Travel - Best Places of Interest

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. /*

June 3, 2016 Events and Festivals, International

Vivid Sydney

The Sydney Vivid festival is a fantastic way to spend a Winters evening (Ideally if it’s not raining). See Sydney’s landmarks transformed into moving images and amazing colours during the festival.

From around 6pm – 11pm each night in Late May / Early June spend a few hours strolling around Circular Quay, the botanical gardens, and Martin Place, with other displays in the Rocks and places in the CBD. The displays are amazing and very entertaining. Not forgetting it’s all absolutely Free, which is a bonus these days.

I would suggest trying to avoid the weekend evenings if possible as it’s very busy, but that’s the downside of a great event.

Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music and ideas. It has become the premier winter event in the city. It is gaining a reputation for being among the world’s leading creative celebrations. This year the festival is on from 27 May – 18 June 2016.

To experience VIVID in different ways, there are events that take place every day throughout the city. The simplest way is to arrive in the city at nightfall and wander around until the installations light up your eyes. Maps are available to guide visitors through everything.

Another great way to experience it all is to book a specially created tour for the event. You can take a cruise around the Sydney Harbour and see the lights from the water, or go behind-the-scenes at the Sydney Opera House while the outside is lit up!

Vivid Sydney cruises — Vivid Festival banner
Image credit- www.captaincook.com.au

Vivid Lights Sydney Harbour Cruise– This cruise around Sydney Harbour is a 1-hour evening boat excursion. The spectacular light displays of Vivid Sydney festival is an unforgettable experience as you admire the artworks that light up iconic structures including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay among others. Your cruise ends at Darling Harbour where you can explore more.

Darling Harbour– There are many attractions for tourists here. You can meet animals and sea life, climb aboard submarines and destroyers, see science in action, touch a giant 3D movie or a waxwork movie star, ride a carousel, catch a flying fox in the Darling Harbour Playground, roll the casino dice, pull up a deck chair on the Village Green, or escape to a blissfully tranquil garden.

9D Action Cinemas– 9D Action Cinemas brings you the latest technology in a dynamic, multi-dimensional, small theatre movie entertainment, suitable for both children and adults.

Your senses will be overwhelmed with the stimulating and exciting 3D movies with surround sound, coupled with ‘active motion’ luxury seats and dramatic effects such as rain, fog, lightning, wind, snow, touch, feel and more. You will enjoy this genuine ‘action cinema’ experience like you have never had in traditional movies. For more details, follow this link.

ADVENTURE CRUISING WITH FANTASEA

If you want to see Sydney from the water, Fantasea is the way to do it. Do follow this link for more details.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

The Maritime Museum promises a great day out for the family with enthralling exhibitions and a must-see collection of vessels. For further details, please follow this link.

CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP

Feel the sun on your face in your own secret garden in Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship. The Chinese Garden is a place to escape. It recreates the philosophy of a traditional Chinese garden with waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants and hidden pathways. Chinese Garden Highlights tour.

Cockle Bay Wharf

It is located on the CBD side of Darling Harbour. Enjoy Sydney’s most stunning waterside location by taking advantage of the various dining options. A variety of restaurants and cafes with menus that will make your mouth water, fresh seafood, authentic Italian dishes, and hawker-style Malaysian cuisine, to modern Australian – each venue offers a truly unique experience.

Celebrate @RBGSydney‘s 200th Birthday as it illuminates from 6-11pm until 18 Jun. #VividSydney

📷speakerphone (IG) pic.twitter.com/0HpBvuX734
— Vivid Sydney (@VividSydney) June 2, 2016

Plan ahead for your #VividSydney adventure. Check changes to traffic and transport: https://t.co/vcsVVjaG8T pic.twitter.com/smrnIGMo4D
— Vivid Sydney (@VividSydney) June 3, 2016

References: Darling Harbour

Vivid Sydney

June 1, 2016 Adventure

Off- Road Adventure – 8 Marvellous Tips For a Superb Beach Driving Experience

All those traveling freaks, who enjoy driving to a great extent including both men and women, always have a dream of exploring the off-road place with self-drive cars like campervans and motorhomes in order to have that quintessential traveling experience. In order to go ahead with this idea , all they need to have is right companions, a beautiful DSLR camera ( both Nikon and Canon are welcomed here), a decent budget, a perfect tourist destination in mind and a passion for exploring it. If you are fully equipped with all these things, nothing can stop you from obtaining that thrilling experience.

Long stretches of sandy beaches are the kind of places wherein you can have a perfect off-road adventure, as far as driving is concerned. The world is full of amazing beaches, all you have to decide is which one to explore.

Adventure, road trips, wikimedia commons — Bondi Beach Sydney Australia

However, wherever you go and whichever type of place you explore you always have to keep in consideration the safety measures in order to remain safe from a variety of dangerous things that can ruin your trip. Australia is a great place to have an experience of driving.

Tips for safe beach driving

1. Figure Out Whether Driving Is Allowed Or Not

Before you finalize your journey, you need to have an extensive knowledge about the beach that you are planning to explore on a self-drive campervan in Australia. The Internet is the best way of conducting the research as far as figuring out beach details are concerned. Once you come to know that vehicles are allowed to the beach, you then need to figure out the routes assigned to it. However, if you fail to find the access routes it is always better that you get in touch with a tourist information centre in order to get detailed information about the same. Following established access routes are not only helpful for dune ecosystem but also for your vehicle, as far as minimizing the danger is concerned.

2. Choose a Right Vehicle For This Purpose

To start with, you should figure out which vehicle is the best for exploring the beaches. The one thing that should be clear to you is you can never ever drive all types of vehicles on the sand, that means there are a few specific types of vehicles that are recommended for beach driving. Vehicles designed for an off-road adventure like campervans can offer you with a mind-blowing beach driving experience. As far as campervans are concerned, you mostly have to hire them from renowned companies that offer campervan rental services like Aussie Campervans.

Road adventure in Aussie Campervans — Britz Frontier 6 berth
Image courtesy- www.australia-campervans.com.au

3. Reduce The Overall Load Off Your Vehicle

There are a variety of things that you need to take care of when driving on the beach and one such thing is to lessen the load of your vehicle. A lighter vehicle is always safe to drive when it comes to hitting off-road areas like sandy beaches. So, in order to prevent your vehicle from getting bogged try to pack only essential items and unload all the unwanted items from it.

4. Get All The Information About High Tide And Low Tide

Before you begin your journey, try to collect as much information as possible about the high tide and low tide and their consequences for your journey. You must know which is the favorable time to start your adventurous beach trip. Remember, you should never begin your journey during high tide as it can pose a great threat to you.

So, one of the best times to carry out your plans of driving on the beach is during an outgoing high tide. Remember, one powerful wave is enough to ruin everything.

5. Minimize The Pressure Of Your Tyre

Lowering the tyre pressure can have huge advantages for off-road driving as it helps the tyre to spread out, thus allowing the vehicle to increase the surface area that comes in touch with the sand when it comes to obtaining better traction.

6. Pay Attention To The Momentum

Maintaining the momentum of your vehicle remains another important part of your off-road adventure in the beach. While driving on the loose sand you have to make sure that you enhance the speed of your vehicle appropriately according to the requirement. If you are driving slowly on the loose sand the chances of your vehicle sinking into it increase manifold. So if you do not want to get bogged and would like to enhance your fuel usages you must have sufficient knowledge of how to maintain the momentum of your vehicle.

7. Have a Deep Understanding Of Road Rules

Following road rules is extremely important no matter where you drive. If you are a traveler in a foreign country, wherein you are carrying out your journey through a self-drive car on the beach, you must be aware of the road rules of that country in order to avoid problems. Remember, you should never be driving the vehicle if you are drunk and make sure that everyone inside the car is wearing a seatbelt. In addition to that, remember that you never forget to follow the speed limits.

8. Don’t Forget To Maintain An Appropriate Distance From The Water

Sometimes drivers underestimate the advice and instructions offered to them by others and they willingly take weird steps such as going closer to the water with an aim of making the drive even more adventurous, but that can be dangerous. Hence, maintain a fair amount of distance from the water, while hitting the sandy beaches on your vehicle.

*/ This is a guest post by Sophia Oatley. /*