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Top 4 Places Every Kochi Travel Guide Will Tell You About!

The serene city of Kochi, also known as Cochin, lies in southwest India’s coastal state- Kerala. Spread over many islands and crossed by the sea and backwaters, this city speaks of the old-world charm and leisure. For over 600 years now, this beautiful city of Kochi had been drawing travellers, traders and explorers to its shores; and no other city in India will show you such an intriguing mix. From a 400-year-old synagogue, giant fishing nets and ancient mosques to Portuguese houses and historic ruins of the British Raj, this city has them all. So, here are four most popular places in Kochi that every Kochi travel guide will tell you about.

1.      Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Kerala and has retained various specimens of the bygone era. Therefore, if you’re a history buff, you must visit this place. Also, on Fort Kochi’s north-eastern shore lies the emblems of Kerala’s backwaters as well as the most photographed, the giant cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that make it a tourist attraction.

2.      Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Called the ‘Green Lung of Kochi’, this beautiful bird sanctuary is located right at the centre of the city and is home to several species of resident as well as migratory birds. Some of the birds seen here are the redshank, greenshank, white breasted waterhen, Brahminy kite and marsh sandpiper. Spread over 2.74 hectares of land, the sanctuary also houses a tidal lake that’s surrounded by some thick mangrove vegetation and has about 17 species of butterfly and about six species of mammals, which include the flying-fox, Eurasian otter, painted bat, three-striped palm squirrel and house rat. This lake is also connected to Kochi’s backwaters by a canal and is home to about seven species of fish. Thus, featuring in every Kochi travel guide.

3.      Payyambalam Beach

The payyambalam beach, located in the Kannur region of Kerala is one of the most mesmerising beaches in India. It is known for its white sands and is ideal for a day out with friends and family. The turquoise waters are rich in marine life and the thick trees covering the sandy beach, make the beach look heavenly. The beach stretches 3 km along the coast and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy various water sports such as jet skiing, snorkelling, parasailing and swimming.

4.      St. Francis Church

The St. Francis Church is one of the major landmarks in Fort Kochi and was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It’s the oldest European Church in the country and was originally constructed by the Portuguese and later captured by the Dutch and British. Also, the St. Francis Church was once the burial site of the famous explorer Vasco de Gama.

Besides these, you can also visit the Pardesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, Kerala Folklore Museum, Hill Palace Museum and Indo-Portuguese Museum that are quite famous in the city of Kochi

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Himachal Pradesh – Did You Visit These Attractions in Himachal Pradesh?

Nestled beautifully between the snow-topped ranges of Himalaya in North India, Himachal Pradesh tops the list of every tourist. Being one of the top tourist spot, this beautiful destination is filled with some spectacular attractions. It is every traveller’s paradise, for it is home to verdant valleys, lofty snow peaks, ancient temples, enchanting mountain lakes, magnificent monasteries and so on. In short, Himachal Pradesh has got something for every traveller type. With several hill stations, Himachal Pradesh Tourism is for people who want to feel rejuvenated.

No matter whether you are here in Himachal Pradesh for some alone time, with friends family or for adventure, this place will not disappoint you. For adventure seekers, this place serves as a perfect spot for it offers opportunities for paragliding, mountaineering, trekking, ice-skating and river rafting. Here are some of the beautiful attractions you should visit while on your trip to Himachal Pradesh:

Rohtang Pass

Also, known as Rohtang La, Rohtang Pass is one of the top tourist destination. You will find this place is filled with both locals and tourists all the year round. With it having snow in abundance during the summers, it gives opportunities for snow sports. Apart from this, it also connects with Kullu Valley with Spiti and Lahaul. As you drive along Rohtang Pass, you get to witness peaks, streams and glaciers that only make your Himachal Pradesh tourism a memorable one.

Manu Temple

Another major attraction you should not miss when in Himachal Pradesh, is Manu Temple. This temple is one of the top attraction and is named after the holy sage Manu. According to the Hindu Mythology, it is believed that Sage Manu used to meditate in Manali. Owing to such tales, this site is considered to be holy and plays a prominent role for the pilgrims.

Suraj Tal Lake

For people who want to spend some time with nature should visit the famous Suraj Tal Lake. Located beautifully amidst the natural splendour, this lake is one of the spots that should not be missed by nature buffs. While you are here, you can visit the monasteries, forts and temples that gives out a historical significance.

Dhankar Monastery

Located 24 km from Kaza, Dhankar Monastery belongs to the Gelugspa School of order. Serving as a residence for more than 150 monks, this monastery also has a large collection of different crumbling ‘thangka’ sculptures. While you are here in Dhankar Monastery, there are a number of places of interest that can be visited. On the south of monastery, there is a national park which houses exotic faunal species such as snow leopard.

These are some of the attractions that should be visited to make your Himachal Pradesh tourism complete and memorable.

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Goa: A shopping paradise for visitors

When you think or even talk about Goa, the first thing that will come to your mind is the endless sandscapes, sea and the all night long parties. However, this sun and sand paradise has a lot more to offer you.

For one, its popular beliefs lay in the rich culture and captivating history, namely, its local attraction. You will find plenty of sleepy villages, ancient churches, serious wildlife, but what you will find most exciting is its various markets.

As a shopping fanatic, these are the markets of Goa that are a must add to your list:

Anjuna Flea Market: No Goan experience will be completed without visiting Anjuna’s weekly Wednesday flea market. Although it was formed three decades ago, by the iconic hippie culture, today you can find a blend of cultural offerings within the boundaries of this Goa market. You will find, Tibetan and Kashmiri traders selling merchandise that includes sculptures and jewellery, colourful Gujarati tribal women selling T-shirts, Rajasthani folks selling richly colourful saris, bags and bedspreads and even sacks of spices from Kerala. But amongst this blend of iridescence, you will find a few remaining hippies, backpackers, weekenders from Mumbai, and bus- and taxi-loads of package tourists from Russia and Europe.

Mapusa Market: Mapusa market will seem like your everyday market, except that it is closed on Sundays. However, the best time to visit this market is on a Friday morning. It creates a raucous affair, often attracting vendors and shoppers from all over Goa . It offers a completely different experience as compared to Anjuna Flea Market. You will find plenty of hagglers here, often haggling over clothing and produce. You can even hunt out antiques, souvenirs and textiles. In fact, the town derived its name from the konkano words map and sa, which means measure and fill up receptively, in reference to the trade in spices, fruits and vegetables that occurs here daily.   

Saturday Night Market: The sprawling market is located up the hill in Arpora, about 2km north of Baga. It transpires every Saturday evening, from 6 pm until late in the night. In this market, you will find everything from Indian stalls, that sell spices, silver jewellery, teas or even Kashmiri carpets to international designers who convene form all over the word to sell their unique creations. This market also houses food stalls, that features cuisines from across the globe, where the centre stage hosts live concerts featuring Rock to Indian classical.   

Mackie’s Saturday Nite Bazaar: With Baga beach already a popular option, it comes as no surprise that Mackie’s Saturday Nite Bazaar located nearby, becomes a popular option. You have plenty of choices when it comes music, entertainment, shopping and food stalls, especially when it comes to homemade goods be it clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, shoes, leather goods and other useful things.

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London Tourism: Everything You Need to Know!

Soaked in high energy, beautiful traditions and rich history, London is a city that greets every traveller with warmth. From picturesque historic landscapes to cultural attractions to lush green gardens to skyscrapers, this city offers many attractions that can make your trip a memorable one. While talking about the city of London, you sure can’t miss out on the most iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, the Westminster Abbey, the Shard and the Buckingham Palace. Overall, London is a fantastic city and tops every traveller's list.

When is the best time to visit London?

The city of London can be visited all year round. However, if you want to witness this city at its best, then you must visit London during the prime tourist season, which is during spring. You could also visit this city during the months of November and December when the festive celebrations of Christmas begin that turn this city into a bright one.

What are the things to do and places to visit in London?

London is a city that offers tourists numerous places to visit. From galleries to museums to palaces to parks, this city has it all. You can either take a glimpse of the royal life by visiting the famous palaces or halt at the art galleries, trendy shops or even the theatre. You can also take a break from the regular and hop into a pub or choose to relax in a beautifully landscaped park. Here are some of the places to visit that London tourism offers its visitors.

·         The Buckingham Palace

·         The Tower of London

·         The Natural History Museum

·         Prince Charles Cinema

·         Portobello Road

Which are the best hotels in London?

The city of London does not fail to astonish any traveller. Besides places to visit, it also offers tourists beautiful places to stay. With a perfect blend of history and sophistication, London offers travellers comfortable accommodation solutions of all kinds. From budget-friendly hotels to B&B to five-star, this city has them all. Here are some of the best hotels in London that will offer you the best of everything.

·         The London Edition Hotel

·         The Ampersand Hotel

·         The Town Hall Hotel

·         St Ermin’s Hotel

·         Taj 51 Buckingham Gate

Which are the best shopping areas in London?

The city of London is a prime shopping location and offers travellers everything from clothes to modern art to antiques to curios to food to flowers. Some of the best shopping areas in London include:

·         Greenwich Market

·         Alfies Antique Market

·         Old Spitalfields Market

·         Portobello Road Market

Brick Lane Market

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Rajasthan – Get to Know Some of the Offbeat Destinations

Rajasthan welcomes every tourist with a warm smile. Palaces, forts, havelis and temples are what you will witness most when you step in Rajasthan. Soaked in the richness of culture and traditional Rajasthan tops the list of every tourist. It is visited by people from all over for end number of reasons. ‘Royal’, ‘lavish’ and ‘splendour’ are the words that come to your mind when you visit Rajasthan. This majestic state has everything from desert safaris to regal havelis. Get to know some of the best places to visit in Rajasthan:

Kumbhalgarh

While you are looking for an offbeat location in Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh definitely tops the list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one place you can try your hand at zip lining through the wonderful hilly terrain. You will find a lot of people visit this location to try zip lining and other adventurous activities. Just about 85 km is Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to a number of beautiful creatures like leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, various species of birds and rare chinkara.

Narlai

If you are planning to visit the famous Chaturmukha Jain Temple in Ranakpur, you should know, just about two hours away from Udaipur is the town of Narlai is Rawla Narlai. It is a majestic heritage hotel that witnesses tourists from all over. It was earlier a hunting lodge of the royal family of Jodhpur. This heritage hotel has 32 rooms with pastel coloured walls and mirror work. All this is more than enough to make you feel like royalty. You can head to Jharoka café for delicious meals. While people who are looking for some drinks can go to JBar. Apart from this, the hotel can even set up dinner for you at the Narlai step well or how about a leopard safari to get a glimpse of these big cats?

Mount Abu

If experiencing nature is your thing, then a visit to Mount Abu is a must! Mount Abu makes a refreshing gateway no matter whether you are here with your family or friends. This mountain retreat takes you high above the heat wave, where the air is cool and pleasant. This beautiful hill station has everything you are looking for like the famous Jain Dilwara Temples, Gaumukh Temple and the mesmerising Nakki Lake. Have a great time decoding the stories of Jainism that are beautifully and intricately carved on the walls of the famous Dilwara Temples.

Bharatpur- Keoladeo National Park

Another attraction you should add in your top places to visit in Rajasthan is Bharatpur – Keoladeo National Park. Bharatpur has located around 84 km and 26 km from Jaipur and Fatehpur Sikri respectively. This beautiful city is famous for the bird sanctuary that houses more than 380 species of indigenous birds and other migratory species.

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Here are the most beautiful beaches in India

Gokarna beach

This is a very small remote hamlet and it is sometimes also referred to as a holy town and is stated in North Karnataka. This town is also home to four of the state’s most secluded and pristine beaches that are very close to each other. The town of Gokarna attracts a lot of pilgrims and a lot of hedonistic travellers who just want to spend some quiet time away from the rush of their usual life. This place is Goa is pretty religious and aloof from the rest of the small state however if you want to experience Goa in the raw this is the place to be, whoever there are many new developments on the cards in this place as the developers see a lot of potential in here. The gokarna beach is therefore the first beach on this list of the best beaches in India.

Palolem beach

This is one of the most beautiful beaches it the entire Goa arguably though. This is precisely because of the fact that there are many beaches in Goa which are equally beautiful. This beach stretches approximately a mile long and is surrounded by tall shady and canopied pine trees and it all presents a lovely sight to behold. The beach is ever so popular with the crowd because of the uncommonness that sets it apart from the others and hence it is one of the best beaches in India.

Tarkarli beach

Tarkarli is located in the southern part of Maharashtra and is also home to the best coral reefs and it is also home to the country’s best coral reefs. This place is almost away from any kind of development spree that has gripped the rest of the state most predominantly. This beach is thankfully not filled with tourists and hence it is not dirty and is relatively quiet.  This is surely one of the best beaches in India.

Arambol beach

The Arambol beach lies in the northernmost corners of Goa and has become one of the most frequented beaches for the hippies. This was mostly a fishing village and used to be filled with fishermen, however things have changed now and this fishing village has become too famous with travellers. There are a lot of things to do in the wonderful beach for instance; it might be meditation, Tai Chi, yoga and Reiki. The nightlife in the beach is wonderful and no one is a hurry to get anywhere. In short it is pure heaven. This is surely one of the best beaches in India.

Radhanagar beach

This is one of the remotest beaches in Andaman and Nicobar islands and this beach has been voted Asia’s best beach by the TIME magazine. The Havelock Island is the place where Radhanagar beach is and this place is scattered across the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman and Nicobar islands are a union territory of India and the place is known for its calm water and serene white sandy beaches.

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Best Beaches in India for the Beach Lover in You!

India is a country with the world’s longest coastline of about 7517 km and houses some of the most incredible beaches, making it an attractive tourist spot for travellers. With countless beaches that offer you nothing less than the best, the beaches of the Indian Peninsula will provide you with many opportunities right from adventure and exploration to relaxation, sunbathing, parties and more. Here’s a list of a few of the best beaches in India that will excite the beach lover in you.

Palolem Beach, Goa

Palolem Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and is quite an attraction both, nationally and internationally. It’s a crescent shaped one, located in the market town of Chaudi in South Goa. This beach is popular and is open to everyone, especially those who love to swim in the deep seas and indulge in some kayaking. This beach is safe as the depth of the sea increases gradually, and the waves are not very threatening. Besides, Palolem beach has numerous shacks that offer some of the most delectable cuisines and drinks that are worth the money spent. So, if you’re looking for an ideal beach holiday, then Palolem is one of the best beaches in India you could visit.

Agonda Beach, Goa

Agonda Beach is in the southernmost Canacona Taluka of Goa and is most suited for relaxing and sunbathing. It’s a relatively quiet beach as compared to the others in North and South Goa. The serene atmosphere that’s aided by fewer visitors is one of the primary reasons why Agonda is an ideal nesting site for the Ridley turtles. So, if you’re one who is looking for some parties and adventure, then Agonda is not the place you must be looking for.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam is one among the best beaches in India and is known for its highly-acclaimed water sports. The beach is located about 16 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and is ideal for some sunbathing and traditional massages. So, if you want to indulge in some fun activity, get yourself to this beautiful beach.

Radha Nagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Radha Nagar is a beach that offers a broad range of flora and fauna and is located about 7 km from the Dolphin Yatri Nivas. This beach is not only one of the best beaches in India but is also one of the best in Asia and is revered as one of the top beaches in the world. Activities such as kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling are prevalent here. Besides, you can also opt for elephant rides and watch the sunset at this turquoise beach. So, if you’re in for some mind-blowing sea activities, then Radha Nagar is the place for you.

Bangaram, Lakshadweep

Bangaram is one of the best beaches in India and lies on the island of Lakshadweep. It is regarded as one among the top-secret beaches in the country. If you want to visit this place, then a helicopter ride is all you need. Here, you can also opt for activities like angling, diving, snorkelling and other water sports. If you’re a lover of the sun, sand and sea, then you are sure to develop goosebumps after seeing the coral reefs, swaying coconut palms and the turquoise blue lagoons all at one place.

So, bring out the beach lover hidden inside you and get on a relaxing beach holiday. While we’ve done most of the homework for you, all you need to do is make your pick and visit these best beaches in India.

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Have You Tried Out These 5 Best Places to Eat in Hyderabad?

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is a popular destination and has earned its name in the recent years. Considered to be one of the most ancient headquarters of India, it is here that one will come across few of Islamic India’s most intricate architectures. From the Charminar, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Lamakaan and Mecca Masjid to the gardens, temples, lakes and museums, you will find everything that will surprise you. Besides, this growing city is renowned for its traditional food and the kind of cuisine that they serve. If you’re travelling to this city and want to grab some great food, here are a few of the best places to eat in Hyderabad. Prego Location: The Westin Hyderabad, Mindspace, Huda Techno Enclave, Hitec City. The Prego is a restaurant that is situated inside the luxurious Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and serves Italian cuisine with great flair. Besides, their ambience is something worth talking about. If you’re looking for some quiet and intimate time, you could visit the Prego’s romantic alfresco dining section that is situated by the poolside and has a perfect backdrop. Here, you could try out the fresh pasta, homemade bread, hand-tossed pizzas and the delicious Tuscan wine. If you’re looking for a wonderful evening, then this is one of the best restaurants in Hyderabad to visit. Hyderabad House Location: Sri Road No. 3, SBI Executive Enclave, Green Valley, Banjara Hills. The Hyderabad House is one that takes its delicious food quite seriously. If you’re one who wants to try out some traditional cuisine, then this is the place for you! While they are quite popular for their mouth-watering biryanis, they also serve other dishes that are delicious. If you’re in this city, a visit to this place is a must. 10 Downing Street

Location: Shop No. 10, 11, Ground Floor, My Home Tycoon, BD Colony, Kundanbagh, Begumpet.

10 Downing Street is one of the best restaurants in Hyderabad and is extremely popular for its Thursday Karaoke Nights. A top destination for lovers of music, this place provides you with great ambience, delicious food and some crazy cocktails that make it a favourite hangout among both, locals and tourists.

Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant

Location: Opposite SA Imperial Gardens, Near the RTA Office, Tolichhowki. If you’re a foodie and love trying out some delicious cuisine, then Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant is the place for you! One of the best places to eat in Hyderabad, this place serves you specialities such as Haleem, Nihari, boti kebabs and sheermal. You could also try the cornucopia of other cuisines that are also quite popular.

Chutneys Location: Ground Floor, Shilpa Arcade, Banjara Hills. Chutney is an Andhra institution that serves steamed dosas and some babai idlis that are the most famous in the city. Besides, you could also opt for some Hyderabadi-Chinese cuisine that is renowned for its uniqueness. So, now that you know of these best places to eat in Hyderabad visit these places soon.

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Which Place To Eat – Follow The Sonam’s Food Guide

You might have heard people asking you, did you try the new place at Bandra which serves the perfect Chinese, or did you try the Pani Puri at Matunga? Well, every individual might have gone through this at some point in time, even every day. But then, it does prove beneficial as you come to know of different places you can try to enjoy the best food Mumbai has to offer. While you can miss out some of the best restaurants in Mumbai, this free knowledge ensures you do not. Sonam Kapoor believes she is a complete foodie and loves eating junk food.

Then she goes on talking about the best restaurants Mumbaikars should try to get an authentic taste of Mumbai food. Well, you can consider Sonam Kapoor guide to the best food centres or restaurants in Mumbai:

Elco Pani Puri

Who does not like to have Pani Puri, isn’t it? Everyone does! The name of it makes your mouth water. Only a true Pani Puri lover understands how important it is to ask for one more sukkha puri once done. Well, coming to some of the best food joints in Mumbai, Elco Pani Puri on Hill Road at Bandra is something you should try. It is a perfect place to try various chaat dishes. Apart from this, there is also Juhu where you can get your taste buds tingling with a string of stalls of Pani puri and other chaats.

Mani Dosa

Among the large list of Sonam for the best places to eat in Mumbai, comes Mani Dosa. If you crave for South Indian food, then Mani Dosa is the answer. Located beautifully at the corner at Ahimsa Marg, Khar, Mani Dosa does not need a sign board to prove his existence. According to Sonam, you are bound to love the home-style crisp and fluffy dosa, whichever you want along with coconut chutney and spicy sambar.

Noor Mohammadi

Another one coming to the list of the best places to eat in Mumbai is Noor Mohammadi. Every person loves eating chicken kidneys, hoof, and legs and so on. Well, you can now put a full stop to your craving by paying a visit to the Mohammed Ali Road. You will find there are a number of restaurants which serve the best non-veg dishes. You should definitely try the tangdi kebab and nalli nihari.

Gajalee

If you love seafood, you should definitely head to Gajalee in Juhu. It is definitely ones of the best restaurants in Mumbai for authentic seafood cuisine. It serves various seafood dishes enough to fulfil your craving for seafood. Sonam recommends every foodie to try the tandoori crab, butter-garlic lobster with neer dosa and the fried Bombay duck (bombil) with spicy green chutney.

Follow this list to ensure you do not miss on any great food joint or restaurant in Mumbai.

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Craving for Tasty Food? Visit These Famous Restaurants

Only a real foodie understands the importance of trying new and different cuisine all the time. Are you someone who loves to explore the food world by visiting the newly opened or existing food centres? Well, you should know there are so many cuisines one can try to get the best of it. If you are in Hong Kong and searching for some of the too and best places to eat in Hong Kong, then you need to consider this list. It has a number of fabulous hotels and eatery joints in and around Hong Kong. City Hall Maxim's Palace

If you love having dim sums, then you should not miss visiting this famous hotel that offers beautifully cooked dim sums. This hotel has ab old charm which has not yet faded as far as dim sum is concerned. Here, you get your favourite dim sums served up from the trolleys. The menu is just heaven for all the dim sums lovers. It majorly includes the classic like Pai Gwat (steamed spare ribs) Har Gau (translucent shrimp dumplings) and steamed Char Siu Bao (pork buns). There is no way you are missing out in this restaurant when getting to know how dim sums should really taste.

Yardbird

While you are still looking for the best places to eat in Hong Kong, ensure you pay a visit to the famous Yardbird. It is a perfect and authentic Japanese style Yakitori bar and restaurant that serves scrumptious and tasty grilled chicken. If you have always wanted to taste authentic Japanese food, Yardbird is the answer.

Tim Ho Wan

When it comes to visiting a restaurant that speaks of elegance and scrumptious food, Tim Hi Wan is the answer. If you are looking for a reason to visit this well-known restaurant, then you should know it us a Michelin-starred restaurant. It is wise to know that this restaurant do not take reservations and you might want to stand in queues to get a table.

Pure Veggie House

For all those pure vegetarians, out there you can now have a sigh of relief as Pure Veggie House is at your service. A lot of vegetarians often complain about not being able to find a restaurant that deserves the best vegetarian food. Well, you do not need to complain more and head to this fantastic restaurant. What makes this restaurant a famous one among both vegetarian and Nob vegetarian is the organic produce from the restaurant's own farm. Other than this, it has no dairy products added no added spices or MSG. While you are here, do not forget to try the wild bamboo pith stew.

Under Bridge Spicy Crab

If you are looking for a low-cost place to fill your tummy in Hong Kong, then you should not miss visiting Under Bridge Spicy Crab. It is one if the best places to eat in Hong Kong and a favoured one among both locals as well as tourists alike.

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India’s Best Hill Stations That You Definitely Need To Visit

Whatever be your flavour of travel, India has a destination that you will definitely love to visit. From mountains to beaches, from valleys to hills, you can find it all. One of the biggest attraction, both for locals, and for international travellers, are the hill stations in India. With breath-taking visages to be explored, these destinations offer a much-needed break from city life, and offer a different experience every season. Whether it is the monsoon, or the winter, you can be sure of a fantastic experience!

So, which are the best hill stations in India? While the list is expansive and covers the geography of the country, we have narrowed the list down to a select few, which has interesting attractions to offer. Come explore these wondrous destinations, and begin planning your next vacation!

1.     Darjeeling – One of the most famous hill stations in India, Darjeeling is known for its toy train, which offers a joy ride like few others. Lose yourself in the visage of endless tea plantations, with the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga rearing up in the background. Starting from New Jalpaiguri town, which is at 228 feet above sea level, you travel to Darjeeling, which is situated at 2,200 feet above sea level. The toy train covers a distance of about 80 km in roughly six hours, and was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic route has also made its way into many Bollywood movies over the years, so you can definitely look forward to a memorable journey!

2.     Coonoor – An attractive hill station in India that has survived the ravage of man and time better than its neighbour, Ooty, Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills, is covered in tea estates. With excellent accommodation and dining options, you can definitely treat yourself to a satisfactory holiday. You can also try taking a ride on the quaint toy train that comes out from Nilgiri Mountain Railways, which still runs partly on steam locomotives. The rail extends from Coonoor to Ooty, and gives you a bird’s eye view of the region’s most beautiful areas, including the cantonment area of Wellington and the woody region of Lovedale.

3.     Shillong: Meghalaya’s capital, which is set in the Khasi Hills, offers thrill seekers the ultimate music experience. you should time your trip in the months of May, when you can enjoy the Bob Dylan Tribute concert, held by Lou Majaw & Friends, or in November, during the Autumn Festival. You can also visit the Shillong School of Music, the Cloud 9 club at Hotel Centre Point, or the Club Tango, in Police Bazar, where you can enjoy live performances by fantastic artists every day.

4.     Gulmarg: With powder-soft slopes and the backdrop of the Himalayas to welcome you, Gulmarg is one of the best hill station in India to go skiing. With excellent infrastructure and stellar hotels to stay in, it’s easy to see why Gulmarg counts itself as a premier hill station in India.  With ski gear available for rent, you can also look at taking up a course at the Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering, with fees starting at Rs. 5000.

So, there you have it! We give you our pick of some of the best hill stations in India, which you can look forward to enjoying your holiday at!

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The Best Cocktails In The World And Why You Should Have Them

While most alcohol drinkers prefer to have their drinks without any adulteration, others like to have a surprise when they sit down at the table. For the latter, there are a variety of cocktails that can be had. However, from the long list of cocktails to be had, there are a few which can claim the title of the best cocktail. The moniker is afforded to those drinks that have a loyal patronage and love the world around.

To make things easier, we offer you our list of the best cocktails in the world:

1.     Apple Martini: This trendy cocktail offers a complete revamp on the typical dry martini. Instead of using gin, vodka is used as the base of this cocktail, with apple schnapps added in to give a sweet, yet slightly sour taste of apple. The Apple Martini, or Appletini as it is informally called, is usually given with a little lemon juice and garnished with a slice of apple.

2.     The Long Island Iced Tea: A crowd favourite, the long island iced tea has held the title of one of the best cocktails in the world for a long time now. With quite a punch, this timeless cocktail offers you rum, vodka, tequila, gin and triple sec in the same glass. Finishing the mix is a sweet and sour mix, in the form of lemon juice and cola. While tea is never traditionally added to the mix, the ingredients, in particular the taste of cola, give the taste of tea, with a whole lot more flavour and attitude.

3.     Californication: An interesting twist on the Long Island Iced Tea, this potent concoction mixes rum, vodka, tequila and gin with orange liqueur, lemon juice and orange juice. With a strong yet sweet flavour, the Cali fornication rounds off the offering with either a slice of orange, or a twisted peel of orange rind. With a strong punch, this drink is definitely not for the faint of hearted, which is why it deserves it place among the best cocktails in the world.

4.     Margarita: Easily one of the most popular drinks to be had, this simple drink comes from a simple mix of tequila, triple sec and lime juice, blended in with ice, or served on the rocks. The cocktail is often served in a salt rimmed glass. A smooth drink that you can easily knock back, the Margarita is a cult classic, and often referred to as the best cocktail to be had after a gruelling day at work.

Mai Tai-

A popular Polynesian-style cocktail, the Mai Tai will bring all the flavours of the tropic, right to your living room. A mixture of light and dark rum, along with orange curacao, orgeat syrup and lime juice, the Mai Tai has been the symbol of Tahitian culture since its creation. With a host of permutations and combinations that have created a mixed culture around this drink, the Mai Tai deserves its place among the best cocktails in the world. 

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Top and the Best Cafes in Shillong

Shillong is a beautiful hill station of Meghalaya. It is also known as “The Abode of Clouds”. Other than better known for its varied fashion, culture and music, Shillong also has some of the best cafes which need your attention. It is a great way enjoy and have fun while in Shillong.

Swish Café:

One of the major and the most considered cafes is Swish Café. It is the first café that opened up in Shillong. In fact, it is this café that has set the trend of coffee culture. All the credit goes to the owner Mary Tariang, who started the café in 2003. It is one of the hippest cafes and is located at Laitumkharah Beat House. You will find youngsters and popular musicians in the café. Other than coffee, the café has also attracted attention by having a mini library, television and more.

Recommended dish – Pork ribs and chicken roast

Café Shillong:

Another café that cannot be missed when in Shillong is Café Shillong. It looks like an average building, but once you enter, the décor is just mesmerizing. The sophisticated décor just makes the café the most considered one. Other than this, the staff is attentive and friendly in nature. The assortment of continent dishes is just you need to try when in this café. You have two seating options. You can either sit inside or choose the al-frescos section in this cafes in Shillong.

Recommended Dish: Khao Suey; Shillong Noodles

Little Chef Café:

If you are a lover of chocolates and cakes, then this café is just perfect for you. It started as a patisserie in the year 2006 but later became of the best cafes in Shillong by the year 2013. According to the owner Osbert Rynjah, the café offers delicious continental dishes that are a perfect blend of local ingredients. The owner also said that he will be opening a chocolate room, which will pure chocolate and not compound chocolates.  

Recommended Dish: Desserts with coffee; salad with local herbs and vegetables

Munchies:

You can visit the famous Munchies which is just located a few meters away from Café Shillong. It is one of the best place in Shillong that offers wonderfully prepared Italian, Russian, Mexican and Lebanese food.

Recommended dish: Burgers; Spaghetti; German sausages

Open Up:

One of the newest cafes in Shillong is Open Up which is just perfect if you want to have hot dogs. This small café has a comic theme which is available not only in the décor but also in the menu cards. The owner Samuel Warjri is planning to spruce up the café with graffiti.  

Recommended dish: Hot dogs; Chicken steaks

These are some of the best and the top cafes in Shillong that needs to be visited to taste the flavors of Shillong.

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Top Restaurants in Delhi for Mouthwatering Dishes

If you have ever been to Delhi, you will find this capital city of India has so much to offer in terms of food. Delhi offers some of the best cuisines as found in London. You can just head to Megu if you want to have Sashimi, or Artusi Ristorante E Bar to try the authentic flavors of Italian. It offers some of the best regional cuisines, is some of the best food in Delhi whether Kashmiri, Tibetan, Bengali, Bihari, Parsi or even Naga. This is one reason that makes Delhi the most happening food destination.

Street Food

·         Bikanervala – If you love street food, then there is no way you are missing on Bikanervala. It is just a perfect place to experience the true flavors of street food. It serves everything from samosas, pav bhaji and even vegetarian Kathi rolls. You are sure to get confused on what to order, all thanks to the array of choices it offers. 

·         Al Kawahar – You actually get to dine like Mughals in this street food joint which stands across the Jama Masjid gate in Old Delhi. If you are craving for non-vegetarian food, then you will love this place. It serves char kebabs, toothsome nihari and soft and mouthwatering sheermal. To taste the whole goat ensure you order it well in advance.

·         Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners – If you have a sweet tooth you should make it a point to visit this place. If you are here for the first time, you should try the famous Karachi Halwa. Other than this, there is also milk cake, balushahis and more.

Fine Dining

·         Dum Pukht – If you love biryani, make it a point to visit this restaurant. It has an aroma of the spiced saffron, melting chunks of beautifully prepared lamb and ghee moistened rice. The flavors just hit your mouth once you have a spoonful of it. Then there is no stopping! This is what makes it the most considered restaurants in Delhi among others.

·         San Gimignano – It is placed inside the Imperial Hotel. This wonderful hotel promises you a luxurious and elegant experience. It is a great restaurant to try the authentic Italian specialties. Some of the signature dishes include spinach and ricotta gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce and crispy basil.

Budget Bites

·         The Potbelly Rooftop Café – Nothing can be strange than having a Bohemian café serve authentic Bihari cuisine. Not many restaurants have Bihari food on their menu. However, if you want to taste it, then Potbelly is the answer. You should not miss the little chokha and tehri.

·         Embassy – The menu has not been changed for more than 60 years now. This vintage restaurant opened in Connaught Place and serves some of the popular cuisines like classic north, Continental cuisine, and more.

Casual Dining

·         Tres – If you want to enjoy the evening to the fullest then visit Tres is all it takes. Located in Lodi Colony, it has minimalistic décor, a fun and happening bar and seasonal menu.

·         Oh, Calcutta! – If you have never tasted the authentic Bengali food, then this restaurant will help in achieving the same. The food is cooked in mustard oil. A number of regular customers wait for wonderful fish preparations.

These are some of the major, famous and most considered restaurants in Delhi. Apart from this, there are also others. Pay a visit to Delhi and visit these famous appetizing and tasty food serving restaurants.