Monthly Archives: August 2018

5 Indian Cities with the Best Nightlife

Nightlife

India has a flourishing nightlife, best reflected across most of its key urban centres, promising an exciting time to everyone who wants to have a good time. Read on and learn about the five Indian cities with the best nightlife.

Mumbai

The epithet ‘the city that never sleeps’ makes it clear that Mumbai remains one of India’s most famous nightlife hubs. While it is a joy to enjoy the inimitable views of the Arabian Sea and the beaches in the night, the incredible clubs and bars, that line up the street from Andheri West to Cuffe Parade, promise a terrific time to the revellers. Spot Bollywood celebs in Bandra and Juhu, and for a diverse range of entertainment, be in Colaba or the Kala Ghoda neighbourhood.

Delhi NCR

The capital city of India, Delhi and the surrounding region has limitless options for partying and dining. Hauz Khas Village, Connaught Place and Greater Kailash are some of the spots in the city where you’ll find plenty of nightclubs, themed restaurants and rooftop bars. The neighbouring IT hub, Gurgaon has an even more vivacious nightlife highlighted by exciting night clubs and spectacular restaurants.

Bangalore

The IT capital of India, Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, has unsurprisingly become a hub for night-time revellers and the young crowd. Jungle Lounge, Opus, High Ultra Lounge, Athena, Skyye, and Loveshack are some of the top spots where party lovers can have a splendid time with their partners or friends. MG Road, Church Gate, JP Nagar and Brigade Road are few places in the city teeming with many exciting bars and clubs. Besides, you can also enjoy an overnight stay in a forest camp in Coorg and Bheemeshwari.

Goa

Goa is the undisputed party capital of India. The smallest Indian province has a lot to offer to the holidaymakers in the form of happening nightclubs and bars, music concerts and international festivals. Visit the famous Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga Town and Colva to be a part of full moon trance parties and head to Vagator to make the most of the fabulous beach parties. Also, party animals love to visit Panjim to enjoy jazz shows and shoreline parties.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a paradise for party lovers where they can dance to the bhangra beats and feel the spirit of boogie all throughout the night! From enjoying a stroll through the wonderful sculptures at Rock Garden to putting your dancing shoes on at some amazing nightclubs such as Tao Lounge, Lava Bar, Oriental Lounge and Antidote, you can do it all to make the most of Chandigarh’s nightlife. Also, do explore Hops n Grains and English-themed Peddlers’ Pub – the two favourite partying spots of the locals.

Bahrain Holidays – Top Attractions of this Beautiful Kingdom

Bahrain is one of the richest countries and among the most loved holiday destinations in the Middle East. Read on and learn about some of the most interesting attractions in this part of the world.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

One of the largest mosques in the world, enough to accommodate as many as 7000 people at a time, the Al Fateh Grand Mosque is an architectural wonder. People visit it from all parts of the world to admire the craftsmanship that has gone into it. The architecture is inspired by the

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Romans and the Byzantines, making it a spectacle that’s truly hard to miss. The beautiful inscriptions, the lights and colour add to the beauty and you are left awestruck with every glance at this place!

Bab Al Arab

This is a historical building, located amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, marking the main entrance to the souq of Manama. There are several points of interest here such as the brilliant shops selling jewellery, spices and perfumes, restaurants serving some of the bets local food, and opportunities for clicking Instagram-worthy pictures. It is one of the best spots in the country to learn about the culture, art and history of Bahrain.

Beit Al Quran               

Visit Beit Al Quran, a multi-purpose complex, and find scores of precious Islamic calligraphy and artefacts. It has a large collection of Qurans, including some rare versions as well as different manuscripts and woodcarvings. For anyone who wishes to learn about Islam, Beit Al Quran is an apt place to do so. The place also has a lecture hall, classrooms, a library, and a mosque.

Al-Areen Wildlife Park

Located in Sakhir, Bahrain, this nature reserve is a place where you can expect to see animals in a conserved habitat. There’s a beautiful artificial pond here and several species of animals, birds and flora that you can witness at their natural best. You can spot animals like the spotted Hyena, African Wild Dog, and Persian Gazelle and so on.

Amwaj Islands

You can have a great time with your friends and family at this group of manmade islands. From a throbbing nightlife to beaches where you can lounge around and work on a sun kissed glow;

Amwaj Islands

and from having incredible shopping opportunities to enjoying meals at some of the best restaurants in Bahrain – there is a lot you can do here. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most visited tourist spots in the country.

Qa’lat Al-Bahrain

Qa’lat Al-Bahrain is one of the most spectacular historical monuments in Bahrain.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to five forts on the seafront and ancient ruins.  The most

Qa’lat Al-Bahrain

impressive is the Portuguese-constructed fort which has a minaret-shaped turret.  Moreover, it is a nice spot to do some people watching as locals can be seen here enjoying evening walks or riding horses.

10 Sacred Spots in the Indian Sub Continent

Here are the top ten sacred spots of the Indian Sub Continent, each promising a memorable time to the visitors.

Varanasi, India

Lying on the banks of the River Ganges in North India, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and is generally regarded the spiritual capital of India, attracting Hindu pilgrims from all

Varanasi

over the world. New Vishwanath Temple, Kathwala Temple and Kashi Vishwanath are some of the popular Hindu temples here.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

The famous Sikh shrine, Golden Temple is the most renowned tourist attraction of Amritsar,

Golden Temple

Punjab. The incredible architecture of the temple and the mesmerising lake attract travellers from all over the world.

Faisal Mosque, Islamabad

Lying at the foot of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad, Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque of Pakistan visited by a large number of tourists every year. It holds the attention with its eclectic

Faisal Mosque

blend of traditional and ultramodern Islamic architectural designs and its Bedouin tent-like shape.

Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

With five caves, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and 153 statues of the Lord Buddha, Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest cave temple complex of Sri Lanka. The temple invites Buddhists and

Dambulla Cave Temple

others from all corners of the world. Also known as Jumbukola Vihara, it is situated in the north west of Kandy.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal

Home to several pagoda and shikhara-style temples, Bhaktapur Durbar Square reflects the historical and cultural heritage of Nepal. The most stunning architectural delight of the

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Kathmandu Valley and one of the most popular tourist attractions of Nepal, it remains a must visit for all.

Rishikesh, India

Rishikesh is a holy Indian city, well known all over the world – credit goes to the Beatles who used to frequent the city in the late ’60s! It is the yoga capital of the world and features a

Rishikesh

distinctive old world charm with many ashrams, temples and yoga institutes. Moreover, the city is famed for offering a number of adventure sports.

Bodh Gaya, India

Bodh Gaya, in the Indian province of Bihar, is one of the most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is where the Lord Buddha gained enlightenment under the famous Mahabodhi tree.

Bodh Gaya

Home to dozens of Buddhist temples, monasteries and shrines, it is bustling with pilgrims all throughout the year.

Basilica De Bom Jesus, Goa

A 400-year old church in Goa, Basilica De Bom Jesus has the Baroque architectural style and remains one of the most visited churches in the tiny Indian state. It is home to the mortal

Basilica De Bom Jesus

remains of St. Francis Xavier, which are displayed once every ten years.

Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka

The national temple of Bangladesh, Dhakeshwari Temple is the primary Hindu temple in the country built by Ballal Sen, the King of the Sena dynasty in the 12th century. Situated in Old

Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhaka, it has a permanent altar outside the main temple premises which houses four identical structures dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Jama Masjid, Delhi

The largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor who built the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century, it is a true Islamic architectural wonder with a

Jama Masjid

courtyard that can accommodate over 25,000 people, three large gates, four towers and two 40-metre high minarets.

Top Kid-friendly Tourist Attractions in Singapore

Singapore

Singapore is a beautiful, kid-friendly destination where you can enjoy several amazing experiences with your little ones. Read on to learn about few of them!

Night Safari

This could be an exciting experience for your kids! The night safari in Singapore is a great opportunity for visitors to spot nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. It would not only mean entertainment but also education.  As many as 2,500 animals from over 130 species can be spotted here. Surely, you are going to create memories of a lifetime here.

Sentosa Island

This is a man-made island where fun never stops. Resorts World, Universal Studios Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore Butterfly & Insect Kingdom are some of the attractions here, promising you and your kids a delightful time in Singapore. SEA Aquarium, one of the largest collections of aquatic animals in the world, is another terrific attraction that’s much loved by families.

Jurong Bird Park

How about having a relaxing time, just sitting in a park and watching birds? The Jurong Bird Park is the perfect place to spot birds of different species from across the world. The children will definitely love it. Some of the major attractions of this place are Southeast Asian Birds Aviary, African Waterfall Aviary, and Bird Discovery Centre and so on.

Ethnic Quarters

This is another Singaporean offering that you and your kids can enjoy together. China Town, Little India and Kampong Glam are some of the places you can visit, try different local delicacies and street food, and become a part of art performances on the streets as well as shopping. From windup toy phones to aromatic spices, there is so much to experience here; it will be like a fair for the children, you must not miss it!

Battlebox

The Battlebox is one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore! It is a huge bunker located 9 meters below ground in Fort Canning Park and features 2 entrances, 27 rooms and a cat ladder escape hatch. Entrance to the Battlebox is via a guided tour only. This historical place will definitely intrigue the kids and give them something to talk about after the holiday is over and they are back to school.

Botanical gardens

Singapore is one of the greenest, most eco friendly places in Asia, and there are several beautiful botanical gardens in the city you can visit with your kids. Admire the beauty of the nature, with countless types of plants and flowers. Also, there are mesmerizing fish ponds where the kids can feed the fish. Imagine a serene escape from the madness of your busy life, enjoying a quiet time with your friends and family.

La Tomatina fever is rising; pack your bags already!

Each year, this crazy festival of tomatoes in Spain attracts thousands of visitors from different parts of the world. In the year 2018, you will see the festival being held on the 29th of August. If you are wondering what really goes down at this iconic festival, let us take you into the fascinating journey of festival La Tomatina!

La Tomatina

La Tomatina by Graham McLellan/ CC BY

All about the festival

Often termed the world’s biggest food fight festival, Tomatina sees several metric tons of overripe tomatoes being smashed on the streets each year. Held in the town of Bunol near Valencia in Spain, Tomatina is famous across the world for the fun it promises and the record-breaking number of tomatoes being squashed each year. Started off as a festival played in honor of the patron saints for Bunol, it has become more global over the years and people from across the world have started visiting just to celebrate this unique food fight with their family and friends.

There are Lorries full of tomatoes arriving into the city, and the participants have to make way for them. Cannon is fired to mark the beginning of the festival at 11 am. This starts the tomato battle where you can rub, squash and smear people with tomatoes all over. The second cannon ball is fired at 1 pm and that means the end of the fight.

Some things to keep in mind

  • It’s essential that you squash the tomatoes well before you throw them at people, otherwise people can get hurt
  • It’s a good idea to cover your head. Some people also wear special eye gear to prevent tomatoes or water from going inside their eyes. Tying your hair is a good idea too so it doesn’t get tangled while you tomato-fight
  • Ideally, one shouldn’t be carrying valuables along because there are all the possibilities you would lose or damage them. However if you absolutely have to carry things with you, it’s best to keep them in waterproof bags properly tucked into your pockets so that you don’t lose or damage anything
  • Making prior bookings for stay and travel will help you get the best deals, because if you’re late you may end up paying a bomb for the same
  • It is wise to choose a hotel that’s close by to the festival area, so that you don’t have to travel much back and forth in your ‘tomatoed’ clothes
  • People make all sorts of preparation for this festival. They paint their faces in the theme, they carry water guns with them
  • It’s going to be ideal to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to move around in
  • It is important you don’t get carried away in the energy of the festival and the chaos so caused; no ripping of other people’s t-shirts is allowed
  • One must avoid bring sharp objects to the festival as they may harm others

The Beautiful Bali Promises Many Delightful Experiences

The most popular place to visit in Indonesia, Bali is known all over the world, for being the perfect holiday destination. People visit here from all parts of the world to witness the beautiful landscapes and to enjoy the warm hospitality that includes of luxury stays, terrific spa treatments and exotic food and drinks. Here, have a look at some of the best things you can do in Bali.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu-Temple

Situated 250 feet above the Indian Ocean, this temple is one of the most spectacular places you will ever visit. It literally means the rock on the top. Devotees and tourists visit here from all over, to admire the artistic architecture and historical value of the place. The walk up to the temple is tricky and one needs to be really careful where they step. It is a hike in itself and visitors can have a great time here.

Kintamani and Mount Batur

One of the highpoints of your trip to Bali is going to be the live volcano sighting. It is a popular trek and people from across the world become a part of this once in a lifetime experience. The road downhill will lead you to naturally occurring hot springs which are a famous highlight of this area as well. There are three main villages in the locality namely Batur, Kintamani and Penelokan. Batur Caldera Lake is an amazing place to spend some time with friends and family.

Bali Marine Park and Safari

This is the perfect day out activity with your friends and family. Exploring the wildlife on the island in the best way possible, you can try the safari that takes you through dense 60-acre forests where you witness a host of animals in their natural habitat such as Himalayan bears, African Hippos, Indian White Tigers, ostriches, baboons, zebras, camels and so on. Similarly you will also be able to witness aquatic animals.

Ubud Art Market

Indonesia is famous for its art and handicrafts and you shouldn’t leave without admiring some of them and maybe even taking some home. The Ubud Art Market is known to have an amazing display of local paintings, wall hangings, jewellery, silk scarves and bags. Apart from being a proud owner of such fine work of local artists, you can also help spread the word about them to the world.

Goa Gajah

This beautiful archaeological site remains the must visit site here. It is a meditational cave, with fountains and bathing pools here. The sculptures in the cave and the inscriptions on the walls are majestic and people visit from all over the world to appreciate them.

6 Exciting Experiences in Qatar for a Perfect Family Holiday

family-holiday

Captivating heritage, mind-blowing architecture, a long shoreline and a landscape consisting of arid desert – all this makes Qatar a terrific holiday destination, ideal for all sorts of travellers. However, the country holds most exciting experiences for family holidaymakers who fly here from all corners of the globe!

Visit Mia Park (Museum of Islamic Arts Park)

Lying adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Arts, Mia Park is where you can spend a fun-filled day with your family and kids. While it is the best vantage point to enjoy Doha’s skyline, there’s also a playground and many garden areas for the kids and adults to enjoy a stroll and participate in different activities. Besides, there are several cafes here where you can enjoy delicacies and drinks.

Enjoy dune bashing at the Inland Sea

If you’re in Qatar, dune bashing is something you should not miss; it sure is a thrilling experience. Head to the dunes near Inland Sea, a shallow, salty inlet of the Persian Gulf straddling the border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and take a thrilling ride along the dunes. There are stops where you can enjoy the local food, spend some time in traditional Bedouin camps, sleep under the stars and click some beautiful pictures.

Discover the Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl is an artificial island featuring a fusion of residential, commercial and entertainment outlets. Stroll around, shop for interesting stuff, and enjoy incredible dishes. The major draw here is Mediterranean inspired Qanat Quartier that houses bridges, canals, colourful apartments and some cool restaurants and cafes. Also, you can spend some quality time at the Lido Venezia Beach, unwind at the Diva Lounge Spa and relax with yoga therapies at Niya Yoga.

Have some water fun at Aqua Park

Aqua Park is the place to experience the best of water fun. It is the first theme park in Qatar offering endless adventure amidst its giant wave pool, slides, a lazy river, stingray surfing and a beautiful village. Also, you would love to enjoy delicious snacks and meals served here at the many restaurants including Boston Chicken, the largest fast food restaurant in the park.

Explore the haven of horses at Al Shaqab Equestrian Center

If you wish to experience the rich culture of Qatar as well as to spend some exciting time with the Arabian horse, Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre is the place to be. It is a world-class equine centre where outstanding show horses are trained into competition winners. Visit and experience the country’s love for the horses as you watch them train!

Shop at the malls, especially Doha Festival City

The shopping scene in Qatar is quiet vibrant with a number of malls and markets scattered all around the country, especially in the capital city, Doha. Doha Festival City is the largest entertainment, fashion and dining destination. From fashion clothes, footwear, accessories and beauty products to electronics, home furnishings, sportswear and a lot more, you can shop for anything and everything here.