Category Archives: India

Important Safety Tips for an Enjoyable Holiday in Goa

goa

India’s beach capital, Goa is safe to travel around. No place, however, is completely crime-free. So people contemplating a holiday in the province should always exercise precaution to ensure a safe and secure holiday experience. Here are some basic yet important safety tips that holidaymakers’ buying tickets on Goa flights should pay heed to.

Carry Money in a Safe Place

The best and safest place, for a traveller, to carry cash is a money belt, well hidden from public sight. Besides, tourists can keep the money inside the socks or their coats to ensure it’s safe. It’s always advisable to carry debit and credit cards, instead of too much of hard cash. North Goa has plenty of ATMs from where travellers can withdraw money at a moment’s notice. But if you travel to the southern part of the state, make sure you carry enough cash to pay your bills; there are not so many ATMs in this part of Goa.

Don’t Leave Luggage Unattended

When in a foreign land, you cannot trust anyone to look after your luggage. So keep it with you at all times, especially at crowded places like beaches, railways stations and bus stands. While venturing out for sightseeing or any other excursion, it’s good to place your travel documents like return flight tickets, passport and visa in the hotel’s locker.

Check the Weather

People who have invested in flights for holidaying in this lively state of India should note that weather conditions in Goa change quite frequently. So it’s vital to check the climatic conditions before heading out for seaside fun in Goa. Don’t swim in the prohibited areas, especially during monsoon when waters in Goa can turn rough anytime. Sleeping on the beach at night is also illegal and may land you behind bars.

Respect Locals and their Customs

Be silent inside a place of worship or at a religious monument. Take permission if you want to take photos and if it’s prohibited, don’t argue. It’s good to talk politely and with smile on the face. Avoid being in an argument with any shopper, taxi driver or stranger.

Some Popular Bars and Bistros in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi’s Party Hub

The mere mention of Hauz Khas Village light up the faces of those who have delved into Delhi’s heart-throbbing nightlife and seek to get more. Hauz Khas Village is one of the most happening corners in the Indian capital that brims with an eclectic choice of fun avenues!! Whether you’re a wine cognoscente, a food-lover, an active hipster or indolent epicurean, Hauz Khas Village boasts everything you require for your kind of night-out in Delhi. Listed below are good options to taste a regaling nightlife in Hauz Khas Village, the glittering party hub of Delhi.

Some-Popular-Bars-and-Bistros-in-Hauz-Khas-Village-Delhi-Party-Hub

U n Me Lounge Bar

With delicious Chinese cuisines, extensive beverage menu, beautiful decor and soothing ambience, this captivating bar in main market of Hauz Khas Village overwhelms one and all. Price is quite pocket-friendly, when it comes to dining as well as wining. It attracts a huge crowd including both locals and international tourists who have spent on flights and holiday deals for the Indian capital.

Botttegger

If you’re after best alcohol, Bottlegger is the place to be. Their innovative cocktail menu has everything from Rum to Whiskey and a whimsical blend of various quality wines from across the globe. Try Chicken Bites with Bbq Sauce or Chicken Caesar Salad to give your taste buds a pleasing experience! The ambiance as well as hospitality at Bottlegger is par excellence, attracting many who have grabbed tickets on flights for a fun-filled holiday in Delhi.

Social Offline

An understated, welcoming place to relish the company of friends while gorging on quality food and wine, Social Offline offers the best of both worlds. Add to that interesting art and photography exhibits, stand-up comedy act or a live DJ performance, and that’s Social Offline for you to have a wonderful night-out in Delhi.

Fork You

The extensive menu at ‘Fork You’ specialises in delicious burgers and chilled beer, making it a great place to hang out with friends. Located near Green Park Metro Station, this swanky establishment is fast becoming a vital part of beer scene in the area. A range of burgers are main highlights of food menu; however, you can try several other delicacies as well. Panko Fried Prawns, Smoked Barbecued Chicken and Pesto Olive Chicken are the specialities at Fork You that are sure to delight international foodies arriving here after disembarking their Delhi bound flights.

Goa Sunburn 2014: Get set to be ‘Sunburned’ at India’s Greatest Beach Party!!

Goa is the craziest and most maddening party place in India! The events and festivals of the city often shout loud about its exciting culture and lifestyle. Merrymakers planning to grab flight tickets to Goa to get acquainted with the region’s colourful culture must not think anymore as the state is all set to host the Sunburn Music Festival for the 7th time in a row. Often considered Asia’s most extravagant dance and music event, Sunburn Goa is a perfect dose for adding exceptional glitz and glamour to the nightlife of the city. With stunning music performances beginning from early in the evening and going on till late evening hours, nonstop partying is the prerogative of everyone at the festival!

Goa Sunburn

This electronic dance music (EDM) festival will be held in the month of December from 27th – 29th at Vagator Beach. This year, the festival will be featuring over 7 different stages with live performances from over 90 international artists. The long list of international artists making their way to the carnival includes Afrojack, Axwell, Markus Schulz, Pete Tong, Mark Knight, Andrew Rayel along with local artists naming Dualist Inquiry, (S)haan, Lost Stories, Anish Sood, Kohra and many more. Different genres that will be played during the festival include House, Trance, Electro, Drum & Bass, Techno, Psy-trance, Experimental music, etc.

One of worlds’ greatest music and dance festivals, the event further guarantees an experience of a lifetime with wild dance parties and adrenalin gushing music which is sure to take visitors off their feet. Going much beyond dance and music, this three-day gala event is an exciting amalgamation of food, sports and shopping. For visitors who wish to party till late night, special “After Dark” parties are organized that begin post 10 pm and end with a 24-hour hangover fun and frolic. Tickets for the event are easily available online on the official website of the event i.e. www.sunburn.in. However, apart from dance and music, visitors have many other reasons to book flights to Goa. Adventure seekers may go for trekking, camping or participating in one of the many thrilling water activities offered at most beaches.

Best Places to Relish Ethnic Shopping in Delhi, India’s Cultural Hub!

Delhi, India’s colourful capital, boasts a cultural diversity like no other city in the world. From diverse dining to deep-rooted history and multi-hued festivals, Delhi beckons you to soak in its cultural ecstasy till you feel satiated to the core! Among the many prerogatives that culture-vultures enjoy after de-boarding their flights in the metropolis, ethnic shopping, to bring back home some exquisite souvenirs and exotic memories, is the most enchanting one. In fact, buying interesting local items from the city’s fine markets is a highlight of all Delhi tours. Check out these popular shopping spots where one can get the best ethnic deals!

Dilli Haat, INA

Delhi Haat by meenakshi madhavan/ CC BY

Delhi Haat by meenakshi madhavan/ CC BY

Located in South Delhi, this wonderful cultural quarter is a haven for souvenir hunters and epicureans, alike. Plenty of stalls and shops here offer rich picking for ethnic Indian apparel, interesting paintings, jewellery, arts and crafts and several other Indian indigenous goods. Moreover, there are great Indian delicacies to savour – North Indian, South Indian, Rajasathani, Mughlai… the list goes on. Not surprisingly, Dilli Haat has been a big hit with culture-vultures who spend on flights’ tickets and holiday deals for the Indian capital.

Janpath, Central Delhi

The vibe of this heritage market is appealing and so is the range of products on offer! The many shops here sell a broad array of ethnic stuff, ranging from clothes to footwear and bags to decorative artefacts, and attract shopaholics from far and wide. Bibliophiles will surely love this place; books from virtually all genres are sold here at highly affordable rates. Also, with Palika Bazaar, the famous underground market in Connaught Place, just a stone’s throw away, budget shoppers arriving here will surely get the maximum bang for their money invested on flights, hotels and other holiday essentials!

The Hauz Khas Village

Qutub-MinarNestling in the shadow of the soaring Qutub Minar, the Hauz Khas Village blends history with creativity. After a tryst with the 12th century tall minaret, depicting the rich Mughal history in India, you can head to the special boutiques and galleries in the village selling some of the best brands in designer wear and exquisite old textiles. Several bars and restaurants in Hauz Khas Village are also to be found, which catch the fancy of most epicureans buying air tickets for holidaying in Delhi. Popular venues to shop here include Nalini Malhotra’s A Touch of Gold, Ashish Anand’s Delhi Art Gallery and Krishna at Chaupal.

Jaipur by Nite – A Melodious Rendezvous of Culture, History and Music of India!

Disembarking flights in Delhi and looking for a perfect weekend getaway? Jaipur is the answer! Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur flaunts a quintessential cultural vibe of India. No matter for which season you are planning a visit to Jaipur, there are numerous festivals and events you can be a part of. Jaipur by Nite is one such event waiting for you in September 2014. Mark 26th and 27th September in your calendar to enjoy the soothing and soulful performances of renowned bands from India, sample delectable cuisine and peep into the rich past of Rajasthan, one of the largest states in India. Let’s check out more about this dazzling event!

jaipur

jaipu-rVenues

This two-day event features two venues. First Day’s action will take place at The City Palace whereas the Jaigarh Fort is reserved for 27th September. Both of these sites always rank high in the priorities of history buffs striving to know about the erstwhile royalty of India.

Day 1

26th September marks the commencement of this incredible event at Mubarak Mahal of The City Palace. Dance buffs get an opportunity to immerse in the magnificence of spectacular performances of Rajasthani Troupe Performances. Travellers buying tickets aboard flights to Jaipur to be a part of this event can watch members of Royal families from India in conversation with Kabir Bedi, a notable Indian actor and socialite at Sarvatro Bhadra Chowk. This chit-chat session will be followed by moving performance of Ability Unlimited, a foundation of differently-abled people. The day comes to a close with a charming show put on by popular singer from India, Shibani Kashyap.

Day 2

The Jaigarh Fort wears an attire of a traditional opulence on the second day which is dedicated to the heritage and culture of India. This is the evening which is packed with captivating musical sessions of celebrated bands from India namely The Indian Ocean and The Kafila Band. Visit Char Bagh to enjoy these performances. At Chowk 1 and 2, you would come across spectacular live paintings at night, tattoo artists, potter, palmists and handicraft show.

Embrace the Welcoming Arms of Royalty aboard the Maharaja’s Express in India!

With the advent of the festive season, India has donned its welcoming spirit in her glorious ever avatar. And one of the best ways to indulge in the overwhelming sensations created by the myriad customs and traditions of the diverse country is to book tickets for a royal journey across some of its charming terrains.

Introducing Maharaja’s Express: A Luxury Train Experience

Maharaja’s Express, one of the luxury trains that cruise the Indian subcontinent, offers travellers ample reasons to board flights bound for India. The train commences its journey from one of the two major metropolises- Delhi or Mumbai- thereby making it easier for tourists who disembark their flights in the international airports housed by the two cities to embark on the thrilling journey.

The Maharaja’s Express has also been applauded with the World’s Leading Luxury Train Award at the World Travel Awards in the year 2012 and 2013.

The Attractions Included in the Journey

The Maharaja’s Express offers five different experiences in the guise of distinct tours namely- Gems of India (includes Taj Mahal, monuments of Rajasthan), Heritage of India (forts of Rajasthan, caves of Maharashtra), Indian Panorama (holy city of Varanasi, the acclaimed sculptures of Khajuraho), Indian Splendour (Lakes and palaces of Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner) and Treasure of India (Ranthambhore National Park, culture of Rajasthan).

The journeys also include multiple other attractions that are certain to make visitors feel that the choice of booking flights to India is definitely one of the best than one can ever make.

Pleasurable Offerings of the Train

If you have paid for tickets aboard the Maharaja’s Express then be prepared to be treated like royalty. With heavily embellished cabins and suites where traditional extravaganza is infused with modernistic amenities, the train boasts of accommodating visitors in the finest way possible.

Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, the two dining venues aboard the Maharaja’s Express, delight guests with a delectable range of traditional and global cuisines while the Safari Bar pampers visitors with the choicest of drinks.

With premium offerings like the Rajah Club (lounge) and a Souvenir Shop and services like 24 hours Valet Service, television and internet connectivity, the Maharaja’s Express is nothing less than a truly divine and blissfully royal experience.

Cascading Waterfalls & Unfathomable Caves – Meghalaya’s Humble Offerings

The relatively small state of Meghalaya, tucked amidst the plush greenery of the north-eastern region of the Indian subcontinent, teems with some of the most gorgeous natural formations- caves and waterfalls! Numerous tourists, who hail from different parts of the globe, book tickets to Meghalaya to witness some of the best (not to mention longest and deepest) caves that one can find on the planet.

The reward for embarking on such a thrilling journey often comes in the guise of an unforgettable glimpse of the ‘divine’ waterfalls that adorn the region. Here’s a peek at some of the best caves and waterfalls in Meghalaya that are certain to take your breath away.

The Elephant Falls

The “Scotland of the East”, Shillong, takes pride in housing the Elephant Falls. The charm of the waterfall lies both in its beauty and the ease of accessibility. Tourists who arrive on flights to India may shed their inhibitions of trekking on unaccommodating terrains to reach the waterfall as the area is well maintained for a good view and some awesome photography options.

The-Elephant-Fall

The Elephant Falls by ASIM CHAUDHURI/ CC BY

The Seven Sisters Waterfall

Locally known as the Mawsmai Falls (or Nohsngithiang Falls), this natural formation justifies the word ‘breathtaking’ to its best possible extent. The splendid hues of the dawn and the soulful shades of the dusk well compliment the array of rainbows that form during the daytime. And no, it’s not a dream. It’s the Seven Sisters Waterfall in Meghalaya!!

Seven-Sisters-Waterfall

The Seven Sisters Waterfall by Guillaume Baviere/ CC BY

Mawsmai Caves

The Mawsmai Caves, being one of the public caves in Meghalaya, give tourist enough reasons to book tickets to India. The well lit cave is an abysmal path, adorned with various rock formations that can be conquered on foot, albeit with cautious measures. Once done, you will emerge at the other end feeling like nothing less than a glorious victor!

Krem Liat Prah

After you have endured long-haul flights to India, let the aura of Krem Liat Prah soothe your senses. Being the longest cave system in India, Krem Liat Prah houses some of the most mystical locations within its periphery, some of which are yet to be discovered. And when in Meghalaya, who doesn’t want to be a discoverer?

So, hop on the flights that are bound to India, and let the mysteries unfold at their own pace.

Train Journey between Mumbai and Goa – All You Need To Know!

mumbaiMumbai and Goa are two most popular holiday destinations in the western part of India, visited by millions of domestic as well as international tourists. Travellers booking tickets to explore the south-western part of India often take a tour between the commercial capital of the country and the hottest Indian beach destination. Many of these vacationers prefer to book tickets for train travel on Konkan Railway stretch instead of boarding flights. A train tour between Mumbai and Goa bestows great opportunities to witness the inimitable scenic beauty of the route.

Konkan Railway by Ramnath Bhat / CC BY

Konkan Railway by Ramnath Bhat / CC BY

Konkan Railway offers various trains from Mumbai to Mangalore that connect the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka in India. Tourists often buy tickets for the train journey to enjoy the lush green valley between grand mountains of Western Ghats, milky-white waterfalls, criss-crossing rivers and white cloud patches with the backdrop of blue sky, all giving flights to fancies of the travellers!

goaHere is just a smattering of all that Mumbai to Goa rail travel on the Konkan belt offers.

  • Though the journey is time consuming, the breathtaking sight is worth the time.
  • Travellers get a chance to experience the thrill in very short intervals as the trains pass through long tunnels. In fact, during winters small streams can be seen squirting from the tunnels and mountain walls.
  • If you want to travel economical in India, travelling by trains is one of the ways. And travelling on this specific route by train is more affordable than flights as well as by road.
  • Rail journey between Mumbai and Goa is not just economical and scenic, but comfortable also, in comparison to road trip. You can stretch your body or take a nap. The berths are meant for sleeping. You’ll be provided pillows, blankets and sheets without any extra charge.
  • The trains have well-equipped pantry from where passengers can order food, according to their diet.

Not only for budget tourists, but for many holidaymakers seeking a scenic journey of the Western Ghats, this Konkan Rail journey is worth the cost of all the efforts!

Goa’s Best Temptations – Biggest Lures of Smallest Indian Province!

It’s gorgeous, it’s divine, and it’s a place where the spirit of the soul is lifted to new heights – Goa makes up for its miniature stature with an abundance of temptations that can make any traveller want to book flights in a jiffy and land on its pristine shores.

Even though Goa happens to be the smallest state in India, it is the reason for a substantial influx of foreign tourist in the country. Thousands of people arrive on flights on the Indian soil and head straight to the welcoming beaches and frivolous surroundings of Goa.

Exploring Goa is an exquisite experience, the value of which far exceeds that of the money spent on tickets to India. And to ensure that one gets to see the best of Goa, here’s a list of the best temptations that the destination has to offer.

Calangute Beach

goa-beaches

goa-beachesaThink white stretches of velvety sand and foamy waves caressing them and that’s a fairly accurate picture of the Calangute Beach of North Goa. The beauty of the location is so sublime that its fullest potential can only be experienced by being there in person. Calangute Beach features in almost all the itineraries of travellers who book tickets to India for a perfect beach holiday.

Music and Parties

The land blessed with natural endowments also happens to be one of the merriest places in the world. Thousands of tourists book flights to Goa to be a part of numerous music concerts and parties which are hosted all round the year especially during the festive season of Christmas and New Year. For lovers of all kinds of music, from psychedelic to trance, Goa welcomes all the melodious souls with a plethora of exciting and enthralling events.

And the Food!

When it comes to food, Goa is nothing less than heavenly! From traditional Goan cuisine, which in itself is influenced by a number of global culinary techniques, to an extensive array of sea-food- the food scene in Goa is deliciously divine.

With all that it has to offer, it is no wonder that Goa holds the honour of being one of the most coveted tourist destinations of all times.

India’s Stunning Landmarks worth Spending Travel Money on

A treasure trove of sights, sounds, smells and tastes, India is a holidaymaker’s real delight, offering much to see and explore. However, a few of them are so enthralling that they leave on a visitor’s mind an indelible imprint. Whether you are an enthusiastic shutterbug or a ravenous reveller on a globe-trotting endeavour, here are some of most recognisable landmarks in the country that you will not mind disbursing your travel money for.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal AgraOne of the Seven Wonders of the World, this magnificent structure is built on the bank of River Yamuna and is no less than a mesmerising treat to the eyes and senses. A symbol of love, the edifice stands testimony to the architecture brilliance of Mughal era and is a must-visit site for everyone boarding flights for India holidays.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Golden-Temple-AmritsarA stunningly shinning dome built of tons of gold, a holy nectar pool and unrivalled religious passion and purity – the Golden Temple in Amritsar reflects grandeur every inch of its surface. This splendid structure is located in Amritsar in Indian state of Punjab and is a major pilgrimage centre for Sikhs. Architecture design blends Muslim, Hindu and European design and allures many keen travellers netting tickets on flights to discover India’s architectural wonderments.

Khajuraho Temples

Khajuraho-TemplesHistory comes alive in an erotic form at the world acclaimed temples in Khajuraho. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has more than 75 temples, magnificent in form and astonishingly carved. Erotic sculptures designed on the temples in Western Complex make them instantly recognisable, enticing hordes of international tourists to buy tickets to travel this part of India.

Lake Palace, Udaipur

lak-palaceWho can resist the stupefying charm of Mewar heritage as witnessed in Udaipur, Rajasthan? The Lake Palace is a living testimony to it! Thousands visit the ‘City of Lake’ to admire the architectural brilliance of this majestic palace nestled in the heart of Lake Pichola. Those who can afford to stay in this royal property, which now happens to be one of the world’s most luxurious heritage hotels, will know what lavishness really entails!