Monthly Archives: January 2020

Interesting Things to Do in Singapore in February

Listed amongst the most visited tourist destinations of the world, Singapore draws travellers all throughout the year with its exceptionally green environment, cultural diversity, enormous shopping malls, exhilarating nightlife and more. However, the month of February is more Singapore inviting with an ideal medley of picturesque bio diverse setting, amazing weather, profuse festivities and the hint of ethnic roots amidst high flying structures.

Here’s the list of some interesting things to do in Singapore in the month of February:

Delight in the red vibe of Chinese New Year

The red festive feel of Singapore in the month of February is a hit among tourists from different parts of the world. The city celebrates Chinese New Year in this month and turns into a sight to behold with the bright colours, non-stop revelry and sheer exuberance. Visitors would love to Chinese New Yeardiscover a full Chinese vibe across the delightfully lighted streets, sprawling markets and fascinating river cruises, and will enjoy delectable Chinese cuisines all across the markets. The Chingay parade on this day is a unique event which is a treat to attend and just perfect to enrich your knowledge of the Chinese culture.

Go to night safari

Night Safari in Singapore is quite popular among wildlife lovers from all over the world; and February, being characterised by pleasant nights which are neither very cool nor too hot, is considered to be an ideal time for night safari in the city. Next to the Singapore Zoo, the Night WildlifeSafari is the world’s first safari park to spot nocturnal animals. You can visit here with your family and friends, and feel the adrenaline rush taking a tram ride or walking the trails frequented by a wide variety of fauna.

Be a part of Thaipusam Galore

Held in February, Thaipusam Galore is an annual religious festival of Singapore celebrated to showcase pure devotion and sacrifice of material and physical desires. Visitors can experience the city’s cultural diversity and colourful traditions being a part of the festival. It is a two day celebration full of colours and fun when Hindu devotees seek blessings, fulfil vows and offer thanks. The cultural performances by males and females dressed in brightly coloured traditional attires, and breathtaking fireworks are a major draw of the festival.

Experience the city’s stunning skyline

There’s something magical about Singapore’s skyline that draws a majority of visitors all throughout the year. However, it can be best experienced in the month of February with clear lighted sky from Mount Faber – the second highest hill of Singapore. You will take the hassle Skyscrapersfree cable car ride to this mountain and enjoy the best view of the coveted skyscrapers while delighting in the natural backdrop that creates a beautiful sight. This will certainly make you understand why Singapore is termed as the powerhouse city.

Have an exciting shopping experience

The weather in Singapore in the month of February is quite pleasant and there’s a chance of rains. It is the best time to go out and indulge into an exhilarating shopping extravaganza. VivoCity – the largest shopping mall in Singapore is a perfect place for an ideal shopping day with family and friends. You can shop at a number of exclusive fashion brands, enjoy a variety of delectable delicacies at multi-cuisine restaurants or simply relax at the theatres with a tub of popcorn and a good movie.

 

Souvenirs to Take Back Home from Varanasi, India

Counted among the oldest continually inhabited cities of the world and the holiest in Hinduism, Varanasi is a tourist destination popular among pilgrims from different parts of the world. While Varanasithe city is renowned as a place to wash away sins in the sacred waters, it is an amazing place to buy local as well as international products.

When in Varanasi, shoppers can get their hands on these wonderful souvenirs in the street markets scattered all across the city:

Banarasi Silk Sarees

The holy city is best known for selling rich quality Banarasi sarees and women from all over the world do not miss to grab their hands on at least two or three during their visit. You can find them in a variety of shades and colours. While Banarasi Sarees are available all over the city, peelikothi area of Varanasi and the whole sale shops in Thateri bazaar are some of the popular areas where you can get the finest collection and quality at great prices.

The Holy Water of Ganga

It is said that the holy water of Ganga or Ganga Jal is the biggest export from Varanasi and most people take the water along with them. There are heaps of plastic bottles of all sizes available Varanasi for sale on the way to the Ghats of Ganga. People can carry water in these bottles or can pick it up in small copper cans that come with a seal to prevent leakage. These cans are especially designed as souvenirs to carry from Kashi.

Gulabi Minakari

An unknown art of the holy city, Gulabi Minakari is one such souvenir all sorts of tourists would love to take back home. While the Minakari work on precious metals like gold and silver is done in western India – Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Mina work in pink colour is done only here in Varanasi. Visitors can spot craftsmen performing this art in the by lanes near Gaighat; the small souvenirs of birds and elephants decorated with Gulabi Minakari are amazing home decorators and are the mostly sold items here.

Rudraksha Mala

Rudraksha Mala is one major accessory one should not miss buying when in Varanasi. It is a polished seed of Rudraksha tree considered to be the tear of Rudra and earlier form of Shiva. This organic jewellery has been worn by saints from time immemorial and is thus considered a very sacred seed among Hindus. You can get all types of Rudraksha here and can also buy coins engraved with Varanasi’s two famous temples on both sides. People buy these accessories as a remembrance of Varanasi.

Wooden Toys

The markets in Varanasi comprise several lanes of coloured wooden toys. You can meet wood crafters in Khojwa area of the city that typically make bright coloured wooden toys in the form of elephants and birds. You can also find human figurines, wooden creation of Shiva family, key wooden toyschains and pencils with curious caps. Other places where you can buy wooden lacquerware toys and furniture from across India include Etikoppaka in Andhra Pradesh, Chenna Patna in Karnataka and Sankheda in Gujarat.