Learn All About the Best Solo Trip in India Right Here! 

BY  Arnab Oct 27, 2023

Travel is more than just setting foot on unfamiliar terrain. It's a journey into the heart of a culture, a deep dive into local traditions, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of a place. Authentic travel experiences allow you to see, taste, and feel the true spirit of a destination. The era of tourist traps is fading. Today, travelers seek genuine interactions, unique tales, and opportunities to venture off the familiar path. So, how can you ensure your next trip is teeming with authentic experiences? Delve into these essential tips. 1. Embrace Language And Communication Mastering a few local phrases can significantly transform your travel. Imagine being in Japan and ordering your meal in Japanese instead of pointing at a menu. Before departing, consider enrolling in Japanese classes online. Doing this not only impresses the locals but also enriches your journey. Language serves as a bridge to deeper interactions and understanding. Dive into local media like films or podcasts. They offer a window into the nation's heartbeat, illuminating its culture, values, and everyday nuances. And keep in mind: patience and an open heart go a long way. Not all conversations will flow seamlessly, but your effort won't go unnoticed. Many appreciate your attempts to speak their language. 2. Opt For Local Accommodations Staying in local lodgings such as guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, or homestays can elevate your journey. In such accommodations, you can feel the warmth of local hospitality and perhaps form lifelong friendships. Often, these places are situated in less touristy areas, letting you explore authentic neighborhoods. Additionally, the owners usually have unmatched local insights and can suggest hidden treasures you won't find in guidebooks. More so, supporting these accommodations boosts sustainability. By backing local businesses, you contribute directly to the community, ensuring a rich experience for yourself and a boost for the local economy. 3. Eat Where The Locals Eat Food plays a central role in travel. Rather than dining at tourist-centric spots, find places where locals congregate. Street food vendors, local markets, and family-run diners often serve the most authentic and tantalizing dishes. Venturing into local culinary scenes also immerses you in a location's cultural and historical narrative. Food mirrors a country's past, influences, and rituals. So, while savoring different dishes, you taste myriad stories and traditions. Stay adventurous and be open to sampling new foods. Some might seem exotic, but they could be the highlights of your trip. Remember, travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about tasting new flavors, too. 4. Participate In Local Traditions And Festivals Joining local traditions and festivals offers a profound cultural immersion. These events reflect the heartbeat of a community and its binding tales. Whether you're dancing at a festival in Bali or celebrating Carnival in Brazil, active participation profoundly connects you to the local culture. However, approach these events with respect. Stay aware of local customs and etiquette. For instance, if a festival requires a certain attire, respect that. Always ask before taking photos, especially during religious events. While these experiences are new to you, they're integral to many locals' lives. Your attitude can determine whether you're appreciating or appropriating. Respect ensures your experiences are memorable and positive. 5. Take Public Transport Using public transportation isn't just economical; it also offers a front-row seat to everyday life. Riding buses, trams, or trains lets you witness the mundane yet beautiful moments of daily life. Furthermore, public transport can introduce you to lesser-known parts of a city or town. These spots often provide a more authentic experience, whether it's a hidden café, a quiet park, or a lively market. Choosing public transport is also eco-friendly. It reduces your environmental impact, eases traffic, and supports the local economy. So, hop on local transportation during your next trip and discover unexpected treasures. 6. Choose Experience Over Sightseeing While landmarks are captivating, hands-on activities offer unparalleled authenticity. Rather than just sightseeing, dive into local activities. Enroll in a pottery workshop, learn the local dance moves, or whip up local dishes. Such activities immerse you in the details of local traditions. Plus, they often lead to lasting connections with residents. Engaging in a craft or skill provides avenues for rich interactions, leaving indelible memories. 7. Engage With Locals  Conversations with locals offer insights no guidebook can match. Interacting with a street vendor, a fellow commuter, or a café proprietor can deepen your understanding of local beliefs and aspirations. Always approach with genuine interest and respect. Not everyone may be in the mood to chat, but that's okay. When conversations do occur, you might be surprised by the hospitality and warmth. Often, these chats can lead to recommendations for off-the-radar attractions or experiences. Such insider info can redefine your journey, uncovering hidden spots and moments to cherish. Related: Prepping For Your Winter Trip To Salt Lake City 8. Embrace Sustainable Practices Integrating sustainable practices into your travels ensures that the destinations you love remain beautiful and vibrant for future generations. Consider eco-friendly accommodations or those that have sustainable certifications. These places often go the extra mile to reduce waste, conserve water, and support local communities. Another aspect of sustainable travel is conscious consumerism. Opt for handcrafted local products rather than mass-produced items when buying souvenirs or gifts.  This not only supports local artisans but also helps keep traditional crafts alive. Remember, every purchase you make has an impact, and as a traveler, you have the power to make it a positive one. 9. Travel Slowly In this fast-paced world, leisurely travel offers a distinct pleasure. Allowing yourself to explore slowly enables you to soak in the ambiance, sync with local rhythms, and form genuine bonds. Instead of rushing from one spot to another, meander through lanes, relax in parks, or savor extended meals. Slow travel emphasizes mindfulness, helping you appreciate nuances—the scent of fresh bread, the sound of laughter, or the art in local crafts. These moments often encapsulate a destination's essence. In Conclusion True travel goes beyond sightseeing—it's about immersion, comprehension, and connection. By diving into local languages, traditions, and activities, you not only elevate your travels but also leave a positive mark on the places you visit. Embracing these tips means every journey offers a chance to evolve. Here's to more authentic and unforgettable adventures. Safe travels! Read Also: Thailand Travel Guide: This Is The Best Time To Visit Stay Safe And Satisfied: Exploring Paraguay’s Culinary Delights With Travel Insurance In Mind A Newly Launched Tool ‘Skyscanner’ Inspires Travelers To Book Travel Destinations With Ease And Confidence

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

India is leading the dark tourism scenario With an expected CAGR of 5.1% (2024-2034),. Dark tourism in India thrives as it is the land of history and heritage. Also, travel a few miles, and you will get to know folklore or common myths related to paranormal activities.  So, dark tourism in India takes you to places associated with human tragedy or something that raises our curiosity. Endless warfare and the rule of various dynasties have drenched its soil in blood from time immemorial. Further, superstitions and oppressive customs in various parts of the country have caused human casualties that can give you a chill down your spine.  However, dark tourism in India or any part of the world is not just about people’s fascination with the macabre or its inclination to encounter the grey zone. Many dark tourism sites like the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Jallianwala Bagh tell the tales of a collective past.  So, these are often popular destinations for educational tourism or excursions. With endless stories and mysteries spread in every corner, India will spoil you with the choices of dark tourism spots. Here is a list of places you just can’t miss! Dark Tourism In India: These Are The Places You Need To Visit  For me, dark tourism in India is like communicating with the past. These places and the remnants there convey a message that can trigger our moral emotions such as empathy, gratitude, disgust, or sadness. Further, these moral emotions can change our perspective about ourselves, various communities, and society.  Moreover, curiosity is present in people’s love for the occult. Some categories of dark tourism, such as ghost tourism, thana tourism, and disaster tourism, especially urge many to get into the shadows. We absolutely agree with Karan Anand, the Head of Relationships at Cox & Kings. So, which places does dark tourism in India take us to? Here is a curated list! 1. Port Blair Cellular Jail | Kala Pani | The Prison Of Death Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands  One of the most prominent witnesses of British atrocities in the country, the Port Blair Cellular Jail tops almost all the lists of dark tourism in India.  The British government made a hell of concrete in 1906 in the form of a prison, and it was almost impossible to escape or come out of it.  Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter in India, was the only person who had escaped the Port Blair Cellular Jail.  The British Raj sent convicts with the highest punishment to this jail. Once, this jail housed as many as 80000 prisoners, and among them, at least a few hundred were the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters received the “Kalapani ki Saza” to lead a life of isolation.  Constructed in the shape of a starfish, the Port Blair Cellular Jail is witness to inhuman tortures and genocides. Along with the atrocities of the British Raj, it has also seen the genocides operated by the Japanese.  When at the Cellular Jail, don’t forget to attend the “Light & Sound” show in the evening. It is like time travel, giving you goosebumps.  2. Jallianwala Bagh Location: Amritsar City, Punjab The 13th of April 1919 saw one of the worst examples of British acts of barbarity in India. Innocent people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar City to peacefully protest against British rule. Jalianwala Bagh was blocked from all sides, and Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his men to open fire at these innocent and unarmed people. The 1650 rounds of firing continued for 10-15 minutes, taking the lives of more than 500 people.  Today, when you visit Jallianwala Bagh, you can see many bullet holes struck in the structures there. In 1951, a memorial was built here to pay respect to the Indian revolutionaries. Further, in 2019, the inauguration of the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum took place. The museum depicts the most authentic account of the massacre.  A century later, in 2019, an official acknowledgment of “regret” came from British Prime Minister Theresa May on the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. This substantiates how grave and gruesome the act of mass killing was.  3. Roopkund Lake  Location: Uttarakhand Located at a 5000-meter altitude, Roopkund Lake is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, India.  However, you can see hundreds of human skeletons near the lake, named  the “Lake of Skull.”  Researchers have found that around 200 pilgrims died of heavy snowfall in the place in the 9th century. So, there are so many skeletons around the lake. Roopkund Lake is also known as the “Mystery Lake,” and there are stories about the pilgrims getting turned into stones or the Goddess getting angry.  However, Veena Mushrif-Tripathy, a member of the 2004 investigation and a professor of archaeology at Deccan College in Pune, mentioned that the theory of the pilgrims was reasonable as there were no traces of weapons.  4. Shaniwar Wada Location: Pune, Maharashtra Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732 by Bajirao I, is a historically significant fort and stands out for its architectural excellence. This fort was once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas. This fort became a tourist attraction after the 2015 magnum opus of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bajirao Mastani. However, Shaniwar Wada is a favorite dark tourism in India destination because of a popular ghost story or folklore associated with it. Narayanrao, the son of Bajirao I, was killed by his uncle Raghunathrao in 1773 in this fort. Since then, people have experienced paranormal activities in the fort. Many have claimed to have encountered the dead prince.  5. Kuldhara  Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan How about visiting a village abandoned by its people around 200 years ago? Kuldhara, the cursed village of Jaisalmer, was the residence of the Paliwal Brahmins. They left the village because of water scarcity and the high taxes imposed by Diwan. Another story is about Salim Singh, the local prime minister, who wanted to marry the daughter of the village head. The villagers did not agree to his demands and vacated the place overnight. They also cursed the place, saying that no one could settle there.  Further, some even associate the overnight evacuation with paranormal activities. Whatever the reason, many people have tried but failed to spend a night in this village. Today, abandoned houses, temples, and other architecture speak of excellence, craftsmanship, and intrigue. It is also a favorite destination for movie-makers and photographers today. Films like “Agent Vinod” are shot here. Moreover, the village is now a “Protected Monument of the State Archaelogy Department.”  6. Dumas Beach Location: Surat, Gujarat Dumas Beach is one of the most haunted places in Gujarat. With its black sand and paranormal activities, this beach transforms into a hellish spot as the Moon shows up.  The beach was earlier a cremation ground. The black color of the sand comes from the ashes of those corpses. While we could not see the moving orbs or any prominent paranormal activity, I felt eerie at the beach. Also, I can’t explain, but there is something very depressing about this beach. It feels like you can hear the whispers of the lost here, and someone will suddenly appear in the shadows.  There have been reports of many tourists going missing from Dumas Beach. Also, one day, local people discovered the corpse of a man at the beach. His tongue was popping out. To date, no explanation has been found behind these tragic incidents.  7. Bhangarh Fort In the Aravallis, the Bhangarh fort has the remains of a deserted marketplace, Havelis, and temples. The architectural excellence of the fort is beyond question, and it speaks of a prosperous past.  However, Bhangarh Fort is the most haunted place in India. It has stories and myths enough to scare you to bits.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 1 The Archaeological Survey of India has banned entering or staying in the Bhangarh Fort after the Sunset. According to the local people, no one entering the fort at night has been able to come out alive. The fort becomes a site of paranormal activities in the darkness.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 2 Guru Balu Nath used to meditate at this place. When Raja Madho Singh visited him with a request to build a fort here, he agreed on one condition. He asked the king to promise that the shadow of the fort would not touch him. Despite the king’s promise, it did not happen. Furious, the hermit cursed the castle and the village.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 3 No house in the area has a roof. People believe that the roofs of those houses were destroyed due to the curse of the hermit. All attempts to rebuild the roofs went in vain. Many of those roofs also collapsed, causing human casualties.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 4 (Accidents And Deaths) Three people once decided to stay in Bhangarh Fort at night. They had a powerful torch, but one group member fell into a well. The two others rescued him and took him to the nearby hospital. However, they met with a fatal accident on the way to the hospital and lost their lives.  Do you want to explore more sites that are suitable for dark tourism in India? Visit the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, Union Carbide Factory, Bhopal, Sites Of Indus Valley Civilization, Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie, and Gandhi Smriti, Delhi.  Listen to hushed murmurs and the stories these places have to share to make a journey to the past!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

BY  sagnika Apr 8, 2024

Have you recently planned to go to El Salvador? It is such a beautiful place to visit, but you will need an itinerary to execute it successfully. I am sharing all the details with you to cover the top ten things to do in El Salvador and some of the best places to eat and stay. I am quite excited for you because you are going to El Salvador! If you have booked a trip to El Salvador, it means you love beaches, quaint little towns, and eateries, along with a lot of adventure, such as surfing, swimming, and others. The place is popular for its corn, cotton, sugarcane, and coffee, along with other agricultural products. Visitors also carry coffee back when they visit El Salvador. You can also eat watermelon, mango, coconut, melon, and tamarind, as these varieties of fruits are available in the coastal area! Top 10 Things To Do When You Visit El Salvador! The smallest country in Central America, El Salvador, is not much explored, mostly because of security reasons. You cannot forget that there are concerns about security, and even the government is struggling. However, what is important is to identify the beauty of this place. The aesthetics of the place are indescribable, as it includes huge volcanoes, beautiful colonial villages, glittering lakes, and exclusive El Salvador beaches. The waves on these beaches are the best, so I suggest going through this article to learn more about the places in El Salvador. I will be offering tips related to tours, hotels, culinary experiences, and transportation. Accordingly, you can plan your itinerary, thus creating lifetime memories. Do try Papusa, a notable dish in this place. It is a thick handmade tortilla made of rice flour flatbread or corn flour stuffed with cheese. Other stuffings include pork meat, refried beans, or loroco. You can try seafood used in the coastal places. You must try dishes in "shrimp cocktail," quesadilla, and cadejo! Exploring El Salvador Based on the following itinerary, you can spend the whole day exploring El Salvador. The locations are enigmatic, with mysterious smoky volcanoes, black sand beaches perfect for surfing, and misty forests. The place has a colourful cultural heritage you can experience when visiting. It is a slow-paced location that you can enjoy to the hilt, especially with various culinary experiences. Apart from the food, there is also Mayan culture, which inspires people. 1. Hike Santa Ana Volcano If you are visiting El Salvador, climbing the Santa Ana Volcano is a must, as it provides a panoramic view of the crater. When hiking, you can also check out the Lago de Coatepeque! You can take a shuttle bus or organize transportation from your hotel. The second largest city, Santa Ana, is quite close to this beauty; hence, do explore it. There is the huge Santa Ana Zoo, which you must visit if travelling across this region. Several science exhibits are a part of the children's museum. 2. History Calls At San Salvador Explore the historical places in San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theater, and the National Palace. Of course, you will enjoy it more if you take a half-day city tour but with a guide. An 1800s cathedral church of the Catholic Archdiocese, the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Savior is a beautiful place to visit. Located in San Salvador, the National Palace of El Salvador was built in 1866-1870, and it is quite important. The National Theater, constructed in 1911 by the French architect Daniel Beylard, reflects modern touches and French Renaissance style. A giant city market is in the historic downtown area, where you can walk.  3. Beach Stay In La Libertad If you are visiting Libertad, you must book a hotel that offers a beachfront experience! Either book rooms with Los Farallones or Mandala Eco Villas, as you can access board rentals, repair shops, and surf shops at the beach. La Libertad is the country's surfing capital and an important fishing port. You can enjoy several activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. One of these hotels has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. El Tunco, another beach, is popular for surfing because there are several stones. There is also a famous pig-shaped rock available at the seashore. Why don't you take your partner and watch the beautiful sunset at El Tunco Beach? Furthermore, if you want to explore more surfing sports, El Sunzal is the place to go. There are also several restaurants in El Sunzal where you can have your lunch! 4. Walk Through Suchitoto Suchitoto is a beautiful town in El Salvador, located beside the lake Suchitlan. Strolling around the town streets for hours offers stunning views. There are also flowers and colored houses, along with a lovely atmosphere. Beautiful handmade products and artifacts are sold in different workshops in the town. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes cool and gorgeous! 5. Wander Ruta de las Flores If you are naturally aesthetic, La Ruta de las Flores is for you as you travel! It would be best if you travelled along the path where you could stare at waterfalls and small villages filled with little shops, markets, murals, flowers, and coffee fields.     You can take the scenic route or travel the adventurous way, as there is a lot of experience! Waterfalls and lakes are on the way, adding to the experience.   6. Chairs Of Casa 1800 There are several beautiful spots and viewpoints that have been claimed by Casa 1800! A lovely restaurant and a boutique hotel have been constructed, thus creating the perfect place to take the most Instagrammable picture.    Sitting on a chair in this location, you can take beautiful shots of the Izalco volcano, Lake Suchitlan, and Santa Ana volcano. You do not need to book a room; you can visit the restaurant, order delicious food from Pupuseria El Salvador, and take pictures. 7. Check Out Bahia De Jiquilisco Bahia de Jiquilisco, which is spread across 100,000 hectares, is the largest mangrove forest in Central America. The region has sandy beaches, a freshwater lagoon, small islands, canals, forests, and bays. Visitors can see thousands of migratory birds, many of which belong to endangered species.   Simultaneously, you can also check out many turtles, including hawksbill turtles, as this mangrove forest is a breeding ground for them. You can visit the place from August to January as you can see the nest along the banks.   8. Visit The Village Of Apaneca If you love greenery, water, and mountains, you should definitely visit the village of Apaneca. This beauty has a lake surrounded by mountains, so it is perfect for a picnic or boat trip and spending the whole day there.   You can rent a buggy to ride across the village and coffee plantations. The lake is about 20 minutes away from the village, and you can reach it in a buggy, so your adventure spirit will be satisfied.   9. National Park El Imposible The tropical forest is quite large and has a huge density of fauna and flora! Gorges and idyllic rivers surround the beautiful forest. A canyon is also present within the National Park, and currently, it is the habitat of countless birds, cougars, wild bears, and butterflies. There are also many felines living near the canyon! Walk across the beautiful park and enjoy it to the best of your ability. Thus, you must receive a permit to enter the park! Please try to wear light and relaxing clothes, as it is quite warm inside the park. Also, please bring a lot of water. 10. Cultural Aspect Of San Salvador El Salvador has a celebration of the Holy Week, during which people go out on processions. People make flower petals, vegetables, fruits, sawdust, and other materials to create rugs on the street. There are also beautiful fireworks during the Christmas Eve celebration.   The families in El Salvador stay awake until midnight to celebrate Christmas and hug each other! Street food is available, which the neighbours share and enjoy together.    What Are The Things You Need To Consider? If you want transportation convenience, you must hire a driver! This is one of the best ways to plan your trip, especially because you will have mobility. When you are planning to visit, try to stay in groups at night and stay alert.   Make a hotel or stay-in lodge your home base and, accordingly, complete your daytime trips to coffee farms, villages, and volcanoes. When planning the trip, one thing that you must remember is that the best time to visit El Salvador is during November and February. The weather is ideal during these months!   Finishing Off... To sum up, these are the places that are perfect for you if you are planning to visit El Salvador. After you have read the article, I am sure you will learn what to do and what not to do. You will also learn a lot about the culture, so accordingly, plan your trip so that you can enjoy the local and native experiences.   You will also learn about and connect with the people's religious beliefs and practices. The different places will create beautiful memories, and you will experience adventure to the hilt!   Comment on your favourite place or the specific place you have decided to visit when in El Salvador and why!  Additional Reading: Best Group Friendly Restaurants In Las Vegas 7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas What Is The Latitude Of Las Vegas? – Geographical Coordinates