Monthly Archives: November 2016

The Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Kolkata, India

Do you know which Indian city is called the ‘Football Hub of India’? Also, do you know which Indian place is famous for a sweet dish called ‘Rosogolla’? The answer to both the questions is Kolkata.

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This metropolis has the perfect blend of old world charm and modernity. Home to a number of tourist attractions, it is visited by millions of tourists every year. Take a look at some of the top landmarks of Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial Hall

The Victoria Memorial Hall is a large marble building dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. It’s a museum now! This iconic monument is home to collections in the categories of western painting, Indian painting, coins, rare photographs, arms and armory, and manuscripts etc. Focusing on the design, Victoria Memorial Hall appears somewhat similar to the Taj Mahal. Check it out to realize why people say this!

Howrah Bridge

This super-structure is just not to be missed! The Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge suspended over the Hooghly River.  It is open to traffic, except for goods vehicles, Inter- State transport buses, and All-India Tourist buses. Nearly 1,00,000 vehicles cross it daily. Since inception, the Kolkata Port Trust has been the custodian of the bridge.

Birla Mandir

The Birla Mandir, standing at an elevation of 160 feet above ground, is one of the premium architectural beauties of the city. The interiors of the temple have marble carvings that illustrate shlokas and pictorial impressions from the Bhagavad Gita. The ceiling is adorned with lovely chandeliers and electric diyas that brighten the interiors. Standing at an elevation of 160 feet, the Birla Mandir was completed in a span of 26 years.

Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens is a cricket ground with seating capacity of 66,000. Established in 1864, it is the largest stadium of its kind in India and perhaps the third largest in the world. Eden Gardens is the home of the Bengal cricket team and the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders. It is a venue for Test, ODI, and T20I matches. If you are a lover of cricket, like most Indians, then do watch a match here!

New Market

Shopaholics, add New Market to your travel itinerary! This Victorian Gothic shopping arcade was established in 1874 for the British residents. Today, it is a hotspot for locals and others. Over 2000 shops sell a wide variety of products – clothes, jewellery, electronics, and luggage etc. Bargaining will prove helpful. New Market is open daily, except Sundays.

Here’s How to Celebrate New Year in New Zealand

December is fast approaching and New Year 2017 follows soon! If you haven’t made any concrete plans, frame one now. It is better late than never! New Zealand, home to tourist attractions such as Coromandel Peninsula, Fiordland National Park, Sky Tower, Milford Sound, and Lake Taupo, offers a number of fun-packed festivals and events especially for New Year. Here, take a look!

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Reggae By The River

UB40, featuring original members Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, will be the star event in Reggae By the River. Other entertainers include L.A.B (KORA Brothers) and Modern Maori Quartet. A variety of food and beverages will be available. However, concert attendees can carry sealed water and non-commercial food. Once Reggae By the River draws to a close, fans will have ample time to move down to the water’s edge and admire the fantastic fireworks display from Lake Taupo.

Date: 31st December, 2016

New Zealand

 

Rhythm and Vines3

The insanely popular Rhythm and Vine plays host to more than 100 international and local artists who perform on different stages in Gisborne. This 3-day international music festival is also marked by waterslides, fireworks shows and, of course, the dawn of New Year. Founded in 2003, Rhythm and Vines has phenomenally grown in size.

Date: 29th December, 2016 – 1st January, 2017.

New Year’s Eve Auckland

Auckland, the most populous part of New Zealand and is renowned for extravagant and brilliant New Year’s Eve fireworks. Auckland’s famous Sky Tower, believed to be the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, will be the hub of the city’s spectacular fireworks display. Another attractive venue is the Waiheke Island’s Stonyridge Vineyard. It witnesses live performers, dancers, DJs, food and drinks, and spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Date: 31st December, 2016

New Year’s Eve Queenstown

New Year’s Eve Queenstown will be held at Earnslaw Park. There will be loads of fun and entertainment in the form of live bands and DJ’s and of course fireworks displays. One of the biggest parties in town will be held at Queenstown Central, where the roads will be packed with participants enjoying the exciting carnival-like atmosphere.

Date: 31st December, 2016

Northern Bass

Northern Bass lasts for a period of three days and nights. Conducted in the Mangawhai, this festival presents world-class musicians, DJs, and producers to the international audience. Needless to say, the best way to enjoy the Northern Bass experience is to stick around in the campground. For the convenience of attendees, there are many bars and an array of remarkable food outlets.

Date: 29th December, 2016 to 31st December, 2016

A Glimpse into the Pearls of Northeast India

Northeast India is true gem of the country. This region is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and an amazing array of exotic wildlife. It boasts of being home to some small tribal villages and offers delicious cuisine.

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The Northeast consists of 7 states, which are popularly called the ‘Seven Sisters’. The region has lush forests, mighty mountain ranges, spectacular Himalayan rivers, and swampy grasslands. Listed below are some of the most popular places of this region that offer a glimpse into the shining pearls of Northeast India.

Cherrapunjee

The beauty of Cherrapunjee will blow your mind. The town of Cherrapunjee is located along the edge of the high mountain wall of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Meghalaya. At one time, the town enjoyed the title of being the wettest place on earth as it rained heavily in the region. The town is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. Travellers can visit the breathtaking Nohkalikai Falls and marvel at the incredible ‘living bridges’ or ‘root bridges’, which are – live rubber fig-tree roots made into natural pathways – close to Nongriat.

Kaziranga National Park

Visit this famous nature reserve, the Kaziranga National Park, located in the Indian state of Assam. The highlight of a visit to this amazing and lush reserve is the thrilling guided wildlife safaris that are conducted within the park. Travellers can enjoy memorable moments spotting the rare one-horned rhinoceros and elephants among others. The park has been instrumental in increasing the population of these rhinos, from a mere 200 in 1904 to around 1800 today. While here, also experience its early-morning elephant safari.

Tawang Valley

The picturesque Tawang Valley is one of the most scenic and magical places across India. The valley is located in the state Arunachal Pradesh. The valley welcomes travellers with stunning views of mountain ridges, lush patches, vast fields, and plenty of Buddhist monasteries. The valley is dotted with many gorgeous waterfalls and a few traditional Monpa villages. Travellers can admire nature’s beauty at the beautiful Sela Pass and visit the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, the Tawang Monastery. The Nuranang Waterfalls, Shonga-tser Lake, and the Taktsang Gompa are some of the attractions here.

Unakoti

Unakoti is a lesser-known destination in the North-eastern state of Tripura. The place is home to the stunning ancient archaeological site of Unakoti, which has huge rock-cut sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Visit the site to marvel at these 7th-century sculptures adorning hillocks. Travellers can visit the 10m-tall face of Shiva carved on a monolithic rock and see three Ganeshas images carved on a stone below a waterfall.

Loktak Lake

Visit the pristine and magnificent Loktak Lake, which is located in the Indian state of Manipur. The lake is considered to be the largest freshwater lake across the country. Travellers can admire the beauty of small floating islands, locally called phumdis. Villagers have built thatched huts and have inhabited many of these phumdis. One of these phumdis is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the world’s sole floating national park.

Stop by these Historical Food Markets of Montreal, Canada

The magnificent and vibrant city of Montreal, located in the Canadian province of Quebec is home to some historical yet world-class food markets. These food markets are always thriving with locals who visit the markets to buy local produce.

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These food markets are also frequented by travellers who want to observe the cultural aspect of this city from close quarters. Montreal’s markets are not only places to shop but part of the city’s heritage that have been standing for generations now. There are some markets which open seasonally, while there are some that are open round-the-year. Some of the best historical food markets of Montreal are mentioned below.

Atwater Market

The Atwater Market is one of the most popular food markets in Montreal, Canada. The market is located north of the Lachine Canal and close to the downtown area. While exploring the market, travellers cannot help but notice its 1933-established main art deco structure and the white-and-green clock tower, which is a noted landmark of the city. The market hosts plenty of farm stands offering tarts, bright yellow ground cherries, primordial gourds, and even fresh flowers. The shop ‘La Place Aux Petits Fruits’ sells brightly coloured berries, while the shop ‘Les Vergers Alain Dauphinais’ sells fresh apples, nectarines, and pears. There are shops selling fresh and locally-made jars of honey, jams, and chutneys. The market also has plenty of food stalls offering lip-smacking fire-grilled pork or tofu satay skewers among other delicious preparations.

Jean-Talon Market

Next on every travellers list should be a visit to another popular and age-old food market, the Jean-Talon Market. The market is located at Little Italy in Montreal city. The market is popular for offering a wide variety of culturally diverse products, including exotic fruits and vegetables. The market was opened in 1933 and sells fine cheese, specialty meat, aromatic spices, and the best of wines. This market is open year-round and is also known to be a good place to taste authentic local cuisine.

Metro Mont-Royal Market

Visit the Metro Mont-Royal Market, which is a small local market that has been operational since 1983. This quaint little place offers the famed maple syrup of Canada and freshly-picked flowers. The market has become bigger and better over the years and its personality has also changed over time. Travellers visiting Montreal during the holiday season must visit this place at least once to browse through its fresh produce, snacks, and vibrant Christmas trees.

Lufa Farms

Lufa Farms is very unlike a traditional food market. It is more of an agricultural and technology company offering its produce from a huge commercial greenhouse located atop a building in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville neighborhood of Montreal. This urban rooftop market prides itself in selling locally produced items that have been grown using sustainable practices and low volumes of pesticides. Visitors can pick their items fresh on-site or just visit one of its many delivery points.

Marché Fermier

Explore the vibrant Marché Fermier, which is a seasonal pop-up farmer’s market that opens between June and November every year. The market, which was started in the year 2009, is located outside Laurier Metro in the Plateau. The market was established with the aim of selling locally-produced food directly by the producers and removing the middle man. It’s a great place to shop for fresh lettuce or cheese.

Top Places around the World to Get #PhotoedAt

Instagram, an online mobile photo-sharing, video-sharing, and social networking service, has turned insanely famous within a short span of time! According to an online source, 30 billion shared photos, with 70 million photos on an average are uploaded daily. This being the case, we believe that Instagram will be an apt platform for us to run our highly-exclusive #PhotoedAt Contest.

#PhotoedAt Contest was conducted from 12th September, 2016 for a period of one month! With the support of our new and old followers, we’ve successfully managed to receive excellent travel-related photographs. They reveal iconic tourist destinations. Let’s check them out now!

#PhotoedAt Taj Mahal by (https://www.instagram.com/suenatal/): One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India. History says that around 20,000 labourers were employed to build this impressive structure. Built in the loving memory of his wife, it took nearly 17 years to be completed.

#PhotoedAt the Las Vegas by (https://www.instagram.com/worlas3/): Also called ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas is a world-renowned resort city known for spectacular casinos, fun-packed nightlife, and mind-blowing entertainment options. The countless themed-hotels here enhance one’s overall experience! The replicas of popular monuments are not to be missed.

#PhotoedAt the Great Wall of China by (https://www.instagram.com/vividviridian/): More than 2,300 years old, the Great Wall of China is actually a sequence of defensive walls made of stone, tamped earth, brick, and wood etc. Constructed and modified by a number of rulers, the monument’s official length is roughly 21,195 km. In 1987, the Great Wall of China was put on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

#PhotoedAt the Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center by (https://www.instagram.com/julesr40/): New York City’s jaw-dropping skyline is clearly visible from the Top of the Rock. At dusk, the sky appears amazingly colourful from this point! A typical visit lasts nearly 45 minutes, though there’s no time constraint. As there are no security fences to obstruct the view, taking a selfie or clicking a standard photograph is trouble-free.

#PhotoedAt the Auckland by (https://www.instagram.com/sunandcider/): Situated in the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland is full of magnificent monuments, museums, and art galleries. The glittering beaches in the coastal areas inspire city visitors to relax under the sun, forgetting the worries of a usual day. Thrill-seekers can opt for activities such as kayaking, diving, kite surfing, and hiking.

Your Quick Travel Guide to Cancún, Mexico

Cancun is a Mexican metropolis situated on Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea. Popular for luxury resorts and a vibrant nightlife, Cancun is most well known for its white sandy beaches.

cancun

These spectacular sandy stretches promise a peaceful and relaxing time. We have a few handy tips and suggestions for you.

Best Time to Explore

The climate throughout the year is sunny and temperate. However, it can be humid in summers. The occasional tropical storms bring extended rainfall. December to April is the peak season when the weather is nearly perfect for checking out the tourist sites. Though the room rates are higher, they’re within one’s reach. On an average, the 3-star and 4-star hotels cost less than $130 per night.

Accommodation Options

Cancún presents luxury, mid-ranged, and budget hotels for all! The upscale accommodation options include Villa del Palmar Cancun, NIZUC Resort & Spa, Hyatt Zilara, and Secrets The Vine Cancun. Those who intend to spend significantly less have options such as Hotel Imperial las Perlas, Cancún Clipper Club, Salvia Cancún etc. After all, one can save a substantial amount of money by opting for reasonably-priced hotels.

Food

Mexican cuisine is memorable! It has an apt blend of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking style supplemented with European constituents. One can enjoy lip-smacking Mexican dishes at fabulous restaurants such as La Habichuela Sunset, Hacienda Sisal, and Hacienda El Mortero must be given a shot! They will undoubtedly appeal to foodies.

Public Transportation

The best way to go around the metropolis is by buses. They’re convenient, inexpensive, and easily available. Hotel Zone is a good area to catch a bus! Passengers can pay with US Dollars or Mexican Pesos. Taxis run in different parts of Cancún, except from the airport. Haggling over the rate may be deemed necessary. Furthermore, travellers should check that the taxi driver has an ID card with driver’s name, licence, and photo. Cancún International Airport has an independent taxi system.

Best Places and Activities

In Cancún, tourist attractions like Parque Las Palapas, Mercado 28, Avenida Tulum, Malecon Tajamar and Plaza Malecon Americas are fine places to visit. For thrill-seekers, there’s an assortment of fun and rejuvenating things to do. Amongst many, some are zip lining, snorkelling, horse riding, and rappelling. By trying out these activities, tourists can truly realise the wonders of land and water offered by the city.

Top Restaurants for Gastronomic Indulgences in Christchurch, New Zealand

Who likes plain and simple food when visiting a foreign land? Very few! Most people want food to be scrumptious, piping hot, and some even want it to be insanely spicy!

food

As the tastes and preferences differ from person to person, the demands change accordingly. That’s why we come up with a few popular restaurants that dominate the food scene of Christchurch, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

Would you like to dine in the only restaurant tram of New Zealand? The Christchurch Tramway Restaurant offers precisely that! While enjoying the tasty meal, customers can check out the fantastic sights of the inner city.

christnchurch

The 36-seater air-conditioned eating venue also serves chilled beverages complimenting the cuisine. The Christchurch Tramway Restaurant Dinner Tour departs daily from Tram Stop number 1, Cathedral Junction at 7.00 pm (March – October) and at 7:30pm (November – February).

Bloody Mary’s

Named after Queen Mary I of England, Bloody Mary’s welcomes everyone with its lavish space featuring local bluestone, dark oak, and rich leather furnishings. You can enjoy a typical New York style steakhouse experience here. The restaurant depends on the best local produce for its beef and lamb. The impressive wine list focuses more on the country-made wines. Champagnes can be ordered by glass or by the bottle.

Cook ‘N’ With Gas

Cook ‘N’ With Gas is a multi-award winning bistro serving high-quality and contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a legendary villa. The friendly and knowledgeable staff efficiently fulfils the requirements of customers. This 16-year old eatery is a favourite amongst locals and a good place to hang out with friends. Advance booking is suggested as Cook ‘N’ With Gas is fully occupied almost every night. It is open from Monday to Saturday – 6 PM onwards.

Samurai Bowl

Are you ardently fond of any of Sushi, Sashimi, Kara-age, and Ramen? Then, head to Samurai Bowl. This casual-style Japanese restaurant offers the real taste of Japanese food at cost-effective rates. To grab the attention of more people, it has a stimulating monthly special menu, which includes fresh seasonal fish, meat, and vegetables. The suggested drinks are draft beer, wines, and cocktails.

Little Star Vietnamese Restaurant

Little Star Vietnamese Restaurant is a place which lets you relish a true Vietnamese cuisine. It is a family business run by a Vietnamese and has Vietnamese chefs. The flavoursome preparations are made from fish, meat, and vegetables. Apart from comfortable dining rooms, there is a private dining room for special occasions.

Luxury Resorts for Discerning Travellers Visiting Cancun, Mexico

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The luxury resorts in Cancun assure a rich memorable experience. In fact, this Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea is like a veritable paradise of luxury resorts.

cancunnWe have mentioned just a handful of such properties here

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort offers the perfect blend of luxury of comfort. Its 214 elegant rooms and suites have fine elements of sophistication desired by prospective guests. Amenities and facilities include Wi-Fi, fully-stocked minibar, air-conditioning, laptop-size safe, clock radio with alarm, and coffee-maker. Stay a day here and you’ll naturally be tempted to spend more time at this lovely haven.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

This peaceful haven allows guests to enjoy the marvellous views of Cancun’s white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Its Mayan-inspired spa will relax your mind, body, and soul like no other. In JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, the spacious guestrooms offer the convenience of home.

InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

Step into the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort for an unforgettable getaway. You can rest with a massage, while being fanned by the ocean breeze and sample its signature Sunset Presidente cocktail under the golden sun. The ones with more active tastes may go parasailing, kayaking, or jet skiing on the calm turquoise sea. Furthermore, at dusk, you can even head to the town for a bit of dancing.

Paradisus Cancun

Foodies are in for a treat at Paradisus Cancun – a resort with exquisite rooms and suites! There are sixteen eating venues – nine restaurants and seven bars, specifically. To name a few of them: Tempo by Martin Berasategui, Mole Restaurant, Fuego Restaurant, Naos Restaurant, Toji Bar, Avenue Bar, and Red Lounge. With so many options available, you can relish a wide variety of cuisines, snacks, and beverages across different settings.

Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún All Inclusive Adults Only

Book your stay at Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún All Inclusive Adults Only for an unforgettable experience. This chic accommodation is designed to delight the senses. Couples will have a romantic time as they can just be themselves with absolute freedom!  It’s ‘a world of sensations, where fantasy and the sublime welcome you’. Sounds suggestive? You bet, it is!

The Little Known Places in Miami – The Magic City

Miami is a paradise on Earth! This seaport city in the US state of Florida has a pleasant climate, ideal for the ones who want to relax on sun-soaked beaches.

miami

At night, the restaurants, bars, and pubs turn into lively party venues. Of course, we know that you are probably aware of the famous attractions, so we have mentioned some of the lesser known ones here.

The Ancient Spanish Monastery

The Ancient Spanish Monument is a hidden gem! Its construction began in 1133 AD and was completed eight years later. Subsequently, it was deconstructed stone by stone and shipped to the US in the form of huge wooden crates. In 1952, the crates were purchased by two entrepreneurs. Over a period of 19 months, it was re-built as a monastery. This magnificent monument with its jaw-dropping past is absolutely not to be missed.

Foxhole

Opened in 2011, this lively bar offers reasonably-priced drinks and foot-tapping music. Entertainment options such as a dart board, pool table, and jukebox ensure lots of fun-packed moments. To save some cash, visit during the happy hours (5 PM – 9 PM). Foxhole is the perfect venue for birthday and special events.

Casabe 305 Bistro

Casabe 305 Bistro presents mouth-watering Venezuela-Caribbean fusion food. It’s a very popular place and even serves weddings, private parties, business/gallery events, and entertainment/TV/film productions as well. The charming ambience coupled with commendable service has been appreciated by past visitors. Casabe 305 Bistro is the brainchild of Diego Vicente Texera – a popular Venezuelan Chef.

The Barnacle

Created in 1891, The Barnacle gives a spectacular view of frontier life during The Era of the Bay, when all travel to and from Miami was solely by boat. Situated on the shore of Biscayne Bay, the building was the residence of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s most powerful and charismatic pioneers. This is a great hang-out place for friends planning to spend fun times together.

J Wakefield Brewing

Located in Wynwood – one of the most varied and art-driven districts of Miami, the J Wakefield Brewing makes and sells a wide range of beer such as Stush, UJP, El Jefe, and La Nada. It also features wall-length murals of Star Wars characters along with comic book lithographs. Public brewery tours are conducted. No reservations are required to participate in them.

Best Christmas Markets To Explore In Perth In 2016

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With Christmas approaching fast, all kinds of shopping outlets will soon be dressed in their best Christmas decorations and offer unique gifts, handmade articles, local produce, and pretty arts and crafts.

christmas-perth

The ones travelling to the Australian city of Perth during Christmas or a little before, can check out such fantastic Christmas markets in or around the destination for an incredible Christmas shopping experience in ‘the Land Down Under’. Take a look at some of them.

Christmas Family Market Pinjarra

Visit the Christmas Family Market Pinjarra at the Civic Centre Pinjarra to shop for Christmas goodies on 3rd December, 2016. The shops here offer some fantastic gifting options as well as Christmas special deals on many items. The market will be held from 10 am to 2.30 pm.

Early Bird Christmas Market

Enjoy festive shopping at the Early Bird Christmas Market on 20th November, 2016. This is an indoor Christmas market, which will be held from 11 am to 3 pm. There will be more than 50 stalls selling a variety of Christmassy stuff such as handmade gifts and decor, home wares, jewellery, fashion accessories for kids, candles, and body care products. Visitors can get haircuts at cheap prices as well as neck and shoulder massages. Besides, there will be lots of festive cupcakes and sweet treats. There will also be free live entertainment by local musicians and a face painting stall.

QV1 Christmas PopUpmarket

QV1 Christmas PopUpmarket is a fantastic popup market catering to the Christmas needs of individuals. Attend this festive shopping venue from 6th to 8th December at the QV1 foyer in Perth. This market will include stalls by over 50 brilliant artisans and designers from all across Perth. Enjoy a fantastic shopping experience as you buy original handcrafted wares at the best prices.

St Michael’s Family Christmas Fete

This family Christmas fete is held every year at Perth’s St Michael’s Church on 26th November, 2016. The fete will offer a variety of festive shopping opportunities and celebratory events. The fete will be held from 10 am to 1 pm and there will be lots of live entertainment. The stalls will offer vintage clothing, local produce, plants, art & crafts, jewellery, gift baskets, books, CDs and DVDs, and a lot more.