Highlights of my Escape to the Blue City!

I had recently visited the Blue City to attend a business meeting. Unexpectedly, I had a chance to explore the local culture and cuisine of Jodhpur which left me with a newfound perspective of the city. As I was there to attend seminars for most of the day, I was looking for cheap hotels in Jodhpur to which I was happy to find Mango Hotels, one of the budget hotels near Jodhpur railway station. 

Post the seminars coming to an end, I ventured out to explore the historic monuments of the city namely the Mehrangarh fort and the Umaid Bhawan palace. Home to the city’s royal family since the 15th century, the Mehrangarh fort exudes culture and historic significance. This monument offers a majestic view of the Blue City, sure to leave you mesmerised.

Next up, I walked the streets around Clock Tower for some local shopping. I found cute collectibles like bandhani dupattas, glass bangles, antique locks lots of vibrant, ethnic slippers. Small trinkets and silver jewellery are also sold in abundance by local and very skilled artisans. 

The only thing left to do from my list was to feast on the local delicacies of Jodhpur. Known for its vegetarian food, I went to famous local restaurant and started with their thali serving bajra roti, kadhi, ker sangri, gatta curry, dal bati, churma and more! My day ended with binging on local delicacies from piping hot samosas and kachoris to mirchi pakodas. In all, I could not have expected a better getaway. 

5 things you need to know about the Cubbon Park, Bangalore

Cubbon Park in Bangalore is a perfect place for tourists coming to the city and staying in the budget hotels in Bangalore to relax amidst calmness and greenery. Here are 5 things to know about the Cubbon Park:

1. History

The Cubbon Park was established by John Meade, the then acting Commissioner of Mysore in the year 1870. The chief designer of the park was Major General Richard Sankey, the then Chief Engineer of the state.

2. Cubbon Park Aquarium

Cubbon Park Aquarium is an octagonal building having three floors dedicated to fishes and other aquatic animals. The first floor has 14 tanks while the second floor comprises 69 water tanks. All kinds of fishes from freshwater prawns to goldfish, angelfish, Siamese fighters, Indian tiger barb, mahseer, red tail shark and many others are found.

3. Toy Train

The toy train inside the Cubbon Park is a joy for kids and adults alike. The colorful trains running on biofuels comes after every 10-20 minutes taking visitor pass the various structures and greeneries. 

4. Other structures

Some notable important structures in and around the Cubbon Park includes the High Court Buildings, City Central Library, Indira Priyadarshini Children’s Library, Government Museum, YMCA, Yuvanika- the State Youth Centre, Century Club, Press Club, Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Tennis Pavillion and many other offices.

5. How to reach

Since it is located in the heart of the city, tourists staying in hotels near MG Road Bangalore or other roads like Kasturba Road, Hudson Circle and Ambedkar Veedhi can easily access the park.

The Cubbon Park is a major tourists attraction due to its green cover and being home to various important and magnificent structures.

Flying in bad weather? 5 steps to make the flight better

Whilst laying down the blueprint of the very first aircraft ever, even Wright brothers wouldn't have thought that an aircraft will become such a common medium of transport. With the technological advances in the aeronautics and modern science, flights have been made safer for human travel. But nothing can stand the wrath of mother nature. You can't help it in an emergency. Perhaps you're traveling for fun and thinking about those fancy hotels in Goa, it can totally ruin your travel.

Why traveling in a bad weather is a bad idea

Travelling in such weather conditions don't pose an immediate threat to human life. But the turbulence and flux will make sure that it won't be a smooth ride.

How to deal with such situation 

If it's a case of an emergency, and you need to board the flight. You can't help it in this case. But if you can wait, it is advisable to take the next flight or cancel the flight.

Talk to the competent authority

If you see the signs of weather going bad. Don't wait, talk to someone like the gate agent or people at the help desk to give you the ticket to next flight.

Always book a hotel

If you don't want to get stuck at the airport due to the weather. Book a hotel. Like if you're traveling to Goa, just look for cheap hotels in Goa online.

Stay connected

This is one those most important things people usually ignore. Use the technology! Your smartphones. Stay Connected to the airline on social media handles like Twitter.

Other than these, don't forget to carry a battery backup for your phone. Plan ahead if something goes wrong and you're good to go. Safe travels! 

Take a trip to the famous port city in India- Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is one of the best tourist destinations in the country. It is one of the districts in Maharashtra that is situated next to the coastline. If you are planning to visit Ratnagiri anytime soon booking budget hotels in Ratnagiri is the best option. There are numerous forts, beaches and temples in Ratnagiri that should be visited everytime you are in the city. Here is a list of top 5 attractions in Ratnagiri. 

Swayambhu Ganpati Temple

Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is one of the most sacred Lord Ganesha temples in Maharashtra. The temple was built 400 years back and has been built by just using pure. 

Jaigad Fort

This 16th century Fort is another famous tourist attraction in the city. The Fort is spread across 16 Acres in the coastal areas of the city near the Jaigad village. The Fort has the most executive architecture. You can also visit the Jaigad lighthouse while visiting the Fort. 

Pandre Beach

Want to have some beachy fun then you should definitely visit the Pandre beach. The beach is filled with white sand and hence also known as the white beach. Take a long walk around the beach in the evening and be amazed by its beauty. 

Thibaw Point 

Built as the palace of exile for the King of Burma, the Thibaw Point has the most beautiful view in the city. You can have a clear look at the Arabian sea from the point. Visit this beautiful location from the hotels and resorts in Ratnagiri. 

Ratnadurga Fort

Another amazing attraction in the town is the Ratnadurga Fort. The Fort is located next to the Arabian Sea and has the horseshoe-shaped structure. The Fort was built by the Marathas but was later captured by the Mughals. 

Do not miss any of the above places while visiting Ratnagiri. You can even book luxury resorts and hotels in Ratnagiri to have the best time of your vacation.

Raipur and the things that make it so famous

The largest city in Chhattisgarh, Raipur is also its capital and a thriving urban landscape. A new and upcoming business hub is being promoted by the state government of Chhattisgarh as Naya Raipur. Visitors should always book hotels in Raipur near Railway Station in advance for easy convenience to ensure they don’t face troubles regarding accommodation later. Here are five things that make Raipur famous.

• Angakar Roti – A unique roti which is made with very common ingredients, the Angakar Roti has a stark distinction with rotis being made in other states. Many places in Raipur serve a quality Angakar Roti and it is an important part of local cuisine. 

• Chhattisgarh Hatt – Melas are frequently held here and thus it is a popular place to shop and have fun. Tribal and other handicrafts can be seen in the Chhattisgarh Hatt.

• Raipur Marine Drive – A soothing place to hang out in the evenings, this lake in the Telibandha region is known for its street food and serenity. Abundance of cheap hotels in Raipur makes it an ideal place to spend time in a laid-back manner. 

• Ambuja Mall – The style of this mall is unique and thus makes it worth a mention. It has all the top-notch stores to complement its roomy design. 

• Naya Raipur – Naya Raipur is yet to become a hub of commercial activities but it is certainly heading in the right direction. It’s already a popular tourist spot with its abundance of places to eat, travel and explore.

Raipur is truly a unique city. Naya Raipur has given it a new edge. With the various places to explore present in and around Raipur, it is a great spot for tourists across India. It is also a fact that with rapid modernisation, Raipur hasn’t lost its old age charm.

Guide to the foods and cuisines of Nagpur

Nagpur is a city which has a rich heritage and is brimming with history and traditions that go ages back. But, we also associate Nagpur with the quality of the food that is found here. The various ingredients used and the preparation of various dishes are also very interesting. With the rise in tourism in India, cheap hotels in Nagpur are of vital importance to people travelling.

• A traditional dinner table of Nagpur would probably contain the trifecta of boiled rice and healthy pulses, chapatti and vegetables. Oranges as an ingredient are widely used in most Nagpur delicacies. Some of the snacks that are loved by the locals as well as by the foreigners are Rayatas, Sandage, Lonace, Chutneys and Papad.

• Food is typically spicy here, conforming to the Indian standards. Desi ghee and peanuts are used for garnishing while some of the spices used are black cardamom, white pepper, cinnamon and coriander powder.

• Street food is also very popular here. To enjoy the best street food, do come by to hotels near Nagpur Railway Station to have an easy and comfortable experience. Upma, Kothimbir Vadi and Kanda Bhaji are popular appetizers.

• Non-vegetarians can rejoice as some mouth-watering curries are also widely eaten in Nagpur. Mutton and Chicken Maratha and Chicken Kolhapuri are two spicy curries that can be seen at several locations.

Nagpur is full of quality restaurants that you can easily research and try. Most of these dining places serve several cuisines which will surely stimulate your taste buds.

Well known Hyderabadi dishes apart from the obvious – The Biriyani

Hyderabad is often associated with the Biriyani all over India. But, with the greatest possible respect to the Biriyani of this city, to be so dismissive of all the other mouth-watering delicacies available here is insulting to what the city has to offer to food enthusiasts everywhere. Visit Hyderabad and book hotels in Kondapur in advance to experience Hyderabad up-close.

• Hyderabadi Chicken 65 – Bite-sized pieces of chicken and marinated and deep fried in this dish which has flavors that are confined to Hyderabad. It is spicy and hot and also contains South Indian spices.

• Pesarattu – A wildly popular breakfast in most parts of Andhra, this dish also has nutritional values. It is made of dosa and moong dal and is usually eaten with a ginger chutney.

• Khubani Ka Meetha–This sweet dish is often served at weddings and is made from apricots and chaashni which is a sugar syrup. For convenience, do book hotels near Hyderabad Railway Station if you are in Hyderabad for a wedding or some other procession. 

• Mirchi Bhajji – A very popular street good, this dish offers you a punch with its combination of green chillies, boiled potatoes and gram flour paste being deep fried.

• Haleem – An essential part of the Ramzan season, this dish is very rich in flavors and is adapted from the classic Arabic stew.

Hyderabad has dishes that may not be found anywhere else in India. Its appetite for food coupled with its mastery of the art of cooking makes it a paradise for foodies all around the world.  

5 luscious street foods you must try in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha is not only famous for its religious temples and sea beach but also for the presence of delicious street foods. In spite of coming up of new restaurants and fast food chains, people staying in the affordable hotels in Bhubaneswar Odisha mostly prefer street stalls. Here are 5 lips smacking street food in Bhubaneswar:

1. Gupchup

Gupchup widely known as Panipuri is an irresistible street food for people of all generations. It’s crisp with mashed potato and tamarind water inside along with some coriander that leaves eaters yearning for more. 

2. Dahi Bara aloo dum

This is one of the healthy street food where brown Bares are dipped in yoghurt and is served alongside small spicy potatoes curry, raw onion and coriander.

3. Bara with Ghoogni

Bara is a deep fried pulpy paste of black gram and is served alongside Ghoogni, i.e., chickpeas curry with green chilies and coriander toppings. 

4. Chena Poda

Chena is a local word that means cheese. Cheese is roasted with brown sugar until turned brown and then is served with Rasgullas or Rabri sweets. This sweet dish is unique and so tasty that it will leave your taste buds with a heavenly feeling. 

5. Chaat

Chaat mainly Jhalmuri is very popular amongst the locals and tourists staying in cheap hotels in Bhubaneswar alike. In Jhalmuri, muri, onion, tomato, coriander, peanuts, sav, imli water, chutney, mustard oil and boiled potato are mixed together.

The street foods to a large extent have given a unique representation to the city of Bhubaneswar owing to its delicious and lip smacking tastes.