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

BY  Mashum Jul 4, 2018

Udaipur is one of the most amazing cities in Rajasthan founded by Maharana Udai Singh. The city is popularly called – City of Lakes and houses several beautiful monuments including the Jag Mandir Palace. There is no better way to experience Udaipur than through the Deccan Odyssey train in luxury. The Deccan Odyssey is one of the finest luxury trains in the world and is only next to the Palace on Wheels, the first luxury train in India. Guests can go sightseeing to Udaipur while enjoying the royal facilities on the Deccan Odyssey. Famous as India’s Blue Train the blue exteriors of the train offers amazing luxury services onboard on the six itineraries. The Indian Odyssey Luxury Tour : The Deccan Odyssey train takes guests to visit the Venice of the East – Udaipur for a full day en route the Indian Odyssey Luxury Tour. This journey begins at the national capital – Delhi and covers destinations including Sawai Madhopur where you travel to Ranthambore National Park to witness a wildlife safari. The other destinations en route include Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Aurangabad, Ellora Caves, and Mumbai. India’s Blue Train reaches Udaipur on the Day 5 of this luxury tour. After a hearty breakfast onboard the Deccan Odyssey train, guests de-board for the sightseeing tour in the scenic city of Lakes. 1. City Palace: The first structure that guests see soon after breakfast is the City Palace nestled within the scenic Aravalli Mountain Ranges. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh this magnificent Palace is the biggest royal structure in Rajasthan dating back to the mid-fifteenth century. There are terraced gardens, pavilions, courtyards, and hanging gardens as the Palace lies in lush greenery. It is the finest structure of Chinese & European architectural touches. You can witness ancient artifacts with historical significance & Rajasthani art & crafts in the museum Crystal Gallery inside the City Palace. 2. Lake Pichola: This is one of the largest and picturesque lakes of the City of Lakes. It is connected to various other smaller lakes by which their waters are connected. The waters look unique at different times of the day and tourists get a splendid view of the shimmering lake at sunrise. The Deccan Odyssey guests get a fascinating ferry ride on the placid waters of the scenic Lake Pichola to reach the next sightseeing destination – Jag Mandir. 3. Jag Mandir: This marble palace build on an island in Lake Pichola dates back to the seventeenth century and is the structure that inspired Shah Jehan to build the Taj Mahal. The Gul Mahal has beautiful blue carvings in the region inside the palace where exactly the emperor was hiding. A part of the Palace is now a premium hotel. There are colorful lights emitted that color the waters of Lake Pichola at evening. This is the hotel where guests of Deccan Odyssey can enjoy a lunch with traditional musical instruments of Jal Tarang & tabla rhythms in the background. 4. Old City: This is the old city of Jaipur. After taking rest onboard the Deccan Odyssey, guests go for a heritage walk in the evening here. Get to listen to historical stories of the ancient city on this walk. Guests enjoy sumptuous dinner onboard the Deccan Odyssey and an overnight comfortable sleep as they head to the next destination on the Indian Odyssey Tour. The Deccan Odyssey facilities : There are 12 guest carriages with various cabin occupancies, a Bar & Lounge, a Conference Car & a Health Spa. It offers two comfortable restaurants in bright light on the comfortable seating of two at one side & four at the other. Guests can have a hearty chat while having their meals. Know more about the cost of Deccan Odyssey train and take the comfort of seeing the outside while having their meal, from the panoramic views that the large windows offer. With all these facilities onboard the guests can enjoy the sightseeing the Venice of the East – Udaipur in the royal opulence of the Deccan Odyssey. Read Also : Top 3-Week Itineraries for a Perfect Tour of Europe Rejection of China Tourist Visa in Atlanta – Some Possible Reasons Architectural Gems to See on Your Singapore Malaysia Thailand Tour      

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 4, 2018

The honeymoon practice started in the nineteenth century in Britain, when couples of the upper class went to bridal tours accompanied by friends and family to visit relatives. The popularity of this practice increases gradually. Currently, this practice is common among young couples in the world. Immediately after the wedding, couples go visiting exotic destinations. There is evidence that Indians tour foreign places for honeymoon. They ignore a lot of the best honeymoon places in India. Below are some of the places in India that you can visit on your honeymoon. 10 Best Honeymoon Places In India: 1. Darjeeling Found in West Bengal between the arms of lesser Himalayas, it bears the name of the queen of hills. Darjeeling is among the most peaceful and picturesque best honeymoon places in India, with a climate that is pleasantly cool, and the Kanchenjunga to frame the skyline. Close attractions include the sunrise from Batasia loop, Singamari ropeway, Tiger Hills, Peace Pagoda, and much more. There are other attractive activities like touring using the UNESCO world heritage toy train, paragliding, and rock climbing. While summer is the best time for going there, you can choose the winter months to visit the best honeymoon destinations in India. 2. Himachal Pradesh Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and has been among the best honeymoon places in India. This is because of their snowy peaks, romantic climate, temples, churches, monasteries, the mall and British architecture, and plush mills. It is best to visit these places in summer and winter. There is also Manali and Kulu, a favorite of couples, with sprawling and greenery landscape. It is among the best destinations for a trip that is full of adventures like skiing, hiking, paragliding, mountaineering, trekking, and river rafting, angling, and biking from October to February. 3. Rajasthan For a trip that will leave you feeling royal, this destination is one of the best honeymoon places in India. Regal Udaipur has Havelis, temples, and palaces along rustic, crooked streets. You can cruise calm lakes in this destination. For a desert destination with elephant and camel rides and other things, you will find a majestic Jaisalmer. The other places you will visit are Jaipur, Mount Abu, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. 4. Tamil Nadu Be it a wildlife or spiritual couple, this is a destination to be. The January-May and October-November periods are best for visiting the Anaimalai tiger reserve, Valparaiso forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. You can begin spiritually at Ramana Ashram or Arunachala Temple during February – August. Ooty is found in Nilgiri hills with rose gardens, botanical gardens, Dodabetta peak, and Glen Morgan Tea garden for boating and angling. 5. Kutch Gujarat is a colorful, beautiful, and among the best honeymoon places in India where culture, architecture, and history meet guests. For newlyweds, this is the best destination for shopping and you will have an interest in traditional bags and mirror stoles, accessories, and furnishings that have Kutchi embroidery, and jewelry. The surroundings of Bhuj are great for shopping. You will also get wildlife sanctuaries and white-sand deserts that are colorful. 6. GOA Goa is a favorite for Bollywood when it comes to beauty and fun, providing a novel couple a memorable honeymoon with golden beaches, warm sun, swaying coconut palms, and endless sea. You will also find colonial Portuguese churches and buildings, and hilly places. Couples with adventure may choose water sports, wind, and deep-sea surfing. The party capital of India serves Goan sausages, best sea-food, pork vindaloo, and drinks at the shacks of the beach. You may choose this place as one of the best honeymoon places in India. 7. Uttarakhand For a couple that is adventurous, it is perfect to get to Auli in November-March for a honeymoon marked with speeding down snow peaks and ski workshops. For a calm and romantic couple, there is the beautiful and quaint Nainital, with aerial ropeway, lakes, the Jim Corbett National park, and much more. If you are planning for a honeymoon in India then you can visit them in the winter. For a romantic getaway, visit Mukhteshwar as it offers pears, apples, peaches, plums, and peaches from food and orchard farms, and excellent chocolates in the mountains. 8. Kashmir And Jammu   Srinagar, the state capital, offers lakes that are perfect places for honeymoon in India as they have valleys lush and sparkling ripples that are heavenly, and mountains. The best honeymoon places in India are coveted as they have Mughal gardens and houseboats. Winter offers unforgettable caves, temples, and forts. 9. Nicobar And Andaman Islands The idea of going to the best honeymoon places in India on an island is very romantic. Be it in winter or summer, Nicobar and Andaman Islands are among the best honeymoon destinations in India. It is private and exotic, with the best fauna and flora, from hills and jungle life to colorful sunken ships and fish, plus accommodation and great food. 10. Kerala   Kerala unleashes itself in diverse beautiful ways, be it in winter or summer months, and is in high demand when it comes to choosing places for honeymoon in India. For a sunbath that is relaxing, you will get to Kovalam beach. For a cruise of romance, you can get to Munnar, Alleppey, and Wayanad found in the hills for a deserved visit during the wonderful moments. You can choose Kerala as one of the best honeymoon places in India and enjoy your holiday with your soulmate. As a couple, you can explore backwaters with an interconnected network of rivers, canals, and lakes in the houseboats or even discover hidden treasures found in Kerala. If you desire to go to a traditional holiday, the one that is complete with vegetation that is thick, different biology, and the rural culture gentleness, Kerala has it all. Conclusion For each newlywed couple, the honeymoon is a very crucial aspect of the whole thing. The prolonged occasion of elaborate weddings and the preparations, plus the anxiety of starting newfangled life with a new-fangled person, it may leave you somewhat stressed and drained. In this state of mind, the best honeymoon places in India are perfect for relaxing and knowing one another. Read Also : Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip Best National Parks In Missouri

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 23, 2021

Found in 1052 by Anangpal Tomar, Delhi is one of the oldest and most ancient cities in India. Many also believe that the history of ancient Delhi goes back to 800 BCE when King Dhilu built it. Further, the tales of Mahabharata present Delhi as the capital of the Pandavas, Indraprastha. So, exploring the city's history is one of the best things to do in Delhi for first-time tourists. However, that’s not all! Every nook in Delhi offers you a unique cultural experience through street food and people. However, as a first-time traveler, you must seek a credible service for Delhi city tours. Despite the availability of public transportation, it will be safer and more convenient for you.   Check for certifications, licenses, and official registration of these service providers and then discuss the itinerary with them.  These Are The Top Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists   Delhi is like a book, and every chapter has amazing stories, twists, and turns. Honestly, the things to do in Delhi can be overwhelming for a first-time tourist.  So, here, I have curated some places that will offer you an eclectic experience. These places will also offer you a slice of the Indian culture. So, you will know what to expect when you come back to this ancient yet modern city.   Visit the elaborate tomb of Humayun Entry Fee: INR 35 for Indians, INR 550 for Foreigners   Came as a precursor for the Taj Mahal, an inspiration for it as well, the Humayun Tomb ironically mixes the Persian architecture with precision and Indian craftsmanship. The tomb is picturesquely surrounded by symmetrical Mughal Gardens and displays the iconic and grand architectural heritage of the Mughals. For the best photos and scenic views, you should visit the tomb during the sunset when it is complement by the various vibrant colors of the sky. Explore Indian Art and Ancient Culture Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 650 for Foreigners, Free for Students up to 12th Standard  The National Museum of Delhi is one of the largest museums in India with a huge collection of ancient Indian artifacts like sculptures, wood carvings, pottery, weapons, seals, coins, idols, archaeological remains, stupas, and many more. The artifacts from various major archeological excavations are preserved and put on display here at the National Museum. Its huge collection of 200000 artworks comprises artifacts of both Indian and foreign origin covering a history of about 5000 years. One of the best things to do in Delhi and India is to take a look at the Harappan Gallery, Maurya, Shunga and Satvahana Art Gallery, Gupta gallery, and Kushana Gallery to name a few popular art collections at the museum. Travel back in time with a stroll in Old Delhi Don’t get lost in the bazaars of Old Delhi, instead of travel back in time and take the steps and the path that a 17th-century detective takes in the Eighth Guest and Other Muzaffar Jang Mysteries written by Madhulika Liddle. Old Delhi has a unique mix of ancient structures from the Mughal era, which are almost in ruins while the historic parts stay well preserved, and modern buildings coexisting together. Taste Delhi’s Mouth-Watering Street Food Delhi is known for its delicious street food like chaat papri, panipuri (golgappas), parathas, kebabs, chole bhature, and pav bhaji. Some of the sweets that you must try are Dahi Bhalla, jalebis, and kulfi. But if you want to go full street-kid, you should definitely munch on the appetizing and healthy Chanan Zor Garam – something that is exclusively available on the streets. The street food only gets betters during monsoons as the pagodas bring new heat to your body and a delicious taste to your tongue. You can’t leave without trying its delicious food and not mention that it is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Delhi. Also check out the historic British colonial art at the National Gallery of Modern Art, a collection known as “Company Paintings”. They were made by the Indian artists to please the British masters. Go shopping No tour is complete without getting souvenirs back for friends and relatives to remind them that you travel but they don’t. All joking aside, buying clothes and other memorabilia which you can only get in the street bazaars of Delhi. From Baba Kharak Singh Marg to Connaught Place, there are many markets, stalls, craft stores, and ethnic wear in Dilli Haat to make for an all-around quick one-day shop stop. For many tourists, it is among the top list of things to do in Delhi. Experience the life of a prisoner This is an upcoming tourist attraction that hasn’t opened yet. But soon the largest prison in India, Tihar Jail is opening up its cells for tourism. Yep, you read that right. You will soon be able to pay money to go to jail, live in a prison, eating prison food, and work in the prison just like any other prisoner there. Forget about the costly and five-star resorts that Delhi has to offer and instead stay at the Prison Inn (not an official name). Don’t worry about safety though because the cells are separated from the violent inmates and criminals who “live” in the Jail. Of course, you will also be given prison clothes and will be treated like any other prisoner. Pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi at his Tomb M.K. Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, is an important public figure, politician, and freedom fighter who brought peace and independence to India. Is it any wonder that India considers him as the Father of the Nation? He is known as the man who redefined the revolution by not partaking in violent acts and gave courage to the world by living his life according to his philosophy. Visit the tomb of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat where a black marble stone was placed where his body’s cremation took place. Among the most peaceful things to do in Delhi, pay respect to the eternal flame and remember everything he did for this great nation. His tomb is made to represent what he was as a man – simple. Check out Lodi Garden, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort When you’re in town, you must not miss the historic monuments that the city has to offer. One of the must-do things in Delhi is checking out its historical forts and monuments including Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Lodi Gardens. Lodi gardens are filled with historic monuments belonging to the Islamic Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. Meanwhile, Qutub Minar is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site which a monument built by the founder of Delhi Sultanate, Qutb ud Din Aibak. The Red Fort was the first place where Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian tricolor flag after India got its independence. Don’t miss any of these amazing things in Delhi and check off all the entries on this list. To get the most of your stay, check out the complete travel guide to Delhi before you book flights or make any plans. Visit The India Gate  The India Gate, located near the Kartavya Path or the Rajpath, is one of the most prominent memorial sculptures in India. It is like the Arc-de-Triomphe in its architecture.   This iconic arch-like structure commemorates 70,000 soldiers from India sacrificing their lives for the British in World War I.   Further, under the arch, there is Amar Jawan Jyoti or an unextinguishable flame. It remembers the lives of Indian soldiers lost in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.   As the Sun sets, the India Gate looks amazing with floodlights. The nearby fountains add to the ambiance. Visiting the India Gate is a somber experience. A visit to the India Gate is essential if you want to share solidarity with the true spirit of the country.   Visit The Hauz Khas Hauz Khas literally translates to the Water Tank (Hauz) of the Royal (Khas). This quaint village in South Delhi is home to iconic institutes like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.   Amidst the quaint and medieval structures of the place thrives a modern chic culture that began here in the 1980s.   Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs): Q1: Where can I Spend a Whole Day in Delhi? Ans: There are many places you can choose to spend an entire day in Delhi, such as • Nehru park• Deer park• India gate lawns• National zoological park• Lodhi gardens• Badhkal lakes Q2: What are the Things not to do in Delhi? Ans: There are a few things that you should do and show respect while you are in Delhi.• Don’t break rules, laws.• Don’t disrespect anyone from any community, as Delhi is the capital of India, and there are many people from different cultures. • Don’t fight with anyone unnecessarily.  Read Also: 5 Must Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India