2021 - Be On The Road | Live your Travel Dream!
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Friday, December 10, 2021

Ellora Caves: The 6th Century Rock Cut Temple Wonder

Gorgeous Kailasa temple of Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Let me start off by telling you that photos and videos hardly do justice to this place. Even up close, you have to do many 360 degree circumambulations and many top, side, interior and exterior views to grasp a small percentage of its artistic and scientific beauty. Such is the aura of this place that you will simply gape in wonder at its gorgeous monstrosity.  
    
Carpenter's cave at Cave 10, Ellora Caves

It’s excavation engineering and architecture was so advanced for that era and quite possibly even in today’s time that many experts are floating theories of extra-terrestrials coming to lend their advanced technology to us humans in the 6th century to help build these cave temples. Every bit of this 6th century rock cut temple wonder evokes reactions of awe, wonder and disbelief. It deservedly holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage site, but its architecture is so magnificent that I don’t know why it is not listed as one of the seven wonders of the world.

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Monday, December 06, 2021

Ring in the New Year by Visiting the Best Places in the US

All of us are looking forward to saying goodbye to 2021! The tumultuous year is finally coming to an end and there is excitement and the air is charged with energy. The world is ready to travel again and if you are on board some beautiful sights await.

One of the places famous for bringing in the New Year in style is the United States. Pick your spot and enjoy the lights, music, celebrations, and the company of your loved ones.

Also read: 11 Top Things to do in Off Beat Bikaner

Best Places in the US to celebrate New Year 2022

1. Honolulu, Hawaii:


Aerial view of Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii

Are you tired of going to a black-tie event and want to sit back and enjoy the fun things in life? This is your chance! Welcome the New Year in a tee and shorts and join the crowd at Waikiki Beach and Aloha Tower Marketplace. The waterfront boasts a carnival, a beer garden, food trucks, and lots of options of entertainment for kids to enjoy. This is one vacation that is family-friendly and the kids are sure to remember these vacations for years to come. Bringing in the New Year at the beach is more fun with feature themes, dress-up parties, and the best music in town. This is the most tropical New Year celebration you can be a part of.

Also read: Top 10 Things to do in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

2. Walt Disney World, Orlando:


Witnessing the fireworks around the Disney castle can be one of the most fascinating sights and dreams come true for many. You can experience the mesmerizing beauty of Disney with food and drink and enjoy the celebrations till late at night in the Animal Kingdom. Your night will only get better with the live band and the wonderful music.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada:


Night Aerial view of Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

Needless to say, Las Vegas is the party hub of the US. The famous fireworks show in Las Vegas attracts tourists from all over the world. Las Vegas has everything you need to welcome the New Year in style, the extravagant parties, the stunning view, the best show, and crowds who celebrate the New Year together despite being strangers.

4. New York City, New York:


Times Square, New York

Every corner of this city is buzzing with parties, celebrations, decorations, and the spirit of New Year’s. One of the most electrifying cities in the world, New York has the New Year jewel, which is Times Square. Almost a century-old tradition of watching the ball drop in Times Square brings together people from all over the country and the world.

Also read: 10 Top International Holiday Destinations for less than 1 Lakh Rupees

5. Miami, Florida:


Miami Beach, Miami, Florida

If you are a fan of beach parties, the biggest and the most amazing one is held in Miami. You can enjoy the divine beaches and witness fireworks and a countdown party along with a dinner cruise.

6. Lake Tahoe:


Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Enjoy a quiet and low-key New Year celebration at Lake Tahoe with a party by the lake, music festival, fireworks show, and casino resorts.

Also read: Top 10 Off-Beat Honeymoon Destinations in India

Important Documents & Things to remember while Traveling to the US

1. Check New Travel Updates After COVID Crisis:


The US is all set to welcome travellers from around the world. The only rule is that every individual should be vaccinated and they should have an RT-PCR test with a negative report done within 72 hours of their travelling time. Under some exemptions, children under 18 don’t need to be vaccinated but must have taken the COVID test. Children below 2 years are exempted from testing requirements.

2. Apply for Tourist Visa in Prior:


The visa requirements for those travelling from India have not changed. Anyone travelling must have their US tourist visa from India pre-approved. Therefore it is vital to apply for a visa much in advance. Before you apply for your visa, you should have a list of places you are going to visit. The documents required for procuring a visa are as follows:

● Original Passport and it should have six months validity dates after arrival in the USA.

● All old passports.

● Digital and Hard Copy of the photograph as per the defined specifications.

● Interview Appointment letter.

● DS160 US Visa Application confirmation page stamped at the Visa Application Center.

● Payment receipt of the fee paid.

3. Bookings Flights & Accommodation in Advance:


It is advisable to book your flights in advance as last-minute bookings can cost more and you may not get the booking of the date you wish to travel on. Booking in advance for accommodation also helps tremendously as a lot of places are filled to capacity during this time of the year.

4. Buy Travel Insurance:


It is strongly advised to have international travel insurance that will keep you safe from financial losses. In case of medical emergencies, you may end up spending from your pocket and the cost of healthcare may leave a dent in your savings. Not only that, international travel insurance protects you when you face unfortunate incidents like loss of passports, loss of baggage, or rescheduled flights. An international travel insurance ensures you have a stress-free vacation and enjoy the moment with your loved ones.

Also read: 4 Advantages of Buying Travel Insurance Online

These best places for ringing in the New Year are the places where you can participate and be a part of a bigger celebration. Looking at the unpleasantries of the past year, each one of us long to celebrate New Year like never before. So hold on as we ring this New Year in style in fascinating places at the US.

Note: The photographs are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

Friday, November 12, 2021

Maybod: Iran’s Ancient Desert City on UNESCO’s Radar

A brown Maybod view

UNESCO calls it ‘A remarkable example of viability and transmission of human being’s collective thoughts from different generations to the present one’. I am talking about the historical desert city of Maybod in the Yazd province of Iran. This ancient city that goes back to the pre-Islamic era is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site tentative list. It is known for its traditional architecture that can be seen through its ancient roads, old castles and other remnants of the historical city.

Architecture housing underground water system at Maybod

Maybod was once the capital of Iran during the Mozaffarid period and is home to Narin castle, one of the oldest castles in Iran dating back to the Sassanid era. This mud-brick fort castle standing 130 feet high from its base incorporates mud bricks of the Medes, Archaemenid and Sassanid periods. Although built some 6000 years ago, it seems to have some kind of a plumbing system built into its massive walls. One can see more examples of such water works through other buildings housing underground water systems, which is a rarity in the middle of the desert in that day and time. The Narin castle is also a great place to catch a good view of the Maybod cityscape including its brown buildings. Other noteworthy historical buildings in Maybod are Chapar khaneh, Karavansaraye Abbasi and pigeon house.

Maybod is an offbeat gem on Iran’s rich archaeological trail that deserves a place in your Iran holiday itinerary. It’s desert landscape, beautiful rustic atmosphere and rich history make for a fascinating visit. I definitely recommend a visit to Maybod even if it is just a day trip from Yazd.

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Thursday, November 04, 2021

A guide to some of Russia’s best museums

Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia

If you are traveling to Russia, one thing you will notice is the abundance of museums. Major cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow are full of museums, both big and small.

And to visit every museum in the city would take up your entire trip. However, we’ve got it covered for you! In this article, we have listed some of the museums you need to visit while in Russia. Note that you should have a proper Russian travel visa to tour across the country.

Here are some of the museums that you should pay a visit while in Russia:

1.
The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage is a renowned museum located in St. Petersburg, Russia. If you are into art and culture, this is a museum you shouldn't miss out on. You will be amazed by the exhibitions that take you back to imperial Russia. The place is magnificent and is often considered the largest museum for art.

The museum has a vast collection varying from prehistoric art to Russian art. It's worth every minute, and you probably get to brush up on your history knowledge. Also, the entry fee is free for students and children under eighteen years. Note that the museum is closed on Monday.

2.
Memorial Museum of cosmonautics

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Friday, October 22, 2021

The Beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A Travel Photo Series

A postcard view of sunset at Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India

The tropical island paradise called Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the South Eastern ocean waters of India can be seen in many vibrant shades. It’s rich emerald waters, pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, mangroves, tribal cultures and rich diversity in terms of people, food, forests, flora, fauna and landscapes make it an archipelago of unparalleled beauty. People visit these islands to snorkel or scuba dive or just to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday in a budget tropical island paradise. I have been privileged to have explored this island at length many times in the past and am delighted to share its beauty with you through these travel photos. I hope these photographs entice you to plan your upcoming holiday to this tropical archipelago wonder.

Above photo: Andaman and Nicobar islands is blessed with spectacular sunsets. This particular one was shot at Asia’s best beach – Radhanagar beach or Beach no. 7 at Havelock island in Andaman Islands.

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