Connemara National Park: Where Guglielmo Marconi Invented The First Full Duplex Radio 

BY  Nabamita Oct 19, 2022

Every Indian has at least once visited the beautiful snowy hills of Shimla, located in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. If you are thinking of traveling to Shimla for your vacation, you can do that anytime you want. Ideally, there is no best time to visit Shimla, you can visit there anytime you want. Welcome To Shimla! Shimla, also known as Simla until the year 1972, is a city in Himachal Pradesh, in North India. Due to its scenic beauty, mountain landscape, and old English architecture, no doubt it is known as the Summer capital of British India. The beautiful oak trees, colonial old English-style architecture, and an ancient feel are what attract visitors to Shimla. But if you are still wondering when to visit Shimla, then you need to keep on scrolling down the article. Best Time To Visit Shimla Even though you are traveling solo to Shimla or looking for the best time to visit Shimla for honeymoon, then keep on scrolling to know the best time to visit Shimla.  Oct - Feb ❄️Jul - Sept 🌧️Mar - Jun ☀️-7 to 10c10 - 20cc15 - 30c 1. March To June The summer and spring months start from the month of March and continue till the month of June. After long and extreme winter months, the summer months are quite pleasant for tourists looking for the best time to visit Shimla. The temperature around this time rotates around 16c to 30c. The days are quite warmer and rather enjoyable, with a wide range of greenery, colors of blooming flowers, and melting snow. The roads here are clear and without any blockage and interruptions along the way. This way, you can enjoy every nook and cranny of the beautiful city of Shimla. Even though you should carry warm clothes with you, it would be wiser to carry light clothes as well if your tolerance for colder weather is high. 2. July To September Just like any other hill station here in India, the monsoon months are regarded as the offseason for tourists and visitors. With heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks, the monsoon months may not be the best time to visit Shimla. The average amount of rainfall that Shimla receives is more than 1400mm, and the temperature is around 14c to 20c. But the best deal for adventurers during the monsoon months is that since it is the offseason for tourism, huge discounts are given by hotels and lodgings. But if you are willing to take the risk of visiting there during the monsoon months, then you should consider all the dangers ahead of time. 3. October To February One of the best time to visit Shimla for snowfall is during the winter months. The winter months are what attract most of the tourism here in Shimla. The temperature during the winter months ranges from -6c to the highest at 8c. The snow-covered mountain tops are a sight to see for the sore eyes, and if you are lucky enough,, you can also witness snowfall here. Winter months are just magical for the countryside as it is in the citylights here in Shimla. You are definitely going to enjoy every cozy night with your friends, family, or partner, or adventure sports out in the snow. Different Climates In Shimla When you want to visit any hill station, it is very important that you have thorough knowledge about all the potential risks and dangers of the place. 1. Summer In Shimla Summer months is the most enjoyable for tourists who are not too comfortable with the snow and cold climate. Other than going for adventure sports in the snow, there are many adventure sports available during the summer months as well. Adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, rafting, and camping. Even if you are not into all these activities, then during summer, the summer festival is the best entertainment experience that you want to experience. Activities like folk dancing, musical performances, and flower shops go on for about five days. This festival first started in the early 60s, with thousands of visitors visiting each year. 2. Monsoon In Shimla Since the monsoon is usually considered an offseason, there are not a lot of activities to do around this time of the year. But the Rhyali festival, or the monsoon festival, is one of the most attractive attractions during this time of the year. The festival is celebrated in honor of the rain god to appease him in order to have a prosperous agricultural year.  But during the monsoon, the water-washed hill station gives a fresh perspective to the landscape. 3. Winter In Shimla The white fluffy snow-covered mountaintop of Shimla looks like a magical place indeed. With lots of adventure sports such as ice skating and skiing. One of the best places to travel to in Shimla is Mashobra, Kufri, and Narkanda. If you are traveling to Shimla during the month of December, then you should definitely stay till Christmas and New Year in here. The hill station is beautifully decked up during this time, and it is possible that you will celebrate a white Christmas here in Shimla. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) If you have any more queries about the best time to visit Shimla, then here are a few questions you might find helpful. 1. In Which Month Snow Falls In Shimla? The months from October to February, this is the time of the year in Shimla when you are able to witness actual snowfall and a snow-covered hill station. 2. Is 2 Days Enough For Shimla? Traveling to Shimla during an optimal season would take about 3 days and 2 nights to witness the majesty of the whole hill station. Hiring a car or a bike to travel would help you a lot to travel the whole hilly region. 3. Is It A Good Time To Visit Shimla Now? If you want to experience summertime in Shimla, then the best time to visit Shimla is for the months of March to June. But if you want to witness the winter months, then you would want to visit here during the months of November to February. Visit Now! Shimla is one of the most naturally aesthetically pleasing hill stations in India. It is a must-visit place in India, but you need to know the best time to visit Shimla. So when you are backpacking to Shimla on your next vacation, then don’t forget to pack all the warm clothes.

BY  Mashum Jan 30, 2020

With a change in tourist behaviors, New York is all set to exceed the tourism records of pre-pandemic days. This upward graph in tourism numbers has been visible since 2023. In the same year, footfalls in New York crossed the 62 million mark.  Now, regarding the must see places in New York, the iconic ones like the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the High Line continue to cast their charm.  However, breaking the tourism lulls of the pandemic days, tourists are now eager to explore beyond Manhattan. Further, they want to experience the “Real New York City,” away from maddening crowds.  So, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have highlighted the most popular destinations in New York, along with some unique hotspots. It’s like the Frank Sinatra song, “I want to be a part of it, New York, New York Your vagabond shoes, they are longing to stray And step around the heart of it, New York, New York…” Must See Places In New York | Iconic Landmarks In New York  New York remains a dynamic hub for tourism, with a significant increase in visitors and visitor spending. In 2024, the number of tourists to New York City was close to 65 million, which was the second-highest number in the city’s history. “With nearly 65 million visitors this year — the second highest figure in our city’s history — New York City has once again solidified its position as the premier destination in the nation and one of the top travel spots in the world.”Eric Adams, Mayor, New York City So, the city is ready to make a massive economic recovery, with the tourism sector making a strong and steady comeback.  Further, the following must see places in New York remain the heartbeats of the city’s tourism.  1. Central Park | A Quiet Retreat Amidst The Bustling New York City Embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5WYDY2IRu0/ Entry: Free Hours Open: 6 AM to 1 PM Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates” is making a comeback to Central Park. I was just checking out the Central Park Conservancy website and was elated to find that this transcendental art installation in saffron hue is once again ready to tell the tales of a park reborn. The Shed, a non-profit cultural organization, will be hosting an exhibition called “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City.”This exhibition will open on 12th February 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of “The Gates.”  Once home to the Indigenous Lenape people, Central Park became what it is today with the craftsmanship of Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. Walking, e-scooter tours or biking through the trails are the best ways to explore the manicured, yet natural-looking vistas of the park.  Moreover, Central Park is full of attractions, including the Strawberry Fields, a tribute to John Lenon, the Conservancy Garden, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, etc.  2. The Statue Of Liberty | The Symbol Of Freedom  Entry Fee: Free Ferry Charges: Free for Children below 4 Years, $16.50 for Children Aged 4-12, $25.50 for the Age of 13+, $22.50 for Seniors (62+) Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM The Statue of Liberty was a gift by France, built-in 1886. It is among the most popular symbol of freedom and one of the greatest icons in America. Standing at 152 feet tall, it is one of the tallest statues in the world and weighs around 450,000 pounds. Battery Park offers a great view of the statue from the land. However, the best way to see this statue is by taking a short ferry trip to Liberty Island. You can get up close, take a stroll around the ground and pedestal. And, if you make advanced reservations, you can even go up to the crown. When you take the ferry, you will also stop at Ellis Island and can explore the Immigration Museum. 3. Metropolitan Museum Of Art | Housing 5000 Year Old Artwork Entry Fee: $30 for Adults, $22 for Seniors and Visitors with a Disability, $17 for Students, Free for Children below 12 Years Hours Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday - 10 AM to 9 PM, Wednesday - Closed Metropolitan Museum of Art, also famously known as MET, was established in 1870. It is one of the most popular museums in the United States of America. The center has an extensive collection of over 2 million artworks, some of which date back to 5000 years. It has three sites. However, Met Fifth Avenue is the centerpiece of the museum. If you are a fan of art and history, this is a place that you should not miss out on. American arms and armors, decorative arts, Egyptians arts, photographs, musical instruments, etc. are some of the many items that you get to explore here. 4. The High Line | The Changed West Side Elevated Line After An Ideas Competition High Line was once a rail line, which has now become a popular tourist attraction of the city. The rail line has now been transformed into a walking trail over the city streets. The linear public park has a wide range of trees and plants. Further, The High Line, or the linear public park, has a wide range of trees and plants. The High Line you visit today survived a demolition order from Mayor Giuliani in 1999. However, four years later, the “ideas competition” hosted by Friends of the High Line highlighted the potential of this “ugly eyeshore” to get transformed into one of the must see places in New York. So, today, the 1.45-mile-long greenway with over 500 species of plants reminds me of the headline on the front page of the New York Times. It read, “Frog of a Railroad to Become Prince of a Park.” Moreover, glass railings line the park, which gives it a more natural feel. From here, you get an amazing view of the bustling city of New York. You can access the high Line on different points from Gansevoort to 34th Street. Some of the access points only provide stairs, whereas others have elevators as well. 5. Times Square | At The Crossroads Of The World Exhibiting tall, bright billboards and displays, Times Square is one of the must-visit places in New York. While it is exciting at any time of the day, it truly livens up in the evening. This is the site where New York celebrates its New Year's Eve and where the Ball Drop happens at midnight. It is a busy street, which is always crowded with people, but still has a unique character to it. Bleachers are installed on the other end of where you can sit and admire the hustling scene. Time Square got its name in the year 1904, and before that, it was known as Longacre Square. Also, if you are looking to find the best food trucks in NY, then I would recommend visiting vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. New York is considered the city that never sleeps, and it is true. No matter what time of the day it is, there is something you can do or explore here. Above are some of the places that you must visit in New York. And while you explore these destinations, you will come across a bunch of others on your way because they all are closely connected. Also, when in Times Square, you must not forget to explore the best food trucks in NY, especially vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. The Must See Places In New York | Hidden Gems You Will Fall In Love With  As promised, here, I will discuss some hidden gems in New York. These must see places in New York are eclectic and they represent the true spirit of the city beyond the glitz and glamor of Manhattan.  Here we go! Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site https://www.instagram.com/p/DBo43aGy2u9/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Wednesday – Sunday:10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: Free Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is the boyhood home of the first US president born in the USA.  Today, this historic site offers a 45-minute tour guided by a ranger or volunteer. Stone Street Historic District  In the Financial District of Manhattan, Stone Street has created a world of its own. This cobblestone street or the Stone Street is one of the oldest in New York and a simple stroll through it is an experience for the dark academia fans.  Further, Stone Street will take you back to 1658, when the residents of the area petitioned this street.  Museum At Eldridge Street https://www.instagram.com/p/DEN06khzba7/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Sunday - Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: Closed Entry Fee: Adults: $15, Students & Seniors: $10, Children 5 - 17: $8, ‘Pay What You Wish’ (Mondays and Fridays) Located in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum At Eldridge Street symbolizes the realization of immigrant dreams. The Eastern European Jewish immigrants built this synagogue in 1887, and it was the first grand synagogue (purpose-built) in the USA.  Today, the museum stands out with its architectural excellence and unique exhibits.  Morgan Library https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSHkw8o6um/?img_index=4 Hours Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 Am to 5 PM, and Friday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM Entry Fee: Free for Children below 12, $13 for Students, $17 for Seniors, $25 for Adults The Morgan Library and Museum is a treasure trove of rare books, prints, manuscripts, and prints.  Located in Madison Avenue, the library and museum has an opulent setup with the collections of financier Pierpont Morgan. Ground Zero Museum Workshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CTwub4yLFU1/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12:30-2:30 PM, Sunday: 1-2:30 PM, Wednesday: 1:30-3:15 PM, Monday and Tuesday: Closed Entry Fee: Children (Ages 4-12) - $25.00, Adults (Ages 12+) - $32.00, Seniors (Ages 65+) - $25.00 Ground Zero Museum Workshop is the best place to find the most realistic account of the Ground Zero “Recovery Period.” You will find images, artifacts, and 100s of exhibits to take you through what happened at Ground Zero and how everyone recovered from that. Further, today, the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is one of the best places for dark tourism in the USA. Read Also: 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip

BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

Kandy has been in the news recently for the last-over clincher between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last ICC T-20 World Cup tournament.  It is also good to see Kandy slowly getting its rhythm back after the major disruption in the beautiful Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in the latter part of 2025.  With a man-made lake at the epicenter, Kandy, in a bowl of mountains, was home to the last rulers from the Kandyan empire.  Today, it continues to play an important role in the politics, economy, and culture of Sri Lanka as the capital of the Central Province.  Sri Lanka is full of contradictions. From the rich Tamil Culture in Jaffna and the abandoned Buddhist ruins at the Ritigala Forest Monastery, to the bustling city of Kandy, it’s like visiting different countries with a few miles of traveling.  Moreover, Kandy is just 20 km away from Gampola, the home to the famous Ambuluwawa Tower, the symbol of natural diversity and religious inclusivity in Sri Lanka.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about how to reach Kandy, the things to do in Kandy, where to stay, where to eat, and more.  How To Reach Kandy?  Kandy, one of the major cities of Sri Lanka, is easily accessible. If you are a budget traveler and a believer of the LowDownUnder Travel philosophy, you can take a local bus or train for the journey.  1. The Kandy Railway Station: The Major Gateway The Kandy Railway Station is the main gateway to the city if you are traveling from other parts of the island.  Also, this railway station on the beautiful Kandy to Ella line still exudes a colonial charm and shows Victorian influences in its architecture.  A train ride from Colombo to Kandy takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and based on the class, the ticket prices cost between LKR 300 and 1200.  You can even take a train on the Kandy to Ella route to explore the tea plantations, mountains, and the highland region.  However, being one of the most scenic railway routes in the world, tickets for these trains are always in high demand.  You can check out the available tickets at the official website of the Sri Lankan Railways. Tickets for a date get sold out even 1 month before.  2. Colombo To Kandy Bus  If you cannot book trains to reach Kandy. Don’t get disheartened, as buses are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo.  You can take an ordinary or AC intercity bus to reach Kandy from Colombo. The distance is around 120 km and the travel time is approximately 3-4 hours.  Also, the ticket prices start from LKR 360.  What Are The Things To Do In Kandy?  Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. So, no wonder that it offers a good mix of colonial history, spiritual experience, and the serenity of the Kandy Lake.  Also, Kandy is home to the quintessential Singhalese food. I found the delicacies in Kandy to be way creamier and milder than the fiery food in Jaffna.  Nevertheless, I will talk about what to eat in Kandy a little later, and for now, let’s explore the things to do in Kandy and enjoy a mixed bag of experiences.  1. Visiting The Royal Botanic Gardens Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Entry Fee: LKR 200 for Locals, LKR 3540 for Foreign Visitors From Kandy City, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to reach the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is home to more than 4000 plants and covers an area of 147 acres.  A green oasis in the overwhelming city landscape, it also has an arboretum and decorative flower beds.  My favorite, however, was the majestic palm tree avenues. However, as the day grew, it got crowded by social media content creators.  Furthermore, there are giant bamboo trees. Another popular photography spot in the national park is the Mahaweli Ganga River suspension bridge. However, more than five people cannot get on the bridge at a time.  So, you may have to wait in a queue if you desperately want a photo for your socials.  Moreover, you will see bats hanging from trees, chipmunks, and monkeys in the botanical gardens. And don’t miss the Spice Garden here.  Also, if you feel hungry, you can buy drinks and snacks from the stalls inside and the local vendors outside the park. 2. Exploring The Udawattakele Forest Reserve Hours Open: 6 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee for Foreigners, LKR 830, For Locals: LKR 70  I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. You can even take a tuk-tuk ride from the Centre of Kandy.  It has some of the most famous caves in Kandy and diverse fauna.  However, I did not expect that mother macaque monkeys would welcome me with their babies clinging to them.  After the grand entry, I chose the circular route around the park as I wanted to see the religious caves, the bathing pond, and the city viewpoint.  The Route  The green canopy stands in humility as you advance on the route, and now you are transported to a different world.  The birds were chirping, and I could hear the squeal of monkeys.  However, the highlight on that route was the Liana’s. These tree-sized vines created coils along the oath.  I followed the route upward and reached the City View Point.  The City View Point  From the City View Point, I loved the perspective of Kandy City and Lake. Then, walked further to come across the Cittavisuddhi Lena cave and othe two religious caves.  The cave had beautiful sculptures, paintings, and offerings by pilgrims. These are sacred to the Buddhist people.  However, overgrown trees and the fear of insects and bats deterred me from entering the cave and exploring the two other Buddhist caves.  Despite all the cautions, destiny had something different in store for me. There were leeches all over my legs, and luckily, I was carrying adequate salt to get rid of them.  The fellow tourists also helped to remove the leeches.  3. Visiting The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue at the top of a hill is the guardian angel of Kandy. You need to take a short and steep walk to reach the Buddha Statue from the town.  You can even take a tuk-tuk.  Once you reach the statue, you can find the steps behind the magnificent statue and climb to higher vantage points looking over the other side of the city of Kandy.  Moreover, there is a small shop from where you can take trinkets and religious texts. The entry fee was 600 LKR when I visited last.  4. Exploring The Kandy Market I mentioned how an old lady in the Jaffna Public Market was the icebreaker during my trip to Jaffna.  In Kandy, it was the Kandy Market, which made me acquainted with the hilly region of Sri Lanka.  The market was near the Kandy Station. I visited it early in the morning and found vendors selling dried fish, bananas, fresh vegetables, and souvenirs.  5. Spending Moments By The Kandy Lake The Kandy Lake, or Lake Kandy, is at the heart of the city and is very close to the Temple of the Tooth.  It is a magnificent man-made lake around which you can take a walk of 2.1 miles. The pathway is called the Cloud Wall, and the highlight of my walk was finding out about the Queen’s bathing pavilion.  This ivory excellence reminded me of the regal past of the Kandy Lake.  I also spotted the ducks, busy schools of fish, and water monitor lizards.  Moreover, there is a well-groomed garden in the center of the lake. When I visited, it was in full bloom.  6. Walking To The Kandy Viewpoint After stretching my legs at the Kandy Lake, I took a short walk to reach the Kandy Viewpoint.  Hiking to the Kandy Viewpoint is one of the most delightful free things to do in Kandy. You can capture panoramic shots of the city from this viewpoint and interact with local hawkers for a meaningful cultural exchange.  7. Visiting The Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena - Buddhist Stupa And Temple If you are a Buddhist or someone eager to learn about the religion, visiting the Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena is one of the best things to do in Kandy.  This stupa is very close to the city, and I took the stairs across the train tracks to reach the stupa.  For me, the highlight of the stupa was the meditation room on the central floor. The iconographies were grand and meaningful.  Furthermore, the walls there depicted the three stages of decay a body has to undergo after death.  However, I did not yet know what was awaiting me, the dome of the stupa.  Filled with Buddhist artwork, an enormous lotus carving, and eight statues of Lord Buddha, it defined enormity.  The military guide finally took me to the balcony that surrounds the stupa. I found many monks clad in orange robes busy in their rituals, and I also loved the view.  8. Visiting The Temple Of The Tooth A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Mandira preserves the canine tooth of Lord Buddha.  It has the Udawaththa Kelaya to the east and the Lake Kandy to the south.  After several invasions and destructions, the temple was finally rebuilt by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe, and it is in its current form that we see today.  The temple has beautiful works of ivory, gold, and silver.  More Things To Do In Kandy  Along with being a primary tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, Kandy is also the gateway to many iconic landmarks showing the richness of Sri Lanka in nature and wildlife.  You can take a train ride or a bus ride from Kandy to the Royal Cave Temples of Dambulla. Or, you can attend a wildlife safari in Kaudulla National Park and other national parks of Sri Lanka.  Where To Stay In Kandy? Know The Accommodations I stayed at a hostel near the hillside surrounding the city. It was modest, but the views I got from the room and balcony were amazing.  However, if you are not willing to walk so much, you can choose places such as the Ceyloni City Hotel.  The tariff of this city hotel is around 7500 LKR.  What To Eat In Kandy?  You can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Kandy. Balaji Dosai is a nice spot to try vegetarian food, especially dosa.  The Siri Ramya Hotel is the place to try Kottu Roti in Kandy. You can have it as spicy as you want. Also, you can combine them with different types of veggies, eggs, chicken, or mutton.  Another thing you must not miss in Kandy is the snacks available on the bus or train. The fried chips and snacks have a lot of salt and chilli.  However, they are great for the taste buds.  Also, do not forget to try the rice and curry combination at the “famous hole in the wall rice and curry joints” in Kandy.  These offer a nice and filling lunch at the best price.  The Nightlife In Kandy: Where To Drink?  Kandy is not a place famous for its nightlife. However, if you want to cherish some drink after a busy day, you can visit places such as The Stag’s Head Pub and the Royal Bar and Hotel.  Enjoy the beers, cocktails, and your favorite drinks with spicy local snacks, and enjoy the view of the city and lake at night.  Drinking at any of these places will cost you around 790 LKR.