Top 5 Things to do in Diu

If private and unexplored places are the kind of holiday destinations you prefer, then Diu is perfect for you. Diu flaunts a quaint Portuguese-era influence that makes this town all the more special and fascinating. It is also one of the least populated places in India, a fact that attracts people who love peace and serenity. Diu is full of interesting places and is a hub of national history and culture. If Indian history fascinates you, then Diu is a place that you should explore. Recently, Diu has been selected as one of the smart cities to be developed under the Prime Minister's Smart Cities Mission. Taking all this into consideration, it is a good idea to book a stay in one of the lovely hotels in Diu well in advance as the hotels here can fill up quickly. Here are the top 5 things to do in Diu:

Explore the Diu Fort

Exploring the Diu Fort is a great way to understand the colonial history of this town. Built in 1535, this once imposing Portuguese fort is now in ruins. A part of the fort now serves as a jail, and the fort is a beautifully haunting structure that you simply must visit.

Visit the Sea Shell Museum

The Sea Shell Museum is a short distance away from the centre of the town. A well-known merchant navy captain collected countless shells from around the world, which are now on display in this captivating museum.

Taste the local delicacies

No matter where you go on vacation, one of the best way to understand the region is by partaking in their local food. While there are upmarket restaurants in Diu like O'Coqueiro, Apana Foodland and Cat's Eye View, it is always preferable to also try out the food at some local joints.

Take a walk on Diu's beaches

Diu flaunts lovely beaches like Nagoa beach, Gomptimata beach, Ghoghla beach, etc. Take a day off from all the hectic sightseeing and relax at one of these beaches. Take a swim, bask in the sun or play a game of beach volleyball, your choice!

Head out to St. Paul's Church

Founded by Jesuits in 1600 and then rebuilt in 1807, St. Paul's Church is one of the most idyllic churches in Diu. Wander around and take a look at the gorgeous architecture and reflect for a few moments in the quiet environment.

Book one of the classy Diu hotels in advance before you set out for your trip. Check out Travelguru for a comprehensive list of the best hotels in Diu!

Top 5 Places to visit in Bangalore

Bangalore is much more than just its world-renowned educational and commercial institutions, its pubs, clubs, swanky restaurants and hip cafés. Bangalore is as much about beauty, history and culture as any of the other Indian cities. So while Bangalore has earned a name among the youth of India, it is also coming up as a sought-after holiday destination for the older generation. There are countless places to visit in Bangalore that will let you explore the rich heritage of the city. If you are planning a trip here any time soon, make sure you book one of the hotels in Bangalore well in advance. Check out the top 5 places to visit in Bangalore right here:

Bangalore Palace

The construction for the Bangalore Palace was started in 1862 and completed in 1944. located in North Bangalore, this palace is home to countless old paintings that let you explore the opulence and culture of old Bangalore.

Bannerghatta National Park

Sprawled over 25,000 acres, the Bannerghatta National Park is situated a short distance away from the city and houses several species of animals and birds. If you are lucky, you will get glimpses of panthers, deer, tigers, elephants and various reptiles and birds.

Cubbon Park

Located smack in the middle of the city is Cubbon Park, Bangalore's go-to place for nature and peace lovers. Lots of important buildings are situated within the park like the Central Library, and the park is speckled with charming marble statues of Queen Victoria, Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, etc.

Nandi Hills

Located approximately 60 kms from the city centre, Nandi Hills is a fortress that also serves as an idyllic picnic spot for the old and young alike. You will find lots of fascinating sites at Nandi Hills, like the fort built by Tipu Sultan, the ancient Nandi temple and the Gandhi Centre.

Lal Bagh

This colourful botanical garden is a must-visit for everyone who has a liking for nature and flowers. Commissioned in the 18^th century, Lal Bagh is home to thousands of varieties of trees and plants, and hosts flower shows twice a year.

So the next time you are planning a visit here, do visit Travelguru for a list of the best hotels in Bangalore!

5 Best Places to Visit in New Delhi

New Delhi is one of the best destinations to visit in India if you're looking for some deep-rooted history, culture and heritage. There are also quite a few places in New Delhi to explore, and countless visitors come here every day to get their share of Delhi madness! This city is always on the go, and that is quite apparent from its charming people, high-flying fashion and delectable food. So, if a trip filled with grandeur and significance is what you want, then New Delhi is just the right place for you. You will find many delightful hotels in New Delhi that offer the best in comfort and luxury. Here are the 5 best places to visit in New Delhi for a grand holiday!

Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar sure doesn't need an introduction! This towering structure is the tallest tower in India and each storey of the tower has a balcony. The first ever mosque of India, the Quwwat-ul-Islam, is located at the foot of this tower.

Red Fort

Built in 1638, the Red Fort stands testament to the Mughal Era in India. Constructed so as to keep away intruders, the Red Fort is, today, one of the most significant monuments in India.

India Gate

Who could ever forget the memorable scene by the India Gate in the cult movie 'Rang De Basanti'? Built in 1931 as a war memorial, this structure is inscribed with the names of the soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War and the Afghan War.

Humayun's Tomb

Commissioned by Haji Begum, the widow of Humayun, this tomb was built in 1570 and is inspired by Persian architecture. The Taj Mahal bears an uncanny resemblance to Humayun's Tomb, but both are beautiful in completely different ways.

Lodi Gardens

After all the hectic sight-seeing, one of the best ways to relax in Delhi is by visiting the Lodi Gardens. Built in 1936 by the British, this garden is the perfect place to take off to on a warm winter Delhi afternoon.

The next time you're planning a visit to New Delhi, make sure to check out Travelguru for a comprehensive list of hotels in New Delhi.

Top luxury hotels in Goa

Goa is filled with tourists all year round. Be it the on-season or the off-season, Goa is an all-time attractive holiday destination for many in India and abroad. And why not? There's so much in Goa to explore and enjoy! The sparkling beaches, the laid-back shacks, the delicious cuisine, the crazy parties… everything spells out a great time! It is for these reasons that people from all over the world love to visit Goa so often. There are a lot of excellent accommodation options in Goa, too. From budget to mid-range to luxury hotels, you will find something that caters to the travel needs of every traveller. For your Goa hotel booking, make sure you look up the internet and read some Goa hotel reviews so that you know the best hotel to book. Here are a few luxury hotels in Goa that you can check out:

Cidade de Goa

Located at one of the swankiest localities in Goa, i.e. Dona Paula, Cidade de Goa is a 5 star property situated by Vainguinim beach. If you want to spend some days soaking up some luxury and relaxation, Cidade de Goa is your best bet.

The Zuri White Sands Goa Resort & Casino

Another one of the lavish Goa hotels is The Zuri White Sands Goa Resort & Casino. Situated at Varca, The Zuri has everything that you might need on an indulgent getaway to the beach destination of India.

Dona Sylvia Beach Resort

Located in Cavelossim, the Dona Sylvia Beach Resort is somewhere you should be if you're looking for some peace and quiet. This gorgeous resort has an Ayurvedic Centre, which makes sure all your senses are pampered and you go home utterly rejuvenated.

Resort Rio

Resort Rio is one of the most charming Goa hotels located at Arpora by the Baga River. The resort itself looks pretty lavish and you will feel right at home in it. This is a lovely place to stay at and to explore something of the Portuguese feel of Goa.

Click here to book a stay at Resort Rio

Chances Resort & Casino

Again located at Dona Paula, Chances Resort & Casino is quite close from Dabolim International Airport. The best thing about this resort is that it is located close to all the major beaches and tourist attractions like Miramar beach, Baga beach and Calangute beach.

If you want to do your Goa hotel booking online, check out Travelguru for a list of the best hotels in Goa. All you have to do is book your Goa hotel well in advance and start planning your big, luxurious trip to the land of beaches!

Delightful Jodhpur – Top 5 Delicacies

One of the loveliest cities in Rajasthan, Jodhpur in the Thar Desert is a must-visit for every art and architecture enthusiast. The state's most charming temples, forts and palaces can be found at Jodhpur, making it one of the most important tourist sites in Rajasthan. While there's a lot to see and do in Jodhpur, what we'll be focusing on in this blog post is the delicious food of the city! Jodhpur is a city where you simply have to try out everything that the locals prepare. The best way to do this is by eating out at some local food joints, instead of fine-dine restaurants. Tons of Jodhpur hotels feature in-house restaurants that offer authentic local cuisine. Here are the top 5 delicacies of Jodhpur you must try!

Mawa Kachori

One of the most popular sweets in Jodhpur, Mawa Kachori is something everyone with a sweet tooth will love. It is basically deep-fried bread with a stuffing of mawa or sweetened milk solids, nuts and saffron. These kachoris are then dipped in sugar syrup and served hot.

Panchkuta

Panchkuta is made of these three essential ingredients – ker, sangri and kumatia. Sun-dried and tossed in some mustard oil, these ingredients were then mixed with red chillies and raw dried mangoes. Panchkuta is, by far, one of the most famous delicacies of Jodhpur.

Mirchibada

Essentially deep-fried stuffed Rajasthani peppers, Mirchibada is a delight for those who love hot and spicy food. Stuffed with mashed potatoes, flour and spices, Mirchibada is one of the most common snacks in Jodhpur.

Makhaniya Lassi

Lassi in any flavour is a godsend, especially when where you are is too hot to handle. But the Makhaniya Lassi of Jodhpur goes one step ahead with its creamy thickness and a sprinkling of nuts and cardamom.

Besan ki Chakki

As the name suggests, Besan ki Chakki is a sweet made of gram flour or besan, condensed milk and sugar. It is even called 'Indian cheesecake' sometimes, what with its creamy texture and melt-in-the-mouth consistency. A must-try, for sure!

Make sure you gorge on all of these delicacies when you visit Jodhpur. Better yet, book one of the classy Jodhpur hotels that feature an in-house restaurant. Check out Travelguru for a comprehensive list of the best hotels in Jodhpur and start planning your trip now!

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!