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My trip to Kolkata was an express trip. I had 12 hours to see everything in the city and I wanted to “see” everything. I was received at the airport by my guide and driver, and we quickly laid out the plan for the day.  Kolkata is divided in three parts, North, Central and South. The airport is towards the North of the city, so we planned to first explore North Kolkata.   First stop on my Kolkata tour was the beautiful Jain temples. The temple complex is very “international”. It has tiles and sculptures from all around the world. The main temple is made up of beautiful plain and coloured glass work and mirrors. It is a sight for the eyes and very well maintained. The temple was made in 1867 and is still maintained by the family of the founder. Inside the temple are beautiful Chandelier from the Bahamas, Cuba, and Belgium. The temple complex is surrounded by two other Jain temples.   There is a lamp inside the main temple, which burns with ghee. The lamp has been burning since the initiation of the temple in 1867. Photography inside the temple is not allowed so you must visit it to see how stunning it for yourself.   The next stop on my Kolkata exploration was Kumortuli, a traditional potters’ village in northern Kolkata. It is an amazing destination in old Kolkata and a definite “must visit”. As you walk into the narrow lane of the colony you witness the daily routine of the private and professional life of the residents.   In Kolkata, idols are made of hay and mud which after a religious ceremony are immersed in the river Ganga. Kumortuli is home to craftsman who make such idols. The idols are made in different steps and for each step, there are different craftsmen specialising in that one element. I have never believed in idol worship, but it was a fantastic experience for me to witness the fine craftsmanship of the potters of Kumortuli – Kolkata’s very own potters’ village.   In Hindu mythology, Durga is the Goddess of feminist power, strength, and protection. Durga means the one who eliminates suffering. Her legend is that she defeated the demons of evil. Durga Puja is celebrating every year to rejoice the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura.   I visited Kolkata on an auspicious day and most businesses and homes were preparing for a pooja in the early hours of the morning. Homes and shops were decorated with beautiful decorations made of Sholapith (also known as the Indian cork). The delicate flower decorations and idol imitations were a treat for the eye. Right outside Kumortuli, I witnessed the charm of the old rustic, ageing buildings of North Kolkata, the famous Kolkata tram line and Kolkata’s famous Hand-pulled rickshaws in action.   Other places to see in North Kolkata are: Marble palace– A privately owned palace with a beautiful collection of artefacts from around the world; Rabindranath Tagore’s home. This is now a university and museum. The famous poet lived and died here; Nakhoda mosque, which is the oldest and biggest mosque of Kolkata. Kolkata is home to India’s first and oldest schools and university. College street in central Kolkata is lined with bookshops where you can buy and sell new and used books. Calcutta University, which is the oldest university of India in also located here.   College Street is also home to the famous Indian Coffee House. Indian Coffee House is a “must stop” in the city of joy … it is old and rustic and takes you back in time. The menu is very reasonable, and the coffee is great. I also tried the Singara, which is the Bengali name for a Samosa. You must visit the coffee house for its old charm. The interiors of the coffee house take you back in time. It is very basic and not even close to sophistication but if you don’t stop here for a cup of hot coffee you will miss something.       The Flower Market of Kolkata was undoubtedly the most thrilling part of my day. If there is only one place in Kolkata which you can visit, then it should be this. As you walk across the footbridge, over the rustic railway tracks, you cross a line of flower vendors, squatting on the road with their basket of flowers. It is easy to believe that this is the flower market, but not just yet.   Over the bridge and beside the Ganga River is home to the breathtaking Kolkata Flower market. The colours are a treat for the eye and so is the aroma from the flowers. Each section is dedicated to a particular variety of flower. There are flowers everywhere and in thousands. The flower market is very crowded, and you must swiftly move. There was absolutely no time to stop and admire without having a few people bump into you.  Porters carrying heavy flower baskets on their head, like to keep moving without interruption. The ground is muddy and slippery- I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes when you visit. I wore slippers and came out with black feet!!   The famous Howrah bridge located right beside the flower market. I got a good view of the bridge from the river side and had an opportunity to walk over the bridge. The bridge has a separate pedestrian walkway which is lined with vendors selling, cool drinks and street snacks. By the time I reached the flower market, it was already noon, and the sun was shining with all its glory. It was hot and humid. By the river side, you will see locals resting and taking a break from their work for their afternoon snack. Some people were taking a dip in the river as well.   It was now 12 noon; the traditional blue buses and yellow taxis criss-crossed the busy roads of the city. As the sun was shining in all its glory, in true Kolkata style the locals had their umbrellas out to guard them against the scorching sun.

Hyderabad is famously known as the City of the “Nizam”. It is renowned for its etiquette, Hyderabadi Biryani, Karachi Biscuits and of course the world-famous Hyderabadi pearls. For most of its historic existence, Hyderabad has been ruled by the Qutab dynasty who came from Persia and by the Nizams who came from Turkey. When travelling to Hyderabad, visit it’s iconic places; learn about the history (which is super fascinating) ; buy pearls and eat yummy Hyderabad food. During my trip I visited the Golconda fort, the Shahi Tombs and enjoyed biryani and Irani tea at Paradise restaurant. I was also brave enough to visit Charminar, Old Hyderabad and the Nizam’s Palaces on Eid. Read further to know more about where to visit and what you can see in Hyderabad. Gorkonda Fort Hyderabad Golkonda Fort The Qutub’s are commonly referred to as the Golkonda Kings. Most of the History of Golkonda Fort and the Shahi Tombs are related to them. As you enter the Golkonda Fort you arrive at the Bala Hisar Gate. It is believed that if you stand at the gate clap the sound will travel up to the council room of the Fort.  The counsel of the Golkonda Fort is at 450 Feet from the ground and almost 400 steps each way.  Your guide will warn you of the long and steep walk up the fort to see the council, but it is completely worth the effort. The view from the top is stunning. There is also a temple enroute- Jagadayam Temple, which is believed to be centuries old.  It is not very grand in its appearance but has deep-rooted religious and mythological connections. There is a festival each year in July and August at the temple and devotees come from all over during that time to worship at the temple. Golkonda Fort is also home to a 14 feet long rifle of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It was built in the 13th century and has been home to many dynasties. Golconda was renowned for the Golconda Diamonds which were commonly traded there. The Koh-I-Noor Diamond, which is the world’s largest cut diamond, is said to have been found in a mine nearby. The fort, which is now a ruin overlooks the city of Hyderabad.   Shahi Tombs Hyderabad Shahi Tombs Close to the Golkonda Fort are the Shahi Tombs, it is here the Golkonda rulers are buried. The Tombs were built in the lifetime of the ruler and only 10% of work was done later. All tombs have a mosque . The Tombs have beautiful mosaic on the outside, the complex is quiet and peaceful. I only visited one Tomb from the inside and saw three others from outside included one incomplete Tomb, before I felt that I had seen enough. It is still worth a visit!!! Paradise Restaurant Paradise Resturant Biryani My next stop was a lunch break at the famous Paradise restaurant. No trip to Hyderabad is complete without trying Hyderabadi Biriyani. Paradise chain of restaurants is one of the oldest and best Briyani houses in Hyderabad and for good reason. They have several branches around the city, the branch which I went to was clean and hygienic and the service was super-fast. Much of Hyderabadi cuisine is influenced by the food of the Qutubs’ and Nizams’. For example, Haleem, which is meat cooked with spices and lentils until it is broken down naturally to almost a puree. This was invented by the chef of the Nizam ruler who did not have teeth so couldn’t chew. I had the mutton Biryani which comes with Salan (gravy) and raita (beaten yoghurt). I also tried Hyderabad’s famous Iranian Tea – It is made by cooking milk with spices. It is a creamy, sweet, full of favour, strong tea. I certainly recommend trying that. Old Hyderabad Hyderabad Charminar We later continued to visit the Charminar, Old Hyderabad and the Nizam’s Palaces. We drove past  Jubilee Hills where all the famous movies stars of Hyderabad stay. As we drove towards Old Hyderabad, I witnessed many celebrating Eid n the roads. You can feel you are in a different place. We parked our car in the parking of the Nizam’s Place and walked towards Charminar. Charminar, which literally translates to Four Minarets, is an iconic monument of Hyderabad and often the face of Hyderabad in magazines and movies.   It stands tall and erected in the middle of the busy old city street. It was built when the emperor moved his capital from Golkonda to Hyderabad.  There is a mosque within Charminar which is home to several festivities of the city. You can climb up the Minar for a perfect view of the city. As I visited on Eid, the streets were overcrowded with processions and young boys on their bikes and jeeps. The Charminar was completely inaccessible, so I did not visit the monument, but I got a real feel of the place. The markets around Charminar are lined with wholesale pearl vendors and glass bangle shops. It is highly recommended for a true shopping experience. The Chowmahalla Palace which translates in English as 4 places are located at a walkable distance from the Charminar in Old Hyderabad. Be ready to be awestruck by the exquisite collection of the palace. The chandeliers will make you green-eyed with envy. The Palace building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and gives you a good insight into the royal lives of the Nizams. While the construction of the palace began in 1750, it was completed by1869. Nizaam Palace Hyderabad Ramaji Film Studio We finally drove towards Ramaji Film Studio, where I was staying for the night. Ramaji Film studio is a state of art film studio just outside Hyderabad city. It is here where the blockbuster hit movie Bahubali was shot.  You can visit the studio and the sets of Bahubali movie. The Film Studio tour will also take you around some of the other famous sets and into their amusement park which is very popular with children. I visited Hyderabad in December 2017. The weather was perfect throughout the day, not very hot or humid. Just right for sightseeing. I visited Hyderabad on Eid, which I then thought would be a lovely experience but I know now that it is definitely not a good day for sightseeing or

When we started to plan our winter vacation, North East of India seemed to be the obvious choice. I had never been to this region before, and I had heard so many stories about this dynamic and unexplored part of India. I wanted to take my daughter to Kaziranga National Park which is located in Assam (“Awesome Assam“). During our planning stage, we came across an amazing river cruise on the Brahmaputra river.  As the second half of our journey was already planned, we joined the upstream departure for 3 nights only instead of the regular 7 nights program.   Unlike river cruises around the world which are about enjoying sonic beauty, river cruises in India are about experiencing unique elements and seeing unexplored and unseen places. The North East of India has so many hidden gems and exploring Assam on a river cruise is an amazing idea as you stay in comfort , enjoy good food and the best part- you don’t have to pack and unpack on a daily basis. River Cruise Experience We were received at Guwahati airport and transferred to the riverfront where our boat awaited. Enroute we had an option to visit the Kamakhya Temple. The Temple is dedicated to the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya. She is believed in Hindu mythology to be the granter of desires. From here we continued to the port to embark on the cruise. When we arrived at the Port, we walked across a massive bamboo walkway to reach the vessel. The cruise staff was very welcoming, we were offered a welcome drink and escorted to our cabins. Bamboo bridge leading to the Boat It wasn’t long before we saw some adorable river dolphins hopping in and out of the water. You have to be patient and need to wait for the perfect moment when they pop out for just about a second. Unlike ocean dolphins, which are blue in color, these river dolphins are brown in color. Looking out for River Dolphins As we started to cruise on the river Brahmaputra, we witnessed the calm and bold river and the serene life on its banks. The Brahmaputra is a fast-moving river and is known for its moving and changing sandbanks. There are a number of  tiny sand islands created by the river and they all disappear at some point in the year. The islands are free for nomads to use and cultivate on. When the islands’ flood during the rainy (monsoon) season they are vacated by the nomads. As the water retracts, these nomads return and find for themselves a new island. Due to the shifting sandbanks of the river, our boat had a smaller pilot boat traveling ahead of it checking the water for sandbanks and clearing the way for the bigger boat. River Island created by Sand-Banks On our first afternoon, we visited a unique island known as the Peacock island where we saw the Golden Langur. It is believed by the locals that whoever visits the Kamakhaya temple, must then visit the temple on peacock island to fulfill the prayers. The peacock island is the smallest inhabited island in the world with only the priest and his family living on it. There is one Golden Langur on this island and he is clearly the celebrity of the place. Golden Langur at Peacock Island The following day was at ease and we visited a local village where Bangla community stays. We visited the fields, a village home, silver jewelry shop, barbershop, and had ample opportunity to engage with the locals in the village. We also saw a number of vegetables grow. This was the livelihood of people in the village. The was a school, which was closed for winter break. Inside a village home at the Bangla Village in Assam Mustard fields at the Bangla Village in Assam For our visit to the village we were transferred from our cruise to smaller boats. It was very interesting to see how the boat navigated through the sandbanks on the river and reached the banks of the village. The cruise crew then made make-belief steps by carving the sand on the banks so we could reach the village and return to the boat with ease. Children seeing of the boat after the Village Tour. Village tour of Bangla Village, Assam The following day we cruised all day. The day was warm but the night was cold. Due to heavy fog in the morning, our cruising was delayed and our scheduled program for today had to be adjusted . The staff was very professional and experienced and knowledgeable. They did what was best to make our journey comfortable and safe. They made sure we didn’t miss any experience or excursion due to the delay. Our third night on the cruise was short. We had to wake up early for our excursion. We woke up at 2:30 am and departed the cruise by 3 am. A 45-minute drive from the dock took us to Kaziranga National Park. Here we enjoyed pre-breakfast at a resort before continuing to visit the national park. Our first experience at the National park was on elephant backs. We  experienced the beautiful sunrise as the elephants glided through the tall grass of the Park. We saw a number of Rhinos, big and small, grazing in the Jungle. Sunrise during Elephant Safari – Kaziranga National Park, Assam Elephant Safari – Kaziranga National Park, Assam Elephant Safari at Kaziranga National Park, Assam We then returned to another resort for a full breakfast before returning to the jungle for a jeep safari. Our naturalist showed us a number of birds and wild animals including more Rhinos. Open Jeep Safari at Kaziranga National Park, Assam Jeep Safari at Kaziranga National Park, Assam Rhino spotted during Jeep Safari at Kaziranga National Park Rhino spotted during Jeep Safari at Kaziranga National Park Next on our schedule, today was visit to the beautiful tea gardens. We drove right into the middle of a private garden and enjoyed tribal dance

Precautions When you might be going for your safari holidays, you must take special precautions in way or at the browsing sight. Take a complete healthcare package, prevent sporting brilliant colors as bugs gets attracted, typically blue shade attracts tsetse flies, that have a nasty chunk, use lavender oil to minimize swellings and discomfort triggered by its bite. Throughout safari drink only bottled water and avoids consuming uncooked seafood or meat. Try to swim only in chlorinated/rock salt treated pools or the ocean and stay away from lakes, streams, waterfalls, and rivers as usually they’re contaminated with diseased plants and parasites and of course lethal crocodiles. Often hear carefully to what your guides are telling, as they are nicely acquainted using the regions and want you to possess the very best time whilst on safari. Do not forger to check your shoes, turning them the wrong way up, as there could be the possibility of any spider or scorpion.   If you are inside a temper to go for a stroll, wear lengthy pants and substantial gum-boots to stay away from picking up grass borne insects and also avoid sitting within the grass or on sandy soil. Try not to use strongly scented soaps, deodorant, and perfume as these entice insects. Visitors are advised not to get down from the jeep while on the safari. They really should try to maintain total silence as soon as inside the premises of your park and retract on their own and others from any kind of exercise that may well harm the forest ecosystem. If your prime reason for going on safari would be to take photos, don’t halt for longer occasions, as other sharing the automobile may well not accept it. Essential Skills When heading to get a jeep safari, prefer to travel in-group that is the way in which you can enjoy most. Normally, group of about 7to 8 folks are taken on 2 1/2 – 3hrs open-top jeeps in to the chosen sight. The accompanying naturalist will explicate the various sights and sounds in the jungles, deserts or mountain terrain and helps you absorbing in the essence on the wild. Wild animals, usually shy of humans, are tolerant to jeeps approaching them, you ought to preserve absolute silence to enjoy the additional nearer appear with the wilds in their pure habitats.   Elephants are very pleasant along with incredibly expressive mammals, they rumble, squeak, trumpet, ripple and talk with physique language, by shaking the head, spreading the ears, raising the trunk and so forth. Elephants possess a sharp sense of scent, frequently one elephant will place its trunk into another’s mouth to be able to greet it or reassure it in moments of anxiety. In case your main aim is to get photos then go for photographic safari, guide a non-public recreation drive at an extra cost. Gear Up Fleets of contemporary jeeps are equipped with robust, comfortable and dependable ride. Be it the fiery desert or frigid zones. All vehicles must be mechanized ones, preferably effective 4-wheel drive. The windows and doors of your vehicle ought to be appropriately barred to render security to site visitors. The Safari operator shall insure the door of your automobile boarding the website visitors invariably has safety lock to ensure that no site visitors can manoeuvre the locking arrangement. It needs to be possessed with supplementary gears for becoming employed in rough and rugged terrain, if vital. The car really should also be equipped with initial assist facility on it. From the travelers point of view not much is required, you need to carry together with you sun glasses, a cap, telescope, camera with spear rolls and a few thing to munch that provides to your charm. Camel Safari’s are such animal rides that will need both talent and creativeness to discover the mirages of desert. Common Terms Raikas: The Camel keeper. Safari: It is a term used for ‘journey’ in Swahili-local language of Africa. Four Wheel Drive: Normally used for power engine drive-Land-Rovers and Vans. 4 x 4 drive: The jeep is equipped with tyres that can be rotated in different direction when the jeep struck.

I have always wondered what has fascinated me about road trips, and each time I get into a little introspection, there are different answers to the same question. I have already given a detailed explanation of my journey to Rajasthan along Pushkar, Ajmer and Jaipur… but I had left the Jaisalmer part of my journey off for a little while, because there are so many several elements to it that I wasn’t sure where would I need to begin with. My journey to Jaisalmer was rather tumultuous and winding in the least to say. It began late in the night from Pushkar, on a rickety ‘luxury bus’ … I remember the night vividly as the desert winds were biting cold and I was cursing myself for the nth time for not taking my warm clothes along! Fortunately I had two Israeli backpackers along with me for company; they definitely helped me take my mind off the biting cold. Conversations and piping hot masala chai kept me going me for a while, till the brash horn of the ‘luxury bus’ driving cut through the silence of the cold desert night… strapping on my rucksack, I got on to the rickety and shaky bus. Here is the thing about bus rides, I simply love them, especially when I get the window seat… I love gazing out of the window and watch the world buzz past me…. This time on I got the window seat… but the window was shut and surprisingly I liked it that way!  Unfortunately this window had a small opening through which the cold air kept coming in… the night passed in with people filling the bus to its seams. There hardly was any space, people were lying down on the floor of the bus for the night… the journey went on and so did the night. The morning came with the rays of the sun trickling in through the small opening of the window, bright and shiny… and yet cold. We stopped at Pokhran, a village of the Jaisalmer district… the village is infamously known for being the site of the nuclear test. I would like to associate Pokhran as the land of five mirages… While I was set to head to Jaisalmer soon, I decided to spend the day at Pokhran, on checking with the driver I knew that there would be buses to Jaisalmer every hour or so. Surrounded by sand, rock and 5 salt ranges, the stark and raw landscape of Pokhran truly mesmerized me. The rugged and earthy peaks of Aravalli ranges and the sandy moulds of the Thar Desert can be a truly captivating scenery. Short shrubs and sandy terrain, there is a beauty in the desert that cannot be described in words. My half a day in Pokhran was possibly my first solo trip to an Indian village after almost 10 years… and there isn’t much that has changed in villages. There is this warmth and friendliness in the people that simply cannot be duplicated at any cost or circumstances, nor can it be found in any of the cities or towns. Sipping chai with villagers and enjoying the sun rise over the horizon. I silently watched the sun steadily rise up through the horizon and fill the quarters with golden light… for the first time in my life I had begun my breakfast with chai, hot jalebis and samosas! Till now I had only seen women carry pots of water on their head in movies, today I caught it all live… it seemed to be a day of many firsts. Time rushed past and it was soon time to take the evening bus and head to Jaisalmer… but I did not take the bus, there was this old lady I ended up talking to and her tale kept me intrigued through the evening and I spent the night at her hut… she was talking about her life and how much has changed in her small village. It was interesting to get a different perspective on something, till date, everything was restricted to my limited understanding of the village life… but her words shed new light on various different aspects. The effects the nuclear testing had on our own villagers, the change in life they have had since and how difficult it is to get by even with a day’s meal. Spending the night in a small hut, where I have been given all the wares, made me feel small and truly humble. I realised the true meaning of hospitality… the morning sun woke me up and after freshening up with little water and a breakfast of hot chai and poha I walked into the bus stop to take the next bus to Jaisalmer. I left Pokhran feeling completely at ease, another ride down and I hit the city of Jaisalmer… the early morning cold wasn’t helping me again. But I was lost in my thoughts and soon I saw the bright golden fort of Jaisalmer (one of the rare living forts of the country). Fortunately the hotel I was staying over at was just a few feet away from the Fort… I just rushed inside my room, after ensuring that hot water was available… after refreshing my stiff muscles and joints with hot water and hot chai (Rajasthan seemed to have made me an fervent tea drinker)… I decided to get a little sleep… considering I had choppy sleep over 2 nights. Awaking refreshed and energized, I walked up to the terrace of the Hotel, we had a roof top restaurant I simply sat watching the sights around me. I had coincidently chosen the perfect time to head to Jaisalmer – the annual desert festival was on! I decided to peacefully roam the regions of Jaisalmer; I was planning a desert safari that day, so I was in the mood to take things easy that and light that day. Roaming around the streets of Jaisalmer, I soon realised why it was called the Golden