Glow your New Year at these Bangalore Events

BY  Mashum Nov 9, 2021

The Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, just presented the Union Budget 2025, and the tourism and hospitality sectors of the country were all smiles!  To strengthen the foundation of tourism in the country, the budget has emphasized infrastructural development.  Further, the budget has been a great push for the PPP or Public-Private Partnership model. This is a great move to facilitate the development of heritage sites, eco-tourism hubs, and facilities like ropeways. These developments will make tourist destinations more accessible.  So, with tourism identified as a major engine for the economic growth of the country, the tourist destinations in India are ready to experience more footfall in the upcoming seasons.  Do you also feel inspired by this tourism drive in the country? Do you have plans for a family trip anytime soon?  Here are the best family holiday destinations in India you can explore.  Best Family Holiday Destinations In India | Which One Is Your Favorite? From idyllic hill stations to azure blue waters, the family holiday destinations in India are diverse.  Here are our favorite vacation spots.  1. Jaipur, Rajasthan | The Pink City Of India Best Time to Visit: October to March Airport: Jaipur International Airport Railway Station: Jaipur Junction One of the best family holiday destinations in India, Jaipur stands out with its architectural surprises.  Jaipur is also known as the ‘Pink City” because most of its buildings are painted pink. Here, pink is known as the color of hospitality.  Moreover, while traveling to Jaipur, your Online hotels booking experience can be as hassle-free as possible with ixigo.  Popular Tourist Attractions In JaipurCity PalaceHawa MahalAmber FortGalta JiJal MahalJantar MantarAlbert Hall MuseumBirla MandirNahargarh Fort Further, the capital of Rajasthan is the first planned city in India. Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, this city fuses ancient history with the amenities of a modern city. So, it is no wonder that Jaipur, along with Agra and Delhi, constitutes the golden triangle in India.  Moreover, the history of the city goes back to 1727 when Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber, shifted his capital from Amber to Jaipur. Then, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya planned it according to Vastu Shastra.   2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Best Time to Visit: March to June Airport: Shimla Airport Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station Decreasing snowfall remains a concern in Shimla. Still known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Shimla remains one of the best family holiday destinations in India.  Further, Shimla is gaining more importance with Tattapani, a nearby serene destination that is becoming popular among tourists.  Moreover, only 55 Km away from Shimla, Tattapani has Kol Dam reservoir. So, it is a hotspot for speed boating, jet skiing, banana rides, and more water activities. Further, it is termed as “Mini Goa” of Himachal Pradesh.  Places to Visit in ShimlaShimla Reserve Forest AreaChail SanctuaryDaranghati SanctuaryMall RoadKufriChrist ChurchJohnnie’s Wax MuseumGreen ValleyThe RidgeKali Bari TempleIndian Institute of Advanced StudyHimachal State Museum Nonetheless, Shimla was the summer capital of the British Empire in India in the 19th century. So, even today, you will find here grand architecture reflecting the signature British style.  Moreover, this Himalayan hill station has beautiful fir, cedar, Himalayan Oak, and rhododendron trees. Also, the Kalka-Shimla Railway, with 102 tunnels, is another attraction here and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  3. Nainital, Uttarakhand Best Time to Visit: March to June Airport: Pantnagar Airport Railway Station: Kathgodam Tal means lake, and Nainital, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is a beautiful tourist place with seven lakes.  Seven Lakes of NainitalSat Tal BhimTalSariya TalKhurpaTal NaukuchiaTal Kamal TalGarud Tal Further, major attractions in this North Indian Himalayan paradise include Nainital Zoo, Naini Peak, Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, and Jama Masjid Mosque.  However, the latest attraction at this place is the Eco Cave garden where children and adults both can have a glimpse of the Himalayan wildlife.  Moreover, people willing to wander can also visit Tiffin top, situated just 4 km from the Nainital town to have a 360-degree view of the whole city. 4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu Airport: Coimbatore International Airport Railway Station: Udagamandalam Railway Station Best Time to Visit: March to June At a distance of 89 km from Coimbatore, Ooty is a paradise for peace lovers and nature admirers alike.  Further, one of the best family holiday destinations in India, it is surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri mountains. You will also find eucalyptus, pine trees, coffee, and tea plantations in abundance here. Places to Visit In OotyAvalanche LakeOoty LakeDeer ParkKalhatty WaterfallsMudumalai National ParkNeedle View HillpointOoty Rose GardenOoty Toy TrainPykara Waterfalls Moreover, when traveling with family, you can take the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, boat at Ooty Lake, and camp at Avalanche Lake. 5. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair Best Time to Visit: October to May If you and your family love adventure, there is no better place in India than the Andaman Islands and Havelock Island is the most popular of them. You can easily reach Havelock Island from Port Blair by taking a ferry from the Phoenix Bay Jetty.   Places to Visit in Havelock Island, AndamanCoral ReefsElephant BeachRadhanagar BeachLaxmanpur BeachVijaynagar BeachKalapathar Beach With an area of 113 Square kilometers and 39 Km northeast from Port Blair, Havelock Island is ideal for a leisurely sea walk, scuba diving, snorkeling and Elephant training. Further, Havelock has many registered scuba dive centers for all marine fun with the best safety measures.  Important Phone Numbers for a Visit to The Havelock IslandDirectorate of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration: 03192-232694/232747 (F)The Chief Wildlife Warden: 03192-233270Deputy Conservator of Forests: 03192-232816 6. Gangtok, Sikkim Airport: Bagdogra Airport Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December Gangtok is an ideal example of a city that blends its past with its present. The Buddhist culture and diversity make this hill city one of the best holiday destinations in India. Gangtok is also a popular destination for the mesmerizing views of Mount Kanchenjunga.  Places to Visit near Gangtok Rumtek MonasteryTinkitamRayongDo DrulChortenTsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok  Ban Jhakri Falls You can also experience the local culture at the much-hyped MG Road to get the most out of your shopping experience. Moreover, for online hotel booking, you can download the ixigo app and get the best deals right away! Top 10 famous Wonders of India

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 28, 2022

Nowadays, coffee has become one of the prominent necessities for people of India and abroad. If you are an Indian and love drinking coffee, this article can be a fun read. Here you can learn about the five best coffee shops in the country. Consider trying out a few of them in 2022. Nevertheless, for now, you can go through the history of coffee in India. Well, if you are a coffee lover, these facts would inspire you more to visit the top cafes and taste a cup. Have a read: Coffee In India: A Classic History The introduction of coffee in India dates back to the late seventeenth century. According to the lore, Baba Budan, a Mecca pilgrim from India, bought seven coffee beans from Yemen. However, it was a smuggle as taking coffee beans out of Yemen was forbidden. This Indian Sufi planted the seeds somewhere in the hills of Chikmagalur in Karnataka during the 1670s. So, that is how coffee farming started and developed in India. Even today, the best coffee found in the country is from the plateau hills of the Deccan. Top Five Coffee Shops Of India In this part of the article, you can go through the facts of the top five coffee shops in India. However, do not expect to have instant coffee in any of these. All these cafes serve coffee from the best-processed beans. Even real coffee takes much time to get ready. So, do not consider any of these cafes similar to the “local coffee shops near me” and have patience while placing the order. Remember that the top cafes do not serve instant coffee. Instead, they consider it as a part of the culture. Have a look: 1. Mocha Art Cafe Location: Kochi, Kerela Things to Try: French Press, Chocolaty Mochas The Mocha Art Cafe can top your search results as you look for coffee shops near me, from Kochi. It has a diverse menu and carries a little bit of that history, too. Amazingly, Baba Budan smuggled some coffee from the Mocha city of Yemen. So, many coffee shops have ‘Mocha’ common in their names. The best things to try at the Mocha Art Cafe in Kochi are French Press, Chocolaty Mochas, and Classic Espresso. Expect to get unique coffee recipes in Mocha Art Cafe under the types above. This cafe uses the classic brewing technique, and you can enjoy the marvelous smell of roasted coffee beans everywhere. So, next time you are in Kochi, do not forget to spend some time at the Mocha Art Cafe. Lastly, about the location, Mocha Art Cafe is located in a Jewish Quarter that can give you an old and classic feel. Tripadvisor Review: "Came here for lunch. Situated upstairs just along from the synagogue, in a bright covered courtyard. It was empty the day we were there but got busier. The area was quite hot (being enclosed) but the fans helped to create some air movement/cooling. It was good to have some “Western” food for a change - the pineapple pancake and the toasted cheese and tomato sandwich were both very good as were the lassis. Good place for lunch." -SDSydney693 2. G-Shot Coffee Roastery And Cafe Location: Assagao, Goa Things to Try: Vietnamese Coffee, Espressos If you are a dedicated coffee lover and visit Goa, do not forget to sip a cup at the G-Shot Coffee Roastery and Cafe. Expect to find the cafe easily as it has proximity to the Vagator and Anjuna. All you have to do is search for the coffee shops nearby from the aforesaid beaches. The best part about the G-Shot Coffee Roastery and Cafe is its menu. It is pretty outstanding that the makers here use only single-origin beans. Moreover, the menu contains coffee types like cold brews. Espressos and Vietnamese Coffee. Yet another best thing about the G-Shot Coffee Roastery and Cafe is that it provides the customers with a chance to rejuvenate listening to music and meditating. Really, this is unique among all coffee shops. Tripadvisor Review: "G Shot, you have my heart. The coffee served over there is excellent. The owners source their coffee directly from farmers all over India ensuring that they get excellent coffee beans and that the farmers get to enjoy the benefits too. We had their Mocha, Iced Latte and Macchiato. The mocha has a nice nutty flavor without being overtly sweet. We also bought a packet of their home-made granola which was again excellent. Will definitely recommend!" - Krittika M 3. Third Wave Coffee Roasters Location: Bangalore, Karnataka Things to Try: Latte, Espresso The Third Wave Coffee Roasters is another top-notch cafe based in Bangalore. This is one of the best places to try coffee in India due to many reasons. Apart from its diversified menu, the Third Wave Coffee Roasters ensures that the beans are from individual farms. Moreover, you can get light-roasted coffee that brings out the best flavors. The Third Wave Coffee is a movement that aims to enhance the love for coffee among drinkers. Some roasters have turned the movement into a cafe, and you get coffee heaven when in Bangalore. Tripadvisor Review: "I have visited Third Wave Coffee at Margosa Road, MalleshwaramI have visted during day time morning 9:00 am to 12:00 non range.Both the times the crowd was less and i enjoyed the feel of less crowd.Its 25 seater capacity and ambiance is very good.It has small parking space for 2 wheeler and car.Staff was warm and cordial.Menu for Tea and coffee is sufficient for chit chat and gossip.Rest Room is there. Covid rules were followed.Wheel chair access is possible with the help of support as its in ground floor.Can chill out with Family and friends." - GangaShankar74 4. United Coffee House Location: Connaught Place, Delhi Things to Try: Instant Coffee, Latte, Espresso The fourth entry in the list of best coffee shops in India is the United Coffee House. It is located in Connaught Place and is a buzz among the coffee enthusiasts of Delhi. It is a 75-year-old organization and can still hold its craze after generations. The most unique thing about United Coffee House is its blend. It comes from the best beans from Colombia and India. Moreover, the experienced brewers in the UCH execute their work to give you the perfect taste. Tripadvisor Review: "For an exceptional dining venture, United Coffee House Rewind is the top recommendation. It’s the epitome of a place to share moments with friends and family. The vibes are incredibly positive, enhancing the overall mood. The staff’s attentiveness and warmth create a welcoming environment. And the food, coupled with their refreshing drinks, forms a delectable combination that’s hard to match." - Vidur S 5. Brahmin’s Coffee Bar Location: Bangalore, Karnataka Things to Try: Instant Black Coffee and Instant Milk Coffee The history of Brahmin’s Coffee Bar in Bangalore is no less than a fairy tale. As most Bangaloreans are coffee fanatics, this has always been their favorite coffee joint since the 1960s. This is the place where you can get the best quality instant coffee and some Espresso recipes. Moreover, the Brahmin’s Coffee Bar is also known for the baked cookies that they serve with the coffee. So, when you visit the ‘Garden City of India’ next time, do not forget to visit this place for a hot cup of coffee. Tripadvisor Review: "We come back to this place every time we visit Bengaluru finding time for it. Normally it is breakfast or afternoon snacks. There was even a time we used to take parcel home to eaten same day.They serve excellent mouth melting idlis and topped with their vadas. They continue to my favourites and a dish of 3 idlis and 2 vadas really made my day topped with strong coffee.Same traditional outlet. You stand and eat or sip coffee. No parking available so tend to be too far to park." - NayantSavani Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. What Are The Most Popular Coffee Shops? As people mostly search for new coffee shops for me, they know about the shops like Starbucks, Cafe Du Monde, and Cafe Coffee Day.  Q2. What Is Hot In Kolkata Cafe? Some of the prominent coffee shops in Kolkata are- the Kookie Jar Cafe, Blue Mug, Calcutta 64, etc. Q3.  What Is In A Coffee Shop? In the leading coffee shops, you get a lot of coffee recipes like Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte. You can also find ice-coffee, cold drinks, and baked products in a coffee shop.  Q4. What Is The Difference Between A Cafe And A Coffee Shop? Although both the terms have now turned unanimous, cafes and coffee shops have a slight difference. In cafes, you can get food and beverages, but coffee shops are more into serving only tea and coffee in India.  Final Take Away The coffee culture in India is quite old, and you can get one or the other cafe/coffee shop in every city. While most people in the country believe that the coffee came with Europeans, it was bought by a Sufi. If you love drinking coffee, try to consume the instant ones less. Instead, you can order the roasted beans. Well, these cafes can be the right places for you to visit if you desire to have excellent coffee. Read Also: The Speciality Of Barnaby’s Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price 90 Miles Cuban Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price Nordstrom Cafe – Reviews, Special Menu, And Price

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 30, 2020

If you are traveling to India for the first time, you’ll for sure feel a little bit overwhelmed, confused and excited at the same time. Adjusting to the culture shock, frenetic energy and diversity will take some time. But worry not, once you get used to the Indian ways, you’ll develop a special bond with this place that will urge you to come back again and again. If you are travelling to India, here are a few facts about India to keep in mind before and while you are on your trip: Craziest Things To Know If You Are Traveling To India For The First Time Indian travel reaches a new high in the first quarter of 2024. Indian airports have enjoyed the footfall of around 376 million passengers. Further, 69.6 million in this traffic were international passengers.  Moreover, the numbers show a massive improvement compared to 2019. Also, there is a 15% growth from the records in 2023. These numbers show why traveling in India is so huge this year. So, it is no surprise that you are planning a trip to India this year. Is this the first time for you to visit this land of spirituality? Keep some smart tips handy to avoid travel hassles. 1. EXPLORE A PLACE AND TAKE YOUR TIME When you are traveling to India for the first time, don’t hop from one place to another too soon because then you won’t really get a feel of the real India and experience the place deeply. Take your time with a place. Stay there for a few days. Also, visit different sites in that place, get to know the local people and traditions of the place, and relish the experience. For example, if you go to Kerala in South India, then stay there for at least 9 -10 days, exploring the local food and culture and different festivals.Many top-notch yoga retreats in India are also held in Kerala. If you want to experience the true spiritual gift of India, that is, yoga and meditation, you can attend a yoga and meditation retreat or a yoga teacher training course in one of the best yoga schools in Kerala. 2. EXPLORE MORE THAN JUST THE CITIES The real beauty of India lies not only in the cities of India but also in the cities in the natural world. The forests, the majestic mountains, the motherly rivers, the gorgeous oceans, the pristine beaches, and the divine landscapes will surely give you the experience of a lifetime. Travel to the Himalayas in north India, the beaches of south India, the Western Ghats, and the Mangrove forests in the east and experience a deeper connection with Mother Nature. 3. DRESS ACCORDINGLY In most parts of India, the dress code is Indian sarees and traditional Indian clothes though many people in the cities wear western clothing as well. Please wear clothes that cover your body appropriately, especially when you are visiting the rural parts of India, temples, mosques, etc. It is also a custom in India to open your shoes outside while visiting a temple or a religious site. 4. RESPECT THE INDIAN PEOPLE AND THE INDIAN CULTURE Most Indians are very warm-hearted, which is truly one of the best qualities of Indian people. They are welcoming and love it when people from around the world visit the country. Be respectful to the Indian people and Indian culture. The Indian people will greet you with warmth and acceptance. Make sure you can be humble and return the same. 5. BE PREPARED TO EXPLORE DEEP SPIRITUALITY One of the most well-known facts about India is that it is the origin of yoga and meditation. Many top-level yoga and meditation schools offer yoga retreats in India. If you genuinely want to feel the deep spiritual connection of India and want to learn the ancient art of yoga and meditation, then you can enroll yourself in one of the best yoga schools in India. Some of the best yoga schools of India are in Kerala in South India and Rishikesh in North Indian at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. 6. KEEP AN OPEN MIND Keeping an open mind is a great way to travel the land of India as you will see things that you did not expect to, like children asking for food while you are stuck in traffic. “In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 111th out of the 125 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2023 GHI scores. With a score of 28.7 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India has a level of hunger that is serious.” 7. AVOID PDA Avoid public displays of affection towards your partners, as this is not a common thing in the culture of India. Avoid kissing and excess public display of affection as a respect for the Indian culture 8. TRY OUT THE INDIAN FOOD You will find all kinds of foods, dishes, and cuisines in India that will relish your taste buds. You can try out the North Indian dishes, the south Indian dishes, and the local food of whichever place you travel to. Be mindful of the water you are consuming and make sure it is purified. Most places have clean water to drink, but it is advised to be mindful. 9. GET A SIM CARD Getting a sim card would be helpful as you can use the internet to have easy navigation through the landscapes of India. A sim card will allow you to navigate google maps, best restaurants, and make calls to your home country. Though only Indians can buy a SIM card in India, you can ask your trusted Indian friend to buy you a SIM card. There are also special provisions for sim cards for foreigners. 10. UNDERSTAND THE UNSPOKEN INDIAN LANGUAGE Indians communicate a lot without words and just simple hand gestures or head nods. The classic Indian head nod is one of the most common communication methods in India. Usually, it means yes or no, depending on the context. Understanding the unspoken Indian language can make your trip interesting and can be helpful too. 11. BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS While this advice applies to many places around the globe, it is always a good idea to keep your cash, cards, and belongings safe, especially in the populated cities of India. 12. FIND A TRUSTWORTHY INDIAN FRIEND WHO CAN GUIDE YOU It is also wise to have a trustworthy Indian friend who can help you out in a foreign country and guide you in case you are confused about something. Knowing someone trustworthy and intelligent in India who can help out is also an advantage. 13. DO YOUR RESEARCH Do a good in-depth research of India and the places that call out to you the most in India. India is a vast country, and it is not advised to cover the whole country in one short trip. Do your research and see which places you feel the most drawn to and then make a detailed itinerary of your trip. 14. KEEP YOUR CALM Scamsters, touts, etc. often target foreigners to make some quick bucks by simply luring them with good deals which are not in fact, good deals. You’ll come across different people (agents, cab drivers, etc.) who’ll insist on giving you the best deals (maybe hotel charges, tour packages). But don’t lose your head over these things. Simply keep your calm and try to show them that you know better. Slowly you’ll learn the tricks to handle such people. 15. DON'T HESITATE TO BARGAIN Indian markets are colorful and have some beautiful things like leather bags, clothes, artifacts, and so much more that you can buy. However, some shop keepers give a higher price to those traveling from another country. Don’t be afraid to bargain and get a reasonable price for your purchase. Sharpen your bargaining skills and have fun with it. Is India Safe To Travel For Women? (Most) Important Things To Know Before Traveling To India For The First Time As I write this article, the cry of #JusticeforRGKar becomes more prominent to me. A month has passed since the rape and murder of a lady PG doctor of the Pulmonology department in the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal, a state in the eastern part of India.  There is still a protest going on, and people from all walks of life are participating in it with a suspicion of state machinery’s involvement in the case. Further, it aches my heart, but I have to mention that Delhi experienced one of the heinous acts of rape and murder a few years back in the form of the Nirbhaya case.  People across borders are aware of these incidents today. So, the question of women’s safety while traveling to India is obvious. Further, if we look at the Booking.com travel predictions for 2024, we can see that 54% of women will likely embrace solo travel instead of a couple or group trip.  Nevertheless, let’s get back to the question here, and allow me to assure you that India is fairly safe for women travelers.  The data from the “National Commission for Women” and “National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)” are not-so-pleasing. I don’t want to share the figures, either! However, the women-only travel groups are making it easier for every woman traveling to India for the first time or even for the 100th time.  The WOW Club, or Women on Wanderlust, and Women On Clouds Club, or WOC, are two of the most popular women-only travel groups in India. So, as Hannah goes for a girl trip with her mother in “Girls,” get ready for traveling to India for the first time!  Read Also: 8 Amazing Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists Complete Guide For A Pleasant Agra Tour The Easy Way To Travel In India Top Most Expensive Hotels Of India To Enjoy And Stay Your Holidays