Did You Know About These Luxury Hotels In India? Top 10 Names

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 19, 2019

Would you like to make the most out of your Travel in India? There are some things that you need to do and consider to get the most from your trip. Once you’re through, you can enjoy a holiday in India and make all your dreams come true.   India has some of the best tourist attractions sites and people in comparison to other destinations in the world. You cannot get access to these fantastic opportunities unless you plan your travel well.   Preparation is critical when going for a vacation, and India is not an exemption. This article will suggest some of the easy ways to travel to India. The most important thing is to get the most from your vacation.  The Easy Way To Travel In India: Conduct A Background Check   The very first thing that you have to do is conduct a background check by reading about India. It will help you to familiarize yourself with the foreign country. It is not advisable to get a culture shock once you get to the new county.   The good thing about India is that it has perfect living conditions. You can find five and four-star hotels in India that offer international standards. The most important thing is to have enough funds to get the right accommodation.   Their foods and way of cooking compete favorably with the rest of the world. Palace hotels have garnered a world status that you can’t compare to other hotels around the globe. You need to do a lot of research to get some of the best places to lounge while in India.    If you are a budget traveler, you can check-in in three-star hotels. These hotels charge relatively modest amounts that will accommodate your budget. You can also find tourist bungalows, traveler’s lodges, youth hotels, holiday homes, and YWCA/YMCA’s.   All these come at rates that are quite pocket-friendly to anyone who is operating on a budget. You cannot get access to all this information unless you conduct a background check. Everything is available online, but you can also speak to your travel agency for further advice.   Make All Your Arrangements In Advance: For worry-free travel, it is advisable to make arrangements in advance. The months of October until March are the peak season for people who are traveling to India. From May until June is the season of the Indian holiday.   If you plan to travel during these months, you should book in advance. The reason is that at this time, there are limited travel amenities. You don’t want to miss out on the best places to stay because the hotels are full.   Communication Is Critical   Communication is critical when traveling to any foreign country. You can choose to learn the local language, but most tourist centers use English. The most important thing is to communicate effectively with all the people that you come across.   Employ the Services of a Reputable Tour Guard   Going it alone in a new land is not a joke. The Indian locals are gracious and friendly people. If you think staring is rude, relax if the locals stare at you because it’s a natural thing to Indians. You will understand more about the locals with the help of your tour guide.  The most important thing is to choose the best tour guard in the region. Do your homework well to get the one that will give you an exceptional experience. The area has several tour firms, but not all of them will provide you with the same level of service.   Doing your homework well will help you choose the best tour and travel firm. You can also speak to past clients to help you make an informed decision.   Be Ready For Great Dining   Indian food is very much different from your usual diet. Make sure that you eat only one serving of Indian dishes for each meal. One thing that you can have the assurance of is that Indian foods are highly nutritious.   Start by eating peeled fresh fruits and mostly cooked foods. This way, your body system can easily adjust to the Indian diet. You will find the food to be so enjoyable within no time.   It is also advisable that you drink only bottled drinks, water, tea, and coffee. The hotels have filtration systems so you will not encounter any health problems. It will make sure that you are taking good care of your health while in transit.  Are you On Any Special Medication?   If you are on any medications, buy it before you leave for India. The reason is that you may not be able to find the same brand of medicines there. However, local doctors may suggest alternative medications just in case you need immediate medical attention.  Therefore, you will not fail to get something that will help you while in India. Remember, this region has some of the best doctors all over the world. Therefore, there is no course of alarm when India Trip, and you have a medical condition.   Respect Indian Temples  When you’re visiting a temple or mausoleum, make sure that you remove your shoes, sandals, or slippers. There are also Indian temples that will not allow non-Hindus to enter. Your tourist guide will be the one to explain these matters to you.  You don’t want to become a disgrace to the locals when visiting India. Listen to what the tour guards tell you so that you don’t violate these expectations. Indians adore their religion, and you need to pay close attention to what they value most.   It is useful to read in the papers about some troubles in India. However, this should not discourage you from visiting a country like India. The place is rich in culture and heritage. You can be sure of getting the best experience from your trip.   Conclusion   Traveling to India may come only once in your lifetime. Therefore, you need to take advantage of it by seizing the opportunity. You have to enjoy your life while you are in India, as you may not re-visit the country again.  Travel in India is more comfortable and hassle-free if you have a guide. Therefore, book your tour with the right travel agency in India. It will help you to get a suitable tour package that can meet all your traveling needs.  Make sure that you do this in advance if you want to get the best experience. Use the internet when you’re conducting your researches so that you will find more about India and its people. Make this trip a memorable and enjoyable one.  Read Also : Best Places For River Rafting In India 10 Best Places for Honeymoon in India 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM

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