India Travel Guide

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6 beautiful places to visit in India on July 2019

July is a month when the summer bids farewell and monsoon sets in. The temperatures start getting medium, and the land gets wet. While it means congestion, traffic, floods and puddles in urban cities, it is the time when nature comes to life in hill stations. It is also the time to convince your friends or family members for that much-awaited trip and go to the best tourist places in India which includes the mountains, tropical islands, beaches, and soak in nature.

If you are seeking to unravel a new destination in India, check out the following lists of the places to visit in India:

1)      Goa: It has to be the best place to be in the monsoons. Goa is surrounded by more than 20 shores. In July, the beaches are free of crowds and considered heaven in July. It turns into a wildlife sanctuary as birds hover the place and green flora brightens it. If you are looking for tourist activity during the monsoons, you can ride a bike along the by-lanes of Goa and head for a boat cruise on Mandovi river. 

2)      Ladakh: The third-highest mountain in the world, Ladakh is situated in Jammu and Kashmir. If you are an adventurous soul, then this is the place to be. At its peak, you will find a Buddhists monastery. Snow-capped mountains cover the region. Ladakh is famous for river-rafting, trekking, and of course, bike rides. Ladakh experiences bright sunshine from June to September. Another prominent tourist attraction is the Pangong lake. 

3)      Shillong: Also known as east Scotland and residence of the cloud, is one of the best tourist places in India during July. Despite the rainy season, Shillong attracts travellers owing to its beauty and wildlife. It is not too crowded as well. You can witness waterfalls, lake, and mountains if you head for a drive. The elephant waterfalls are enchanting. You must also visit the mountain peaks, and lat mam and mawjymbuim caves. 

4)      Coorg: A small hill station in Karnataka, is wrapped with coffee plantation and breath-taking views. The tourism season is at its peak in July, and during monsoons, nature spreads out its colours. Coorg is also famous for spices plantation and is ideal for nature lovers. 

5)      Valley of flowers: Hidden in the lap of the Himalayas in flowers. Not just a small portion but a valley. Many are unaware of this hidden gem. Imagine being surrounded by colourful and all types of flowers. You receive a smile from snowy hills. You will find this valley in the Uttarakhand region, which was declared a national park in 1982. 

6)      Udaipur: The lake city receives the lowest rainfall, making one of the places to visit in India. It is green, blue, and colourful during the monsoons. Sajangarh is the centre of attraction in July. Apart from the Pichola lake, you can head to Jag Mandir, Bangora Hawala, and Kumbalgarh fort which is few kilometres away from Udaipur.

Which place is already on your mind?

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10 haunted places in India you must know about

The curiosity to unravel the unknown has inspired people to travel across the world for centuries. These include those who have no worries exploring the haunted places as well. Others prefer to stay away. India, the land of untold stories, has many such sites. Check out this list of top 10 haunted places in India to see if you are daring enough to explore them:

1)      Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan: This abandoned town in Rajasthan is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in India. The fort doors are closed to visitors from sunset to sunrise. This is the time when the highest paranormal activity takes place. Supposedly, a priest who fell in love with a Princess was killed by the latter and before dying the priest cast a spell on the town. Now, it is inhabitable for everyone. People who did get into the fort have heard screeching voices of a woman.

2)      Delhi Cantonment: In the daytime, it is one of the most beautiful places to be in Delhi. But the night has a different tale to offer. The road leading through Delhi Cantonment has a ghostly hitchhiker who walks around aimlessly in all white clothing. The person waves to the passengers driving the car. Those who do give the person a ride is never to be seen again. Those who do not stop, have witnessed the person running parallel to the window matching the vehicle’s speed until they reach the border of Delhi Cantonment. 

3)      Dumas Beach, Surat: This black sand beach was one of the cremation centres in Surat. It is this history that gives the story an edge. People avoid Dumas beach by night as much as possible. People have heard spooky shrieks, whispers, and haunting sounds from the beach in the night. The spirits of the tormented souls run around. 

4)      Mukesh Mills, Mumbai: It is notoriously most haunted places in India. The mill was shut down after a massive fire in the 1980s. It is now a significant Bollywood shooting spot. Several stars and crew members have witnessed paranormal activity in the mill. Some have even sworn never to return to this place, while others wrap their work before sunset. 

5)      Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie: The haunted story began in 1911. A spiritualist was poisoned in the Savoy, and the mystery remains unsolved till date. Guests claim to have seen her spirit roam around the hotel and heard the echoes of her footsteps as well. Agatha Christie has mentioned it in her book. So did Ruskin Bond. 

6)      Ramoji Film City, Andhra Pradesh: India’s most renowned film city is also said to have spirits roaming the grounds and the hotel areas. Ramoji was built on a battlefield and are surrounded by the spirits of dead soldiers who are still active. 

7)      Raj Kiran Hotel, Lonavala: The hotel may be small, but is a full mystery box. People have experienced paranormal activities in specific rooms and areas. Bedsheets were pulled off, or they have woken up to a rare blue ray near their bed.

8)      Shaniwar Wada, Pune: This place is different entirely. A young boy screaming for help are heard by people in the night, especially during the full moon. A prince and his heir were killed in Shaniwar Wada. 

9)      Grand Paradi Towers, Mumbai: Another place from the city, making it to the top 10 haunted places in India is the Grand Paradi Towers. It is infamous for the suicide cases. In fact, the 8th floor remains sealed as some believe it is home of the spirits. Several Grand Paradi residents had to undergo counselling sessions.

10)    Dow Hill, West Bengal:

Terrifying ghosts reside in this small hill station in West Bengal. Many murders and accidents take place in this forest. The most common ghost found here is the headless boy, who roams the woods and follows people.

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5 sumptuous Hyderabadi delicacies to indulge the foodie in you

When you think about the Hyderabad, you think of three things; the Char Minar, Hyderabadi pearls and Hyderabadi cuisine, with the latter being a great source of inspiration for your travel to this enchanting city. There’s not a single Indian who does not relish a rich and flavourful Hyderabadi Biryani, served with raita and rasam. But you see when it comes to the cuisine of this city; there’s so much more than the lip-smacking biryani. So, the next time you’re here, make sure your sample these five authentic delicacies.

Dalcha: A delicious stew made with mutton, lentils, tamarind and fresh aromatic spices, Dalcha is Hyderabad’s take on the popular ‘Dhansak’ recipe championed by the Parsi community of India. The delicious recipe is also prepared in a ‘vegetarian version’, which includes a mix of vegetables with pumpkin replacing the meat. The fragrant stew is served with aromatic bagara rice, another Hyderabadi specialty prepared with long-grained basmati rice, spices and vegetables.

Paya: While you can eat paya at any Muslim restaurant across the country, no one does it justice like the city where it was first prepared. Paya is a popular delicacy, prepared especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Hooves of the goat or ‘paya’ have to be cleaned properly before they are cooked in a curry made of onions, tomatoes, garlic and ground spices. Paya is best eaten with appam or with crusty bread known as brun bread.

Mirchi ka Saalan: A recipe that has oodles of sweet and spicy flavours, the mirchi ka saalan is another import from Hyderabad that is relished across India. This hot pungent recipe is perfect for a cold winter’s day. Bursting with flavours that include mild green chillies, tamarind, unsweetened coconut and other spices, this dish is a perfect palette cleanser and should certainly be savoured with plain steamed rice.

Qubaani ka Meetha: For people with a sweet tooth and a love for dry fruits, the delicious Qubaani ka meetha, is the perfect hot dessert to be savoured after an authentic Hyderabadi meal. The dessert is prepared by boiling apricots into sugar syrup. It is then richly garnished with the finest dry fruits which include almonds, cashews, pistachios and dry figs. Generally served with fresh cream, you can also relish this delicious dessert with ice-cream, jelly or custard.

Osmania biscuits: When in Hyderabad, you should begin your day at an ‘Irani Chai’ restaurant and ask for a serving of Osmania biscuits to dip into your tea. Although not a ‘delicacy’ in the real sense of the term, Osmania biscuits are to Hyderabad as apple pies are to USA. They are served in every home in the city, available at all restaurants and a must-buy from all bakeries. In fact, it is a cardinal sin to come home from the city, without a few boxes of these biscuits.

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Fun, frolic festivals of Karnataka

Situated in the south-west of India, Karnataka is a land of heritage bearing the legacy of dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Vijayanagara Empire, Wodeyars, to name a few. The state harbours culture, adventure, archaeology, history, scenic views, human-made architectural marvels and dense forests. Being a multicultural society, Karnataka celebrates a wide variety of festivals, ceremonies and events. A rich plethora of culture and tradition, every festival in the state is full zeal, enthusiasm, and vigour. We bring you a list of few popular festivals that are celebrated in the state.

Hampi Festival: Celebrated in January, the architectural ruins of Hampi are brought back to life with this festival. Hampi was once the capital of the glorious Vijayanagar Empire. "Vijay Utsav" alias the Hampi festival is commemorated from the times of Vijayanagar reign. Today, the festival is organised and hosted by the Karnataka tourism ministry. The main attraction of the festival is Kannadigas dance, and the organisers try to bring back the charm of the bygone era through dance, music, drama and processions. The festival lasts for three days and on the last day is dedicated to a spectacular Jumbo Savari or an elephant march. Kambala Festival: Initiated by the farmers of Karnataka, in this festival pairs of buffaloes are groomed and are competed against each other for the prize money. On the first day, a parade of participating farmers and buffaloes is prepared, and soon the race begins. There are different beliefs associated with the origin of the festival.

Pattadakal / Chalukya Dance Festival: “Pattadakkal” temples of Karnataka are deemed as the world heritage sites. Constructed between the 7th and 8th century, the Pattadakkal group of temples provides the perfect venue for the dance festival. The purpose of the festival is to bring together local artists and celebrate their art on the international stage. Extravagant dances take place against the backdrop of 10 beautifully carved Pattadakkal temples. The festival is a treat not only for the dance lovers also for artisans and craftsmen.

Mahamastakabhisheka:

Celebrated in every 12 years, Mahamastakabhisheka is a famous Jain festival. Millions of pilgrimages make their way to Gomateshwara temple to participate in the celebration. During the festival, the grand statue of Gomateshwara is bathed and anointed with milk, saffron paste and dusted with powders of turmeric, sandalwood, and vermilion. 

Godachi Fair: Godachi Fair is a remarkable festival that takes place in the first month of Kartik. The fair is located in a small village of Ramdurg Taluk of Belgaum district. The feast is observed in the honor of Shri Veerbhadra, the chief god in the Veerbhadra temple. A fair is organised every year by Karnataka Tourism featuring food stalls, rides, games, traditional celebrations, etc.

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Bonjour Pondicherry! Here are some of the popular places to visit when in the French quarters of India

Walking past old French villas while sipping on lemonade and munching on finger food is certainly on every traveller's checklist. But often, plans fail due to various reasons. Luckily for us, we have something that gives us the feeling of being in France, despite not being there. Pondicherry is that city that has remnants of the French heritage with a touch of Indian culture. From the many quaint French villas, to the beaches and Churches, this city is a mix of contemporary and colonial. Here are some of the best places to visit in Pondicherry.

1.      The Promenade

Also known as the Goubert Avenue, the Promenade is designed in a French style with swaying palm trees surrounding it. A favourite spot for joggers as well as morning walkers, this place is one that is calm and refreshing during the early mornings. For those who prefer the hustle and bustle, this place is full of activity in the evenings as that is when the bazaar opens.

2.      Auroville

The experimental and strategically planned township designed by popular architect Roger Anger is one that aims to develop India with its idea of peaceful co-existence. Referred to as the City of Dawn, and named after Sri Aurobindo, this is one of the best places for those who want to learn about spirituality and India. It also houses the Matrimandir, which has a 56-kilogram gold dome on the building and it is quite a sight, really!

3.      Chunnambar Boathouse

Popularly known for its backwaters, Chunnambar is one of the lesser known places to visit in Pondicherry. This gives tourists the opportunity to reside in boathouses on the river that are driven by oarsmen. The boathouses are glorious and even have bedrooms, balconies and decks - Luxury in the midst of nature! And for those adventurous souls, the river also has a number of water sports like river rafting, zip lining and more, that make for the perfect activities.

4.      The Old Lighthouse

Constructed back in the 19th century by the French, this is one of the most important pieces of architecture in the city. Once upon a time, it showed the path to shops on the sea but is not almost abandoned. It is an interesting spot for photographers as the view from top is spectacular. And for thrill seekers and horror lovers, this place doesn’t disappoint! There are quite a few myths of the place being haunted by old French men, so beware!

5.      Rock Beach

A trip to Pondi is incomplete without a visit to this infamous beach. A popular shoot location for numerous Hindi as well as regional language films, this is one of the main places to visit in Pondicherry for a pleasant stroll on the beach while the sea splashes on your feet!

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Top Places to Visit in Pondicherry

What comes to your mind when you think of Pondicherry? It is the French architecture, the beautiful temples, churches or the seafront promenades? Well, it is everything and will definitely excite you. Though a small town, Pondicherry is a fascinating place to be. It can charm its visitors at one go. It is one of the popular destinations for people who are seeking enlightenment. Apart from this, Pondicherry is also home to some beautiful beaches. Like the beaches here are not that crowded; people can indulge in a number of water sports like canoeing, swimming and kayaking. If you are visiting this small town for the first time, here are some of the top places to visit in Pondicherry:

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden in Pondicherry is one of the top unmissable attraction. It features a large aquarium with ornamental fishes, six beautiful fountains, fascinating children’s train, Japanese rock, dancing fountain and more. The botanical garden was established in 1826 by C.S. Perrotet; this 22-acre park is filled with tourists and locals from all over. This park is filled with more than 1500 species of plants which are indigenous to the region while some are brought from other parts of the world. To help tourists and locals understand the flora, every plant or tree is labelled with scientific and locally called names. While you are here, do be a part of the musical fountain show that is organized twice in the evening.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Another top place that cannot be missed when you are in Pondicherry is Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa in 1926, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the most visited places in Pondicherry. While you are here, do make it a point to visit the library and the crafts centre that makes everything from Ayurvedic medicines to perfumes. You can also buy the pretty and hand-crafted papier mâché dolls. Do not miss the mouthwatering pizzas at Pizza D’Auro. The cafeteria in the ashram serves some delicious meals and desserts.

Pondicherry Museum

If you are someone who is into history, then do make it a point to visit the famous Pondicherry Museum. It has a wonderful collection of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement, handicrafts, sculptures, and items from the French colonial time. It majorly includes coins, furniture and more.

Auroville

Next up in line is Auroville that cannot be missed when you are here in Pondicherry. Founded by Mirra Alfassa was also known as ‘The Mother’ in the year 1968, Auroville witnesses’ tourists and locals all the year round. It is an experimental township. It is a must-visit attraction and is designed by the famous architect Roger Anger. This is one place where you will find people with different cultures, nationalities and beliefs live together in harmony.

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Have You Been to These 4 Popular Places in Pondicherry?

Pondicherry has historical connections to French culture, earlier serving as a base to French Settlement within India. French culture and art have seeped into Pondicherry in such a way that even till this day you will find influences in architecture, culture, and cuisine of course. Added to that is the fact that Pondicherry is a coastal city replete with beaches, parks and lovely promenades. As your trip to Pondicherry approaches nearer, have you made a list of the places you must see? No? Here, is a list of four best places to visit in Pondicherry that should get you started.

1.  Paradise Beach - Paradise Beach, as the name rightly suggests, is nothing short of paradise on earth. This beach is taken care of really well, giving great attention to detail. There are a number of benefits on offer for tourists such as the option to take a shower, to rest, to relax with a cup of beverage and also eat away to heart’s glory. People who are visiting this beach in a group can also take part in a game of volleyball. The wide expanse of blue sky, the sound of coconut trees rustling in the background and the whole romantic feel of the beach would completely relax your entire mind all the way to your soul.

2.  Sri Aurobindo Ashram - The Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry draws a lot of attraction every year. The Ashram is a good 5 kms from the city of Pondicherry and is a popular tourist attraction. The Ashram was established in the 20th century by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa. Within the Ashram you will find the mausoleum and a library. In order to be allowed into the library, tourists and visitors will need to get hold of a pass.

3.  Pondicherry Museum - This museum has a gigantic corpus of art and architecture gathered from cultures around the world. The museum is a must for history enthusiasts as well as art connoisseurs. When you leave the Pondicherry museum you are guaranteed to feel a lot more enriched.

4.  Auroville Ashram - Auroville Ashram has been designed by the Architect, Roger Anger. It is an experimental township built on the idea of peaceful co-existence, to create an environment where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds can all live in harmony. The township has been named as ‘City of Dawn’. This is a good place to learn about India and the richness of its spiritual history. Amidst all the rush of sightseeing if you want to take some time off and try a bit of soul-searching instead, then this is one of the best places to visit in Pondicherry

The beauty and the number of sightseeing places in this quaint city are not limited to this list. This article as stated above, lists only a few of the best places to visit in Pondicherry. To find out more about this enticing city, visit it!

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A Travelers Guide to Help you make the Most of Your North India

India is a vast country which should feature on every travel enthusiast’s list. For travellers coming to India, the country can be either too overwhelming, or they will love the chaos and frenzy. However, travellers should start with the northern part of the country. The population of Northern India mostly consists of Punjabis, Haryanvi’s, Rajput’s and Jats. The region has a mixed topography and climate. There are numerous and varied places to visit within North India that includes mountains, deserts and hills. If you are planning to visit the North India, do make use of a thorough travel guide that ensures you make the most of your North India tour. Top places in North India include:

Delhi

India’s capital city is also a union territory and shares its borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. It’s filled with monuments, landscape gardens and forts that have beautiful architecture and a rich past. Old Delhi is famous for Chandni Chowk, which is a highly congested and populated area and you get everything from spices to jewellery to perfumes and clothes. The New Delhi or Lutyen’s Delhi includes British architecture and buildings and angular streets which stand in sharp contrast to the Old. Among the famous heritages are the Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

Agra

The city is situated on the banks of river Yamuna, in UP and is very close to Delhi. Agra also has many monumental structures, the most famous being the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal which is included in the Seven Wonders was erected by Shah Jahan for his beloved Begum Mumtaz Mahal. The city is also famous for its leather works which can be bought directly from leather workshops at lower prices. While many know Agra for Taj Mahal, a travel guide is all you need to explore the unexplored destinations of this beautiful destination.

Amritsar

Amritsar is situated in Punjab and was named after the lake founded by the fourth guru, Guru Ram Das. It is also a pilgrimage site, as the famous Golden Temple is located in the city and it attracts many Sikh and non-Sikh pilgrims throughout the year. The main temple which is Harmandir Sahib is made of pure gold and is surrounded by a man-made lake.

Kullu, Manali and Shimla

The panoramic Himachal Pradesh has varied places for the tourist to explore. The three major tourist destinations Kullu, Manali and Shimla attract both Indian and non-Indian travellers. Shimla has many shopping centres, and Kullu and Manali offer a wide range of adventure sports to travellers.

Leh and Ladakh

A North Indian trip cannot be complete without venturing into the rugged terrain of Leh and Ladakh. Ladakh is located in the state of Jammu Kashmir, and the largest town is Leh. The region is sparsely populated which includes mostly Shia Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists. The region is famous for bikers and trekkers.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest state of India, bordering on Pakistan. Its capital city is Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’. Other famous cities include Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Ajmer. Rajasthan is famous for its grand forts and palaces. The most famous being the Chittor fort, Mehrgarh fort and also the Udaipur Lake. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the domestic product of the state. Many forts and palaces have been converted into heritage hotels.

The top places in North India should be experienced at least once during your lifetime! Do not forget to get yourself a travel guide to make the most of your tour.

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Kochi Travel: What you need to know about this city!

Kochi is truly a bustling port town with lovely artwork, tasty coastal cuisine and a rich history. If you want to de-stress yourself and have a relaxing vacation, you should travel to Kochi and relish the lovely scenic beauty and the pleasant climate this place has to offer. Famous monuments like Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church should be on your bucket list while planning a trip to Kochi. You can also visit Hill Palace and the Centre for Heritage Studies which was the home of Kochi royal family once upon a time. Other places where you can go for sightseeing are the Cheraman Juma Masjid and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.

Places to visit under Kochi travel guide: -

The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda

If you like travelling outdoors and experiencing nature, then this is the best place for you to be. You can go on a backwater cruise for two nights along the beautiful lake Vembanad atop Oberoi’s Motor Vessel Vrinda. All the meals are prepared on board by the considerate chef, keeping everyone’s personal preferences in mind. You can also go on a fun rice boat excursion.

Cinnamon

This is a lifestyle design store which offers the best shopping experience to shoppers. You can find fusion collections and also a huge variety of clothes ranging from trendy to traditional. There are designs on sale from leading names such as Alecca, Vivek Narang, Prao, Rasa and Salt. Apart from designer wears, old textile goods are also sold here. Jewellery collections contain antique pieces along with contemporary designs. The best part about Cinnamon is that it has a tapas bar and a courtyard cafe with its pristine space.

Nimmy-Paul’s cooking classes

Nimmy and Paul have kept South Indian cooking traditions alive all thanks to their hospitality service which gives an essence of at home services. This couple offers a lot of experiences such as teaching guests about coastal cuisine to eating and staying services available in their home. This place is a must visit under the Kochi travel guide if you are fond of food.

Kashi Art Gallery and Art Cafe

This cafe was founded by Dorrie Younger and Anoop Skaria. It is a lovely space which is designed to cater to all forms of contemporary art. This gallery offers a three-month residency programme for all artists including Indian and international artists. Kashi Art Gallery has successfully made Kochi the new art district of India.

David Hall Gallery & Cafe

This place is housed in a lovely Dutch bungalow and showcases art by young artists. It also consists of a cafe which has film screenings, performing arts and live music. This place is very vibrant and shows what Kerala has to offer culturally.

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Travel Guide: 5 Reasons it is important!

Are you planning a vacation to a place that you have never visited before? Are you unsure of the spots that you should visit while you are there? Then hiring a travel guide may be your best solution. These guides are distinctly familiar with your holiday destinations and are often residents of that place.

Here is a look at some of the reasons why a travel guide is of the utmost importance to you when you visit a foreign country or any region you are not familiar with.

1.      Visiting important tourist spots

Suppose you are visiting Paris for the first time. You may be aware of some of the iconic places that you need to see while staying in the city. However, a good travel guide will take you to lesser known but just as beautiful tourist spots in Paris. If the guide were not present to help you, you would have missed so many of these spots.

2.      Help with communication

In many cases, the individuals residing in the places where you visit may not be familiar with the languages that you speak. Under such circumstances, it becomes very difficult to communicate with them and ask for help if you need to. However, with a guide, you do not have to worry about anything. These guides are often fluent n the local languages and can act as a translator between you and a third-party.

3.      Transportation and itinerary

The travel guides can judge the best means of transport and the schedule you need to follow if you want to see all of the major tourist points in a particular place. They can also make these plans in such a way that the vacation never becomes too hectic. Acquiring suitable transportation can also become a hassle if you are in a foreign country for the first time. Guides can not only book these transportations but also select a vehicle most suitable for the trip.

4.      Trying delicacies

A vacation is as much about experiencing different cultures as it is about visiting new places. People like to enjoy the local delicacies when they visit that place. A guide can be quite helpful in this as well since he can direct you to the best eateries and restaurants in town.

5.      Learning the history of places

Visiting a place all by yourself can be a bland experience. However, a guide can provide additional information regarding the spots visited and the history behind them. These small stories can be quite interesting and can give you a different perspective on the location in question.

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A Guide to off-beat destinations in Kerala!

Kerala is titled as “God’s own country” and done rightly so. Known for being one of the most beautiful states in India, it is imperative to visit Kerala and its attractions. But what happens when you’ve already visited the quintessential spots like Munnar, Kovalam and Thekkady?

Kerala has more to it than these places; there are several offbeat destinations in Kerala that are comparatively rarer among tourists.

Here is a list of unchartered territories that no travel guide will provide you with

Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom

Vembanad Lake has been left widely unexplored by most of the tourists unfairly, as it is indeed absolutely beautiful. The algae rich green lake is actually India’s longest lake. Vembanad Lake is the biggest source of surface fresh-water. A hindrance obstructs the intrusion of the sea-waters. It segregates the lake into areas of brackish waters and fresh water. There are several things to do in the Village of Vembanad Lake such as snake boat races or spend your hours watching the birds at the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. However, the best activity in Vembanad is definitely cruising in a boat-house on a relaxing, lazy day.

Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad

The UNESCO world heritage site is a surprisingly quiet area and is not common amongst tourists just like the previous destination on our list. It is indeed one of Kerala’s loveliest kept secrets. It is one of the places in India with the richest amount of endangered animals. Nature walks and bird watching are some of the activities that you can do as you take a stroll around the lush park. This park is truly one of a kind.

Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam is an offbeat destination in Kerala that attracts only the most ardent of nature lovers. Tucked away 3200 feet away in the foggy Wayanad, this place is an ideal place for a lovely, calm picnic with your friends or family. Beyond the dam, there is a beautiful, scenic view of the Banasura hills in the backdrop which is sure to take your breath away. There are several fun things you can do in the vicinity of the Banasura Sagar Dam, such as speedboat and pedal boat activities, or quietly watching exotic and endangered birds chirp and play around. However, trekking to the great Banasura Peak is the most recommended activity by far. Relish the view on the top of the mountains, and you will be greeted with the fresh breeze all around you.

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Best Restaurants in Chennai: Top 5 You Must Visit

If you think there's not much more than dosa and filter coffee to the dining scene in Chennai, you, my friend, are wrong. While idli-dosa can never go out of style in the capital of the southern-most state of India, Chennai has a multi-cultural food palette that has something to offer to everyone. Are you a glutton and love to gorge on different cuisines? Then, go ahead and read about the top 5 best restaurants in Chennai that you must visit during your next outing.

GoGo Ramen

Fitness has almost become a lifestyle trend and the healthy yet tasty Japanese cuisine has become its biggest supplement. So, all fitness freaks in Chennai must visit GoGo Ramen, the only Ramen bar in India. If you visit this authentic Japanese restaurant, do order their signature pork ramen (grilled chicken and vegetarian versions of the same are also available), the Gua Bao (Taiwanese braised pork belly buns), the Gyoza (pot sticker) wrappers, and then have their cold barley tea to wash it all down.

Ciclo Café

There are certain restaurants that will win your heart with the stunning interiors and cool ambience the moment you step foot. Ciclo Café, with its offbeat cycling theme, is certainly one of them. The two-storey café has a cycle spa and a retail zone for high-end cycle brands. There are chandeliers made from cycle chains, table legs made of cycle parts and various other décor items, all made from some part or the other of a cycle. Sip on the excellent coffee and gorge on the delicious quiches at this uniquely designed café.  

Winter Palace

This fine-dining Russian Restaurant, with its Italian baroque architecture in soothing whites and blues, looks straight out of a postcard. This restaurant is versatile enough for enjoying both working lunches and family luncheons. When here, make sure you devour the delicious Piroshki (little meat pies), the trademark Russian Blinis (crepe-like pockets oozing with honey, sour cream or ice-cream), various Russian dumplings and some of the best salted fish.

Shiraz Art Café

The Shiraz Art Café, at Neelankarai beach, offers some of the best Irani fare ever. The Ghalieeh Mahi Fish and the Bademjan, two of the most popular dishes here, are simply lip-smacking. And if you are one who's never satisfied with having a little bit of good food, then there is Shiraz's Sunday brunch, a massive buffet of home-style Irani cooking.

Annalakshmi

This is one of the best restaurants in Chennai to satisfy your urge for the traditional vegetarian fare of Tamil Nadu. The vegetarian thali is one of the most frequently ordered item here. Annalakshmi also offers a diverse a la carte menu.

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India's First Hyperloop Train Coming Up In Andhra Pradesh | CNT India

First Hyperloop train in India will be running from Vijayawada to Amaravati in just 6 minutes. Read more about India’s first Hyperloop at CNT India.

[sengaurava-blog]

First Look of this luxury hotel in Lucknow | CNT India

Uttar Pradesh’s capital city sees the launch of its biggest chain hotel yet

Hyatt group in Lucknow - The Hyatt group of hotels opens a Hyatt Regency the new luxury hotel in Lucknow. Check out what Hyatt regency Lucknow has to offer at CNT India

[sengaurava-blog]

How To Pack Wine In Your Suitcase | CNT India

Googling how to successfully pack a wine bottle in your suitcase? Check out this time saving article on how to pack a wine bottle in luggage at CNT India.

[sengaurava-blog]

The All New Toyota Corolla Altis Is Your Perfect Travel Buddy | CNT India

This car will drive you places

Toyota has launched the latest model of Toyota Corolla Altis 2017 at a very competitive price. Check out the features, specification & price of Toyota Corolla Altis at CNT India.

[sengaurava-blog]

The Shangri La Hotel Now Opened In Colombo | CNT India

It's now taking reservations

The Shangri La hotel, luxury hotel chain group has now opened its new luxury hotel in Colombo. Here's what Shangri  La hotel in Colombo has to offer at CNT India.