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Planning a trip to the diverse cultural country of India? Well, you might be worried about what cities or places to visit during your trip to Goa? A trip to India guarantees a plethora of unusual, memorable and iconic experiences. And it is very important that you plan your holiday accordingly. Here is an easy guide that is going to help you plan your holiday and receive the most out of it.

New Delhi

The Instagram worthy spot

Visited Delhi, but didn’t post it on Instagram? Well, that is impossible, right? Delhi has so many instagrammable spots that at the end of the day will leave you confused about which to post now and which to post later. Whether an influencer or not, a perfect click is something that we all deserve, don’t we? But, to grab that perfect click, a good camera is not all that you need. You need a perfect background too. And what better than a graffiti art wall as the background of your insta picture? The Lodhi Colony of Delhi has the most beautiful graffiti walls. Over twenty-five, local and international artists which were facilitated by St+art India were involved in creating these beautifully picturesque artistic walls. St+art India is a non-profit organization aims to make art accessible to a larger audience. The art has been inspired by the little things that personify the beauty of nature.

Delicious street food of Chandani Chowk

Dilli ayein aur Chandani chowk ka khana nahi khaya? (came to Delhi and didn’t try the food of Chandani chowk?) The busy and crowded streets of Chandani Chowk offer you with the most extravagant and delicious variety of Delhi street food. Originally a wholesaler hub, the place has specific areas and roads marked that sell all kinds of spices, utensils, fairy lights, and many more things to buy at cheaper rates. Even the retailers that come to shop for their monthly supplies don’t forget to indulge in some quick bites off the street. But, where and where to eat in Chandani chowk? The iconic paranthe wali gali, Kake Naan from Kake Di Hatti, Dal Kachori from Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Jalebi from Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Aaloo Tikki from Natraj Dahi Bhalla and Rabri Falooda from Giani’s Di Hatti.

Delhi street shopping

Leave behind the malls and head to every college girl’s shopping paradise, Sarojini Nagar. Sarojni Nagar is one of the biggest shopping flea markets that cater to all your shopping needs. A cosy woollen sweater, trendy denim jacket, quirky pair of earrings, beautiful outfit for your next date or a backpack to store all your shopping items, Sarojini Nagar offers you everything you can possibly think of at extremely cheap rates.  Not only great outfits but, some of the markets also have great home decor pieces to take home like carpets, painting, cups, lamps, and showpieces. Apart from Sarojini Nagar, just fifteen minutes away is another great street shopping market, Lajpat Nagar. The market is majorly visited by people to get the best fabrics, Indian Kurtis, bottoms, dupattas, and ethnic earrings.

Delhi temple must-visits

Delhi has a lot of temples for you to visit like the popular Akshardham Temple which has been laid out on an extremely large scale. There are many great activities for you to enjoy inside the vicinity of the temple. The most loved being te films and robotic shows that are conducted to showcase acts nonviolence, honesty, family harmony, and spirituality. You should also try the cultural boat ride held inside. Another magnificent holy place to visit in India is the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. It is one of the most prominent and popular Sikh gurudwaras of Delhi. The most popular act of deed of the Gurudwara is the langar where many devotees voluntarily cook food for other people regardless of their cultural background.

A monumental visit in Delhi

To understand the history of Delhi you will come across any monuments that are either built to mark the sacrifices of warriors or an emperor’s triumph over victory. Living examples of such occurrences is the iconic India gate. A 138 feet tall monument that was built as a remark of the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers during World War I. Lush greenery on the sides and a single path leading you up to the grandeur of the monument. There are many eatery stalls for you to enjoy. Another popular monument to visit in New Delhi is the 238 tall Qutub Minar. The monument is as tall as a twenty storey building. A big struggle for you would be fitting yourself and the Qutub Minar in a single picture!

Also Read:- FREE-TRAVEL GUIDE FOR WOMEN TO EXPLORE DELHI

MUMBAI

Nightlife of Mumbai

The city that never sleeps. The people of Mumbai or the Mumbaikars are always on the go. That’s why even at twelve at night you’ll spot people strolling the streets, relaxing by the sea or having pav bhaji with their peers. The city has an impeccable nightlife that should surely be experienced at one of the most vibrant spots in the city, the Marine Drive. It is a great spot to go with your partner or friends. The view of the Marine Drive lit up at night is magnificent. Much in on some of the popular street food that is served by vendors like roasted corn (bhutta), bhel puri, sev puri, and some piping hot tea to make all your time spent here worthwhile.

Dose of Bollywood

Mumbai is the centre of the popular Hindi film industry. More than hundreds of films have been produced for years. In the popular film city of Mumbai, you can take one of the two hours guided tours and if lucky you’ll be able to spot some live shootings. The Mumbai Film City Tours also conducts a Live Show Tour that focuses on the live shooting of a TV series, so you can even opt to visit and experience a television set. You can also visit the established movie star houses in Mumbai. The Mannat house of Shahrukh Khan is one iconic place. If lucky you might see him waving to his fans, especially during festivals. Another famous celebrity house to visit in Mumbai is Pratiksha of Amitabh Bachan. Every Sunday a large crowd is gathered outside his house and the iconic actor comes out to wave and greets his fans.

Experience the sanity

Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Mumbai that is visited by people of all religions all over the world. From an average of ten thousand visitors daily, around lakhs of visitors visit the Dargah on the second day of Ramadan Eid and Bakri Eid (Eid-ul-Azha). The path to the Dargah looks like a Sea of devotees. The Daragh is located in the middle of the waters of the gigantic Arabian Sea making it an absolutely pleasing site for your eyes to witness. Another famous holy temple is the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. One of the most prestigious temples of the city that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The inner roof of the sanctum has been made with plated with gold that enhances the beauty of the entire temple. The Siddhivinayak temple is visited by many popular cricketers and Bollywood stars to seek blessings for new projects or films.

Slumdog Millionaire

Dharavi in Mumbai is the largest slum of the city. Sixty percent of the population of Mumbai lives in these slums. They gained popularity when the slums were featured in the oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire and the popular Bollywood movie Gully Boy. Many tours in Mumbai offer tourists to come and experience the slums. The tour guide first takes you on a ride starting from a local train ride that is heavily crowded by many Mumbaikars. The train is also considered life-threatening as an estimate of eight to ten people per day dies while riding on these trains. To witness the narrow lanes and the lifestyle of the people of Dharavi is an interesting and unusual experience to gain during your trip.

The epic street

The Colaba Causeway is a popular shopping paradise of Mumbai. Shop great pieces of earrings, clothes, footwear, and home decor items. But, not only for shopping, Colaba Causeway offers numerous things for you to enjoy. If your a fan of history then head to the Gateway of India which was made to acknowledge the visit of the first British monarchs who visited India. Just opposite the Gateway of India is the Taj Mahal Palace where you can indulge in some hot or cold beverage with some delicious scones and sandwiches. The nightlife of Colaba causeway is very famous. There are many pubs and cafes where you can indulge in a few drinks and food. Popular places include Mondy’s, Leopold’s, Gokul and Ellipsis. If you are in the mood to try out some delicious rolls than you can try the famous Bade Miyan at Colaba.

AGRA TO VRINDAVAN AND MATHURA

Taj of Shah Jahan

Why visit the Taj Mahal. Well, the Taj Mahal is the most magnificent seventh wonder of the world in Agra. A 350-year-old white marble monument that is breathtakingly beautiful from every angle and corner. It is a memento of Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz who was his best companion during his struggles and conquests. The Taj Mahal has been inspired by Mughal architecture that has a bit of Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian inspired architecture. The artistic sculptures, murals, mosaic art, motifs give you an amazing sight to admire. When all moments during this era were being built with ed sandstones, this was the only monument to be built with white marble. Don’t forget to eat some delicious ‘panchi petha’ and pack some for your home too.

Taj Museum

Located inside the Taj Mahal complex is the famous Taj Museum. The Museum is famous for showcasing many original and exclusive Mughal miniature paintings that include a 17th-century ivory portrait of both Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Many artefacts, paintings and gold and silver coins of the olden eras have been kept inside the museum. Celadon plates which are used to serve some form of food that contains poison are believed to either split into pieces or change colour. When the museum was developed around 1905, it contained old layout plans of the Taj Mahal, samples of the stone used in inlay work, old photographs of the Taj Mahal, coloured drawings, land records, variety of precious stones used in the Taj Mahal.

Sea of Temples

Mathura and Vrindavan are one of the most auspicious and holy places to visit in India. These tiny lanes lead you to many temples that have mostly been dedicated to Lord Krishna as according to mythological stories he spent his childhood in this place. It attracts approximately five lakhs of visitors every year. Even the dust of this holy place is said to be sacred. You’ll see many devotees smearing the dust on their forehead a mark of acknowledgement of its holiness.  The most beloved temple of Mathura is the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathira. It is considered as the holiest places of the region since it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. According to mythological stories, the place where the tem[ple stands was a prison which was owned by the evil uncle of Lord Krishna, King Kans. The back of the main temple still contains the prison cell where Lord Krishna was born. Hence, it is a major attraction spot for both tourists and devotees.the marble statue of Lord Krishna personifies the beauty of the temple. If possible, visit here at the time of Janmashtami to witness massive cheerful celebrations.

The ancient temple

Another popular temple of Matura is the Dwarkadhish Temple. It is considered as the most ancient and famous temple of Mathura. The Dwarkadhish temple was built to honour Lord Krishna when he permanently moved to Dwarka and stayed there till his death. The temple features Lord Dwarkasdish’s idol in black marble and of his beloved Radha in white marble. The temple is located near the  Gatashrama and Vishram Ghat which should also be visited once around the vicinity of the Dwarkadhish temple.

Abode of Krishna

The popular Banke Bihari temple is one of the most iconic pilgrimage sites for devotees to visit. Another temple dedicated to Lord Krishna who here is referred to as Banke Bihari. But why? He is addressed as Banke Bihari that translates to ‘ a supreme enjoyer’. A person who finds joy, love, and laughter in whatever he does, in this case, it is Lord Krishna. The temple is in pure white colour where the main entrance of the temple has been ornamented with a dark yellow-brown colour that has an intricate traditional design. The temple is frequently visited by locals of Vrindavan that take part in the daily prayers that offer garlands and prayers as part of their devotional practices.  The best time to visit is during Holi, the festival of colours.

SHIMLA

Skate on the snow blanket

Visiting Shimla during the winter season? Shimla during the winter season enveloped in a thick blanket of snow is a sight to behold. Tourists specially visit Shimla to experience the snow and enjoy it. But, how can you enhance your entire experience in the snow? Well, apart from building the usual snowman and hitting each other with snowballs, you can try skating. The ice skating spot is one of the most popular experiences of Shimla. It is a naturally formed rink that is also the largest and the only naturally formed rink of South Asia. Spend some fun and enthralling time at the snow rink that’ll surely enhance your entire experience of the trip.

A Shopper’s paradise

The Ridge in Shimla is one of the most popular hangout spots of Shimla. It allows you to indulge in many activities like horse riding, shopping or paying a visit to the iconic Christ church. The Ridge runs parallel to the Mall road and connects to the Scandal point located nearby. If you are seeking some entertainment then you can land yourself at any of the cafés, restaurants or pubs. The nearby Lakkad Bazar is an iconic shopping spot. No visitor has left empty-handed after visiting this market. The shops here sell a variety of wooden handicrafts. Like wooden nameplates, pencil stands, jewellery boxes, piggy banks, and various home decor items. You can also buy some cheap winter clothes from this market. Don’t forget to buy some gifts for your loved ones back home as there are various options for you to choose from. The view from the Ridge is absolutely alluring. You definitely visit there to enjoy the sunset surrounded by the beautiful view of the mountains.

The place of witness

History and science lovers should definitely visit the amazing Indian Institute of Advanced Studies that is hugely famous for being the topmost research centre of the country. It has gained popularity among many tourists and structure admirers for being an enormous and well-poised art example of the Scottish Architecture. The Institute has been the place of witness for commencing the Shimla Agreement 1947. Many historic decisions have also been taken here as the major decision of separating Pakistan and East Pakistan from the map of India during 1947. After India gained independence, the building was then renamed the Rashtrapati Niwas. It was then used the summer retreat spot for the president of India. The interiors of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies features beautiful rooms like the drawing-room, dining room, ballroom that possess sheer finesse and daintiness. The entry fees are 40 rupees for Indians and 85 rupees for foreigners. The institute is shut on Mondays, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Click a picture with your favourite

The queen of the hills is the first place to feature the first wax museum of Himachal Pradesh, Johnnie’s Wax Museum. The museum is inspired by the popular Madame Tussauds in London. It features the wax statues of many real personalities. It ranges from sports stars, Bollywood stars, singers, real-life heroes and more. Tourists are welcomed with a life-size statue of the father of the nation, Mahatama Gandhi. A few steps ahead will make you come face to face with the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the ex-President of the USA, Barack Obama. both these strong personalities face each other in the wax museum. Other famous personalities include Steve Jobs, Johnny Depp, Aamir Khan, Harry Potter, James Bond, Tony Stark, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Jackson, Paul Walker,  Lionel Messi, Honey Singh, Justin Bieber, and Salman Khan. A recent inclusion to Shimla, this place is a great entertainment spot for tourists to grab a click with their favourite stars. the entry fee per person is 250 rupees. If you are with a child who is five or less then their entry is free.

GOA

Surf at the Majorda beach

Majorda beach is in South Goa is located between Utorda at the northern side and the Betalbatim beach. It is considered one of the most scenic beaches of Goa. Majorda beach is around half a kilometre long, but it is part of a 25 kilometre wide stretch of sand.  The shacks and cafe near the Majorda beach serve some delicious Konkani, Russian, continental, Indian food, and refreshments. Shops near the Majorda beach offer tourists a sunbed and umbrella for free. But be sure to place an order in advance. It is a great beach spot for all kinds of tourists. If you are a nature admirer who loves catching the subset or an adventure lover who likes catching the waves on their jet ski’s then this beach is absolutely ideal to spend some time.

 

Fort of the Britishers

The Reis Magos Fort is one of the prime tourist and heritage sites of Goa. The Fort is extremely small in comparison to other forts in Goa. The fort has been built on a hill that can be accessed through a ramp or a staircase. The Reis Magos Fort was constructed using laterite that gives it an authentic and regal architecture look.  The Fort allows you to witness an amazing view of the River Mandovi. The Fort has high sloping walls, underground rooms, passages, cylindrical towers. The water supply provided to the Fort from a freshwater spring which is situated inside the Fort. It was earlier used as the residence for viceroys. But, later it was changed into a fortress. It was occupied by the British around  1798, but after a couple of years in 1813, the British Army excavated the fort. After it was abandoned by the military it was used as a prison till 1993. The Fort is currently undergoing changes by the archaeological survey of India.

Places to stay:- Homestay in Goa

Seventeenth-century Portuguese fort

Goa consists of various forts that were built during many battles and wars to safeguard the soldiers from getting hurt. the Fort Aguada is a famous seventeenth-century Portuguese fort that was built in 1612 to guard against the Dutch and the Marathas. This old Portuguese fort is located on the beach of Candolim in Goa near the shore of the Mandovi River. the Aguada River translated into water. It was named ‘Aguda’ because a freshwater spring inside the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop near the vicinity of the fort.  The fort has a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse erected right in its centre. It was built in the year 1864, making the oldest lighthouse in Asia. With humongous storage of 2,376,000 gallons of water, it is one of the biggest freshwater storages in Asia. The fort is extremely huge in size. the fort also features an escape route that was used during the time of conquests and wars. The Fort Aguada is open every day of the week from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. Visit here during ht time of sunset to enhance the experience of your holiday.

The oldest church of Goa

The Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Born Jesus is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only church in Old Goa, which is not plastered on the outside. A visit here will lead you to the history side of Portuguese. No holiday is complete without a visit to this iconic church which has been featured in many popular movies that have been shot in Goa. The church portrays Baroque architecture in its purest form. It is visited by many Christians all over the world. Though today it stands in partial ruins, it still maintains its authenticity and importance among the devotees of Jesus Christ. Due to its Dedication to Jesus, its name Bom Jesus means ‘good Jesus’ or ‘infant Jesus’. It also houses beautiful paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis Xavier and also his mortal remains.

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