Udaipur: The Venice of the East

Watermarked by splendour and whimsy, Udaipur, the Venice of the East is truly India’s most seductive cities. An international spot destination unto itself, Udaipur is best known for its magnificent Lake Pichola lapping against glittering white buildings and the Aravalli hills closing in to add charms to the view.

The main attraction of enchanting Udaipur is the magnanimously beautiful floating Lake Palace- impetus enough for Bond films (some parts of Octopussy were filmed here). Packed with royalty and passion, Udaipur is raw Rajput, with its imperial havelis, palaces and temples at every nook and cranny.

Formerly called as Mewar, the lake city was founded in the year 1559 by Maharaja Udai Singh II after he took flight from the final discharge of Chittor by Mughal emperor Akbar.

Simply splendid, no words can describe the beauty of this stunning city. Check out the following list of its top-most sights:

Must-see in Udaipur

Bagore-Ki-Haveli

This 18th- century Haveli, situated on the water’s edge in Gangaur Ghat region, was built by Amir Chand Badwa, the former prime minister of Mewar. The haveli has been carefully kept and consists of 138 room sets around courtyards. There’s also an ey-catching art gallery, displaying magnificent folk art and popular monuments beautifully carved out of polystyrene. An ambience for energetic Rajasthani dance programs sets up each evening at 19:00 in the upper courtyard.

City Palace

A brilliant work of architecture, City Palace, settled over the lake, is largest palace in Rajasthan, with its façade of 30.4 meters high and 224 meters long. Its construction was initiated by Maharaja Udai Singh II, the founder of the city, but its aggregation of buildings is built by several maharajas. However, beautiful City Palace still manages to portray an amazing uniformity in design. The views over the lake are simply breathtaking and perfect eye-curry.

           

Crystal Gallery

The amazing Crystal gallery at Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel is truly a sight worth seeing.  In year 1877, Maharaja Sajjan Singh ordered for a rare crystal from F&C Osler & Co in England. Unfortunately, he died before it arrived. For almost 110 years, all the items stayed packed. The ostentatious, unused, rare collection includes crystal sofas, chairs, tables and beds. No camera please as Photography is completely prohibited here.

Jagdish Temple

Just 150 metres north of City Palace main entrance, Jagdish Temple, was created by Maharaja Jagat Singh in the year 1651. The temple is truly a beautifully carved Indo-Aryan temple. A black stoned image of deity Lord Vishnu is respectfully placed inside the temple.

Shilpgram

This fabulous crafts village is situated 3 kilometres west of the town. The exquisite village holds a fabulous Shilpgram festival in every December. All around the year, the village also sees fantastic performances by traditional artisans and performers from Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

10 Reasons to Visit Bahamas This Holiday Season

1. Give yourself a refreshing break from regular routine life.
2. Enjoy s
3. It’s beautiful Bahamas after all – a real paradise!
4. cenic views of palm fringes and later on narrate stories to friends about them.
5. Fishing! Aww, at one point of time you will surely say that once you caught one big fish.
6. Snorkeling, something you must-try!
7. Put your sailing caps on and get on a sailing expedition.
8. Weather in Bahamas is pleasant and friendly all around the year and offers endless opportunities for all age-group people.
9. People in Bahamas drive on the left side of the road, so test you’re driving skills and see how skillful you are!
10. A visit to Jonas Brothers at Atlantis can give immense happiness to your teenage daughter if you have one.
11. Beaches, Beaches and beautiful beaches all around!

Delhi to Darjeeling Rajhdhani Express Train: A family-friendly train adventure.

If you ever hesitate at the notion of a long Indian road trip with small children – but nevertheless longed to get back to the good old days of the open Asian overland trails –Delhi to Darjeeling Rajhdhani Express Train might be just the easy, family-friendly adventure you are seeking.

The journey of some 26 hours or so (thus includes a descent night sleep onboard) will take you through the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, beginning its journey from India’s national capital Delhi to New Japaiguri, a junction town. Booking First Class AC tickets is a splendid way to watch Indian laze from the simple comfort of your own small cozy bed-equipped compartment. Freshly cooked food (curries, dhal, rice and chapattis) will arrive in a tray form on your lap in each four hours or so. Station stops provides you the opportunity to stock and munch upon tasty samosas, tea and bananas. Sufficient colouring books, indoor games and portable DVD, can offer parents immense relaxation and take them back in the days of backpacker travelling.

On reaching New Jalpaiguri, it’s still three hour drive up to scenic tea plantations of Darjeeling, wide spread beautifully along a steep mountain ridge. The journey can also undertaken by a 7 hour drive on famous ‘toy train’ of Darjeeling. In case, life on he rails has started to squeeze some of your luster, arrange yourself a stay at Glenburn Tea Estate, a charming working tea plantation hardly a one hour drive from Darjeeling. If you try it, you’ll discover yourself and your tedious charges picked up by some well-dressed driver, taking to a comfortable jeep journey, with idyllic surroundings all around.

If planning to stay in Darjeeling itself, a good bet with family is Mayfair Darjeeling, a luxuries property, nestled on a majestic hill, has hallowed halls where kids can giggle, scream and crash freely.

Explore ancient Buddhist gompas and pagodas. Let the little ones enjoy a pony ride up on The Mall or give a visit to Himalayan zoo. Early birds must climb Tiger Hill for amazing sunrise; enjoy a delicious lunch meal at historical Glenary’s café. After then water rafting on the River Teesta currents with older children can be a fun idea.

With all this, Darjeeling is one splendor which has lots to offer in terms of solace, adventure and fun. Pack your bags and gift your family a great time with a visit to lovely town this holiday season.

Where to go in December 2010?

 Patagonia, Argentina

What about an adventurous road trip along the coastal Rio Nego during Argentine lovely summer? Mild weather means exotic sea caves and fossil-laden cliffs. Plus, exploring Welsh settlements can be a splendid choice.

Austria

A chance to explore Europe’s best skiing, snow-covered streets of Salzburg’s and the divine festive fragrances of glühwein and cinnamon from the decorated Christmas markets can make Austria trip a fabulous way to screw winter blues.

Thailand

Thailand‘s fantabulous beaches are truly a hit during dry season. Try visiting Trang for exquisite islands and coasts; also don’t forget to pamper your taste buds with the exotic Thai cuisines.

Kerala, India

Just after monsoon says goodbye to Kerala, the entire state revitalizes and dresses up to entertain tourists. Begin your trip by visiting lush backwaters of Kollam, a serene trading town with abundance natural beauty all around.

Avoid visiting: Egypt

Sometimes, even the best of places can be dull by having to spend the entire time cheek-by-jowl with numerous other tourists. Half of the world will move to Egypt this December in quest of pyramids ‘n’ pharaohs’ experience. It’s better to wait for some time for your turn!

Top 5 Popular Festivals India

India is a highly religious country and festivals live in the hearts of people here. The many and varied festivals are celebrated all around the year and are truly a unique way to see Indian culture at its best. Below is the list of top 5 popular festivals of India that promise truly a lifetime experience.

Diwali

The festival of lights Diwali is a 5 day festival. The festival represents the beginning of a Hindu New Year. The candle, clay lamps, fireworks, exchange of sweets and infinite joy and happiness is what this beautiful festival is about. The festival of Diwali fills up the entire ambience with happiness and merriment.

Ganesh Chaturthi

The spectacular festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is an 11 day festival that portrays respect to the birth of the lovely Hindu elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha. The commencement of the festival observes huge, extravagantly crafted statutes of Lord Ganesha installed in homes and podiums, all of them exclusively constructed and beautifully decorated. When the festival ends, these statutes are paraded through the streets, with crowds singing and dancing joyfully, and finally submerged in the oceans.

Holi

It is a 2 day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, along with the prosperity of the harvest season (spring).  The festival is commonly called as “Festival of Colours”. On this beautiful day people joyfully throw coloured powder and water on each other and have parties. Bhang, a drink made from cannabis plants is a part of tradition and consumed during celebrations.

Navaratri, Dussehra, and Durga Puja

The first 9 days of this festival is called as Navaratri. It’s celebrated to pay homage to Mother Goddess. The tenth day is called Dussehra devoted to celebrate the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. The day also coincides with the win of the respected warrior Goddess Durga over the Mahishasura, an evil buffalo demon.

In east India, the festival is called as Durga Puja. Huge images of Goddess are made and immerses in holy waters of Ganges on the 10^th day.

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated with intense happiness all over the country especially in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Kanyakumari, India

When a large number of travellers within and outside India check out some of the most popular tourist spots like Goa, Mumbai, Delhi etc, an excursion to Kanyakumari, situated at southernmost tip of India, is also worth visiting.

Formerly called as Cape Comorin, the spectacular destination is amongst the few places of the world where both sunrise and sunset can be seen exactly from the same position. The moment you see 133 feet high stone Thiruvalluvar Statue, you have reached Kanyakumari.

What's more, the already amazing sunrise and sunset is enhanced with three bodies of water hanging out in the background - the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

Kanyakumari is immensely popular with tourists (about 2 million people visited Kanyakumari in year 2007). Hence, if possible avoid visiting it during months the months of April through September when it’s highly crowded. 

Travel Destinations for the Well Travelled

 In case you came across this blog for the first time or are a regular reader or desire to travel or are the one dying to have that lifetime, heart skipping, eye catching experience of a foreign land.  

Continue reading because the list below is compiled for the two types of travellers in you.

Adventure Rocks

• Hike in Ireland       
• Scuba Diving off  Indonesia   
• Ski in Vancouver Canada    
• Bicycle Thailand 
•  Surf Hawaii

 The Romantic Traveller

• Rent an enchanting castle in Italy ( mesmerizing April)
• Back Roads Tokyo
• Boating on the Nile
• Wine Country Chile

• Desert Safari, Yoga on a royal resort in Rajasthan India