A trip to the two tourist cities -- New Delhi and Agra

Visiting a city like New Delhi is not only enlightening and fun, it also open doors to many other places nearby. It has various tourist towns and cities just a few hours away by road and the same goes for pristine hill stations. This article talks about a foolproof trip from Delhi to Agra and back in the same day.

A vacation need not be confined to a city alone, especially when you have two impeccable destinations just near each other. While on a trip to Bangalore, cities like Chennai and Coimbatore may be too far to add to your itinerary, same goes for Mumbai as Goa is too far if you are looking for quick cheat destination from your trip. Delhi is lucky to have two beautiful cities just near it. Agra and Jaipur lie just 4 hours away from Delhi. You can visit either one of them on your trip to Delhi. Delhi to Agra distance by train is just 200 km while it is just around 250 km away from Jaipur.

To enjoy a foolproof vacation to these cities on your trip, set aside two days for Agra, or if your days are numbered, a full day is good enough. Make your way Delhi first and do away with all the sightseeing you need to do while on stay there. Do your shopping, exploring and visiting the historical sights during the first half of your stay in Delhi. Do not indulge in social and nightlife during this time as you will be hungover the next day and end up spending the next day lying flat on your hotel bed. Once you are done with all you have to see, head back to your hotel and book yourself and early morning taxi to Agra for the next day.

Agra can be reached from Delhi in under three hours by road, depending on the stops you make along the way. If you start early by around 4-5 am, you should reach Agra by 7-8 am! You can spend the first-hour having breakfast somewhere in Agra and then head on with your sightseeing. It is better recommended you hire your taxi for the whole day so that you can use the same taxi for your to and fro journey plus your sightseeing. Hiring a separate cab or taking the auto rickshaw will cost you too much. Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and all the other historical sites. Try their popular sweetmeat ‘petha’ and buy some of them to take back. You can also go for some last minute souvenir shopping. Souvenirs from Agra mainly comprise of small Taj Mahal replicas and paintings of the monuments.

Once you are done with your Agra tour, head back to Delhi by evening. You do not want to start too late as once it gets dark the highway trucks start taking up the road which makes it unsafe. Head back to your hotel in Delhi and retire for the night getting the much-deserved rest. You can start off the next day by making your way to south Delhi. South Delhi, unlike North and central Delhi, is the proper ‘New’ Delhi. All the top shopping malls, pubs, bars, and nightclubs are located in this part of the city. Unlike the northern side of the city, this part is mainly inhabited by young working professionals who go about their 9-5 on a daily basis and let loose during the weekends. Weekends are the most happening time in the city. Almost every pubs in popular areas remain bustling with youngsters with their group of friends. The most popular place to hangout for youngsters is Hauz Khas village, an urban village. This area is dotted with pubs and bars over a series of concrete boulevard where cars are not allowed in. If you want a crazy nightclub experience getting wasted but also budget friendly, head on here! You can also visit the pubs in ambience mall towards Vasant Kunj, or go behind the Saket Select Citywalk mall where a bunch of pubs and bars are located.

After experiencing both the older and newer side of Delhi and paying a visit to Agra, you can truly say you experienced Delhi at its fullest!

About the author:

I am travel enthusiast with so many experiences to share with fellow travellers. I write my travel experiences every once in a while. The best part is that travel and work go along in my life. Feel free to get in touch with me or share your views and comments on my articles. irctc train ticket booking, PNR prediction, Online tarin ticket booking etc.

4 Amazing places from Chennai that you need to visit this weekend

A major commercial, educational and cultural centre in India, Chennai is one of the four major metro cities along with Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. As the capital of Tamil Nadu and a major hub of commerce and trade, the city has experienced massive growth in recent times. Culturally deep-rooted, even the neighbouring region brings forth an amazing view of some splendid art forms like the Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. If you want to take a tour of these amazing places, it'd be better to book train tickets from Bangalore to Chennai, or look for flights if coming from a distant location.

Kanchipuram - One of the popular tourist destinations in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is situated on banks of Palar river. The calm surroundings of this historic city bring forward a fantastic combination heritage interests and modernity that allures tourists all year round. The city is famous known as the 'golden city of a thousand temples', because of the presence of several temples and shrines. Intricately built and traditionally designed, these shrines carry fascinating mythological tales of Gods and Goddesses and are one of the most revered religious destinations in the country. If you want to visit this place, it'd be better to book train tickets from Bangalore to Chennai, or look for flights if coming from a distant location.

Tirupati - Situated in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is considered to be the celestial home of God Vishnu. As the legend goes, Vaikuntha draws its name from the Tirumala Venkateswara temple which is dedicated to the lord. Located in the foothills of the Tirumala hills, the temple actually seems like a home of Lord Vishnu with the seven peaks of the range depicted the seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent, under which the lord rests. One of the biggest and richest centre of devotion in the country, thousands of tourists visit Tirupati throughout the year. Even the Vedas and Upanishads mention the benefit of visiting the temples.

Pondicherry - Also known as Puducherry, this enchanting place is situated on the eastern coast of India about 135 kilometres from Chennai. Once an important French colony, the city still carries a major mark of the foreign influence with clean roads, tree-lined avenues, Mediterranean styled households. Pondicherry is also home to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, located on the outskirts of the city. There isn’t much to do in the city, with a slow paced lifestyle, but you can surely try your hands into some scuba jumping, deep-sea diving and surfing.

Pulicat - A small coastal town, about 55 km from Chennai, Pulicat is one of the famous places to go on a short weekend trip. With a quaint lifestyle and few spots of historical ruins, it is a great place to visit for an invigorating experience. There is a small barren island, called Sriharikota which located few miles off in the Bay of Bengal, which is the prime attraction of the area. Both the coasts of Pulicat and the island attracts thousands of migratory flamingos. Seeing the tourist footfall they draw, the local authorities have started organising a small, yearly event, called the Flamingo Festival.

About the author:

I am Atul Chaudhary travel enthusiast with so many experiences to share with fellow travellers. I write my travel experiences every once in a while. The best part is that travel and work go along in my life. Feel free to get in touch with me or share your views and comments on my articles. Online train ticket booking, Pnr status, etc.

Feel the royalty in the air of Jaipur

One of the best weekend destinations for Delhiites, Jaipur has a sense of royalty as it was once ruled by some of the most extravagant rulers in India’s history. Located just 260 km from Delhi, it also form a golden triangle on the tourist circuit with Agra as the 3rd destination. You can also visit other cities like Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur while there as Jaipur acts a gateway to these famous destinations. Just book your tickets on the double decker train from Delhi to Jaipur to get a different traveling experience. Here are some of the places you should visit while in Jaipur.
 

1. City Palace: An excellent royal residence in the city of Jaipur, is encompassed by substantial walls on all sides. It likewise houses group of museums, structures and numerous other critical structures. The development work of this castle was dispatched by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh amid the mid 1730s. The development work proceeded till the late nineteenth century, which was predominantly in view of the battle amongst Maharaja and his relatives. Close to the passageway of this royal residence is the Mubarak Mahal or the 'Palace of Welcome' which was worked by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh.

2. Amber Fort: Otherwise called Amber Palace, is said to have assumed a key part in the history of India. This fortress portrays genuine imperial way of life of the Rajputs, who are known for their debauched, radical and unpredictable conduct. The Amber Palace is a flawless combination of Hindu and Muslim engineering. The Amber Fort was built amid the fifteenth century by Raja Man Singh, who was the eminent Rajput officer in the armed force of Mughal ruler Akbar. It additionally has huge passages, stairways, delightful royal residences, courts and pillared structures.

3. Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal, constructed in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh, was planned by Lalchand Usta. It is a five-story structure that has more than 950 windows. The monument was worked for permitting ladies to watch regular life of the city. Hawa Mahal is arranged close to the Johari Bazaar and gives a lovely perspective of the whole Pink City. Lodging an archeological historical center, the whole structure was worked with red and pink sandstone. This museum is associated with the nearby ladies segment, which is known as 'zenana'.

4. Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II somewhere around 1727 and 1734. "Jantar" implies instrument, while "mantar" alludes to equation or figuring. Arranged in Jaipur, this landmark is one of the five galactic observatories present in India. The other four cosmic observatories are situated at Delhi, Varanasi, Mathura and Ujjain. Set adjacent to the city palace, this landmark has been honored as the biggest stone observatory on the planet. Jantar Mantar likewise incorporates around 15 cosmic instruments of different geometrical shapes and sizes.

5. Birla Mandir: Near Moti Doongri is Birla Mandir, fabricated totally of white marble and a well known vacation destination. It was worked by the corporate bigwigs, Birla Foundation. Committed to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the chief diety is built out of a solitary bit of marble giving it a wonderful sheen. The sanctuary likewise houses various gods, with a wonderful picture of Lord Ganesha. The sanctuary is elaborate with wonderful carvings and rich models from Hindu mythology.

With some of the best train facilities available between two cities, it’s best to take a double decker train from Delhi to Jaipur as it is one of the first train of its type in India.

About the author:

I am travel enthusiast with so many experiences to share with fellow travellers. I write my travel experiences every once in a while. The best part is that travel and work go along in my life. Feel free to get in touch with me or share your views and comments on my articles. Online train ticket booking, PNR status, etc.

Activities that will make your trip to Goa even more memorable

One of the best party places in the world, Goa has the distinction of offering fuel and alcohol at the cheapest of prices in India. But there’s much more to Goa than just partying around. You can indulge in various activities as well like adventure sports, canyoning, snorkeling etc. If you stay in Bangalore and crave for a nice weekend getaway, the Goa is the place for you. Just book your tickets on any of the Bangalore to Goa train and get ready to experience the thrill. Here is a list of things that you should try once while in Goa. 

 

1. Surfing: In spite of the fact that surfing in Goa is not the most well-known activity to witness in Goa, it is a standout amongst the most fun things to do in Goa for each one of those adventure seekers and daredevils. The best time to learn surfing in Goa is between the months of April and May when the wave breaks and sea surf is the most astounding. The best shorelines in Goa to experience this game is the coastline amongst Arambol and Calangute.

2. Parasailing: Ever wanted to fly like a bird amidst the shining sun and look at the crystal clear sand from heights? Sounds unimaginable, elsewhere, it might be; yet in Goa it's conceivable. You can enjoy a ravishing background of parasailing over the Goan imagery! See the waves whoosh by you and the view will tackle a radical new experience as you do! The best place to enjoy this action in Goa is the Arambol and Baga Beaches.

3. Crab Catching: A country sport, crab catching is not a game that can be enjoyed by the individuals who mind getting their hands messy in the sloppy waters of Goa! The action happens in banks of the ocean with the assistance of handcrafted traps. The trap is called "Kobblem" in the Goan dialect and is a genuinely indigenous contraption, which comprises of a metallic ring and another bar running over the diameter. The net is further reinforced with the assistance of a freely hanging net, which is utilized to trap the crabs.

4. Canyoning: Profoundly adventurous and adrenaline pumping action, canyoning is one of the amazing things to do in Goa for the globetrotters! The game includes hopping into a spouting waterfall permitting oneself to be conveyed downstream alongside the stream of water. Sounds stunning! Well you can attempt it in Goa in the serene environs of the Netravali natural life haven which is close to the southernmost part of Goa i.e. Palolem.

5. Casino: Goa is one of only a handful few states in the nation where betting is legitimate. The countless gambling clubs in here are ideal for the individuals who might want to have fun with great music and wine amid their excursion here. From five star lodgings to the Mandovi River, club are spread over the length and expansiveness of this state. The most prevalent club are the coasting clubhouse which are docked on the Mandovi River and pull in vacationers from all over the world with their live table activity.

Margao is the nearest railway station to Goa in case you are wondering where to deboard. Get on the the Bangalore to Goa train to have a memorable time.

Know your way to explore Agra before your trip

Regardless of the amount of individuals attempt to dismiss the way that the sole motivation to visit Agra ought not be the Taj Mahal, you can't deny the way that the entire city rotates around this landmark. The Taj Mahal is the reason individuals fly in most of the way over the globe, the Taj Mahal is the reason which make the fairly messy city of Agra a noteworthy wedding trip destination and beyond any doubt landmarks like the Agra fortress and alternate tombs and spots of love might be landmarks of structural brightness, however Agra won't have become even 50% of the recognition it does now, had it not been a result of the Taj Mahal. The best part about travelling to Agra is that, the Delhi to Agra distance by train is just about 200 km which means you can easily reach your destination in under 3 hours. Here are some pointers to keep in mind before your trip.

 How to get in?


Agra can be drawn closer by any method of transport you wish. The most ideal approach to approach the city is by street from New Delhi. Agra lies at only 200 km from the national capital which makes the ride from New Delhi to Agra via auto a short and an energizing road trip.


What is the best time to visit?


The best time to visit Agra is amid the months of Jan-March and Oct-Dec. The late winter/early spring time see temperature staying nearby 7 to 20 degree celsius and the early winters and late pre-winter sees temperatures cruising all over around 10 to 30 degree celsius. Summers are burning hot and excessively damp, making it impossible to have a decent time in the city.


What to see?


Above all else, this abandons saying, however visit the Taj Mahal. Take as much time as necessary, investigate the entire landmark and value every moment itemizing which is the diligent work of a great many laborer who burned through 2 decades fabricating this landmark of affection simply the way Shah Jahan needed it. You can likewise visit the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Tomb of Akbar the Great and so on.


What and where to shop?


There are adequate shopping choices in the city of Agra. Ensure you draw out your A-diversion in the bartering division as the costs of wares are trekked even upto 10 times by the sellers and shop proprietors. You can look over an immense arrangement of calfskin attire, rugs, brassware, models and artistic creations, crafted works and different more.


Where to stay?


Agra is home to not just excellent landmarks and royal residences of antiquated history additionally shields some present day man-made miracles as worldwide and broadly prestigious chain of lavish inns. A percentage of the huge names are Sheraton, Trident and Oberoi. You can likewise in any case, make your stay in one of the economic hotels that are plentifully accessible all over the city. Or better yet, take a hotel in the nearest railway station to Agra so that you can conveniently make your way out from the city when your leave.

4 Unusual places near Mumbai for a fun trip with friends

Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, is one of the top tourist destinations in India. Each year, thousands of tourists visit this mega city. Though the city alone has tons of things to do and see, there few places in the neighbouring region that are equally worthy of a visit. You might be knowing about these cities, but never might have seen them from a tourist’s perspective. Take a look at these fantastic places. If coming from any other city, you can either reach by renting a taxi or look for Mumbai, Chennai or Delhi to Mumbai train fare.

As a tourist destination, Mumbai has several interesting activities to do and places to visit. And, for several travelers, it is also the most favourable layover city to explore the western/southwestern part of the country. Though you might have heard of places like Goa, Lonavala or Alibaug, there are few others showcasing breathtaking views and cultural sophistication. Mentioned below are some of these lesser-known cities that you can explore on a given weekend. If coming from any other city, you can either reach by renting a taxi or look for Mumbai, Chennai or Delhi to Mumbai train fare.

Nashik - Nashik is a modern city, with a deep-rooted history, and lies in close proximity to Mumbai. Famous for its historical temples and culture, the city also hosts the Kumbh Mela. The fair draws thousands of devotees, visitors and international tourists from all over the globe.  Apart from its religious side, a large urban population visits Nashik to explore its beautiful vineyards and to revel in the music festivals conducted at these spots. It has become one of the major weekend getaways from Mumbai.

Aurangabad - Named after the Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb, this city is one of the upcoming tourist places in the state. This sudden surge in popularity is because of the presence of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves, located on the fringes of the city. Aurangabad is also famous for Bibi ka Maqbara, an identical replica of the Taj Mahal. The city is also known as the ‘city of gates’ and there are about 52 historical gates (all part of the various forts) dotted in various parts.

Surat - A port city in the state of Gujarat, it is also known as the second most populated city after Gandhinagar. Surat is also the 9th largest city in India but rarely has been looked upon from a tourist’s perspective. Surat is popular as a business centre of precious and semi-precious gemstones. Located on the banks of the river Tapi, Surat has remained off the maps for foreign tourists. In a bustling, a commercial city like Surat, experiencing the local culture would be a different thing to do. Exploring through the port activities and enjoying the local sounds and flavours is something you can always try. Even if you don’t, you can always get back with some high-quality textiles, which can be bought at cheaper rates. If you’re having facing difficulties in finding a train to Surat, Murud is the nearest railway station to Mumbai from where you can get one.