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Author: Shahid Hasan

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India Tourist Attractions Travel Tips

Mumbai – Capture it within 24 hours

The Gateway of India

It is not fair to visit Mumbai the commercial capital of India in a single day. However, tourists who are under time pressure can make the visit of this exotic city somewhat a success if they plan properly. The pleasant view of the morning sea shore, roadside sweet and snack stalls, A to Z markets with bargains, high class cafes and the nightlife of the city – everything can be captured to get a memorable experience.

Bandra – Ideal place to spend your dawn

Bandra Worli sealink

Bandra is famous for the 200 years old traditional colonial houses with big church crosses on their top. The walls are decorated with drapes of urban art in weird colors to give a charming look. Tasting the hot morning mud pot ‘chai’ and taking a fresh breath of the aroma of the baked blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls and breads from the A one Bakery on the Hill road are the specialty in Bandra. The morning breakfast can be done with omelets, bacon, pancakes and many more in the salt water café at the junction of the Lilavati Hospital. The Carter Road along the sea is very much familiar for the people who go for the morning jog and walk.

Dharavi – The World’s largest slum area

Garbage dumpin at Dharavi

Till the mid of the day, you can visit Dharavi, the place of world’s largest slum. The visit to Dharavi will bring before your eyes, the world’s famous film, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. More collectively the streets of Dharavi are filled with small slum area houses, workshops, small businesses and leather tanneries. The shopping spot for the leather goods from the tanneries of Dharavi is the narrow streets near Sion Bandra Link Road. Vada Pao is an important and famous item to have in between the daytime snacks. It is the spicy potato cutlet filling in between the huge sized buns which is very famous for the mid morning road side snacks of the people of Mumbai.

Visit to Washer Men’ Colony

washer men colony

A fleet of white clothes with the smell of detergent is the main identity of Washer men Colony near Mahalakshmi Railway station. This place is where the city’s laundry service is done. The huge washing stones and the array of wide variety of white clothes washed, dried and neatly ironed is the landmark of this area.  The workers of this washer men colony help most of the hotels in Mumbai to get their hotels bedclothes and their guest clothes washed maintained more cleanly and neatly.

Another interesting thing of importance in this area is the Dabbawalas which you can see at the time of 11 A.M. They are the gathering of men with huge different colored and coded lunch boxes prepared and packed readily to deliver them to thousands of people working in the nearby offices and this is another source of work for this area people.

The Chor Bazaar:

Apart from the regular market, sells the theft articles in an open market regularly on every Friday from 4.30 A.M. The other goods sold here includes the oriental arts and craft products, old furniture’s, vehicle spare parts,  posters and personal items of Bollywood film stars etc. Only the people with good bargaining capacity can fetch more articles at profitable values.

The Gateway of India

The Gateway of India

This monument of historic importance and Mumbai’s identity was built by the British and is the most attractive place to visit. The other interesting places to visit are the fort area with buildings in colonial style, Jahangir art gallery, Marine Drive etc.

The evening walk along the marine drive, the interesting spot of the city is a memorable one. The entire view of the marine drive will be in the shape of the moon when viewed from the roof top of the intercontinental restaurant ‘Dome’.

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India Tourist Attractions

Wonders of Wonderful India

India is a country full with both natural and of man-made wonders. Each small village has something wonderful to offer to the humanity that when you count the list it will be miles long. However, here are some man made wonders from India for you to guide while visiting the country.

Taj Mahal

Taj mahal india

The first on the list and the ultimate wonder of India is Taj Mahal built on the banks of Yamuna by the emperor Shah Jahan. Words cannot express the beauty and photos cannot show you the reality.  Only through personal visit one can understand the sacrifice behind the building and can enjoy the beauty.  It is one of the UNESCO world heritages from 1983. It is the master piece of Mughal architecture.

The Golden TempleThe Golden Temple

This is the most sacred temple of the Sikhs, situated in Amritsar, Punjab state of India. It stands as the symbol for Sikh freedom independence all through the world. The beautiful carved doors of this Golden Temple take you to a bridge that leads to the main building. This is dedicated for Sri Harmindar Sahib. The building is over 21 feet wide and 200 feet long. The pool that surrounds the temple was created by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of Sikhs.

Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery

This is considered as the strangest among the wonders of India.  It has been constructed at an altitude of 10,000 feet in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The monastery acts as the center for Buddhism and for Buddhist cultural studies.  The total building contains of three floors sprawling around 140 sq. meters. The Golden Buddha statue which is about 8.3 meters height at the center of the monastery is the great attraction.  Around 70 residential buildings belong to this monastery.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer fort

This fort occupies most of the city Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Located at Thar Desert, this fort has witnessed many battles between kings of Rajasthan. The other name of this fort is Golden Fort.

This majestic wonder of India is so large that during the battles the whole population of the city lived inside. As a new comer, you can go round the walls of the fort and get lost without able to find the main entrance. Such is its massive size. You can also view hundreds of miles around the fort by standing on top of the fort. Pakistan borders can also be seen easily.  It was originally a sandstone building built in 1156 AD on the hills of Trikata. Sadly now the fort is at the collapsing stage.

Red Fort

Red Fort Delhi

This is a must see wonder of India. It is at the capital city of Delhi, India. The highest point of this fort is 33 meters in height and the minimum is 16 meters. The total stretch of the wall is 2.5 km. The Mughal emperor Shah Jaghan built it in 1639 AD. This is the most impressive one among all other forts of India.

Red Fort of New Delhi has the special honor that on 15th August of every Independence Day, the prime minister of India will host the Indian flag from its top.

Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple

From 65 kms of Bhubaneswar, capital of Orissa in India and from 35 kms of the seaside town Puri, the Sun Temple stands as one of the religious wonders of India. The design of the temple is a marvelous one that any tourist who visits India must not miss the Temple.

The whole temple is designed as a massive chariot. Seven horses and 24 wheels each with 11 feet diameter make it a complete picture of grandeur. The temple is built to represent the God Surya, the Sun.  This is also a UNESCO world heritage center.

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India Tourist Attractions Travel Tips

How to plan your first trek in the Himalayas

Himalayas trekking tips

Are you passionate about exploring the forbidden paths of Himalayas and do not know where to start from? Here are some helpful suggestions for your planning and tips for your trekking.

Planning:

  • Ideal Itinerary:  In case you are interested in monasteries and to visit the historically important places and the mountain passes, then you need to start from little Tibet or ‘Ladak’. In case you want to trek among the forest areas then start from Sikkim. Suppose you want to view the spectacular mountains then you can start from Garhwal, the little trekked trails.Allow extra days for the unexpected things like bad weather, non cooperating porters, village festivals or celebrations and to enjoy the beauty of the campsite.
  • Calculate Budget: For independent trekkers, the cost of food, transportation, accommodation, guide and porters must be arrived at and you must set your budget doubly as you already calculated. This will meet with your unexpected expenses. In case you are going for trek with an agency then you need to keep money for tips, usually 10% of the budget, and for your personal things.
  • Decide the time: The ideal trekking season in Himalayas is between March and June. However, you need to be on guard regarding the weather all through the trip because even experienced trekking people cannot judge the weather pattern of Himalayas. It is so much changing. The period between November and March is very cold and it is better to start from Nepal during this season. Avoid July to August since there will be heavy rains.
  • Safety and security: Do not forget to read your acclimatization and rely more on the local guides than on the GPS. There is no permanent detailed map since everything will be changing quite often.
  • Final Checking of the gear: Your trekking gear need not be a fashionable one but definitely a practical and functional one. Check whether they are sufficiently sturdy to withstand the rough weather and see everything is proper. Taking your own sleeping mat, tent and sleeping bag will be better.

Tips to your trekking

  • Positive mindset: The right frame of mind set has equal importance like planning. Disturbed emotions will spoil everything. You need to be calm and collective and must possess a strong positive mental attitude. ‘Short steps, deep breaths,’ is the success slogan for the trekking expedition.
  • Protect your gear: Take your trekking gear in a strong kitbag. You will be in contact with bushes, thorns, rocks and so your gear must be in highly protected mode. Even handling your cameras will be a tempting thing but it is better to avoid using the cameras during the dusty trials.
  • Must carry things:  Water, wind proof jacket, dry pair of socks, spare sun hats, and separate stuff bags along with umbrella are must carry things
  • Polite manners: Be polite with the local people and address them with a salaam. Always be courteous and be on friendly terms with them. Show your family photos to them to make them feel important. Take photographs of them only after asking permission since at some remote places it may be considered as an offence.
  • Be eco-friendly: Polluting the water sources and enjoying with wood fires are to be avoided. Even though the place is far away from home it will definitely affect the eco balance.  Clear the camp sites and keep the places clean.
  • Medical Side: Always bring the essential medications with you. Take care of yourself well. However do not treat the local people unless there is an emergency. They have their own ways to look after them. Your care may do them harm.
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Agra Attractions

Beautiful Buildings of the World

Man has built beautiful buildings from the time immemorial. Many of them stand as testimonials to his intelligence, creativity and to his sublime nature. Taj Mahl is one of them. Let us see some beautiful creations of man.

Museo Guggenheim, Spain

This building in Bilbao, Northern Spain built by Frank Gehry was opened in 1997 stands as an example of modern architecture. The most influential and striking in looking building is built with a unique and wonderful design concept.  The blocks are interconnected with one another and the walls look like titanium sheets producing an impression of loosely let ribbon into the saucer like curves.

Potato Palace, Tibet

As the winter seat of Dalai Lama and the former seat of Tibetan Government, this building is located on the top of the city Lhasa. The entire building has 13 storey height designed like a Buddhist temple Gompa. This has more than thousands of rooms. It is been built around 7th Century AD. Now it is the state museum of China and is one of the world heritage centers.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt

The greatest library of the millennium is designed and constructed in 2002 at the inspiration from the old Alexandrina library of 3rd century BC. This modern library now is situated between the mysterious pyramids and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The look of the building is like a great giant discus and its vast rotunda space has the capacity to hold 8 million books. It is really a second sun rising grandly besides the Mediterranean.

Sagrada Familia, Spain

An extraordinary church born in the mind of the great designer Antoni Gaudi. The towers of this church are like the straightened arms of an octopus.  This church was started in 1882 and was still an incomplete building. The tallest tower is the Jesus Christ. It has three facades with 18 towers in total. There is a plan to complete it before 2026 which is the 100teh anniversary of Antoni Gaudi.

Taj Mahal, India

The most romantic building on earth, the’ Taj Mahal’ is on the banks of the river in Agra, near New Delhi India. As described by the great poet Rabindranath Tagore it is a ‘tear drop on the face of eternity’. This beautiful building was built by Shah Jahan in memorial of his wife Mumtaz.  It was entirely built in white marble most beautifully designed and constructed stands as an epitome of true love. The whilte marbled building seen at the background of the moonlit river throws out different types of views each time competing with the previous view.

side view of taj mahal

 

Imam Mosque, Iran

A building covered with pale blue and yellow ceramic tiles has its main dome at 54 m height, built in the period from 1502 to 1772. It has been erected so as to face the side of Mecca. This building of tiles was built by Esfahan now remains as the world’s largest square. The unique feature of the building is the changing of its tiles color according to the light conditions.

Crac des Chevaliers, Syria

Syria’s hilltop crusader fortress is the ‘finest castle in the world’. It is 800 years old but this building is as tight as Midas fist. It is a medieval castle. The outer walls are parted by a rock moat from the inner structures. Inside of this castle there is a mini town consisting chapel, great hall and baths. If at all there is a sign of aging then it is the sign of vegetation that grows on the wall.

Winter Palace of Russia, Museu Oscar Niemeyer of Brazil and Aya Soyfa of Turkey will complete this list of beautiful buildings of the world.

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Rajasthan Attracations

Explore the Fulfilled Rajasthan Tour

If you are one of those, who have never made a visit to Rajasthan, its time you make one. This place is very famous among the tourists, as it offers a lot of beautiful places when you can spend good time. Famous for its palaces, forts, deserts and more such royal things, the tour of this state can prove to be a fun filled activity.

Situated in north India, Rajasthan has always been a center of attraction, which tourists Rajasthan Toursfrom all over the world coming here. The palaces and forts here are a feast to the eyes of people who are fond of historical beauty. Specifically talking about the international tourists, they fall in love with the scenic beauty of the place. With attractions like temple tour, wildlife tour, Haveli tour, historical tour, and more, you have ample of places to see in this state. But which are the main cities of Rajasthan that are worth exploring? Mentioned below list will be a guide in your tour:

1) Jaipur: Jaipur is also famous as the Pink City of India, and is comprised of a number of well maintained sculptures. One can be mesmerized with its royalty and the architecture displayed in palaces. Places to gauge on in this city are City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh Forts, Albert Hall, and more.

2) Jodhpur: This eastern part of Rajasthan is half desert, but is a place of attraction because of its ancient temples, beautiful forts, and sand dunes. People from all parts of the world come here and relish the leather products, handicrafts, and more such things. Among the forts, you can explore the Mehargarh Fort, Jaswant Thapa Memorial, and more. The kite festival that is organized here each year is something worth enjoying.

3) Jaisalmer: The Thar Desert is spread across a wide area of Rajasthan, and Jaisalmer is counted in the same. This place is a must visit for all those who want to have a feel of village life, and want to explore the Thar Desert should come to this place. Desserts are still considered an attraction when it comes to deciding on a place to visit. The beautiful sand dunes make it a place to visit. Other things that are a must watch here are the Jaisalmer Fort, Desert National Park, and more such places.

4) Udaipur: This is one city of Rajasthan which is home to many lakes. These are the real attraction of the city, which is why Udaipur is known as the Venice of Rajasthan. Also popular as the City of Lakes, Udaipur attracts innumerable tourists from all over the world. People chose it as a perfect wedding destination because of the beautiful monuments if offers. All such things have made Udaipur a famous tourist destination.

Apart from all the above mentioned places, there are many more places that are home to a number of attractions for the tourists. Not only the cities, even the villages are famous here for shooting many famous programs that are aired on the TV. All you need to do is to get the best tourism package, so that you can enjoy your journey to the fullest. The internet is the best medium here, from where you can know of their price, and other important things.

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