Travel - Best Places of Interest

February 22, 2019 Travel, Within India

Highlights of itineraries of Deccan Odyssey

What are the Itineraries Highlights of Deccan Odyssey?

Deccan Odyssey is tagged as the blue limo on wheels. It stands up to its name with the long list of amenities, superlative services and royal hospitality. The train does not just moves around through iconic attractions of the land. It focuses on giving you a taste of every slice of India, as much as possible. For this, the train has six unique itineraries.

Are you confused about choosing one among those?

Here are the highlights of each itinerary of Deccan Odyssey.

1. Maharashtra Splendor

Cost Of Ticket – From USD 6,100 per cabin

Destinations – Nashik, Ajanta and Ellora caves, Kolhaur, Goa and Sindhudurg

Starting and Ending Point – Mumbai

Duration – 8 days and seven nights

Ajanta Ellora, Maharashtra Splendor, Deccan Odyssey — Ajanta Ellora, Maharashtra Splendor

This itinerary will take you through the colourful side of the country, covering pilgrimage sites, party destinations, heritage locations and most importantly the wine capital of the land. You get to explore the heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves, history of Kolhapur and seek blessings at many ancient temples. To understand the culture of the land, you will witness several rituals. This trip provides equal importance to the natural beauty by adding a vineyard trip in Nashik and the Konkan Coast stroll.

Choose winter Deccan Odyssey departure dates to enjoy nature is the most beautiful level.

2. Indian Odyssey

Cost Of Ticket – From USD 6,100 per cabin

Destinations – Sawai Madhopur, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Aurangabad and Ellora Caves

Starting and Ending Point – New Delhi and Mumbai

Duration – 8 days and seven nights

This trip covers the two main cities of Golden Triangle, Agra and Jaipur. Along with these heritage sites, it takes you through the natural beauty of Sawai Madhopur and an architectural paradise of Ellora. You get to enjoy the culture of the land at Jaipur, Udaipur and Agra. The historic lands of Aurangabad and Vadodara are the best to experience raw India.

Difference between Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina and Creek

If you want to choose between Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina and Creek, you must go through this detailed post. Dubai Creek and Marina are one of the favourite tourist spots and people love spending their time there.

Dhow cruise is a popular activity and is available in Dubai Creek and Marina both. A dhow cruise is a traditional Arabic boat with an upper deck and lower deck and serves as a floating restaurant in the Creek and Marina. However, before you choose a Dhow cruise Island you’ll have to choose between Creek and Marina as both are different locations.

What is Dubai Creek?

Dubai Creek is a prominent area of Dubai and it is the place where the Arabs settled in the earlier days when they relocated from the villages. The Dubai Creek actually divides the city into two portions; the new Dubai (Deira) and the old Dubai (Bur Dubai).

Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater that runs through the heart of the city and is one of the most important landmarks there. You can visit the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Bastakiya, Al Fahidi Fort with a museum, and Sheikh Saeed’s House in Dubai Creek. Here you can relax and know about the culture and hospitability of the Arabs. So, if you want to experience the Arabic tradition and know about the mode of living of the people there, you must visit this place.

What is Dubai Marina?

Dubai Marina is an artificially created canal and is located in the neighbourhood of the beach at JBR. The Dubai Marina is surrounded by skyscrapers, mind-blowing architecture, and luxurious hotels. This is actually the newer version of Dubai and has a series of high rises and a chain of fashion brands around it. There are unique cafes, 5-star hotels, quaint boutiques, and beautiful buildings which you get to see while you’re on the Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina. Many tourists opt for Dubai Marina just because it is an excellent choice for sightseeing. Dubai Marina also offers views of Palm Island, Burj al Arab, Sheraton, Palm Jumeirah and more. Overall, you’ll witness the architecture bedazzled with the glitters of modern and luxurious life.

How do you choose between Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek?

Whatever Dhow Cruise you choose, be it, Creek or Marina, you’ll get to have an experience of a lifetime. Both the spots are worth visiting and have their own charm. However, if you have specific interests, you must choose one of them. Have a look at the following factors and then decide:

Ambience:

Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina will offer you a modern version of Dubai. Here you’ll get to experience that image of Dubai which you always had in your mind. There are prominent buildings and worth-seeing architecture that all the visitors must see. There are buildings and architecture on the banks of the creek too, but they are not as attractive as those that are present around Dubai Marina.

Dubai Creek also has heavy commercial traffic because of the daily routine there. However, in Marina, you’ll experience more serenity and peace.

Sight-seeing:

Dubai Creek is the older version of Dubai Island and it has limited sights. Dubai Creek has its own charm as it has some traditional souks and it pictures the heritage too, however, some tourists might not find it very interesting.

Dubai Marina has all the modern construction and luxurious buildings and high rises surrounding it. Another good thing which Dubai Marina features is the promenade and footpaths on both sides of the banks. These promenades serve as spots for people who want to walk through or sit in the restaurants and outdoor cafes there. There are bridges that carry the cars and trams across the Marina and that give a beautiful experience too.

Quality:

The Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina is a wooden traditional boat which has a fine dining space, 360-degree glass walls, and units for recreation and entertainment. Dhow cruises are almost the same in Dubai Creek and Marina but the main difference is of ambience and sightseeing. There are high-quality dhow operators in Creek and Marina and they maintain the standard of Vessels, entertainment and dinner there.

Dubai Marina has a limited number of Dhow operators because of the restriction there, and that is why the quality of services in Dhows is better. Dubai Creek, on the other hand, has a large number of dhow operators and because of the large number of dhows there, the quality is a little bit low as compared to the Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina.

Time:

Dubai Dhow cruises at Dubai Creek and Marina offer different sightseeing experiences at different times of the day. So, it is imperative that you take care of the time too. If you are more into sightseeing at Dubai Creek or Marina, you must go in the morning or afternoon. If you want a peaceful or romantic dinner, you must choose dinner at Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina.

February 9, 2019 Travel

Accommodations and restaurants in Pondicherry

Accommodations to choose from colonial bungalows to small French boutique villas, resorts in Pondicherry are a travellers delight.

Accord Puducherry

Accord Puducherry is 5.6 km from Pondicherry Train Station. Chennai International Airport is 159.3 km away.

A selection of Indian, European and Chinese dishes are served in the 24-hour Season Cafe. Zodiac Bar offers a selection of drinks. Legumes – Celebrating Vegetarianism is a concept restaurant that exclusively serves vegetarian delights.

Treebo South Avenue Pondicherry

Offering a restaurant that serves Indian and International vegetarian cuisine, Treebo South Avenue is located in Pondicherry, just opposite Pondicherry Railway Station

The French Villa Rèsidence

Located in Pondicherry, near Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Botanical Garden, The French Villa Rèsidence has a terrace. The nearest airport is Pondicherry Airport, 5.6 km from the property.

You may also like to read Best Places of Interest in Pondicherry

The French villa

The French villa is a heritage property set in Pondicherry, 0.7 mi from Sri Aurobindo Ashram and 701 m from Bharathi Park.

The Windflower Resorts and Spa Pondicherry

In the middle of lush natural surroundings, The Windflower Resort & Spa is in Pondicherry. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and standalone villas that overlook the garden.

Hotel Atithi

Located 3117 feet from Pondicherry Beach, Hotel Atithi features 2 dining options and rooms with modern décor.
Free WiFi and parking are provided.

Le Chateau

Located in the French Colony of Pondicherry, Le Chateau offers a restaurant. This self-catering accommodation features free WiFi.

The property feature 2 dining options that serves Indian and international delights.

White Town is a great choice for travellers interested in history, architecture and ambience .

Mel Ville

Mell Ville is a self-catering accommodation located within 0.6 mi from the popular attractions like the Gandhi Beach, Aurobindo Ashram and the Ganesh Temple. Auroville is 3.7 mi away.

Palais De Mahe – CGH Earth

Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a massage parlor, Palais De Mahe is located in Pondicherry. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

Mahe De Malabar serves a selection of Indian and Continental cuisines. Mahe Café is a coffee shop that serves piping hot refreshing beverages. Room service is available.

List of restaurants as a tourist in Pondicherry

Terrace Grill @ Hotel Atithi (Grill) – Go for their dinner buffet – it’s worth every rupee. The view on the roof top is also amazing. They have liquor too.

Hotel Sri Kamatchi (South Indian Non-Veg) – If you want to taste a different kind of Biryani than what you are used to, then try their Biryani. Some might find it to be a little on the spicier side though. You can also try Karandi Omelette, Kamatchi Chicken & Fish Kamatchi.

Villa Shanti (Multi Cuisine – Continental) – The ambiance of this place is stunning more than its food. Try their Ravioli & Stuffed Chicken Breast.

The Smoothie Bar (Desserts & Continental) – Great ambiance and amazing food & drinks. Must try: Coconut, Nutty Affair & Lean Machine Smoothie. Sorbet Ice-creams made with real fruits and their Continental Set Meal & Chicken Burger.

Zuka (Chocolates) – Try their Chocolate Pakodas, Hot Chocolate & Red Velvet Cakes. Most of their Cakes are delicious, their truffles aren’t great though.

Paris Restaurant (Vietnamese) – If you want a fine dining atmosphere, this is not the place to go. There are just two dishes (and only two) which you should try here: Chicken Noodles Soup & Chaiyo.

Italize (Italian) – 4 Cheese & Sausage Baked Pasta & Lasagna

Eat my Cake (Pastries) – Try their Cakes & Cheese Platter

Now for the Over Hyped / Places to avoid:

Cafe Xtasi – This is one of the most overhyped places in Pondicherry. You will see people flocking this place and the pizzas used to be good but now their quality, service and ambience sucks big time. There are better places to have pizzas in Pondicherry like New Farm Fresh.

GMT (Gelateria Montecatini Terme) – If you have ever tasted a real Italian Gelato or Sorbet you will know why after you try this place. Their Gelatos are fluffy and use low-quality ingredients.

Barbeque Nation – Don’t go by the brand name, this outlet has a cut-down menuMulti-Cuisineand their quality is terrible.

Baker Street – Though some of their dishes taste good, the value for money is near to zero. Most of the dishes are precooked and they just reheat them and serve. They, however, have some unique chocolates and bread.

Cream Affair – Don’t get carried away by the photos of their desserts. Except for the fact that their bubble waffles are shaped different there is nothing worth speaking about. Their ambience is good though.

The Pasta Bar Vento – The ambience of this place is nice, but the food is a big let-down since some of their items are precooked. Not the place to go have good pasta.

Cafe des Arts – Except for the nice-looking yellow walls which will look great on Instagram, there is nothing great about this place. Their food is overpriced and tastes bad. Don’t even get started on service.

There are a lot of more good restaurants, I will try and add more places and dishes as time permits.

Have you been to Pondicherry and to more good restaurants, please do share in the comments section?

February 6, 2019 Travel, Within India

Best Places of interest in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a city and capital of the Pondicherry union territory of Southern India. Though the place is small in geographical size this place was the largest French Colony in India. The city has a long and interesting history of trade and war.

A colonial touch blended with the robust Tamil culture, Pondicherry is just a two-hour picturesque drive away from Chennai. Blossoming bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals on leafy boulevards and 18^th century colonial buildings color the former French colony of Pondy, which sits on the Bay of Bengal.

This photo of Pondicherry is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Pondicherry, a destination that promises travellers sanctity and serenity. It is indeed one of the most charming and mesmerising places to visit in South India

Below are the best places of interest in Pondicherry –

1. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry:

There are a few decent beaches to the north and south of town. Quiet, Reppo and Serenity beaches are all north of the Centre, within 8 km of Pondicherry. Chunnambar, 8 km south has Paradise beach (also known as the Plage Paradiso) water sports activities and backwater boat cruises. This is a little-isolated beach and in order to reach here, you must take a ferry which takes around 20–30 minutes.

2. Water Sports in Pondicherry:

Pondicherry is quickly becoming every beach lovers favourite hideout. Several water sports along its white sandy beaches are another reason for travellers to love Pondy.

Water sports activities like scuba diving, parasailing, banana boat rides but also its unique cultural traits, excellent food varieties and innumerable sightseeing options, Pondicherry is a true delight to travellers who long for an off-beat travel experience.

3. Auroville Ashram:

Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a French woman known as “the Mother”, a place where you can relax and calm your inner being. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to just sit in one of the cafes and talk to some of the residents about their experience of living in the city. The architecture of the city is as interesting as the concept.

Auroville Matri mandir Pondicherry ashram spiritual
IC: Pixabay

The main attraction here is the “Matrimandir”.

The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to just sit in one of the cafes and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city.

4. Botanical Garden:

A popular tourist attraction of Pondicherry, Botanical Garden was established by C.S. Perrotet in the year 1862. The garden is home to several exotic varieties of rare plants as well as an aquarium.

This photo of Pondicherry Botanical Gardens is courtesy of TripAdvisor. This wide range of plants has been collected from various parts of India and around the globe. Aquarium is an interesting place to visit which abodes diverse collection of aquatic organisms as well as fish flora.

5. French War Memorial:

French War Memorial is a stylish structure located in the Goubert Avenue and is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. On 14th of July every year, an annual commemoration ceremony is held here during which the monument is beautifully illuminated. This memorial offers a pleasant experience to all visitors.

6. Pondicherry Museum:

Pondicherry Museum is in Bharathi Park, houses a fantastic collection of sculptures. It has the remains of the archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement.

This photo of Pondicherry Museum is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Bronze sculptures of god and goddess, a wide gathering of temple lamps, handicrafts and art are also kept here. Some specimens of Chola and Pallava art from Pondicherry and Karaikal are displayed in the sculpture gallery.

7. Pondicherry Lighthouse:

The new lighthouse at Pondichery is seen in the background, the old lighthouse is seen in the foreground.
Dr. Ajay B. MD

The Lighthouse is one of the remarkable landmarks in Pondicherry. The French Riviera of the East, Pondy has two lighthouses, an old one and the new one. Where the former has been closed for public appearance the latter serves as the spot for giving its visitors the most amazing bird’s eye view of the city.

8. Seaside Promenade:

This photo of Seaside Promenade is courtesy of TripAdvisor

One of the things that do justice to Pondicherry’s French Roots is its beautiful Seaside Promenade. The area is well maintained, clean and beautiful and you can feel foam spray on your face while sipping a cooler in one of the many cafes at the promenade. Whether you’re visiting during the sunny day or the starry night, the Seaside Promenade is equally feeling good.

9. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple:

This photo of Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. The temple is situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai.

10. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Traveller photo submitted by tsashi (Feb 2013) Tripadvisor.in

The Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated 2.5 km away from the Pondicherry Bus Station on the south boulevard of the town. One of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Pondicherry, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beautifully showcases the Gothic architecture. Biblical words can be seen engraved on the entrance in Latin along with the images of Jesus and Mother Mary on the door at the entrance. Occasions such as New Year, Christmas Eve, and Easter Day are celebrated at the church in a grand way.

11. Barathiyar Museum at Pondicherry, a hidden treasure of Pondicherry-

Interesting and absorbing. Tamil Poet & freedom fighter Subramania Bharathi’s life history showcased in a place where he lived shortly. Felt one’s trip to Pondicherry is not complete if this place is not visited. House converted into Museum is well maintained & clean. One can understand the art of communication & expression in those days. It is the elder’s responsibility to highlight to the children about our past and their struggles to retain their identity and how they connected & respected Gandhiji.

Bharathiyar House in Puducherry. He was staying there for 10 years.
Balogic

Subramanya Bharathi was a Tamil poet & a patriot. He had to flee British India due to his activities against the foreign rulers & arrived in Pondicherry in 1908 as a fugitive. He composed some of the finest patriotic & romantic compositions.

He built his home here which has been later converted into a museum honouring him & has become a place of pilgrimage for all Tamil followers.

12. Iskcon Pondicherry-

Visit this place for a spiritual peek into your inner self. ISKCON’s core beliefs are based on highly revered traditional scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. It is a great place to meditate, and is highly recommended on your trip to Pondicherry.

Pondicherry City Bike Tour with Breakfast

Have you been to Pondicherry? What are your best places of interest in Pondicherry?

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