travel

5 Reasons that New Delhi is an Incredible Holiday Destination

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New Delhi is unlike any other city in the world. For many travelers this means that their first visit is one marked by sensory overload—by chaos and color, pollution and poverty, enticing smells and exotic history. While it is certainly not an easy place to travel, when you visit New Delhi, India the uniqueness and the vibrancy of the culture are exactly what make it such a fascinating place to explore.

1. Monuments and Relics Abound

Red Fort in Delhi

Many monarchs have established their kingdoms in Delhi since the 11th century, so it goes without saying that the city is a library of historical monuments – every neighbourhood will have some kind of fort or ruin. These monuments are also marvels because of their architectural style, influenced by Persian, European, Islamic and Indian designs.

In Delhi, you will find fascinating historical monuments and historic structures that showcase India’s unique heritage. Beautiful ancient buildings perfectly combine with modern structures to bring out a rich Indian heritage. Delhi was ruled by the Mughal empire and by the British, therefore its present day sites include an eclectic mix of buildings. Some of the most famous constructions in Delhi include the tall minaret known as Qutub Minar, one of the largest and oldest masjids known as Jama Masjid and the India Gate for the homage. Additionally, there are prominent modern-day places to visit, including museums, gardens, the metro system, and modern temples like the Bahai Lotus Temple.

2. Shopping Opportunities

Delhi markets

In Delhi shopping can become a memorable experience in itself. Flea markets such as Sarojini Nagar and Janpath have significantly discounted products while market places such as the Khan market and Connaught place offer branded products. Other famous market places in Delhi are Palika Bazaar, Gaffar Market and INA Market. You can do lots of shopping in Delhi on a budget, from clothing jewelry, footwear, scarfs, bags with the sounds of shoppers and sellers adding up to a true experience of the senses.

Delhi’s street food is so much more than just North Indian – due to considerable northeastern settlement, Delhi is also famous for momos, a steamed rice cake filled with meat or vegetables. Try the different flavours of paranthe (flatbreads) as well as the famous matar kulchas and gol gappe.

3. Diverse Cuisines

Delhi cuisines

Delhi is a popular tourist destination because it offers a wide range of tasty Indian cuisines that leave memorable tastes to every visitor’s tongue. You can enjoy Mughalai cuisine, steamed rice cakes filled with veggies, the famous parantha, meat paste called momo, and the mouth-watering chaats of the Nagar market. From the eateries to street food, everything is worth giving a try in Delhi. Tangy gol gappe and matar Kucha are well-known street foods. Apart from the street food, various eateries and restaurants offer the best delicacies from all over the world, and you can even take coffee and relax if that is all you want.

4. Events and Festivals

You will find popular festivals and events that happen all year round in Delhi. From cultural shows, food festivals, religious events, theatrical play festivals, etc. The Grub Festival is famous for entertainment, music and is the biggest food festival in Delhi. There is the London market shopping festival, Qutub festival for cultural performances, Delhi international jazz festival and Holi Festival, among others.

5. Wide range of luxury properties

Hotels in Delhi

New Delhi, being India’s capital city is a very welcoming metropolis. Travellers visit from all walks of life and in the city there are multiple options of stay. From luxury properties to budget stays, there is a wide range of options. Be it the Taj Hotels or the Oberoi or the boutique properties in Hauz Khas or even swanky hotels near the airport, staying in Delhi is a wonderful experience.


Trends to Look Forward During Post-COVID Travel in India

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COVID has now become the new normal. Slowly, the world and especially India is tackling the pandemic. Soon, we will travel again. India will be ready to welcome travellers from all around the globe. And, rightly so. There is so much to see, do and experience that travellers enjoy some unforgettable memories of a lifetime.

While our travel plans will come true soon, there will be new trends post COVID-19. Scroll down to know the travel trends to look forward in India.

Rejuvenate

Rejuvenate in India

63% of travelers have promised to never take travel for granted ever again. For all the luxury and leisurely travelers, an R and R (rest and relaxation) vacation is a must. 47% of Indian travelers are planning to make relaxation their supreme luxury while 14% of travelers want to travel to a luxurious villa, five-star hotel, and more.

Healthy Food Affair

Healthy Indian Food

People who desire food all the time and travel to taste the cuisine of every destination are inspired to travel again in 2021. Enjoying the local food of a place brings a smile to many travellers’ faces. In fact, 38% of travellers are interested to indulge in culinary delights in India and save money from international travel.

Call of the Wild

Wildlife holidays in India

In this era of social distancing, nature holidays are becoming more and more fascinating. Wide-open space with natural beauty and scenic views are attracting a lot of Indian travellers to the wilderness.

Being on a conservation holiday and actively taking part in the ecosystem are also becoming more common. This is perfect to explore the wildlife of India while maintaining a gap from people.

Secluded Holidays

2021 will inspire travellers to take isolated breaks without crowds. Private villas, boats and boutique hotels along with quaint coastal, Lakeside Mountains and rural locations are likely to receive a few Indian travellers. For all those travellers who can afford helicopter transfers, hotel takeovers, and island buy-outs this is a great option.

Drivecations

Caravanning and motor homing are the new forms of travelling after this pandemic. The term “Drivecation” has inspired many Indian travellers to take a new toll upon their driveways. This travel trend is what people need to practice more in 2021 to add some fun to their daily lives and reduce the stuck-at-home blues.

Treks to the Mountains

Treks to the Himalayas

 

 


Top 11 Reasons to Travel to India

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India is a travelers’ paradise and has been one for centuries. The vast country with its extremely colourful diversity has everything that a traveller could desires. Thousands of years of history, colourful heritage & culture, savoury food, pampering hospitality, and incredible experiences.

Be it the mighty Himalayas, lush Ghats, serene backwaters, beautiful beaches, the timeless Thar Desert, royal palaces & opulent forts of Rajasthan, verdant jungles of Central India, unexplored nooks and corners, India has a lot for its travellers to discover. If you are seeking one reason to travel to India, you can find hundreds. Here are 11 of the handpicked reasons to visit India.

1. Architecture

Taj Mahal

The most stunning piece of India’s incredible architecture, the Taj Mahal is one of the most visited monuments in the world. The ‘Wonder of the World’ is a masterpiece of finesse crafted in stone. Besides the Taj, there is a lot to explore. There are around 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and even more unlisted heritage sites. From intricate South Indian temple architecture, mighty forts of Rajasthan, opulent palaces, ancient caves, and masterpieces of stone.

Be it Ajanta or Ellora Caves, Bhimbetka Caves, Kamasutra-inspired temples of Khajuraho or the majestic ruins of Hampi; witness heritage of hundreds of centuries.

2. Wildlife

India is home to unique wildlife. The country has lush jungles, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which is home to a wide range of species of the animal kingdom.

A wildlife holiday in India is a chance to go on jeep safaris and elephant safaris. Come across the majestic royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Lions, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, deer, gaur, colourful birds and even migratory birds that inhabit the lands only in the winters.

3. Unique Diversity

When it comes to India you come across unique diversity. From beaches to backwaters, hill stations to valleys, jungles to desert, waterfalls to caves, the land is blessed. From the rainiest places on Earth to the places that never get any rain there is an extreme diversity, one that makes you feel blessed to explore India.

4. Spirituality

If 5000 years of civilization has given India something it the rare understanding of spirituality. The ancient ghats of River Ganga in Varanasi is said to be where one experiences the divine. There are ashrams in the Himalayas, and many other rituals that are a treasure of spirituality.

5. Adventure

Adventure is a feeling you just cannot miss on your trip to India. There are mountains with a number of thrilling treks, skiing, camping, river rafting, etc. Beaches have many water sports to boast about. From the secrets of the marine world to excitement to capture the waves or sail over the sea breeze.

6. Indian Food

Indian food is a vital part of the rich culture. Tasting the diverse cuisines is an enriching travel experience in India. With so many cuisines, owing to the diverse geography, culture and unique style of cooking, there is never any shortage of delightful delicacies to try. From the rich spice-filled preparations to meals that adhere to Ayurveda, there are dishes that treat your taste buds. 56 dishes meals, street foods, dessert, feasts and more, get ready to be pampered with soulful preparations.

7. Luxury Hotels

Heritage hotels in India have kept intact the days of glory. While Rajasthan abounds in many properties there are also amazing options all over the country. A stay at heritage hotels in one of must-try experiences in India. Relive the history, marvel at architecture, enjoy being pampered as royalty and have the best time of your life.

8. Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda at an Ashram

Yoga, Ayurveda and other holistic treatments are ancient traditions of India. To experience bliss, harmony and the secrets of wellness stay at an ashram that practice these traditions. The peace you feel is one of the most cherished experiences in India.


Tiger Safari in India at the Ranthambore National Park

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A legendary reputation for tigers precedes India. The gorgeous country with its lush forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries invest in a safari experience like no other. Tiger safari in India offers a wildlife experience that by far is some of the best in the world. A billion-year-old forest, a thousand-year-old hill fort and the allure of tigers in the wild, to start with jungle safari in India, Ranthambore National Park is a thrilling option. Formerly the hunting grounds of royalty, the national park is a popular wildlife reserve that is sanctuary to wildlife. The popular tiger reserve in Rajasthan lies a short distance from Jaipur and is easily well-connected. Also it is a wonderful extension to a Golden Triangle Tour India. Besides the exciting safaris, Ranthambore is well-known for stay at the luxury wildlife resorts in India. Ranthambore was a number of them.

 

Why Choose Ranthambore for Tiger Safari in India?

For a start, Ranthambore is one of the largest national parks in Northern India and is widely considered to be one of the best places to see tigers. It’s accessible from Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai making it an easier spot to get to than some other wildlife destinations in the country, and the tourist infrastructure is therefore pretty well established with plenty of hotels etc to choose from.

It’s not just tigers either, you’ll get to see beautiful jungle landscapes as well as having the opportunity to spot all kinds of other wildlife – from bears and leopards to monkeys and wild boars to name just a few of the species that live in the park.

Ranthambore National Park is best known for its high tiger population. The visitors to the park can easily see the tigers roaming freely or playing with their cubs and click wonderful pictures with their camera. Apart from the tigers, the national park has its share of panthers too. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. One can also find Marsh Crocodiles, Hyenas, Jungle Cats and Sloth Bears, Chital, Nilgai, and Chinkara.

The Ranthambore National Park also houses a large avian population comprising of Black Storks, Quails, Bonelli's Eagles, Spur Fowls, Crested Serpent Eagles and Painted Storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, including a variety of ducks. The park is a heaven for the wildlife photography lovers as they can get a wonderful opportunity to capture the enchanting beauty of the nature and amazing wildlife.

Wildlife Safari in Ranthambore

Tourists have an option to enjoy a jeep or canter safari to explore the park. Tiger safari is conducted in a 6 seater jeep and 20 seater open top canters. A very important point to be considered here is that the Jeep Safari in Ranthambore must be pre booked well in advance, since the park authorities limit the number of jeeps entering the Park. Another prominent thing to remember here is that the safari timings may change according to the season. For instance, during winter season, the entry and exit timings tend to vary primarily because of the short daylight hours.

Best Time to Visit

The Park remains open from 1st October to 30th of June every year. The best time to visit Ranthambore would be from November to March as far as the weather is concerned.

How to Reach

By Air: Jaipur is the closest airport to the Ranthambore National Park, which is around 180 kms away from Jaipur city.

By Train: Sawai Madhopur is the nearest railway station connected to all the major regions of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc.

By Road: The park is just 11 kms away from Sawai Madhopur and one can hire private cabs or take state transport buses to reach Ranthambore conveniently.

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Goa: India’s Own Tropical Paradise

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India’s most popular beach destination, Goa earns its spot on the popular destinations of the world at the Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice Award 2020. India’s tropical paradise gets the 11th rank on the elite list. Goa is synonymous with its wonderful beaches, therefore undoubtedly it is India’s favourite beach getaway. Set along the cerulean spread of the Arabian Sea, Goa is the land of sun, sand and sea. The tropical haven is the most-preferred holiday destination in the country. Be it a family vacation, romantic honeymoon, fun-time with friends or any kind of vacation, Goa tours suit all!

Goa's colonial heritage

Under the rule of the Portuguese till 1961, Goa still retains its colonial past. The Indo-Portuguese character of the culture of Goa is very visible amongst its architecture as well as its people. Churches in Goa are elegant specimens of architecture that has been named among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. On a walk through Old Goa, come across the beautiful churches. Also, a part of the glorious past are the forts of Goa. These defensive structures now serve at beautiful lookouts that still retain the charms of the olden days.

The major tourist attractions of Goa are its sparkling blue of the waters and the sky in contrast of the golden sands, green paddy fields, swaying coconut trees and not to forget the lively spirit of the people. Goans make you feel at home, every moment spent here is nothing like you have experienced before. In the smallest state of India, there are quite a number of big surprises. Cruises that you cherish forever, casinos to try your luck, nightlife that keeps you up till the early hours of the day, food that combines the delicious flavours of the sea and the very different culinary style are some highlights of your holiday in Goa.

Beach in Goa

Beyond the stretch of the golden coastline that comprise of more than 50 beaches, Goa has much to offer. Watersports add to the pleasure of your dream beach holiday. The lush Western Ghats are close by, where there is much to explore. There are scenic waterfalls, especially the Dudhsagar Falls that is unmissable. The wildlife sanctuaries are blessed with rare flora and fauna, it is also a rare bird watcher’s heaven. If the unexplored backwaters, beautiful villages and best of all history that is fascinating. So, be it relaxation, sightseeing, adventure or whatever your heart desires, Goa has it all.

Lush greenery

The allure of Goa is that it remains quite different from the rest of India. While it is small enough to be explored in a way that other Indian states are not, it still has so much to provide you a wonderful vacation. Undoubtedly, Goa's tourism byline of "Goa - 365 days on Holiday" is absolutely true.