Chota Imambara - Lucknow

 

The most beautiful and attractive building in the old city Lucknow is Chota Imambara. It is also called as Imambara of Hussainabad. In 1839, Mohammed Ali Shah in his second rule he built this Imambara. Many people in the city believe this building was built as a token of allegiance to his faith. When the king was in his 63 years old and unwell he was chosen by the British and crowned as the King of Oudh (third king). Azim-ullah Khan was been appointed as a superintendant of the building department for the King and he supervised the Hussainanabad Imambara building. The building is known as the Palace of Lights since during the special festivals like Muharram its decorations look good.  In the pillars of the main Tripolia gateway his contributions are been recorded in two Persian inscriptions.

It is located near the Bara Imambara on the connecting road stands well known as   Rumi Darwaza. We can also see several chandeliers used to decorate the interior of this building. These chandeliers are been brought from Belgium. There are also large and smaller gold-plated domes which can be seen by all people from far away. There are tombs for Mohammed Ali Shah and for his family members – his daughter and for her husband inside Imambara. The tombs seem to be a replica of Taj Mahal. We can see two triple arched gateways called as Tripolia gateways in the east and west as entrance.




We can see the walls decorated with Arabic calligraphy. Outside of the Imambara building there is a watchtower named as Satkhanda or tower of seven stories though it has only four stories. We can see the Gomti River near Imambara whereas the water from the Gomti River is supplied for the fountains inside the Imambara.

As a future reader the King, Mohammed Ali Shah and his Queen Malka deposited an amount of Rupees Twenty six lakh with the East India Company. They formed a Trust to maintain their religious buildings to observance of Muharrum and other religious functions. This attracts people from far off the towns and the rural areas.


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King Kothi Palace - Hyderabad

 

Hyderabad is a land of kings and royalty​,​ ​filled with many palaces, lakes ​and ​resorts. The first famous palace is King Kothi Palace. ​You will realize at first sight the exquisite architecture ​of palace ​with lavish rooms which includes ​beautiful sculptures, paintings and portraits. It includes antique books, rare manuscripts which reflects the glorious past of Hyderabad.

Very frequently referred to as the ​‘Pride of the Deccan’ – ​Hyderabad is one of the most spectacular cities in India. One young prince, ​Muhammad Quli ​was madly in ​love with a maiden from Chichlam vil – Bhagmati. ​He built a Charminar there and he renamed the village Bhagnagar​. This city later​​ turned ​out ​to be called by the name ​of ​Hyderabad.




The royal King Kothi Palace is ​an excellent piece of example of inspiration ​and influence of European Architecture. It was built by Kamal Khan and named it with the sign of “K K”. Later,​it was sold to Nizam when he expressed his desire for the palace. Nizam felt it to be a pride to have those abbreviations, so he passed a ferman and changed “ K K” to King Kothi which means Kings Mansion. Thus the name King Kothi was brought into existence.​

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Meenakshi Amman Temple - Madurai

The people who are planning for a peaceful religious tour can choose with the best place to visit can be Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple is old around 2500 years which is located in the Madurai city where it has dedicated to deity Meenakshi amman an avatar of Goddess Parvati, and her consort Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva).

The temple is sprawled with an area of 17 acres with 4 entrances in all the 4 directions north, south, east and west. The current structure and architecture of the temple was been designed by Nayakas, who are the people who ruled this region in the period of 16^th and 18^th centuries.

 

Attractions in temple:

As a whole the structure of the temple is an amazing art to wonder. To add glory to the temple 5 most important attractions helps the temple to stand in an outstanding place:

1. There are about 14 gopurams in which the southern gopuram is the tallest one in which it stretches nearly about 170 feet (52 meters) high.
2. We can see the vimanas which are covered with animal, stones, demons and god figures in bright/gold plated over the idol of the main deities.

• We can find a hall where it is named as “Hall of 1000 Pillars” or “Aayiram Kaal Mandapam”. These pillars are attractive since when we tap or strike few pillars of these we can hear distinct musical note struck/notes of Carnatic music.

1. We have a pond in this temple called by a fascinating name “Golden Lotus Tank” or “Pottramarai Kulam”. Its believed with the fact that this Golden Lotus was been used by Lord Indra for his pooja. We have a story for this pond where it is said that Lord Shiva had blessed this pond that no marine would grow, to its surprise we can never found a fish or any marine life living in this pond.
2. We have an expensive “Parrot Cage” or “Kilikoondu Mandapam Corridor” where the parrots are trained to call out the name “Meenakshi”

 

Dress code for visiting the Temple:

1. Dress code for Gents : Gents are supposed to wear only full pants and shirts
2. Dress code for Ladies: Kurthas, Sleeveless kurtis can be worn. It must be seen that it has been covered with a shawl.
3. Camera is not allowed inside the temple
4. Entrance fee for each place will be displayed in the board then and there.

 Pooja and Darshan Timings:

The temple opens by morning 5.00 am to 12.30 pm. Evening it starts by 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm.Meenakshi Amman Temple - Madurai
  
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Wonderla Amusement Park - Bangalore:




You can find Wonderla Amusement Park, Bangalore as one of an array of options to select for your kids and you for an adrenaline rush. You have the provision to stay at the Wonderla Amusement Park which is a part of the park to make the trip more convenient and enjoyable. It takes about a travel of 28km from Bangalore in Mysore Road to reach this place. 

The park offers many discount schemes which can be availed. The price for the tickets stand at Rs. 900 for Adults, Children Rs.720 and Rs. 680 for senior citizens. The cost varies based on the offers provided on schemes. There are different offers at Wonderla like 10th Anniversary Offer, Resort offer, KSRTC A/c Volvo Bus Offer, Free Privilege Member Card, Free Uber Rides, BMTC Volvo Bus Offer, College Students offer, Discount for School students group, Corporate/Bulk/Group Packages. These offers are found to be changeable based on the period of time. 

The park opens at 11.00 am and gets closed by 6.00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday/other special holidays, the closing time extends till 7.00 p.m. You can shop shorts, t-shirts inside the park, which suits for your rides.  There are lots of exciting adventurous drives in game both dry and water.  You can find about 60 rides in this park for people of various age groups.

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Visit Top slip - Coimbatore

 

You wake up. ​The day begins​ . The moment you spring out of your bed, you realize you are caught up once again with your monotonous everyday routine and hectic work schedules. You desperately go in search of different ways to escape the wheel of monotony and boredom, but rarely do you succeed.

One of the best gifts to mankind has been nature. With its vibrant bursting colours, nature has the potential to cure the symptoms of routine and monotony. A quite time in the wild not only rejuvenates you, but also gives you the perfect time and atmosphere you need to reflect upon yourself.

Here are some exotic places that will amaze your eyes and refresh your soul:
​Top Slip, located in the Western Ghats is a popular getaway for South Indians and is an incredible drive from Coimbatore to Pollachi and from Pollachi to Top slip. All ​through ​the way​, your eyes will be treated to lush greenery and beautiful trees. Make sure you stop and enjoy the landscape around you. Top​ Slip ​is ​a pollution free destination. ​It stands majestically ​among other unexplored mountains and forest all around.

Top slip is a vital​ ​tourist center with the Annaimalai Tiger Reserve. ​There is a solon park and a life ​s​anctuary which covers an area of 958 sq.kms. I​t's been separated from Nilgiri hills by the Palaghat Gap on the north. The Solon park is found to be contiguous ​to the ​west side ​of Parambikulam Life Sanctuary and the Eravvikulam park with Chinnar Wild life Santuary on the other side.​​​

 

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Shopping @ Coimbatore

Want to go on a wardrobe shopping spree in Coimbatore? ​​Then this read is for you. Coimbatore, the cotton city of India, is filled with bazaars, street markets and malls all over. There aren’t many cities that are better when it comes to shopping for clothes and clothing accessories. Designs and models from contemporary to the latest fashion trends can be found here, which helps if you want to reinvent yourself style-wise and make a fashion statement. Pothys, a chain of textile showrooms, has been the go-to shop for people in Coimbatore, as it houses under one roof clothes and clothing accessories for a wide group of people ranging from different socio-economic backgrounds. 

The shop has separate sections for Men, Women, and Kids which makes shopping a lot easier and fun. This place, for women, is especially great as an enormous collection of Indian silk sarees like Samudrika Pattu, Kancheepuram Silk, Parampara Pattu, Vastrakala Pattu, Mayuri Menpattu, Vasundhra Pattu, etc. can be found here. The variety and quality of the products is exceptional which gives people a joyous and satisfying shopping experience. Their website also has an online store for people who would like to sit on a couch and shop in the comfort of their homes.

Please visit iCityZoom for more information.

Must-see places in Cochin

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is a major port on the south-west coast of India in the state of Kerala. It is known as the Queen of the Arabian sea. With an extensive history of being occupied by the Portuguese, and later by the Dutch and the British, it was the first of the European colonies in India. With a rich history, culture and heritage, it is one of the best tourist places to visit in India.

1. Mattancherry Palace:



Mattancherry Palace was gifted to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma by the Portuguese in 1555. The palace was later renovated in 1663 by the Dutch, which gave it an alternate name, The Dutch Palace. The Mattancherry neighbourhood is full of colonial buildings. The palace lacks the grandeur that is often expected of a palace; however, there is a small museum and some rare art inside, including paintings of previous kings and some preserved Hindu murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends in intricate detail. People who love history should definitely check this place out.

 2. Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum:




The Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum is a privately owned museum located in the outskirts of Ernakulam. Opened in the year 2009, the museum showcases the rich heritage that Kerala exudes through its numerous art and dance forms. Artifacts that bear the scent of bygone era like masks, sculptures, in wood, stone and bronze, costumes of traditional and ritual art forms, musical instruments, traditional jewelry, manuscripts of rare medicinal and astrological secrets, and Stone-Age utensils are all preserved in this museum with utmost care. It is a great place to start if you are interested in learning about Kerala’s culture. Its architecture is magnificent. Stage performances usually take place at 6.30 p.m. everyday.


3. Paradesi Synagogue:




Built by the early Jewish traders in 1568 adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, this synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt again by the Dutch. It features an ornate gold pulpit and elaborate hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles from Canton, China, which were added in 1762. It’s magnificently illuminated by Belgian chandeliers and coloured-glass lamps. The graceful clock tower was built in 1760. Shorts, sleeveless tops, bags and cameras are not allowed inside.

4. St. Francis Church:

 

St. Francis Church was built in 1503. It has great historical significance and is considered to be the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 and his body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. Originally built by the portugese, it was subsequently claimed by the Dutch and British.

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Must-see Places In and Around Coimbatore

1. Aliyar Dam: 

Aliyar is a reservoir near Pollachi town in Coimbatore District. Located in the foothills of Valparai, it is about 65 kilometres from Coimbatore. The dam offers some ideal getaways including a park, garden, aquarium, play area and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation for visitors enjoyment. The view is scenic with mountains surrounding three quarters of the reservoir. Monkey falls, which is also a famous destination for tourists, is located at about a distance of 6 kilometers. Overnight stay is possible in the forrest rest house.

2. Kodiveri Dam:

Kodiveri Dam is located on the Bhavani River. The name ‘Kodiveri’ is originated from ‘kodivari’ in Tamil meaning ‘Tiger’, which represents the forest area around the Dam where large number of tigers lived. The Maharaja of Mysore constructed the dam in the 17th century by harnessing the strength of a workforce that included his prisoners and elephants. A 20-foot wall of rock was carved in order to construct the dam. The stones were then interlocked with iron bars and lead was used as mortar. These are, however, not visible except in the dry season when the water level in the river drops considerably. Some improvement were carried out during the British rule without tampering the original design. The lush green fields around are a pleasure to watch. For tourists, it is a great place to eat delicious fresh fish and bob in the water on a coracle.

3. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:

Parambikulam is a wildlife sanctuary established in the year 1973. It is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a world heritage site. For people seeking an adventure out in the wild, this is a great place to trek, although prior permission needs to be obtained from the officials. The sanctuary, which is a part of the western ghats, is rich in flora and fauna and is a treat to the eyes of nature enthusiasts.

4. Siruvani Water Falls:

Situated at Siruvani Hills at a distance 37 km away from Coimbatore, Siruvani Water Falls is an enchanting waterfall, known for its magnificence. The water is famous for its taste and it is typically known to be the second sweetest water in the world. With an outstanding panoramic view, the water fall and the dam nearby is extremely beautiful and breathe taking. The best time to visit this place would be summer. It is also known by the name Kovai Kutralam.

Must-see Places in Bangalore

 

 

1. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace:

 

An example of Indo-Islamic architecture, this marvelous structure was once the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. The construction of this palace was commenced by Hyder Ali and it was completed during the reign of Tipu Sultan in 1791. After the death of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the British Administration used the palace for its Secretariat. The government of Karnataka maintains the palace today, which is located at the center of Old Bangalore near the Kalasipalyam bus stand, as a tourist spot.

Built entirely of teak, it was adorned with pillars, arches and balconies. There are beautiful floral motifs embellishing the walls of the palace. The site also holds a painting of grand throne visualized by Tipu Sultan himself. The rooms in the ground floor have been converted into a small museum showcasing various achievements of Tipu Sultan and his administration. There are newly done portraits of the people and places of that time. There is a replica of Tipu’s Tiger, which is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Tipu Sultan’s clothes and his crown are present in silver and gold pedestals. The silver vessels given by a general to Hyder Ali is also displayed.

 2. Bangalore Palace:

 

Bangalore Palace was built by Rev. J. Garrett. He was the first Principal of the Central High School in Bangalore. Construction began in the year 1862 and was completed in 1944. The palace was built in Tudor style architecture with fortified towers, battlements and turrets. The interiors were decorated with elegant wood carvings, floral motifs, cornices and relief paintings on the ceiling. The furniture, which was neo-classical, Victorian and Edwardian in style, was bought from John Roberts and Lazarus. The ground floor has an open courtyard containing granite seats covered with fluorescent blue ceramic tiles. It also contains a ballroom for holding private parties. The first floor contains the Durbar Hall, where the king used to address the assembly. The glass windows on one side of the hall are Gothic in style. The interior walls of the palace are adorned by old paintings belonging to the mid-19th century, including some Greek and Dutch paintings.

3. Lal Bagh:

 

Lal Bagh, in English, means the Red Gardens. Like the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, the garden was originally commissioned by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, and later finished by his son Tipu Sultan. It has a famous glass house which hosts an annual flower show. Lal Bagh houses India’s largest collection of tropical plants, has an aquarium and a lake, and is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangalore. The Lal Bagh Gardens are based on the design of the Mughal Gardens that once stood at Sira. If you are a nature lover and need to spend some time away from the bustling city, this is a sure place to visit.

4. National Gallery of Modern Art:

 

National Gallery of Modern Art, inaugurated in the year 2009, is an art gallery in Bangalore. The gallery showcases modern Indian art and houses paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Rabindranath Tagore and a large number of Modern and Contemporary artists. It currently houses approximately 500 exhibits. You need at least half a day to see the entire space. The exhibits have been displayed – classified into broad categories – according to different time periods, art schools and by artists.

5. HAL Aerospace Museum:

 

HAL Aerospace Museum is India’s first aerospace museum. Established in 2001, the Museum is part of the HAL Heritage Centre and Aero Space Museum, and showcases the growth of the Indian aviation industry and HAL for six decades. The museum houses displays of various aircraft and helicopters, Aircraft engine models, Flight simulators, a mock Air Traffic Control Tower and exhibit of Indian aviation history. The Museum is maintained by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It’s a great place to visit if you have a thing for flying metal.

Please visit our official Travel Guide for more information on famous tourist spots in Bangalore.

 

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.