said that in this holy place Goddess Sati’s left ankle ornament was fallen. You can not visit this place so easily as it comes to Bangladesh now and you will need to get permission to enter there.

Jai Mata Di!!

Categories
Inspiration Travel Trends

Travel Dialogues by Irrfan Khan, a Versatile Actor

The country has lost one of the finest actors in the form of Irrfan Khan, who was legendary not only in his acting but also in his day to day behavior. With him, passing away, the Indian film industry will surely feel a void. An NSD alumni has given the nation some of the quality cinema in the form of his acting in world acclaimed movies like The Namesake, Life of Pi, The Lunchbox, Piku, Paan Singh Tomar, Hindi Medium, Life in a Metro, Slumdog Millionaire, Karwaan and so many more.

As the nation mourns the actor, sharing some of the best travel quotes from his movies.. May he keep inspiring the traveler inside each one of us.

1. “When you are young you are fascinated by so many things. Some things drop, some stay. I can be without anything but I cannot be without nature.”

2. “Subah 6 baje uth kar murge hi yoga karti hain, hum itni jaldi kyun uthenge, hum kya yahan doodh baatne aaye hain.”
– Qarib Qarib Singlle

3. “I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.”
– Life of Pi

4. “Do yourself a favor. Before it’s too late, without thinking too much about it first, pack a pillow and a blanket and see as much of the world as you can. You will not regret it. One day it will be too late.”
– The Namesake

5. “Haan train par hi hoon, lekin apni nahi, dusri par chad gaya.”
– Qarib Qarib Singlle

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Spiritual Hubs Travel Trends

4 Dhams of India

In India, there are many different religions and cultures that we follow but the majority of the peoples are Hindu. Which is why there are many stories of Hindu Gods and Goddesses in the past that left their mark in the Hindu culture.  Thousands of people go there every day just to visit and worship the marks left by Gods and Goddesses.

What are 4 Dhams?

4 Dhams known as Char Dham in India are the names of the most pilgrimage sites in the whole of India. Many Indians just want to visit them once in their life before they die, the Char Dhams are one of the most sacred places for Hindus.

Char Dhams of India

1. Jagannath Temple, Puri

  • Location: Odisha
  • Main deity: Lord Jagannath
  • Nearest railway station/Airport: Puri Train station or Bhubaneshwar Airport 
  • Opens on: Every day for 24 Hours
  • Places to stay: Hotel Jagannath Darshan, Basanti Hotel and Hotel Oyo 6295.

The Jagannath temple is located at Puri in the state of Odisha. Here in this temple, Shri Krishna resides in the form of Lord Jagannath. This temple is the only one in the whole India where you will see Lord Krishna’s sister Subhadra and brother Lord Balabhadra getting worshipped with Lord Krishna who resides here as Lord Jagannath.

Odisha people also celebrate a special day in this temple which is known as ‘Ratha Yatra’ Ratha means chariot Yatra means journey. This is one of the most important Dham in the Char Dhams of India. In this temple it is also believed that all of them represent the main 3 deities, Lord Jagannath represents Lord Vishnu, Lord Balabhadra Represent Lord Maheshwara which is another name of Lord Shiva, and Subhadra Represent Lord Brahma.

2. Ramanathaswamy Temple

  • Location: Tamil Nadu
  • Main deity: Lord Shiva
  • Nearest railway station: Rameswaram Train station
  • Opens on:  Every day from 5 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm 
  • Places to stay: Vel Residency Hotel, Hotel Royal Residency, and Hotel Park Plaza.

In the southern part of India, there is a place called Rameswaram which is famous for being one of the Pilgrimage sites in Indian because of the Ramanathaswamy Dham. The place also has a history that during the Treta-yuga Lord Rama built a bridge of stones from here to Sri Lanka during his quest of finding Goddess Sita.

The temple is well known because while the Time Lord Rama stayed there he made a Shiv-Ling to worship Lord Shiva and since that time Shiv-Ling remains there and Lord Shiva is worshipped there in the form of Linga and named Shri Ramanath Swamy. In this story also Lord Rama represents Lord Vishnu, his brother Lord Lakshman represents Lord Shiva, and Hanuman represents Lord Brahma.

3. Dwarkadhish Temple

  • Location: Gujarat
  • Main Deity: Lord Krishna
  • Nearest railway station: Dwarka Train station
  • Opens on: Every day from 6:30 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Places to stay: Shri Krishna Hotel, Hotel Gomti, and Hotel Nand Nandan, VITS Hotel

The Dwarkadhish Temple is located in the State of Gujarat in the city of Dwarka. This temple is situated where the Gomti River meets The Arabian sea. The temple is known as one of the Dhams as it’s the place where Lord Krishna in the Dwapar-yuga decided to make this place his residence.

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Since that time this place is worshipped and the Dwarkadhish temple also resembles Lord Krishna. On the day of Lord Krishna’s birth, which is known as Janmashtami, the whole city of Dwarka celebrates it with so much energy and decorates the whole city and the temple is filled with the ‘Bhog'(offering) for Lord Krishna in the Dwarkadheesh temple.

4. Badrinath Temple

  • Location: Uttarakhand
  • Main deity: Lord Vishnu
  • Nearest railway station: Rishikesh railway station, after that you need to take a bus to get there.
  • Opens on: 30 April 4:30 am till October\November.
  • Places to stay: Sarovar Portico Badrinath, New Hotel Snow Crest, and GMVN Tourist Rest House.

The Badrinath temple lies in the Garhwal Hills in the state of Uttarakhand. This divine temple of Badrinath was the first Dham in the all 4 Dhams to be found. It is said that in the Sat-yuga at this place Narayana the incarnation of Lord Vishnu came here for Tapasya. When he came there at the spot the berry tree which is called Badri in Sanskrit.

So at that place, the berry tree grows to save Narayana from sun rays and rains. It is also believed that it was Goddess Lakshmi who became that tree to save Narayana from sun and rain so he can finish his Tapasya in peace. That is why the place is called Badrinath, just like Shiva- Parvati since that time Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayana are also called Badri-Nath.

So as we saw that other than Badrinath temple every other Dham is very close to the railway station and opens on every day of the year. While for Badrinath temple you might need to do some planning of how you will go and where you will stay all kinds of things because you will be going in the hills.

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

Guide To Travel In The Age Of COVID-19

The spread of coronavirus has aroused anxiety and unrest among those who had already booked their vacations and flight tickets. There are some places where the pandemic has spread more and there are few places where it has reached and access are being reported in high numbers. The epicentre of this virus is deemed to change if the scenario continues with no vaccines currently available to deal with this. In such a scenario whether you should stick to your travel plans or cancel them altogether is a question that remains a moot point of discussion.

Cancelling plans

It is, first of all, a personal choice if you still want to travel amidst the spread of this virus. There are definitely some nations that have restricted tourism and travel for recreational purpose with an intention to control the spread of this epidemic. However, there are many others that have taken no such measures. In case you have planned a trip to a place where coronavirus has still not reached you can definitely continue to stick to your plans but before that, you must have a look at the government policy regarding emigration and immigration. There is no point travelling to and fro from places and eventually having to go into quarantine for 2 weeks or so. A healthy alternative is always to stay back home if possible.

Things to be concerned about

When you travel in normal days, it is totally you who is subject to get bothered with respect to the conditions in the external world. However, during times of pandemic, it is not just you who is going to get bothered by your travel plans. It is surely possible that you travel to and fro from a place without contracting the virus but what about you being a potential carrier of the virus and means of its spread? Being a social animal you ought to consider all these things. By sticking to your travel plans amidst the spread of coronavirus you can be a threat to millions of people who you come across and vice versa.

Refund on cancelling travel plans

It totally depends on the brands that you have made your bookings with. Mostly, you do not get a refund if you plan to cancel the travel on an individual basis but in case it is the government authority or the company itself that cancel the flights then most probably you may get a refund or at least a compensation in one form or the other. Though most of the travel organizations have come out in this crisis and are offering free cancellations.

Travelling in the next few months

In the wake of the spread of this virus, it is hard to say what travelling would be like in months to come. Unless and until governments of different nations do not come to a conclusion regarding controlling the spread it is recommended that you should avoid making travel plans. This is one of the many safety instructions that have been published by the officials of several nations in an attempt to control the spread of this pandemic. Needless to say, before travelling, have

By restricting our travel plans we can be of great help to the public authorities who are trying to put in their best efforts to control the spread. Stay Safe !!

Categories
Culture Travel Trends

Most Popular Sarees From Odisha

One of the most popular traditional outfits in India is undoubtedly a saree. Not only is this the oldest attire existent on others but still considered to be the most fashionable dress up.  Women usually prefer wearing this piece of clothing as it makes them look stylish and elegant on the one hand and keeps them comfortable on the other hand. Though there are different types of sarees prevalent in India one of the most preferred and celebrated sarees is from Odisha.

  1. Bomkai Saree/Sonepuri Saree

Bomkai cotton sarees are basically preferred to be worn on a daily basis in contrast to the silk sarees that are best suited for special occasions. The details on the border of this piece of clothing are actually what differentiates it from the rest of the sarees available across the nation. The design that the borders of this particular saree carry are known to be a symbol of success as well as affluence. The major attraction remains to be the thread work that the border designs exhibit. This is an elegant yet simple saree type that most of the women prefer.

  1. Ikat Saree/Bandha Saree

This saree is a result of the process that is popularly known as tie-dying wherein the warp as well as the weft threads are used to create the design, especially on the loom before weaving takes place. The designs usually comprise of the figures of flora and fauna apart from rudraksha beads, the beautiful geometric designs, the dice as well as temple towers. It is woven with the Ikat yarn that in turn is produced by Bhullas from Western Odisha. The saree comprises of not only the superior fabric but also the superior pattern.

  1. Kotpad Saree

These are ideally the cotton sarees having solid borders that are dyed organically rendering an essence of richness to this clothing. There is no denying the fact that creating this type of a saree is ideally a time-consuming process but the outcome is worth all the time. The eye-pleasing designs, as well as the shades, are all that women usually crave for.

  1. 4. Dhalapathar Saree

Dhalapathar sarees are ideally woven by the Rangani community residing in the Dhalapatharvillage. Kusumi Kapta, Muktapunji, Nahati, Kankana Pedi and Akata are other terms by which this type of a saree is popularly acknowledged. It is one of the most beautiful forms of saree that you must have in your collection.

  1. Saptapar Saree/Pasappali Saree

The intricate check patterns of contrasting colors that resemble the chess boards on the body and border of the saree is the differentiating feature of this saree that popular find supplies from Sonepur, Barpali and Baunsri regions of Western Odisha. Silk thread, Cotton thread, Tussar, Mix of Silk & Tussar are used to weave these sarees and give them the delicate touch they exhibit.

Overall, these are the popular sarees from Odisha that all the saree lovers must have in their collection. These are fit to be worn on any occasion as well as on a daily basis.

Categories
Festival South India Travel Trends

Human By Nature making Kerala truly God’s Country

Kerala has always been fascinating for us as ghoomophirosisters. The first time we went to meet a friend in Kochi, we extended our vacation to explore the humans of Kerala. We are penning down this article to support and spread the word of the latest campaign of Kerala Tourism Board “Human by Nature”, which truly resonates with our experience too. 

Keralites are diverse and colorful

Kerala boasts of having some of the most diverse folks. During your stroll in the morning, you can find fishermen’s getting ready for their day working out with their nets, while some of the women would be busy drawing creative Rangolis, where-as there are homestays, where you would be surprised to see kids learning local martial art Kalaripayattu. For us, it was about imbibing their day journey within us. 

Not only this, like any other Indian state, Keralites are firm believers of “athithi devo bhav”, meaning “guests are god”. You can truly live this experience while you are staying with locals in homestays like we did or in the house-boats of Alleppey. They are too eager to share their culture, their lifestyle with us, which makes us feel very overwhelming. During our visit to Munnar, few ladies who were busy plucking tea-leaves even agree to share how their day look like and much more. The broad smile on their faces and the kids with them was heartening and radiating positivity about the place. We were completely submerged in their non-fussy, simplistic, uncomplicated culture which was evident in everything they were pursuing.

An open-minded approach and a multicultural attitude have, undoubtedly, allowed Kerala to become one of the most progressive states in India.

We were lucky to visit the place during Onam and the residents of the homestay, where we chose to stay, made sure we both participate with our full enthusiasm. Their hospitality was unmatchable.

Sharing this video from Kerala Tourism Board, which will make you believe what exactly we just said. This 3-minute clip encapsulates the power of humans, the inclusivity and magnificence that Keralites behold to make the state furthermore beautiful.

“The Food”, to satiate your coconut craving

Well, being a vegetarian, we were delighted to have such a wide variety of cuisines, though coconut and rice were the key ingredients. Thoroughly enjoyed the permutations and combinations that we ate.

Nature at its best 

Nothing could be more romantic than viewing the green Munnar tea-plantation to cruising in the backwaters of Alleppey to lazing in the white beaches of Kovalam with your special someone. The beauty of Kerala is the result of its landscape diversity which includes almost 600km of gorgeous beaches; a slow-paced network of jungle backwaters, the tea-covered hills. We still recall our key itinerary spots. Adding them here, so that you add them in your itinerary too.

  • Kochi, famous for its amazing Chinese fishing nets and the sunsets.
  • Thekkady, where you will rejoice yourself with elephants.
  • Munnar, a hill station that will make you fall in love with its green tree-plantation
  • Alleppey, Cruise in its backwaters and stay in the houseboat
  • Kovalam, beachside scenic place
  • Wayanad, part of Kerala which is an adventure-lovers paradise.

And last but not least, there is a reason why Kerala boasts of being amongst top travel destinations and that reason is wonderful people of  Kerala apart from its quintessential beauty. Summing up the post with the sunset at Cherai Beach!!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Kerala Tourism 

Categories
Festival Travel Tips Travel Trends

Best Sound and Light Shows in India

Eyes, the perceiver of light, are our most used sense organ – in fact, used more than all the other senses combined. Ears, perceivers of sound, take the second spot. And they are also the sense organs with which we take most of our pleasure in – whether it be through music or physical beauty of Alia Bhat. Light and Sound show combined the ability of these two organs to receive pleasure much as movies and theatre do. What sets light and sound shows is that they have lesser involvement of artists compared to theatres. They sprung up during the 1960s and 1970s when music concerts which were immensely popular at that time started using theatrical techniques that controlled lights to enhance the aesthetic of the experience they offered.

The sound and light shows have seen a decline in popularity but have survived and might find revival as new technologies enhance the experience they are capable of providing. With air pollution creating intense health hazards during festival season in Delhi, the government of Delhi had held a new Lights and Sound show to deflect people from using crackers that are a major source of the decline in the quality of air around that time of year.

Today, we shall bring you a list of Light and Sound shows in India that simply can not be missed. :

1. Light and Sound Show at Purana Qila, Delhi

This light show is probably the best and most entertaining way of learning about culture during the time of Mughal rulers and thus makes it to our list of best Light and Sound Shows in India. Locally known by the beautiful name of ‘Ishq-e-Dilli’ or ‘love of Delhi’, the show celebrates the 5000-year-old history of India.

The show is managed by Delhi tourism and the ticket for the show is 100 INR for adults and 50 INR for children (3 to 12 years) and senior citizens.

How to reach Light and Sound Show at Purana Qila, Delhi?

The festival, being held in one of the oldest forts of New Delhi, is easiest to reach.

When is Light and Sound Show at Purana Qila, Delhi held?

Every day except Sunday. If you wish to see it in Hindi go for the 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. show whereas if you will like to see it in English, go from 9.00 p.m.To 10.00 p.m. show.

2. Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, Delhi

Another Light and sound show from the capital city, Light and Sound Show at Red Fort is next in our list best light shows in India. A Light and Sound Show that has to find a mention in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, the Booker prize nominated and shortlisted book by Arundhati Roy; it also has the advantage of being held at one of the most important landmarks of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be early to have your fill of this historical site before you move on to Light and Sound Show.

The show has a ticket costing 60 INR on weekdays and 80 INR on weekends and government holidays for adults. For children between 3 to 12 years of age, the ticket costs 20 INR for weekdays and 30 INR on weekends.

How to reach Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, Delhi?

Red Fort is a landmark in Delhi and thus very easy to reach.

When is the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, Delhi held?

Every day except Mondays from 7.30. p.m. to 8.30. p.m. for shows in Hindi language and 9.00 p. m. to 10.00 p.m. in the English language.

3. Light and Sound Show at Amber Fort, Jaipur

The Light and Sound Show of Jaipur is the best way to learn about the beautiful Pink city. The shower covers the history of Amber Fort along with the stories of 28 kings of the Kachhwaha told through music which is sometimes folk and sometimes Bollywood combined with just the right amounts of commentary.

The well preserved Amber Fort is located near Aravalli mountains and Jaipur’s City lights complement the light show immensely well. And the Light and Sound Show is hardly the only attraction for tourists in Jaipur. There is a ticket of 250 INR for the show.

How to reach Light and Sound Show at Amber fort, Jaipur?

Jaipur is well connected to the rest of the country having its airport – Sanganer International Airport. It also is a major railway junction. By roadways, it is connected to the rest of the country via National Highways 8, 11 and 12.

When is Light and Sound Show at Amber fort, Jaipur held?

The show is held all seven days of the week but the timings of the show vary according to the time of the year. There are shows in both Hindi and English and are normally held in evenings and nights. The Hindi shows start at 8 PM in April, 8:30 from May to September and for the rest of the year, the show starts at 7:30 P.M.

The English show starts an hour earlier than the Hindi show – that is, at 7 PM from  March and April, 7:30 P.M. from May to September and 6:30 P.M. for the rest of the year.

4. Light and Sound Show at Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Hyderabad is one of the most beautiful cities in India and is adorned with a rich history. The best way to learn about its rich history is the Light and Sound show held at Golconda Fort of the city – which makes it to the fourth position in our list of Light and Sound shows. This Light and Sound Show narrated the history of the city when it was ruled by the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

How to reach Light and Sound Show at Golconda Fort?

Hyderabad has its own international airport – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and 3 railway stations. The city also enjoys great road connectivity. Thus the city enjoys great connectivity by rail, road, and air. Golconda Fort is a local landmark and you will have no trouble reaching it.

When does the Light and Sound Show at Golconda Fort start?

The show has a capacity of 400 people strong audience. The timings vary a lot. For English shows, the timings are 7:00 P.M. from March to October and 6:30 P.M. for November through February.

The other show can either be in Hindi or Telugu – and you must confirm the language if that is the show you are after. It starts an hour and a quarter after the English show – that is 8:15 P.M. from March to October and 7:45 P.M from November to February. The show has a ticket the cost 140 INR for Executive class adults and 110 INR for other adults. For children, it 80 INR for executive class and 60 INR for the rest.

5. Light and Sound Show at Somnath Temple, Gujarat

Leaving History alone for a while, let us now take up Light and Sound show that promise a spiritual experience.

The Somnath Temple of Gujrat doesn’t need a Light and Sound show to attract tourists as it is a Temple of great religious importance to Hindus being one of 12 jyotirlingas of the world. The temple is dedicated to great god Lord Shiva.

That said it does have a brilliant light and sound show using laser lights called Jai Somnath Show. The shows tell you about the history of the temple that was destroyed and reconstructed several times. If that is not enough, the evening arti too is quite a light show in itself.

The show has a ticket of mere 25 INR.

How to reach Light and Sound Show at Somnath Temple, Gujarat?

The nearest airport is at Diu which is 63 kilometers away and you can take taxis from there. The nearest railway station is at Veraval, only 5 kilometers from Somnath. The best way to travel to Somnath is by road and the city enjoys immense road connectivity. We highly recommend combining your trip with that to Dwarka and Diu.

When is Light and Sound Show at Somnath Temple, Gujarat held?

The show is held throughout the year from 8 P.M. to 9 P.M. every day.

6. Sound and Light Show at City Palace, Udaipur

Next in our list of Light and Sound Shows is one held at City Palace, Udaipur. It is the first privately owned Sound and Light show of India. It has its own script titles “Yash Ki Dharohar” written by the respected writer Pandit Narendra Mishra.

The amazing show is carried out in an open area between the palace known as the Manek chowk. The show has a set of 12 episodes, which are showcased one after the other. It is based upon the rich history of the Mewar dynasty. The city palace is immensely well maintained and sitting arrangements are unparalleled for such shows in India.

How to reach Sound and Light Show at City Palace, Udaipur?

The city has its own domestic airport although it is still 22 kilometers away from the city and you might have to hire a cab. The bus stand is within the city and enjoys good road connectivity. The railway connectivity is also good as the city has its own railway station.

When is Sound and Light Show at City Palace, Udaipur held?

The Sound and Light Show at City Palace, Udaipur has its timings from 8:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. from May to August and 8:30 to 9:30 P.M. for the rest of the year. One of the major perks is that the tickets can be booked online and so you don’t have to stand in long queues.

7. Light and Sound Show at Victoria Memorable, Kolkata

Victoria Memorable at Kolkata was constructed in the honor of Queen Victoria. The building that is over a hundred-year-old is a monument of colonial heritage but has been converted into a museum. Come early in order to have your fill of the amazing artifacts the museum has to offer. In the evenings, it holds a Sound and Light Show named pride and glory of the city of Kolkata – celebrating the rich history of the city which was always at the root of India’s freedom struggle.

How to reach Kolkata?

Kolkatta has its own airport – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). The railway and road connectivity are equally brilliant.

When is Light and Sound Show at Victoria Memorable held?

The timings for the show in Bengali Show from October to February are 6.15 pm to 07.00 pm and from 06.45 pm to 07.30 pm from March to June. While English shows are held from 07.15 pm to 08.00 pm from October to February and from 07.45 pm to 08.30 pm from March to June. There are no shows for months of July and September. Also, there are no shows on Mondays and National holidays.

8. Light and Sound Show at Mysore Palace, Mysore

Mysore Palace is one of the best palaces in India. One element, for example, has shown the Hindu mythological Goddess Chamundi slew the demon Mahishasure. It has a rich history in India’s freedom struggle – and all the better, if you don’t know about it as then you can learn it from the Sound and Light show held in the city palace.

How to reach Light and Sound Show at Mysore Palace, Mysore?

The nearest airport is at Bangalore only which is a good 170 kilometers away but you can catch a bus from there as Mysore enjoys good road connectivity. Railways are another good option and are only at a distance of 2 kilometers from the city.

How to reach Light and Sound Show at Mysore Palace, Mysore?

If you are going to visit this place, then the timing which you take into consideration is 07.00 pm to 07.40 pm, and the show will remain closed on Sundays along with the national holidays.

Last words

This is all from us today however these are not all the sound and light shows, there are many others such as –

1. Brindaban Sound and Light Show, Mysore, Karnataka

2. Sound and Light Show at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Panjab

3. Sound and Light Show, Hampi, Karnataka

4. Sound and Light Show, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

5. Sound and Light Show, Port Blair, Andaman, and the Nicobar Islands

6. Sound and Light Show, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

This is all from us. We hope you give this unique form of entertainment a chance because the experience they have to offer is enchanting.

Categories
Culture Festival Travel Trends

Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking

India is a land of festivals. There is no end to festivals that are celebrated in this land rightly popular for the diversity of its cultures, traditions, religions, and celebrations.

Today we bring you a list of best festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking:

1. International Yoga Festival

The International Yoga Festival is gaining popularity along with Yoga as a welcome break from our busy lives. The best place to experience this festival to be held during the first week of 2020 (March 1 to 7) is Rishikesh – more specifically at Parmarth Niketan. Though yoga training sessions will be held throughout the city as well as the country. Rishikesh is immensely gifted with nature’s beauty with the Ganga river flowing through this little city of temples and Himalayas creating Panoramic views.

How to reach Rishikesh?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport at Dehra Dun 35 kilometers while the nearest railway station is at a distance of 25 kilometers at Haridwar. The best way to reach Rishikesh is by road and the city enjoys some credible road connectivity.

2. Parippally Gajamela

The word ‘Gajam’ in the name means elephant and ‘mela’ means fair. The festival held on March 4 every year is observed in Paripally Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakaali Temple, Kollam district in the state of Kerala. It was originally a profession where wealthy families of Kerala flaunted their wealth by ornamenting their elephants. Besides the procession of elephants, the Mela is an awesome place to enjoy local cultural shows and folk music.

How to reach Kollam for Parippally Gajamela?

The nearest bus stand is Kollam Junction, about 22 km away from Paripally whereas the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport about 45 km away. The road transportation is available.

3. Eternal Mewar Holika Dahan

When it comes to Holi, Mathura and Vrindavan are of course the first place comes to mind as Lord Krishna born there used to popularly celebrate the festival with Gopis.

However, we will wish you to head to Udaipur for this festival which was an obvious member in our list of best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking.

Holi is probably the second most popular Hindu festival after Diwali. The festival is marked with the symbolism of victory of Good over evil. In 2020, it falls from March 9 to March 10. among the most celebrated festival in the country. Holika Dehan is held on the evening of the first day and the next morning, people play with colors and water. We recommend you celebrate this is Udaipur City Palace where the royal family has still upheld the traditions of celebrating the festival.

How to reach Udaipur for Eternal Mewar Holika Dehan?

The city has its own domestic airport although it is still 22 kilometers away from the city and you might have to hire a cab. The bus stand is within the city and enjoys good road connectivity. The railway connectivity is also good as the city has its own railway station.

4. Lathmar Holi

Another form of Holi called Lathmar Holi is next in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking is Lathmar Holi. Here it is celebrated with the modification that women use bamboos on men while men try to throw colors at women. Feel guarantee to have a choice of the best cuisine. We recommend you head to Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura to enjoy this strange form of a festival.

How to reach Barsana and Nandgaon for Lathmar Holi?

You can catch the bus from Mathura. Agra airport is nearest to Mathura but has very few flights. Mathura is a major railway junction and the city enjoys both road and rail connectivity.

5. Deccan Festival

The 5-day festival celebrated from February 25 to March 1 and makes the next item in our Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. Head to Qutub Shahi Tombs of Hyderabad to be a part of this festival which is marked by a display of art, culture, music, poetry and culinary delight. Plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs as you have the option of choosing from countless souvenirs from around the region. Mushairas and Qwalies held here are world-famous.

How to reach Hyderabad?

Hyderabad has its own international airport – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and 3 railway stations. The city also enjoys great road connectivity. Thus the city enjoys great connectivity by rail, road, and air. Golconda Fort is a local landmark and you will have no trouble reaching it.

5. Basanta Utsav

The Basanta Utsav falling on March 10 next year is a festival celebrated much the same as Holi – that is with music and colors and falls on the same day as Holi.

However, if colors are not your thing, head to Shantinikaten – a quiet place in West Bengal dedicated to studying of arts. It is famous for Vishwa Bharati University which was started by the renowned and Asia’s first Nobel Prize for literature winner Sir Rabindranath Tagore. The festival is celebrated here by holding a number of cultural festivals. The aesthetic experience is simply unique and thrilling. The festival is also known as ‘Dol Jatra’ or the ‘Dol Utsav’ and “Rabindrik Basanta Utsav”.

The students wear yellow clothes and the shows are simply amazing. Art, music, and dance come together to create an incredible celebration.

Another reason why you should visit Shantiniketan is there are several places of interest near it including :

Amar Kutir which displays several locally made handicrafts

Tagore’s Aashram – an ashram built by father

Chattimtala – the spot where Tagore’s Father used to meditate.

Deer Park which is home to a naturally bred large family of deer

Khoai Mela which is a weekly fair where artisans from nearby places set up stalls.

How to reach Santiniketan?

The nearest airport to Shantiniketan is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) which lies at a distance of 139 km. Bolpur Railway Station is only 2.8 km away. Santiniketan is very easily accessible by roads from nearby cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and Durgapur.

6. Jaipur Elephant Festival

If Kerala is too far for you, you can head to Jaipur to appease the Elephant lover in you where Jaipur Elephant festival will be held on March 10, 2020. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who bears the head of an elephant. The elephants are adorned, cultural events are organized, the whole city is decorated with beautiful colors and there is festive air throughout the pink city.

How to reach Jaipur?

Jaipur is well connected to the rest of the country having its own airport – Sanganer International Airport. It also is a major railway junction. By roadways, it is connected to the rest of the country via National Highways 8, 11 and 12.

7. Vela’s Turtle Festival

The nature lover in you is gonna love the next festival in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. Vela’s Turtle festival is held in March every year. It is a conservation program which you watch tiny, rare and of course cute highly endangered Olive Ridley turtle babies making their way to the sea at Velas Beach, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The date of the festival varies highly and depends on hatching time and you will have to keep a look at websites throughout the month of March. As many as 4 batches are made for the purpose.

How to reach Ratnagiri to celebrate Vela’s Turtle Festival?

The nearest airport – Goa International Airport is located at a distance of 188 kilometers away. The city enjoys better railway connectivity. By road, it is connected to nearby cities like Mumbai, Cochin, Madgaon, Mangalore, Udupi, Karwar by National Highway 17.

8. Arratu Festival

One of the most important festivals in our list Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking is Arratu Festival. One of the most well-known festivals of Kerala, Arratu Festival is a 10-day celebration which falls from March 15 to March 24 in 2020. Though it is held in several days, the best place to enjoy it is Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram where the idols are taken to the Shankumugham Beach for the holy bath. The procession is led by the head of the royal family of what was once the empire of Travancore.

How to reach Thiruvananthapuram for Arratu Festival?

The city is well connected by air, rail, and road to the rest of the country with its own international airport and as many as five railway stations.

9. Shigmotsav

The next festival in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking Shigmotsav gives you amazing opportunities to enjoy the unique culture of Goa as people of the state dress in fleshy, colorful costumes and dance to local folk music and give live performances to celebrate the coming of Spring. The Float Parade is the best thing about this festival.

How to reach Goa?

The state enjoys brilliant connectivity by air, road, and railways. And you will feel spoilt for the choices.

10. Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram is next in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. It is an important Tamil festival in which thousands of devotees flocking to all Murugan temples. The ten-day festival falls from March 28 to April 6 in 2020. Head to the Subrahmanya temple to be a part of the celebration of this festival auspicious to Lord Vishnu as well as Lord Shiva.

How to reach Subrahmanya temple for Panguini?

The nearest airport Mangalore International is 84 kilometers away. Your best bet is to depend on road transportation which is quite good.

11. Hoysala Mahotsav

Hoysala Mahotsav falls on March 16 next year and thus makes to our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. This one-day celebration at Hoysala Mahotsav held at Hoysala temple Belur and Halebid in Karnataka is joined by a number of Bollywood celebrities.

How to reach Belur Halebid?

Mangalore airport and Bangalore have the closest airports while Hassan railway station accepts trains from Mangalore, Mysore, and Bangalore. You can use cabs locally.

Last words

This is all from us on the Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. Did we miss one? Tell us in the comments below. 🙂

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