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	<title>India Holidayideas</title>
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		<title>Test Post for WordPress</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/test-post-for-wordpress/</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[This is a sample post created to test the basic formatting features of the WordPress CMS. Subheading Level 2 You can use bold text, italic text, and combine both styles. Bullet list item #1 Item with bold emphasis And a link: official WordPress site Step one Step two Step three This content is only for [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is a sample post created to test the basic formatting features of the WordPress CMS.</p>
<h2>Subheading Level 2</h2>
<p>You can use <strong>bold text</strong>, <em>italic text</em>, and combine <strong><em>both styles</em></strong>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Bullet list item #1</li>
<li>Item with <strong>bold</strong> emphasis</li>
<li>And a link: <a href="https://test.wordpress.org/">official WordPress site</a></li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Step one</li>
<li>Step two</li>
<li>Step three</li>
</ol>
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		<title>Microsoft Innovations: Empowering the Mobile Experience</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/microsoft-innovations-empowering-the-mobile-experience/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:38:07 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Microsoft is a global technology leader, constantly driving innovation and transforming the digital landscape. With cutting-edge mobile applications and cloud solutions, the company enables users to work, learn, and enjoy entertainment wherever they are. Innovative Solutions for Business and Personal Use Products such as Office 365 and the Azure platform have revolutionized the way both [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Microsoft is a global technology leader, constantly driving innovation and transforming the digital landscape. With cutting-edge mobile applications and cloud solutions, the company enables users to work, learn, and enjoy entertainment wherever they are.</p>
<h2>Innovative Solutions for Business and Personal Use</h2>
<p>Products such as Office 365 and the Azure platform have revolutionized the way both businesses and individuals operate. Microsoft’s mobile solutions provide seamless access to essential tools, ensuring productivity and connectivity on the go.</p>
<h2>Security and Reliability</h2>
<p>Security remains a top priority for Microsoft. Regular updates and advanced protection technologies guarantee that users&#8217; data stays secure, whether they&#8217;re managing business tasks or accessing personal information.</p>
<h2>Discover More</h2>
<p>Committed to making technology accessible for everyone, Microsoft continues to innovate and grow. To explore the latest developments and learn more about their diverse range of products, visit the official website at <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/">Microsoft</a>.</p>
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		<title>Valaparai, Tea Paradise</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/valaparai-tea-paradise/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:55:49 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Hill Station]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[places to see in valparai]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://indiaholidayideas.com/?p=1439</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ My brother and I are avid nature lovers, and we often used to go on treks and nature walks while we were still students. But now, with both of us working at opposite ends of the country, we don&#8217;t really have a lot of time to spend – either with each other or out in [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong> </strong>My brother and I are avid nature lovers, and we often used to go on treks and nature walks while we were still students. But now, with both of us working at opposite ends of the country, we don&#8217;t really have a lot of time to spend – either with each other or out in nature – like we used to. So, when we finally managed to match our free times and plan a three-day getaway to Valpari together, we were predictably exited.</p>
<p>Valparai is a sparsely populated hill station in Coimbatore that is a known and popular destination for anyone who enjoys relaxing in nature. And for us, that&#8217;s exactly what we needed. We wanted to leave our city lives and schedules behind and just simply wallow in nature. We needed that change, and we found it at Valparai, the beautiful land of nature.</p>
<p><strong>Aliyar Dam</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong>The Aliyar Dam was our first stop on after we&#8217;d dumped our luggage at a pre-booked<a href="http://indiaholidayideas.com/tours/ammai-appan-valparai-homestay/"> homestay.</a></p>
<p>The Aliyar Dam is a beautiful, large, irrigation dam that gives an absolutely fantastic view from the top. The dam also comes replete with a park and garden of its own, along with having a play area for children. Fried fish and other food items were available at the entrance of the Aliyar Dam. And we both had a great time clicking pictures of the beautiful views from out cameras. The aquarium park of the dam was really a beautiful experience and sight as well. And the stalls selling the catch of the day was all fresh, and absolutely delicious. My brother and I thus spent an utterly blissful day – meaning all day till evening – at Aliyar Dam.</p>
<p>Then we returned to our homestay, where we had a nice home cooked dinner.</p>
<p><strong>Grass Hills</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>The Grass Hills in Valpari is possibly the most treasured and most beautiful place at this hill station. It is relaxing, well-maintained, and a must-see for nature lovers. However, it&#8217;s pretty difficult to get access to this place, and one will need prior permission from Forest Department to actually enter here. My brother and I did so beforehand, so we were set and ready when we visited the Grass Hills of Valparai the next day.</p>
<p>The best time to visit the grass hills is possibly in the later mornings; for you&#8217;ll get a wonderful view without mist being a problem. The Grass Hills are home to a variety of species of animals, from wild elephants to the rare Nilgiri Pipet, and this is entirely their domain.</p>
<p><strong>Balaji Temple</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong>Our final day in Valpari was spent walking through and taking in the sights of Balaji Temple. In keeping with the “nature” theme of this place, Balaji Temple too is a nature lover&#8217;s paradise. And it is surrounded by beautiful and fresh tea plantations. It&#8217;s a pretty steep walk as vehicles aren&#8217;t allowed inside the temple, but it is beautifully well-maintained and a lovely place for photographs and long walks.</p>
<p>All in all, my brother and I certainly satisfied our sorely neglected “nature-loving” bone on this trip.</p>
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		<title>Romantic Udaipur</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/romantic-udaipur/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:48:00 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Desert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[places to see in udaipur]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://indiaholidayideas.com/?p=1435</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My husband and I were decidedly weary of our hectic schedules by the time we had a common weekend off to unwind. And as our free time coincided with our fourth wedding anniversary, I took to suggesting Udaipur for our trip for a more romantic getaway. Udaipur is known to tourists via two main titles: [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My husband and I were decidedly weary of our hectic schedules by the time we had a common weekend off to unwind. And as our free time coincided with our fourth wedding anniversary, I took to suggesting Udaipur for our trip for a more romantic getaway.</p>
<p>Udaipur is known to tourists via two main titles: “The City of Lakes” and “Venice of the East”. The names in itself gave us enough of a mental image of what to expect, and a few images from online was enough to seal the deal and get us excited about going to Udaipur. My husband and I are partial to watersports and boat rides. And with so many lakes and boat rides being offered, we realized we could easily indulge in our favorite pastime for once. Plus, the fact that Udaipur is compared favorably to the city of Venice in Italy – which is often praised as being one of the most romantic destinations of the world – got me instantly interested in visiting the place.</p>
<p><strong>Lake Pichola and the Famous Lake Palace</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong>In the spirit of our main reason for this trip, which was to take a much needed break from our hectic schedules, we spent a good part of the day after reaching our <a href="http://indiaholidayideas.com/tours/aashiya-haveli-udaipur-homestay/">homestay</a> to relax.</p>
<p>In the evening, we made our way to Lake Pichola then we immediately signed up for the boat ride. The lake was large and the boat ride was very peaceful. And the view of the famous Lake Palace was majestic as it loomed near the shore, and the white palace shone like an earth-bound, tower-lined moon. We even took a second rides.</p>
<p>We spent the first one simply enjoying the ride, the relaxing sights, and the cool lake breeze that played with our hair and sneakily made it damp like a playful water sprite.</p>
<p>On our second ride though we watched the sights, we were more of talking like two talkative kids. We dwindled off though as the sun started setting over the water, drenching the water and the sky in fiery shades of reds and golds. It was a truly breathtaking sight, and one of the most romantic and perfectly timed sights that I had ever seen. When we got off the boat ride the second time and made our way back to our homestay, it took me a while to realize that we&#8217;d linked hands naturally – yet another thing that we didn&#8217;t seem to have had time for lately.</p>
<p>The next day we visited the Jag Mandir near the shore of the famous romantic lake, we were already in a relaxed mood.</p>
<p>The Jag Mandir was exquisite in its architecture. And the gardens artistically arranged around the area bloomed with various flowers and colors. The vibrant colors contrasted beautifully against the white structure and made it look even more magnificent.</p>
<p>We spent the rest of the day sampling the food and exploring the place, walking the flowered pathways, and once again watching the glorious sunset before our flight at midnight. It was wonderfully relaxing, and both of us can&#8217;t wait for another chance to go back again!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Picturesque Kolad</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/picturesque-kolad/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:43:21 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weekend getaway from Mumbai]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Located 130km from Mumbai, Kolad is the adventure hub of Maharashtra. It lies on the Mumbai-Panvel-Goa route and is renowned for its White Water Rafting on the Kundalika River, all year round. It was my first road trip with my fiancé and we had great fun experiencing the adventure sports there. Kolad’s wonderful valleys and [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Located 130km from Mumbai, Kolad is the adventure hub of Maharashtra. It lies on the Mumbai-Panvel-Goa route and is renowned for its White Water Rafting on the Kundalika River, all year round. It was my first road trip with my fiancé and we had great fun experiencing the adventure sports there.</p>
<p>Kolad’s wonderful valleys and marshlands give this place a magnificent look. This picturesque locale with enthralling sights is highly recommended for those who enjoy the charm of nature while indulging in the exhilarating adventure activities. This place also has some really beautiful waterfalls and Rocky Mountains. We visited Kolad during the monsoon season and trekking in that region has a unique charm at this time.</p>
<p>Kundalika is one of the fastest flowing rivers in Maharashtra and water from the nearby dams is the engine that drives river rafting, which is a famous adventure sport of this region. Since it was monsoon the river volume was at its peak and it is also the best time for this activity. River rafting was a fun filled two hours ride when we had immense fun and at the end, it left us breathless. The 12-kilometre stretch of exciting rapids makes this sport even more adventurous.</p>
<p>After the adrenaline rushing activity, we visited the Kuda Caves. It is a perfect example of Buddhist cave art and architectural excellence. It is basically a group of 13 rock cut caves built 200 feet above sea level. At the entrance of the caves, carved structures of elephants greeted us and inside the cave we saw stupas of Lord Buddha along with paintings, sculptures, and inscriptions inside the cave.</p>
<p>The Bhira Dam is a must visit place here as it is regarded as one of the biggest hydroelectric projects in India. It was constructed by Tata Power Company and this dam is also known as Tata Power House Dam. The lush greenery along with the spectacular surrounding makes this place the perfect place for picnics. We enjoyed a short picnic at this place along with many other families who were just relaxing and having fun.</p>
<p>The next place in our itinerary was the Tamhini Falls, which is one of the most popular falls of this region. The beautiful place with the picturesque valley around it makes this place perfect for a romantic getaway and we also got to spend some real quality time together against the backdrop of the falls and the stunning surroundings. We also saw various birds near this waterfall since it was the monsoon season.</p>
<p>Ghosala Fort located in the Roha Hills is a perfect combination of architectural excellence and cultural blend. This Fort is situated amidst the Revdanda and Salav Creeks. Inside the fort, we witnessed two very beautiful temples and a small Dargah. The views from the fort was amazing and we also learned that this fort was used for defense activities.</p>
<p>Our short trip to Kolad turned out to be truly amazing. We spend a great time together in the backdrop of the picturesque locale.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Delhi Diary</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/delhi-diary/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:36:36 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Delhi travel]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[On the eve of Valentine’s day, I had just mentioned to my fiancé over the phone, that I had always wanted to see New Delhi but could never really make it and the next weekend, he was standing at my doorway with tickets in his hand. We had our flight to New Delhi in four [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On the eve of Valentine’s day, I had just mentioned to my fiancé over the phone, that I had always wanted to see New Delhi but could never really make it and the next weekend, he was standing at my doorway with tickets in his hand. We had our flight to New Delhi in four hours and we were off to live my dream.</p>
<p>We had our stay planned at a <a href="http://indiaholidayideas.com/tours/megha-delhi-homestay/">homestay</a>. And when we reached, it was a very comfortable one with extremely friendly hosts.</p>
<p>New Delhi and old Delhi are the two sides of the same coin. New Delhi is a perfect example of modernity and progress. While old Delhi is a reflection of the ancient culture of the city.</p>
<p>We started our sight- seeing with the famous Jantar Mantar. Located at the heart of the city, it was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, to trace the astronomical phenomenon. The most imposing structure here is the yellow Sun dial, which is a huge instrument used to calculate the time of day accurately. Jantar Mantar has evident marks to signify the thirst for scientific knowledge in Indians from an early age. After visiting this place, I feel that your visit to Delhi will remain incomplete without a look at this spectacular observatory.</p>
<p>Lotus Temple was our next spot. It is an elegant and beautiful temple whose outer leafy structure was a huge lotus flower. This temple stands as a praying house of the Bahamians’. The architectural design is commendable and its beauty will fascinate you. It has a very peaceful appeal that will soothe your senses.</p>
<p>The next place in our itinerary was the famous India Gate. This place is said to be the tomb of the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the Country. It is a quiet place which ignites a feeling of patriotism in you as you take a stroll around this monument bearing names of all the martyrs. This place is India’s pride as it symbolizes victory.</p>
<p>The last destination that we visited was the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India and the last architectural work of the Mughal Dynasty. It is constructed on a beautiful red-sandstone porch and is covered with intricate carvings and with verses from the holy Koran. The main prayer hall is made up of magnificent marble domes and the four elegant towers are made up of red-sandstone and white marble.</p>
<p>Being the foodie couple, as our friends called us, we had to try the street food and we had a great time exploring the local cuisine. The aloo chat and gol gappa were amazing. The mutton kebabs were so delicious that it was just melting in your mouth. And after the spicy food, it was definitely time to go for the jalebi and kulfi faluda to soothe thevtaste buds.</p>
<p>This trip was really memorable as it was the last trip before our marriage and my fiancé sealed it by proposing marriage for the second time!</p>
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		<title>Lively Lucknow</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/lively-lucknow/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:31:19 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[places to see in Lucknow]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Wrapped in history, tradition and art, Lucknow is one of the most enthralling tourist destinations in India. Surprisingly, it is not as popular as its well-known cousins Agra and Varanasi. The most populous state in India would do well to market it more intensively. Although the city comes within the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc, an [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wrapped in history, tradition and art, Lucknow is one of the most enthralling tourist destinations in India. Surprisingly, it is not as popular as its well-known cousins Agra and Varanasi. The most populous state in India would do well to market it more intensively. Although the city comes within the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc, an initiative of the state government to promote tourism, it does not receive tourists in droves which is bad for the tourism sector but good for the visitors.</p>
<p>You can enjoy the cheerful old-meets-new ambience and the vibrant lifestyle at your own pace, without encountering the frenzy that sought-after tourist spots possess, especially in peak season. A die-hard history buff, I enjoyed every moment of my Lucknow tour, what with a comfortable homestay to cater to my needs and provide me guidance whenever I sought advice. This tour was planned with great excitement because I had read a lot about the “City of Nawabs”. And when I landed at the sights, they were much better than their textual description.</p>
<p><strong>Bada &amp; Chota Imamabara with Clock Tower and Baradari</strong></p>
<p>When you buy the ticket to the awe-inspiring Bada Imambara, you are eligible to enter the smaller one and two other monuments nearby. This is an enormous building with a mosque, step well and a huge hall in its courtyard. The famous “Bhulbhullaiya” is further inside. The labyrinth tricks and intrigues you with its winding ways and when you come to the exit route, leading to the rooftop balconies, it feels like you have cracked a mystery. The Chota Imambara is also enchanting. The Clock Tower is quiet and quaint, exuding a strong sense of oblivion. The Baradari, overlooking a lake comes forward as an ideal Summer Palace, where anyone would wish to live.</p>
<p><strong>Residency</strong></p>
<p>Coming here is like taking part in the historical siege that took place at the spot during the First War of Indian Independence. The enormous structure, partly in ruins, bears a remarkable tragic brilliance that is easily visible from the walls, carrying bullet marks and scars of cannon balls. The beautiful museum gives you plenty of food for thought. The gardens further delight your heart and when you have tired yourself from walking all around; your soul feels satiation of a unique kind.</p>
<p><strong>Rumi Darwaza</strong></p>
<p>Exotic and beguiling, this imposing gateway is the mix of Turkish and Mughal style architecture. Decorated with lavish embellishments, it makes you feel as though you are a royal dignitary, entering the city.</p>
<p><strong>Culinary Delights</strong></p>
<p>Had it not been for “Daawat-e-Ishq”, I would have missed the mouth-watering delicacies of the hospitable city. The Tunde kebabs at the Chowk and the Biryani had me raving for days and how can I not mention the slurpy chaat, kulfi and gol gappas, offering as many as 12 kinds of water flavors. And yes, the Sheermal was simply awesome, exactly like the Lakhnavi Tehzeeb (culture), you are always longing for more and even the slightest dose is sufficient to fulfill your hunger.</p>
<p>Lucknow had me awe-struck thoroughly and I have to say, I am in love with the city.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Kuttikkanam, Idukki getaway</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/kuttikkanam-idukki-getaway/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:23:24 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Hill Station]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[places to see in idukki]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[It was my 22nd birthday &#38; neither my family nor my friends had wished me yet. Well, the thought that I was no longer important to anyone was making my day even worse. It was just about 10 in the morning when I heard a loud bang on my door. I was literally mortified and [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It was my 22<sup>nd</sup> birthday &amp; neither my family nor my friends had wished me yet. Well, the thought that I was no longer important to anyone was making my day even worse. It was just about 10 in the morning when I heard a loud bang on my door. I was literally mortified and was praying to the Almighty that this should not be my last birthday. After gathering up some courage, when I opened the door, a little boy was standing outside and as soon as I opened the door, he gave me a white card on which was written “come down to the main gate of your parking.” The events were so sudden that I hardly had any time to think and as instructed I came running down to the main gate and to my utter surprise all my family members and friends were waiting in two cars for me and yes, the road trip was my birthday surprise.</p>
<p>It was a hill station in the Idukki district, Kerala. Situated 3000 feet above sea level, it was covered with tea plantations, pine forests, cardamom plantations, streams and hills all around. You can see many rare varieties of wild flowers growing in and around that region. I was completely blown away by the alluring charm of the hill station.</p>
<p>Valanjanganam waterfalls or Ninnumullippara falls from over a height of 75 feet is a main attraction of Kuttikkanam. It is usually covered in mist throughout the year. This place is as beautiful as a dream. Your visit to Kuttikkanam will remain incomplete if you don’t see this place.</p>
<p>The viewpoint at Panchalimedu offers a soul-captivating view that will leave you mesmerized. This place has a mythical significance too, as legend says Panchalimedu had served as a hiding spot for the Pandavas and their wife Panchali from the great epic Mahabharata. A pond named after Panchali can also be found there called the Panchalikkulam. The Makarajyoti or the divine flame lit during the pilgrimage season in Sabarimala can be seen from this pond.</p>
<p>We called it for the day and reached the homestay where we would be spending the night. My birthday ended with a sumptuous South Indian dinner which was delicious.</p>
<p>The next day, we visited Grampi, situated near Peerumedu. It is also known as Parunthupara or eagle rock because of the picturesque view from its high peaks. It is a rock sculpture about 3800 feet above sea level. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of coffee, tea and cardamom plantations. The view from above there is breathtaking. The beauty of this place is mainly due to the lush greenery, rocky plains, forests and trekking trails.</p>
<p>Peeru Hills, located 1 Km from Kuttikkanam, is a favourite amongst the trekkers. This hill site is an ideal place for picnics too. The views are spectacular and the ambience is soothing as well as relaxing. This hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint, who had spent his last days there.</p>
<p>Kuttikkanam trip was the best birthday gift till date. This place is a nature’s boon. It rejuvenates your mind and soul fully.</p>
<p><strong><u> </u></strong></p>
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		<title>Kolkata, City of Joy</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:03:37 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[places to see in Kolkata]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I was tired of my hectic schedule and of course of all the sour food in Chennai. I have grown up in North India and meals there are a grand feast every day. Moreover, I couldn’t understand a single word the locales speak. So, when one of my friend asked me to visit Kolkata, I [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I was tired of my hectic schedule and of course of all the sour food in Chennai. I have grown up in North India and meals there are a grand feast every day. Moreover, I couldn’t understand a single word the locales speak. So, when one of my friend asked me to visit Kolkata, I was more than glad and accepted the offer. Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and is believed to be the 13<sup>th</sup> most populous place in the entire world.</p>
<p>I visited Kolkata during Christmas and my friend managed to take a few days leave from her work and was generous enough to offer me to show around the place. I had taken a short detour to Delhi to visit my family and then hopped on a train for Kolkata. The taxi ride to the<a href="http://indiaholidayideas.com/tours/central-bb-kolkata-homestay/"> homestay</a> that we had arranged for our stay through the majestic Howrah Bridge made us feel so welcome. After having an early lunch at the homestay which comprised of authentic Bengali delicacies, we hopped on to a bus and got down at Eden Gardens. Though we couldn’t see much from outside, seeing the legendary stadium made us feel happy. We enjoyed a boat ride at the Princep Ghat and it was a beautiful experience. I must say that the Vivekananda Bridge looks amazing from Princep Ghat. The view of the sunset from here was completely mesmerizing. We got back to our homestay and our extremely friendly hosts had our dinner ready. And not to mention, it was as amazingly delicious and had us wanting for more though we were full to the brim.</p>
<p>Early next morning, we went to Tiretti Bazaar and we gorged on Tibetan food. I was stupefied hearing that this is a daily affair in Kolkata. Next, we went to the St. Paul’s Cathedral since it was the Christmas day and even though it was a little crowded, I felt at peace. About a 10 minutes away from the church, we went to the famous Victoria Memorial. The beauty of the splendid white monument is beyond words to explain. Next, we went to the India Hobby Centre. They had all those miniature vehicles which I really loved. Our hosts had mentioned about an eatery in Park Street that served the most delicious biriyani. And we found ourselves seated at the restaurant and truly the biriyani was not only different but it was exotic.</p>
<p>Next on our list was the Indian Museum. It is the largest museum of India and is of great historical importance. We spent the rest of the evening roaming in the streets of Park Street. Tiny twinkle lights hung across the streets and it was a sight to behold. Hundreds of people had gather around the street to join in the festivities. The happiness of the people is so infectious and contagious.</p>
<p>The next day we went to Belur Math and we crossed the Ganges by a steam boat and reached Dakkhneshwar. The whole journey was very enjoyable.</p>
<p>Our amazing trip was made even better with the finger licking Bengali cuisine and the happy atmosphere. The other biggest reason why Kolkata is believed to be the ‘City of Joy’ is probably the warmth of the people that makes you <a href="http://indiaholidayideas.com/tours/tamanna-kolkata-homestay/">feel at home</a>.</p>
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		<title>Manipur Sojourn</title>
		<link>https://indiaholidayideas.com/manipur-sojourn/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:57:08 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Hill Station]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[places to see in Manipur]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I had an opportunity to explore this blissful Northeastern state for my project work on “Amazing North East.” This is an ideal place for the nature lovers, located amidst the breathtaking blue hills. We had stayed at a local homestay to get the real feel of the culture. The village mostly had bamboo huts which [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I had an opportunity to explore this blissful Northeastern state for my project work on “Amazing North East.” This is an ideal place for the nature lovers, located amidst the breathtaking blue hills. We had stayed at a local homestay to get the real feel of the culture. The village mostly had bamboo huts which were amazingly designed to survive the natural calamities. People were quite cooperative and affectionate. The host was our guide for the whole duration.</p>
<p>We started off with Imphal, the capital of Manipur. It is a beautiful city located at the center of the Manipur valley that has a spectacular view that is surrounded by hills, plains and dense forest on all sides. This lush greenery makes this place heaven on earth. This city reflects the rich tradition of the State.</p>
<p>Loktak lake is a must visit for its picturesque view. This is the largest fresh water lake in the entire North East. This place is about an hour’s drive from Imphal. The best way to enjoy this place is to first travel to the Sandra Park on a small hill top from where you can get a soul-captivating view of the city. There is a café over there which provides some lip- smacking delicacies, which are a must try. The bio diversity lake, Keibul Lamjao is the only floating wildlife sanctuary in the world. The lake has small islands like grasslands where people stay. These islands house a specific deer breed called the dancing deer and you also find colouful migratory birds here. This place is a nature’s wonder.</p>
<p>Another wonderful place is the Nillai Tea Estate located on the eastern hill called Nilai Kaphung in Talui village. This garden provides with a panoramic view of the entire village. The cultivation is spread on thousands of yards of picturesque steepe slopes. This provides the people of the village with a living and this spot is quite famous for picnics.</p>
<p>Our next destination was the Imphal War Cemetary, this place will remind you of the brave-hearts who had sacrificed their lives defending their Motherland. This place has a serene ambience and is a beautiful heritage monument for the soldiers of war. This memorial garden is very well maintained and is worth paying a visit.</p>
<p>Our last destination was the Kangla Fort, a great place for a walk. The place is very calm, clean and well maintained. The architectural work is brilliant here. This place has a museum which is a must visit , you get to see some huge boats there, which are used for boat races and there is an amazingly beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Pakhangba. The spot is of both historical and archaeological importance in Imphal.</p>
<p>We had an amazing experience with the local cuisine which was made of herbal plants available there. Although the food was pretty spicy but they make use of minimal oil. The dish which I loved the most was Singju, a salad prepared from banana stem, lotus stem &amp; coriander leaves.</p>
<p>Manipur let your soul sway in harmony with nature.</p>
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