Little known places to visit in Delhi

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

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

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

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

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

Discover unending delights in Delhi

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

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

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

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

It’s all here in Delhi.

Nature abounds in Ratnagiri and Puri tourism

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

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

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

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

Trivandrum - A capital experience in God’s own country

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

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

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

Discovering Hyderabad and Srisailam

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

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

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

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

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

A stay in God’s own country - Trivandrum

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

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

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

Tourism Hyderabad and Goa – Have a Little Fun

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

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

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

A Break to Pune and Mysore

Mysore is a lovely city in the state of Karnataka and is located only about 140km away from the famous Bangalore city. The town has always captured people with its temples, the quiet charm, lovely palaces, rich heritage, fabulous gardens, imposing buildings and broad avenues.

It’s also called the 'City Of Palaces' and the Chamundi hills are one of the most loved spots here. You can shop for incense sticks, silk and sandalwood in Mysore, also the place has a lot of handicraft stores and shops where you can pick up some locally made interesting articles. The St. Philomena's Church, Brindavan Gardens, The Tipu Sultan’s Palace etc. are an important part of the Mysore tourism. Savor some Mysore pak and get a taste of the local Karnataka cuisine at a local restaurant. Most of the coffee in India comes from Mysore, so while you are in the city do not forget to try some filter coffee and get some packs back home as well.

Pune in Maharashtra is a young, exciting and a promising city. Educational institutions, IT firms, heavy industries, stud farms and BPO’s practically make Pune! Historical monuments, gardens, temples and museums are places that you can visit. The Omkareshwar Temple, Aga Khan's Palace, Shinde's Chhatri and Museum of Arthropod are an important part of the Pune tourism. The ever popular still is the Osho Commune International is a meditation centre that was set up by Osho Rajneesh. A few must local food try-outs are the Puran Poli, Pav Bhaji, Pithla, Chaat and the famous Misal Pav – these are popular local street side snacks! Other fantastic sites here include the Saras Baug, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple and the Kasturba Samadhi.

An enthralling glimpse into Ahmedabad and Puri

Think about a kaleidoscopic medley of vibrant colours, Dandiya dance, kite festival, incredible variety of food, temples, mosques, Gandhi, the best of management education - that’s Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad tourism is no less fascinating. A city that is steeped in history, dating back to the 15th century, Ahmedabad saw the reigns of the Sultanate dynasty, the Marathas, Mughals and British in succession, each leaving indelible influences on it.

As with most other Indian cities, mandirs and masjids hold prominence, be it for spiritual or architectural visits. The Akshardham, Hathee Singh and Swaminarayan temples, Jama Masjid, Rani Roopmati and Sidi Sayed mosques are notable examples. For the nature inclined, the Kankaria or Vastrapur lakes and Pirmal gardens prove enthralling. Ahmedabad is a children’s paradise, with a host of amusement parks, water parks and zoo dotting the landscape. The latest attraction is a snow park!

On the opposite coast of India, lies Odisha, earlier known as Orissa. And one of the foremost attractions of this state is the Puri tourism. Counted amongst the ‘Char Dhams’ Puri is one of the holiest spots in India. The Jagannath Puri temple is the focal point of this town; the annual rath yatra attracting millions from all over India, every year. Jagannath, a form of Vishnu is worshipped here along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.

What’s unusual about this temple is the main idol itself. Here the idol of Jagannath is a carved and decorated wooden stump with large round eyes and with stumps as hands, with the conspicuous absence of any legs.

East or west, there’s something amazing for every tourist.

A trip through Mumbai and Jammu

India is a land of amazing diversity, be it in terms of people, culture, food, landscape or weather…the list is endless. Take for instance, the prime city or financial capital, Mumbai. Mumbai is the Manhattan of India, with its glitzy highrises and cosmopolitan culture. The hub of Bollywood, no tour of Mumbai is complete without a visit to Film City, or a drive around to see film stars’ homes. Imposing architecture of the Gateway of India, ChurchGate station and the Flora fountain stand alongside mega shopping malls. Religious edifices make their own mark, be it the Haji Ali situated in the Arabian Sea, the beautiful Birla Mandir, the Mount Mary church or the Fire Temple. The galore of museums, art galleries and theatres makes it a culture junkys’ paradise. Mumbai Tourism is a world to itself, one that cannot be missed.

For a more sedate, but an equally exciting experience, try Jammu Tourism. Home to one of the greatest pilgrimage sites, the Vaishno Devi temple, Jammu is known as a land of temples. The winter capital of J&K, Jammu is the gateway to the more well-known Kashmir, by road and train. Jammu is the takeoff point to numerous hill stations such as Patnitop, Kud, Sanasar and Surinsar, each more breathtakingly scenic than the other. Jammu is also home to various adventure sport spots. Trekking and camping are extremely popular with numerous professional companies offering packages. One can attempt paragliding in Sanasar or take skiing lessons in Patnitop.

Jammu or Mumbai are both spectacular in their own ways. Take your pick.

Holidaying in the lovely cities of Bangalore and Ujjain

Bangalore today has become an IT hub with people of all ages across the country working in its metropolitan ambience. To take a trip around there are many places to see in Bangalore like the Cubbon Park, Lalbaugh Botanical Garden, the Government Museum, the Jawaharlal Planetarium and Tipu Sultan’s Palace etc. If you’re looking forward to go a little farther from the city then head to Ramohalli, which is a lovely picnic spot located about 28 odd km away. Mysore and Ooty are again two lovely holidaying destinations around Bangalore which need a day or say a day and a half to enjoy.

Another place worth a visit is Ujjain,a beautiful holy city located in Madhya Pradesh. You can read about the mention of the city in ancient Indian scriptures as Avantika. The name was changed later to Ujjayini, which in literal sense means the magnificent conqueror. Monasteries and ruined sculptures have been discovered scattered all around Ujjain. It was once the place of rule the Maurayas. The city was also home to many great poets and astronomers. Being one of the most religious places in our country, Ujjain tourism definitely includes a lot of temples like the Mahakaleshwar temple, Harsiddhi temple, Gadkalika temple and more. Apart from tahe sacred places of interest, you can take a visit to the Vedha Shala, Siddhavat, Durgasdas ki Chattri, Pir Matsyendranath, Bhartrihari Caves and the Sandalwala Building. For foodies, a holiday in Ujjain would be a delight. Get a taste of the local food like kulfi, dahi vada, aloo tikki with chole, rabdi, dahi puri, barf ka laddoo, pani puri and kachori.

Enjoy a holiday to Ujjain and Bangalore and give yourself a break.

A Peaceful Vacation to Saputara and Ranthambore

Ranthambore in Rajasthan is known for its National Park, which is set in the middle of ruins of an era that’s bygone, along with beautiful rivers, lakes and an area covering nearly 400 sq. km. It was licensed as one of India’s national parks in the year 1981. Popularly known for tigers, some other wildlife that you can spot here include wild bore, bears, deer, birds, hyenas, snakes and wild cats. Head to the Ranthambore Fort for some spectacular view as well as keep your camera gear ready to capture some great wildlife shots. You can enjoy a lovely stay and meals at one of Ranthambore hotels. If you love migratory birds, then a 25 min drive to Surwal Lake would be totally worth it! A jungle safari would be absolutely worth the experience.

The beautiful hill station of Saputara is located in Gujarat and lies at a height of around 1000 meters. The climate here is overall pleasant year round and lingers around a decent 26 degree Celsius. There are many resorts, restaurants, clubs, and hotels in Saputara. Also there’s a museum and a theater in town. When holidaying in Saputara, you can take a trip to the Vansda National Park. This is a lovely wildlife sanctuary where you can spot animals like leopards, python, tigers, antelopes, squirrels and many other animal species. You can even head out to the Purna Sanctuary where you can enjoy trekking trips as well as other outings. You can enjoy boat rides as well as see a spectacular setting and rising sun at the ‘Sunset Point’ and the ‘Sunrise Point’.

Book your vacation to Saputara and Ranthambore and be prepared to be enchanted.

A Break in Western India – Relax in Kolhapur and Goa

Beaches, the sun, the sand, a cocktail, a little sightseeing, some shopping, club hopping, sun bathing etc. is how fun begins in Goa. When you set your foot in this ‘laid back’ state, you’d mostly not want to leave. The peak season for tourism in Goa is around Christmas and  New Year’s time. It is then, when the whole state is in its high festive spirit and people from all over the country pour here around this time. And if you’re planning a vacation around the New Year’s, then you must be prepared that it would be an expensive affair than the usual. North Goa is popular with the youngsters while the South side is a little quainter. When in town, hire a bike or a scooty and you’re good to take a quick tour of Goa and can explore the state on your own.

The city of Kolhapur is a small place located in Maharashtra. It’s a religious little town, thanks to many temples scattered all over the town. Apart from the various lakes here, the River Panchganga adds to the charm of Kolhapur. For all the adventure seekers, forests and hills nearby are perfect to set out on a trek, or to enjoy nature walks and bicycling. Panhalgad, Mahalaxmi temple, Bahubali Jain temple and the Irwin Agricultural Museum are popular attractions in the city. Misal Pav, Batata Vada Pav, Golyachi Biryani, Tambasa Rassa, Bhakari, Kolhapuri Bhel etc. are the local favorite dishes. A foodie would love Kolhapur for the range and variety of cuisine and spices. And when in Kolhapur how can one ignore or not shop for the famous Kolhapuri chappals. Most of the Kolhapur hotels are mid range and budget ones as this is a small town, but nonetheless, they provide you all the basic services and facilities.

Enjoying a Vacation in Kasauli and Leh

Located in the Himalayas, in the city of Jammu & Kashmir is Leh, which is culturally, historically and geographically linked to Kashmir and Tibet by trading routes. This town successfully manages to retain its multicultural flavor and medieval charm. A strong influence of Buddhism is seen everywhere. Its strong Tibetan ties, and rugged, undulating mountains make it getting to Leh  quite a challenge, however it’s worth the effort. For the thrill seekers, there are various trekking routes that you can take up and enjoy exploring here. Camping and white-water rafting is another plus and equally very popular. A few places worth checking out here include the Leh Palace, monasteries, the war museum, the Buddhist complex of the Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa as well as the main city bazaar. The Leh hotels are pretty decent and will offer you most of the basic facilities and services at nominal rates.

Moving down about 739.1 kms below from Leh, is another beautiful hill station named Kasauli. Beautiful chestnut trees, houses with fabulous frontage, little gardens around everywhere and cobbled streets make Kasauli a paradise of a hill station. For the people who love peace and solitude, Kasauli should definitely be on their ‘to-visit’ list. Long walks, treks, lazing around and soaking up some sun are some small experiences that you can enjoy here. Located in Himachal Pradesh, there are a few Kasauli hotels and a lot of them have undergone renovation. Thus it’s important to pre-book a hotel here even if you’re heading here during the off season. Activities like camping and paragliding can also be enjoyed in Kasauli.

A break to Kasauli and Leh would be a well deserved holiday !