An A to Z Guide to the IRCTC eWallet

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways handling functions such as online ticketing processes, catering, and tourism continues to revolutionise the face of railways in India. In yet another development, the IRCTC has come up with the concept of eWallet for its website. Under the eWallet concept, customers may advance money to IRCTC and use the same later when they need to obtain the services of the IRCTC website at their own convenience. Get familiar with the finer points of IRCTC eWallet.

How to register for the eWallet?

Go to ‘Plan my travel section’ and select the option of ‘eWALLET registration’. After selecting this option, you need to furnish your PAN card number and deposit a fee of INR 250. This is a one time fee and is not refundable. The registration process also involves creation of a transaction password/PIN number.

How much does it cost?

Besides the registration fee of INR 250, you would be required to deposit a sum of at least INR 100 in your eWallet account. The maximum permissible limit is INR 5,000. The sum you deposit is non refundable only multiples of INR 100 are allowed for making the deposit. Every transaction you make through your eWallet involves a charge of INR 5.

How to Book through eWallet?

Once you finalise your journey, the eWallet will show up as an additional option for making the payment. You would be required to select this option and enter your eWallet transaction password. The payment would be deducted from your account, provided your account balance is higher than the price of the ticket. Once the payment is made, you would get a regular electronic ticket.

How does it Work?

Customers get a separate link with complete details such as payment history, eWallet deposit, and transaction history.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you cancel a ticket, the amount gets refunded to your eWallet account on the next day.

Are there any timings?

eWallet is not available from 8 am to 12 pm.

Does it save Money?

Yes, it saves payment gateway charges levied on tickets.

Does it save Time?

Yes, while making the payment, you save the time that you otherwise spend on making the transaction through other channels.

Tourist Attractions in Goa

The state of Goa is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. the sun kissed beaches, blue sea, pristine surroundings and spirit of festivity make Goa tourism a unique and satisfying experience for all visiting this popular state.
Goa tourism includes a lot of options for tourists to go sightseeing. The state has something for everyone and being a top tourist destination, there are ample things to do in Goa. One can visit the numerous beaches, indulge in water sports, enjoy sumptuous food at the shacks, shop for a variety of stuff, go on a cruise or enjoy visiting the famous attractions in Goa.

There are lots of things to do in Goa and if you are a nature lover, you will fall in love with the ample greenery and verdant surroundings of Goa. Besides the fantastic beaches, Goa has lots of natural retreats. The Dudhsagar Waterfalls is one of them. They are so named because the water falling from a height of 600m is so pristine and clean that it appears like milk flowing. There is also a temple nearby. Another place with an abundance of nature are the two wildlife sanctuaries of Goa namely: Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you will see a variety of flora and fauna which has been well preserved. A visit to these sanctuaries is definitely counted among the different things to do in Goa.

Those interested in history will be charmed by the Aguada Fort which is an iconic structure in Goa. it was built by the Portuguese in 1612 and has since then stood as a mute witness to the changes and upheavals that have taken place in Goa over so many centuries. You may also visit any of the famous churches of Old Goa to admire the beautiful architecture. Some of the renowned churches are St Augustine Church, St Cathedral Church, Basilica of Bom Jesus and St Francis of Assisi among others. Most of the churches in Old Goa are regarded as World Heritage Monuments. In fact every village in Goa has a small church where the Goans pray.

Besides some magnificent churches in Goa is also home to some famous Hindu temples: Mahalaxmi Temple, Mangeshi Temple, Shantadurga Temple and Shri Kamakshi Temple to name a few. These temples are visited by thousands of devotees from all over India and are an important religious place of worship for the Hindus. Goa even has a selection of museums like Museum of Christian Art, Goa State Museum, Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery, Naval Aviation Museum and Goa Science Centre. You can visit these museums as they are unique and provide an enriching experience.

When you are in Goa you must remember that you will never run out of things to do in Goa. There is always something happening here and there is no dearth of activities or sightseeing options. It is no wonder then that anyone who visits Goa once definitely returns to soak in the wonderful spirit and warm hospitality of this beautiful state.

Vaishno Devi - The Home of Mata Vaishnavi

A pilgrim spot is a holy place with a religious significance and a special indefinable aura that beckons pious souls from near and far. These places should be visited to refresh and rejuvenate oneself. Now, if you have been looking forward to visiting such a place but are wondering where to go, then, Vaishno Devi located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, is definitely one of the perfect destinations for you. A trip to Vaishno Devi will surely stir your soul and prove to be a delightful experience.

This holy land is the most revered pilgrim center in India. Throughout the year, it is bustling with large numbers of devotees who throng here from all across the globe. The Vaishno Devi Temple, the second most visited shrine is beautifully snuggled in the arms of the Trikuta hills. This home town of the Mother Goddess is a spiritual heaven on earth. Lofty mountain ranges, spellbinding landscapes and lush greenery all seem to zealously guard the mystique appeal and sacred character of the place. And when, the joyous emotion packed chanting of the three magical words, “Jai Mata Di” rend the mountain air, one can truly experience the zenith of happiness. A pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi temple seems to fulfill all the hankerings of human life, i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

Located at an altitude of 5300 feet, the Vaishno Devi Temple is a true delight for the pilgrims and devotees. The way to reach this temple is an arduous, skywards and steep, so you have to reach the way by walking. A special arrangement of ponies, palanquins and helicopter is also there for those who are not comfortable with the arduous route. In addition, to this special arrangement of food and restroom is present throughout the way to reach the shrine of Mata Rani. One can also have a view of frisky monkeys throughout the way.

This holy place is also acknowledged as the Shakti Peeth of Goddess Durga. In this main shrine, one will be blessed with the blessings of the almighty deity in her three Pindies embossed with silver, gold and diamonds. Also, one will be blessed with the glimpses of the Gods and Goddesses like Vakra Tunda Ganesha, Chandra Dev and Surya Dev and many more inside the holy cave of about 98 feet long. You will also be blessed with blessings of Dhadh of Bhairon Nath featuring several heads of the Shesh Nag and five Pandavas, the Brahma, Sapt Rishi, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati. This cave of Mata Rani is burrowed through crystal clear white marble blocks.

Even though the Vaishno Devi darshan is for their devotees always but yet the best time to visit this shrine is during Navaratri and in the period of October to March. All the devotees and pilgrims have to register themselves before commencing journey to the cave of Mata Rani. Though the journey to this holistic place is one day only but the breathtaking beauty will make you stay even for longer there.

Hill Stations Near Mumbai

Far away from the scorching heat of the grungy city, one can find retreat in the lush green highlands of the hill stations near Mumbai. They are known for their cool and refreshing clime that makes one wait with bated breath. As a part of Mumbai tourism, many of the hill stations offer facilities such as hotels, boating parks, swimming pools, club, ropeways, theatres and museums. Some of the hill stations which attract the tourists are as follows.

Saputara hills
Situated in the Dang district of Gujarat, Satpura is a densely wooded hill station. In the heart of the Saputara valley lies the Saputara lake. Amusements facilities have been provided. Boating is an exotic experience over here. Rose garden in Saputara bestows a show of beautiful roses. The sunset point or the Gandhi Shikhar peak is 1km away from the lake. The forests nursery runs as a part of Mumbai tourism, has a beautiful collection of flowers especially the Hibiscus.

Panchgani hills
Panchgani means the place of five hills. It is one of the renowned hill stations near Mumbai. It is best known for its clean air compared to other hill stations near Mumbai. Some of the attractions worth visiting are Sydney point, Parsi point and Mapro garden. Sydney point is located where the hill faces the Krishna valley. The elite view of Wai village from this place is splendid. Mapro gardens are famous for their strawberries. The garden annually hosts strawberry festivals.

Dapoli hills
Dapoli hills have a long coastline. It is home to various migratory birds and animals. It is also known as the Mahableshwar of Konkan. The Ladghar beach also known as ‘Tamams Theertha’ is a great spot for swimming. Parasailing and water scooters are available as a part of Mumbai tourism.

Karjat hills
The undulated hilly terrains make the Karjat hills the best sought place for trekking. Palasdari dam is an attraction. The farm houses located nearby are beautiful. Kondana caves are rock cut caves that relish the ancient Buddhist architecture. The nature lovers are welcome to sit under the falls and enjoy the natural fresh water massage. It is one of the exotic hill stations near Mumbai.

Sajan hills
It is occupied by candid Marathi families. Palusa falls, Kohoj hill fort and Mahalakshmi temple are some of the attractions. Moho River has a mini dam. A swim along the dam and a picnic along the banks is an inviting option. Tiger caves are famous for their inside carvings.

Lavasa hills
This is a modern hill station. It is a perfect combination of technological and infrastructural facilities. It is the right spot for picnic weekend. Some of the important attractions are Lavasa international Conventional centre, Warasgaon dam, Mulshi Lake, and Tamhini ghat.

Igatpuri hills
Surrounded by the highest peaks in the Sahayadris, it is celestial for trekkers and hikers. Bhatsa river valley, camel valley and Ghatandevi Mandir and Vaitarna dam are some of the attractions. A magnificent temple located here is the Manas temple. It is one of the hill stations near Mumbai where most of the outdoor bollywood movies are shot.

Tourist Destinations in North Goa from Goa Tourism

North Goa is the hub of partying and clubs, and it is also that part of Goa that has most of the popular beaches. North Goa represents the loud and commercial side of Goa Tourism, which has emerged as the most famous aspect of Goa over the years. There are numerous exciting places to visit in Goa (North). Most of the popular beaches are in North Goa like Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach and Calangute Beach. The shacks on these beaches are very famous in the whole of Goa and the nightlife in North Goa remains unparalleled by any other place in entire Goa. Here are some of the well known landmarks from North Goa.

Baga Beach

Baga Beach is like heaven on earth for tourists who love partying, eating and trying out water sports. It is the most popular and crowded beach from Goa Tourism. The stretch of Baga has so much that you can spend an entire day here without even realizing when and how the time went by. A couple of major attractions of the Baga Beach are the wide range of watersports and the heavenly food in the popular shacks that are lined up one after the other along the whole stretch. The nightlife at this beach is arguably the best in Goa. There is the Tito’s lane where pubs, bars and nightclubs strive to outdo each other. The highly famous Tito’s Club and Café Mambos are also situated near the beach. Baga often tops the list when the talk is about places to visit in Goa.

Church of St. Cajetan

The Church of St. Cajetan is one of the few places that brings out and shows the underrated historic side to Goa Tourism. The church has some beautiful Italian painting that brings out a lot of glimpses from St. Cajetan’s life. This church was built by the Italian friars who were sent by the Pope Urban 3 for preaching Christianity in Golconda, which is a place near Hyderabad, and as they were not allowed to do so they settled in Old Goa and started preaching Christianity here. This church was built in 1640 Corinthian style, and this is one of the most popular historic places to visit in Goa. This Church also takes us back to the time of Christian origin in Goa.

Candolim Beach

The Candolim Beach is one of the only relaxing a relatively quieter of beaches offered by North Goa Tourism, and certainly the only of this sort in North Goa. It is not as popular and crowded as Baga, Anjuna or Calangute, but it is still a major tourist attraction of North Goa. The beach has many shacks serving delicious food lined up on its vast sandy stretches and for adventurous people there are many water sports that can be performed here. People love to come to the Candolim Beach to have a relaxing time on the beach and some like getting a massage amidst the beautiful surroundings. This is a great place to visit in Goa and for shopaholics there are numerous shops and stalls on the Candolim-Calangute road.

Budget Hotels in Maldives: 4 Cheap Hotels Where You Can Save Money

Maldives is a great honeymoon destination. Yes, it sounds clichéd and we have got tired of repeating it again and again. But it really is a great honeymoon destination.

The best honeymoon packages can help you stay in plush resorts where you can immerse yourself in delightful luxuries. But if you do not want to overspend on posh hotels and are looking for some budget ones, then here are some of the cheapest ones:

1. Fuanna Inn: Fuanna Inn is an okay-ish type of place to stay in. It is cheap and that is its biggest pro. The staffs are amiable and the hotel is not very far from the airport. But if you are looking for top-class services or international standard facilities, then this place may not live to your expectations. There are 13 rooms available and the hotel has restaurant and internet services.

Address: Hulhumale Beach Road. Plot number 10107

2. Kihaad Maldives: Kihaad Maldives is the place to stay in if you wish to stay very close to the beach without having to spend galleons. It is not a 5-star hotel (make no mistake) but it won’t disappoint you. The food and services are good in their own way. There is a great snorkeling site by the beach. The hotel also has a swimming pool to boast of. If you want good value for money, then this place would definitely be worthwhile.

Address: Kihaadhuffaru Island, Republic of Maldives, 6040

3. Lucky Hiya Hotel: Though it is a budget hotel, it has got mixed reviews from travelers. It is situated in the capital Male and that is perhaps the best thing about it since the town does get its heavy share of visitors. With 33 rooms, a restaurant and internet service, Lucky Hiya does look a good bargain. But while some have truly enjoyed their stay here, others have only got cuss words to use. So, stay at your own risk! You will either have a very good time, or a very bad one!

Address: Violet Magu,Male, Maldives, H.Homa , Dhonhuraa Goalhi, Male

4. Asdu Sun Island: Situated at North Male Atoll, Asdu Island is another viable option for a comforting and economic accommodation. It has mostly received positive reviews and is a recommended choice for adventurous backpackers. It is not a luxurious resort, but you are not going to regret staying here. For the modest amount you pay, the comfortable rooms and the natural surroundings are worthwhile. You can also book this place with the aid of Maldives packages from India.

The Stunning Summer Festival in Ooty

The ‘Queen of Hill Stations,’ Ooty or Udgamandalam is blessed with pleasant weather, snow-capped mountains, and natural splendor. Ooty attracts thousands of tourists every year towards its uncanny natural beauty. There is no dearth of places to explore in Ooty. Some of the best places to visit in Ooty include the Ooty Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Dodabetta Peak and Wax World. However, if you want to witness the true spirit of Ooty then visit this hill station during the colorful festivals. The town rejoices in the glamour and vibrancy of its festivals. The most picturesque festival of Ooty has always been the summer festival.

The famous Summer Festival is organized in the month of May every year at the splendid Botanical Garden. Botanical Garden is itself is a paradise for nature lovers, and when a festival like this is organized within the garden the people are bound to gasp! The festival celebrates the tranquil natural beauty it is blessed with. This marvelous festival will keep you addicted to the Ooty throughout the month of May, and you surely would not want to leave before the festival ends. The Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu, and the Government of India Tourism Department are the hands behind this mesmerizing festival. A plethora of cultural activities, boat races, events, pageants, and trekking are organized for people during the festive season. The whole town bathes in the festive spirit, taking part in the jovial activities. The highlight of this one-month carnival is the glorious flower show.

 

This magnificent flower show with extraordinary display of fragrant flowers will take your breath away! Other popular events include the fruit show, spice show, and vegetable show, which occur once a week during the carnival. Nature lovers should definitely visit Ooty during this time of the year to embrace the intimidating beauty of nature. Some people say that the town dresses up in the form of a bride during this glamorous festival. Some of the important places to visit in Ooty can be explored during this fiesta as many events are held outside the Botanical Garden. The Nehru Park, Udhagai Rose Garden, and St. Thomas Secondary School also hold a couple of these amazing events. Tourists can also take active parts in some of these spectacular events.

If you are planning to visit this spellbinding hill station then make sure you book online tickets for the month of May. Watch over as the town gets drenched in the festive spirit of the Summer Festival, and do not hesitate from getting drenched yourself too. 

About Author:

Manya Singh is photographer and solo traveller by hobby, travel blogger by passion and lifestyle writer by profession. At present she is responsible for holiday planning at WeAreHolidays

The Amazing Goa Journey

Truly, no number days can ever be enough for all the places to see in Goa. From a traveler’s perspective, Goa has been divided into North Goa & South Goa, which attract a very distinct crowd to themselves. So if you define yourself as the party hopper, the North would be the direction to take and if you’re a one who wants to getaway to a quiet, peaceful beach with your fishing rod, then South Goa is the way to go.

Goa Tourism is clearly defined as the party side of the city. The pubs, shacks & the overall atmosphere calls out to the party animals who look forward to getting wasted by the end of the day. Visit Tito’s & Club Mambo on Baga to get a taste of nightlife in Goa. The ones looking getting wasted and A great day trip from the North could be to the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dudh sagar water falls.

Coming to the South, which is a paradise for the ones looking for a quiet getaway, Cavellosim, Mobor and Cola beaches are pristine and untouched. Going further down south, Cabo de Rama fort and Palolem beach are some of the must-dos of the South. Finally, a drive alongside Agonda beach and then a few hours on this quaint beach can take all your worries away. A tip to remember: apart from the distance, Goa weather would be another important factor to consider while planning any of these trips.

What else to do in Goa?

Apart from the nightlife, beaches and sightseeing, there are a host of adventure sports in Goa that can be exhilarating and super exciting. Paragliding, snorkeling, scuba diving and many other thrilling water sports encompass the best of what the city has to offer. The best of these sports are available at the Calangute and Baga beaches. A visit to Arambol would also providewith plenty of opportunities for sporting activities. Ironically, go karting is also one of the more popular sports in Goa and has circuits all over. A good one is the Goa tourism board’s venue at Nuvem on the Panaji-Margao Highway.

History of Goa, Night Cruise, Beaches, and More

Goa is a place, which spoils you for choice. Be it, the plethora of places to see in Goa by way of enchanting pristine beaches and captivating monuments, or unforgettable experiences spanning exciting genres such as an electrifying nightlife, surreal river cruises, great shopping, and tantalising culinary concoctions - Goa ensures that you never have a dull moment. In fact, the list is virtually infinite, when it comes to describing the charms of Goa. No wonder, this destination has stolen the hearts of generations of travellers over the decades. Here is a look at some of the myriad colourful aspects of this stretch of paradise on earth.

Goa Night Cruise

Add that magical touch to your Goa trip by setting out on a night cruise across the River Mandovi. The exquisite experience of feeling the breeze on your face, the tranquil silence of the night, and the romance of the starlit sky is simply indescribable. Try to opt for the Full Moon Cruise, when the soft glow of the moon and the lights of the mainland in the distance connive to seduce the senses of the onlooker. It’s hardly surprising that night cruises have become a major part of the Goa tourism industry. To make the most of your cruise experience, book an itinerary, which sets off before sunset.

History of Goa

Goa’s history goes way back in time. Mesolithic or Upper Paleolithic rock art carvings have been discovered in Goa. Similarly, choppers, stone axes, and cones were found as well. It has also been discovered that Goa was inhabited by Sumerians somewhere around 2200 BC. This was followed by the rampage of Dravidians from the Deccan and Indo-Aryan people. Goa became a part of the Mauryan empire in 3rd Century B.C. under ‘Ashoka, The Great’. After this, Goa was ruled by numerous other dynasties such as Chutus, Western Kshatrapas, and Chalukyas of Kalyani. In 1312 AD, Goa fell to the Delhi Sultanate and was captured by the Portuguese in 1510. Finally, the history of Goa came full circle, when it attained independence and became a part of India in 1961 after an armed confrontation between Indian and Portuguese troops.

Beaches of Goa

The balmy waters of the Arabian Sea gently lapping against soft milky white sands and sometimes futilely beating against tall imposing cliffs create an exhilarating natural spectacle at Goa’s different beaches. The beauty is that almost every beach has its own unique character. Whether, it’s the relatively lesser known Cavelossim Beach or the thriving Anjuna Beach, you can look forward to an exhilarating sun, sand, and surf experience in Goa. Just a handful of the not to be missed beaches in Goa are Agonda Beach, Palolem Beach, Vagator Beach, and Baga Beach.

Pitter Patter Raindrops and Goa Tourism

Monsoon and Goa tourism don’t seem to mix? Well, many people do seem to think so but the fact is that Goa turns into a treasure trove of delights when it’s monsoon time. Yes, you may not be able to enjoy the celebrated sun, sand, and surf experience, but there are ample other treats to compensate for that. Natural beauty is perhaps at its best as after the blistering summer heat, Goa bursts into a riot of greenery. Another wonderful thing about Goa tourism during monsoons is the fact that visitors may well look expect tremendous offseason discounts offered by airlines and hotels. Now, here are the biggest monsoon stunners from Goa.

Call of the Wild

Places like Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Mollem National Park absolutely mesmerise the beholder with their graceful beauty washed afresh by the rains. The jungles come alive with flora and fauna life. You need not be a hardcore forest buff to appreciate these sights. Just a little picnic with the family amidst the sylvan settings of Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary will ensure loads of fond memories. For a more pronounced jungle feel, check out the other forests. In fact, the Goa tourism department is promoting these places for the monsoons.

Enchanting Waterfalls and Plantations

It goes without saying that the creator has blessed Goa with a generous dose of natural beauty. Waterfalls and plantations are all part and parcel of this grand scheme of nature, which becomes all the more evident with the invigorating effects of the rain. For instance, visiting the Savoi Spice Plantation when it rains, ensures a treat to the eye. As far as the waterfalls are concerned, there seem to be no apt words to describe the glory of the Dudhsagar, Kesarval, and Arvalem waterfalls.

Monsoon and Beauty of Culture

Wondering what rains have to do with culture? Well, monsoons are the time when many of the local Goan festivals are celebrated. This season is perfect for experiencing some cultural Goa tourism.  One such famous festival is Sao-Jao or the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist. Similarly, the feast of Saint Peter and Paul held during the end of June is yet another colourful cultural event that one may witness during the monsoons.

Copious Attractions of Goa Tourism

Goa remains the number one beach destination in India and also a strong contender for the position of the country’s most popular holiday getaway. Not surprising, considering the fact that the places to visit in Goa encompass a delightful medley of variety by way of unforgettable pristine beaches, grand old churches and forts, lots of verdant plantations and forests, and … the list is endless when it comes to describing Goa’s beauty. This is not all. Goa also promises a wonderful gastronomical experience, especially in terms of seafood, and an electrifying nightlife. So, here is a quick look into some of the myriad charms of Goa.

What to See in Goa

It’s hard to list down the number of sightseeing attractions in Goa Tourism as there are so many of them. Beaches alone spoil one for choice as every beach has its own distinctive character. For instance, if the Bambolim Beach is perfect for contemplative seaside meditation, the Baga Beach proves wonderful for high voltage fun and frolic. Moving from beaches, there are scores of other sightseeing beauties. Places such as Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary make the heart leap with joy, while historic and religious attractions like Fort Aguada, Terekhol Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Chapel of St Catherine spell as hours of blissful sightseeing.

Culinary Delights of Goa

If you start salivating at the mere suggestion of crabs, lobsters, and oysters, then your taste buds are in for a special treat as the sea food in Goa is simply legendary. Some of the most popular places for the same are Amigos, Brittos, and Copper Bowl. However, Goa is by no means limited to seafood. You can discover this delightful fact for yourself by sampling the indescribably exquisite stuff churned out at Pousada, Infantaria, Fellini, and Plantain Leaf. If, besides relishing good food, you also get turned on by nightlife, then head to Tito’s or Club Cubana.

Retail Therapy in Goa

For a taste of some local shopping, head off to one of the popular flea markets of Goa. The hottest names in this genre are the Mapusa Friday Market, Anjuna Flea Market, Calangute Bazaar, Arpora Saturday Night Market, and ‘The Mackies’. These markets are full of lots of interesting local stuff such as cashew nuts, wines, special Goan Sausages, and traditional sweets like Chokros, Dost, and Bibink. While all these markets are a must visit for shopaholics, somehow the Wednesday Flea Market at Anjuna Beach has carved out a special niche for itself amongst travellers.

Weather in Goa

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate and remains hot and sultry for the larger part of the year. During summers, temperature often cross 35 °C. Winters are pleasant and last from December to February, with temperatures tending to stay between 21 °C and 28 °C.

Places around Goa

There are numerous excellent locations for a quick getaway from Goa. The most popular of these include Amboli, Badami, Gokarna, Hampi, Kanwar, and Sawantwadi.

Mumbai - An Explorer’s Paradise

At first glance the gorgeous beaches, classic churches, plentiful parks and of course the Film Industry may seem like the reasons behind the booming Mumbai Tourism Industry. But that’s not all! There are so many other things to do and places to visit in Mumbai.

Taj Palace, Mumbai

To begin with, Mumbai has brilliant transport. Whether it’s the the taxis, most of which run on meter or the train service that goes on till as late as 1 am, travelling in Mumbai is the easiest thing ever. Mumbai is also very well connected. There are plenty of flights and trains that connect Mumbai to Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata. Also, there are frequent flights from Mumbai to Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bangalore and other major cities.

Mumbai is like a dream come true for a tourist. The Marine Drive is a beautiful promenade along the beach while Essel World is the first amusement park of its kind to house a naval ship converted into a museum apart from the cool rides. The parks and gardens in Mumbai are popular picnic spots and the line of International Brands’ showroom as you drive from Juhu are sight you’ll find nowhere else. Yet another highlight is the cafe culture here. Interestingly, there are more popular cafes in Mumbai than in Delhi.

Though the weather in Mumbai is moderate, the monsoons bring in terrible floods. Places like Powai Lake, which otherwise is a nice tourist spot floods in monsoons. So skip the rainy season  for a happy stay in Mumbai.

The Peculiar Traits of Mumbai

Amidst the chaos, mayhem and the contrasting delight lies the “Gateway of india”, Mumbai. The city is home to Mumbaikars that includes dreamers, stalwarts and the common man who live each day celebrating life in its most unique ways. With its chronicled past and lively present the city has all the alluring characteristics to make it a great place to live. It is an amalgamation of some of the most contrasting features that includes the lofty skyscrapers to the biggest slum in India.

The weather of the city is again quite deviant from ordinary. Mumbai rainfall has some flavours of its own. The pristine washed up city that experiences the cool Arabian sea breeze also endures the wrath of Indra with the heavy downpours during monsoons. Sometimes it may food the roads that makes travelling from one place to the other difficult.

Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. Nightlife in mumbai is an absolutely electrifying experience with lively pub culture to the serene beaches that has a different experience during night. The various tourist places in Mumbai displays the culture and the legendary past of the city. These places suits the interest of one and all.

Taj Palace, Mumbai

Mumbai is also a very important port in the country. There are many popular beaches in Mumbai that lures tourists from all places as well as the locals tend to enjoy spending time there. The Marine drive beaches are the the most favourite among the all. The others beaches include like Juhu and Chowpatty.

The Mumbai airport or the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is one of the biggest and busiest airports in India. There are regular flights that that goes from Mumbai to Delhi or other metro cities like Chennai, Kolkata and more. The weekend getaways from Mumbai are also quite interesting and fun filled. One can choose to go from Mumbai to Goa which is 607 km away from the city or a road trip from Mumbai to Pune is a blissful experience.

What’s Buzzing in Mumbai!

Just the thought of a trip to Mumbai is enough to set one’s heart pacing. It’s fun. And there’s so much to see, do, eat and party!

Being the largest Indian city, Mumbai has more places to visit than most tourist destinations. Starting from the Gateway of India to what they call the Queen’s Necklace - The Marine Drive, Chowpatty - beaches popular for its mouthwatering chat, the cozy picnic spots at AAREY Milk Colony, shopping sprees at Colaba Market and more; get ready for the longest ‘to-see’ list ever.

That’s not all! There is also no dearth of popular religious sites in Mumbai. Mount Mary - Bandra, Iskcon Temple - Juhu, Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue - Gandhi Marg, Haji Ali - Worli and Siddhi Vinayak are some of the ‘must see’ places. Apart from religious point of view, some of these flaunt excellent architectural beauty and others narrate interesting episodes from the past days too. Take a walk along the grand colonial structures of the Victoria Terminus, Gateway of India (of course) and the Worli Fort for a rendezvous with the British architectural pieces. These should give you a good peek into both the historical and architectural attributes of Mumbai.

To know about the culture and lifestyle of Mumbai you need to be a part of the festive fun here. Ganesh Chaturthi (falls in September) for one, could be a good way to experience Mumbai. Everyone is on the streets, irrespective of caste colour and creed to just celebrate. The people in general are happy, helpful and fun loving and their sense of style and trendy fashion is something you mustn’t miss.

Travelling in Mumbai can be the last of your concerns. The ample travel options only up the fun quotient. It’s safe to travel even in the last train that leaves at 1 am. Don’t be surprised to see women travelling late at night. Mumbai is known as one of the most friendly places for students, let alone working women. Most taxis run by meter and people are friendly (just don’t address people as bhaiya, they take offence). People will go out of their way to help you find your way.

Gateway of India

Exploring the surrounding areas is also equally easy. Mumbai is so well connected that tourists often plan a quick trip from Mumbai to Lonavala or Goa. It takes about 2 hours from Mumbai to Lonavala. And, if you think you haven’t got enough of beaches, head to Goa. Mumbai to Goa is an overnight journey.

Since Mumbai is centrally located you can easily get a flight (mostly direct) or train to Kochi, Chennai, Mahabaleshwar, Delhi, Chandigarh or Kolkata for that matter. So you can either plan a holiday in Mumbai itself or extend it further.

Lastly, read up on the Mumbai weather. The moderate weather is a reason why people travel to Mumbai all through the year. But preferably, avoid the rains. Monsoons hinder travel and worsen the traffic scene. You don’t want to be exploring the city that never sleeps in gumboots and umbrellas! The best time to visit Mumbai is between October and March.

Amazing Sights of Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India is a land of chronicles blended with mystical glory of myriad religions, sects and cultures. There are various tourist places to visit in delhi that suit preferences of different people. Nurtured in the lap of the majestic river Yamuna, Delhi is the very soul of India. Represented in the Indian epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha, the capital of the legendary Pandavas, the city boasts of an amazing history and rich cultural heritage.

The glorious past of this city is entwined to the fabrics of modernism, Delhi portrays the new face of contemporary Indian society. One must visit Delhi if to experience the soul of India. However, the weather of delhi always hits the extremes. In summers it can get as hot as 47 degree celsius and in winter it can chill your bones as the temperature drops down till 1 degree celsius. Monsoons are accompanied with heavy flooding due to intermittent rains. The best time to visit Delhi would be from July to February, keeping off the high winter period from mid-December to mid January. Starting from July to September the time is best for sightseeing around the city. So, it is always better to keep a check on the current Delhi weather before setting out for the city.

There are many places to explore around Delhi. One can go from Delhi to Shimla to escape the scorching heat in the summers. It is also one of the most popular getaways from Delhi. You can either opt for bus or train to get to this beautiful hill station. It is 9 hours by road to from Delhi to Shimla.

Delhi is also an ideal destination for religious visits. The ISKCON temple New Delhi has completely different feel to it. So, even if you are not on a religious visit to the city you will enjoy the serenity and the peaceful ambience of the temple. Also, the Jama Masjid new delhi is one of the most beautiful monuments in the city that one must visit. Located in Chandni Chowk of Old Delhi, this majestic masjid stands proud with the glory of the past.