Travel - Best Places of Interest

May 11, 2018 Travel, Within India

7 Beautiful Churches in India That You Must Visit

India speaks a thousand dialects and has been conducted over by many kingdoms throughout its history. Recalling the country’s past through illustrious structures lounging throughout the realm and the various cultures, it has been influenced in a bewildering number of ways by primaeval empires.

Christianity, presently followed by over 28 million followers in India is said to have been pioneered in 52 AD by Thomas the Apostle. Leaving an ingrained mark on the traditions, architecture and cultures, this religion is a huge part of the country. There is a number of beautifully embellished churches adorning every city in the nation.

Read on and know about the most beautiful churches in India that should be on your travel list.

Se Cathedral, Goa

Se Cathedral, Old Goa. churches — Se Cathedral, Old Goa.
Image credit- Danny Burke

Goa is synonymous to sun, sand and, the beaches. However, another great thing that makes this place beautiful are its churches. The Se Cathedral, located in South Goa is one of the largest churches in India and is devoted to Catherine Alexandria. Book cheap flights to Goa and check this church off your list. Also, with the number of options for hotels in Goa, book your stay today and have a delightful beach vacation.

All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad

All Saints Cathedral is one of the largest and the oldest churches in Ancient India. Paradise for all history buffs, this church is extremely beautiful and worth a visit.

Velankanni, Tamil Nadu

Christians of this place believe that this church has the power to help you with any health-related ailments. Located near the Bay of Bengal in a town called Velankanni, this church is visited by a number of devotees who offer candles to Mother Mary and pray for relief from ailments.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus, churches — Basilica of Bom Jesus | by mckaysavage

Built over 300 years back, Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most famous churches of India. It is located in Old Goa and is known to have remains of St. Francis Xavier which are kept on display for the public. The church is proclaimed as a world heritage site as well.

St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangalore

As beautiful as chapels in Rome, St. Aloysius Chapel built-in 1884 is situated in the heart of Mangalore city on the Lighthouse Hill. This chapel is a treasure for all art lovers because of the paintings that cover every inch of the walls of this gorgeous place.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala

One of the oldest churches of India, Santa Cruz Basilica is situated in Fort Kochi, Kerala. It was constructed by the Portuguese in 1505 and was esteemed with the cathedral status by Pope, Paul IV. Plan a trip to this church and enjoy the serenity of this structure along with a good evening snack by the sea.

St. Francis Church, Kochi

Built 500 years back, St. Francis Church still stands tall with its beautiful European style architecture. The church gets its popularity from the fact that famous Portuguese traveller Vasco da Gama was originally buried here.

With so many beautiful churches across India, a trip to at least one (or more) should definitely be on your travel bucket list. So, head out and explore these miraculous houses of worship, right away.

Tourism in Gujarat – Things to do in Gujarat

Been listening to Amitabh Bachchan’s urgings for ‘Kuch din toh guzariye Gujarat mein’ and wondering what exactly to do in Gujarat during your vacation? Well, we have prepared a concise guide that would tell you what you ought to do while in the culturally rich terrains of Gujarat.

Explore Wildlife

Wildlife enthusiasts have a lot to explore in the many National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. In fact, its four National Parks and twenty-three wildlife sanctuaries occupy 8.7% of its geographical area. This is more than double the national average! The first thing that comes to mind when wildlife exploration is mentioned of Gujarat state are the state’s status as the sole home of Asiatic lions in the world. Let the thickets of Gir National Park reveal their hidden dwellers, expect to spot wide array of animals and birds in a wildlife safari.

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Tribes and Wilds in Gujarat- Part 2

Get to know the ocean’s family better at India’s first Marine National Park in Gulf of Kutch. Blackbuck National Park, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife, Thol Lake Bird sanctuary and Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary are some other must-visit destinations in this state remarkably rich in biodiversity. Talking of wildlife exploration, don’t forget to include the pleasures of witnessing the race of elegant Asian wild asses against salt flats in your itinerary. You might try to join in the race and try your chances as well!

Get lost in the white expanses of Rann of Kutch

This milky white stretch of 7,505 sq km is a true geographical wonder! Yes, the surreal sense evoked by the beautiful pictures of Rann of Kutch is true of the actual site as well. If you happen to be in Gujarat during November, do not miss to witness the famed Rann Utsav. Breathing in the serene environ of Rann of Kutch under the shimmering glow of full moon is a treat to your senses. The ethereal beauty of the arid salt marsh is beautifully complemented by the ethnic hues brought in by its native population.

Follow the trails of its long coastline

Did you know that Gujarat has the longest coastline in the entire country? A visit to Gujarat is incomplete without letting its beaches let you feast on the undulating rhythms of the sea. Diu beach, Nargol beach, Tithal beach, Dwaraka beach and Jamnagar beach are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, let their magical shores relax and rewind your senses.

Soak up The Tribal Charm of Saputara

The only hill station in this predominantly arid land, Saputara translates to ‘abode of snakes’. Enter its nature’s womb, let the lush green forests and beautiful waterfalls feed the arid regions of your soul. One of its chief attractions is the 75 m drop of Gira Falls amidst spectacular greenery. Explore its cold and misty environ upon foot. One ought to learn about the rich ethnic culture of its native tribal population as well, visit their shrines for serpent gods upon the beautiful banks of Sarpaganga river.

Experience Gandhiji’s essence at Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram, nestling upon the serene banks of river Sabarmati, had served as the home for Mahatma Gandhi during a crucial period of his illustrious political life. Get to know more about his life and philosophy through the many exhibitions, archives, galleries and relics at the museum in Ashram. Visitors can let the 90 min guided walking tour across the precincts of the ashram educate one further about this great son of India’s soil. Let its austere premises help you experience the remnants of his essence that still live in this land.

Arise upon the wings of hot air balloon over Kankaria Lake

Think lakes, and the first thing that comes to one’s mind are images of boating. But Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad lets you rise high in the air as well. Indulge in the pleasures of a hot air balloon whilst visiting Kankaria Lake.

Worship at Ancient Shrines

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat — Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka

Join in the thousands who flock to the state for Darshan at the holiest of Shrines- Somnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Dwarkadhish Temple and Shri Arasuri Ambaji Temple. Let their sacred essence nourish your spiritual longings as well!

Happy Honeymoon places where you can enjoy in low budget Also

The season of weddings is on and the couples are looking for honeymoon destination. In the list of their honeymoon planers in India, tourist densities like Goa, Ooty, Munnar will be in the mind only. But apart from these, there are many such places in India where couples can go for honeymoon. Here you can get information about some honeymoon destinations in India in summer.

Lakshadweep

This place filled with Iceland and is absolutely perfect for romance. Here you will find many perfect moments like sitting in the sun in the sunny sunshine, boating, diving in the sea, candle light dinner. In Lakshadweep, you can roam on seven islands. But tourists here are allowed to go to 6 islands only. You can enjoy the hard-hitting, Minicoy, Cavaratti, Bangaram, Kalpni and Agati islands with your partner. Among these, the Marine Life of Hard Island is very popular; here you can see different sea colors of sea. That’s why the tourists are more here.

Andaman Nicobar

There is crazy craze for Andaman Nicobar between honeymoon couples these days. Surrounded by a sea, at this beautiful place there are many things that can make your honeymoon a memorable one. Here you can capture the beauty movement with your partner in the camera at places like Havelock Island and Elephant Island.

Goa

Goa is such a honeymoon destination where you can enjoy a lot of life. Capital is near Miramar Beach near Panaji where it is very romantic to see being sunset. Apart from Dona Paula, Kalangoot, Anjuna and Bagha, the beauty of many other beaches is worth seeing. Goa is known for its beaches, water sports adventure, church and night life.

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Jaisalmer

If you are looking for Offbeat honeymoon location then Jaisalmer is for you. The fort here, the old havelis, the desert and Thar Desert safari are best to engross the honeymoon. To explore the culture here, you have to trip for 5 days.

Hampi

Located in Karnataka State of India, this city is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Every year there are thousands of tourists and pilgrims. There are more than five hundred memorial symbols among the valleys and dunes here. There are innumerable buildings like temples, palaces, old markets, fortresses, tabors, basements, water reservoirs, royal pavilions and treasuries. The Vithala temple complex in Hampi is one of the most spectacular monuments. You can see everything here in 4 days.

Ladakh

If you like a very cool place, then this place can be a perfect honeymoon destination for you. The empty streets, the river drains near the roads, filled with clear water and light snow-covered light sunshine, filled with mountain adventures. Here you can stay at Grand Dragon Ladakh, The Zen Ladakh and Goomang Boutique Hotel. Go here; definitely look at the Jancard valley.

Online Check-in 24 Hours before departure

Have you ever wondered

Why do airlines encourage online check-in 24 hours before you arrive at the airport?

All airlines routinely overbook flights.

Consequently, they will go to great lengths to try and estimate how many sold seats will actually show up for the flight.

This is just another tool in their arsenal to estimate actual loads.
The more advance notice they have, the more efficiently they can deal with oversold seats, re-booking, fuel loads, etc.

All aircraft also have finite weight limitations which can actually affect how much fuel they can carry. This can be a genuine juggling act for smaller aircraft, as well as those that operate in hot climates. (Hot ambient air temperatures have a significant negative effect on aircraft performance).

For example, many long haul flights from Dubai, where temperatures are notoriously hot, are scheduling to depart during the morning hours before it gets too hot outside. If the flight should suffer a significant delay, it’s not uncommon for the Captain to order freight, passengers or fuel to be removed as the aircraft is now over it’s maximum allowable takeoff weight. Fuel is not only the most time-consuming to remove, it’s also the most risky as it shaves off tangible buffer time should any delays happen en route due to bad weather, heavy traffic, etc.

24 hour advanced, online check-in also serves as a good reminder to some passengers who have not yet decided whether they intend to take the flight.
What I mean by this is that, even the most economical fares can be eligible for a partial refund right up until ~45 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.

If you don’t cancel by then, you eat 100% of the ticket cost.

TL;DR: Airlines feel more in control of a flight if they have more advanced notice of confirmed intentions to actually board the flight.

~ Paul Harris, Flown frequently on business for the past 40 years.

Primarily to increase their view into what the actual load factor will be for that particular flight and to smooth operations in general.

When someone checks in, it’s a commitment. Checking in at or just after 24 hours before flight tells the airline about how “firm” their load is on an airplane.

With that information, it can begin to make decisions about managing the open space on the aircraft for the next 24 hours. If a 737 with 160 seats has all seats booked but 10, 80% checked in 12 hours before departure, the revenue management team can price those last 10 seats accordingly to get them filled.

Each seat not filled is a revenue opportunity that expires once the door is closed. So filling it at some reasonable price is better than not filling it at all.

So a 24 hour check-in, presented as a convenience item to the passenger, really is about gaining insight on how “firm” the demand is for that flight.

Finally, getting people to check themselves in with boarding passes printed or captured on their smart phone reduces the need for gate agents to spend time checking in passengers. The airline saves a little bit of money on each flight. Since airlines have thousands of flights per day, even a $5 savings becomes huge. $5 x 5500 flights x 365 days = $10 million. Well worth the effort to save the money.

~ Gregory Robinson, former Airline Industry Blogger