Category Archives: Delhi – Things to Do

The capital city, Delhi is about people that let their hearts overpower their minds, resulting into a city that is always overflowing with love. The city has been a subject to so many Bollywood movies and documentaries, each of which has a different tale to tell. Delhi has always been politically, historically, strategically and culturally significant to India. The unique blend of modernity and tradition that Delhi manifests lets Delhiites experience the best of both worlds.

If it’s your first time to Delhi, you may want to get acquainted with your way through the streets of Delhi. As soon as you land at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, you can book yourself a luxury cab from Meru, Uber or Ola that will help you reach your desired destination. In order to commute within the city, you may choose to take autos, buses or cabs as per their availability and your convenience. The best mode of transport in Delhi, hands-down, is the Delhi Metro which makes commuting seem like a cake-walk even during the peak hours. Being to Delhi and not having experienced a Metro-ride is most definitely a folly of the wise!

Delhi is renowned for its brilliance in architecture and heritage sites. Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and have added to the glory and pride of India. The most visited attraction of Delhi, India Gate, stands tall and proud as an ode to the soldiers who laid down their lives to safeguard their motherland. The Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House are elegantly carved monuments that represent the political stature of India. For those of you who crave for some solace and bliss in the core of the city, Lotus Temple is where you should head to. The Lodhi Gardens assure you that the city hasn’t been devoid of its natural beauty despite the concrete jungle that is bushing across the city.

Whatever may be your reason to visit Delhi, the reason for your next visit will be the delicacies that can’t be duplicated in any part of the world. Be it the paranthas from the “Paranthe Wali Gully”, the chaat from “Karol Bagh”, the kebabs from Nizamuddin, the rolls from Connaught Place, the momos from Kamla Nagar Market, or the kulfis and jalebis from Chandni Chowk, your taste-buds will thank you for the treat you gave them. If your appetite for shopping is as large as your appetite for food, Sarojini Market and Janpath will make you greedy and needy for more.

You can’t have read all of this and not made up your mind to experience the wonder that Delhi is! All you now need to do is book flight tickets from Mumbai to Delhi at the earliest with Jetstay.com. The cheap flight tickets, ease and convenience of booking and the amazing deals and offers makes Jetstay.com the one-stop shop for booking domestic flight tickets anywhere across the country. While you’re at Delhi, you’ll feel the city grow on you!

Who Says September Is Not the Best of Months to Travel?

September is undoubtedly one of the most underrated period of the year if we talk about travelling in India. The winters are not there, the summers are kind of gone, and the monsoon has almost ended. Therefore, people thing that September may not be the best of times to travel. However, we do not realize that as, not a lot of people think it is the best month to travel, therefore, there are all more chances to visit awesome places which are less crowded. Therefore, don’t stop yourself from booking your Mumbai to Goa or your Kolkata to New Delhi flights now!

Here are some of the top places to enjoy in September:

  • Delhi Belhi

September indeed is one of the best months of the year to visit the capital of India. It is far better than the hot summer months of May or June, and not as chilly as December or Jan. Therefore, if you really want to wander in the parks near India Gate or inside the CP circle then book your Mumbai to Delhi or Kolkata to New Delhi flights ticket now! You would be surprised to know that Delhi is a bundle of joy for not just the travelers but also for the foodies and shopaholics. Also, there are many hidden gems of Delhi like Agrasen ki Baoli to experience something new and different here!

Also Read: The “Rajdhaani” of India, Delhi – Travellers of India

  • The Golden Temple

One of the most famous places to see in India are Golden Temple. Therefore, if you haven’t got a chance to experience the holiness of The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, then this is the month to be there!  Amritsar is known for the Golden Temple but that is not it, you will find a host of other interesting places to see here as well. Gurudwara Goindwal, Durgiana Temple, Jallianwala Bagh etc. are some of the other interesting places to see in Amritsar! Also, make sure you treat your taste buds with the authentic Punjabi food in Punjab as well!

  • The mesmeric Daman & Diu

Daman and Diu consists of myriad picturesque delights. This is a place which is blessed with some of the most fantastic places to see, some of the most delightful relics built by the British, Mughals and even the Portuguese. Apart from mesmerizing beaches and coastal areas, there are a plenty of interesting ancient spots to visit in Daman and Diu as well. A traveler can take a stroll near the Diu Fort and Panikotha, and visit the St Paul’s Church while enjoying Daman and Diu.

Listed above are a just a few of the places to enjoy in India during the month of September. However, the soothing hill stations in Uttrakhand and Himachal are always perfect choices for a wonderful vacation. So, plan a trip to any of these places so, prepare a fantastic itinerary, and quickly book either your Bangalore to Amritsar or Kolkata to New Delhi flights soon.

5 Unique and Interesting Local Dishes of India

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. -Luciano Pavarotti Whenever we travel, whether in our country or abroad, we tend to make plans about places to visit. Bit, how exciting it would be to make itinerates to eat certain bets things of certain places as well. So, next time, when you are booking your Kolkata to Bangalore or your Ahmedabad to New Delhi flights, make sure you prepare a specific food itinerary as well!

Must Read: 7 Famous Desserts in Amritsar by Travellers of India

So, keep on adding more favors to trip by trying some of the most distinctive Unique and Interesting Local Dishes of India items like –

#1. King Chilli or Bhut Jolokia
#2. Kulfi Falooda
#3. Roasted Potatoes, but Village style
#4. Better version of Chana Bhatura: Chana Madra
#5. The Regional Chocolate Fudge – Bal Mithai


#1. King Chilli or Bhut Jolokia 

Mix mayonnaise with the peppy Bhul Jolokia’s sauce to prepare a spicy dip and then relish it with any starter or spruce up your normal aloo paratha with the Bhul Jolokia pickle. Electrify the taste buds with one of the biospheres’ hottest chillies. Spice up any dish that you want with just a pinch of Bhut Jolokia powder. You will find a plenty of it in the North eastern part of India, but now, it is readily available in other parts of India as well.

Must Read: Where Can Misal Pav Lovers Find Some of the Best Places to Eat Misal in Pune?

#2. Kulfi Falooda
New Delhi is the place to taste the best Kulfi Falooda of all time. Specially, the one that is available on the streets of Chandni Chowk. The dish is not just delectable, but will instantly pump you up as well, to battle it out with Delhi scorching heat! So, whether you are planning a trip from Mumbai or you are booking your Ahmedabad to New Delhi flights, you should definitely add ‘Eating Kulfi Falooda’ to your bucket list!

#3. Roasted Potatoes, but Village style
In Indian Villages, the inhabitants do not require any type of baking equipment in order to prepare crunchy baked potatoes there. They simply roast raw potatoes with inserting them amid the flaming hot ashes of wood or decayed leaves and then they serve them with chilly lemon chutney. Sounds exciting? One should certainly visit any of these places and try making this simple yet fascinating dish.

Must Read: 11 Best Places to Eat ‘Tikhat’ Misal Pav in Aamchi Mumbai

#4. Better version of Chana Bhatura: Chana Madra
You must have eaten a lot of chole bhature many a times however, have you ever tried- Channa Madra. It is nothing but a delectable thick curd based curry and a very famous dish of Pahari or the Himachali cuisine. This item is a zesty mix of chickpeas and yoghurt. The aroma of cardamom and cinnamon is something that will entice you to gobble it up immediately either with rice, using your fingers or with a pair of rotis.

#5. The Regional Chocolate Fudge – Bal Mithai
Bal Mithai is a nothing but a very soft caramelized chocolate like fudge, which is actually prepared using roasted khoya. It is later on coated with some delicious white sugar balls. Revitalise yourself by walking alongside the hills, and enjoying this Indian chocolate fudge.

Must Know: Top 15 Dishes That You Need to Try Out in Ladakh

All these dishes can be prepared in our kitchens; however, they taste their best when cooked by local people using local ingredients. Therefore, we would suggest you to personally visit a place where the dish was originated, eat with the locals. If you are all set to book your Ahmedabad to New Delhi flights or any other flights, then do try out places like JetStay for best rates!

Read more: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking an Air Arabia Flight

Top 12 Places to Visit in Imphal – Travellers of India

Imphal is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur situated in the Manipur River valley, 2,500 feet above sea level. Imphal is located in the centre of the state, making navigation through the state easier. There are plenty of hotels in Imphal, majorly in the central area. Manipur is largely credited to have introduced Polo to the British. Ruins of the Palace of Kangla are in the city centre. Imphal is blessed with a landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low-lying clouds.

The city is the site of a major victory for British and Indian troops against the Japanese in World War II. Surprisingly, after the war, the town rose up with new vigour and rebuilt itself from scratch. Following is the listicle of top 12 places that one must not miss while in Imphal.

1. Loktak Lake is home to the largest floating islands of India. Islands including Sendra and Keibul National Park is situated on the lake. It is the largest freshwater lake in North Eastern India. It is also the only floating lake the world over.

2. Kangla Fort is also known as the Palace of Kangla. It has a historical and an archaeological significance making it a sought-after tourist attraction. Kangla Fort once represented the land’s culture.

3. Sirohi National Park—India’s smallest forest reserve—earned the status of National Park in the year 1982. Set atop a hilly terrain and with many valleys, the views of the park are breathtaking.

4. Manipur State Museum has collections in its gallery sections of Natural History, Archaeology, Painting and Children’s Gallery. It creates awareness and interest on the need to conserve wildlife among visitors.

5. Tharon Cave is a 655-meter long cave that can be explored inside out by visitors. The cave attracts visitors interested in adventurous activities.

6. Langthabal in Imphal is famous for its splendid temples and cultural monuments. Also, the jackfruit and pine plantations are worth a watch.

7. Singda Dam is the highest mud dam in the world. It is at the height of few meters above sea level. It offers scenic views and serene atmosphere.

8. Shri Govindajee Temple is a significant temple in Manipur, situated near the royal palace. It is constructed in Nagara Style of architecture.

9. Manipuri State Museum was set up in 1969. It houses various categories of artefacts such as Natural History, Ethnology, Archaeology, and Painting. It showcases the articles owned primarily by Manipuri rulers.

10. Phubala is located on the western borders of the Loktak Lake. It has many attractions around it. Activities like water sports can be carried out at the two islands that are situated in the lake.

11. Shaheed Minar is an eleven-meter tall tower situated in the centre of Bir Tikendrajit Park. It is a memorial for those who died in the Meitei Revolt in 1891 while fighting against the British.

12. Manipur Zoological Gardens is specialised in preservation and breeding of rare species. The place was established in 1976 and is surrounded by hills.

As one can infer, Imphal has a lot of attractions for its travellers. Also, there are plenty of hotels in Imphal to accommodate city’s visitors. Imphal Airport is eight km from Imphal city. Check out these places next time you hop to this beautiful city.

Must Read: The Ultimate Guide to a Culinary Journey Through the Northeast India

Luxury Hotel Chains in India – Travellers of India

There’s something in India for everyone. India can be a humble abode to someone who’s on a budget-friendly trip, as also a luxurious haven to those wanting to splurge. No matter where you go, you’ll be welcomed warmly; after all India is the pioneer of “Atithi Devo Bhava”. For those of you who’ve saved enough to spend a luxurious vacation anywhere across India, here’s a list of the hotel chains that have been loved and revered by everyone across the country for the unparalleled services offered by them. While you’re willing to spend to your heart’s content on your comfort. Gear yourself up for a luxurious stay in one of these:

1. Ambassador Hotels
Ambassador hotel chain was established in 1939 and is located across 3 locations, namely Mumbai, Aurangabad and Chennai. The one at Mumbai, located in the plush area of Churchgate, with Marine Drive in its vicinity is the very first revolving restaurant and gives a 360 degree view of the city. The one in Aurangabad is the largest and the best five-star hotel there is in the city and is pretty close to the airport. The one located in Chennai is a magnificent one too and has the perfect ambience for a family stay as well as for a romantic getaway for couples. The restaurants in Ambassador serve delicious cuisine, both local and international and can add a lot of flavor to your vacation. It would be great to have Ambassadors in several other locations across the country.

2. Clarks Hotel
Clarks came into inception in 2005 and has been established in 5 cities namely Varanasi (Clarks Varanasi), Agra (Clarks Shiraz), Jaipur (Clarks Amer), Lucknow (Clarks Avadh) and Khajuraho (Clarks Khajuraho). The Clarks group of hotels believes in hospitality with affordability for travelers. The 5-star chain of hotels offers best of services at affordable rates which makes traveling across cities within India a less expensive affair. To have world-class services being offered at rates as cheap as are offered at Clarks is a great deal for anyone who wants to spend a luxurious vacation.

3. Holiday Inn Hotels
Holiday Inn Group of Hotels is a subsidiary of the InterContinental Hotels Group, which is of British origin, founded by Mr. Kemmons Wilson, an American resident. He came up with the idea of having his own chain of hotels after having suffered poor hospitality when on a tour to Washington. Holiday Inn has hotels across more than 100 countries, India being one of them. Within India, Holiday Inn hotels can be found in the cities of Amritsar, Jaipur, Kochi, Manali, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Goa. If you’re traveling in one of these cities, you should definitely give Holiday Inn a try for their incredible services and warm welcome. There’s obviously no doubt about the credibility of the brand given it is a global entity now.

Must Read: Club Mahindra Membership : The Best Choice for Your Family Holiday

4. Le Meridien Hotels
Le Meridien”, as one may guess is a European group of hotels that was established in the year 1972 in Paris. The chain of hotels was an initiative taken by Air France in order to provide hospitality services and thereby promote traveling extensively. Le Meridien has 100 hotels across 35 countries spread across the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. There are 16 hotels in India that are across several regions in the country. Le Meridien Group of Hotels got acquired by Starwood Capital Group in 2005. The creative and cultural touch given to each hotel of the chain makes Le Meridien stand out against the other luxury hotels.

5. Oberoi/Trident Hotels
The “Oberoi Group of Hotels” is an Indian hotel chain that was established in the year 1934 by Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi. He created a legacy despite having humble beginnings and being a clerk at Cecil Hotel which is owned by his son presently. There are 31 hotels across 6 countries run by the luxury hotels group of Oberoi, under the five-star “Trident” brand and their services have been exemplary ever since. Oberoi Group of Hotels is synonymous with luxury, beauty and commendable services rendered by the staff. They also have Nile cruisers and Motor-Vessel in the backwaters of Kerala. The Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai suffered the terror attack that occurred on 26th November 2008, but stands tall and prettier today. It’s a definite recommendation for anyone who wishes to experience luxury and service at their best.

6. Taj Group of Hotels
The “Taj Group of Hotels” by Tata Group represents us globally and proudly with over 100 hotels across 62 locations. Despite being luxurious, upscale and modernized, Taj hotels have a traditional and cultural essence to them. The “Taj” hotels are also identified under the brands “Vivanta Hotels and Resorts” and “Gateway Hotels and Resorts”, each of them having a peculiarity in taste and feel, yet uniformity in hospitality and services. The architecture of these hotels represents the grandeur and heritage of India and is a marvel to the onlookers. If you only want to spend once on a luxurious accommodation, you can’t give Taj a miss!

Must Read: Traveling Alone: Practical Tips for Your Trip

 

The “Rajdhaani” of India, Delhi – Travellers of India

The Rajdhani of India, Delhi, lovingly articulated as “Dilli”, is a lot more than being a capital city with historical, political and strategic importance; it’s an emotion that rubs off on you! You can take a Delhiite out of “Dilli”, but you can’t take “Dilli” out of a Delhiite! The love and passion for the city is for all the right reasons that you have to experience to understand. Take a tour around the capital city if you haven’t yet by booking cheap domestic flight tickets with Jetstay.com. Jetstay lets you have the best online flight booking experience, anywhere across India.

Let me take you through a virtual tour around Delhi right away!

  1. The Lotus Temple

The mere glance of this magnanimous structure will leave you in awe of its beauty. “Lotus Temple” is a place of worship for people belonging to any religion. The lotus-shaped monument, with 27 petals made up of marble, has an unparalleled sheen to it. It is surrounded by lawns and greenery that instantly calms your nerve. For lovers of silence, sanctity, and meditation, “Lotus Temple” is a haven that you won’t be able to get enough of.

  1. ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple

“International Society for Krishna Consciousness”, popularised by the acronym “ISKCON” is another soul-stirring place for the spiritual lot. It’s located at a walkable distance from the Lotus Temple. The perpetual chant of “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna” is a soother amidst all the chaos that may be running through your mind. A stroll along the stretches of the lawn only makes the experience better.

  1. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the largest and the most renowned mosque in Delhi. It is a heritage that was constructed during the Mughal regime in India, in the 17th century. It has 2 minarets, 3 domes and opens to multiple entrances which lead to the principal hall for worship. The upper floor can accommodate as many as 25,000 people at the same time.

  1. Hauz Khas Complex

Hauz Khas Complex is a community built in the 13th century which is now home to a mosque, several tombs and an ancient water tank. The complex was urbanized in 1980s and is now one of the most happening places in South Delhi with a number of sophisticated boutiques, cafes and restaurants for the youth to chill out with friends and family.

  1. India Gate

India Gate is synonymous with the most popular monumental heritage in India. It was built in the year 1931 as a mark of respect and gratitude to the Indian soldiers and martyrs who fought during World War 1. There’s a flame that lights under the gate, which is never put off, in the honour of the soldiers who’re fighting for the civilians and those who laid down their lives to safeguard the nation. India Gate is said to attract the highest number of tourists in Delhi, given its architectural and historical significance.

  1. Jantar Mantar

For the astronomical enthusiasts, Jantar Mantar is a boon. It consists of 13 astronomical instruments lets you observe the planetary movements and the positioning of the celestial bodies in the galaxy. It was said to be built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1723 AD, with the purpose of compiling astronomical tables and predicting the times and movements of the sun, moon, and planets.

  1. Red Fort

“Red Fort” or “Lal-Qila”  is yet another construction by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan during his regime. It was the primary residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty and is now home to a number of museums. Red Fort has been immortalized after the historic speech that was given there by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. It was created out of single red sandstone which marks the architectural brilliance of its architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and all the laborers involved with its construction.

  1. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar stands proud and tall to be declared as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO, and the tallest minaret in India. It’s a 73 meters tall, 5-storeyed structure with a base diameter of 14.3 meters. Qutub Minar depicts Iranian architecture and is made of red sandstone with intricate carvings. It is a wonder in itself to even witness this monument from afar.

 

  1. National Museum of India

National Museum of India was established in 1949 and is easily one of the largest museums in the country. With a collection of about 200,000 pieces of art, the museum has remnants of the items that date back to Harappan civilization. There are also numerous masterpieces that depict contemporary art and culture. For those that are intrigued by art and history, this place will not let you have enough of it.

  1. Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar

All the Delhiites would vouch for Delhi being the paradise for all food-lovers. There’s a different flavor and taste to every nook and corner of the city. The “Paranthe Wali Gully” in Chandni Chowk is the most celebrated place across the country for the mind-boggling varieties of paranthe that are served there. The chaat that gets served here is unparalleled given its taste, presentation and the ingredients that are used to make it. Chandni Chowk is always buzzing with shoppers that can’t get enough of street-shopping with an incredible variety of clothes and accessories that are available at dirt-cheap rates. Chawri Bazar promises a vast collection of metal and paper articles that will make you want to splurge on them mindlessly.

Must Read: Snapshot on Ultra-Modern Delhi and Aesthetic Pune – by Riya Gulati

  1. Connaught Place

Connaught Place is the most sophisticated corner of Delhi with a range of high-end restaurants, boutiques and movie theatres. Janpath, in Connaught place is popular for its sarees, bags and accessories. Connaught Place is the business and financial hub of Delhi where everyone is seen hustling during the day and chilling at night. This place marks the urbanization and development of Delhi like no other.

Don’t be surprised if you come across other breathtaking sites in the city that I haven’t made a mention of! The weather can’t get better for you to take a quick trip to Delhi. Get amazing discounts and offers while booking your flight tickets and enrich your online booking experience like never before!

Also, while in Delhi, live like a Delhiite!

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