Ultimate Tourism Travel Blog

If you " Want Real - Go Rural " in India. While visiting the Pink city of Rajasthan - Jaipur, I thought of exploring the rural side of Incredible India. I had options like Mandawa, Mehnsar, Fetehpur, Khuri etc. However, I opted for Samode, a small village situated about 40kms from Jaipur which gave me an earthy feeling of rural Rajasthan. Presenting the true image of arduous life of desert people, Samode is known for its royal palaces, historical monuments and cultural heritage - factors that can delight even the most skeptical traveller. Venturing through the dusty, narrow road from Jaipur to Samode in a car, I started my bumpy journey to experience the incredible diversity and charm of "Marwari" hospitality. Views like groups of sheep, cows and buffaloes being herd by local people dressed in their colourful ethnic wear, people working in the farms; cattle herding, women from ethnic community carrying water in pots on their heads were common on the way. Home a...

Yoga has become a steady fixture in my life–even when I’m on the road. Even if I can’t find space or time to practice, there’s no doubt that yoga has made me a better traveler. Breathing.  Yoga emphasizes steady, deep breathing in and out through the nose. Doing a simple breathing count, like counting to four while inhaling, holding for seven and exhaling for eight helps to calm me down in stressful moments. When I’m confronted with a situation that’s out of my control, like an enormous traffic jam or being snowed in, yoga breathing helps me calm down and accept the situation. Doing a breathing count (with ear plugs in and eye mask on) also helps me fall asleep soundly, whether I’m in a noisy hostel or a four-star hotel. Being able to sit still for long periods of time.  Travel often involves a heck of a lot of sitting still: long plane flights or waiting out a train delay with a pile of luggage spring to mind. I tend to fidget, but sometimes I’ll pretend that I’m in the mid...

International Kite Festival is held at Ahmedabad on January 14 every year, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is a festival that heralds a change of season marking the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere - a celebration to mark the end of winter. The skies are blue and clear, a cool breeze blows and a feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion. In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the kite-flying day. Kite-flying day in Gujarat is an extraordinary day, unlike at other places. Ahmedabad, Gujarat's premier city, leads the way in the celebration of Uttarayani, and is the venue of the International Kite Festival. Kite-flying festival is being held in important cities of Gujarat each year. The festival draws expert kite-makers and flyers not only from cities of India but also from around the world. Designer's Kites of infinite variety are displayed at the venue. THE BELIE...