Suggestions for men on what to pack when travelling in winter

During winter months, even if we are home we feel inconvenienced, but this gets amplified if one is traveling abroad in such conditions. A lot of clothing options are often unsuitable and end up being ineffective to protect you from the extreme weather. You would also require a proper staying place, so it is best to research hotels in Manesar in advance.

• Spandex Base Layers – The clothing layers closest to your skin provide you the most warmth. Spandex materials are great for capturing body heat.

• Full Sleeved Shirts – Full sleeved shirts do not allow you to compromise on style and at the same time cover as much of your hands as possible protecting you from the cold.

• Sweaters – Woollen sweaters are very good at providing you protection in very cold conditions. Many good hotels in Gurgaon provide sweaters on demand to their visitors.

• Jackets – The weight of the final layer depends on the harshness of your surroundings. Woollen jackets are overwhelmingly preferred.

• Woollen Trousers – As you will only wear two layers on your legs, the material must be woollen so that you receive as much protection as possible.

• Hats, Gloves and other materials – Russian style hats are preferred in extremely cold conditions. Insulated leather gloves are also a great addition to protecting your fingers.

While it’s important to carry as much as you need, we can often find ourselves packing too much or a lot more than we would require. Panicking prior to a trip to the mountains disturbs the peace of your mind. So, it is better to relax and making calm and cool choices. 

Why December is the best time to plan for goa trip?

It is beyond argument that a lot of us have planned vacations and trips to Goa. Quite often, this plan doesn’t come to fruition for different reasons. Tourism to the party capital of India has increased many folds and many new 3-star hotels in Goa have opened. As we draw nearer to December, here are few reasons why you should choose this month for that eventual Goa tour:

• Economical - If you want to have a great time and be as cost-effective as you can, December is the perfect time for the Goa outing. The New Year’s extravaganza will soar prices of hotels so it’s the most opportune time. 

• Festivals - A celebration of Indian and Portuguese culture, the Semana de Cultura Indo Portuguese festivals starts late September and continues until December. Music, films, and cuisine are also celebrated in this festival. A trip to Goa’s churches is a must too.

• Loners and Party Animals unite -  If you’re looking for a quiet trip with lack of social association, then December is the ideal month for you. Budget hotels in Goa in December make this possible. Regular party goers will not be dissatisfied too.

• Music and Biking - The annual Royal Enfield Rider Mania is hosted in this month and this makes it a biker’s paradise. Here, performances from the likes of Karsh Kale and the Indian Ocean on top of Vagator Hill will make it an amazing visit.

If you have a pre-planned but unfulfilled trip to Goa, do not delay it any further. The penultimate month of the calendar year will surely make your trip worthwhile, enjoyable and memorable.

5 things to know about the mahakali caves

The Mahakali Caves in Mumbai, Maharashtra is an ancient cave built between the 1st century BCE and 6th century CE. People visiting and staying in the budget hotels in Mumbai do not miss to visit the Mahakali Caves. Here are 5 things you need to know about the Mahakali Caves:

1. Location

The Mahakali Caves is located at an altitude of 230 feet above sea level in Andheri East, Mumbai in Maharashtra. These caves are at the junction between the SEEPZ and the Jogeshwari- Vikhroli Link Road. 

2. History

Mahakali Caves consists of 19 rock cut caves that were between 1st and 6th century. The Mahakali Caves were earlier called Kondivita Caves.The structures served as a Buddhist monastery and were home to Buddhists monks. 

3. Architecture

The caves are carved out from Basalt rocks. The caves are mainly divided into two portions – 4 caves are situated in the north-west and 15 caves to the south-west. Mostly the caves are viharas and houses for monks except cave no. 9 which is a Chaitya. It has seven depictions of Buddha and various other figures from Buddhist mythology.

4. Things to do and other attractions

There are numerous Buddhist figures and stupas inside the caves. Albert museum near it showcases maps, photographs and archaeological items.

5. How to reach there

The nearest railway station to the Mahakali Caves is the Jogeshwari Railway Station and the Andheri Railway station. Presence of various hotels in Mahakali Caves Road has made it easier for tourists to visit the caves. The nearest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport.

The Mahakali Caves is a perfect place to know about Buddhism and Buddhist culture and history.

A complete guide to the magnificent Mysore palace

Mysore is one of the most architecturally rich cities in Karnataka. The place is filled with monuments from the ancient times and one such monument is the Mysore Palace. The Mysore Palace can be visited by staying at any of the 3-star hotels in Mysore. Here is all you need to know about the Mysore Palace:

The History of Mysore Palace

The Mysore Palace was initially built by the Wodeyars from the Yadava community. The palace was built inside the Old Fort during the 14th century. However, the palace was broken, repaired and remade several times by the new rules that came. Finally in 1799, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III created the final structure of the palace.

The Breathtaking Interiors and Exteriors of The Mysore Palace

The architecture of the palace makes it special because with time the palace has become an amalgamation of all sorts of architectural art forms from all over the world. It includes Gothic, Indo-Sarcenic, Indo-Islamic and British styled architecture. 

The Perfect Time to Explore the Mysore Palace

The Mysore Palace can be visited from the luxury as well as budget hotels near Mysore railway station at any time of the year. The palace is opened from 10 am to 5.30 pm on all days. There is an entry ticket to get in the palace.

Other Things You Should Know

This is one of the largest palaces in India and battery-operated vehicles can be booked to take a tour of the place. There are a light and sound show that takes place at 7 PM every night except on Sundays and public holidays and lasts for about 40 minutes. 

The Mysore Palace is one of the most visited architectural monuments in India and is a must-see place if visiting Mysore. For the best experience, make sure you visit during offseason so that you can easily get hotel to stay.

Top 4 Must Visit Temples in Mumbai

The cosmopolitan city of Mumbai is not only known for its glittering landscapes and business centers but also for being welcoming when it comes to art and culture. With the presence of cheap accommodation in Mumbai, it’s not difficult to guess that thousands of tourists come here to visit the numerous temples in Mumbai. Here are the top 4 temples in Mumbai:

1. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is a very popular temple in Mumbai dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Being located just 11km from the airport, the temple has led to increase in a number of budget hotels near Mumbai airport. People from all strata of society visit the temple especially on Tuesdays as they believe the temple has the power to solve all problems.

2. Mahalakshmi Temple

The Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to three deities Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Mahakali. The temple glitters on Navratri times due to lightings and color and a large number of devotees come to offer their prayers to the deity.

3. ISKCON Temple

The white beautiful ISKCON temple hosts Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The temple hosts marriage rituals inside its premises. The temple also boasts of a restaurant offering amazing food, a guest house, and an auditorium.

4. Mumbadevi Temple

The city of Mumbai derived its name from Goddess Mumbadevi. Among the oldest temple in Mumbai, Mumbadevi temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumbadevi. The temple hosts a black stone idol of the deity. It was constructed by the Koli community fishermen.

These four temples are tantamount to the city of Mumbai as it beautifully showcases the religious devotional side of the ever busy city of Mumbai.

Kanak Vrindavan Garden: A Must Visit Tourist Spot in Jaipur

Jaipur is the beautiful city filled huge forts and palaces. However, there are some magnificent gardens also in the Pink City. The Kanak Vrindavan Garden is one such place that is a must visit if you are planning a trip to Jaipur. There are many luxury and budget hotels in Jaipur that can help arrange a trip to this place easily. Here is why you should definitely visit the Kanak Vrindavan Gardens:

Kanak Vrindavan Gardens, Jaipur

• The Scenic Beauty is Incomparable

The very first reason to visit the Kanak Vrindavan Gardens is that the beauty of this place is mesmerizing. It is situated in the Kanak Vrindavan Valley that has a huge selection of flora and fauna. So, sit back and relax from the hectic life in the city at these gardens.

• Closer to Some of The Biggest Attractions

The gardens are the closest to the three biggest forts in Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and the Amber Fort. It is an amazing experience to take in the beauty of these three forts and also visit them if you want to.

• Perfect Place for Bird Watching

If you are a vivid bird watcher, then these gardens are the perfect place for you to be.  A lot of migratory birds come here regularly. Book one of the good hotels in Jaipur in advance to get hassle-free stay and enjoy bird watching with your family and kids.

• Some Pilgrim on The Way

The gardens are also located close to the Govind Dev Ji and Natwarji Temples. These are some of the most important pilgrimages places for the Hindus and can be visited for some inner peace and blessings from the gods.

Visiting Jaipur would not be complete without going to the Kanak Vrindavan Gardens. Hence make sure to put a visit to these magnificent gardens in your itinerary because this is an experience of a lifetime.

Chilling Horror Stories from Gurgaon That Won’t Let you Sleep!

There are a few places in Gurgaon that are considered haunted and no person dares to go near them. However, if you are an adventurous person and want a firsthand experience at these places, stay at one of the best 3-star hotels in Manesar and take a tour of these places. Here are 4 creepiest stories from Gurgaon:

1.    The Misleading Ghost of Ashok Vihar Flyover

A ghost of a woman at 1 am to 4 am is said to stop people asking for directions. If the driver stops, the people either get lost or the car instantly breaks down for no reason.

2.    The Ghost of MG Road

MG road is famous for the woman ghost in white saree who runs beside the people's cars in the night. She has been seen by a lot of cab drivers and is said to be a ghost of some woman who was killed there a few years ago.

3.    The Killing Car at Sector 15

Stay at budget hotels in Gurgaon and take a trip to sector 15 on the chilly winter night. People have witnessed a highly speeding car passing them in the night. Most people follow it and end up in an accident whereas the car vanishes.

4.    The Haunted Apartment of Sector 7

An apartment in sector 7 of Gurgaon is supposedly haunted by a ghost that was killed years ago in the bathroom. The residents have experienced a lot of troubles and some of them have even developed mental disorders due to the haunting.

If you stay in Gurgaon or are visiting Gurgaon, go to some of these places and have an adventure of your lifetime.

Everything you need to know about Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, New Delhi

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is a majestic Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and other statesmen responsible for growth and spread of Hinduism. The name “Akshardham” itself signifies the divine place of God. Presence of good hotels in Delhi has made it easier for devotees from across the country to come and pay a visit to this beautiful temple.

1.    History & Spiritual Significance

The temple was built by the BAPS and inaugurated on 6th November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The temple is mainly to honor the Hindu spiritual sages as it’s evident from the presence of over 200 statues of them. Each and every aspect of the temple echoes spirituality, from thankfulness towards God to spreading love among fellow mortal beings.

2.    What to see

You can offer your prayers to the Hindu sages in Garbhagurh and then visit Narayan Peeth. You can watch the elephants and listen to their significance to Hinduism in Gajendra Peeth. At Abhishek Mandap, you can offer holy water to Neelkanth and pray for the fulfillment of your wishes and peace around the world. You can also enjoy the beautiful exhibitions and colorful water shows.  You can stroll through the thematic gardens and learn about inspiring stories of human beings at Bharat Upvan.

3.    Best time to visit

Adjust your staying in the 3-star hotels in Delhi in such a way that it doesn’t include Monday since the temple remains closed on this day. Due to the hot and humid climate during summer, it’s better to come to New Delhi and visit Akshardham temple during the non-summer months.

The temples spread spirituality, peace and harmony and the ancient principles of Hinduism. The visit to the temple is a must if you want to get enriched with the spirituality of Hinduism.

Baroda at a Glance

Vadodara, popularly known by its original name Baroda, is located in the state of Gujarat. A populous city, it one of the important hubs of western India with cultural, industrial and educational significance. This city owes its rich cultural heritage to a slew of dynasties that ruled it which include the Gupta empire, the Chaulukya dynasty, and the Mughal empire. There are numerous 3 star hotels in Baroda where one can stay in comfort. Hotels in Vadodara near railway station offer budget alternatives.

Home to numerous famous attractions, the most popular are listed as below:

Laxmi Vilas Palace

Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao III, the palace reflects influences from Indian, Islamic and European cultures. The stunning interiors feature marble of different hues, mosaic tiles and numerous other works of art. The palace also houses a golf course and museum, both of which are open to the public.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum

Originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja’s children, the building was converted into a museum and opened to the public in April of 1961 by the then Governor of Gujarat, Nawab Mehndi Nawaz Jung. It houses the collection of the Gaekwads of Baroda, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III which includes paintings, porcelain and glass artworks, sculptures and much more. 

Sursagar Lake

Earlier known as Chand Talao, the lake is located in the middle of the city. It offers boating facilities and houses a 120 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva in the centre which was installed in the year 2002 by the Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan (VMSS).

Sursagar Lake, Vadodara

How to spend a fun weekend in Mumbai with friends or family

Mumbai is a lively city and has many activities that people can engage in to spend weekends away from home. You can plan your weekend and book accommodation in Mumbai near the place you are visiting. There are wonderful food joints to explore, plenty of natural beauty to enjoy and even many world-class hotels to just relax in.

• Explore food joints and street food: The street food of Mumbai is truly legendary and some items like Vada Pau and Pau Bhaji are known the world over.

• Long road trips: Mumbai has fantastic sea fronts like Marine Drive, Bandra Bandstand, Worli Seaface that are perfect for long relaxing road trips.

• Natural attractions nearby: Mumbai not only has beautiful beaches but also wonderful waterfalls and hill stations. Malshej Ghat and Matheran Hill station are popular attractions for many Mumbaikars.

• Adventure sports: There is a wide range of adventure sports like rock climbing, river rafting, kayaking and rappelling that you can participate in while in Mumbai.

• Explore wildlife: The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a must visit for all wildlife lovers and It has an interesting mix of diverse flora and fauna. Asiatic lions are a major attraction here.

Choose one of the budget hotels near Mumbai airport or railway station, so that you can easily travel to nearby cities when needed. Planning is only key to have wonderful weekend, so start planning your trip today!

5 Less-known Fantastic Hill Stations near Delhi

Hill stations can offer the perfect escape from the pollution and overpopulated urban surroundings of Delhi. With plenty of attractions and Hotels in Delhi, the city has become an ideal destination for people from all over the world. Here are a few hill stations around Delhi that are perfect for a short trip:

Kangojodi

• Kangojodi: Located in the district of Sirmour, Kangojodi consists of 7km of serene pine forests. The area is pretty rustic but natural wonders are present here in plenty. There are some rare species of animals and vegetation that you wouldn’t normally find anywhere else.

• Tirthan Valley: This is a famous hill station located in Himachal and is ideal only if you are planning a trip for about a week. The entire region is breathtakingly beautiful and offers magnificent panoramic views. Temperatures can get quite chilly and the region is only ideal before or after winter.

Churwadhar

• Chindi: This idyllic village is perfect for backpackers and explorers who are looking for places that are not filled with tourists. You might not find good accommodation here like budget hotels in Delhi but if you enjoy the rustic and rough style of living, it is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate yourself.

• Churwadhar: Surrounded by lovely green hills, the town of Mandi is quiet, sparsely populated and absolutely beautiful. Located between Manali and Delhi, the area is ideal for some light trekking and if you want a perfect break from regular life.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in India and hill stations are an incredibly popular destination for the Indian traveler. Delhi has plenty of hill stations in the surrounding areas that are ideal for a short and memorable trip.

Places to Visit in Indore

One of the most largest cities of Madhya Pradesh, Indore has been described as the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh by the Economic Times. Apart from commercial Indore has a lot of historic and natural locations that one must visit. A few of the places are as follows:

1. Annapurna Temple

Dedicated to the goddess Annapurna, the temple has beautiful depictions of Hindu gods all over the temple. It is a very popular pilgrimage center amongst the locals. There are many 3 star hotels in Indore that are close to this temple.

2. Patalpani Waterfall

One of the best picnic spots in the city, the Patalpani Waterfall is the best place to visit with your family. It provides a scenic view while you enjoy a cool breeze. Patalpani Waterfall is one of the most famous and most favorite destinations for all families staying in the city.

3. Rajwada

Divided into two parts, this palace is located in the cloth market and has a fancy floor built of stone and wood. There is a small museum on the first floor of this palace that is a major tourist attractor.

4. Kanch Mandir

Situated in the cloth market, this temple is made completely of glasswork and is quite unique. It has intricate workings on the walls and is walking distance from the Rajwada.

If you’re looking to visit Indore we suggest you stay in a hotel in Indore near the railway station or the airport as they are the main hubs of Indore.

3 Famous Forts of Jaipur Which Make It Must Visit Place for Tourists

Jaipur, also known as the pink city, is one of the most desired tourist spots in India. Rajasthan itself is a major tourist attraction and stand out in terms of its beauty and rich culture in Northern India. Surrounding all the famous tourist spots, there are many budget hotels in Jaipur too that try to reach to the expectation of the tourist in culture and hospitality. The three most famous forts of Jaipur are:

1. Amber Forts:

The majestic Amber Fort of Jaipur overlooks the Maota Lake and shines in a vintage glory. Build in 1592, Amber fort has a perfect blend of Hindu and Islamic Architecture with enchanting mirror work too. It is the principal attraction of Amer, Jaipur. Tourist often makes a stay at hotels near JaipurPalace for a convenience of touring around the forts easily. 

2. Jaigarh Fort:

Build in the year 1726, Jaigarh fort was named as the ‘Fort of Victory’ by Jai Singh II. It is surrounded by thick sandstone walls and watches clocked that is 3km high. Derived from Indo-Persian architecture, Jaigarh fort speaks beauty in all ways. 

3. Nahargarh Fort: 

Built-in 1734 by Jai Sigh II, Nahargarh fort is also named as the ‘Tiger Fort’ as it was constructed to guard the city. It is located on the edge of the Aravalli hills and provides a scenic view of the Jaipur from it. There are many good hotels in Jaipur near this fort where you can stay comfortably.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, spell bounds every person who visits it. Encumbered with magnificent monuments, forts, and architecture, Jaipur speaks a lot about our glorified history. So when you visit Jaipur, don't miss to visit these forts.

Sandalwood and its uses

                               

Sandalwood is very well known for its fragrance. Sandalwood unlike any other aromatic wood, retains its fragrance for decades. It is yellow heavy and fine-grained. Sandalwood is the second most expensive wood in the world and can be used to derive sandalwood oil as well.

Sandalwood can be used in the following ways as well:

1. Incense

Sandalwood due to its sweet fragrance is used in a lot of incense sticks. Infact, it is abundant in places like Mysore. There are many budget hotels in Mysore near the railway station near which sandalwood is sold in bulk.

2. Sunscreen

Sandalwood has certain properties that when turned into a paste, display the properties of a sunscreen and prevent sunburns from taking place.

3. Treating Pimples

For people with acne problems, sandalwood is the best homemade remedy for them. Sandalwood treats pimples efficiently without leaving a mark.

4. Skin Whitening

Sandalwood possesses certain properties that help in skin whitening. It shows no chemical reaction and no destructive agents are included in it which is why it has turned out to be very useful.

5. Anti-Ageing

Everyone in the world hates growing old, and likes to look younger. Sandalwood has properties that make the user feel easily five years younger as they deal with wrinkles in the most efficient way possible. To find out the exact uses of sandalwood, one should visit Mysore while staying in one of the many 3 star hotels in Mysore.