Eternal Magnificence: Why The Taj Mahal Reigns As The World’s Most Popular Monument

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 May 7, 2017

Visiting India is akin to taking a dive into the unknown. Most travelers to India will tell you that the chaos and unceasing hullabaloo is an intrinsic part of it. Others, however, seem to successfully capture the “mystical and harmonious” spirit that apparently, is to be found everywhere in India.  Not only the land of snake charmers but more ethnic wonders, India travel should be on the top of your list for various reasons. However, regardless of what India is, or is not, there are certain tips which must be followed by every visitor to India. This ensures the best of everything while allowing one to discover all that India has to offer. Here are the five tips for first-time travelers to India. Five Tips For First Time Traveler To India: 1. Choosing The Best Route: Among the many tips for first-time visitors to India, this is one of the most important. Plan your India trip according to your interests, priorities, and fascinations. If exploring the fabulous monuments is what you desire, visit the cities of Agra, Delhi and Jaipur. From Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri to Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, you’ll find it all here for India travel. If spiritual discovery is what you’re after, then visit the innumerable temples in North and South India, the beautiful mosques, monasteries, and churches scattered all over India. India also offers abundant opportunities for engaging in adventure sports and natured oriented pursuits like trekking, skiing, rafting, etc. To get a glimpse of the exotic flora and fauna of India, visit the several nature parks or wildlife sanctuaries, which house an exotic variety of flora and fauna. 2. Go Slow – Patience Is The Key! Too many visitors to India make the mistake of trying to discover and explore everything in one go. The geographical enormity of India renders such a task not just impossible but rather foolish. Once you are in India, slow down and absorb the surroundings around you, while appreciating the uniqueness brought by every experience. Rather than stressing yourself over completing the things-to-do list, focus on doing one thing or visiting one place and exploring it in detail. Not only will this make your trip pleasant, but also give you a glimpse of the local culture and customs. If you want to understand India, this is the way to go about it. If you are complaining about the traffic in your country, then it is nothing less than the traffic in India which makes India travel no less than a hectic journey. So, always keep the assistance of Google Maps, so that you can easily find out short cuts and lanes for a quick escape. Also, drivers tend to ask for more money if they see that you are a tourist. It is better if you do thorough research on the cab rates and bus rates to save some money. 3. Look For Solitude Amid Unceasing Chaos! Any useful guide for first-time visitors to India will tell you that despite being a land inhabited by billions, India still offers plentiful avenues for escaping the maddening crowd and ensuing chaos. This is not to say that you should avoid soaking in the cultural and social atmosphere. However, there will come a point where you would seek moments of tranquility and solitude. Fortunately, India has plenty of hill stations, quiet retreats, isolated beaches, serene backwaters, etc. It’s always a good idea to head to these places when the crowds and the hassle seem overbearing. Doing this will help you relax and rejuvenate before continuing with the rest of your journey. If you are a nature lover, then it is best to start from the north. There are mainly five travel holidays destinations you should be starting on. Now the call is completely yours: Leh-Ladakh Shimla-Manali Dehradun-Mussoorie Nainital-Ranikhet Jammu-Kashmir 4. Prioritize Your Health: Any ultimate guide for the first timer to India will mention the words “health, well-being, safety, etc.” In India, you can never be too cautious regarding your health. Never make the mistake of drinking tap water or consuming food which has been lying around for a long time. Indian food is very spicy. So, be careful in the matter of food choices. Do not drink water from random shops. Instead, keep a bottle of mineral water with you all the time. While street-side snacks are utterly tempting, it’s always advised to assess the cleanliness around you before gorging on them. One of the best ways of determining whether the food is safe is to watch whether it’s being consumed by locals. If yes, then go ahead! Also, do not miss the famous food places to visit in India. You will see that diversity is not only in cultures but in food too. However, each food item is different in taste and in health. Another way of ensuring your health is always carrying an anti-bacterial gel or anti-bacterial wipes. This is because most Indians eat with their fingers, and if you want to emulate them, these are the best tools for the last minute clean-up. 5. Be Calm At All Times: One of the most useful things to know for the first timers to India is maintaining your cool at all times. Certain parts of India, and especially the North, may seem brash, undisciplined and rude, with all sorts of touts out to get your money for more travel holidays. However, it’s important to be extremely alert while politely refusing any unwanted advances or moves made upon you. One of the easiest ways of avoiding being conned is refusing any deal that sounds too good to be true. Conclusion: At the same time, when the situation demands, learn to be assertive without sounding angry. This is the best way of displaying your confidence without appearing to be weak. There are numerous places to visit in India, and you cannot finish it in one month. Therefore, if you are at all planning for an India tour, make sure that your getaway last for more than a month, maybe two. The vast country awaits to mesmerize you with its meandering rivers and lofty mountains and timeless monuments and spiritual hubs of different religions. Read also: Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India 5 Must-Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi. Experience Udaipur through Deccan Odyssey.

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 20, 2017

Don’t keep yourself hanged up because your friends are too busy to plan out the New Year’s Eve. We have made the work easier. Find some of the coolest events in and around your city happening this New Year and if this list doesn’t satisfy you, we’ve got more lined up. Food and party to solitude and nature, there are events for all kinds of people. Glow your New Year at these Bangalore Events: CountDown NYT-2018: Countdown to New Year at I V Sanctum, Race Course. Sia Entertainments offers food and fun along with fireworks, liquors and drinks, buffet dinner and lots of photographs. With all the entertainment, they also take care of security and first aid and provide the drop-in facility. Bengaluru Food Festival: Foodies, the best way to say goodbye to 2017 and the welcome new year would be enjoying it with food. Check in to New Horizon Ground on the last weekend of this year to have your taste buds taste the exquisite flavors. Bring along your foodie friends and enjoy the time relishing the past year. Narasimha Parvatha Trek & Udupi Beach: This New Year lets your nomad soul scream to its fullest at Narasimha Parvatha, the tallest peak in Agumbe Ghats, an awesome trek for that craving solitude. Muddie Trails heartfully invites you to this unique and wonderful combination of mountains, wilderness, waterfalls, and beaches! Explore the lands and live between nature. New Year 2018 in Thailand (Bangkok - Phuket): Mr. Traveler has planned your New Year in the lands far away - Thailand. Celebrate NEW YEAR 2018 in Thailand with amazing certified tour @ INR 29,990 + Flight. It is included with a bunch of tours that will rock your new year and will give you an experience of the lifetime. New Year Party at Kaveri river: Nature calls your inner nomad as you say goodbye to 2017. Caught up in the hectic schedule of studies and work? Now is the time to relish the moment. Escape the city and spend an amazing day amidst nature. Dance and sing to the beats of nature. Eat foodalicious barbecue and socialize at the campfire in the chilling winter weather. Camp your nights in between mountains and rivers. Swim your fears away and rest in village huts. Gaze at the stars and relive the forest child moments. Waiting to spot a shooting star to grant your traveling wish? There’s no need. This is it. Dhaatu International Puppet Festival: Bring out the child in you or bring your children along, this puppet show is for all ages. Dhaatu International Puppet Show at Bangalore. Panache - New Year's Eve 2018: The Luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has planned a star-studded lineup of acts, premium liquor, and unlimited F&B to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. Are they forgetting something? No, they have got all the things well covered! Bring out your inner party animal because this is the time to dance off and have a blast. Bangalore, this is a glimpse of all the good things that will be happening soon. Grab your spot and treat yourself, the time of year has come to enjoy hard and make it happen. Did not find any event of your genre? There are many more events lined up; check out events in Bangalore events for New Year. And do not forget to RSVP yourself and your friends. Read More: 6 Expert Packing Tips that will make your Trips more Fun Make Your Honeymoon a Truly Memorable Affair: Here’s How Improve Your Travel Experience By Hiring A Limo Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try