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Top 3 Mobile Apps for Travelers in India

Gone are the days when you travelled with route instructions, guides or road maps. With the advent of mobile apps, you just need your baggage, a smartphone and a lot of enthusiasm to visit variegated places like INDIA – hills, mountains, beaches, plains, etc., all under 1 roof.

 

Today, we have listed the top three-smartphone apps that will aid you in planning and enjoying a hassle free trip in India. Have a look!

 

TripGator:

For all your travel geeks, this app is of great significance for you – adding ease to your adventure!The Ministry of Tourism launched India’s official trip planning and destination discovery Android App called “TripGator“. The app aims to improve the traveler’s in-destination experience, where it integrates maps and Geo-location based discovery details.

 

Tripi Gator Logo

 

Tripgator, like a planner, lets you find a perfect place to visit based on your comfort and interest. You can search hotels, things to do, a comprehensive information on 350+ destinations, restaurants, millions of flight, bus, train routes all with prices. One can also explore restaurants and eateries by food type and popularity.

 

HolidayIQ:

When planning to travel in India, this will be your best buddy, probably! The HolidayIQ is the best app to plan and book your next holiday in India.

 

Holiday IQ Logo

 

HolidayIQ is the largest holiday information portal powered by the Indian traveler community and experts. HolidayIQ gives you information, which is highly customized along with insights on 60,000+ sightseeing destinations, 500+ hotels, Homestays, activities and transport – all made uniquely relevant for you through ‘The Science of Holidays’. The cool part of this app is that you can compare the prices from 100+ vendors and book your accommodation at the lowest available price.

Isn’t it somewhat similar to the Rocket Science! In addition,… it’s absolutely free.

 

MakeMyTrip

 

Plan and relish a perfect trip with India’s No.1 online travel guide with over 2.5 million happy travelers. Keep your smartphone embellished with this useful app- MakeMyTrip.

 

Make MY Trip Logo

 

Use the app to book cheap flights – one way and return trip and get unbelievable discounts and deals on return trips, hotel bookings and bus bookings. Enjoy the hassle free and safe, one-touch booking facility with the app.

With MakeMyTrip app, go on a memorable holiday trip.

 

#Bonus: Glympse: To add-on comfort and ease, here we are providing you details of a bonus app, which you will need in nasty situations-the Glympse app.

 

Glympse Logo

 

Glympse is a Geolocation app that lets you share your location with whoever you like. It’s of great help for those that want to check whether their loved-ones arrived somewhere safely or for those who need help in any emergency during the trip or even for those that want to know if their friends are in the area. But, be careful all you Playboyzz … your girlfriend might catch you too!

The haunted mystery of the Bhangarh Fort

The roaring walls, the screaming winds, silent yet spooky and the frightening thunder- this is all what said about this house of ghosts- the Bhangarh Fort. Located on the border of the Sariska Reserve in the Aravali range in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, the Bhangarh Fort is known to be the India’s most haunted places.

Glimpse of the history

Bhangarh is a wrecked town between Jaipur and Alwar. King Madho Singh established the fort in 1613. The king’s palace, the hills, the huge green trees surrounding the pool and a natural stream falling into the pond within the palace boundaries- the Bhangarh Fort is a beautiful and tranquil place to visit.
But, in reality, Bhangarh Fort is not popular because of its scenic beauty, but the reason why people are so curious to visit the place is the mystery behind its hauntedness.
Although, there are numerous ‘granny’s stories associated with this ghostly fort, the two main legends narrates the history of the fort city. For the visitor’s safety, even the Archaeological Survey of India has put a notice board at the entrance, according to which nobody is allowed to enter or remain in the fort premises after dark.

The Mystery behind the haunted fort

As per a legend, there was a black-magic magician, Singhania who fell in love with Ratnavati, the princess of Bhangarh. One day, the magician saw the princess in the market where she was buying ittar (scent). The Magician saw this and mixed some potion with the ittar with a false motive to ensnare the noblewoman. He gave the ittar to her so that she took a liking and marry him. Luckily, the princess saw through the wizard’s fraud and threw it on a big rock. The rock started rolling down towards the wizard, as a result, and crushed him. But, before he died, he cursed the residents of Bhangarh that they all would die an unnatural death and their spirits will stay there for centuries to haunt the palace forever. Any living mortal will be freaked by the fort. Eventually, the princess too died an unnatural death and it is believed that her spirit is still wandering in the fort for salvation.
Another legend reveals that there was a saint named Guru Balanath lived within the precinct of the fort. It was his injunction that any house built in the fort premises should not be taller than his house. If ever the shadow of any such house falls on his house would result in the destruction of the town. Unfortunately, one of an ambitious descendant raised the fort to such a height that it shadowed Balu Nath’s prohibited retreat and thus the town was shattered.
It is believed that the spirits of the residents who suffered due to these curses still live in the palace area in an urge of salvation and this is the reason why the place is said to be spooky and feary. As such, people are not allowed to spend the night in the fort. It is also said that if anybody visits the place after dark will never come back!

The mystery still continues…

AuliThis does not ends up here! Many tourists have reported that they have seen or felt spirits around them in the Fort.
Few years ago, a man fell into the step-well located within the premises of Bhangarh and hurt his head. While he was being rushed to the hospital, the car crashed and the two others died. An unfortunate accident blamed entirely the place and its curse.
Even, the makers of the show ‘Fear Files’ (ZeeTv) face something similar when they decided to shoot an episode that revolved around how the whole unit of Jhansi Ki Rani (ZeeTv) had a tough time shooting in Bhangarh. Every time they rolled the camera, some or the other untoward event happened. As the unit realised that they should get going from this place, the lead actor of the show Ulka Gupta was found missing and was found lying unconscious in the tantrik’s den. Even the horses that were bought on the sets lost control, and created quite a commotion at the shooting spot.
All these stories point towards the hauntedness of the Bhangarh Fort, yet there are no evidences to prove them to be true…and as such the Bhangarh mystery still continues..!

Chai – the Traditional Happiness of Indians

Start the day with a sip of ‘kadak’ tea and get charged up!!!!!!!

This has been the tradition of Indians from years. The tea is an integral part of the rhythm of Indians. No matter whom you are, rich or poor, young or old, tea is an important part of everybody’s routine.


Peeping into the history of Indian tea, from being used simply as a medicine in the 18th and early 19th centuries, tea has today become an essential part of life in India. The British in 1830’s started the tea plantation in India, primarily for export to Britain. In the early 1990’s, when the British owned Indian Tea Association, tea drinking popularized among the Indians. In the effort to promote tea in India, several promotional campaigns and tea stalls were set up in cities and towns, factories were encouraged to give tea breaks to their workers, and even home demonstrations were organized by the British. Even, the tea stalls were set up at the railway stations. Gradually, drinking tea gained momentum after the Second World War and by the end of the 19th Century; Indians were drinking almost 70 percent of a huge crop of 715,000 tons per year.


Tea has various forms- herbal tea, black tea, green tea and many more! The most popular form is the herbal tea. In winters, ‘Masala Chai’ becomes the taste of people with the essence of Ginger-cloves and in summers, ‘cardamom tea’ is in demand. “Proper” English tea is also drunk among many communities and classes, especially those who had trading and social relations with the British. Today, the country consumes 837,000 tons of it every year- the popularity of tea can be assumed from this fact.


‘When your day seems topsy, turvy and as stormy as can be, there’s nothing quiet as tranquil as a hot cup of tea.’

It is also interesting to know that several decades ago, chai was served in small clay pots, known as ‘kulhar’ in Hindi or ‘bhar’ in Bengali. While the bowls are still popular in Calcutta, plastic cups, tiny glasses and steel tumblers have become the vessels of choice across most of India.


“Tea is cheap, affordable, and addictive in nature. Nearly 90 percent of Indian households are regular tea-drinkers,” says ASSOCHAM Secretary General DS Rawat. “Awareness about health benefits associated with moderate intake of tea is a significant factor behind an upsurge in demand, as more and more people become aware of the healing properties of tea. It not only helps combat heart-related ailments but also lowers cholesterol, protects the skin, keeps cancer at bay, strengthens bones and teeth, and contains no calories, fat or salt.”Check out more Indians have proved that no matter where they are, what they do, Chai was, and will continue to be the ‘Trademark of Indian flavor’.

5 ‘spectacular’ but undervalued destinations in India!

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

India is a land of natural beauty and cultural heritage.While you are in India to explore a mind-stirring mix of landscapes, you will find a long list of places including popular hill stations, beaches and much more. You will across a number of enthralling locations like Goa, Srinagar, Mysore and many others, which are visited greatly by travellers all across the world. Besides, in India there are several spectacular yet underrated locations that are ideal for spending time alone or with friends and family. These places are free from crowds and vender’s outcry! So, along with the panoramic views you get ample time to stroll around in peace and serenity. Let’s stroll around these locations together;

Pangong TSO Lake-a pristine paradise

Pangong TSO Lake-a pristine paradise A beautiful landscape, surrounded by snow-covered peaks at a height of about 4,350 m, a 134 km long lake, which extends from India to Tibet, Pangong Lake.Regardless of containing saline water, it freezes completely in winters. Hence, it is a perfect winter destination. Although 60% (approx.) of the lake is located in Tibet, yet the small portion in Himachal Pradesh is astounding and ideal to surpass the environment of Leh and Ladakh.

Killar-Kishtwar Highway-an electrifying route to mountains

Killar-Kishtwar HighwayWant to try something different and adventurous? Then get set to ride a different stretch of Killar-Kishtwar Highway. The best time to undertake this route is when monsoon are less active, i.e. around September. If you wish to experience the most exciting road trip, traveling with your fellow bikers it is perfect for you.

Lonar Crater-your wallet to nature

Lonar Crater Situated on the outskirts of Loanar town is the world’s third largest crater. It was first discovered in 1823 by a British officer, and said to be formed due to a meteor effect. Generously endowed in flora and fauna, it has much to shower for the nature and the wildlife enthusiasts. Another fact, which makes it so popular, is that this lake is both saline and alkaline in nature.Similar to the ‘meteorite’, which left a never ending impression on ‘Lonar’, the richness of its natural heritage leaves an enduring impression.

Auli –theheaven of skiing lovers

AuliIf you are among those, who relate Snow-Peak Mountains to northern states of India like Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, then this is surely something new for you. Situated in Uttarakhand, it offers an enthralling skiing destination, giving a tough competition to popular Manali and Shimla. Auli is located at an elevation of 2500 to 3050 meters above the sea level and proffers enormous opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and thrilling water sports.

Tarkarli -flow with waves

“Smell the sea, and feel the sky let your soul & spirit fly…” ― Van Morrison
Tarkarli While you are at Tarkali beach, you can touch, see and feel the essence of peace and love. Having the finest white sand beach, it differs from Goa in terms of crowd. It is not over populated, so you can have some romantic and peaceful moments here. There is a lot to enjoy here, from Karli backwaters to the turquoise blue sea; it appears to be picturesque destination!

Six Perfect Destinations for Women Travellers in India

India is one exceptionally attractive destination having rich culture and history. For women who are looking forward to travel all alone, it is a great option. It surely offers exciting, life changing, thrilling and rewarding experience.

 

Want to run away from the monotonous schedule or just need a break???

 

Then, it’s time to let you ‘GO’ free. And why not try travelling solo; this would be definitely a memorable experience in itself. Neither with family nor with friends, just you and no one else around, isn’t it great! Get in touch with new people, overcome your fears, relish the taste of freedom and discover yourself. Leaving behind the worries of goals, task and future, travelling all alone to India is certainly a brilliant idea. If you fear of the ‘security’ factor while your plan to travel across India, then here is the list of mesmerizing locations where you can wander safely;

Srinagar:

srinagar Starting from the ‘heaven on earth’, Kashmir- a beautiful place in the laps of nature with snow covered peaks, gorgeous valleys and lots more. When you wish to take it all alone, the highway from Leh to Srinagar is something you have been fantasizing throughout your life. Full of scenic beauty, it’s loaded enough to thrill your senses. If you are a nature lover, a photo fanatics than you have so many scenic beauties here like the dal lake, the Wular Lake, the Indira Gandhi Tulip gardens, the Mughal Gardens, etc. And if you are a God lover, Srinagar is a place for you to worship also. The Hazratbal Shrine, Shankracharya Temple, Jama masjid, Dastgir Sahib are few very popular religious places in Srinagar.

Tawang Monastery:

tawang-monastery If you have been tired from the hush rush of life and are in search of greater peacetime, there is nothing to compare with Tawang. You hardly need anyone besides you; just pack your bags and revitalize yourself in the monastery surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You will fall in love with the tranquil streams and lakes here! It is both historically and naturally endowed. The natural beauty and solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, Tawang chu River and Tawang valley are very mesmerizing. A best place to get rid of all your worries and stress.

Shimla:

shimla Another breath-taking place from Northern India; Shimla might be a small place but it is very safe and spectacular. Hill stations are the least insecure places in India for the simple fact that they are small in size. Winning the chart is Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Bestowed with scenic beauty and soothing and cool climate, and friendly people, this hill station is perfect for solo female travellers. A quality time can be spent here as it offers a wide range of panoramic views, eateries, accommodations and much more. Town Hall, Jakhu Temple, Gaiety Museum, Christ Church, State Museum, Kali Bari Temple, Himalayan Bird Park and Kufri are some of the popular places for you to visit.

Udaipur:

udaipur Your trip is incomplete if you miss to visit the royal state, Rajasthan. Udaipur is undoubtedly a paradise, assuring you highest safety and hospitality. This destination is a worth visiting place for those who crave for exotic architecture and lively culture. Apart from the ancient places and forts, the traditional dresses, music and dance will make you fall for the Rajasthani Culture. The world famous traditional jewellery! You cannot rescue yourself to buy few from here. The ‘desi’; food here-dal, baati, churma, besan gatta will not let you forget its taste ever and you will surely love to learn it to cook at home for your family.

Sikkim:

sikkim Coming to the North East, Sikkim is a place blessed with primeval beauty. Especially, for a woman traveller looking for spick-and-span grandeur in India, this stunning destination has lot to offer including sky-touching mountains, lovely rice terraces and a number of Buddhist monasteries situated in gorgeous valleys. Not to skip, the hospitality and rich tradition is another factor attracting solo women travellers. Rumtek Gompa, Samdruptse, Norbugang Park, Ganesh Tok, Khecheopalri Lake, Guru Padmasambhava Statue, Rabdentse, Pelling, Hot Water Springs are some places in Sikkim for you to lost in immecular splendor.

Mysore:

mysore In the southern region of India, Mysore has been counted as one of the safest region for women travellers! The city is a delight for those who have a special liking towards architecture. You will find here architectural work of ancient times- the Chalukayas, Cholas and Hoysalas. Mysore is a hub of sandalwood, premium silk and incense, which means that you are going to have a gala time shopping here! Yoga and Ayurveda centres and the special flower market called Devraj Market will surely rejuvenate the beautiful ladies. and many more to go! While the list of ‘picture perfect place’ is very long, the aforementioned locations are known to be safe and secure, if you are a women and travelling alone. Visiting any of these, you will surely find heart-warming welcome, pleasant smiles and helpful people!

Thar desert rajasthan

Top Five Winter Holiday Destinations in India

As soon winter season starts, you start planning for the holidays. The first point which clicks your mind is ‘where’. So, if you are wondering about some amazing locations to have most memorable winter holidays, then you have a number of options in India.

 

“In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer” -Albert Camus

 

.. Like Albert if you don’t want to waste your winter holidays, just thinking of a deep sleep in your warm blankets, get set to pack your bags for an outstanding excursion. You will surely love to explore different places, enjoying the chilled weather across different mesmerizing destinations in India. Read on to know a little more about these locations here;

Srinagar:

sirinagar-2

Although people love to travel across the valleys of Kashmir during summer, but in winters the amalgamation of snow capped mountains and lush valleys ranks it at first position in the list of top winter destinations in India. You will love to enjoy the snowfall and there is a lot more to visit here, including the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake and Gulmarg.
This summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state is best known destination for the winter season. It is famous as ‘heaven on earth’ and it receives heavy snowfall during the winter.

 

“Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity”― Novala Takemoto

Rajasthan:

rajasthan-2

From the amazing concoction of colors, royalty, tradition and much more, this beautiful state of India are a favorite tourist place among the national and international travelers. The deserts are pretty cold sending a shiver down your spine. Despite the dropping temperature, this place has lots to offer from shopping to going on a wildlife safari. You can enjoy winters at Brij Mahotsav in Bharatpur, Camel festival in Bikaner, Desert safari in Kufri, international kite flying competition and much more. With the taste of royalty, you can have the best winters ever here in the land of Maharajas. For those who wish to capture more in less, the royal state Rajasthan is a perfect place for them!

 

‘A place where royalty is a way of life…’

Goa:

goa-2

And you can enjoy this ‘exact’ feeling at the beaches of Goa. Believe it or not, this tiny emerald situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat, offers a complete travelling package for your winter holidays. The cosmopolitan culture, energetic nightlife, gigantic stretches of sandy beaches or extensive cuisine, everything at Goa is just astonishing.In winters you can enjoy the festive season of Christmas and New Year to the fullest. Being one the finest beach destinations in the world, you have much to explore. Besides, activities like water sport and several adventure activities, you will get a chance to visit the World Heritage churches and cathedrals.

 

“To go out with the setting sun on an empty beach is to truly embrace your solitude.”- Jeanne Moreau

Kerala:

kerala-2

So, make your winters more special and colorful at the Western Ghats and brackish lagoons of Kerala. This destination has it all, which you have ever dreamt of. From beaches, backwaters, wildlife, spice gardens, tea plantations and lots more. While you are in Kerala, you can fun at the Kovalam beach or enjoy the Thekaddy, Alapuzza and Vembanad backwater spots. Don’t miss to have some perfect pictures at Munnar’s lush tea plantation, the bird sanctuary in Kumarakom, tiger reserves in Periyar and Silent Valley National Park (world’s most biodiverse ecosystem).

 

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Andaman and Nicobar Island:

andaman-and-nicobar-island-2

These immaculate islands are an out-and-out escape for both tourists and nature lovers. They are surely a strong contender in the race of outstanding winter destinations in India. Covered with tropical jungle, the islands are packed with coconut palm. Moreover, the flat stretches of curved shaped beaches cater a tranquil and soothing experience. Tourists can experience the thrill with an assortment of water sports, snorkeling and scuba diving. You will definitely fall in love with the tropical climate here, making it a worth visiting place in winters!

 

“The serenity of the lulling ocean is a wondrous thing to behold…more precious than the gems coveted and covered in platinum or gold…” ― Oksana Rus

Top 4 must-visit places in Delhi

Delhi tourism is celebrating its 39 memorable years of operation and success. Since then the capital of the nation has seen an unprecedented growth in tourism in terms of visitors and revenue. Rich in culture, the capital territory of the nation shows a great deal of influence from history which one can easily make out after taking a quick circumference of the NCT through the inner ring road. There are numerous historically significant monuments that one cannot afford to miss when he/she plans to visit Delhi. However, there is no denying to the fact that the city hasn’t much to offer to the people who come in search of peace and fresh air, but there are world’s best architectural gems in Delhi you won’t find elsewhere in the world. So, here is a list of few must-visit places in Delhi that one can’t afford to miss while being on a trip to Delhi:

Red Fort

This is the place that usually remains on the top of travelers’ list. Red Fort has a historical significance as the great architecture was erected back in 1639 by Mughal emperor Shahjahan.

NewDelhi-751119_1

Qutab Minar

Touted to be India’s tallest brick minaret, the Qutab Minar stands 73 m tall above the ground. It is Delhi’s oldest historical monument and the most visited place in India.

Qutub-Minar-Delhi

India Gate

This national monument has seen numerous revolutions rise and fall in its time. India Gate was built in memory of soldiers (Indian & British Indian) who sacrificed their life during World War I to save the nation.

india-gate-blog

Jantar Mantar

Built in the year 1724, Jantar Mantar is Maharaja Jai Singh II’s one of five observatories he made. Located in the modern city of New Delhi, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory with masonry instruments consisting of 13 architectural astronomy instruments.

jantarmantar_1

These are a few worth-visiting places in Delhi that one should include in his/her list in order to know India inside out. And, the best thing about these places is that car rental services are available online as well as offline at your doorstep at a very competitive price.