Ok, because of some weird misunderstanding, you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth. This, however, shouldn’t stop you from feeling like a ruler – regardless of whether you prefer the strict Norwegians or the more free-spirited residents of Tonga to be your subjects. When you head for a walk through your lands, don’t forget your crown and scepter so that people can recognize you easily.

Here are some of the legendary places you can visit around the world to feel like a royalty.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal | Pixabay

When you are in an exquisite ivory-white marble mausoleum, which looks more like a castle, you know that kings can love too. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal out of grief for his beloved Mumtaz, who died in childbirth. Today the place breaks all records in marriage proposals and the waiting time to take a photo. If you plan to visit Agra to see the mystic Taj Mahal, find some of the best luxurious hotels in Agra here.

The Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Pyramids | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

The Terracotta Army and the first Chinese emperor

Horses from the Teracotta Army | Photo credit: Jeff, PJ and Taiki/Flickr

The first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang wasn’t very democratic, he burnt thousands of books and buried people alive. However, he had the fixed idea, which came to him at the age of 13, of building a huge tomb. The emperor was afraid of death and throughout his whole life he would seek from sorcerers the secret of immortality. Obviously, he didn’t succeed, but his Mausoleum near Xian was found in 1974. Inside he is guarded by the famous terracotta army.

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Here are 10 dream destinations to visit in India.

1. Agra

Agra in Uttar Pradesh, is synonymous to the Taj Mahal. Agra was founded on a bend in the sacred Yamuna River. Its marble mausoleums, attractions, and vibrant chowks (markets) get increasingly hectic and murky as the day drags on.

Itmad-ud-tomb, Daulah’s Sikandra fort, and other homages to the Mughal empire are well worth seeing, especially the Musamman Burj, a tower offering city views.

2. Delhi

Colourful capital New Delhi is India’s most hectic city, but don’t let that stop you. Most travelers visiting New Delhi admire how the city blends history and modernity; Old Delhi’s heritage landmarks and market cuisine are in the city’s center, but spectacular buildings and high-end restaurants stretch out from there.

3. Goa

Visit Goa’s magnificent beaches on the Arabian Sea to escape the urban haze. One of the top holiday places in India for every type of traveler, Goa blends Indian and Portuguese traditions and offers beach days and all-inclusive resort retreats. Spend your days exploring beaches, waterfalls, and ruins, then party all night in Bardez, Tiswadi, and Salcete.

4. Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a history buff’s ideal location. The state recalls maharajas and sumptuous palaces when kings and queens of earlier ages conducted stately business shielded by ancient mountain-top forts and the surrounding Thar desert. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is a crucial stop on the famed Golden Triangle route through India’s most significant cultural sites (including Delhi and Agra). Rajasthan’s outlying cities, such as blue-tinged Jodhpur and its Mehrangarh fort, are worth exploring. If time permits, visit Jaisalmer to see sandstone buildings and historic haveli palaces.

5. Mumbai

Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood and India’s underworld, is full of starlets, artists, servants, billionaires, and hustlers. Through the city’s masses, you’ll find India’s financial, fashion, and religious capitals. Mumbai’s intensity may be overwhelming, albeit not menacing.

Stop in trendy neighborhoods like Colaba and Bandra to refuel at gourmet eateries and glam rooftop bars.

6. Kerala

Kerala is one of India’s top honeymoon locations, with 600 km of forest and backwaters. Kerala, south of Goa on the Arabian Sea, is unlike everywhere in India. Kerala is a slow-paced destination with hazy mountain views and flowing waterways. Discover history and culture in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, or visit smaller towns for Kathakali trance rites and temple festivals conducted by friendly locals.

7. Andaman Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India’s most remote state, are worth the 1,000-kilometer travel. Like Kerala, these islands are known for their natural charms, including virgin coral reefs and deserted islets. Just a handful of the 572 islands are accessible to travelers. Havelock (or Swaraj) is the most popular home to Southeast Asian, Negrito, and indigenous populations. Spend your days sunbathing, diving, surfing off white sand beaches, and exploring warm lagoons and rocky rainforests inland.

8. Leh-Ladakh

Ladakh’s desolate, craggy scenery is awe-inspiring and appealing. Its natural splendor draws tourists from throughout the world. Ladakh has isolated, high-altitude places. This site is between the Himalayas and Karakoram. This place has terrific food, including thukpa and momo at Indo-Tibetan restaurants. The Nubra valley showcases the beautiful Himalayas. If you love hiking, go for the Zanskar chadar trek.

9. Amritsar

Amritsar’s Golden Temple is the “Jewel of Punjab.” The golden building is one of the holiest destinations for Sikhs, gleaming in the sun and reflected in a vast pool. The city also has the world’s largest communal kitchen, serving 100,000 meals daily (including visitors). Spend an afternoon in Amritsar to observe the Beating Retreat Ceremony. Goose-stepping rivals India and Pakistan lock the border gates at dusk in a spectacular ceremony. Dance to Bollywood music with locals early.

10. Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of the state of West Bengal, is one of India’s largest and most significant cities. The city on the Hooghly River was formerly the capital of India under the East India Company. British influences are still visible throughout the city. The independence movement started there. After independence, the city became a hub for education, politics, science, culture, art, and literature. Tagore, Raman, Sen, and Mother Teresa called it home. Staying at Treebo Kolkata hotels will make you fall in love with the city.  

Are you still wondering where to stay in Kolkata?

Well, there’s always a Treebo around.

Kolkata has several decent hotels for visitors. Quality cheap hotels like Treebo Kolkata Hotels have risen in popularity. These Treebo Kolkata hotels provide business and leisure travelers with contemporary facilities that guarantee pleasant accommodations, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and branded amenities. Each room has a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, and air conditioning. Treebo Kolkata hotels has clean rooms with new linens and towels. Treebo Kolkata’s top hotels provide protected parking, 24-hour security, laundry service, in-house eateries, and conference spaces.

Top Treebo Kolkata Hotels

As one of India’s major cities, Kolkata has plenty of hotels. To get the best deal of the vacation, search for Treebo Kolkata hotels that meet your travel needs. Suppose you want to be near malls, restaurants, and theaters, select hotels in Salt Lake City, Kolkata. This affluent neighborhood has several up-and-coming IT enterprises and hotels near Kolkata Airport. Treebo Kolkata Hotels on Diamond Harbour Road are near the Chingrikhali Fort and River Hooghly.

Hotels in Kalighat provide old-world charm being one of the city’s oldest districts and home to the Kalighat Kali Temple. Look for Treebo Kolkata hotels in Ballygunge, a wealthy neighborhood with elegant residences, restaurants, and stores. You can also pick hotels in Park Circus, a neighboring property. If you go by train and stay for a short time, browse Treebo hotels near Kolkata Railway Station.

What’s more at Treebo Kolkata hotels?

Treebo Kolkata hotels provide something for every traveler. If you don’t mind paying, choose a furnished guest home or serviced apartment for a week or two. Kolkata has 2-star, 3-star, and economy hotels for budget-conscious travelers. Budget-friendly lone travelers, couples, families, businesses, and medical visitors would love Treebo Kolkata hotels. Salt Lake City, Diamond Harbour Road, , Park Circus, and Kalighat have our hotels. Treebo Hotels are the most outstanding choice for luxury on a budget in Kolkata. Treebo Kolkata hotels: Treebo Jai Ambe Maa, Treebo Saini Inn, Treebo Beau Guest House. These fabulous hotels are waiting to be booked!!

 Remember at Treebo Kolkata, customer satisfaction is the philosophy.

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India is one of the most culturally diverse and beautiful countries globally. It is home to some of the world’s most magnificent buildings, such as the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal, and the Statue of Unity. With over 22 official languages and the origins of Ayurveda, chess, and yoga, India is a must-see place for any travel guru.

 India is a beautiful country with so much to offer regarding its history, culture, and sites. With so many beautiful places, having a plan and itinerary for your visit to the country is vital. There are plenty of India tours packages that you can join to explore some of the hidden gems across the country. But deciding when and how to go on vacation can be tricky. This article will explore a few tips you should consider when visiting India.

The Best Time to Visit India

India is home to several religions and has different cultural practices, such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and more. This has been the interest of many tourists who visit the country. To gain a proper understanding and grasp of what the culture and values of India are like, the best time to plan a trip is during one of the major festivals such as Diwali, Durga Puja, Holi, and Ramadhan.

The citizens of India celebrate many festivals throughout the year, and each of these festivals has a deep religious meaning. One of the best times to visit India is during Diwali (also known as the festival of lights), which is celebrated around October or November. The festival is a four-day celebration that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The story of Diwali centers around the religious text called the Ramayana, which shows why the festival is celebrated with vigor.

Apart from witnessing one of India’s iconic festivals, the best time to visit India is between October and March. During these months, the weather is warm, sunny, and with minimal rain. This brings about the ideal temperatures to comfortably explore the country.

The Perfect Holiday Resort in India

India has many extravagant holiday resorts across the country. Some of the most popular ones are the Sea Shell Havelock in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kaldan Samudhra Palace in Chennai, Hotel Atulyaa Taj, which is close to the Taj Mahal, and more.

Deciding on a holiday resort will depend on the part of the country that you want to explore. For example, suppose you are hoping to visit the Taj Mahal. In that case, you’d like to find accommodation in the city of Agra. However, the Red Fort is in New Delhi, and the Sri Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, is in Amritsar. India has three megacities – Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. Each of these cities has its own exceptional tourist attractions. When deciding on a tourist destination, your accommodation will depend on the proximity to the heart of these cities.

How to Travel to India Safely

India is quite modernized as a country, with a population of just over 1.4 billion. The country has 137 airports, with 24 of them running international flights. Before thinking about flights and booking tickets, you should consider your destination site, as this will affect which airport you will arrive at. In addition to this, here are a few things to consider when or before traveling to India:

• The type of visa you need 
• The validity of your passport
• The required or recommended vaccines (if any)
• Policies in relation to covid (PCR test, vaccination certification, etc.)
• Internet access
• Medical certification, especially if you have any respiratory conditions or heart problems.

Travel Tips

Aside from knowing the when, where, and how to visit India, there are a few more factors that you should prepare for when visiting the country:

a) Language Differences

India is quite a diverse country with 22 spoken languages. Luckily, the majority of the citizens will have some understanding of English. However, having a basic understanding of some of the local languages can be helpful during your visit. In this case, learning a few basic phrases can help.  

b) Don’t Leave Your Personal Belongings Unattended

In India, petty crime, scams, and pickpockets are common. This is especially the case if you are a tourist. Therefore, when visiting, it is best if you don’t leave your valuables and belongings unattended.

c) Stock Up on Bottled Water

When visiting any country for the first time, it is safer to drink bottled water. Experiencing minor issues such as stomachache, nausea, and headaches is quite common when visiting a foreign country.

Having An Unforgettable Vacation When Visiting India

To ease your journey, we have highlighted a few tips you should keep in mind when planning a trip to India. Because even though India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful sites and structures, visiting such a diverse country can be overwhelming.  

The post India Travel Tips: When, Where & How to Visit to Have a Safe and Unforgettable Trip appeared first on 203Challenges.

Go to the spring of the river Ganges, India

They say more than 10 million people walk the way to the sacred water every year. Those who are determined to reach the very spring, need to go to the western part of the Himalayas. For Indian Hindus, the Ganges embodies divinity and purity. Legend has it that the waters of the river purify all sins of the people who touch it.

>>> Read more: 25 quotes about India explaining why everyone loves it

Walk or bike Camino de Santiago, France/Spain

The Camino de Santiago, also known as El Camino, is a religious route attracting more and more enthusiasts. The unforgettable journey may continue for more than one month, starting from France through the Pyrenees and crossing the whole of Spain. The last point is the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, as it is believed that St. James’s remains were buried there. The length of the route may vary, depending on where you start. The route from France to the famous cathedral is almost 800 km (497 mi).

Visit Medina, Saudi Arabia

Medina is a holy Muslim city, the second most important city after Mecca. Medina attracts millions of pilgrims every year, because it contains the remains of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. In Medina, you can see the three oldest mosques in the world, one of which is the Prophet’s Mosque.

Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

The Inca Trail consists of three trails – Mollepata (six or seven days), Classic (four or five days), and One Day. Regardless of which trail you choose, you will see many ruins of the Inca civilization before reaching Machu Picchu Mountain itself. Concerns about overuse, harming the nature and the historical sites along the way, led the Peruvian government to limit the number of tourists allowed to hike this trail to 200 per day. As a result, advance booking is mandatory. More information here.

>>> Read more: 8 unique things to do in Peru for first-time visitors

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The temples

Both the temples and the gods inhabiting them are part of the daily routine of the Indian. It’s been that way for centuries, it’s still today. The temples in Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram are an example of the spectacular style of the Pallava Dynasty (between the seventh and ninth centuries). The impressive cave temples in Mahabalipuram and the rocky fortress in Trichi are also of this time. A few centuries later, the Chola Dynasty built beautiful monuments in Tanjavur. In Madurai, you can see the exquisite Minakshi Temple of another dynasty – Nayak. Most temples in South India are thousands of years old, altered, strengthened and beautified by different rulers.

The food

The food in India is different from the one we are used to, but it’s great! South India’s hot humid climate, heavy rainfall and close proximity to the coast guarantee large quantities of rice in all varieties, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, stews, and delicious seafood. Usually, every meal consumes spicy food, so do not be surprised but try it. 

Important: Be sure to try traditional Indian bread Naan.

Pondicherry

The city of Pondicherry still bears the traces of its French and British past. There are colonial-style buildings, some more than three hundred years old, but in extremely good condition and still habitable. Pondicherry’s blend of history and geography, antiquity and modernity create a rare combination of styles. The oldest church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built around 1700, will remind you of Notre Dame of Paris, but once you hear the scooter horns, again and again, you return to Indian reality. One of the main attractions of the city is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its numerous buildings – spiritual, cultural, educational and commercial. Thousands of people attend the temple and meditate before the two samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother around whom the ashram is built.

Ayurveda – do not miss the massages

Ayurveda is a perfect, ancient life science and Kerala is the home of Ayurveda. It is one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine. Massages in this area are a must-have program – the techniques and oils they use are very different from what we are used to. Adding to that, climate…

Important: It is advisable to choose a massage studio at the hotel where you are staying, regardless of the price difference. Hotel rates are a bit higher, but this gives you security in the hygiene and quality of service you receive. 

Tea and spice plantations

A stepped carpet of green tea plantations covering misty wavy hills in India, very different from what you imagine. Visit a Tea or Spice Plantation to learn about each plant’s properties.

Author: Borislav Georgiev

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Sometimes your dreams need a bit of help to come true…

You don’t have to wait for a shooting star to make your wishes come true. There are plenty of places around the world which were made for rubbing, grinding, leaving coins and gifts, with the sole purpose of your most intimate desires coming to life. Let’s see where, what and how.

1. Whatever you want: The Erawan shrine in Bangkok

The Erawan shrine was erected in 1956 as a part of the national hotel Erawan, to neutralize the bad karma which, according to the locals, was accumulated because the hotel’s foundations were laid on the “wrong” day. The series of fatal incidents on the construction site came to an end when an astrologist’s suggestion led to the creation of a statue of the Phra Phrom God. The sanctuary is easily noticeable, as it is always covered in flowers and candles. They say that you need to leave a gift if you want a wish of yours to come true. Often you can see dancers performing next to the shrine – they have been hired by people who are hoping to have their wishes fulfilled.

How much does it cost: It’s free – it is up to you what gift you ll leave.

2. Love: Juliet’s House

Juliet’s house is a classic, if your secret desire is love. It doesn’t matter that Juliet never actually existed, she has the world-famous power of lighting fires in people s hearts, and even keeping the flames alive. Or so it seems at the entrance of her house in Verona, where the walls have been covered by pieces of paper, with names and dreams on all kinds of languages. This paper wall has collapsed a few times due to its weight. Go a bit further inside the house, into the yard, and you can line up to rub Juliet’s right breast for luck.

How much does it cost: Entrance to the yard is free of charge.

3. Whatever you want: The Wishing Bridge

In Jaffa, Israel, they have a Wishing Bridge, with figurines of all the zodiac signs. People say that if you touch the figurine corresponding to your zodiac sign, and stare into the sea, your wish will come true.

How much does it coast: It’s free.

4. Health: The Iron Pillar of New Delhi

This pillar is more than 1,600 years old and even the fact that it still stands is a miracle in itself. It remains a mystery how an iron pillar has managed to survive this many centuries in such a humid climate without falling prey to corrosion. They say, however, that the pillar will take care not only of its own needs, but of yours as well. All you have to do is walk around it and think of your wish. The pillar is located in the yard of the Qutb Minar mosque.

How much does it cost: You have to pay 250 rupees (about 3 euros) to enter the Qutb complex.

5. Money: the Wish Tree on Isle Maree

In the Scottish lake Loch Maree, there are a few islands, one of which is home to century-old oak trees. One of those oaks is different – they say that it’s magical and whoever squeezes a coin under its bark, will become rich. You can probably imagine what the tree looks like today – with thousands of coins piercing its bark. The truth is, however, that the original Wish tree, in which even Queen Victoria left a coin, rotted away long ago due to copper poisoning brought about by the numerous coins in its bark. Its substitute will probably suffer a similar fate.

How much does it cost: About 20 euros for a boat trip to the island.

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India is a country of deep spirituality and colourful festivals. You might have heard about the spectacular Holi and Diwali festivals but there are many more worth the trip. Although the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is not so popular among foreigners, it is one of the best ways to experience the authentic Indian culture and get blessing for your safe travels.

Here is what Mariellen Ward, a blogger and a well-known expert on travel in India, says about it:

Who is god Ganesha

Ganesha is the beloved elephant-headed god, a favourite throughout India, and Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival that honours him. It runs for 11 days in late August or September, depending on the cycle of the moon. This year (2017) it starts on August 25.

Images of Ganesh are made throughout the year and displayed during the 10-day festival. On the 11th day, called Anant Chaturdasi, the images are paraded through the streets, accompanied by singing and dancing, and finally immersed in the sea.

How to celebrate it

During the festival, Ganesha statues are displayed all over the city, with communities competing with each other. The displays feature music, dancing and feasting.

Top tip

The size of the crowds make Ganesh Chaturthi a daunting undertaking. Visit the 2017 Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Guide and consider taking a tour.

Where to celebrate

While Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in about five states, Mumbai is probably the best place to experience it. Thousands of statues are displayed around the city, and devotees gather at Siddhivinayak Temple. The procession to the sea for immersion — called Visarjan — is truly a spectacle to behold.

*Mariellen Ward is an award-winning professional travel writer. She owns one of the world’s leading independent travel blogs about India – Breathedreamgo, where you can read the whole article about Top 5 festivals of India for foreign visitors.

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1. Indians are the Italians of Asia and vice versa. Every man in both countries is a singer when he is happy, and every woman is a dancer when she walks to the shop at the corner. For them, food is the music inside the body and music is the food inside the heart. ‘Amore’ or ‘Pyar’ makes every man a poet, a princess of peasant girl if only for second eyes of man and woman meets. – Gregory David Roberts

2. India is a place where color is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in. – Kiran Millwood Hargrave

3. Calcutta’s the only city I know where you are actively encouraged to stop strangers at random for a quick chat. – Tahir Shah

4. Time spent in India has an extraordinary effect on one. It acts as a barrier that makes the rest of the world seem unreal. – Tahir Shah

5. Where does one go in a tremendous city like Calcutta to find insider information? I recalled India’s golden rule: do the opposite of what would be normal anywhere else. – Tahir Shah

6. In some peculiar way, indeed, the rules were now beginning to seem quite logical. It was then I knew that I had been in India long enough. – Tahir Shah

7. If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India. – Max Muller

8. [India is] the One land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined. – Mark Twain

9. India has two million gods, and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the only millionaire. – Mark Twain

10. In India, I found a race of mortals living upon the Earth, but not adhering to it, inhabiting cities, but not being fixed to them, possessing everything, but possessed by nothing. – Apollonius Tyanaeus

11. We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made. – Albert Einstein

12. If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India. – Romain Rolland

13. In India, you’re taught that there are certain qualities that make you a divine human being. – Deepak Chopra

14. The train system in India is chaotic and fun – it’s the best way to see the landscape. Being in with all the families and also being the odd animal is a colorful experience you’ll never forget. – Natalie Dormer

15. To me, India’s always represented ‘everything’; it represents ‘all.’ Everything is here. You can stay here forever, and you’ll never feel like you’ve missed out on life. – Chris Martin

16. Everything is recycled in India, even dreams. – Shashi Tharoor

17. In India even the most mundane inquiries have a habit of ending this way. There may be two answers, there may be five, a dozen or a hundred; the only thing that is certain is that all will be different. – Eric Newby

18. You can take the Indian out of the family, but you cannot take the family out of the Indian. – Amit Kalantri

19. India will teach us the tolerance and gentleness of mature mind, understanding spirit and a unifying, pacifying love for all human beings. – Will Durant

20. Gravitation was known to the Hindus (Indians) before the birth of Newton. The system of blood circulation was discovered by them centuries before Harvey was heard of. – P. Johnstone

21. To other countries, I may go as a tourist, but to India, I come as a pilgrim. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

22. I like the evening in India, the one magic moment when the sun balances on the rim of the world, and the hush descends, and ten thousand civil servants drift homeward on a river of bicycles, brooding on the Lord Krishna and the cost of living. – James Cameron

23. More dreams are realized and extinguished in Bombay than any other place in India. – Gregory David Roberts

24. But nothing in India is identifiable, the mere asking of a question causes it to disappear or to merge in something else. – E. M. Forster

25. I noted that people are happy here in India. When I went back home, people had everything in the materialistic sense and were surrounded with abundance, but they were not happy. – Goldie Hawn

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>>> Discover more thematic collections of travel quotes.

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Joshua Morin spent a month traveling with his 4-year-old daughter across Rajhastan, Agra and Varanasi areas. As you watch, you can almost feel the wind in your hair and the pebbles under your feet while following the steps of Joshua’s daughter.

But when it comes to deciding what to shoot – “she makes all of the decisions when it comes to shooting time. Kids have a way of doing that”.

What Joshua remembers the most from India is the food and the colors. What his daughter remembers the most from India is the animals. “She was absolutely blown away by seeing so many animals everywhere”.

And it seems like a great traveler is growing up here. My daughter has now been to 13 coutries and is 4 years old. She is going to beat me at my country count I expect

Watch in full screen and sound on.

GO India from Joshua Morin on Vimeo.

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