Within India - Best Places of Interest

June 17, 2016 Travel, Within India

5 Stunning Hill Stations around Kolkata

Kolkata served as the country’s capital till it was moved to Delhi in 1911. British used to spend their summers on the well-known hill stations close to Kolkata. Today, many people from Kolkata and India arrange their vacation trek to these well-known destinations close to Kolkata. Plan your outing to Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, and make your holiday cherishable for life. While Kolkata is honoured with a few normal wonders and attractions, it anyhow becomes important for individuals to discover a getaway from the clamour and the heat of the fields.

So, if you are visiting Kolkata to see your relatives, or for some business purposes, or for curious travelling sake, then make a note of these stunning neighbourhood hill stations that are not just popular among the locals of the city, but also amongst many travellers that travel miles just to see the startling vistas of this Eastern beauty.

Stunning #hillstations around #Kolkata

Darjeeling

Hill stations near Kolkata — Beautiful Darjeeling Image credit- holidayiq.com

Darjeeling is at an elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level. The atmosphere here stays cool because of its high-rise and is the principle explanation behind its advancement by the British. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO world legacy site and a part of the Mountain Railways of India. Darjeeling is renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist society and its pleasant vistas of the Mahabharata Range of the eastern Himalayas. If you are putting up in Kolkata, then look for the Darjeeling tour packages from Kolkata, which would also cover your commuting and lodging facilities. Otherwise, you can always visit this gorgeous hill station any time of the year, as per your wish.

Kurseong

Kurseong is a hill station, found close to Darjeeling, known for its waterfalls, Buddhist gompas, and stunning temple structures, aside from the stunning vistas that the spot gives. The wonderful vistas of tea estates and rich green forests in the comprehensive setting of snow-clad mountains are another delight for the eyes. At dusk, you can see an amalgamation of the most delightful shades in the sky. This little hill town makes for a wonderful stopover for vacationers hunting down a more peaceful alternative near to Darjeeling.

Pedong

Pedong is another exquisite hilly town situated in West Bengal, which is at an elevation of 1,240 meters above sea level. The town is found only 20 kilometres east from of Kalimpong and gives some amazing all-encompassing perspectives of the Kanchenjunga and the surrounding mountains. Pedong is separated into two sections in particular– the lower and the upper Pedong and is situated on the old course to Lhasa. Pedong is additionally renowned for its Tibetan society and a few Buddhist cloisters.

Sandakphu

Sandakphu is a pleasant hill station of West Bengal and is situated at a gigantic height of 3696 meters above sea level. The town is one of the major trekking and skiing hotspots in India and gives perspectives of the most noteworthy tops on the planet in particular Kanchenjunga, the Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. Sandakphu likewise is the most astounding getaway from West Bengal and is additionally in close nearness to the Singalila National Park.

Mirik

Mirik Lake Image source — Mirik Lake
Image source

The town is at an elevation of 1,495 meters above sea level in the midst of the Eastern Himalayas. It was once a commercial centre for the different brokers and the general population of the encompassing tea estates and towns. Mirik is well-known for its heavenly perspectives of the Kanchenjunga, the encompassing mountains, and Buddhist religious communities.

Author Bio:

Khushi is a travel enthusiast and loves to explore new places and cultures. She likes to share her experiences, adventures, and her thoughts through her blogs. Meeting new people and learning from their experiences is something she is really good at.

June 15, 2016 Travel, Within India

The Best Places of Interest for street shoppers in Kolkata

The cultural capital of India, Kolkata is a true joy for any shopaholic. Not only there is a plethora of malls and market areas, there are several amazing alleys and lanes famous for street shopping. Let’s take a look at some of these havens for shoppers.

Howrah bridge, Kolkata- Street shoppers in Kolkata — Howrah bridge, Kolkata

Whether it is for buying traditional woven clothes or a pack of your favourite gripping book series, Kolkata offers the best options for street shopping. Filled with sounds, colours and enticing aroma of the delighting street food, walking through the vibrant market lanes of Kolkata is an experience itself. Selling everything from cheap clothes to antiques, these markets offers the best buy if you’re in for some budgeted shopping. Check for train no. 13152 running status to reach your destination.

New market, street shoppers in Kolkata — New market, Kolkata

Below is a snapshot of the best street shopping spots in the city.

New Market – Probably, Kolkata’s oldest and best-known street market, it’s also known as the Hogg’s market. There are more than 2,000 shops and if you’re a seasoned shopper, you can get a good bargain here. If you’re looking for the famous sarees of West Bengal, go straight to the newly constructed part of the market. The famous lal paar sarees (red border), the exceptional representatives of Bengali community, can be bought here at amazing prices. Also famous are ‘Tussar’ and ‘Bishnupuri Silk’, which are used for making drapes and shawls, could be a wonderful buy if you’re planning to give a gift to someone. Apart from the fabrics, there are so many things to look for. The best thing about the market is that you never leave with an empty bag.

College Street – If you’re a bookworm, this is your mecca. Lined up with several shops selling books of all types, this one market will persuade you to pick one bestseller. Apart from novels and magazines, you can get ample of books for college and school studies. Few sellers are also known for keeping the rarest of the rare editions and at half the price. If you’re good at bargaining, you can always land a good deal.

Chowringhee Road – This wonderful piece of Kolkata’s culture stretches from Park Street to New Market and sells everything under the sun. From things of daily use to an exotic antique for your new home, you can find it all here. At first glance, the entire market might look like a pile of unused junk, but searching throw like a detective can bring you some fantastic pieces. Terracotta wares, which is a speciality in Kolkata, can be found here in all shapes, sizes and decor.

Swabhumi – If you’re looking to take back a memorabilia from your Kolkata trip, then Swabhumi is the place to find them. From junk jewellery to wall hangings and from wrought iron furniture to traditional clothes, Swabhumi should be added to every shopaholic’s itinerary. A dream destination for buying Indian handicrafts, do not miss this if you’re in for some street shopping.

If you’re visiting especially for shopping, then don’t forget to make appropriate travel arrangements. A flight from Kolkata to Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai can be taken, if you’re planning for a short stint.

*/This is a guest post by Maria Simpson. /*

Image credits:

Howrah Bridge (Image 1) – http://gobengal.com/

new market , Kolkata (Image 2) http://kolkata-tour.com/

June 13, 2016 Travel, Within India

Hyderabad – A Sightseeing Cluster of the Old and the New

Want the perfect holiday experience where you can visit historical sites but at the same time enjoy the luxuries of modern amenities? The answer is Hyderabad. Giving its guests the perfect combination of both properly maintained historical landmarks and the latest modern amenities, the only thing you can complain about in Hyderabad is the hot climate!

There are some cities which have completely turned a new leaf and people who had visited it a decade back will not be able to tell the head or tail of the city, but then again, there are cities that still have a long way to go into modernization and still keep their prime focus on preserving the ancient monuments and landmarks that it is known for. Hyderabad is in-between both. The city is a perfect blend of the past and the present. The historical sites are still preserved well in the city, however, you will have to look beyond the towering skyscrapers and go around those buildings to actually get a view of the historical sites. After you have arrived on your Mumbai to Hyderabad flights Air India, you can head back to your hotel, relax and then straight ahead head out for you sightseeing adventure! Here are some places you cannot miss out on during your trip.

Charminar

One of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Hyderabad, the Charminar is like its name says, is a monument/mosque with ‘four towers’. It is one of the first places people seek out to visit on their sightseeing trail in the city.

Hussain-sagar-lake -Hyderabad — Hussain Sagar lake Hyderabad Image credit- http://www.todayincity.com/

Husain Sagar lake

The beautiful artificial lake in Hyderabad giving Hyderabad that romantic touch was built-in 1526 by the great well-known Sufi saint, Hazrat Syed Shah Wali. A walk by the sides of the lake is one of the favorite evening pastime activity people in the city like to do.

Mecca Masjid

One of the oldest mosques in the country, it is clearly the oldest and the most sacred mosque for Hyderabad. There is a myth and belief surrounding this place that anyone who sits on the benches outside the mosques is bound to return back to revisit the mosque again very soon regardless of where they visit from.

Golkonda fort, Hyderabad — Golconda fort Image credit- http://www.hyd.co

Golconda Fort

The Golconda Fort requires no introduction to any tourist or traveller. Much has been spoken of and written about this place that anyone visiting the city cannot just let a visit to this place go by. It is an important mention in the talks of the main landmarks in the country and a key monument of the city to draw crowds from far and wide.

Ramoji Film City

One of the newer places from the list of places to visit in the city, the Ramoji Film City facility has been accredited as the world’s largest studio complex by none other than the prestigious Guinness book of world records! A host of the most popular and well-known motion pictures have been directed and shot here.

Nehru Zoological Garden

Acting as a safe haven for some endangered animal species and some of the rarest species of birds, this zoo is well maintained and makes for a refreshing visit! It is clearly one of the top places to visit in Hyderabad just for its sheer beauty and helping get up close and personal with some of nature’s finest but sadly endangered species.

*/This is a guest post by Maria Simpson. She liked my earlier post on ‘Best Places of Interest in Hyderabad and wanted to contribute in relation to it. /*

May 24, 2016 Travel, Within India

Best Places of Interest in Hyderabad

The city was established by Mohammed Quill Qutb Shah nearly a century before the Mughals captured the region. The relics of Qutb Shahi and Nizam rule are still visible with the Charminar which symbolizes this city. Golconda Fort is another major landmark. The influence of Mughlai culture is also evident in the city’s distinctive cuisine, which includes delicious biryani and Haleem. Salar Jung Museum, Purani Haveli, Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the famous biryani. Guess, which place. I am referring to it here.

It is none other than Hyderabad. It is now the capital of southern India’s Telangana state. Earlier it was the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Historically, Hyderabad is known as a pearl and diamond trading center, and it continues to be known as the City of Pearls.

The city has many traditional bazaars, Laad Bazaar, Begum Bazaar, and Sultan Bazaar which have remained open for centuries.

Best Places of Interest

Salar Jung Museum– The huge and varied collection in the museum was curated by Mir Yusuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the grand vizier of the seventh Nizam. The exhibits here are from every corner of the world which include Persian carpets, Japanese lacquerware, Chinese Porcelain, Mughal miniatures, famous statues of Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles and much more.

Hyderabad, Salar Jung Museum — Salarjung Museum
In Hyderabad
Image credit – Mannar K (flickr.com)

Purani Haveli– is an old palace, was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad before independence. It is built in a u-shape and with two parallel elliptic wings, the residential part is the center of the palace. It also has the Nizam’s museum.

Hyderabad, Purani Haveli — Purani Haveli, Hyderabad
Image credit – www.hyderabadtourism.travel

Charminar – this renowned landmark was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah to celebrate the founding of the city and the end of epidemics caused by Golconda’s water shortage.

Hyderabad, Charminar — Charminar |
Image courtesy ruffin_ready (flickr.com)

The four-column, 56-mm high structure has 4 arches facing the 4 cardinal directions. There are minarets over each column. The 2^nd floor has Hyderabad’s oldest mosque but that, and the upper columns are off-limits to visitors. Near the Charminar, there are small stalls that sell everything from berries to perfumes. There are shops where varakh (silver foil) is pounded to be put on sweets. If you go a little further then you can see Laad Market, which has best of South India’s wedding finery and the best pearl shops.

Birla Planetarium– The Birla Planetarium of Hyderabad was the first planetarium of the country. It was inaugurated in 1985 by late N.T. Rama Rao. The planetarium is equipped with the latest technology to bring you a thrilling and exciting experience while learning about the universe. The shows comprise of Haley’s comet, space explorations of the solar system, riddles of the Black Holes and the newly discovered Dark matter with interactive sessions resulting in a huge draw.

Lumbini Park– Located near Hussain Sagar Lake, Lumbini Park has a laser auditorium, boating facilities, well-maintained gardens and a number of musical fountains, an ideal spot for family entertainment. This auditorium has the capacity to seat 2000 people. It hosts show on Hyderabad’s history in English and Hindi for visitors. The park was renamed as T.Anjaiah Lumbini Park in honor of former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Lumbini Park entrance Image courtesy- Mspraveen at the wikipedia project — Lumbini Park entrance
Image courtesy Mspraveen at the Wikipedia project

Hussain Sagar Lake– Being at this lake is a pleasure. It is a man-made lake built by Hussain Shah Wali to provide irrigation water to the area, and now is an important link between the two cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad Image courtesy- Alosh Bennett, Flickr — Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad
Image courtesy- Alosh Bennett, Flickr

In the centre of this lake is a statue of Gautam Buddha, carved out of a single block of solid white granite.

Golconda Fort– This fort dates back to the 16^th century during the reigns of Qutb Shah kings which was built as a mud fort by the Yadavas and Kakatiyas. The fort was then expanded to into a massive and expansive fort of granite, with a circumference that extended around 5kms. It remained with the dynasty until 1590. The fort was then expanded to have an outer wall that enclosed the city. It is considered to be an engineering marvel for its acoustic effects: one handclap below the entrance dome can be heard at the highest point of a pavilion a kilometre away. It is believed that it acted as a warning from an enemy attack.

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References:

Wikipedia -for distances between cities.

Video: qaanso roobaad channel