Top 5 Tourist Destinations In Middle-East That Should Be On Your Bucket List

BY  Barsha Jul 7, 2022

If you are located anywhere in Eastern India, then Darjeeling is one name you must have heard while growing up. A favourite vacation spot for Bongs across the country, there is no best time to visit Darjeeling. I mean, you can definitely go during Summer like most bongs to escape the heat. But be prepared to encounter lots of other tourists, long queues outside restaurants, and even probable ticket cancellations. Instead, you can choose to be a little more adventurous and maybe consider travelling to Darjeeling during the latter half of the year and witness something magical like some snow (but only if you are very lucky). Keep reading to find out how I witnessed the most beautiful snow of all time. Exploring The Unexplored: Screw The Itinerary Are you still wondering what is the best time to visit Darjeeling? There are two ways to go about it - either you could visit like most of the country during Summer or drop in during the winter months for a crowd-free experience. The first thing that I did once I set foot at Darjeeling was screwing the itinerary. Because you might think that the place’s done and dusted, but it’s so not, considering all the offbeat places to visit in Darjeeling! Scroll down and find out the places I visited on my solo trip to Darjeeling last Summer!. Spend A Weekend At Dhotrey: Location104k.m from Siliguri Costing (Stay And Meals)1500/- nightTransportationReserved Car or Shared Taxi from SiliguriNearby TreksSandakphu, and Phalut via TongluNumber Of Days2 Days (excluding time for the trek) If you have never heard about Dhotrey, it’s because this beautiful hamlet is one of the smallest villages in Darjeeling - and it’s not just small, not many people even know about this place. There is no best time to visit Dhotrey, considering it’s always free of crowds! The locals are friendly, and I even ended up making lifelong friends with Manoj and his wife. Manoj was my guide who let me stay at his house since there were no rooms in either of the two homestays in this village. His wife cooked yummy meals for me and even made a comfortable, warm place for me to sleep in - she almost tucked me in that night… The best part? The village was breathtakingly beautiful, with lush, green landscapes on different sides, and it also happens to be the starting point for the even more popular Sandakphu trek. You can spend a whole weekend at Dhotrey and embark on the Sandakphu trek for a more adventurous approach to your trek. Hike To Tonglu: Location2.5 hours from Darjeeling at 10,130 feetCosting (Stay And Meals)1000/- nightTransportationWalk from Dhotrey village via Singalila ForestNearby TreksSandakphu, and PhalutNumber Of Days1 or 2 Days (excluding time for the trek) If you are already spending a weekend at Dhotrey, then you can easily hike to Tonglu - it’ll take you somewhere between an hour and a half to double the time, depending on your speed stamina, and the weather. Walking to Tonglu was perhaps my first hiking experience, and it was so cold! If Manoj had not offered to help me out with my heavy backpack, I would have probably given up on the hike! Yes, my boyfriend did carry my bag too, but then again, he adapts to mountain weather far better than I will ever be able to do. The most astonishing thing about visiting Tonglu during winter was the bone-chilling cold, the hot food, and the WIND! At night, it felt like a woman was running around screaming in a high-pitched, shrilly voice - but it was the wind making all that noise, a kind of sound I had never heard before. Instead of finding out the best time to visit Darjeeling for honeymoon, you can always spend your honeymoon at Tonglu - you can always walk to the equally beautiful nearby village of Tumling - also, I witnessed my first snowfall at Tonglu since it was January and boy was it cold! Gorge On The Best Darjeeling Has To Offer: If you are spending a few days in Darjeeling, the best thing that you need to do is gorge to your heart’s extent on the delicacies that Darjeeling has to offer! Experiment with traditional cuisines from the different local communities such as the Gorkhas, Sherpas, Lepchas, and Khampas.  Instead of typing ‘Darjeeling best time to visit’ on Google, have you considered finding out the dishes you must try here? Here you go! ThukpaKunga Restaurant (51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling) and Devekas Restaurant (Chauk Bazaar)Depends from stall to stallTraditional Nepali ThaliRevolver Restaurant (110 Gandhi Road, Behind Union Chapel, Darjeeling)300 to 400/-Naga CuisineRevolver Restaurant (110 Gandhi Road, Behind Union Chapel, Darjeeling)300 to 400/-ChurpeeKeventer’s (Keventer’s, 1 Nehru Road, Darjeeling)400/-MomosKunga Restaurant (51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling) and many places in and around Darjeeling100 to 200/-Aloo ThukpaLocal vendors, and Hasty Tasty (Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling)200/-Sael RotisLocal vendorsDepends from stall to stallShafaleyNawangs Restaurant (No 7 Robertson Road | Clubside, Darjeeling)100 to 200/-ChaangHot stimulating cafe (Lebong Cart Rd, Richmond Hill, Darjeeling)100 to 200/-Lots of Darjeeling TeaThe House of Tea Address (11, Nehru Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling) and Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge (The Rink Mall (Opp. GPO), 19, Ladenla Road, Darjeeling)Depends from stall to stall If You Still Want To Know About The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling! Darjeeling has primarily two tourist seasons. Ask anyone! They are either planning a trip between April to June, or they are up for an autumn trip between September to November.  In both these seasons, Darjeeling has clearer skiers and longer sunny hours. Further, the days of precipitation go down during these months. So, the chances of landslides, mudslides, or road blockages are less in autumn and spring. Moreover, with better clarity, Darjeeling, in these seasons,   Having said that, Darjeeling has something to offer to its visitors across all seasons. So, let’s find out the seasonal attractions of Darjeeling.  1. Spring Season (March to May) Spring is the best time to visit Darjeeling if you want to see rhododendrons, orchids and other famous flowers of the region in full bloom.  Many photography enthusiasts flock to Darjeeling this season to capture the beauty of these flowers in red, pink, and white.  Further, there are dedicated trek routes to Sandakphu and Tonglu, where you will find beautiful rhododendron flowers in full bloom.  In this season, you can even enjoy a ride in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or Toy Train to have the best view of the tea gardens and lush greenery.  2. Summer (May To June) With decent sunny hours, charming weather, and cloud-free skies, May to June or, in fact, April to June is the best time to visit Darjeeling.  Further, this is the season for going on a trek to Sandakphu. Sandakphu is the highest mountain peak in West Bengal. Once you conquer Sandakphu, you will get an amazing view of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.  3. Late September To December (Fall And Winter) September comes to Darjeeling with post-monsoon beauty. You can enjoy the lush greenery in these months minus the continuous days of precipitation. Further, from October to early December, you can explore the trekking routes in Darjeeling, including Sandakphu and Tonglu.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Which Month Is Off-Season In Darjeeling? The winter months are usually off-season in Darjeeling. The months of December and January happen to be the least humid, with temperatures dropping to 2 to 7 degrees, and in some cases, even below zero degrees in January. In addition, there are no chances of floods or landslides, making it the perfect time to visit for a crowd-free experience. 2. How Many Days Is Good For Darjeeling Trip? You can easily spend four to five days in Darjeeling if you have no plans of checking out the nearby trekking routes or even villages. But make sure you have at least 4 days in your hands for touring Darjeeling, otherwise, it’ll be a complete waste of time and money. 3. Can We See Snow In Darjeeling? Snowfall is rarely a possibility in Darjeeling, but if you are fortunate, you might just get snowfall in case temperatures to fall down to negative 2 degrees celsius. But if you visit the nearby areas in winter, there are a hundred possibilities that you might just witness some snow. Bitten By The Wanderlust Bug: Can’t Stop Travelling! If you are planning to visit Darjeeling, extend your trip to include surrounding locations such as Gangtok, Kalimpong, and even Kurseong for a long vacation. The best time to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok depends on the kind of travelling you want to do - if you love spending time away from crowds then winter is your season, and if it’s too hot to stay during Summer, it’s better to escape the heat! In the meantime, don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences (if you have already been to Darjeeling) on the same in the comments below. Read Also: Expedia.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022 Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Which Is The Best Time To Visit Kashmir? – Travel Guide

BY  Ankita Jan 20, 2024

Nestled amidst the picturesque Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a charming destination. It is a promises a memorable family vacation, attracting about 12 million visitors per year. With its stunning natural beauty and an array of exciting attractions, Gatlinburg offers an ideal setting. It is for quality time with your kids. In this article, we'll explore some tips to ensure you and your little ones have an unforgettable adventure in Gatlinburg. Outdoor Adventures In The Great Smoky Mountains: Gatlinburg is renowned for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. If your family enjoys the great outdoors, go on a family-friendly hiking adventure amidst the lush forests and scenic trails. There are numerous hiking trails suitable for all ages and skill levels. Before heading out, ensure that you're well-prepared with comfortable footwear, snacks, water, and safety essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent. Exploring the great outdoors together fosters a sense of adventure and creates lasting memories. Gatlinburg Candy Store Delight: One of the first things that may catch your kids' attention in Gatlinburg. It is the tantalizingly sweet aroma wafting from the candy stores that line the streets. To kickstart your family vacation, take your kids to a Gatlinburg candy store. There they can indulge their sweet tooth to their heart's content. Among the various candy stores in Gatlinburg, you'll find a plethora of confectionery delights. It is from classic favorites to unique, locally-made sweets. The joy on your kids' faces, as they savor these delectable treats, will set the tone for a sweet vacation. Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies: For an underwater adventure that both kids and adults will relish, make your way to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, this popular attraction is home to an impressive array of marine life and interactive exhibits. Here, your kids can get up close and personal with fascinating sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and playful penguins. Be sure to check the schedule for animal encounters and feeding times, as these experiences can provide valuable insights into marine biology and conservation. Visit Gatlinburg Amusement Parks: When it comes to family fun, visiting an amusement park is a must-visit destination. You can find an array of thrilling rides, activities, and attractions with breathtaking mountain views as a backdrop. Kids can enjoy a variety of rides suitable for different age groups. There is no enjoyment for kids like amusement parks, so make sure to keep it in your itinerary! Arts And Crafts Community Exploration: Gatlinburg isn't just about natural beauty and thrilling attractions; it's also home to a thriving arts and crafts community. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots and immerse your family in the world of creativity and craftsmanship. You and your kids can try your hand at pottery, candle-making, and other artisan crafts. It's a fantastic opportunity to create personalized souvenirs that will serve as cherished mementos of your Gatlinburg vacation. Wildlife Encounters At Cades Cove: For a dose of wildlife and natural beauty, plan a visit to Cades Cove, a scenic valley in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This idyllic spot offers an excellent opportunity for your family to observe and connect with nature. Cades Cove is renowned for its diverse wildlife population. To increase your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures, consider taking a slow drive along the Cades Cove Loop Road early in the morning or near dusk. Be sure to remind your kids to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals in their natural habitat. Family-Friendly Dining Spots: Exploring Gatlinburg's culinary scene is an integral part of your family vacation, and the town is a haven for food lovers of all ages. Fortunately, Gatlinburg boasts a diverse array of family-friendly restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. When dining out with your kids, look for establishments that go the extra mile by offering dedicated kid-friendly menus and creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. From Southern barbecue joints that serve up mouthwatering ribs with all the fixings to charming diners renowned for their homemade pies bursting with flavor, Gatlinburg offers a cornucopia of culinary delights. Sharing these meals as a family not only provides nourishment but also creates invaluable bonding experiences, fostering laughter and memories that will be cherished long after your Gatlinburg vacation comes to an end. So, don't miss the chance to savor the town's delicious offerings together. Evening Entertainment At Dollywood: Wrap up your Gatlinburg adventure with a visit to Dollywood, a renowned theme park located just a short drive away in Pigeon Forge. While not strictly in Gatlinburg, Dollywood is a must-visit for families seeking evening entertainment. Dollywood offers an array of family-friendly shows, thrilling rides, and immersive attractions that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Whether your little ones are adrenaline junkies who love roller coasters, aspiring performers who enjoy live entertainment, or curious minds eager to explore interactive exhibits, Dollywood has something to captivate every member of your family. Don't forget to check the park's schedule for special events, parades, and nighttime shows, as they often add an extra layer of magic and excitement to your Dollywood visit. Conclusion: Gatlinburg, with its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of family-friendly attractions, provides an ideal backdrop for a memorable vacation with your kids. From exploring candy stores to immersing yourselves in nature, observing wildlife at Cades Cove, and enjoying delicious meals, Gatlinburg offers an array of experiences that will create lasting memories for your family. As you savor the sweetness of homemade candies, soak in the mountain views from the Space Needle, and revel in the excitement of amusement parks and wildlife encounters, remember that Gatlinburg's charm lies not just in its attractions but in the precious moments spent together as a family. These ten tips are your guide to ensuring that your Gatlinburg vacation is fun. It isalso filled with love, laughter, and cherished family bonds. So pack your bags, start your adventure, and make Gatlinburg your family's next unforgettable destination. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Things To Do In Dublin (Ireland)

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 28, 2021

A wedding is a big decision, but decisions related to the wedding are even bigger. Finding a location for a wedding venue is even more difficult, there is no lack of options for wedding venus, but deciding which one would be correct or in the budget is the main issue. The romantic destination wedding location options are multiple but choosing the right place is a little bit tricky. When you decide on the wedding venues, a couple of questions such as whether the wedding venue must a destination or should it be at the hometown, outside in open area or in the indoors, mountain view or beach view, after all, it is the wedding location which makes the wedding day feel special and look glamorous.  Choosing the correct place for your wedding reception and all other events is very necessary. We know all bride and groom have thousands of locations regarding choosing the best location for their wedding and related to the wedding venue. The day of the wedding is the day the big day for all Indian families and brides.  Indian wedding has always been famous, the term “big fat Indian wedding” arises from the concept of the Indians spending all their life long hard-earned money on a wedding. Read the post below to find the best places in India to ties your knot with your beloved. Luxurious Wedding Venue City Palace  Indian weddings are known for glamour, richness, decor, and rituals. The City Palace in Rajasthan is one of the best destination wedding locations. This luxurious royal palace gives you a combination of all the factors of an Indian wedding. The most luxurious wedding is held in the City Palace in Rajasthan.  The Mewar Royal family still resides in the City palace while the rest of the palace is led out for destination marriages. There are many Venues in the City Palace and you can choose any of the venues based on your budget.  The Venues are Jagmandir Island Palace, Manek Chowk, Zana Mahal, Mor Chowk.  Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the most premium choices and most chosen for a destination wedding. Many celebrities have married in this venue, this palace is situated on an island. It is one of the most admired wedding locations and it accommodates 5000 guests at a time.   Manek Chowk in City Palace Here, the wedding is held in typical Mughal Style and is encouraged by a lot of high-class, high-level Indians. The lavishness of the Manek Chowk has always caught the attention of the newspapers and the breaking news.  The Mewar royal families still dwell in this palace, and it is famous for the illumination all over the palace. It can accommodate up to 1000 guests in the most luxurious ways. Zana Mahal in City Palace The mahal is famous for its candlelight decoration. This feel and the ambiance of extreme fulfillment are relinquished by the floral decoration and the central fountain. Rajasthan is the city of the Palace, and this feature is making the pink city the best destination for a wedding.  The setting and the backdrop of the Zana palace are magical, and it marks the beauty of the pious knot to be made. The Zana Mahal is known as the Queen’s Palace, and it accommodates up to 500 guests at a time. Mor Chowk in City Palace This section of the City Palace is best for any homely or intimate Indian wedding. It offers a mesmerizing tunnel entry and is also referred to as a peacock courtyard, where it is said that often peacock is seen. When you are searching for the best destination weddings, then the City Palace’s name comes first. City palace itself has multiple areas suitable for big weddings. This is an exquisite location for any small family's luxurious wedding. It caters to up to 50 guests in the Mor Chowk, very comfortably. Budget in City Palace in City Palace In City Palace, you need not worry about the decoration because it will be included in the budget placed for any of the venues. But never the less if you want to hire decorators from outside, you may. City Palace charges 6,00,000 - 15,00,000 for the day of wedding while for events before and after it charges 2,00,000 to 4,00,000.  Serene Wedding Venue Rambagh Palace The hot burning sand of Rajasthan also offers you some most exquisite romance-drenched locations. The erstwhile, luxurious location of the rajas and maharajas of India also cater to the romantic starry night dream of any couple. The palace caters to the big and small functions of the city people as well as pan India. Couples from all over the world, come to this location to get married and make some beautiful moments here.  The Rambagh Palace has 79 rooms all together which serves all fat Indian weddings. All 79 rooms are catered under several venues in the Rambagh Palace. There are 10 venues in the exotic palace and they are named as the following,  Sunken lawn, Kesarbagh, Mughal Terrace, Jaigarh Hall, Mughal Terrace, Naksha Garden, Mubarak Mahal, Naksha Garden, Oriental Terrace, Panghat Lawn, Oriental Garden, Mughal Garden. Budget in Rambagh Palace The Rambagh Palace is much costlier than many other wedding locations in India. The budget in Rambagh Palace is much higher as it varies from 9,00,000 - 3 Crore. Decoration of the Rambagh Palace or the wedding venues is by the regular vendors of Rambagh Palace.  When you are planning for big weddings and destination wedding ideas, Rambagh Palace is the perfect place where you are getting all the modern amenities and decorations in the beautiful royal atmosphere. Romantic Wedding Venue Umaid Bhawan It is the 6th largest private residence in the world, this is the magnificent fort situated in Rajasthan, India. This is the Palace of Maharaj Umaid Singh and was built by his grandson. Umaid Bhawan is still the residence of the royal families and their descendants.  Nothing could be more majestic than this palace for a romantic wedding venue in India. The architecture of this palace is a mixture of eastern and western traditions, the finest and exquisite decor is found here. The Umaid Bhavan has six most beautiful wedding destinations for tying knots. Bricks of each of the venues speak the language of Rajasthan culture and tradition.  There are 3 indoor venues in Umaid Bhavan and 3 outdoor wedding venues.  Marwar Hall in Umaid Bhawan  It is said that the rajas and the maharajas used to host their private events in this section of the Umaid Bhawan. This is one of the indoor wedding venues in Umaid Bhawan. Now, the extravagant Marwar Hall of the Umaid Bhawan is open for all romantic weddings in India and it caters to mouth-watering Rajasthani and Continental buffet.  This banquet accommodates almost 100-180 guests in the indoor wedding section with all probable facilities. The modern decorations are making this one of the best destinations for weddings. Rathore Hall in Umaid Bhawan This place by looks has almost the same interior and decor as the Marwar Hall. Except for the fact that it is typically an old school with some Italian chandelier making the environment perfectly romantic.  The Rathore Hall accommodates almost the same amount of guests which ranges from 100-180 guests in the palace.  Chambers of Princes in Umaid Bhawan This is the comparatively indoor smaller wedding venue in the Umaid Bhawan, which accommodates 40 people in this section. Baradari Lawns in Umaid Bhawan This is one of the outdoor locations in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This location is right in front of the palace with the palace in the backdrop so that it gives the perfect feel of royalty. This is the largest outdoor wedding venue that accommodates 750 guests at a time. Lancer Lawn in Umaid Bhawan This lawn in Umaid Bhawan also arranges equal royalty and facility for the wedding and the guests at the wedding. This romantic location holds up to 350 guests here and the decor and the ambiance is perfectly amazing. Also, the royal wedding locations mean all the richness comes together in one single royal palace. Museum Courtyard in Umaid Bhawan This is also known as the Fountain Courtyard and is best for morning weddings. It accommodates up to 75 guests here in the outdoor wedding venue with all major royalty.  Budget in Umaid Bhawan While Umaid Bhawan is one of the most exquisite and luxurious palaces in the entire country, the room changes start from 50,000- 80,000.  While you can definitely customize your package, negotiate with your decor and wedding planners. Mostly Umaid Bhawan has its own personal decor vendor unless you want to hire from outside.  Umaid Bhawan perfectly portrays the richness and the culture and tradition of Rajasthan all together.  Wrapping Up! While concluding we would also like to tell you that there are two more beautiful wedding locations or palaces that can be chosen for the same purpose.  They are the Jai Mahal Palace, and the Taj Lake Palace, which are glorious. Make your big day very special by choosing the correct marriage location. If you liked our post then comment below and let us know if we can help you with some more details.  There are many exotic wedding locations scattered all over the world. Right from the dreamy castles in France to scenic desert weddings in Dubai, it all depends on your personal preferences. In the past few years, many exotic are being planned because of the great service being offered by the different vendors. If you want to fly in exotic tulips from Amsterdam, you can always get flower delivery Dubai to get it done for you without any hassles. Read Also: The Most Unique Wedding Venues In The UK Top 5 Unique Things To Do In Udaipur 7 Key Points Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip