Must-see Places in Delhi

 

 1. Red Fort:

 

 The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor of India for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of Mughal government and the setting for events critically impacting the region. Constructed in 1648 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone and is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546.With the Salimgarh Fort, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex.

 2. Humayun’s Tomb:

Humayun’s tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega Begum. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India, close to the Dina-panah citadel also known as Purana Qila (Old Fort), that Humayun founded in 1533. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and since then has undergone extensive restoration work, which is complete.

3. Qutab Minar:

 

Qutab Minar is the second tallest minar in India. Qutub Minar along with the ancient and medieval monuments surrounding it form the Qutb Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower is located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India. It is made of red sandstone and marble, like many of the mughal architecture. Inside the tower, a circular staircase with 379 steps, leads from the bottom to the top storey. Qutab Minar is surrounded by several historically significant monuments, which are historically connected with the tower and are part of the Qutb Complex.

4. Lodhi Gardens:

 

 Lodhi Gardens is a park in Delhi, India, which contains Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, Sikander Lodi’s Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. The site is now protected by the Archeological Survey of India. The gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung’s Tomb on Lodhi Road and is a hotspot for morning walks for the Delhiites. As there is little architecture from these two periods remaining in India, Lodhi Gardens is an important place of preservation. The tomb of Mohammed Shah is visible from the road, and is the earliest structure in the gardens.

 5. Lotus Temple:

 The Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship completed in 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. The Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion, or any other distinction.

Travel Photography Tips for Your Next Trip

 

 

 

1. Select the RAW setting:
RAW enables you to go back at any time and process the image in a different way. With RAW software and technology improving all the time, it’s good to have the original RAW file to convert again and again.

2. Use flash in sunny conditions:
A sunny and bright day can be great as well as not so great for photography. Bright light can cause shadows and dark areas in the image. Use fill-flash in bright, sunny conditions to fill the shadows and bring out colours.

3. Shoot cities at night:
Cities come alive with lights and colour at night. Every holiday destination will have something that looks great at night. Good subjects include illuminated fountains, sculptures, churches or cathedrals, and market places. Use fountains or statues as foreground interest with the main subject in 
the background.

4. Get great silhouettes at sunset:
Shooting a brilliant sunset is something we all do on holiday. Sometimes, though, they don’t quite turn out as we saw them. A great way to improve sunsets is to silhouette a distinctive subject.

5. Avoid zoom! Get closer:
Avoid using zoom as much as possible. Walk and get close to the subject. If you need to get close, and you are able to get close, then get close. Don’t depend on your camera’s zooming abilities to fill your frame. Walking closer to you subject does wonders to a photo. The experience becomes more personal and intimate. And you’ll see that in your photos. Also, zooming usually means your aperture gets smaller on most cameras and thus, lets less light into your camera affecting your exposure settings. So there’s that, too.

for more information please visit www.icityzoom.com

How to survive long-haul flights?

 

Flying economy for 10 hours can be one of the worst life experiences. Here are a few tips to survive long-haul flights.

1. Entertainment.  Your electronic gadgets can rescue you from boredom. Cram your iPad or laptop with your favorite flicks or TV series. If your eyes are too tired for a movie, you can listen to your favorite music. Stock up on paper and books on your e-readers (Kindle is my favorite). And don’t forget to charge up your electronic gadgets. Also, invest in a quality pair of headphones (one that is capable of cutting down ambient noise).

2. Get comfortable.  Boarding a 10-hour flight in executive wear is not a great idea. Change into a super comfortable outfit before you board the plane. A pair of cashmere socks may prevent your feet from getting cold (common for window seat aficionados).

3. Get some sleep.  Stay away from alcohol. It will only make your sleep worse on a long haul flight. Carry with you an eye mask, neck pillow and ear muffs. Ear muffs can keep you warm, cut down ambient noise and lull you to sleep.

4. Stay hydrated.  Purchase the largest bottle of water available before boarding the flight and have it refilled by the flight attendants during the flight. Hydration is everything. Try to avoid heavy foods as well – you are not burning many calories sitting 10 hours in a plane.

5. Board relatively rested.  Don’t count on a long-haul flight as a good place to catch up on sleep. It’s not. You will be on the plane long enough to get a few naps even if you are somewhat rested, and a good advice would be to take it when it comes. If your eyes start to droop, get out the eye masks and ear muffs, and go with it. If you throw away a solid two-hour nap on a few extra rounds of Angry Birds, you might well be angry at yourself later.

Want to fly cheap?

1. Set a price in your mind: Flight prices are dynamic. They vary a lot. Have a clear idea of how much you are willing to pay for a particular flight. There are continuous and extreme fluctuations in airfares till booking closure. Predicting when when the airfare will be at its minimum is not possible. Once you find the fare that fits your budget, go ahead and book the ticket. Don’t wait for another day expecting to see a further drop in price. You might lose your opportunity.

2. Search on multiple online portals: Check multiple online portals to get the best price. Some portals offer certain discounts on an airfare that may not be offered by another portal.

3. Book on the official airlines website: It is always advisable to book on the airlines’ website unless flight engines offer huge discounts. This way, you may get a cheaper fare. This also helps you to save money deducted by external flight search engines in case of flight cancellation or reschedule.

4. Try and be flexible on your travel dates: Be flexible on your travel dates as much as possible. This always helps you to get cheap air tickets. You may get cheaper air tickets if your flight is on Tuesday or Wednesday.

5. Book early: Always book at least 2 to 3 months in advance before your date of departure. This is the best way to get the cheapest possible flights. You will never regret your decision.

Must-see places in Mumbai

 

  

1. Elephanta Island:

  

 

 

 Northeast of the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbour, the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island, are a Unesco World Heritage Site. Created between AD 450 and 750, the labyrinth of cave temples represent some of India’s most impressive temple carving. The Portuguese dubbed the island Elephanta because of a large stone elephant near the shore. This collapsed in 1814 and was moved by the British to Mumbai’s Jijamata Udyan. There’s a small museum on-site, with informative pictorial panels on the origin of the caves.

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya:

 

Mumbai’s biggest and best museum displays a mix of exhibits from across India. The domed behemoth, an intriguing hodgepodge of Islamic, Hindu and British architecture, is a flamboyant Indo-Saracenic design by George Wittet (who also designed the Gateway of India).

Its vast collection includes impressive Hindu and Buddhist sculpture, terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, Indian miniature paintings, porcelain and some particularly vicious-looking weaponry. Good information is provided in English, and audio guides are available in seven languages.

 3. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

 

Taj Mahal Palace is Mumbai’s most famous landmark. This stunning hotel is a fairy-tale blend of Islamic and Renaissance styles, and India’s second-most photographed monument. It was built in 1903 by the Parsi industrialist JN Tata, supposedly after he was refused entry to one of the European hotels on account of being ‘a native’.

Much more than an iconic building, the Taj’s history is intrinsically linked with the nation: it was the first hotel in India to employ women, the first to have electricity (and fans), and it also housed freedom-fighters (for no charge) during the struggle for independence.

 4. Gateway of India:

 

This bold basalt arch of colonial triumph faces out to Mumbai Harbour from the tip of Apollo Bunder. Incorporating Islamic styles of 16th-century Gujarat, it was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V, but wasn’t completed until 1924. Ironically, the British builders of the gateway used it just 24 years later to parade the last British regiment as India marched towards independence.

These days, the gateway is a favourite gathering spot for locals and a top place for people-watching. Giant-balloon sellers, photographers, vendors making bhelpuri and touts rub shoulders with locals and tourists, creating all the hubbub of a bazaar. In March, they are joined by classical dancers and musicians who perform during the Elephanta Festival.

Boats depart from the gateway’s wharfs for Elephanta Island.

 5. Marine Drive:

 

 Marine Drive arcs along the shore of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point past Girgaum Chowpatty and continues to the foot of Malabar Hill. It is extensively clean and tidy. Lined with flaking art deco apartments, it’s one of Mumbai’s most popular promenades and sunset-watching spots. Its twinkling night-time lights earned it the nickname ‘the Queen’s Necklace’. Hundreds gather on the promenade around Nariman Point in the early evening to snack and chat.

Are You a Frequent Traveler? Learn How to Cut Expenses and Save Money for Travel!

Learn to cook – We all need to eat, but restaurants are getting quite expensive these days. To keep your food bill low, cook more often. You don’t need to be a whiz in the kitchen, either. There are a million and one cooking sites that will teach you how to cook fast and healthy meals – perfect for people without much time.

Quit smoking – Smoking kills not only you, but also your wallet. A pack per day costs Rs. 100 on an average. This amounts to Rs. 36, 500 per year. Even half that amount would still yield enough money to visit some exotic locations in India. If you don’t want to stop smoking for your health, do it for your trip.

Stop drinking – Alcohol is expensive. Cutting down the amount you drink is going to have a big impact on your budget. While this might not apply to everyone, those of you who are carefree might go out with your friends on the weekend. Cutting down the amount of alcohol you consume is considered low-hanging fruit – an easy way to save money.

Stop snacking – A snack here and there not only adds calories to your waistline, but also empties your wallet – another example of phantom expenses. We don’t think much of them because they cost so little, but they add up over time and eat into our savings. Eat fuller meals during lunch and dinner and avoid the snacks.

Ditch your landline – I honestly only know about 10 people these days who have anything other than a mobile phone. You don’t need both a mobile phone and a landline. Ditch your phone line and avoid doubling your phone expenses.

Best Travel Destinations in Rajasthan

Rajasthan – the land of Maharaja’s, takes the crown from other Indian states when it comes to flashing exotic colors, articulate architectural patterns, and traditions that celebrate life. The sandstone structures, colorful cities, and vibrant desert towns transport you to one of the fables from the Arabian Nights. Rajasthan is rich in cultural heritage and it has something to amuse everyone: Yes, Rajasthan is a place where you will find elephants and snake charmers!

1. Udaipur:

 

 Udaipur city is known for its old mansions, palaces, and crystal clear lakes. The architectural designs are an amalgamation of Rajput military architecture and Mughal style designs. The most famous landmark representing this amalgamation is the City Palace, which is located along the shores of lake Pichola. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the “Venice of the East”, and is also nicknamed the “Lake City” or “City of Lakes”. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered the most beautiful lakes in the country.

2. Pushkar:

 

 Pushkar has earned the title of the Land of Fairs and Festivals. The Pushkar Fair is famous for its religious and cattle fair. The fair is held on the 11th day of bright half of the moon, which falls in the month of October/November. The Pushkar Fair begins with paying obeisance to Lord Brahma. Pushkar has India’s only temple dedicated to Brahma. After visiting Brahma temple, don’t forget to visit Savitri temple – Lord Brahma’s wife!

 3. Jodhpur:

Jodhpur or Blue City is the second largest city in Rajasthan. The city is commanded by the Mehrangarh fort, which is one of the largest forts in India. No wonder this fort features in every Rajasthan tour package. Visit this place in October to experience the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Apart from these, Jodhpur has classic palaces and a museum showcasing its excellent heritage and art.

4. Bundi:

This town in often overlooked by enthusiastic travelers. Bundi, like Jodhpur, features blue houses. The town of Bundi is dominated by the imposing Bundi palace. The Bundi palace is known for its beautiful paintings inside the palace, which is affectionately known as phool mahal.

5. Chittorgarh:

 

Chittorgarh is known for its Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower. The tower was constructed by Rana Kumbh to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji. Apart from Vijay Stambh, there are plenty of tourist attractions such as Sammidheshwara Temple, Gaumukh reservoir, the Palace of Queen Padmini, Kumbha Shyam Temple, and the 8th-century Kalika Mata Temple.