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Happy Holidays!

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Best Hotels + Best Deals this Festive Season with Travelguru

This festive season, get the best deals on hotels across India. Travelguru brings you More Holidays More Fun that gets you unbelievable deals, great discounts and loads of freebies - all instantly! Check out our offers below:

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Trip to Munnar - South India Trail: Part I

As the long road winds around the green hills, my thought is – this must be what heaven looks like. I feel like a 12 year old again, as I attempt catching the clouds that float past. The strong fragrance of cardamom and tea rents the air. Munnar, Here I come…

Munnar is definitely a wonder that God must have carved out at leisure. With rolling green hills and cottage-like settlements in between, it’s simply breathtaking. I am already in love! There’s so much I want to do here and time just seems so less. I check into the Club Mahindra Lake View Resort, with its warm hospitality and beautiful rooms that offer splendid views of the region. 30 minutes later, I am geared up to take a tour of the region. Since I am around for 2 days, it’s relatively easier to plan and visit the numerous sights I’ve read all my life about.

My visit of Munnar starts with Mattupetty, which houses the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, a dam and lakes. Moving on to Lock Heart Gap, which is another natural wonder. The tea plantations are obviously a part of my explore-Munnar plan and after a much winding path I reached the Kundala Tea Plantations, where it was interesting to watch the entire tea making process. Highlight of plantations that you visit – you can sample some of the world’s finest teas and carry packets home too! :-)

The next day was a relatively relaxed one and along with my guide, I visited the famous Rajamala & Eravikulam National Park, which is famous for the rather endangered Nilgiri Tahrs. Munnar has quite a few churches too, which are noteworthy for their stained glass windows, from where the sun rays stream in and cast a rather ethereal picture. As we move down the hill path again, I ask my guide what other splendor I must not miss out. Prompt comes the reply, ‘Neelakunrinji flowers that cover the mountain in blue. But you are 2 years late. You must come back after 10 years again’. I simply nod.

As I watch the sun dawn over the hills and the river water sparkles endlessly, I realize that the journey is just about beginning. I’ll be back with more details of my South India Trail, so keep following…

Must Visit Shopping Places & Items in India

India is a land for shoppers. I can vouch for it because I need a dose of retail therapy too often! And those who are like me know that a good dose of bargain-hunting can cure pretty much everything. Of course, there isn’t much that you wouldn’t get in your neighborhood, but the fun is in grabbing deals where they happen! Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family outing or even a solo traveler, who can resist a chance to run fingers across the varied goodies on display… For those who want to know where you can bag the best, we bring you our shopping hot-spots in India that offer really unusual albeit interesting goodies!

Goa: This beach locale needs no introduction. Along with its sights & sounds, you definitely miss out on a lot if you don’t rummage through the little markets for goodies. It’s a great place to buy gifts for everyone back home – “I Love Goa” t-shirts, Goan masalas, dry fruits & the signature drink Feni.

Leh & Ladakh: This Little Tibet might not seem to be much of shopper’s delight, but you’d be surprised at the range of things you can actually buy here. Typical of this region is Tibetan trumpets & brass and copper Chang kettles.

Kozhikode: This is the official Land of Spices, so the best shopping item is the many exotic spices available at the Big Bazaar. Another item typical to this area is the little Uru Boats that are placed within bottles & make interesting take-aways.

Lakshadweep: This beautiful island has interesting shopping stuff made of seashells and coir. However, signature of this area is what is termed as the Bridal Trousseau, which is a betel pouch made of straw and decorated with flowers, a silver piece of jewelery, a casket and an areca-nut cracker.

Bhubaneswar: This is a haven for all ladies! Bhubaneswari fabrics are world class and the most famous among them is the ikkat printed ones, Sambalpuri and tussar. Typical to the region is the tarakash, which are intricate designs done by thin silver wires.

Bikaner: Typical to any Rajasthani city, Bikaner is known for its fabrics, shoes called jootis and numerous other trinkets. However, Bikaner’s most prominent item is the Gesso work, which is treated camel hide molded to create rugs or even photo frames.

Bundi: Another Rajasthani city, copies of Bundi murals created on silk and paper is most famous here. Similar to this is the Kota-Bundi miniatures that depict animals and natural scenes against a red background and are created on silk, paper and marble.

Lucknow: Undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise! Lucknow’s markets are synonymous with the exquisite zardosi and chikankari fabrics. Also famous here are the gold & silver jewelery with intricate filigree work and the Lucknavi paan-daan.

Jaipur: No doubt the most colorful city in Rajasthan, Jaipur is most famous for its lacquer jewelery, tie-n-dye fabrics and kundan work jewelery. Common buys here include traditional jewelery with meenakari work and block-printed garments. A rather interesting buy in Jaipur would be the beautiful and colourful puppets available at every market here.

Mysore: This city is famous for its beautifully woven silk saris, artifacts made of sandalwood and rosewood as well as stone carvings. Typical to this region is the sandalwood oil that is widely used in ayurveda.

Coonoor: This city comes up as a surprise in the number of articles that it offers. Of course, tea is the most common item, followed by linen, and the exquisite Toda Jewellery, which is locally made by the Toda tribe.

Dehradun: This hill town is famous for its numerous Tibetan influenced wares, its super quality Basmati Rice and the Kwality Stickjaws made of glucose, milkmaid and sugar essence, available is a number of shapes and varieties.

Nainital: The promenade lining the lake is filled with little shops selling a host of interesting wares. Typical to this region are crafted candles in various shapes and designs, local fresh fruit produce and Himalayan bags and scarves.

Ooty: This is the tea-producing heaven of India. Signature items here thus include huge varieties of tea as well as food spices and home-made yummy chocolates. A prominent buy here would be the items made by the Toda Tribe, which includes Toda shawls, Toda silver jewelery, aromatic oils and honey.

Cuttack: This is one of the best shopping destinations in Orissa. It’s most popular offerings include jewelery made with silver filigree work, brass tiepins and cufflinks and cotton and silk fabrics.

Shimla: A shopping hot-spot for all, popular shopping items here include Himachali wares, such as shawls and Kullu caps, carved wooden sticks and Buddhist Thangkas and Kangra Miniatures. The region is famous for its fruit orchards, hence fresh fruits and fruit products are available in a huge range.

Ajmer: This religious hot spot offers quite an interesting array of goodies. Signature buys here include traditional Rajasthani jootis and the fragrant attar, which is available in a number of varieties.

Kochi: A shopper’s land, Kochi or Cochin has a lot you can buy. Most popular buys here include spices, coffee, tea, carved wares, wall paintings, snake boat replicas and gold jewelery. A rather unusual item is the traditional Kerala Kathakali mask, which forms a great decoration.

Guwahati: Another favourite shopping spot for women, this region is best known for its variety of fabrics, including Assam Pat and Muga Silk saris. Guwahati is also known as a ground for betel nut cultivation; hence this is also available aplenty.

Puri: Puri is known for its variety of traditional arts that are available here. Typical to this area is a rather interesting souvenir called Pattachitra, which are paintings of Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannatha done on palm leaves.

Quick Trips from Bangalore

Located in Karnataka, Bangalore is a rather convenient base for those who want to take quick and short trips to several South Indian cities. With its myriad collection of interesting locations around, you’d probably be spoilt for choice. There are hill stations, heritage sites, national parks, religious spot & so much more. Of course, it does seem pretty difficult to list it all down and categorize stuff into must-see and must-do’s, but we’ve tried to compile a list of some really interesting places that are among our personal favourites & that you must visit.

Mysore (139 kms from Bangalore)
This is the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is also called the cultural capital of the state. Mysore has a rather royal feel to it and probably that is why it is called the Palace City.

Popular Visits: Mysore Palace, Jagmohan Palace, Chamundi Hills, St Philomena’s Cathedral, Rail Museum, Folklore Museum, Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoo, Kukkarahalli lake, Karanji lake, Brindavan Gardens, Somanathpur.

Travelguru Tips: While South Indian food is easily available, try out the Mysore Tiffin and the Mysore Pak sweet. Mysore is also a hot-spot for buying silk saris, sandalwood and rosewood products and items carved in stone.

Yercaud (230 kms from Bangalore)
One of the quietest hill stations in South India, Yercaud is blessed with natural panoramas. Literally meaning ‘lake-forest’, Yercaud is made of quaint-named spots, waterfalls, temples and points that offer panoramic views of the region.

Popular Visits: Arthur’s Seat, Grange, which was the first commercial plantation, Kiliyur Waterfall, The Big Lake, Pagoda Point, Horticulture Farm, Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Pagoda Poin, Anna Park.

Travelguru Tips: A marvel of nature, one must visit the stark white Elephant Tooth Rocks, which are said to have been formed when a meteorite fell on earth! The annual Flower Show held at Anna Park is also very popular.

Coorg (237 kms from Bangalore)
This rather quaint hill station on the Nilgiris (Blue Mountain) is best known for its sprawling coffee plantations and spice plantations. Coorg is also an adventurer’s paradise with its several trekking trails that have irresistibly quaint names such as Honey Valley and Mojo Rainforest Trek.

Popular Visits: Abby Falls, Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary, Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Talacauvery, Omkareshwara Temple, Dubare Elephant Training Camp, Kakkabe, Somwarpet the coffee heartland.

Travelguru Tips: Coorg is home to the largest Tibetan settlement and you must watch the almost-gilded Namdroling Monastery. Coorg is also an important spot for trekkers and one of the most popular trekking spots is the Talacauvery-Brahmagiri Peak.

Tirupati (250 kms from Bangalore)
One of the most revered destination, it is famous for the temple of lord Venkateshwara, which is located on top of Tirumala Hills. The Tirumala hill has seven peaks, said to represent the seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent under whose hoods Vishnu resides in Vaikuntha.

Popular Visits: Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Alamelumangapuram, Varahaswamy Temple, Venugopal Swamy Temple, Sri Kapileshwara Temple, S.V Museum, Sila Toranam, Chakra Tirtham, Gogarba Dam, Akasa Ganga Tirtha Falls.

Travelguru Tips: It takes about 2-5 hrs for darshan on normal days, so it’s best to go prepared. Electronic items like mobiles, camera, lighters, etc are not allowed inside the temple. When returning, carry the signature buy from here – Chandana Dolls, which are idols of Lord Venkateshwara and his consort Padmavati.

Ooty (297 kms from Bangalore)
This is the backdrop against which hundreds of Bollywood movie sequences have been shot. Also one of the most popular honeymoon hot spots, Ooty is made of rolling hills, tea plantations, activities by the Lake and the oldest inhabitants of the region, the Toda Tribe.

Popular Visits: Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Union Church, Trinity Church, Snowden Peak, Mukkurthi Peak, Cairn Hill, Glenmorgan, Pykara Lake & Fall.

Travelguru Tips: Don’t miss out the Summer Festival held every May, which includes the beautiful Flower Show. While Ooty is famous for its several varieties of tea and aromatic oil and spices, the star attraction here remains hand-made chocolates, which are available at King Star Confectionery on Commercial Road.

Coonoor (314 kms from Bangalore)
Similar to Ooty, Coonoor is easily the second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris. Standing at 1839 meters, the place abounds in picnic spots and picturesque surroundings. The city provides travelers with a panoramic view of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys, and waterfalls.

Popular Visits: Sim’s Park, Droog Fort, Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, Pomological Station, Catherine Waterfalls.

Travelguru Tips: You must take out time to watch the bi-weekly tea auction that is held by the United Planters Association of South India (UPASI). Also recommended is a guided tour of the Pasteur Institute of India, which is involved in conducting research in the field of rabies, polio and DTP group vaccines.

For more exciting holiday options , check out our weekend breaks from Bangalore that provide an in-depth insight into places, things to see & lots more.

Top 10 Heritage Sites in India

Been there, seen it all? From the magnificent Taj Mahal (Agra) that shines pristine in the moonlight to the bright red Hawa Mahal (Jaipur) with its hundreds of tiny windows the tour through India’s heritage seems to be just beginning. Of course, there’s so much more than meets the eye in India that putting them all together seems a rather daunting though rewarding task.

Here are our Top 10 Heritage Sites in India that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Bhubaneswar

Though relatively modern, the city is full of beautiful temple complexes, which are dedicated to a number of gods of the Hindu pantheon, especially Lord Shiva. Notable among them are the Lingaraja Temple, which is about 185-ft high, the Parashurameshwar Temple and the Rajarani Temple, which is so called for the red-gold sandstone used in the construction. Watch out for the intricate carvings of animals, birds, flowers, depictions of the life of Shiva and Parvati as well as humans in various postures.

Bundi

A relatively smaller area in Rajasthan, Bundi is best known for its bright colored murals that adorn the length of the city. Must watch here is the Taragarh Fort with its unique star shape, the Chhatra Mahal for its fine murals in red, gold and blue, the 84-Pillared Cenotaphs and the Garh Palace for its carvings and murals depicting animals, Krishna and the life and times of the palace.

Chittorgarh

Fit to be covered in a day, this is the land which was conquered by a king who fell in love with the queen of the land. The Chittorgarh Fort is located on a hill and consists of huge gateways, palaces of kings and queens, richly-carved temples and towers that speak of the valor of those who defended and protected it.

Hampi
Stories carved in stone best define this beautiful land. Every inch of this place sports interesting carvings that speak of the times gone by. Visit the Virupaksha Temple with its 9-tiered eastern gateway and 38 intricately carved pillars. The Vijayavitthala Temple has carvings of the king’s army and dancing girls, numerous musical pillars and a marvelous stone chariot. Other prominent structures here are the carved Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath and the statue of Narasimha, which is carved out of a single granite boulder.

Kanchipuram

The finely carved temples here render Kanchipuram as one of the Seven Sacred Cities of India. Must visit here, among others, include the 57-mt high gopuram of Sri Ekambareswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the annual Car Festival at Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Parvati, which is also the site of the Car Festival and the silver & gold lizards that promise annulment of all sins when touched at Sri Varadraja Perumal Temple.

Khajuraho

This definitely needs no introduction. Khajuraho is the land which is adorned completely with temples that sport highly erotic sculptures. Most temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Parvati, Goddess Kali and Jain saints. The entire temple walls are covered in carved sculptures of men and women engaged in various activities, especially those of erotica.

Madurai

Another prominent temple town in Madurai, it is the land of Lord Shiva & Parvati. The most enduring image of this town is the Meenakshi Temple, which celebrates the holy marriage between the two deities. The temple contains a number of sections, which are ornate and have elaborate carvings all over. There are also other important temples scattered throughout the town that add to its charm.

Thanjavur
One of the most historically rich cities in South India, Thanjavur or Tanjore was built by a series of rulers who were great patrons of art and culture. The most enduring image of this town is the Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, has a huge monolith of the Nandi Bull and whose walls are decorated with paintings and frescoes of deities.

Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirapalli or Trichy contains some of the most remarkable examples of temple architecture and is also a great centre for cigar production. The city is most known for its Rockfort Temple, which is intricately carved in various colours. The city is also home to the 13-tiered gopuram of the Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is among the oldest in the world.

Ujjain
Another land dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ujjain occupies a prominent position in history as one of the four sites that hosts the Maha Kumbha Mela. The city is home to numerous temples, which are dedicated to several gods of the Hindu pantheon. Must visit are Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is always lit with thousands of brass lamps and contains a vessel made of silver suspended over the shivling.

A must visit for all, these heritage wonders are such stories in stone that will leave you awed. For more information on amazing locations, check out our Travel Guide that features over 80 destinations across India.