Udaipur Diaries – Top 5 Things To Do

Udaipur, filled with shimmering lakes and the exuberance of palaces is, by rights, one of the most romantic places in the world. Lovingly known as the 'Venice of the East', Udaipur is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in India. Royal themed weddings are a common sight here as the backdrop of huge, decked up palaces make for delightful wedding albums! The hotels in Udaipur, too, are quite something with their courteous staff and regal rooms. If you are planning to visit Udaipur with your special someone, read on to know the top 5 things to do here!

Visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple

This majestic temple in the Pali district of Rajasthan is one of the most-visited temples in the country. Nothing short of a palace itself, the Ranakpur Jain Temple features beautiful architecture and was gifted by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.

Explore the Udaipur Lake Palace

Floating regally on Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace was built by the Maharanas of Mewar as a summer retreat keeping in mind the blazing heat of Rajasthan in summers. This Lake Palace is now a heritage hotel, which is quite famous for its destination marriages.

Go shopping in Udaipur's bazaars

This one is a given. Fashionistas who love a little twist to their fashion will love the range of footwear and clothes with genuine Rajasthani work available in the markets here. Other lovely things you can shop for here are handicrafts, wooden toys, silver jewellery, paintings and lots more.

Explore the Udaipur City Palace

Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Udaipur City Palace is another architectural wonder that will blow your mind. Big corridors, charming courtyards and lovely gardens aside, the City Palace has a total of 11 palaces inside it built by different rulers.

Try out authentic Rajasthani fare

If you don't try out the Rajasthani thali when in Rajasthan, then your trip to Udaipur would be incomplete. Try out dishes like churma, childa, kadhi, badi and raabdi while here. You're sure to get a food high on the amazing Rajasthani fare.

Many hotels in Udaipur will have in-house restaurants manned by locals who know exactly how to cook local dishes. Book one of the gorgeous Udaipur hotels on Travelguru and start planning your trip right away!

Top 5 Things To Do In Chennai

Chennai, previously known as Madras, is a cultural and architectural hub. It also hosts some of the best colleges and universities in the country, making it the go-to place for youth around the country. Chennai is a beautiful city that is a great place to go for a holiday, too. There's a lot to see and do here that will ensure you have a fun and exciting trip. Book one of the classy hotels in Chennai and check out the top 5 things to do in Chennai for a grand trip!

Binge on authentic South Indian food

This one is a no-brainer. They say, When in Rome, do as the Romans do! Its the same thing with when you're in Chennai! When in Chennai, you simply have to try out the authentic cuisine of the state and we're very sure that you will love it. Gorge on the dosas and the rasams and go on a delightful gastronomic ride!

Take an evening stroll at Marina

Marina beach smack in the middle of the city is one place that the locals and tourists frequent. It's a beautiful beach and a stroll along the shoreline is sure to bring you peace and serenity. So why wait? Take your special someone by the hand and take a long, leisurely walk along Marina beach for some quality relaxing time.

Visit the many temples of Chennai

Chennai is full of towering temples that flaunt characteristic traditional South India architecture and design. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar temple and Parthasarathy temple for their intricately carved gopurams and the sheer festive and spiritual vibes that these temples exude.

Explore the Theosophical Society

Chennai's Theosophical Society affords a gorgeous natural escape from the bustling city life. This quiet retreat is a charming spot that features a Hindu temple, church, Buddhist shrine, mosque and Zoroastrian temple.

Take a heritage walk around the city

Chennai is an architectural wonder. If you are a history, culture and art buff, Chennai is a city that will truly inspire and delight you. Besides the lovely temples, Chennai has tons of other architectural wonders like San Thome Church, Fort St George and the Government Museum that are worth visiting. So do take a heritage walk in some of the city's areas and experience the architectural wonders.

For some of the best hotels in Chennai, check out Travelguru and avail yourself of some great hotel deals. Plan a trip to Chennai and don't forget to include these things in your to-do list!

Amazing Agra – Top 5 Places to visit

Agra definitely makes it to the top of the list for people who want to explore the culture and heritage of India. Known mainly as the home of the Taj Mahal, Agra is what one would call a place for the romantics. It has a history steeped in romance and passion, and the Taj Mahal is just one example of it. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal has stood against the test of time and still speak volumes about their love story. Other places of interest in Agra are also as historical and cultural that Agra is a favourite with history buffs. The art and architecture that this city has to offer will leave you mesmerized and awed. There are lots of hotels in Agra that offer the best in comfort and luxury. Check out some Travelguru coupons and book a hotel right away. Here are the top 5 places to visit in Agra!

Taj Mahal
The epitome of love and devotion, the Taj is what you would call an architectural wonder. Made entirely of marble and casting a glimmering white pallor, this monument is what attracts tons of visitors everyday to Agra.

Fatehpur Sikri
This city built by Emperor Akbar in 1570 was built to honour the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. This is great place to explore the rich history of Agra and to get acquainted with the way of life of the people in Agra a long time ago.

Agra Red Fort
The Agra Red fort is situated a little way away from the Taj. One of the most important sightseeing spots in Agra, the Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well. It is located by the River Yamuna and was built by Emperor Akbar.

Buland Darwaza

Also known as the 'Gate Of Magnificence', the Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri was again constructed by Emperor Akbar. This lovely monument is built of red sandstone and stands testament to the military strength of Emperor Akbar.

Mehtab Bagh
Mehtabh Bagh is a quaint garden right in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal. The garden is made all the more lovely with four sandstone towers in its four corners. If you are in the mood to while away some time with your loved ones on a warm afternoon, this is a great place for it.

A visit to Agra is a must if you are a culture and history enthusiast. If you are planning a trip to Agra this holiday season, check out the many Travelguru coupons available online and book one of the gorgeous hotels in Agra. Rest assured, your trip will be a sure success!

Mumbai Mania - Top 5 Things to do in Mumbai!

The City of Dreams is a place that has the power to leave anyone speechless and spellbound. It’s a little place with a big heart, and space enough to accommodate anyone who wishes to stay. And it’s true when they say that it’s difficult to find any other place as comfortable and as warm once you’ve stayed in Mumbai. The city is a diverse mix of cultures and races and religions, making staying constantly surprising and fascinating. If you’re planning a visit to this exuberant city, there are tons of great hotels in Mumbai that you will like.

Check out the top 5 things to do in Mumbai and start planning your trip right away!

Take a stroll along Marine Drive
Popular as the Queen’s Necklace, Marine Drive is the life of Mumbai. This beach promenade in South Mumbai is one of the prettiest and most visited in the country. Located in the swankiest part of the city, a stroll along Marine Drive taking in the sea breeze should definitely make it to your to-do list.

Visit the Gateway of India
Just a short distance away from Marine Drive, the Gateway of India is a historical monument that is frequented by most tourists and locals who want to ferry their way to other parts of the state. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Gateway is a great place for photo-ops, too!

Street shop at Linking Road
If you want to take something of the city back home, Linking Road at Bandra is the place you should head out to. Hundreds of colourful stalls selling clothes, accessories and other trinkets beckon and you will be definitely spoilt for choice if you are a shopaholic.

Binge eat at Juhu Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Mumbai, Juhu beach is the city’s preferred Ganesh idol immersion site. It is also filled with tons of food stalls that is a foodie’s delight. Binge on some tangy bhel puri or try out the icy-cold gola at Juhu beach.

Take a nature walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Located bang in the middle of the city, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the perfect place if you want to spend some time amid nature. While you’re at it, rent a bicycle and ride along the paved pathways inside the park!

Mumbai sees a lot of visitors coming in and out everyday. So it’s a good idea to book one of the charming hotels in Mumbai in advance, before you set off!

Top things to do in Panjim

Goa is everyone’s favourite. Even people who aren’t too fond of beaches like to visit Goa just to soak up some sun and celebrations. Goa is characterised by its surreal beaches, friendly shacks and a lively night life. But for some people, Goa is all about the quiet and the solitude and these are the people that prefer to go to South Goa for its peace. The life in South is comparatively quieter and slower, as that part of Goa features fewer crowds due to fewer nightclubs and beaches. Panjim, the capital of Goa, features a nice, slow pace of life, which is not to say that it is dull or boring. There are quite a few things to do in Panjim so book one of the lovely hotels in Panjim and start planning your trip!
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Take a trip to the Goa State Museum
If you want to get acquainted with Goan history, the Goa State Museum is where you should head out to. You will find several Hindu and Jain sculptures and Portuguese-era coins, furniture and other antiques.

Explore Miramar Beach
One of the best beaches in Goa, Miramar also has some really nice Goa hotels that you can check out for your stay here. This beach is clean and flaunts sparkling waters that you will definitely want to take a dip into!

Visit Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

Built in 1619, this church was the first port of call for sailors sailing from Lisbon. If you want to take some time out and just reflect on life, this church is a beautiful place to go to. It’s grandly illuminated at night which adds to the surreal beauty and grace of the shrine.

Go for a river cruise
Hop on one of the colourfully and brightly decorated cruise ships and go cruising around in River Mandovi. Best thing about river cruises in Goa is that you will be treated to a sprightly live band and folk dances that will make it all the more fun!

Photo-ops at Dona Paula
Dona Paula is one of the most romantic and scenic tourist attractions in Goa. Named after Dona Paula, a known historical figure in the history of Goa, the Dona Paula structure is located on the gorgeous Miramar stretch of sea.

For the best time in the land of beaches, book one of the fabulous hotels in Panjim and let your worries slide away!

Best places to visit in Tirupati

One of the oldest cities in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is popular the world over for its temples and grand architecture. If you are someone who wants to visit spiritual and religious destinations, then Tirupati should definitely make it to your bucket list. It’s a lovely city with a slow pace of life and is the best if you want to explore the history, culture and heritage of ancient India. The old-world temples are famous among people and religion enthusiasts make it a point to visit Tirupati at lest once in their lifetime. Lots of hotels in Tirupati offer the best in comfort and luxury, so you don’t have to worry about accommodation in Tirupati. Check out these 5 places you must visit on your trip to the city of temples!

Sri Venkateswara temple

This temple is situated on the seventh hill of Tirumala Peak. Sri Venkateswara temple has the most visited shrine in the world, after the Vatican. Not just that, it is also the richest temple in the world!

TTD Gardens

Located adjacent to the main temple, TTD Gardens have a magnificent variety of flowers. The colours and the fragrance emanating from the flowers is just out of this world making this garden a great place for photo-ops!

Srikalahasti

Situated on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River, Srikalahasti is one of the most visited spot by pilgrims. The Shiva Linga is worshipped here and it is said that only one oil lamp in the sanctum flickers while all the others remain motionless. 

Kanipakam

The Ganesha idol at Kanipakam is believed to grow in size, making this place very fascinating. The 11th century temple was built by a Chola king and then further developed in the 14th century by kings of the Vijayanagar empire. 

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Talakona Waterfall

The highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, Talakona falls from a height of 270 ft. Located inside a forested area, Talakona is a lovely waterfall that has clean and chilly water. If you’re a nature-lover, this spot is perfect for a nice day out. 

There are quite a few hotels in Tirupati situated around major tourist attractions. Check out Travelguru and book a stay in one of the charming Tirupati hotels right away!

Take a trip to spectacular Surat!

The port city of Surat is a great escape from the daily grind and affords a lot of comforts and luxuries. This well-planned city is a one of the cleanest and prettiest cities in India, and as such makes for an excellent holiday destination. You can take in all the culture and heritage of Gujarat as you want here, and the delicious cuisine is a cherry on the cake! Located on the banks of the Tapti River, Surat is ranked as the 4th fastest developing city by a global study. Here’s a list of places to visit while you’re in Surat:

Surat castle: Planned and built between 1540 and 1546, the Surat castle is one of Surat’s most important monuments. Lots of Surat hotels are situated around this area so check them out for ease of travel.

Mughal Sarai: Mughal Sarai is one of the most ancient monuments of Surat and is today used as an office complex by the Surat Municipal Corporation. Built in 1644 A.D. by Emperor Shah Jahan, Mughal Sarai is still in a good state of preservation.

Chintanamani Jain Temple: This Jain temple was constructed during the time of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1699 A.D. This temple not only has religious importance but is also an excellent example of wooden craftsmanship.

Diamond market: Surat needs no introduction as being a textile and diamond hub. It is also known as the diamond capital of the world. In fact, 92% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in Surat!

Sardar Patel Museum: If you are a culture and history enthusiast, a visit to the Sardar Patel Museum is a must-do. This museum has a grand collection of over 10,000 specimens of arts and crafts. Lots of hotels in Surat are located nearby so take a pick!

Best places to visit in Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is one of the most beautiful cities in Kerala. Considered to be the oldest planned city, it is also called as the Venice of the East owing to its canals linking to Kerala’s gorgeous backwaters. Alleppey is one of the most popular leisure holiday destinations in India, and also one of the most beautiful. This is the kind of place you go to simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones.

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The best way to truly experience Alleppey is by renting a houseboat and riding along its snaking backwaters and unwinding in the peaceful atmosphere. Soak up the culture of Alleppey by attending some of the various temple festivals. Then take a day out from all the sightseeing and organise a picnic out at Marari beach in Mararikulam. It is said that Mararikulam is one of the most scenic places in Alleppey and as such is worth a visit.

There are tons of Alleppey hotels in and around the major places of attraction so make sure you pick one that suits all your travel needs. Most of the Alleppey hotels offer amazing hotel deals and discounts so watch out for these special offers. There are some spectacular temples and churches in this region so if you’re spiritual and you want to take in some religious sightseeing, Alleppey will delight you.

The best way to explore this quaint and charming city is by taking endless, peaceful strolls along its quiet lanes, talking to the lovely people and gorging on some authentic South India food. Loads of Alleppey hotels offer the greatest comfort and feature a staff that is approachable and helpful. Check out Travelguru for some of the best hotels in Alleppey and start planning your trip right away!

Get your monsoon started at Matheran!

Beautiful Matheran gets all the more beautiful during the rains. Lush greenery accompanied by cloudy skies and a cool breeze is everything you need for a gorgeous weekend out. When it comes to natural beauty, Matheran is one of the best spots in Maharashtra. Not only is it a relaxing destination for most city households, it is also an excellent trekking spot. Let’s take a look at the various spots in Matheran that you must visit!

Panorama point: From this spot, you can see the grand hills on one side and the lovely river on the other. It’s also the perfect spot to take in the sunrise.

Heart point: This spot looks like a heart, thus earning its name. Take in the mesmerising sights of Matheran from this point.

Monkey point: Encounter countless cute monkeys right here at Monkey Point! There are tons of Matheran hotels scattered around this spot.

Louisa point: The view from up here is fabulous and affords you a glimpse of the beautiful waterfall.

Echo point: As the name suggests, Echo Point creates some really resonating echoes! Hear your shouts and calls echoing through this gorgeous valley.

One Tree Hill: This is a one-of-a-kind hill because it only has one tree growing on it. Lots of people like trekking up this hill, but be warned, the way up is quite steep and risky.

Everything considered, Matheran is pretty much your standard beautiful hill station and the best way to explore it is on foot. Take long, peaceful strolls along its streets and pick up some local goodies to take back home! Your rainy weekend will be quite sorted here. A word of caution, book your Matheran hotel right away as the hotels here get booked pretty fast!

Andamans – The sunny paradise!

It’s never a bad idea to go on a beach vacation. And what other beach vacation can truly delight all your senses that an Andaman vacation! The Andaman and Nicobar islands are quite the tantalizing holiday destination for beach bums across the world. These islands offer you a slice of heaven in the form of their lovely beaches, rich marine life, scrumptious cuisine and charming people. You will find several Andaman hotels that will afford you the chance to experience the Andamans in the most luxurious way possible, so book a hotel in Andaman that suits your travel needs! 

Here are a few places you must visit in the Andamans:

Port Blair: Capital of the Andaman Islands, Port Blair is one of the most historical and architecturally beautiful towns in India. Vibrantly inhabited by Bengalis, Tamils, Telugus, Nicobarese and Burmese, Port Blair is a must-visit on your trip to the Andamans. There are tons of Andaman hotels in Port Blair that will surely catch your fancy. 

Havelock Island: Havelock Island is one of the most popular islands in the Andamans. The sand on this beach is so pristine and the water so sparkling that it will take your breath away. Prepare to be bedazzled and swept off your feet on this gorgeous piece of paradise. Most tourists end up staying on this island for their entire trip and the several fabulous Andaman hotels are just enough to accommodate them all. 

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Chidiya Tapu: This tiny little village with the strange name is just what you need for an offbeat holiday destination. A little ways away from Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is famous for its secluded beaches, mangroves and spectacular sunsets. One place you must visit at Chidiya Tapu is the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park.