Friday, August 16, 2019
Why or how far in advance should book your flight in advance? This is always a confusing question for those who want to book cheap flight tickets. It doesn't matter whether you are looking for cheap flights from the US to India or UAE to Georgia or any other locations, choosing the right date and time is very crucial for every passenger to get the best flight deal.
While some airlines offer tickets to specific destinations on various discount sale, some others promote their tickets in the name of anniversary sales, early-bird offers etc. However, recent studies suggest that the best time to book a domestic flight is about 8 weeks, to be exact 54 days, in advance. Though the prime booking dates vary according to the destinations, for international flights also, travellers need to book earlier than late.
Save Big on Online Flight Tickets
Online flight ticket booking, the most preferred airline ticket booking option helps not only the travel agencies to grow their business, but also help the travellers to book cheap flights from anywhere at any time across the world. Experts are of the opinion that booking your flights 3 months in advance will be the best decision to grab cheap flights on reasonable rates.
The day you book your airline ticket is very decisive in determining the ticket fare. The first thing you should keep in mind is that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the ticket fare will be higher while compared to other days. Higher will be the ticket fare of weekends.
Generally, experts in the industry have pointed out 90 to 95 days before the departure as the best time to book flight tickets. The day you book flight tickets also determines the price of the ticket. Weekends usually tend to have higher rates when compared to weekdays such as Tuesday or Wednesday.
For example, you may easily find cheap flights from Dallas to Kochi on weekdays, especially on Tuesday or Wednesday as the ticket fare will be lower on these days.
Best Time to Book Flight Tickets
The best time to book flight tickets is generally three to four months in advance of your departure date. Booking during this period will help you avail discounts or special offers on desired flights. If you are flexible on the travel date and time, you can grab better deals as travel agencies offer good flight deals for midnight and early morning flights.
Off-seasons are also considered as suitable periods to fly because travel websites come up with various offers to attract customers during this time.
Domestic vs International Flights
If you are looking for a price drop on your flight on domestic flights, you need to book at least 6-7 weeks in advance because a reasonable price drop demands a modest number of seats left on a flight unless the airlines will not give any discount. Those who are travelling to any popular destination at a highly acclaimed season, the chances will be higher for flights to get filled up at a faster pace.
Obviously, the airlines never need to put those flights on sale. Since tickets to popular holiday destinations or business spots are more likely to sell out faster, it’s always recommended to book earlier.
While booking international flight tickets, experts consider buying tickets well in advance than booking a domestic ticket. The availability of flights for those who are travelling abroad will depend on how frequently the airlines offer flights to the destination you fly to and how popular the destination is.
Studies reveal that the best time to fly to Asian countries is four months before departure. For Africa and the Middle East countries, it is 215 days before departure. For Australia and South Pacific tickets, book 320 days in advance. For best Europe flight deals, book 120 days in advance. For Central and South America in addition to Canada and Mexico flight deals, book 70 days out from travel dates on average.
Convenience vs Fare
Some people consider convenience over the lowest fare. For those who are concerned about factors such as which airlines to fly, nonstop flights or direct flights, weekend flights, time to fly, it would be best to book earlier than someone who is flexible on airline choice, travel date and travel time.
Always remember that as time goes by, you will get fewer options to choose from, even if the lowest possible fare stays around the same. If your destination has a limited number of airlines, and a small airport with minimal service, waiting too long to book your flight ticket will end up at higher risk. As these destinations will not offer much competition scope for airline services, the fare will be also higher.
If you are planning to fly to a destination on vacation or for business purposes, early-bird purchases will bring you the desired seats, lowest airfare, the itinerary of your choice and much more. Booking cheapest airfare tickets at the right time is an art.
Before making your purchases, search for low-cost airlines by comparing the price of various service providers and look for various sales bonanzas offered by travel agencies. How far in advance you book the flight and choosing the right time for your journey will significantly determine the possibility of getting the best deal on your flight ticket.
While some airlines offer tickets to specific destinations on various discount sale, some others promote their tickets in the name of anniversary sales, early-bird offers etc. However, recent studies suggest that the best time to book a domestic flight is about 8 weeks, to be exact 54 days, in advance. Though the prime booking dates vary according to the destinations, for international flights also, travellers need to book earlier than late.
Save Big on Online Flight Tickets
Online flight ticket booking, the most preferred airline ticket booking option helps not only the travel agencies to grow their business, but also help the travellers to book cheap flights from anywhere at any time across the world. Experts are of the opinion that booking your flights 3 months in advance will be the best decision to grab cheap flights on reasonable rates.
The day you book your airline ticket is very decisive in determining the ticket fare. The first thing you should keep in mind is that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the ticket fare will be higher while compared to other days. Higher will be the ticket fare of weekends.
Generally, experts in the industry have pointed out 90 to 95 days before the departure as the best time to book flight tickets. The day you book flight tickets also determines the price of the ticket. Weekends usually tend to have higher rates when compared to weekdays such as Tuesday or Wednesday.
For example, you may easily find cheap flights from Dallas to Kochi on weekdays, especially on Tuesday or Wednesday as the ticket fare will be lower on these days.
Best Time to Book Flight Tickets
The best time to book flight tickets is generally three to four months in advance of your departure date. Booking during this period will help you avail discounts or special offers on desired flights. If you are flexible on the travel date and time, you can grab better deals as travel agencies offer good flight deals for midnight and early morning flights.
Off-seasons are also considered as suitable periods to fly because travel websites come up with various offers to attract customers during this time.
Domestic vs International Flights
If you are looking for a price drop on your flight on domestic flights, you need to book at least 6-7 weeks in advance because a reasonable price drop demands a modest number of seats left on a flight unless the airlines will not give any discount. Those who are travelling to any popular destination at a highly acclaimed season, the chances will be higher for flights to get filled up at a faster pace.
Obviously, the airlines never need to put those flights on sale. Since tickets to popular holiday destinations or business spots are more likely to sell out faster, it’s always recommended to book earlier.
While booking international flight tickets, experts consider buying tickets well in advance than booking a domestic ticket. The availability of flights for those who are travelling abroad will depend on how frequently the airlines offer flights to the destination you fly to and how popular the destination is.
Studies reveal that the best time to fly to Asian countries is four months before departure. For Africa and the Middle East countries, it is 215 days before departure. For Australia and South Pacific tickets, book 320 days in advance. For best Europe flight deals, book 120 days in advance. For Central and South America in addition to Canada and Mexico flight deals, book 70 days out from travel dates on average.
Convenience vs Fare
Some people consider convenience over the lowest fare. For those who are concerned about factors such as which airlines to fly, nonstop flights or direct flights, weekend flights, time to fly, it would be best to book earlier than someone who is flexible on airline choice, travel date and travel time.
Always remember that as time goes by, you will get fewer options to choose from, even if the lowest possible fare stays around the same. If your destination has a limited number of airlines, and a small airport with minimal service, waiting too long to book your flight ticket will end up at higher risk. As these destinations will not offer much competition scope for airline services, the fare will be also higher.
If you are planning to fly to a destination on vacation or for business purposes, early-bird purchases will bring you the desired seats, lowest airfare, the itinerary of your choice and much more. Booking cheapest airfare tickets at the right time is an art.
Before making your purchases, search for low-cost airlines by comparing the price of various service providers and look for various sales bonanzas offered by travel agencies. How far in advance you book the flight and choosing the right time for your journey will significantly determine the possibility of getting the best deal on your flight ticket.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Karnataka was originally known as Mysore. The largest city of Karnataka is Bangalore. It is situated in southwestern region of India and is among the best places to visit in India.
But some travel packing tips should be kept in mind, while visiting Karnataka. These include travel gear, clothing, accessories and some personal stuff.
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka is the third most populated city in India. It is well known by its nickname the silicon valley of India it is a major exporter of IT in India. Bengaluru is named in Kannada language which literally means the city of guards. Various places, temples, lakes, and forts are good places to visit thus the town is famous for both modern and ancient place to visit.
Read More: Places to Visit in Bangalore
Antara Gange is about 70 km from Bangalore. If you like adventure and explore nature, then this hill station is the best place that suits you. There are many caves and rock formations that can be surprised. A tour guide is recommended as there are wild animals in the vicinity. Hike in Antara Gange is suitable in the morning because the temperature is very low. When you hike take your food from Kolar town.
Another wonderful place along the beautiful Cauvery River, Muthathi is the perfect place for a picnic.
Talakadu is believed to have been under a curse that the once fertile town with more than 30 temples got submerged in sand. It is quite fascinating to see the entire town under beach sand. Of the 30 temples, 5 Shiva temples and a Keerthi Narayana temple has been excavated. ASI has done a wonderful job of excavation and reassembling this temple.
As I told you earlier it was called the state of Mysore and Mysore was ruled by much distinguished rulers like well-known Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. The town is the birthplace of various styles of Indian art and craft thus known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. It is one of the best tourist places in India as consists of various temples, forts and churches. So whosoever want to explore the rich culture of this historical city must visit Mysuru.
Mysore has an impressive royal heritage, with the main tourist attraction of the city being the imposing Mysore Palace. Mysore Palace is undoubtedly one of the most famous places to see in Karnataka. There are three main temple exclusive buildings within the old fort and 18 in the Palace that faces the Chamundi hills.
There are many other interesting buildings, palaces, and temples to see. Mysore Zoo is one of the best in India. Mysore is also an excellent place to buy sandalwood, and learn Ashtanga Yoga. Srirangapatna remained included in the kingdom of Mysore from the early 17th century until the independence of India in the mid-20th century. The most representative temple of Srirangapatnam is the Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Among the other places worth mentioning in Srirangapatna is the summer palace of Tipu Sultan called Daria Daulat Bagh. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and inside you will find a small palace painted to the last centimeter of its walls and balustrades. There are also places to rest in the interior of the island.
The Namdroling Nyingmapa monastery, which is also known as the Namdrol of Thegchog Shedrub Dargye Ling is said to be the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. This monastery is located in Bylakuppe, Mysuru district.
Visit Bylakuppe a community of 1500 Tibetans. Visit the Dubare Elephant Breeding Center to attend and participate in various activities like elephant grooming, meal distribution and demonstration of dressage orders. Walk in the coffee and spice plantations. This is the opportunity to learn the difference between an Arabica and a Robusta, and explore the paths scented by the spices of Orange County to immerse yourself in the spirit of the place.
For a different kind of romantic experience, you can consider a trip to Shravanabelagola, which is known for high and imposing 2300 year old monolith statue of Bahubali, fist Jain Tirthankara, who is 58 feet tall, 26 feet wide and 10 feet long. Located in the middle of the two hills, Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri, Shravanabelagola is a picturesque city in the Hassan region.
The city attracts millions of tourists from different corners of the world during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, which is held once every 12 years. The statue of Bahubali is among the must see in Karnataka. Gommateshwara statue is a 57-foot tall statue that stands on a hill in Shravanabelagola, in the Hassan district.
For all those couples, whose idea of a perfect romantic vacation is to soak in the beauty of nature and see wildlife nearby then you should consider a trip to Kudremukh. It is because of presence of the national park, this hill station cum mining town is quite famous among visitors. In addition, there are many options for trekking in the region.
They are located in five sacred ponds of Naga Teertha, Amba Teertha, Rudra Teertha, Vasishtha Teertha, and Varaha Teertha. Kudremukh offers a fascinating view, lush jungles and solitary stations that cater almost exclusively to couples.
Halebidu was the capital of the Hoysalas in the 12th century and is a small temple but with very elaborate stone sculptures. The Hoysaleswara temple stands out for the thousands of figures carved in the stone, all of them different, representing mythology, dancers, birds and all kinds of animals. The second temple is called Kedareshwara, and the two are located in front of a large lake, from which the city takes its name.
Chikkamagaluru is popularly known as the coffee land of Karnataka. It is a hill station that attracts many trekkers, honeymoon couples, explorers and nature lovers throughout the year. Mullayanagiri Peak at 6332 feet is the highest in the Chandra Drona range. Sarpadhari is the starting point of the Mullayanagiri trek.
Most tourists prefer to drive on the road that leads to Mullayanagiri Peak and take a jeep from this point. The motorized path is a completely different route from the walking walk on the Sarpadhari trail. Trekking to the top is an especially adventurous and the sunset view from the top is absolutely worth the slightly difficult climb.
There is another popular trek from Mullayanagiri to Baba Budan Giri and it is approximately a 10 km trail. Another tourist attraction here is Hebbe Falls which is gigantic and the roaring waters that fall from the high cliff makes it a magnificent site! This serene hill station has beautiful monuments like the Kodandarama temple, Veera Narayana temple in Belavadi and Markandeshwara Kandya Temple that exhibits a beautiful mixture of Hoysala and Dravidian architectural styles.
Hill stations around Chikmagalur are famous summer retreats as they remain cool even during summers. An ideal retreat of solitude and natural beauty, located in Baba Budan range, Kemmangundi has a invigorating climate that makes it an ideal hill station near Bangalore in summer. Its a quiet green mountainside and the two waterfalls - Kalahasti and Hebbe are ideal picnic areas.
The Hanuman Gundi falls look as beautiful as pearls that fall down to a hundred feet. Do not forget to bring home bags of fresh coffee powder, tea leaves and authentic spices from here! Go trekking in some of the high peaks or visit the Lakya dam. You can also visit the Radha Krishna Temple and Jamalabad Fort.
MG road in Chikmagalur is a commercial street offering everything from Ethnic and Western clothing, handbags, electronic, medical and grocery stores, restaurants, ATMs. There are also many food options street like phuchka, kulfi, momo and kebab.
The district of Koppa known for its sprawling paddy fields and the rolling Sahyadri hills is sure to leave you spellbound with its cool clime this summer!
Stay at a hip, boutique holiday home, designed tastefully while you also enjoy a session of pilates or learn a thing or two about homemade organic body products.
Sakleshpur is located in the Western Ghats. Favored by a favorable climate and relatively temperate climate, these hills are covered by thick vegetation and are characterized by cardamom and pepper crops, in addition to the prized coffee plantations. Agriculture flourishes in Bisle Ghat, and that of Arabica coffee is the most important production in the area, renowned and appreciated all over the world.
If you visit Karnataka in October then rainfall must have stopped and the weather must be fantastic and hills will be gorgeously fresh and green. Thus it is the perfect time to visit Karnataka and enjoy lovely trails in Western Ghats for you explore the natural beauty of this wonderful place.
Coorg is also known as Kodagu. It is said that this place haunts you forever by its timeless beauty. This city offers a fascinating past, captivating beauty, great food and subtle aromas of coffee plantations, oranges and honey. Described as the Scotland of India, it is located at 1,525m above sea level in the Western Ghats region.
Coorg often referred to as Scotland of India has been blessed by an abundant and beautiful nature. Known as Kodagu and located in the middle of ancient mountains, which protect the southernmost part of the state of Karnataka, this is an area of great beauty. With its rugged terrains, green valleys and lush forests, Coorg offers a splendid panoramic and a destination of unparalleled adventure.
Coorg is famous for its vast green coffee plantations. There is a lot one can do in this beautiful hill station. You can enjoy the views of cascading waterfalls such as Abadia, Mallalli and Iruppu waterfalls. Many adventure freaks visit this place for activities such as river rafting as well.
Soak in the beauty of the misty hills, coffee plantations and warm Coorg hospitality. Kodagu, also known as Coorg is an amazing place to visit during a romantic weekend. Scenic Coorg appeals to all romantics in the heart as much as it does to adventure. For lovers of adventure, there is no shortage of adventure activities. You can go for rock climbing, trekking and windsurfing.
The Nishani Motte Trek is a off the beaten track, perfect for those looking for an adventure experience. The top offers an incredible view of Brahmagiri and throughout the route you can admire the charm of the meadows and forests. For a different type of romantic experience, visit waterfalls such as the Abbey falls and Irupu falls.
Other places to visit in Coorg are Nagarhole National Park, Namdroling Monastery, Burude Waterfalls, Tadiandamol Peak, Madikeri Fort. When you will visit the national park you will forget about other states as it has the largest number of tigers in the country. Spotting a tiger is always luck very few people are lucky to spot a tiger in there whole life along with the tiger’s national parks also contain many other fascinating animals as well as green and lovely forests.
Read More: Top National Parks in Karnataka
If you want a more emotionally charged adventure, rafting in the white waters of Coorg is a good option. You can also go for bird watching or trekking in its forests, or simply relax with a cup of coffee in one of its many picturesque tree houses.
Located in Coorg, Tadiandamol is the sixth highest peak in Karnataka. A combination of scenic beauty but not too strenuous, Tadiandamol is the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to go trekking. In general, Tadiandamol offers enchanting views and at the same time does not demand much physically compared to walks like Kumara Parvatha, Mullayanagiri, Bababudangiri, etc., which makes it the perfect initiation trip for anyone who wants to take the trekking seriously.
Huttari is the biggest festival in Karnataka celebrated by Kodavas. It is celebrated by them with all show and fervor pump. There is no fix date on which this festival will occur this year it is on 3rd and 4th December if you want to enjoy and explore this festival then you must visit there and experience it. Raja's Tomb also known as Gaddige is located in Coorg.
Enjoy golf and hiking and stay in a tree house in Madikeri. The monsoon attracts people who love to get soaked by the rains. During the trip, you will meet native women dressed in their traditional bright saris and men with long coats and a kind of wrap around. This high-altitude corner of Karnataka is the land of spices, unique culture and cuisine.
Stay in secretly nestled homestays and unhotels, enjoy freshly brewed coffee or indulge in the local cuisine. If you are an adventurer then we have something special worked out for you. A hiking, rock-climbing and zip-lining add-on to this serene vacation.
One must visit Karnataka between November to march as it is the season of activities in coastal districts of Udupi and Mangalore. You can also explore gorgeous beaches at Kaup, Baindur, Mulki, etc. If you are interested in having an adventure in water or on the sea then you must head to the spectacular beach of Kodi Bengre and should learn surfing at SAFA Surfing School. The beach is extraordinarily beautiful and amazing.
The coast of Karnataka is fully filled with lovely backwaters, rivers, and lakes. These beautiful places are relatively unknown which is ultimately good nowadays you have a chance to enjoy these beautiful places by going through a cruise. Also, a new company has introduced houseboats on lovely waters in Udupi district.
Davanagere is located at a distance of 260 kilometers from Bangalore. Kundavada kere also known as Mallikarjuna sagara is a picturesque lake. Soole kere also known as Shanti Sagara has a temple dedicated to Siddeshwara near the lake. An important attraction of Davanagere is the Durgambika Devi fair. Murugha Mutt (Shivayogi mandir) is located in the heart of the city and several religious and cultural programs are organized here.
Often referred to as Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is a beautiful hill station located in the Shimoga District of Karnataka. The Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples. This impressive city is just 379 kilometers from Goa and attracts a number of tourists from all over the world for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Agumbe is known mainly for its dense forests, therefore, it is often associated with the conservation of forests and medicinal plants.
On the other hand, it is due to its unique topography and adequate temperatures that the region is the breeding ground of King Cobra, the world's longest poisonous snake. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station is one of its kind in the country. Sunset points, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Gopalakrishna Temple are the main options in Agumbe.
The place has stunning hiking trails and beautiful spots for sunset inspection. With lush green forests and breathtaking scenic beauty, the place has guests flocking to its doors attracted by its rustic charms. Superbly well known for its second most significant annual rainfall in the country.
Agumbe is one of the highest peaks of Western Ghats. To go trekking and stop halfway in the Gopalakrishna Temple, a temple of the fourteenth century that exhibits Hoysala art.
When it comes to deal going for a romantic vacation and honeymoons, there is no better place than a hill station. And when it comes to the hill stations there is nothing better than Shimoga. With varied landscapes and attractive. This impressive hill station getaway has something to offer for everyone! In impressive Shimoga, you can visit the high and mighty Jog falls and jungles of Agumbe.
Make the canoe ride in the Honnemaradu and go bird watching tour to birds of Gudavi. Together with Shimoga, you should also visit a small village, Sigandur. Just 63 kilometers from Shimoga, Sigandur is Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple, which attracts a good number of tourists because of its religious importance.
The hills of Kodachadri rise above the small pilgrimage center of Kollur, presided over by Sri Mookambika Devi. It limits with Kundapur in the district of Udupi. In its western portion, it falls almost perpendicular to the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, home of the endangered lion-tailed macaque.
The Sowparnika River flows into the valley beyond the hills and empties into the Arabian Sea near the famous Maravanthe Beach. The river has large tracts of mangrove forests rich in aquatic delights, such as tiger prawns and crabs. Occasionally, it is said that fishermen found crocodiles in these forests.
From Kollur take a bus to Kodachadri, going down 12 km later at Karakatta Gate. If you come by Shimoga, the hills are 12 km to the west, by the Theerthalli-Mastikatte road. Whichever route you take, there is no doubt that Kodachadri stood like a monolith. Pass through the concrete arch of the Karakatta Gate and walk along the flat track of the jeep.
Puttu and channa are very popular with hikers. In the rainy season and after the monsoon, one can see the grace of the Agastya Teertha Waterfall on the left side of the hill. Approximately 2-3 hours later, you arrive at Kodachadri, which has a PWD bungalow, a Shankaracharya Temple and a couple of small houses with rooms for rent.
Gokarna has the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Gokarna inspires authenticity, spirituality and wraps its beaches in a warm and relaxed hippie atmosphere. It is a village located northwest of the state of Karnataka, in India. Its natural environment makes it especially unique. Although small, the village of Gokarna is submerged in a sea of palm trees and is so far one of our favorite places in India.
It invades us with sensations and brings us closer to the essence of Indian mysticism. The beaches near Gokarna are exactly what someone longs for peace, introspection and connection to the jungle and the ocean. It is very easy to walk to the beaches of Kudle, Om, Paradise or Halfmoon. Visitors can also see the island of Kurumgad and the island of Anjediva from the beach! Gokarna is all that Goa is minus the crowd and marketing.
If you want to enjoy adventure stuff on a tour to Karnataka you can look for river rafting in Dandeli in Uttara, Kannada, Dubare and Coorg. Make sure you have experienced and good team who conducts these rafting sessions as it can be too much dangerous if not performed in a proper way as well ensure to wear a life jacket always whenever you go for river rafting.
Scenic romantic getaway closer to Goa, Nersa is unconventional ideal for a long trip with your loved ones. Enjoy bird watching and hiking through the thick foliage. Nersa is located in the Mahadayi valley and seems to be a delight for travel enthusiasts and wildlife birds. In addition, locals say that around 40 bat species have been seen in Nersa.
From rocky escarpments to the undulating countryside, adventure lovers can find here a good variety of excursions such as Kongla Bhimgad, Abnali, Jamgoan and Dongargoan.
Cool wind folds the cheeks. Leafy trees dancing in rhythm of the breeze. Yellapur offers a completely different experience. Pure pure, natural fun. Yellapur is a perfect romantic image escape for the avid photographer and a devout worshiper of nature. An ultimate romantic destination, Yellapur is perfect for those seeking serenity at an altitude of 1774 feet!
Weekends in Yellapur tend to be less crowded, so if you are looking for privacy it is a perfect place to be. Take a visit to the waterfalls in the area such as Sathodi Falls and Magod Falls and Jenukallu Gudda.
Belur and Halebidu are two other interesting temple complexes in Karnataka, very different from Hampi and with hardly any infrastructure for tourism. They are separated from each other by 15 km and is about 150 km from Mysore. The main attraction of Belur is the Chennakeshava temple built by King Vishnuvardhana to celebrate the victories over the Chola dynasty in the great battle of Talakad.
Built by the Hoysala rulers, Chennakeshavasvami Temple is a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to Vijayanarayana. The facade of the temple is full of stone carvings of elephants, horses, lions, sensual dances and epic episodes of Indian mythology like the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. This Belur temple is located on the banks of the Yagachi River, also called Velapura.
The temple is a ekakuta vimana design, combining elements of the Nagara style architecture of northern India and Dravida style of southern India. Halasuru Someshwara Temple is located on the outskirts of Halasuru also called Ulsoor in Bangalore. Another notable art in the sculptures are Mount Kailash of Ravana and Durga killing Mahishasura.
Pattadakal group of monuments is ideal for heritage tourism in the state. Pattadakal was the place where the Chalukya kings were crowned. The Virupaksha temple is the largest temple in Pattadakal. It was built in the 8th century by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's third victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi. The famous Kailasa temple of Ellora was built on the model of the Virupaksha temple.
Also known as Vijayawara Temple, this temple is the oldest in Pattadakal. It has a Dravidian style. Both the Sangamesvara temple and the Virupaksha temple have the same square plane from the base to the sikhara, or cone-shaped top. The small temple of Chandrashekhara is to the left of the Sangameshvara temple. Mallikarjuna Temple
is a small version of the Virupaksha temple.
On the porch of the temple there is a beautiful image of Narasimha. In addition you can find references to the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and representations of the social life of the time. On the outside there are sculptures of Shiva, Nandi or Nataraja among others. Kashivisvanatha Temple was the last one built in the style of the first. It was built by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century in a Nagara style.
Galganatha Temple is located north of the Virupaksha temple and faces west. Papanatha temple dates back to the year 680. This temple has similarities with the Navabrahma temples of Alampur in Andhra Pradesh, which were also built by the Chalukyas of Badami. The pillars of the main hall have figures of couples and carved women. In some parts of the temple you can find couples carved in loving attitudes, and on the outside there are figures of lions, elephants and scenes of the Ramayana.
Durga temple in Aihole is another religious places that adds charm to Karnataka.
Hampi is a small town north of Karnataka, on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, and it is one of those places where you feel at ease as soon as you arrive. Hampi is located about 300 km from Bangalore. Hampi is often called the city of ruins, and some of them are listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hampi has thousands of large rock formations, polished stones that seem to lie with their perfect forms, all distributed between kilometers and kilometers of palm trees and rice terraces.
Hampi is located literally among the ruins of Vijayanagara, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara empire. Still today it is an important religious center, and the Virupaksha temple is a clear exponent, since important Hindu ceremonies are held continuously. The numerous Dravidian temples of the Vijayanagara Empire made it one of the largest medieval cities of the time after Beijing.
It was said to be so prosperous and beautiful that it attracted numerous merchants and travelers from other parts of the world. On the banks of the Tungabhadra River, along almost 26 square kilometers, we find today more than 1,600 remains of what was one of the most important cities of India until the sultans of the Deccan occupied and destroyed it.
All of Hampi's visitable ruins are scattered about 36 square kilometers, so it is essential to have some kind of vehicle to visit it completely. Located on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River and in a spectacular enclave, stands the oldest (and main) temple of Hampi is the Sri Virupaksha adorned with sculptures that represent gods and other divine and celestial beings, in addition to a lot of erotic figures, related to fertility rites.
In front of the Virupaksha temple is a street with old pavilions on both sides of it. It is Hampi Bazaar. To the north of Sri Virupaksha is a hill with steps called Hemakuta Hill, an excellent place to glimpse all the ruins that are in this area and, if you can, see the sunrise or sunset. The largest temples, Sasivekalu Ganesha and Kadalekalu, are found on the side of the hill.
Mahanavami Dibba is a ceremonial enclosure built by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate the victory over Udaigiri. Vittala Temple is the symbol of Hampi. When you get to this area you have to walk about 2 km to reach the temples. If you do not want to walk there are some carts.
One of the most striking elements within the complex of the Vijaya Vittala Temple is a sanctuary in the shape of a stone car (one of the three most famous in India) pulled by elephants and dedicated to Garuda. Inside the temple, which stands out for its elegance and grandiosity are some curious musical pillars. They say that each of them emits a different rhythmic sound when hit with a sandalwood stick.
One of the most different palaces in the entire Hampi complex is the Lotus Mahal. This building is located inside the Zenana Enclosure, used by women of royalty for recreational activities. In the center of Hampi is Matanga Hill, the best place to watch the sunset. Considered one of the five sacred lakes of India, Lake Pampa Sarovar is located south of the Tungabhadra River.
If you have more time (and desire) you can make an excursion to the other side of the river, where there are several temples, although they are not as beautiful like the Hanuman Temple. You will have to climb 572 steps to get to the top but you will enjoy incredible views of Hampi.
Achyutaraya Temple is one of the most imposing and striking. Visible from Matanga Hill and at the end of the street of the courtiers, the idol to which the temple is dedicated is Tiruvengalanatha. Very close to Hampi is Lake Sanapur, with large stones of boulders scattered here and there and fields of rice fields in the valley.
What if you spend your romantic vacation with your partners in the historical heritage, against the backdrop for a romantic getaway? Well, such a beautiful background is what you can expect from Bijapur, also known as Vijaypura or the city of Victoria. Among the most popular places to visit in Karnataka, Bijapur is known for its historical remains such as Gol Gumbaz, Archaeological Museum, Ibrahim Rauza, King Edward VII Memorial, Chand Bawdi and many more places.
Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur is another important heritage and monument in Karnataka.
Gulbarga small city in Karnataka was founded by sultans as their capital in the 14th century. This place is well known as it is believed that it was home to ancient kingdoms of south with buildings and monuments. The local cuisine of this place is amazing and we should at least once try them all out.
But some travel packing tips should be kept in mind, while visiting Karnataka. These include travel gear, clothing, accessories and some personal stuff.
1. Bangalore
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka is the third most populated city in India. It is well known by its nickname the silicon valley of India it is a major exporter of IT in India. Bengaluru is named in Kannada language which literally means the city of guards. Various places, temples, lakes, and forts are good places to visit thus the town is famous for both modern and ancient place to visit.
Read More: Places to Visit in Bangalore
Antara Gange is about 70 km from Bangalore. If you like adventure and explore nature, then this hill station is the best place that suits you. There are many caves and rock formations that can be surprised. A tour guide is recommended as there are wild animals in the vicinity. Hike in Antara Gange is suitable in the morning because the temperature is very low. When you hike take your food from Kolar town.
Another wonderful place along the beautiful Cauvery River, Muthathi is the perfect place for a picnic.
2. Talakadu
Talakadu is believed to have been under a curse that the once fertile town with more than 30 temples got submerged in sand. It is quite fascinating to see the entire town under beach sand. Of the 30 temples, 5 Shiva temples and a Keerthi Narayana temple has been excavated. ASI has done a wonderful job of excavation and reassembling this temple.
3. Mysore
As I told you earlier it was called the state of Mysore and Mysore was ruled by much distinguished rulers like well-known Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. The town is the birthplace of various styles of Indian art and craft thus known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. It is one of the best tourist places in India as consists of various temples, forts and churches. So whosoever want to explore the rich culture of this historical city must visit Mysuru.
Mysore has an impressive royal heritage, with the main tourist attraction of the city being the imposing Mysore Palace. Mysore Palace is undoubtedly one of the most famous places to see in Karnataka. There are three main temple exclusive buildings within the old fort and 18 in the Palace that faces the Chamundi hills.
There are many other interesting buildings, palaces, and temples to see. Mysore Zoo is one of the best in India. Mysore is also an excellent place to buy sandalwood, and learn Ashtanga Yoga. Srirangapatna remained included in the kingdom of Mysore from the early 17th century until the independence of India in the mid-20th century. The most representative temple of Srirangapatnam is the Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Among the other places worth mentioning in Srirangapatna is the summer palace of Tipu Sultan called Daria Daulat Bagh. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and inside you will find a small palace painted to the last centimeter of its walls and balustrades. There are also places to rest in the interior of the island.
The Namdroling Nyingmapa monastery, which is also known as the Namdrol of Thegchog Shedrub Dargye Ling is said to be the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. This monastery is located in Bylakuppe, Mysuru district.
Visit Bylakuppe a community of 1500 Tibetans. Visit the Dubare Elephant Breeding Center to attend and participate in various activities like elephant grooming, meal distribution and demonstration of dressage orders. Walk in the coffee and spice plantations. This is the opportunity to learn the difference between an Arabica and a Robusta, and explore the paths scented by the spices of Orange County to immerse yourself in the spirit of the place.
4. Shravanabelagola
For a different kind of romantic experience, you can consider a trip to Shravanabelagola, which is known for high and imposing 2300 year old monolith statue of Bahubali, fist Jain Tirthankara, who is 58 feet tall, 26 feet wide and 10 feet long. Located in the middle of the two hills, Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri, Shravanabelagola is a picturesque city in the Hassan region.
The city attracts millions of tourists from different corners of the world during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, which is held once every 12 years. The statue of Bahubali is among the must see in Karnataka. Gommateshwara statue is a 57-foot tall statue that stands on a hill in Shravanabelagola, in the Hassan district.
5. Hassan
For all those couples, whose idea of a perfect romantic vacation is to soak in the beauty of nature and see wildlife nearby then you should consider a trip to Kudremukh. It is because of presence of the national park, this hill station cum mining town is quite famous among visitors. In addition, there are many options for trekking in the region.
They are located in five sacred ponds of Naga Teertha, Amba Teertha, Rudra Teertha, Vasishtha Teertha, and Varaha Teertha. Kudremukh offers a fascinating view, lush jungles and solitary stations that cater almost exclusively to couples.
6. Halebeedu
Halebidu was the capital of the Hoysalas in the 12th century and is a small temple but with very elaborate stone sculptures. The Hoysaleswara temple stands out for the thousands of figures carved in the stone, all of them different, representing mythology, dancers, birds and all kinds of animals. The second temple is called Kedareshwara, and the two are located in front of a large lake, from which the city takes its name.
7. Chikmagalur
Chikkamagaluru is popularly known as the coffee land of Karnataka. It is a hill station that attracts many trekkers, honeymoon couples, explorers and nature lovers throughout the year. Mullayanagiri Peak at 6332 feet is the highest in the Chandra Drona range. Sarpadhari is the starting point of the Mullayanagiri trek.
Most tourists prefer to drive on the road that leads to Mullayanagiri Peak and take a jeep from this point. The motorized path is a completely different route from the walking walk on the Sarpadhari trail. Trekking to the top is an especially adventurous and the sunset view from the top is absolutely worth the slightly difficult climb.
There is another popular trek from Mullayanagiri to Baba Budan Giri and it is approximately a 10 km trail. Another tourist attraction here is Hebbe Falls which is gigantic and the roaring waters that fall from the high cliff makes it a magnificent site! This serene hill station has beautiful monuments like the Kodandarama temple, Veera Narayana temple in Belavadi and Markandeshwara Kandya Temple that exhibits a beautiful mixture of Hoysala and Dravidian architectural styles.
Hill stations around Chikmagalur are famous summer retreats as they remain cool even during summers. An ideal retreat of solitude and natural beauty, located in Baba Budan range, Kemmangundi has a invigorating climate that makes it an ideal hill station near Bangalore in summer. Its a quiet green mountainside and the two waterfalls - Kalahasti and Hebbe are ideal picnic areas.
The Hanuman Gundi falls look as beautiful as pearls that fall down to a hundred feet. Do not forget to bring home bags of fresh coffee powder, tea leaves and authentic spices from here! Go trekking in some of the high peaks or visit the Lakya dam. You can also visit the Radha Krishna Temple and Jamalabad Fort.
MG road in Chikmagalur is a commercial street offering everything from Ethnic and Western clothing, handbags, electronic, medical and grocery stores, restaurants, ATMs. There are also many food options street like phuchka, kulfi, momo and kebab.
The district of Koppa known for its sprawling paddy fields and the rolling Sahyadri hills is sure to leave you spellbound with its cool clime this summer!
Stay at a hip, boutique holiday home, designed tastefully while you also enjoy a session of pilates or learn a thing or two about homemade organic body products.
8. Sakleshpur
Sakleshpur is located in the Western Ghats. Favored by a favorable climate and relatively temperate climate, these hills are covered by thick vegetation and are characterized by cardamom and pepper crops, in addition to the prized coffee plantations. Agriculture flourishes in Bisle Ghat, and that of Arabica coffee is the most important production in the area, renowned and appreciated all over the world.
If you visit Karnataka in October then rainfall must have stopped and the weather must be fantastic and hills will be gorgeously fresh and green. Thus it is the perfect time to visit Karnataka and enjoy lovely trails in Western Ghats for you explore the natural beauty of this wonderful place.
9. Coorg
Coorg is also known as Kodagu. It is said that this place haunts you forever by its timeless beauty. This city offers a fascinating past, captivating beauty, great food and subtle aromas of coffee plantations, oranges and honey. Described as the Scotland of India, it is located at 1,525m above sea level in the Western Ghats region.
Coorg often referred to as Scotland of India has been blessed by an abundant and beautiful nature. Known as Kodagu and located in the middle of ancient mountains, which protect the southernmost part of the state of Karnataka, this is an area of great beauty. With its rugged terrains, green valleys and lush forests, Coorg offers a splendid panoramic and a destination of unparalleled adventure.
Coorg is famous for its vast green coffee plantations. There is a lot one can do in this beautiful hill station. You can enjoy the views of cascading waterfalls such as Abadia, Mallalli and Iruppu waterfalls. Many adventure freaks visit this place for activities such as river rafting as well.
Soak in the beauty of the misty hills, coffee plantations and warm Coorg hospitality. Kodagu, also known as Coorg is an amazing place to visit during a romantic weekend. Scenic Coorg appeals to all romantics in the heart as much as it does to adventure. For lovers of adventure, there is no shortage of adventure activities. You can go for rock climbing, trekking and windsurfing.
The Nishani Motte Trek is a off the beaten track, perfect for those looking for an adventure experience. The top offers an incredible view of Brahmagiri and throughout the route you can admire the charm of the meadows and forests. For a different type of romantic experience, visit waterfalls such as the Abbey falls and Irupu falls.
Other places to visit in Coorg are Nagarhole National Park, Namdroling Monastery, Burude Waterfalls, Tadiandamol Peak, Madikeri Fort. When you will visit the national park you will forget about other states as it has the largest number of tigers in the country. Spotting a tiger is always luck very few people are lucky to spot a tiger in there whole life along with the tiger’s national parks also contain many other fascinating animals as well as green and lovely forests.
Read More: Top National Parks in Karnataka
If you want a more emotionally charged adventure, rafting in the white waters of Coorg is a good option. You can also go for bird watching or trekking in its forests, or simply relax with a cup of coffee in one of its many picturesque tree houses.
Located in Coorg, Tadiandamol is the sixth highest peak in Karnataka. A combination of scenic beauty but not too strenuous, Tadiandamol is the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to go trekking. In general, Tadiandamol offers enchanting views and at the same time does not demand much physically compared to walks like Kumara Parvatha, Mullayanagiri, Bababudangiri, etc., which makes it the perfect initiation trip for anyone who wants to take the trekking seriously.
Huttari is the biggest festival in Karnataka celebrated by Kodavas. It is celebrated by them with all show and fervor pump. There is no fix date on which this festival will occur this year it is on 3rd and 4th December if you want to enjoy and explore this festival then you must visit there and experience it. Raja's Tomb also known as Gaddige is located in Coorg.
10. Madikeri
Enjoy golf and hiking and stay in a tree house in Madikeri. The monsoon attracts people who love to get soaked by the rains. During the trip, you will meet native women dressed in their traditional bright saris and men with long coats and a kind of wrap around. This high-altitude corner of Karnataka is the land of spices, unique culture and cuisine.
Stay in secretly nestled homestays and unhotels, enjoy freshly brewed coffee or indulge in the local cuisine. If you are an adventurer then we have something special worked out for you. A hiking, rock-climbing and zip-lining add-on to this serene vacation.
11. Udupi
One must visit Karnataka between November to march as it is the season of activities in coastal districts of Udupi and Mangalore. You can also explore gorgeous beaches at Kaup, Baindur, Mulki, etc. If you are interested in having an adventure in water or on the sea then you must head to the spectacular beach of Kodi Bengre and should learn surfing at SAFA Surfing School. The beach is extraordinarily beautiful and amazing.
The coast of Karnataka is fully filled with lovely backwaters, rivers, and lakes. These beautiful places are relatively unknown which is ultimately good nowadays you have a chance to enjoy these beautiful places by going through a cruise. Also, a new company has introduced houseboats on lovely waters in Udupi district.
Davanagere is located at a distance of 260 kilometers from Bangalore. Kundavada kere also known as Mallikarjuna sagara is a picturesque lake. Soole kere also known as Shanti Sagara has a temple dedicated to Siddeshwara near the lake. An important attraction of Davanagere is the Durgambika Devi fair. Murugha Mutt (Shivayogi mandir) is located in the heart of the city and several religious and cultural programs are organized here.
12. Agumbe
Often referred to as Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is a beautiful hill station located in the Shimoga District of Karnataka. The Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples. This impressive city is just 379 kilometers from Goa and attracts a number of tourists from all over the world for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Agumbe is known mainly for its dense forests, therefore, it is often associated with the conservation of forests and medicinal plants.
On the other hand, it is due to its unique topography and adequate temperatures that the region is the breeding ground of King Cobra, the world's longest poisonous snake. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station is one of its kind in the country. Sunset points, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Gopalakrishna Temple are the main options in Agumbe.
The place has stunning hiking trails and beautiful spots for sunset inspection. With lush green forests and breathtaking scenic beauty, the place has guests flocking to its doors attracted by its rustic charms. Superbly well known for its second most significant annual rainfall in the country.
Agumbe is one of the highest peaks of Western Ghats. To go trekking and stop halfway in the Gopalakrishna Temple, a temple of the fourteenth century that exhibits Hoysala art.
13. Shivamogga
When it comes to deal going for a romantic vacation and honeymoons, there is no better place than a hill station. And when it comes to the hill stations there is nothing better than Shimoga. With varied landscapes and attractive. This impressive hill station getaway has something to offer for everyone! In impressive Shimoga, you can visit the high and mighty Jog falls and jungles of Agumbe.
Make the canoe ride in the Honnemaradu and go bird watching tour to birds of Gudavi. Together with Shimoga, you should also visit a small village, Sigandur. Just 63 kilometers from Shimoga, Sigandur is Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple, which attracts a good number of tourists because of its religious importance.
The hills of Kodachadri rise above the small pilgrimage center of Kollur, presided over by Sri Mookambika Devi. It limits with Kundapur in the district of Udupi. In its western portion, it falls almost perpendicular to the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, home of the endangered lion-tailed macaque.
The Sowparnika River flows into the valley beyond the hills and empties into the Arabian Sea near the famous Maravanthe Beach. The river has large tracts of mangrove forests rich in aquatic delights, such as tiger prawns and crabs. Occasionally, it is said that fishermen found crocodiles in these forests.
From Kollur take a bus to Kodachadri, going down 12 km later at Karakatta Gate. If you come by Shimoga, the hills are 12 km to the west, by the Theerthalli-Mastikatte road. Whichever route you take, there is no doubt that Kodachadri stood like a monolith. Pass through the concrete arch of the Karakatta Gate and walk along the flat track of the jeep.
Puttu and channa are very popular with hikers. In the rainy season and after the monsoon, one can see the grace of the Agastya Teertha Waterfall on the left side of the hill. Approximately 2-3 hours later, you arrive at Kodachadri, which has a PWD bungalow, a Shankaracharya Temple and a couple of small houses with rooms for rent.
14. Gokarna
Gokarna has the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Gokarna inspires authenticity, spirituality and wraps its beaches in a warm and relaxed hippie atmosphere. It is a village located northwest of the state of Karnataka, in India. Its natural environment makes it especially unique. Although small, the village of Gokarna is submerged in a sea of palm trees and is so far one of our favorite places in India.
It invades us with sensations and brings us closer to the essence of Indian mysticism. The beaches near Gokarna are exactly what someone longs for peace, introspection and connection to the jungle and the ocean. It is very easy to walk to the beaches of Kudle, Om, Paradise or Halfmoon. Visitors can also see the island of Kurumgad and the island of Anjediva from the beach! Gokarna is all that Goa is minus the crowd and marketing.
15. Dandeli
If you want to enjoy adventure stuff on a tour to Karnataka you can look for river rafting in Dandeli in Uttara, Kannada, Dubare and Coorg. Make sure you have experienced and good team who conducts these rafting sessions as it can be too much dangerous if not performed in a proper way as well ensure to wear a life jacket always whenever you go for river rafting.
Scenic romantic getaway closer to Goa, Nersa is unconventional ideal for a long trip with your loved ones. Enjoy bird watching and hiking through the thick foliage. Nersa is located in the Mahadayi valley and seems to be a delight for travel enthusiasts and wildlife birds. In addition, locals say that around 40 bat species have been seen in Nersa.
From rocky escarpments to the undulating countryside, adventure lovers can find here a good variety of excursions such as Kongla Bhimgad, Abnali, Jamgoan and Dongargoan.
Cool wind folds the cheeks. Leafy trees dancing in rhythm of the breeze. Yellapur offers a completely different experience. Pure pure, natural fun. Yellapur is a perfect romantic image escape for the avid photographer and a devout worshiper of nature. An ultimate romantic destination, Yellapur is perfect for those seeking serenity at an altitude of 1774 feet!
Weekends in Yellapur tend to be less crowded, so if you are looking for privacy it is a perfect place to be. Take a visit to the waterfalls in the area such as Sathodi Falls and Magod Falls and Jenukallu Gudda.
16. Belur
Belur and Halebidu are two other interesting temple complexes in Karnataka, very different from Hampi and with hardly any infrastructure for tourism. They are separated from each other by 15 km and is about 150 km from Mysore. The main attraction of Belur is the Chennakeshava temple built by King Vishnuvardhana to celebrate the victories over the Chola dynasty in the great battle of Talakad.
Built by the Hoysala rulers, Chennakeshavasvami Temple is a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to Vijayanarayana. The facade of the temple is full of stone carvings of elephants, horses, lions, sensual dances and epic episodes of Indian mythology like the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. This Belur temple is located on the banks of the Yagachi River, also called Velapura.
The temple is a ekakuta vimana design, combining elements of the Nagara style architecture of northern India and Dravida style of southern India. Halasuru Someshwara Temple is located on the outskirts of Halasuru also called Ulsoor in Bangalore. Another notable art in the sculptures are Mount Kailash of Ravana and Durga killing Mahishasura.
17. Pattadakal
Pattadakal group of monuments is ideal for heritage tourism in the state. Pattadakal was the place where the Chalukya kings were crowned. The Virupaksha temple is the largest temple in Pattadakal. It was built in the 8th century by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's third victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi. The famous Kailasa temple of Ellora was built on the model of the Virupaksha temple.
Also known as Vijayawara Temple, this temple is the oldest in Pattadakal. It has a Dravidian style. Both the Sangamesvara temple and the Virupaksha temple have the same square plane from the base to the sikhara, or cone-shaped top. The small temple of Chandrashekhara is to the left of the Sangameshvara temple. Mallikarjuna Temple
is a small version of the Virupaksha temple.
On the porch of the temple there is a beautiful image of Narasimha. In addition you can find references to the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and representations of the social life of the time. On the outside there are sculptures of Shiva, Nandi or Nataraja among others. Kashivisvanatha Temple was the last one built in the style of the first. It was built by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century in a Nagara style.
Galganatha Temple is located north of the Virupaksha temple and faces west. Papanatha temple dates back to the year 680. This temple has similarities with the Navabrahma temples of Alampur in Andhra Pradesh, which were also built by the Chalukyas of Badami. The pillars of the main hall have figures of couples and carved women. In some parts of the temple you can find couples carved in loving attitudes, and on the outside there are figures of lions, elephants and scenes of the Ramayana.
18. Aihole
Durga temple in Aihole is another religious places that adds charm to Karnataka.
19. Hampi
Hampi is a small town north of Karnataka, on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, and it is one of those places where you feel at ease as soon as you arrive. Hampi is located about 300 km from Bangalore. Hampi is often called the city of ruins, and some of them are listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hampi has thousands of large rock formations, polished stones that seem to lie with their perfect forms, all distributed between kilometers and kilometers of palm trees and rice terraces.
Hampi is located literally among the ruins of Vijayanagara, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara empire. Still today it is an important religious center, and the Virupaksha temple is a clear exponent, since important Hindu ceremonies are held continuously. The numerous Dravidian temples of the Vijayanagara Empire made it one of the largest medieval cities of the time after Beijing.
It was said to be so prosperous and beautiful that it attracted numerous merchants and travelers from other parts of the world. On the banks of the Tungabhadra River, along almost 26 square kilometers, we find today more than 1,600 remains of what was one of the most important cities of India until the sultans of the Deccan occupied and destroyed it.
All of Hampi's visitable ruins are scattered about 36 square kilometers, so it is essential to have some kind of vehicle to visit it completely. Located on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River and in a spectacular enclave, stands the oldest (and main) temple of Hampi is the Sri Virupaksha adorned with sculptures that represent gods and other divine and celestial beings, in addition to a lot of erotic figures, related to fertility rites.
In front of the Virupaksha temple is a street with old pavilions on both sides of it. It is Hampi Bazaar. To the north of Sri Virupaksha is a hill with steps called Hemakuta Hill, an excellent place to glimpse all the ruins that are in this area and, if you can, see the sunrise or sunset. The largest temples, Sasivekalu Ganesha and Kadalekalu, are found on the side of the hill.
Mahanavami Dibba is a ceremonial enclosure built by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate the victory over Udaigiri. Vittala Temple is the symbol of Hampi. When you get to this area you have to walk about 2 km to reach the temples. If you do not want to walk there are some carts.
One of the most striking elements within the complex of the Vijaya Vittala Temple is a sanctuary in the shape of a stone car (one of the three most famous in India) pulled by elephants and dedicated to Garuda. Inside the temple, which stands out for its elegance and grandiosity are some curious musical pillars. They say that each of them emits a different rhythmic sound when hit with a sandalwood stick.
One of the most different palaces in the entire Hampi complex is the Lotus Mahal. This building is located inside the Zenana Enclosure, used by women of royalty for recreational activities. In the center of Hampi is Matanga Hill, the best place to watch the sunset. Considered one of the five sacred lakes of India, Lake Pampa Sarovar is located south of the Tungabhadra River.
If you have more time (and desire) you can make an excursion to the other side of the river, where there are several temples, although they are not as beautiful like the Hanuman Temple. You will have to climb 572 steps to get to the top but you will enjoy incredible views of Hampi.
Achyutaraya Temple is one of the most imposing and striking. Visible from Matanga Hill and at the end of the street of the courtiers, the idol to which the temple is dedicated is Tiruvengalanatha. Very close to Hampi is Lake Sanapur, with large stones of boulders scattered here and there and fields of rice fields in the valley.
20. Vijayapura
What if you spend your romantic vacation with your partners in the historical heritage, against the backdrop for a romantic getaway? Well, such a beautiful background is what you can expect from Bijapur, also known as Vijaypura or the city of Victoria. Among the most popular places to visit in Karnataka, Bijapur is known for its historical remains such as Gol Gumbaz, Archaeological Museum, Ibrahim Rauza, King Edward VII Memorial, Chand Bawdi and many more places.
Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur is another important heritage and monument in Karnataka.
Gulbarga small city in Karnataka was founded by sultans as their capital in the 14th century. This place is well known as it is believed that it was home to ancient kingdoms of south with buildings and monuments. The local cuisine of this place is amazing and we should at least once try them all out.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Kyrgyzstan is a newly independent state, one of the former Soviet Republics. Although Russian is spoken all over the country except for the remote mountainous villages (called auls or kishlaks here) the mentality, the culture, the people are completely different. Even local ethnical Russians are greatly influenced by the local mentality and are more of the so-called third culture by their mindset.
And here is the first DON'T. The Kyrgyzstan people are very proud of their independence, so DON'T call them a part of Russia. They are friendly to Russia but still, they definitely won't be very happy if you call their country Russia.
So, what is Kyrgyzstan like? A small mountainous country with a population of around 5.5 million people. About 80% of its area is covered with beautiful mountains. Since mountains can be seen from wherever you are, it's common among the locals to use 'upwards' and 'downwards' as navigation terms eg: 'go up the street' or 'it's a bit lower down the street'.
It has a continental climate with mild winters and hot and long summers. In July and August it may be as hot as 40 degrees Celsius but you can always escape from the heat taking a trekking tour in the mountains. It's completely different up there. Let's say when it's around 40 in Bishkek it may be 12-15 degrees and raining heavily just a thousand meters up in the mountains. And it's time for some DON'Ts.
If you are not sure about your heart and vascular system, lungs and general state of health, you've never been high in the mountains and don't know how your body may react to height DON'T go too high in the mountains! Mountain disease is not a myth! If you are going on a trekking tour make sure you will be able to go down anytime.
Pay attention to how you are feeling as you are ascending. If you are feeling dizzy or your head starts aching or your heartbeat feels weird DO NOT ignore those symptoms!
If you are not an experienced horse rider or you are an animal rightist think twice before you take a horse riding tour in the mountains. DON'T expect western standards here. A horse has always been a working animal, not a pet or an amusement, for the locals. You can always take a car or a walking tour and avoid pain in your body and soul you might gain from a horse riding tour.
Food. Central Asian cuisine is probably one of the best cuisines in the world, not quite suitable for vegetarians and vegans though. The roots are in the culture, of course. Historically the Kyrgyz are nomads. They have never been agricultural people. And once again we should remember about the mountains.
Mountains are the clue to all the peculiarities here. They are great to breed sheep. And this is what the locals have always done. So, the basis of the cuisine is lamb and horse meat. And believe me, you will never find such a flavorous mutton anywhere on the globe!
You can read about Five Must-Taste Foods in Kyrgyzstan here.
And here is another DON'T. Be careful! If you are not used to such food DON'T eat much during your first days of stay and drink a lot of hot tea with every meal.
Hot tea is a traditional beverage among the locals. You will always be offered to have a bowl of tea wherever you come. By the way, here is another important DON'T. Whenever you are offered food or tea DO NOT reject it unless you want to seem disrespectful to the host. It is a tradition. Even if you are full take at least a piece of Naan (the local flatbread) and a swallow of tea just to show respect and appreciation.
Kyrgyzstan is an extremely multiethnic place. They account for as many as 80 ethnicities living here side by side. The cultures converge and mix. There are a lot of mixed marriages. In general, the atmosphere is very cosmopolitan and friendly. But unless you are 100% sure you know the person's ethnicity DO NOT try to pay any ethnicity-based compliments or make other notes. Sorry to say this but there are certain local undertows we might not know.
And last but not least. Many people say Kyrgyzstan is an absolutely safe place. DON'T be confused by those statements. Cities are very poorly lit during the dark hours of the day and it may be extremely unsafe to walk there. Also, watch out for pickpockets on public transport and walking around the city or exploring the local bazaars.
Find more articles about Kyrgyzstan at https://ontriphacks.com/blog/ and have an unforgettable trip!
1. Don't Call It Russia
And here is the first DON'T. The Kyrgyzstan people are very proud of their independence, so DON'T call them a part of Russia. They are friendly to Russia but still, they definitely won't be very happy if you call their country Russia.
So, what is Kyrgyzstan like? A small mountainous country with a population of around 5.5 million people. About 80% of its area is covered with beautiful mountains. Since mountains can be seen from wherever you are, it's common among the locals to use 'upwards' and 'downwards' as navigation terms eg: 'go up the street' or 'it's a bit lower down the street'.
It has a continental climate with mild winters and hot and long summers. In July and August it may be as hot as 40 degrees Celsius but you can always escape from the heat taking a trekking tour in the mountains. It's completely different up there. Let's say when it's around 40 in Bishkek it may be 12-15 degrees and raining heavily just a thousand meters up in the mountains. And it's time for some DON'Ts.
2. Don't Go Too High
If you are not sure about your heart and vascular system, lungs and general state of health, you've never been high in the mountains and don't know how your body may react to height DON'T go too high in the mountains! Mountain disease is not a myth! If you are going on a trekking tour make sure you will be able to go down anytime.
3. Don't Ignore Your Body Signals
Pay attention to how you are feeling as you are ascending. If you are feeling dizzy or your head starts aching or your heartbeat feels weird DO NOT ignore those symptoms!
4. Don't Expect Western Standards in Relation To Animals
If you are not an experienced horse rider or you are an animal rightist think twice before you take a horse riding tour in the mountains. DON'T expect western standards here. A horse has always been a working animal, not a pet or an amusement, for the locals. You can always take a car or a walking tour and avoid pain in your body and soul you might gain from a horse riding tour.
5. Don't Eat Too Much
Food. Central Asian cuisine is probably one of the best cuisines in the world, not quite suitable for vegetarians and vegans though. The roots are in the culture, of course. Historically the Kyrgyz are nomads. They have never been agricultural people. And once again we should remember about the mountains.
Mountains are the clue to all the peculiarities here. They are great to breed sheep. And this is what the locals have always done. So, the basis of the cuisine is lamb and horse meat. And believe me, you will never find such a flavorous mutton anywhere on the globe!
You can read about Five Must-Taste Foods in Kyrgyzstan here.
And here is another DON'T. Be careful! If you are not used to such food DON'T eat much during your first days of stay and drink a lot of hot tea with every meal.
6. Don't Reject Food Offered by Locals
Hot tea is a traditional beverage among the locals. You will always be offered to have a bowl of tea wherever you come. By the way, here is another important DON'T. Whenever you are offered food or tea DO NOT reject it unless you want to seem disrespectful to the host. It is a tradition. Even if you are full take at least a piece of Naan (the local flatbread) and a swallow of tea just to show respect and appreciation.
7. Don't Make Ethnicity Notes
Kyrgyzstan is an extremely multiethnic place. They account for as many as 80 ethnicities living here side by side. The cultures converge and mix. There are a lot of mixed marriages. In general, the atmosphere is very cosmopolitan and friendly. But unless you are 100% sure you know the person's ethnicity DO NOT try to pay any ethnicity-based compliments or make other notes. Sorry to say this but there are certain local undertows we might not know.
8. Don't Think It's 100% Safe
And last but not least. Many people say Kyrgyzstan is an absolutely safe place. DON'T be confused by those statements. Cities are very poorly lit during the dark hours of the day and it may be extremely unsafe to walk there. Also, watch out for pickpockets on public transport and walking around the city or exploring the local bazaars.
Find more articles about Kyrgyzstan at https://ontriphacks.com/blog/ and have an unforgettable trip!
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Hong Kong is counted amongst those cities that are considered to be the most expensive in the world. Does it mean that the people coming to explore this city, seeking an amazing travel experience have to be prepared for a heavy expenditure? No, because the city is also full of options that won't require a big budget; in fact, you can undergo some of the experiences for free here. Hard to believe?
Scroll down to know more about the various places to visit in Hong Kong and free things to do in Hong Kong that will not only make your trip budget friendly but will also ensure a memorable travel experience.
If you're looking for a spot in Hong Kong where you can spend your time chilling and refreshing, then Edward Youde Aviary can be the best spot. The name given to this attraction has been taken from a former Hong Kong governor. The aviary is believed to be housing more than 600 species of birds that will simply mesmerise you. Located at a distance from the bustling city life, this can be a great place to spend your time in peace.
Since 5 years it is being observed that the art sector in Hong Kong has been gaining a lot of prominence in the world. It is essentially because of the happening art events that keep happening in the city and the presence of various art galleries like Gagosian, Art Basel, White Cube, and Pearl Lam. You can find these at the Hollywood Road where you can witness some of the best artworks by talented artists.
The city of Hong Kong boast about her long past in the moviemaking and it is from here that the stars like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Maggie Chung started their acting careers. If you happen to go to Sai Wan Ho region, then a visit to Hong Kong Film Archive is a must. The shows shows are hosted regularly along with exhibitions and you get to be a part of all this for free most of the time.
On your visit to this place, you'll get to witness the awe-striking skyscrapers but there's more to it. 60% of the area here is believed to be all natural and industrialisation hasn't laid a single mark on it. If you want to get closer to nature and spend some time amidst lush greenery, then do come to this place that lies at the central region of the town. Earlier, this place used to be the summer abode for the Hong Kong’s Governor.
The city of Hong Kong will never disappoint even the adventure lovers. Dragon's Back is renowned as a great hiking trail in the city and you can undergo a memorable adventurous experience here. You get to see the best views of the mountains as well as islands from here. The hike here starts from Cape Collinson Catholic Cemetery. At the top, you should visit Tai Tam Gap where you can have a calming stroll.
Apart from the places to visit in Hong Kong and free things to do in Hong Kong that are mentioned above, you can also visit the popular markets of the city to get a fair idea about the locals as well as their lifestyle and culture. With so many things to offer, a trip to Hong Kong will only surprise you with its versatility.
This is one of those places in the world that can be equally wonderful for all kinds of travelers - honeymooners, friends, families, or solo tourists.
Scroll down to know more about the various places to visit in Hong Kong and free things to do in Hong Kong that will not only make your trip budget friendly but will also ensure a memorable travel experience.
1. Spending Quality Time At Edward Youde Aviary
If you're looking for a spot in Hong Kong where you can spend your time chilling and refreshing, then Edward Youde Aviary can be the best spot. The name given to this attraction has been taken from a former Hong Kong governor. The aviary is believed to be housing more than 600 species of birds that will simply mesmerise you. Located at a distance from the bustling city life, this can be a great place to spend your time in peace.
2. Witnessing The Gallery At Hollywood Road
Since 5 years it is being observed that the art sector in Hong Kong has been gaining a lot of prominence in the world. It is essentially because of the happening art events that keep happening in the city and the presence of various art galleries like Gagosian, Art Basel, White Cube, and Pearl Lam. You can find these at the Hollywood Road where you can witness some of the best artworks by talented artists.
3. Watching A Movie That Won't Cost A Penny
The city of Hong Kong boast about her long past in the moviemaking and it is from here that the stars like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Maggie Chung started their acting careers. If you happen to go to Sai Wan Ho region, then a visit to Hong Kong Film Archive is a must. The shows shows are hosted regularly along with exhibitions and you get to be a part of all this for free most of the time.
4. A Visit To Victoria Peak Gardens
On your visit to this place, you'll get to witness the awe-striking skyscrapers but there's more to it. 60% of the area here is believed to be all natural and industrialisation hasn't laid a single mark on it. If you want to get closer to nature and spend some time amidst lush greenery, then do come to this place that lies at the central region of the town. Earlier, this place used to be the summer abode for the Hong Kong’s Governor.
5. Hiking On Dragon's Back
The city of Hong Kong will never disappoint even the adventure lovers. Dragon's Back is renowned as a great hiking trail in the city and you can undergo a memorable adventurous experience here. You get to see the best views of the mountains as well as islands from here. The hike here starts from Cape Collinson Catholic Cemetery. At the top, you should visit Tai Tam Gap where you can have a calming stroll.
Apart from the places to visit in Hong Kong and free things to do in Hong Kong that are mentioned above, you can also visit the popular markets of the city to get a fair idea about the locals as well as their lifestyle and culture. With so many things to offer, a trip to Hong Kong will only surprise you with its versatility.
This is one of those places in the world that can be equally wonderful for all kinds of travelers - honeymooners, friends, families, or solo tourists.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Taking photos in every place you visit is a good way of keeping track of and showcasing your travels, but you would achieve better results by making a push pin travel map. Such a map makes it easy for you to note the places you have traveled to and the places that you need to visit.
Some people opt to buy pre-assembled push pin travel map- which I guess is pretty much okay, but doing that would take away from you the joy and fun of customizing your own map from scratch. Also, a DIY push pin travel map will save you a lot of money.
And if you are thinking about giving the map out as a gift, a map that you made on your own would give you more satisfaction than the one you would buy from the shop.
A good push pin travel map should highlight the cities and destinations that you've been to. It should give you and your visitors a quick glimpse of your travel adventures. At the same time, a world map canvas gives your living room a little decor boost.
Please read on to learn how to make your own push pin travel map. Here are 9 steps of making a push pin travel map.
Step I: Preps
Acquire the following items:
- A 60cm by 90cm map.
- A foam board the size of your map or slightly bigger. You will use it to hold your pins in place.
- A paint of a color that blends best with your map and frame.
- A frame big enough to hold your map. Ensure that it has pre-installed hanging hardware.
- A foam paint roller and a couple of 1-inch foam paint brushes.
- Sharp scissors or a precision knife for any probable cutting needs.
- Spray adhesive that you'll use to bond the map to the foam board.
- Weighty items such as books.
- Smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles that may form after bonding the map to the board. The tool shouldn't be sharp otherwise it might damage the map.
- Color-coordinated pins to mark different locations on the map.
- A ruler and a tape
Step II: Cutting the board
- Use your ruler to measure 60 cm by 90 cm on your foam board and then mark each dimension using the tape. The edges of your measured outline should be perfect right angles.
- Join the marked edges with straight lines to form a rectangle.
- Cut the board along the lines drawn. Use your sharp precision knife or scissors to do this.
Step III: Glue the board
- Use the spray adhesive to glue the boar. Spray adhesive is preferred for this step because it dries up evenly, leaving little or no lumps. To get a perfect bond, apply as much adhesive as possible, though you should be careful not to go overboard.
Step IV: Place the map
- Carefully place your map on the board ensuring that the edges are well in place and that the map is well stretched out.
- Using your smoothing tool, smooth out any visible air bubbles. Run the tool over the map as many times as necessary until the bond is perfect and the glue is evenly distributed.
- Place the map facing the ceiling and place your heavy books on top of it. Leave the setup like that for a couple of hours so that the map can bond well on the board.
Step V: Prep the frame
- Paint your frame and leave it for 30 minutes to dry. If it won't have dried up by then, give it all the extra time it needs. While at it, remember to use the right colors that blend well with your map and color walls.
- Use your 1-inch brushes to get into the crevices of the frame.
- Add another coat of paint and then leave it to dry. That gives it a more complete, finished look.
Step VI: Frame the map
- Your map must be well dried up by now. Place it carefully in the frame ensuring that the edges remain intact. Remember to keep the map facing up.
Step VII: Pin your map
- Start by downloading a good pinning legend from a reputable website and then printing it out.
- Glue the legend to one corner of your map.
- Mark your travel destinations using the push pins. The advantage of having multi-colored pins is that you can mark past travels, upcoming travels, and dream destinations using different colors.
- When placing your pin, try to only mark the major cities and country capitals only to avoid overcrowding the map.
Step VIII: Hang the map
- Hang the map on the wall directly opposite the entrance door. That makes it the focal point of your living room so that every visitor walking through the door can see it.
Step IX: Decorating the map
- If you have any collectibles from your past travels, this is a perfect chance for you to showcase them. place them strategically and neatly on either side of the DIY world map canvas.
Monday, August 12, 2019
Do you know how they say the food is the most primarily important thing? I disagree.
I believe there's something more important than food, well surely my pals will agree with me on this. And well I’m not wrong here either!
If you think what I'm thinking, then we are on the right track here guys! It's SHOPPING!!!
Nothing is as exciting (or as tiring for some) as going on a shopping spree. It’s the adventure loved by the kids, adults and well even the elders. No matter what place you are going, every one of you has some particular taste you want to buy and there’s no stopping you from it either.
And should it be? You earn not only for old age or just to settle out kids you know? You have a right to fulfill your wish as little as it may seem. Anything than has the power to make you happy needs a redeeming chance in your life again and again.
Well besides, shopping there is this one thing that can easily bring goosebumps down my neck. The excitement of travelling! I love travelling too, as my little doppelganger does.
Last year spending some great holidays in Morocco made me experience some of the best things. And I'm happy that I didn't skip this country from things-to-do-list. Regardless of what I have heard about this country, I thought of exploring it on my own and I wasn't disappointed at all.
Why Morocco as a Holiday Destination?
Many have asked me this question. And all I ever could do was smile at them be shocked faces. And my simple response was 'why not?'
For those who are not aware or know very little, Morocco is not in the Middle East but in Africa (I know it's easy to misinterpret the grid) and situated in the north as well making it a top rank amongst the rest of African terrain.
Not only this but on its Northern Coast is Strait of Gibraltar as well i.e. the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. And that’s about right too, Morocco is home to two beautiful aquatic life forms! I don’t know why but it made me so excited and I knew visiting was unavoidable.
Shopping Spree, Morocco and Me
Morocco has an authentic way of life, squeezing cultural details in every aspect of life here is just the Moroccan way of living.
There are some thrifty vibes going on here once you see the marketplace (souks). Situated in the old walled medinas (old city part) these souks represents the culture and traditional goods that tourists are unable to resist. Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, etc. are particularly popular for their stronghold of souks in the area and well there are amazing goods you can't resist upon.
This old town media was actually a cluster of forts back in the 19th century and it became a popular trade center for the Berber jewelry and silver goods. The most appreciated jewelry item was the Berber rings with large stones engraved in the middle and surrounded by an intricate pattern of small stones, giving it a traditional look. These huge rings reminded me of Mughal art era how princes were adorned with such ornaments.
Brooches, bangles, necklaces, pendants, and earrings are the next best selling items here. Don't be surprised if you see a simple of a "hand" on some of the jewelry, according to the popular Moroccan belief it wards away the evil eye (like a protection charm).
The city famous as old medina is home to some gorgeous Moroccan roots. A cheap holiday in Morocco will definitely lead you here. This city is thoroughly cultured and you don't want to miss the souks with high-quality carpets (one of the finest I might say) are sold here. Fes el Bali is famous for its hand woven carpets and well all you need is tie up your hair (literally) get handed a cup of mint tea (Kahwah) and so the session begins!
Bargaining your way is a tough hassle but your skills are tested every time you look even at a single new item. But to be honest there’s a vast variety to choose from and Moroccan carpets can add a tad bit of cultural look to your home décor.
Those who have been to Marrakech, know it already that its home to the biggest souk and is also a cluster of older but smaller souks too.
Technically a collection of souks is what makes Jemaa el-Fnaa the biggest of all and you may find it hard to find your way through the narrow streets. Each corner is adorned with a shop and vendors are always keen to attract a customer, especially if it's a tourist you need to pay close attention to everyone around you.
Naturon souk is all about cosmetics and organic health shops. The organic materials sold out are pure of quality making them slightly overpriced but comparatively (to other currencies) a bit cheaper. Anyone will love this place who are conscious about their skin. For me, it proved to be an argan mineral resource.
Like I mentioned above, Marrakech is home to a cluster of souks making it more accessible than the rest of the cities, there's another one here representing modern clothing. From the knitted beanies and Berber styled finished goods you can purchase from a variety of items.
With cute displays of hats, bags, and boots, you can grab a pair of each and add it to the list of things you want to buy. Let me remind you of a fact, this place is famous for its leather items, so you should be really looking forward to visiting it at least once. And don't forget to take a light snack with you all that shopping is bound to make you hungry.
Who doesn't love flowers? And rose on top of that?
This souk offers a range of flower extractions! And it's all organic too! the beautiful roses are brought from the local farmers and the raw material is then used to extract the goodness out of it. Creams and soap products are most common while rose-scented deodorants are made here too.
It's a heaven for flower lovers and the pure scents just act as aftershave meth of air crystals feeling the air. People find it particularly attractive because of the smell. And the little items are just amazing to use and easy to carry too because of their small size.
Feeling all petted up yet? Yeah, that's how I felt when I came here and visited these souks in a matter of a week. And you can find it all yourself too once you get to visit the wonderful land. So don’t wait or you will miss it out!
I believe there's something more important than food, well surely my pals will agree with me on this. And well I’m not wrong here either!
If you think what I'm thinking, then we are on the right track here guys! It's SHOPPING!!!
Nothing is as exciting (or as tiring for some) as going on a shopping spree. It’s the adventure loved by the kids, adults and well even the elders. No matter what place you are going, every one of you has some particular taste you want to buy and there’s no stopping you from it either.
And should it be? You earn not only for old age or just to settle out kids you know? You have a right to fulfill your wish as little as it may seem. Anything than has the power to make you happy needs a redeeming chance in your life again and again.
Well besides, shopping there is this one thing that can easily bring goosebumps down my neck. The excitement of travelling! I love travelling too, as my little doppelganger does.
Last year spending some great holidays in Morocco made me experience some of the best things. And I'm happy that I didn't skip this country from things-to-do-list. Regardless of what I have heard about this country, I thought of exploring it on my own and I wasn't disappointed at all.
Why Morocco as a Holiday Destination?
Many have asked me this question. And all I ever could do was smile at them be shocked faces. And my simple response was 'why not?'
For those who are not aware or know very little, Morocco is not in the Middle East but in Africa (I know it's easy to misinterpret the grid) and situated in the north as well making it a top rank amongst the rest of African terrain.
Not only this but on its Northern Coast is Strait of Gibraltar as well i.e. the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. And that’s about right too, Morocco is home to two beautiful aquatic life forms! I don’t know why but it made me so excited and I knew visiting was unavoidable.
Shopping Spree, Morocco and Me
Morocco has an authentic way of life, squeezing cultural details in every aspect of life here is just the Moroccan way of living.
There are some thrifty vibes going on here once you see the marketplace (souks). Situated in the old walled medinas (old city part) these souks represents the culture and traditional goods that tourists are unable to resist. Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, etc. are particularly popular for their stronghold of souks in the area and well there are amazing goods you can't resist upon.
1. Tiznit
This old town media was actually a cluster of forts back in the 19th century and it became a popular trade center for the Berber jewelry and silver goods. The most appreciated jewelry item was the Berber rings with large stones engraved in the middle and surrounded by an intricate pattern of small stones, giving it a traditional look. These huge rings reminded me of Mughal art era how princes were adorned with such ornaments.
Brooches, bangles, necklaces, pendants, and earrings are the next best selling items here. Don't be surprised if you see a simple of a "hand" on some of the jewelry, according to the popular Moroccan belief it wards away the evil eye (like a protection charm).
2. Fes
The city famous as old medina is home to some gorgeous Moroccan roots. A cheap holiday in Morocco will definitely lead you here. This city is thoroughly cultured and you don't want to miss the souks with high-quality carpets (one of the finest I might say) are sold here. Fes el Bali is famous for its hand woven carpets and well all you need is tie up your hair (literally) get handed a cup of mint tea (Kahwah) and so the session begins!
Bargaining your way is a tough hassle but your skills are tested every time you look even at a single new item. But to be honest there’s a vast variety to choose from and Moroccan carpets can add a tad bit of cultural look to your home décor.
3. Marrakech (part one)
Those who have been to Marrakech, know it already that its home to the biggest souk and is also a cluster of older but smaller souks too.
Technically a collection of souks is what makes Jemaa el-Fnaa the biggest of all and you may find it hard to find your way through the narrow streets. Each corner is adorned with a shop and vendors are always keen to attract a customer, especially if it's a tourist you need to pay close attention to everyone around you.
Naturon souk is all about cosmetics and organic health shops. The organic materials sold out are pure of quality making them slightly overpriced but comparatively (to other currencies) a bit cheaper. Anyone will love this place who are conscious about their skin. For me, it proved to be an argan mineral resource.
4. Marrakech (part two)
Like I mentioned above, Marrakech is home to a cluster of souks making it more accessible than the rest of the cities, there's another one here representing modern clothing. From the knitted beanies and Berber styled finished goods you can purchase from a variety of items.
With cute displays of hats, bags, and boots, you can grab a pair of each and add it to the list of things you want to buy. Let me remind you of a fact, this place is famous for its leather items, so you should be really looking forward to visiting it at least once. And don't forget to take a light snack with you all that shopping is bound to make you hungry.
5. Kelaâ M'gouna
Who doesn't love flowers? And rose on top of that?
This souk offers a range of flower extractions! And it's all organic too! the beautiful roses are brought from the local farmers and the raw material is then used to extract the goodness out of it. Creams and soap products are most common while rose-scented deodorants are made here too.
It's a heaven for flower lovers and the pure scents just act as aftershave meth of air crystals feeling the air. People find it particularly attractive because of the smell. And the little items are just amazing to use and easy to carry too because of their small size.
Feeling all petted up yet? Yeah, that's how I felt when I came here and visited these souks in a matter of a week. And you can find it all yourself too once you get to visit the wonderful land. So don’t wait or you will miss it out!
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Mauritius, a beautiful island surrounded by the waters of Indian ocean can easily become a beach lovers paradise. This island is lined up with the world's third largest coral reef and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The tropical weather and beautiful beaches have made this place a major tourist destination.
Seeing the huge number of tourists coming in, a number of hotels and resorts have popped up near the beaches. While there are a number of 3 star hotels in Mauritius which offer great places to stay for a romantic honeymoon, here is an exclusive list of hotels which are budget friendly and most loved by couples who like to make the most special moment for their new journey extra special.
This spacious penthouse located on Flic-en-Flac Beach offers a sea facing view. Featuring a fully equipped kitchen, a fridge, a stove and a microwave, you can completely have the place to your own. If you wish to explore some of the local cuisine, and some delicious barbecue restaurants are located 1 km away. If you would like, you can take a swim at their private outdoors pool or go snorkelling and jogging on the scenic beach.
If you would like to explore the neighbourhood or just on a long drive with your better half, this hotel offers cars for hire. For those who would just like to have a lazy moment and relax, this property also features a lounge on the mezzanine level where you could spend some quiet time with your partner and enjoy the ambience.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport is located 49km away and can be reached by a shuttle provided by the hotel.
Located 1.5 km from the beach, this hotel features an individually decorated suite with a minibar. Each unit comes with a full fledged kitchenette with kitchenware and tea-coffee making facilities. This place also features a swimming pool, a hot tub and a terrace with a view where you can spend your private leisure time.
While breakfast is served, you may explore a number of local and international cuisine at local restaurants within a range of 2 km. If you wish to explore the surroundings, the hotel offers complimentary shuttle to the beach as well as bikes.
Port Louis is 22 km away while Sri Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 45 km away and can be reached by a complimentary shuttle offered to the guests on request.
If you like to have a quiet place which could offer you a lot of private space, the Flic-en-Flac Penthouse could be your perfect getaway. A private 3 bedroom apartment with well equipped kitchen, a microwave, a fridge and a washing machine offers rooms with a beach view. This place also features a patio, a private outdoor swimming pool and a barbecue.
If you wish to get gorgeously tanned without having to hunt for a spot on the beach, you may do so at your own personal sun terrace which has a quiet ambience and a beautiful view. While the hotel offers additional towels and linen, you can always get whatever you require from the Cascavelle Shopping Mall located 5km away.
For those who can never get enough of the beach, welcome to Silver Sands Studios & Apartments. Just 1 km walk away from the beach, this hotel is located in one of the most beautiful settings. Each room features a beach view and includes microwave, dining area and a refrigerator. The property also offers laundry, ironing services as well as free parking. Sri Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 45 km
Sri Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 37 km away. The hotel offers airport shuttle on request. While you are here, don't miss out on watching the setting sun across the Indian Ocean while you stroll on the beautiful white sand beach.
Located just 90m away from the Flic-en-Flac Beach, this hotel offers modern self catering apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, towels and bed linens. You also are provided with a balcony, sun lounge, common swimming pool, barbecue area, parking and private rooftop garden with a stunning view of the mountain range and beaches. This property is just within walking distance from restaurants, nightlife and supermarkets.
Several other tourist hotspots such as the Tamarin Golf Club is 4 km away, Port Louis is 35 km away, Airport is 50 km away, the Cascavelle Shopping Mall is 3 km away and the Casela Leisure & Nature Park is just within 4.1 km of range.
Whenever you plan a holiday or a honeymoon trip to Mauritius, make sure you check out these 3 star hotels in Mauritius for a memorable trip.
Seeing the huge number of tourists coming in, a number of hotels and resorts have popped up near the beaches. While there are a number of 3 star hotels in Mauritius which offer great places to stay for a romantic honeymoon, here is an exclusive list of hotels which are budget friendly and most loved by couples who like to make the most special moment for their new journey extra special.
1. West Terrace Penthouse
This spacious penthouse located on Flic-en-Flac Beach offers a sea facing view. Featuring a fully equipped kitchen, a fridge, a stove and a microwave, you can completely have the place to your own. If you wish to explore some of the local cuisine, and some delicious barbecue restaurants are located 1 km away. If you would like, you can take a swim at their private outdoors pool or go snorkelling and jogging on the scenic beach.
If you would like to explore the neighbourhood or just on a long drive with your better half, this hotel offers cars for hire. For those who would just like to have a lazy moment and relax, this property also features a lounge on the mezzanine level where you could spend some quiet time with your partner and enjoy the ambience.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport is located 49km away and can be reached by a shuttle provided by the hotel.
2. L'Oiseau de L'Ocean Tourist Residence
Located 1.5 km from the beach, this hotel features an individually decorated suite with a minibar. Each unit comes with a full fledged kitchenette with kitchenware and tea-coffee making facilities. This place also features a swimming pool, a hot tub and a terrace with a view where you can spend your private leisure time.
While breakfast is served, you may explore a number of local and international cuisine at local restaurants within a range of 2 km. If you wish to explore the surroundings, the hotel offers complimentary shuttle to the beach as well as bikes.
Port Louis is 22 km away while Sri Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 45 km away and can be reached by a complimentary shuttle offered to the guests on request.
3. Flic en Flac Beach Penthouse
If you like to have a quiet place which could offer you a lot of private space, the Flic-en-Flac Penthouse could be your perfect getaway. A private 3 bedroom apartment with well equipped kitchen, a microwave, a fridge and a washing machine offers rooms with a beach view. This place also features a patio, a private outdoor swimming pool and a barbecue.
If you wish to get gorgeously tanned without having to hunt for a spot on the beach, you may do so at your own personal sun terrace which has a quiet ambience and a beautiful view. While the hotel offers additional towels and linen, you can always get whatever you require from the Cascavelle Shopping Mall located 5km away.
4. Silver Sands Studios & Apartment
For those who can never get enough of the beach, welcome to Silver Sands Studios & Apartments. Just 1 km walk away from the beach, this hotel is located in one of the most beautiful settings. Each room features a beach view and includes microwave, dining area and a refrigerator. The property also offers laundry, ironing services as well as free parking. Sri Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 45 km
Sri Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 37 km away. The hotel offers airport shuttle on request. While you are here, don't miss out on watching the setting sun across the Indian Ocean while you stroll on the beautiful white sand beach.
5. Sugar Reef West Coast
Located just 90m away from the Flic-en-Flac Beach, this hotel offers modern self catering apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, towels and bed linens. You also are provided with a balcony, sun lounge, common swimming pool, barbecue area, parking and private rooftop garden with a stunning view of the mountain range and beaches. This property is just within walking distance from restaurants, nightlife and supermarkets.
Several other tourist hotspots such as the Tamarin Golf Club is 4 km away, Port Louis is 35 km away, Airport is 50 km away, the Cascavelle Shopping Mall is 3 km away and the Casela Leisure & Nature Park is just within 4.1 km of range.
Whenever you plan a holiday or a honeymoon trip to Mauritius, make sure you check out these 3 star hotels in Mauritius for a memorable trip.
Friday, August 09, 2019
Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington (not to be confused with Washington District of Columbia or Washington DC at the other end of the country, which is the capital of the United States). The metropolitan area of the city comprises the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue complex. The city is located between Lake Washington and the bay known as Puget Sound, next to the Pacific Ocean.
Seattle is also known as Gateway to Alaska, Rain City and Jet City, due to the influence of Boeing. This city is also famous as the birthplace of grunge music, which is called the sound of Seattle, and bands that promoted that movement in the early 90s as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. Seattle is the hometown of the famous rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
Among things to do in Seattle, it is a city with sculptures on the street, many flowers, bars and restaurants with outdoor terraces, well organized, New York taxis and several limousines circulating. As the origin city of Starbucks, see many cafes from this chain. The symbol and tourist attraction in the city is the Space Needle, a telecommunications tower inspired by the Fernsehturm Stuttgart Tower in Germany.
In Seattle, the landscapes captivate your attention. But before heading to downtown, see the headquarters of the Microsoft in Redmond, about 20 kilometers from downtown Seattle. Walk around the downtown Seattle, visiting the fantastic Pike Place Market. Walk through various places in the city, including Pionners Square and the square that pays tribute to the American Indian Chief Seattle.
Why you need a travel agency in Seattle for planning your business as well as fun trips within the country?Summertime is the best time for a getaway. We always need it at this time of the year. Most of us take care to make enough savings and manage to finagle a few days off work. This means we are completely ready for going on our hard-won break.
However, first of all, one requires planning it effectively. It might be fun to fantasize about destinations like Honolulu, the actual part of trip planning shouldn't be treated as a second job done in a hurry. Here are a few exciting places to visit in Seattle.
Space Needle has quickly become a city that is recognized all over the world. It will give you some of the amazing views such as the Cascade mountains, Mount Rainier and Elliott Bay.
The family-friendly museum can let you explore what it has to offer. You can explore galaxies; get up close with colourful creatures in the tropical butterfly house and much more.
Pacific Northwest Ballet performs a variety of modern and classical shows in Seattle. The shows are performed under the creative direction of renowned dancer Peter Boal.
The leading museum of flights is a home to various airplanes, educational exhibits and flight-related objects. It has got the largest aircraft collection including a Concorde.
The Olympic Sculpture Park, positioned at the edge of Elliott Bayand is free and open to the public year-round. The greatest collection of the museum includes artwork from around the globe and across millennia, as well as an extensive gallery.
Volunteer Park features a century-old conservatory with tropical plants and trees. Visitors can also find simple attractions within the park like walking trails, sports facilities, a children's play area, and picnic grounds.
What you need to consider is transportation, activities, meals, and accommodation. Once you are relieved of how you will make yourself comfortable on these aspects, then you are ready for Instagram-worthy holiday time. We all know that it can pretty stressful to organize the logistics of relaxing and fun moments we have been pondering on.
At such times, hiring a reputable travel agency in Seattle like Big Travel Help can be a tempting and wise decision. Even though it gives an extra line to your travel budget, it’s completely worthwhile to spend for this service. Read on further to know why having a travel agent for your domestic trips is important.
Most of us imagine that having a travel agent would be outside of our budget or just superfluous for the short domestic kind of travels. But, in reality, it is not. You would be astounded to find out how much a professional travel agent can help you and make things simple for you, so all you have in the end is a stress-free and fun-filled holiday time to look forward to.
Hiring a travel agency is affordable
As per the magazine Travel+Leisure, travel agents get a majority of their income from the commission paid by the hotels, tour operators, cruise ships, and airlines. Thus, though your travel agency may charge you a booking fee, it can be as low as a hundred dollars, making it highly reasonable one given the amount of comfort you get.
Apart from this, there are some travel agents who do not charge you at all, as they are relying more on the service provider for the kickbacks. Thus, your fantasy trip to places like the Oahu islands would be the same cost as you would pay for it by arranging everything yourself.
Good travel agencies want you to be their returning customers and they would rather like that you refer them to your friends. However, it is important to ask your travel agent about how much fees they would be charging you.
Due to their deals with airlines, the travel agencies can provide you with cheaper flights tickets. Thus, you can get book cheap flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles and cheap flights from Washington DC to Honolulu than you would have done otherwise with the service of a travel agency Big Travel Help.
And this means you have savings with you which you can rather spend on a spa or having fun activity on your trip to your dream destination.
You can get freebies and upgrades
Travel agents have strong relations with various service providers like airlines, hotels chains, rental car services, and more. This is not possible for an individual customer. Thus, signing up for the services of the travel agents, you are also getting closer to the company’s reward programs. You are unlocking a big heap of perks, which you can’t otherwise. These may include spa credits room upgrades and much more.
So many perks at regular prices and while someone else is doing all the work for you, isn’t it much more than sweet deal?
You can still be having your control on your preferences
Planning everything is much more fun when you are going on vacation. If you think your inner adventurer would lose ground hiring a travel agency, you are not right. You still retain the ultimate control on what you actually want to include in your itinerary. While the agency gives you suggestions, you would still be doing the research and planning and after that you can tell your travel agent to do the booking.
Even if it is short term jaunts within the country, hiring a travel agent could make the trip much easier and manageable. If you want to book cheap flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles and cheap flights from Washington DC to Honolulu, hiring a travel agency in Seattle is the right choice.
Seattle is also known as Gateway to Alaska, Rain City and Jet City, due to the influence of Boeing. This city is also famous as the birthplace of grunge music, which is called the sound of Seattle, and bands that promoted that movement in the early 90s as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. Seattle is the hometown of the famous rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
Among things to do in Seattle, it is a city with sculptures on the street, many flowers, bars and restaurants with outdoor terraces, well organized, New York taxis and several limousines circulating. As the origin city of Starbucks, see many cafes from this chain. The symbol and tourist attraction in the city is the Space Needle, a telecommunications tower inspired by the Fernsehturm Stuttgart Tower in Germany.
In Seattle, the landscapes captivate your attention. But before heading to downtown, see the headquarters of the Microsoft in Redmond, about 20 kilometers from downtown Seattle. Walk around the downtown Seattle, visiting the fantastic Pike Place Market. Walk through various places in the city, including Pionners Square and the square that pays tribute to the American Indian Chief Seattle.
Why you need a travel agency in Seattle for planning your business as well as fun trips within the country?Summertime is the best time for a getaway. We always need it at this time of the year. Most of us take care to make enough savings and manage to finagle a few days off work. This means we are completely ready for going on our hard-won break.
However, first of all, one requires planning it effectively. It might be fun to fantasize about destinations like Honolulu, the actual part of trip planning shouldn't be treated as a second job done in a hurry. Here are a few exciting places to visit in Seattle.
1. Space Needle
Space Needle has quickly become a city that is recognized all over the world. It will give you some of the amazing views such as the Cascade mountains, Mount Rainier and Elliott Bay.
2. Pacific Science Center
The family-friendly museum can let you explore what it has to offer. You can explore galaxies; get up close with colourful creatures in the tropical butterfly house and much more.
3. Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet performs a variety of modern and classical shows in Seattle. The shows are performed under the creative direction of renowned dancer Peter Boal.
4. Museum of flights
The leading museum of flights is a home to various airplanes, educational exhibits and flight-related objects. It has got the largest aircraft collection including a Concorde.
5. Olympic Sculpture park
The Olympic Sculpture Park, positioned at the edge of Elliott Bayand is free and open to the public year-round. The greatest collection of the museum includes artwork from around the globe and across millennia, as well as an extensive gallery.
6. Volunteer park
Volunteer Park features a century-old conservatory with tropical plants and trees. Visitors can also find simple attractions within the park like walking trails, sports facilities, a children's play area, and picnic grounds.
What you need to consider is transportation, activities, meals, and accommodation. Once you are relieved of how you will make yourself comfortable on these aspects, then you are ready for Instagram-worthy holiday time. We all know that it can pretty stressful to organize the logistics of relaxing and fun moments we have been pondering on.
At such times, hiring a reputable travel agency in Seattle like Big Travel Help can be a tempting and wise decision. Even though it gives an extra line to your travel budget, it’s completely worthwhile to spend for this service. Read on further to know why having a travel agent for your domestic trips is important.
Most of us imagine that having a travel agent would be outside of our budget or just superfluous for the short domestic kind of travels. But, in reality, it is not. You would be astounded to find out how much a professional travel agent can help you and make things simple for you, so all you have in the end is a stress-free and fun-filled holiday time to look forward to.
Hiring a travel agency is affordable
As per the magazine Travel+Leisure, travel agents get a majority of their income from the commission paid by the hotels, tour operators, cruise ships, and airlines. Thus, though your travel agency may charge you a booking fee, it can be as low as a hundred dollars, making it highly reasonable one given the amount of comfort you get.
Apart from this, there are some travel agents who do not charge you at all, as they are relying more on the service provider for the kickbacks. Thus, your fantasy trip to places like the Oahu islands would be the same cost as you would pay for it by arranging everything yourself.
Good travel agencies want you to be their returning customers and they would rather like that you refer them to your friends. However, it is important to ask your travel agent about how much fees they would be charging you.
Due to their deals with airlines, the travel agencies can provide you with cheaper flights tickets. Thus, you can get book cheap flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles and cheap flights from Washington DC to Honolulu than you would have done otherwise with the service of a travel agency Big Travel Help.
And this means you have savings with you which you can rather spend on a spa or having fun activity on your trip to your dream destination.
You can get freebies and upgrades
Travel agents have strong relations with various service providers like airlines, hotels chains, rental car services, and more. This is not possible for an individual customer. Thus, signing up for the services of the travel agents, you are also getting closer to the company’s reward programs. You are unlocking a big heap of perks, which you can’t otherwise. These may include spa credits room upgrades and much more.
So many perks at regular prices and while someone else is doing all the work for you, isn’t it much more than sweet deal?
You can still be having your control on your preferences
Planning everything is much more fun when you are going on vacation. If you think your inner adventurer would lose ground hiring a travel agency, you are not right. You still retain the ultimate control on what you actually want to include in your itinerary. While the agency gives you suggestions, you would still be doing the research and planning and after that you can tell your travel agent to do the booking.
Even if it is short term jaunts within the country, hiring a travel agent could make the trip much easier and manageable. If you want to book cheap flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles and cheap flights from Washington DC to Honolulu, hiring a travel agency in Seattle is the right choice.
Friday, August 09, 2019
Hi friends! We all head to hills to escape the city rush and summer heat but come summer and all the hill stations are brimming with tourists and you are back to square one as far as city rush is concerned. You go to hills to unwind and rejuvenate yourself and to be away from the madness of the city for some time.
However, if you find the same madness at the hill station of your choice, it will spoil not only all your well laid out plans but also your mood and mental peace. But there are still a few places which are unspoiled by human invasion and still retain their natural beauty and calmness. One such place is Araku Valley.
Araku valley is located at an altitude of 3000 feet in the Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is a beautiful hill station as well as a vacation spot. Lush green surroundings, mesmerizing waterfalls, natural caves and misty clouds over the hills make Araku Valley a dreamy place. It is an ideal place to re-energize yourself.
The tranquility and serenity of the place act as food for your soul. Nature lovers and adventure seekers among you, in particular, will love this place as it has so many naturally beautiful places to see and a lot of options to indulge in adventure. The best part of Araku Valley is its weather, which remains pleasant throughout the year.
You will see small villages with large open fields in Araku Valley, which present a picturesque sight. The village folks are simple and you can experience the village life interacting with them. If you have not visited Araku Valley yet, it must be in you bucket list for 2019. Let's have a look at some of the most beautiful and important places to see in Araku Valley.
This garden was built in the year 1942. In fact, it was developed as a farm for supplying vegetables and fruits to the soldiers who were fighting the world war II. Once the war got over, it was converted to a full-fledged nursery and botanical garden. You will find many rare species of flowers and trees here along with orchards. There is a rose garden also inside Padmapuram Botanical Garden that will truly enchant you.
For kids, there is a toy train which takes them around the garden and they can enjoy its ride in the midst of lush green surroundings and a clean environment. Adults can also hop on to the train. And then there are treehouses. Situated 10 ft above the ground on trees, these will interest the adventurer souls among you. You can stay in these treehouses and experience periodic swings as these houses sway due to the wind.
Padmapuram Botanical Garden is located just 2.5 km from Araku bus station and can be reached easily. The garden is open from 9am to 6pm and there is an entry fee of INR10 in Padmapuram Botanical Garden.
One of the most beautiful and scenic falls you will find anywhere, Chaparai Waterfalls is located just 5km from Araku Valley. Situated on Paderi-Araku road, it is also called Dumbriguda waterfalls. Surrounded by green forests from all sides, Chaparai Waterfalls is an ideal place for a fun outing with family or friends.
The tranquil atmosphere of the place will go a long way in helping you to unwind. The breathtaking spectacle of water falling from a height of 3000 ft with a big noise and then flowing on to different sized rocks will leave you spellbound. There are many streams here cutting through rocks and many rocks interrupting the flow of these streams.
You can spend endless time wondering man can never match the work of nature. You can also take a bath in the waterfalls provided water flow is not very fast. Chaparai Waterfalls is one of the most popular spots in Araku Valley and it can be reached by hiring a taxi from Araku in case you don't have your own vehicle. There is an entry fee of INR10 for Chaparai Waterfalls.
To get a dose of history, you must visit Borra Caves. These are ancient caves and are one million years old. Borra Caves are supposed to be the deepest caves in the country. These are limestone caves and are situated at a height of 1400 m. Spread over an area of 2 sq. km, these caves were discovered in the year 1807. There is an abundance of Stalagmite and Stalactite formations in Borra Caves.
You can identify these formations with some of the deities like Shiva-Parvati and other living beings like crocodile and tiger. There is a formation of even the human brain. Earlier, river Gosthani used to flow between these formations and the caves were created due to its flow over limestone. There is a legend about these caves.
It is believed that a cowherd lost one of his cows while grazing and went to search for it. He soon realized that his cow had fallen down. It was during the process of the search for his lost cow that he came across these caves and found a Shiva Linga inside.
Borra Caves are located at a distance of 36 km from Araku. You can reach here by taxi. The train from Vishakhapatnam to Araku has a halt at Borra Caves station from where Borra Caves are just 5 km away.
There are quite a few restaurants outside Borra Caves which offer lunch and snacks. These include those run by AP tourism department. The entry fee for the caves is INR40 for adults and INR30 for children. There is an additional charge of INR25 for still camera and INR100 for the video camera.
Curious about the culture and lifestyle of local tribals of Araku? Go and visit Araku Tribal Museum. This museum gives information about as well as showcases various facets of the living style of local tribal people. Also, it will give you a peek into the history of this place. Araku Tribal Museum was established by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation in the year 1996 to showcase local culture and traditions.
There are about 19 tribes living in and around Araku Valley. This museum provides a glimpse of their lifestyles. Clay replicas of tribal people going about their daily chores are displayed in the museum, which also has a collection of colorful outfits worn by local tribal people. The art and craft of these people are also on display in the museum.
There is another section that displays the utensils, hunting tools and jewelry of the local tribal people. There is a stall inside the museum which sells the handicrafts and other items made by tribal people. A very special feature of this museum is that it is built in two levels with mud and actual metals.
Araku Tribal Museum is located just 200 m from Araku bus stand. It remains open from 10 am to 6 pm. There is an entry fee of INR10 for adults and INR5 for children.
Adventure lovers among you must be wondering that there has been no mention of any adventurous place in this post so far. Well then, this is the place for you. Located between Vizag and Araku at a distance of 40 km from Araku is this wonderful small village called Tyda. Situated in the wooded hills of Eastern Ghats, Tyda is an ideal place for adventure seekers.
This is one of the most amazing places to see in and around Araku Valley. The nature park here, also known as Jungle Balls, has all the facilities that you will need to satisfy your lust for adventure. You can go trekking on various trails around this area or go for rock climbing. And the icing on the cake is target shooting with bows and arrows.
Who would like to miss this? And when you get tired of these physical activities, sit quietly in the serene environment and indulge in bird watching. You can see so many beautiful birds around this area which will mesmerize you. And if you are interested you can also learn the language of the jungle from local guides
You can stay in log huts and tents inside the camp which are set in a natural tribal environment. The charges for these vary from INR800 to INT1800. You can reach Tyda Nature Park by taxi. Alternately, trains running between Vizag and Araku have a stop at Tyda.
How To Reach Araku Valley
BY AIR - The nearest airport to Araku Valley is Vishakhapatnam, which is situated at a distance of about 120 km from Araku. Vishakhapatnam is well connected by regular flights to various Indian cities. From here, you can hire a taxi to reach Araku. Alternately, buses are also available from Vishakhapatnam to reach Araku Valley.
BY TRAIN - Araku has a railway station by the same name. A daily train from Vishakhapatnam runs to Araku. Vishakhapatnam is a major railway station and trains from all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune are available to reach here. It takes around four hours to reach Araku from Vishakhapatnam.
BY ROAD - Araku Valley is well connected by road. Regular bus service is available from Vishakhapatnam to Araku and you can get state-run buses to reach this place.
Where To Stay In Araku Valley
Araku Valley has a number of hotels and resorts. You can choose from them according to your budget and requirement. There are government-run hotels also which offer accommodation at reasonable prices.
The landscape and beauty of Araku Valley will make you fall in love with it. The beautiful falls, amazing hills and lush green forests of Araku Valley beckon you. So plan a trip to Araku Valley today and to plan it in a better way, here are a few tips.
HAPPY TRAVELING!
However, if you find the same madness at the hill station of your choice, it will spoil not only all your well laid out plans but also your mood and mental peace. But there are still a few places which are unspoiled by human invasion and still retain their natural beauty and calmness. One such place is Araku Valley.
Araku valley is located at an altitude of 3000 feet in the Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is a beautiful hill station as well as a vacation spot. Lush green surroundings, mesmerizing waterfalls, natural caves and misty clouds over the hills make Araku Valley a dreamy place. It is an ideal place to re-energize yourself.
The tranquility and serenity of the place act as food for your soul. Nature lovers and adventure seekers among you, in particular, will love this place as it has so many naturally beautiful places to see and a lot of options to indulge in adventure. The best part of Araku Valley is its weather, which remains pleasant throughout the year.
You will see small villages with large open fields in Araku Valley, which present a picturesque sight. The village folks are simple and you can experience the village life interacting with them. If you have not visited Araku Valley yet, it must be in you bucket list for 2019. Let's have a look at some of the most beautiful and important places to see in Araku Valley.
1. Padmapuram Botanical Garden
This garden was built in the year 1942. In fact, it was developed as a farm for supplying vegetables and fruits to the soldiers who were fighting the world war II. Once the war got over, it was converted to a full-fledged nursery and botanical garden. You will find many rare species of flowers and trees here along with orchards. There is a rose garden also inside Padmapuram Botanical Garden that will truly enchant you.
For kids, there is a toy train which takes them around the garden and they can enjoy its ride in the midst of lush green surroundings and a clean environment. Adults can also hop on to the train. And then there are treehouses. Situated 10 ft above the ground on trees, these will interest the adventurer souls among you. You can stay in these treehouses and experience periodic swings as these houses sway due to the wind.
Padmapuram Botanical Garden is located just 2.5 km from Araku bus station and can be reached easily. The garden is open from 9am to 6pm and there is an entry fee of INR10 in Padmapuram Botanical Garden.
2. Chaparai Waterfalls
One of the most beautiful and scenic falls you will find anywhere, Chaparai Waterfalls is located just 5km from Araku Valley. Situated on Paderi-Araku road, it is also called Dumbriguda waterfalls. Surrounded by green forests from all sides, Chaparai Waterfalls is an ideal place for a fun outing with family or friends.
The tranquil atmosphere of the place will go a long way in helping you to unwind. The breathtaking spectacle of water falling from a height of 3000 ft with a big noise and then flowing on to different sized rocks will leave you spellbound. There are many streams here cutting through rocks and many rocks interrupting the flow of these streams.
You can spend endless time wondering man can never match the work of nature. You can also take a bath in the waterfalls provided water flow is not very fast. Chaparai Waterfalls is one of the most popular spots in Araku Valley and it can be reached by hiring a taxi from Araku in case you don't have your own vehicle. There is an entry fee of INR10 for Chaparai Waterfalls.
3. Borra Caves
To get a dose of history, you must visit Borra Caves. These are ancient caves and are one million years old. Borra Caves are supposed to be the deepest caves in the country. These are limestone caves and are situated at a height of 1400 m. Spread over an area of 2 sq. km, these caves were discovered in the year 1807. There is an abundance of Stalagmite and Stalactite formations in Borra Caves.
You can identify these formations with some of the deities like Shiva-Parvati and other living beings like crocodile and tiger. There is a formation of even the human brain. Earlier, river Gosthani used to flow between these formations and the caves were created due to its flow over limestone. There is a legend about these caves.
It is believed that a cowherd lost one of his cows while grazing and went to search for it. He soon realized that his cow had fallen down. It was during the process of the search for his lost cow that he came across these caves and found a Shiva Linga inside.
Borra Caves are located at a distance of 36 km from Araku. You can reach here by taxi. The train from Vishakhapatnam to Araku has a halt at Borra Caves station from where Borra Caves are just 5 km away.
There are quite a few restaurants outside Borra Caves which offer lunch and snacks. These include those run by AP tourism department. The entry fee for the caves is INR40 for adults and INR30 for children. There is an additional charge of INR25 for still camera and INR100 for the video camera.
4. Araku Tribal Museum
Curious about the culture and lifestyle of local tribals of Araku? Go and visit Araku Tribal Museum. This museum gives information about as well as showcases various facets of the living style of local tribal people. Also, it will give you a peek into the history of this place. Araku Tribal Museum was established by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation in the year 1996 to showcase local culture and traditions.
There are about 19 tribes living in and around Araku Valley. This museum provides a glimpse of their lifestyles. Clay replicas of tribal people going about their daily chores are displayed in the museum, which also has a collection of colorful outfits worn by local tribal people. The art and craft of these people are also on display in the museum.
There is another section that displays the utensils, hunting tools and jewelry of the local tribal people. There is a stall inside the museum which sells the handicrafts and other items made by tribal people. A very special feature of this museum is that it is built in two levels with mud and actual metals.
Araku Tribal Museum is located just 200 m from Araku bus stand. It remains open from 10 am to 6 pm. There is an entry fee of INR10 for adults and INR5 for children.
5. Tyda Nature Park
Adventure lovers among you must be wondering that there has been no mention of any adventurous place in this post so far. Well then, this is the place for you. Located between Vizag and Araku at a distance of 40 km from Araku is this wonderful small village called Tyda. Situated in the wooded hills of Eastern Ghats, Tyda is an ideal place for adventure seekers.
This is one of the most amazing places to see in and around Araku Valley. The nature park here, also known as Jungle Balls, has all the facilities that you will need to satisfy your lust for adventure. You can go trekking on various trails around this area or go for rock climbing. And the icing on the cake is target shooting with bows and arrows.
Who would like to miss this? And when you get tired of these physical activities, sit quietly in the serene environment and indulge in bird watching. You can see so many beautiful birds around this area which will mesmerize you. And if you are interested you can also learn the language of the jungle from local guides
You can stay in log huts and tents inside the camp which are set in a natural tribal environment. The charges for these vary from INR800 to INT1800. You can reach Tyda Nature Park by taxi. Alternately, trains running between Vizag and Araku have a stop at Tyda.
How To Reach Araku Valley
BY AIR - The nearest airport to Araku Valley is Vishakhapatnam, which is situated at a distance of about 120 km from Araku. Vishakhapatnam is well connected by regular flights to various Indian cities. From here, you can hire a taxi to reach Araku. Alternately, buses are also available from Vishakhapatnam to reach Araku Valley.
BY TRAIN - Araku has a railway station by the same name. A daily train from Vishakhapatnam runs to Araku. Vishakhapatnam is a major railway station and trains from all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune are available to reach here. It takes around four hours to reach Araku from Vishakhapatnam.
BY ROAD - Araku Valley is well connected by road. Regular bus service is available from Vishakhapatnam to Araku and you can get state-run buses to reach this place.
Where To Stay In Araku Valley
Araku Valley has a number of hotels and resorts. You can choose from them according to your budget and requirement. There are government-run hotels also which offer accommodation at reasonable prices.
The landscape and beauty of Araku Valley will make you fall in love with it. The beautiful falls, amazing hills and lush green forests of Araku Valley beckon you. So plan a trip to Araku Valley today and to plan it in a better way, here are a few tips.
HAPPY TRAVELING!
Vimal Bhatia, a passionate traveller and keen travel blogger writes about some really stunning but unexplored places. A solo traveller so far, he hopes to find his travelling companion someday, maybe on one of his sojourns. He is already planning his next trip. Suggestions are welcome. Which place you would like him to go to and write about? Mention in the comments.
Wednesday, August 07, 2019
Placed in the foothills of the picturesque Himalayas and the capital of Uttarakhand State, Dehradun is among the most beautiful places to visit in India. An added bonus is the opportunity to enjoy an incredible shopping in Dehradun experience! A paradise for shopaholics, Dehradun is replete with vibrant street markets, fun malls, and various boutique stores for tourists to shop at.
No matter the budget, there is something for everyone here. Handicrafts, ethnic apparel, special Indian spices, brassware, and books are some of the popular things to buy in Dehradun. So, if you plan on shopping in Dehradun, take a quick peek below at our list of the best shopping places in Dehradun. Here are the top shopping places in Dehradun and what to buy there:
You may have already visited popular tourist spots in Delhi, Agra, and other nearby places. This time, enjoy exploring Dehradun shopping markets. Enjoy shopping in Dehradun even if you're simply passing through the city on last minute flights. To know where to shop, refer to our list below of the best places to shop in Dehradun.
Top things to buy: Latest fashionable clothes and accessories.
Indira Market Dehradun is among the best places for fashionistas shopping in Dehradun. It will be among the most vibrant Dehradun market images you'll find online. You will be able to buy the latest designs and trends at affordable rates. However, keep in mind to check the quality of the things you pick before you make the final purchase.
Top things to buy: Craft items, branded apparel, and food.
This is where you will have the most fun shopping in Dehradun. Rajpur Road is among the hippest shopping places in Dehradun offering a range of craft items, branded clothes, and economic goods. Also, there are scores of eateries around where you can grab a bite to eat between shopping breaks. Popular food places include McDonald’s, Domino’s, and street food stalls among others.
Top things to buy: Stylish clothes, Pahari handicrafts, second-hand books, and antiques.
Paltan Market Dehradun is the ideal place to shop for fashionable clothes at budget prices. Walk these vibrant, cluttered streets of Dehradun and grab the best bargains on ethnic wear, antiques, books, and more. You will also find small cafes and other food joints nearby. This is the most popular Sunday market Dehradun has to offer shopaholics.
Top things to buy: Authentic Tibetan jewelry, hand-knit woolens, stylish T-shirts, handicrafts, and semi-precious stones.
The Tibetan settlement in Dehradun is among its major highlights. There are Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan shopping stalls, and food joints to explore. So, head over to the Tibetan Market and shop for amazing Tibetan jewelry, woolens, handicrafts, semi-precious stones, and more. While you do this, enjoy delicious Tibetan food served at the stalls nearby.
Top things to buy: Indian spices, special rice, and other ration.
Quite possibly the cheapest Dehradun markets, Arhat Bazaar is the go-to place for those who have a penchant for Indian spices and other ration. For super-cheap rates, you will be able to buy pulses, rice, exotic spices, and a lot more. These are great items to take back home and gift to family and friends.
Top things to buy: Shawls, bamboo artifacts, carved artworks, and artificial jewelry.
This is among the top places to enjoy shopping in Dehradun at its fullest. There are scores of stores sprawled across the entire area selling everything from bamboo artifacts and woolen clothes to carved wooden works and delicate shawls. It’s among the top shopping places in Dehradun.
Top things to buy: Hand-made Pashmina shawls and scarves.
While Pashmina shawls can be found in other areas of the state, the best quality is found at Himalaya Weavers. This is the best place for shopping in Dehradun when looking for this exquisite material. You can buy Pashmina shawls, stoles, and scarves beautifully crafted using natural dyes.
Top things to buy: Branded clothes and other artifacts.
If you wish to avoid large crowds and small places when shopping in Dehradun, the city's malls are the best place to shop. You can take a leisurely stroll and flip through clothes and other items without worrying about throngs of fellow shoppers. Popular Dehradun malls to shop at include Pacific Mall, Cross Road Mall, and Times Square Mall.
Best Time to Enjoy Shopping in Dehradun
Summer is the ideal time to enjoy shopping in Dehradun as the weather is most pleasant during this time. It will be easier to walk the streets of Dehradun when the skies are clear and there is no threat of rainfall. Autumn is also a pleasant time to visit Dehradun. You can book business class flights for a trip to Dehradun in the winter if you love snow.
How to Reach Dehradun
It is fairly easy to reach and enjoy shopping in Dehradun markets. International travelers will need to book cheap flights to Delhi and other such major cities and then board a connecting one to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public buses to enter the city. Dehradun can also be reached via trains and buses from other parts of India. So, visit now and enjoy shopping in Dehradun like never before!
No matter the budget, there is something for everyone here. Handicrafts, ethnic apparel, special Indian spices, brassware, and books are some of the popular things to buy in Dehradun. So, if you plan on shopping in Dehradun, take a quick peek below at our list of the best shopping places in Dehradun. Here are the top shopping places in Dehradun and what to buy there:
You may have already visited popular tourist spots in Delhi, Agra, and other nearby places. This time, enjoy exploring Dehradun shopping markets. Enjoy shopping in Dehradun even if you're simply passing through the city on last minute flights. To know where to shop, refer to our list below of the best places to shop in Dehradun.
1. Indira Market
Top things to buy: Latest fashionable clothes and accessories.
Indira Market Dehradun is among the best places for fashionistas shopping in Dehradun. It will be among the most vibrant Dehradun market images you'll find online. You will be able to buy the latest designs and trends at affordable rates. However, keep in mind to check the quality of the things you pick before you make the final purchase.
2. Rajpur Road
Top things to buy: Craft items, branded apparel, and food.
This is where you will have the most fun shopping in Dehradun. Rajpur Road is among the hippest shopping places in Dehradun offering a range of craft items, branded clothes, and economic goods. Also, there are scores of eateries around where you can grab a bite to eat between shopping breaks. Popular food places include McDonald’s, Domino’s, and street food stalls among others.
3. Paltan Market
Top things to buy: Stylish clothes, Pahari handicrafts, second-hand books, and antiques.
Paltan Market Dehradun is the ideal place to shop for fashionable clothes at budget prices. Walk these vibrant, cluttered streets of Dehradun and grab the best bargains on ethnic wear, antiques, books, and more. You will also find small cafes and other food joints nearby. This is the most popular Sunday market Dehradun has to offer shopaholics.
4. Tibetan Market
Top things to buy: Authentic Tibetan jewelry, hand-knit woolens, stylish T-shirts, handicrafts, and semi-precious stones.
The Tibetan settlement in Dehradun is among its major highlights. There are Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan shopping stalls, and food joints to explore. So, head over to the Tibetan Market and shop for amazing Tibetan jewelry, woolens, handicrafts, semi-precious stones, and more. While you do this, enjoy delicious Tibetan food served at the stalls nearby.
5. Arhat Bazaar
Top things to buy: Indian spices, special rice, and other ration.
Quite possibly the cheapest Dehradun markets, Arhat Bazaar is the go-to place for those who have a penchant for Indian spices and other ration. For super-cheap rates, you will be able to buy pulses, rice, exotic spices, and a lot more. These are great items to take back home and gift to family and friends.
6. Astley Hall
Top things to buy: Shawls, bamboo artifacts, carved artworks, and artificial jewelry.
This is among the top places to enjoy shopping in Dehradun at its fullest. There are scores of stores sprawled across the entire area selling everything from bamboo artifacts and woolen clothes to carved wooden works and delicate shawls. It’s among the top shopping places in Dehradun.
7. Himalayan Weavers
Top things to buy: Hand-made Pashmina shawls and scarves.
While Pashmina shawls can be found in other areas of the state, the best quality is found at Himalaya Weavers. This is the best place for shopping in Dehradun when looking for this exquisite material. You can buy Pashmina shawls, stoles, and scarves beautifully crafted using natural dyes.
8. Dehradun Malls
Top things to buy: Branded clothes and other artifacts.
If you wish to avoid large crowds and small places when shopping in Dehradun, the city's malls are the best place to shop. You can take a leisurely stroll and flip through clothes and other items without worrying about throngs of fellow shoppers. Popular Dehradun malls to shop at include Pacific Mall, Cross Road Mall, and Times Square Mall.
Best Time to Enjoy Shopping in Dehradun
Summer is the ideal time to enjoy shopping in Dehradun as the weather is most pleasant during this time. It will be easier to walk the streets of Dehradun when the skies are clear and there is no threat of rainfall. Autumn is also a pleasant time to visit Dehradun. You can book business class flights for a trip to Dehradun in the winter if you love snow.
How to Reach Dehradun
It is fairly easy to reach and enjoy shopping in Dehradun markets. International travelers will need to book cheap flights to Delhi and other such major cities and then board a connecting one to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public buses to enter the city. Dehradun can also be reached via trains and buses from other parts of India. So, visit now and enjoy shopping in Dehradun like never before!
Tuesday, August 06, 2019
Street food is a ready to eat food item or drink which is sold by the vendors or hawkers in streets and public places. The street food industry is growing dramatically and produces jobs to millions worldwide. I think there isn't any place on the earth untouched with the street food culture. There is a great history of street food culture and you won’t believe that street food was also popular during Roman period.
Today we aren't discussing about the history of street food instead here I have listed top 5 street food markets or destination in the UK. The UK has a combined culture and with people from different origins lives here including British, Irish, Scottish, Indian, Chinese and many more.
The cuisine of the UK is directly affected by this rainbow culture and that’s what makes the cuisine richer than anywhere in the world. No matter if you are a permanent resident of the UK or traveling the country during your vacation as a foreigner, you must explore UK, it's exotic, diverse, rich and unique street food across the country.
The top 5 street food destinations in the UK are as follows.
Dinerama is like heaven for street food lovers. The endless row of street food vendor situated in the heart of London makes it the best places for foodies to satisfy their almost every kind of food crave. In the summer this place has an open air environment and in during the cold time it gets roofed. No matter what the weather is, you will be able to enjoy cocktails, craft beer, tequila and wine from eight bars throughout the whole year.
Some of the famous street food vendors of Dinerama are:
Greenwich market is one of the oldest functioning markets in the UK. This market was established in 1737 in Greenwich town centre, London. The ancient streets of Greenwich market are now home to hundreds of shops and food stalls.
This market consists of 48 food stalls, 1 bakery shop, 11 antique stalls, 20 art stalls, 12 beauty and grooming salons, 14 kid stalls, 19 jewelry shops, 43 fashion retailers, pubs, bars, restaurants and even pet shops nearby. Some famous food stalls are as follows:
If Greenwich Market is one of the oldest eating out destinations then Market Halls Victoria is the newest one. This hall comes to existence in 2018 and in just a few months it has become the hotspot for the foodies. With 11 kitchens, a coffee shop, 3 bars and the fantastic roof terrace, Market Halls Victoria has almost everything to entertain you.
Show your moves at the dance floor or enjoy tequila shots at the bar and if nothing then enjoy a great variety of cuisines at the food stalls. Famous food stalls at Market Halls Victoria are:
It's time to explore may be the oldest market of the UK and you will not believe that the Borough Market is more than 1,000 years old. This possibly the UK’s oldest market is home to hundreds of shops, retailers and food stalls. From bakery to bars and from dairy products to sea food, you can get almost everything in the Britain's most famous market.
This market welcomes a huge crowd of customers and visitors every day and that’s why it is quite busy but worthy place to explore. Renowned eating out destinations here are:
Camden Market was started in 1974 with just 16 stalls and nowadays it is home to more than 1,000 shops, bars, stalls and cafes. It has been a part of many historical events throughout these 45 years of journey. Due to its location in London, Camden Market welcomes thousands of people every day. Popular food stalls in Camden Market are:
Bottom Line:
The United Kingdom is like heaven for the fast food or street food lovers. A street food market can be proved beneficial in many ways such as it keeps alive the traditional cuisine as well as it offers some of the global food products at the same time.
Street food market helps generating millions of jobs and also brings the local community at one platform. Most of the street food vendors buy ingredients from the local farmers or producers resulting in economy boost in whole area.
Today we aren't discussing about the history of street food instead here I have listed top 5 street food markets or destination in the UK. The UK has a combined culture and with people from different origins lives here including British, Irish, Scottish, Indian, Chinese and many more.
The cuisine of the UK is directly affected by this rainbow culture and that’s what makes the cuisine richer than anywhere in the world. No matter if you are a permanent resident of the UK or traveling the country during your vacation as a foreigner, you must explore UK, it's exotic, diverse, rich and unique street food across the country.
The top 5 street food destinations in the UK are as follows.
1. Dinerama, London
Dinerama is like heaven for street food lovers. The endless row of street food vendor situated in the heart of London makes it the best places for foodies to satisfy their almost every kind of food crave. In the summer this place has an open air environment and in during the cold time it gets roofed. No matter what the weather is, you will be able to enjoy cocktails, craft beer, tequila and wine from eight bars throughout the whole year.
Some of the famous street food vendors of Dinerama are:
- Babek Brothers
- Big Bar
- Club Mexicana
- Thunderbird
- Up in my Grill
2. Greenwich Market, East Greenwich
Greenwich market is one of the oldest functioning markets in the UK. This market was established in 1737 in Greenwich town centre, London. The ancient streets of Greenwich market are now home to hundreds of shops and food stalls.
This market consists of 48 food stalls, 1 bakery shop, 11 antique stalls, 20 art stalls, 12 beauty and grooming salons, 14 kid stalls, 19 jewelry shops, 43 fashion retailers, pubs, bars, restaurants and even pet shops nearby. Some famous food stalls are as follows:
- Addi's Taste
- Bad Brownies
- Chuckling Wings
- Da Fish Ting
- Oyster Brothers
- The Thai Kitchen
- Desi Street Food
3. Market Halls Victoria, Westminster
If Greenwich Market is one of the oldest eating out destinations then Market Halls Victoria is the newest one. This hall comes to existence in 2018 and in just a few months it has become the hotspot for the foodies. With 11 kitchens, a coffee shop, 3 bars and the fantastic roof terrace, Market Halls Victoria has almost everything to entertain you.
Show your moves at the dance floor or enjoy tequila shots at the bar and if nothing then enjoy a great variety of cuisines at the food stalls. Famous food stalls at Market Halls Victoria are:
- Fanny's Kebabs
- Squirrel
- Super Tacos
- Gopal's Corner
- Nonna Tonda
- Flank
4. Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street
It's time to explore may be the oldest market of the UK and you will not believe that the Borough Market is more than 1,000 years old. This possibly the UK’s oldest market is home to hundreds of shops, retailers and food stalls. From bakery to bars and from dairy products to sea food, you can get almost everything in the Britain's most famous market.
This market welcomes a huge crowd of customers and visitors every day and that’s why it is quite busy but worthy place to explore. Renowned eating out destinations here are:
- Brindisa Kitchen
- Balkan Bites
- Arabica Bar and Kitchen
- Fish Restaurant
- The Rake
- Silka
5. Camden Market, Camden Town
Camden Market was started in 1974 with just 16 stalls and nowadays it is home to more than 1,000 shops, bars, stalls and cafes. It has been a part of many historical events throughout these 45 years of journey. Due to its location in London, Camden Market welcomes thousands of people every day. Popular food stalls in Camden Market are:
- Kim's Vietnamese Hut
- Famous Yorkshire Burrito
- Bill or Beak
- Nora and Nama
- Healthy Hit
- Camden Fish and Chips
Bottom Line:
The United Kingdom is like heaven for the fast food or street food lovers. A street food market can be proved beneficial in many ways such as it keeps alive the traditional cuisine as well as it offers some of the global food products at the same time.
Street food market helps generating millions of jobs and also brings the local community at one platform. Most of the street food vendors buy ingredients from the local farmers or producers resulting in economy boost in whole area.
Monday, August 05, 2019
Traveling in China will be incomplete if you do not include the city in your route that hosted the Expo 2010. This is the universal exhibition that put China at the top of world prominence, and that one was a good excuse to visit Shanghai. From the outset we will tell you that Shanghai is the best exponent of modernity towards which this great Asian country is inexorably directed.
Although in Shanghai you find several samples of the long history and Chinese tradition, above all you have the best example of what is a super modern city in which contrasts are not lacking. At present, Shanghai is a huge and overcrowded city, with more than 20 million inhabitants, but its history dates back many centuries.
History of Shanghai
Specifically, the current enclave of Shanghai has its origins 1,000 years back, although its great boom occurred during the nineteenth century due to its strategic positioning as it is a large river port. Already in the eleventh century said enclave raised its range from village to commercial port, and in the twelfth century it became an important center of cotton production.
But it was at the beginning of the 19th century when Shanghai became the main commercial and industrial center of China. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, and a later period, after the triumph of the Chinese Revolution, of transfer of foreign businessmen to Hong Kong, the city of Shanghai has recovered its entire boom and is now one of the main industrial centers of that country.
What to see in Shanghai tours
Next, we will give you some basic tips that will be useful when planning your trip to Shanghai. At the outset you should know that on your Shanghai tours you have to combine four different facets. On the one hand, see the areas that reflect its important colonial history and historical places to visit in China.
And on the other hand, stroll through the streets of a very modern city where the great skyscrapers are concentrated; and enjoy its great commercial activity.
On one shore you find the colonial area of Bund, and on the other, the super modern financial district of Pudong, with its towering skyscrapers, such as the World Financial Center, the second tallest in the world.
The reflection of the long Chinese tradition in Shanghai will be seen in your visits to the Yuyuan Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple. The first dates back to the Ming dynasty and was completed in 1577. It is the best example of a typical Chinese garden where you will see rockery, ponds and tree-lined areas, including pavilions and sculptural groups such as the Wall of the 5 dragons.
For its part, the Jade Buddha Temple is a current sample of a Buddhist temple, which was completed in 1918. For its large number of rooms and Buddhist figures that can be seen, it is one of the essential visits on a trip to Shanghai.
The best sample of Shanghai as a super modern city, apart from the financial area of Pudong, you will find by walking from the central square of the Renmin, along the famous Nanjing Street, to the Bund area.
Shanghai will also surprise you with its incredible commercial activity. Next to the huge and modern large malls and branded stores of Nanjing shopping street, in Shanghai you can visit traditional shopping areas, such as Yuyuan Market, and also markets like Yatai Market.
And in conclusion, during your visit you should not miss tourist activities, such as a cruise on a traditional Chinese boat on the Huangpu River, or ride on the Maglev Levitation Train that connects the city center with the airport. Or have dinner with panoramic views at the Pearl TV Oriental Tower, one of the great icons of Shanghai. In short, you should consider Shanghai as one of the best places to visit in China.
Although in Shanghai you find several samples of the long history and Chinese tradition, above all you have the best example of what is a super modern city in which contrasts are not lacking. At present, Shanghai is a huge and overcrowded city, with more than 20 million inhabitants, but its history dates back many centuries.
History of Shanghai
Specifically, the current enclave of Shanghai has its origins 1,000 years back, although its great boom occurred during the nineteenth century due to its strategic positioning as it is a large river port. Already in the eleventh century said enclave raised its range from village to commercial port, and in the twelfth century it became an important center of cotton production.
But it was at the beginning of the 19th century when Shanghai became the main commercial and industrial center of China. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, and a later period, after the triumph of the Chinese Revolution, of transfer of foreign businessmen to Hong Kong, the city of Shanghai has recovered its entire boom and is now one of the main industrial centers of that country.
What to see in Shanghai tours
Next, we will give you some basic tips that will be useful when planning your trip to Shanghai. At the outset you should know that on your Shanghai tours you have to combine four different facets. On the one hand, see the areas that reflect its important colonial history and historical places to visit in China.
And on the other hand, stroll through the streets of a very modern city where the great skyscrapers are concentrated; and enjoy its great commercial activity.
1. Colonial Shanghai
On one shore you find the colonial area of Bund, and on the other, the super modern financial district of Pudong, with its towering skyscrapers, such as the World Financial Center, the second tallest in the world.
2. Traditional Shanghai
The reflection of the long Chinese tradition in Shanghai will be seen in your visits to the Yuyuan Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple. The first dates back to the Ming dynasty and was completed in 1577. It is the best example of a typical Chinese garden where you will see rockery, ponds and tree-lined areas, including pavilions and sculptural groups such as the Wall of the 5 dragons.
For its part, the Jade Buddha Temple is a current sample of a Buddhist temple, which was completed in 1918. For its large number of rooms and Buddhist figures that can be seen, it is one of the essential visits on a trip to Shanghai.
3. Modern Shanghai
The best sample of Shanghai as a super modern city, apart from the financial area of Pudong, you will find by walking from the central square of the Renmin, along the famous Nanjing Street, to the Bund area.
4. Commercial Shanghai
Shanghai will also surprise you with its incredible commercial activity. Next to the huge and modern large malls and branded stores of Nanjing shopping street, in Shanghai you can visit traditional shopping areas, such as Yuyuan Market, and also markets like Yatai Market.
And in conclusion, during your visit you should not miss tourist activities, such as a cruise on a traditional Chinese boat on the Huangpu River, or ride on the Maglev Levitation Train that connects the city center with the airport. Or have dinner with panoramic views at the Pearl TV Oriental Tower, one of the great icons of Shanghai. In short, you should consider Shanghai as one of the best places to visit in China.
