Multi-storeyed malls may be popping up in India by the second, but the charm and exhilaration exuded by the age old bazaars and flea markets is irreplaceable. The thrill of being able to bargain your way through a shopkeeper’s stubbornness is as satisfying as a hearty meal after a good day’s work.
So on that note, let’s take a look at some of the best flea markets in India.
Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi
If you’re looking to grab the latest fashion at prices that will put every online sale to shame, Sarojini Nagar in Delhi is the right place for you. Not only does this market possess the highest fashion quotient of the capital, it has all the surplus garments and export material available at throwaway rates.
A shopper’s paradise, this charming market located on the outskirts of Anjuna beach in Goa offers you a wide range of clothes, shoes, jewellery and cosmetics to choose from. The food here is pretty amazing, too!
Your quintessential local market, Laad bazaar is famous for its colourful array of bangles and its mouth-watering spread of traditional Hyderabadi sweets.
Ahoy, shoppers! The home of Bollywood celebrities brings to you the busiest shopping street in India- one where you can find anything and everything that falls under the category of hot and latest fashion.
Located bang in the middle of the national capital and right across the road from Connaught Place’s Outer Circle, Janpath has two distinct markets – one market consists of shops lining a busy street and sells various kinds of clothing, artefacts, trinkets etc., and the other market is the quintessential flea market that sells everything from clothes and accessories, books and bags.
If you haven’t spent hours and hours looking for colourful bandanas and jaipuri dupattas with matching Jodhpuris for yourself, your wardrobe is incomplete.
Amchi Mumbai is known for this ‘thief’s market’, and for its amazing collection of clothes, antiques, furniture and paintings. There is a very popular saying in Mumbai, “if you lose something in Bombay, you can probably find it in Chor Bazaar”.
With a whopping 2000 shops, New Market in Kolkata sells a wide variety of items including clothes, electronics and food items. Do not forget to bargain hard here. Also, remember that this market is closed on Sundays.
Today, OYO is much more than India’s largest branded network of hotels. The recent months have seen a wave of innovative accommodation formats joining the fold, making OYO the default choice for those looking for something different when they choose their stay.
Check out some of these unique OYOs in the following photo blog. To explore more, simply click on any of the text marked in blue.
Houseboats and Kashmir have a bond that goes back centuries. Today’s houseboats of Srinagar have changed with the times and offer great comfort and amenities without taking away the charm of a houseboat stay. Check out OYOs entire collection of houseboats in Srinagar here.
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OYO has come up with the innovative concept of OYO Camps that offer the best of the camping experience with the reliability, affordability and comfort of OYO. Check out OYOs entire collection of camps here.
The houseboats of Alappuzha float elegantly on serene backwaters, passing lush green meadows and tiny villages along the way. The view from these houseboats is enough to turn the sternest of people into hopeless romantics. Check out the entire collection of OYO HouseBoats in Alappuzha here.
Ever wanted to truly live like a king? OYO Premium Fort Road Navchowkiya in Jodhpur offers a stay that’s unlike anywhere else in the country. To book this hotel, visit here.
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A small cottage in the lush green hills of Coorg – exactly the stuff that dreams are made of. Nestled amidst thousands of lush green trees and built in the true wooden cottage style, this OYO will transport you to a better world for sure. To book this OYO, visit here.
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Stunned? Trust us when we say this, that staying at any of these unique OYOs is as good as it looks. Don’t wait because these stays are getting sold out really fast. Book your preferred unique OYO by clicking any of the links provided above.
Yoga is perhaps the world’s only physical, mental and spiritual practice of its kind. With its origins in ancient India, Yoga has today spread all over the world. Its various forms are practised by millions of followers on a daily basis.
The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on 21 June. Yoga is the only such practice in the world to have a special day of celebration recognised by the United Nations!
Being the place of its origin and home to the world’s largest population of Yoga followers, India has a number of Yoga centers and ashrams spread across its length and breadth. Based on information compiled from various websites and experts, we list down some of the top Yoga destinations in India for those who want nothing but the best when it comes to learning this practice.
Nestled amidst the beautiful Himalayas and located on the banks of the Ganga, Rishikesh abounds in Yoga ashrams and learning centers. Some of the most popular ones are the Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, Anand Prakash Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram.
The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute founded by BKS Iyengar, an international acclaimed Yoga guru, is located in Pune. A special variation of HathaYoga, namely, Iyengar Yoga (with a special focus on postures) is taught here. The institute’s popularity can be judged from the fact that at times, there is a two-year-long waiting list to get admission here.
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (Image Source – yoga.in)
The Ashtanga Institute in Mysore is run by the family of the renowned guru Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois who had been teaching there since the 1930s. As the name suggests, this institute focusses on the art of Ashtanga Yoga.
The Ashtanga Institute (Image source – astanga.pl)
Founded by T Krishnamacharya (who taught Yoga to both BKS Iyengar and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois mentioned above), the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai is another popular Yoga center which specialises in Viniyoga.
The Bihar School of Yoga is unique in the sense that the focus is not just on the physical aspects of Yoga but also service and meditation. Munger itself might be a city not heard of by many, but it is in fact, the fifth largest city in Bihar, and just 180 km away from the capital city of Patna.
Kerala is among the most popular destinations for Yoga and Ayurveda in the world, popular among celebrities and the general public alike. The Sivananda Vedanta Center is among the most popular training centers here. The training focusses on postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet.
The Sivananda Vedanta Center (Image source – travelblog.org)
Probably the least known among all the centers mentioned in our list, The Yoga Institute, founded in 1918, is the oldest organized center of yoga in the world!
The Yoga Institute, Mumbai (Image source – urbanpro.com)
Mumbai is a trove of hidden treasures and the more you think you know about the city that never sleeps, the less you actually do. The discovery of this city is as endless as its beauty that unravels itself in a multitude of wondrous secrets and stories. Knew it already? Then the next best thing to do is to visit this city ASAP! Book your OYO here.
Think you have seen all of the places there are to see in Mumbai? Think again. We bring you some of the most well-kept secrets of the city. After you have been to the Gateway of India, Chowpatty, Elephanta & Kanheri caves, and the other popular must-sees, these places are where you’ve got to be.
Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue
Keneseth Eliyahoo, the center of Jewish cultural life in Mumbai, is the second oldest Sephardic synagogue in Mumbai. Behold the mix of Jewish traditions with Indian and English colonial architecture at its best.
The best place to shop for antiques & vintage products, Chor Bazaar translates into ‘Thieves Market’ and is one of the biggest flea markets in India. True to its name, a lot of stolen goods find their way into this market & is notorious for pickpockets. It’s located near Mohammad Ali Road in South Bombay.
Belonging to the end of the Mahayana Buddhist architecture era, Jogeshwari caves are some of the oldest cave temples having Indian & Buddhist sculptures as well as carvings on its walls which are lined with the idols of Hanuman, Ganesh, Dattatreya & other Gods.
Located close to Mumbai in Thane, Yeoor hills is a nature lover’s paradise and a welcome respite from the city. With its lush greenery, beautiful butterfly gardens & a lake with waterfalls that comes alive during the rains, it is the best getaway for some peaceful solitude. There are many more tourist places in thane to make your day memorable.
India’s largest multicultural annual festival, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival always starts on the first Saturday of February and runs until the second Sunday in February in the one of the most beautiful and historic localities of Mumbai, The Kala Ghoda Art District. The nine-day fest celebrates music, cinema, dance, food, literature, stand-up comedy, theatre, urban design and architecture, visual arts & holds workshops, stalls, heritage walks as well as the Make in India festival. The festival has free entry and offers a potpourri of art for everyone who appreciates it.
An Installation at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2016
These great places are still tiny drops in the vast ocean of secrets that is Mumbai, but if you haven’t even been to these places, you haven’t seen anything at all. So as we sign off, here is a message that perfectly describes the Mumbai state of mind.
Whether you’re seeking to unwind right in the arms of nature, or wondering where the best place to quench your never-ending thirst for adventure would be, or trying to engage yourself in the fascinating lives of the mystics, or hoping to spend some quiet time alone on the banks of arguably the holiest river of the world, look no further. Your search for the perfect getaway ends in Rishikesh.
To book a stay in Rishikesh, click HERE. To know more about this city, read on.
Rishikesh
Located in the lush green Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh offers you everything you’ve ever wanted to gain from travel, all at the same place. In the hot months of summer, when all you wish for is the slight touch of the calm breeze, Rishikesh welcomes you to a world of peace and charm, away from all the hustle-bustle of the world that you’ve been living in for a little too long now.
The exquisite setting of the city, the quiet of the valley, the music of the temple bells, and the promises of crystal healing make it hub for the spiritually inclined and the harmony-seekers.
The Ganga
The Best Places To Visit In Rishikesh
Allow the city to show you the gateway to all trips to the Himalayas!
Triveni Ghat
The auspicious bathing and prayer Ghat of the Ganga, the Triveni Ghat, never fails to mesmerize you at sunset – no matter how many sunsets you spend there. It is a confluence of three significant rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. This makes it one of the major places to visit in Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat is a relatively busy place with several shops, temples and food stalls within a reasonable radius. The colorful Ganga Maha Aarati, which begins sharp at 6.30 pm here, is bound to leave you drenched with a sense of fulfilment, as you watch the hundreds of lamps flow down with the river-current.
If you ever feel the need to get off the vehicles and take a leisurely walk through the city, you are in for a treat. The Ram Jhula and the Lakshman Jhula are pedestrian-only iron suspension bridges right over the Ganga. Just a brief walk later, on the Eastern bank of the Ganga lies Swarg Ashram – the traffic-free spiritual centre of Rishikesh.
Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh
Spirituality & Meditation
Just a brief walk later, on the Eastern bank of the Ganga lies Swarg Ashram – the traffic-free spiritual centre of Rishikesh.
Nearby, there’s an ancient cave called the Vashishta Gufa, now used as a meditation zone. The place is said to have a very powerful positive energy.
Rishikesh is known as the Yoga capital, for good reason. All across the city lie dozens of big and small Yoga centres that teach exercises that are good for the mind, body and soul.
A Woman Practising Meditation, Rishikesh
Rajaji National Park
Within the city, lies one of the gates to the Rajaji National Park, which was originally formed by merging three sanctuaries into one. It currently spreads over a huge expanse of nearly 82,000 hectares. As of 2015, it has also been declared as a tiger reserve. With its gorgeous flora and fauna, it doubtlessly deserves to be on the bucket list of all wildlife enthusiasts out there.
And as if that wasn’t enough in itself, allow us to show you the other side of the city! If your heart beats for adventure, a terrific adrenaline rush awaits you!
The Thrill Of Camping On The Riverside
OYO has come up with the innovative concept of OYO Camps that offer the best of the camping experience with the reliability, affordability and comfort of OYO. These OYO Camps can be booked here.
Go white-water rafting, camping or backpacking at your will here. But if going white-water rafting, visit Rishikesh anytime between September and June. The rafting facility remains closed during the months of monsoon. Also, it is always advisable to carry some warm clothing whenever you visit the hills.
Whitewater Rafting – Rishikesh
Travel light, pack appropriately if going camping, explore all you’ve ever wanted to, and return with a lot of memories, and perhaps a little nostalgia.
The summers are back with a vengeance. Now is the best time to plan a great escape to some place cooler. Luckily, India abounds in hill-stations that offer the much-needed relief from the heat, and with OYOs in these places, a vacation is convenient and inexpensive.
Read on to discover some of India’s best hill-stations for that perfect summer getaway.
Jammu & Kashmir is a state full of enchanting beauty, and Srinagar, the summer capital of the state, ranks among the best places to be this summer. The beautiful Nishat Bagh, the serene Dal Lake, the lofty peaks surrounding the valley, and the lip-smacking Kashmiri cuisine are just some of the many reasons that make Srinagar the crowning glory of a place that has often been called a ‘Paradise on Earth’.
A cool hill-station in the desert state of Rajasthan – sounds unbelievable? Welcome to Mount Abu, the most popular hill-station in the Aravallis. Famous for the Nakki Lake that offers visitors a chance to enjoy boating and the ornately carved Dilwara Jain Temples that breathe magic into marble, Mount Abu offers a unique combination of climate and culture that cannot be found anywhere else.
This hill-station in Tamil Nadu has been known by many names – Udhagamandalam, Udhagai, Ootacamund and Ooty. A number of vantage points offer stunning views of the valley below, most notably the Dolphin Peak. The town houses India’s largest rose garden as well as the 65 acre wide Ooty Lake. The Deer Park is a zoo located on the edge of the lake. Another interesting feature is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Away from the bustle of the busy cities lies Wayanad, a quaint district not yet accessible by train. A picturesque road through the Western Ghats (including a famous hairpin bend) connects this district to the rest of the country. The place is best known for its natural beauty, thanks to a number of gushing waterfalls, lush green forests and wildlife.
The second largest hill station in the Nilgiris after Ooty, Coonoor is famous for its Nilgiri tea. Apart from its beautiful tea estates, Coonoor is also famous for the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint and Lamb Rock viewpoint. Droog Fort, located 13 km away from Coonoor was once used by Tipu Sultan. Coonoor also has the famous Law’s Falls.
India has some beautiful hill-stations that make for great summer destinations.
The summer is here and the temperatures are soaring. In such blistering heat, an escape to cooler climes is not just an option, but a necessity. To help you plan your holidays better, we present a list of India’s best summer destinations that are still relatively uncrowded and offer a peaceful retreat even during the peak season.
Also called “Little Tibet” due to the predominance of Buddhist architecture and culture, Ladakh is a beautiful desert in the Himalayas that offers breathtaking views and a terrain like none other. Always popular among biking enthusiasts, the region has gradually become a favorite among all kinds of travellers. Apart from the visual splendour of this place, travellers also love the lip-smacking cuisine the place offers.
There are myriad opportunities for all kind of travelers when it comes to things to do and places to visit in Sikkim. There are Buddhist Monasteries, cascading waterfalls, unexplored caves, gushing rapids, Himalayan trekking trails, high altitude lakes and lush valleys to be explored that make Sikkim an ideal destination during the summers.
Nestled amidst the lush rolling hills and valleys of the Western Ghats, Coorg is one of the most affluent hill stations in Karnataka offering unequaled luxurious holidays to tourists. Fondly referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’ and sometimes as ‘Kashmir of the South’ due to its verdant beauty and salubrious weather conditions, Coorg has a special place among all hill stations in India.
The exquisite setting of the city, the quiet of the valley, the music of the temple bells, and the promises of crystal healing make Rishikesh a hub for the spiritually inclined and the harmony-seekers. At the same time, Rishikesh is also the undisputed king among adventure-sports destinations in India, with white-water rafting and other activities providing the much-needed thrill to the adrenaline junkies.
The name itself means “Gift of the forests” in Tamil, and it’s pretty spot on. A popular destination among students and newly-weds alike, the place stands out due to its sheer natural beauty that’s in many ways unparalleled. The Kodaikanal Lake, an artificial, 60-acre lake, is a major tourist attraction as well. Boats can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods.
PS. Kodaikanal is known for its chocolate. Do not miss feasting on the tastiest chocolates during your visit.
Munnar is arguably the best hill-station to visit in Kerala. It is also known as ‘The Kashmir of South India’. Munnar is the center of all tourist attractions in Kerala due to its wonderful natural beauty in the form of tea gardens on the slopes of the hills. Famous places are Chinnakanal, Anayirangal, Tea Museum, etc.
A plateau area with valleys on all sides that offer stunning views, Mahabaleshwar has long been a popular tourist spot as well as a preferred location for movie shoots. A number of great vantage points offer a great view of the surrounding valleys. The Venna Lake is a favorite among those who love boating. The place also boasts of waterfalls such as Lingmala Falls and Dhobi Falls that add to the beauty of the place. And the place abounds in delicious strawberries, so do not miss gorging on them.
After two hugely popular OYO InstaMeets in Bangalore and Mumbai, our fellow Instagrammers met in Ahmedabad for the third OYO InstaMeet recently. A big thanks to Instagram Ahmedabad (IGA) for their support.
Our Awesome Ahmedabad Instagrammers
Unlike the InstaMeet in Bangalore which captured the art and craft of Pottery Town, or the InstaMeet in Mumbai that explored the beautiful architecture of South Bombay, the InstaMeet in Ahmedabad threw up a more diverse set of photos. People, places, facades, animals – almost everything that a photographer finds interesting was clicked by over a hundred enthusiastic photography lovers!
So without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful photos shot during the Ahmedabad InstaMeet.
Wheels of Time – Shagun ChauhanThe Stare – Shagun ChauhanThe Wall – Shagun ChauhanPeeping Krishna – Quoteba KhatriThe Locked Door – Parul SinghColours – Hard PandyaThe Hungry Bird – Hard PandyaThe Past Stands Tall – Dhaval PanchalA Glorious Facade – Dhaval PanchalThe Red Carpet – Dhaval PanchalThe Reader – Bhumi GohilFull Circle – Bhavin BhavsarHanging On – Bhavin Bhavsar
Darjeeling is one of the most sought-after Himalayan destinations in India. Read on to discover what makes it a favorite among tourists.
Tea Plantations, Darjeeling
The Tea
It is common knowledge that Darjeeling grows probably the best tea in the world. Tea isn’t merely a beverage here; it is a lifestyle. From the first tea plantation in 1845 to the 80 odd plantations today, Darjeeling and tea have had quite a history together. The wide variety of tea grown here will leave you amazed and make you ask for a cuppa yourself. Whether you are a tea connoisseur or not, do not forget to revel in the aroma of this fine brew.
Freshly Harvested Darjeeling Tea Leaves
The best thing about Darjeeling tea is that it is probably the love of the people of this region that mingles with the taste and aroma of the tea here. The tea leaves are still hand plucked, by mostly the girls and women of the region. Two leaves and a bud- nothing but the best of will do and the scene has become truly iconic. The tea here is also brewed with various fragrances, with the Orange Flush and the Jasmine tea being very popular blends. Almost all the restaurants here serve only the very best Darjeeling tea.
So when you visit Darjeeling, do not forget to make a tea tour. It will be one of the best things you have done and will prove to be very educational as well. Yes, some of the tea plantations here are closed due to internal problems, but there are others who take in visitors from time to time and you will get to witness the entire process firsthand.
The Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (or the ‘Toy Train’ as it is popularly known as) is a sight straight out of a fairytale. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the Toy Train runs its picturesque route from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling Bazaar. Hop on and hop off at your will because this steam-engine is about as fast as a snail. Feel like Gulliver in Lilliput as this tiny train takes you on an enormously beautiful experience.
The Toy Train has become a symbol of Darjeeling and it is hard to find something else which is so integral to the region, apart from tea. Tourists come various parts of the world to be part of this iconic ride and it is truly amazing how this little train, only two feet wide, makes its way through the mountains. Hence, it will be a good idea not to visit the hill city during the monsoons because the toy train rides are often shut down in case of landslides, which are frequent at this time of the year. You should also make your toy train reservations through IRCTC before you arrive as there is heavy rush for the seats as well.
The toy train has also become a part of the popular culture in India, and has been a part of many films and a part of many writings as well. The Indian railway pays special attention to the toy train and this has now become a part of the Indian psyche.
The Visual Beauty
Darjeeling In The Fog
Lush green hills visible outside, the delicious fragrance of tea in the air, an omnipresent cool breeze ruffling your hair, the grounds brimming with delightful flora and fauna – everything that dreams are made of! Plus, the schools, mostly built in the familiar colonial style of architecture, look insanely pretty as well.
The places to walk around Darjeeling are mesmerizing and one can start walking towards the Observatory and once you get out of the main city, the views around start to change drastically with every step. It seems that you are almost in the mountains and visiting this hill station during the winters can also give you the joy of witnessing snowfall. The winding roads through the pine trees will really make your senses come alive.
You are sure to come by the local people making their way through the hill tracks and you might also go higher from here, into the upper Himalayas, right up till Sandakphu. The scenic beauty here will completely make you fall in love with nature anew. Darjeeling is home to a number of birds as well as you may hear them as soon as you get out of the main city and walk through the trees lining the roads. And you must not miss the sunrise from the Tiger Hill, because it is one of the most heavenly sights you will ever come across.
The Monasteries
As Buddhism is the second-most widely practiced religion here, you’ll get the rare opportunity to witness some beautiful Tibetan-style monasteries here. The Bhutia Busti Monastery, the Old Ghum Monastery, The Dali Monastery are some notable mentions. Spend some time in the company of the wise monks and rejuvenate your soul. The view of the surrounding countryside works wonders, too.
What is wonderful about the monasteries here is that while they all have their own rules and religious beliefs, the monks here are not rigid and they mix with the locals with ease when they step out of the monastery for their daily chore. Not all of them allow visitors, while some of them allow visitors only to the outer quarters. The grounds of the monasteries are always well maintained and the architecture is one of the things to study when you are in Darjeeling.
The Old Ghum Monastery is located at a height of 7407 feet and the formal name is Yiga Choeling Monastery and is about 7 km away from the main town. Built in 1850, the monastery s built in the shape of a yellow hat, the traditional Tibetan hat, known as Gelupka. The statue of Buddha always finds two huge lamps burning day and night before it.
The Dali Monastery is more or less recent, built around 1971, but has a number of followers. It is located about 5 km from the main town and belongs to the Kargyupa sect.
The Bhutia Basti Monastery was originally built in 1761, but since then has been plundered and destroyed by invading enemies and earthquakes quite a few times. It was restored and has finally the monastery that we see today has been built. The monastery is only 1.5 km away from the main town and is a blend of Tibetan and Sikkimese architecture.
The Samten Choling monastery is on the way to the Ghoom monastery and is known for the enormous 26 feet statue of Buddha inside it. The morning and evening prayers here are extremely venerable.
People
Prayer Flags & Bells, Darjeeling
The population is as diverse as it can get. Be it Nepalis or Tibetans, Sikkimese or Bengalis, Bhutanese or Europeans—Darjeeling has them all. Consequently, the culture of Darjeeling is a celebration of this amazing diversity. The 10-day annual Darjeeling Carnival is an unadulterated fiesta of art, music, cuisine, and most importantly, unity, with the Darjeeling Hills as the central theme. An extraordinary variety of sects and communities has been living here in blissful harmony for hundreds of years!
The people of Darjeeling are among some of the warmest people you will ever meet and they are always and exuberant and welcoming. Although they are very particular about their own cultures and traditions, they share it gladly with the tourists who descend upon the hills each year and they seem to have a special bond with Bengalis in particular, because of the huge number of them that continue to come to the hills. It is a truly cosmopolitan crowd and everyone is welcome.
The Buddha Purnima is, of course, the most eagerly anticipated festivals of the hills. People come from far and wide to witness the procession and the hills are packed from the week ahead. You would do well to book your rooms well in advance as there is always a very high demand for rooms at this time of the year.
The Food
Momos With Spicy Sauces
The delectable Himalayan cuisine makes this a great place for food lovers. From popular snacks such as the classical steamed momos that are sold in every corner of the town to the filling thukpa soup that contains noodles, vegetables, meat and eggs and typically served in a large bowl, the town has a host of delicious dishes that will have you craving for more. Many eateries in this town also serve authentic Bangla, Naga and Nepali cuisine. Do not forget to take home a big jar of the tangy pickle that is made of spicy chilies and mustard oil.
What makes the food extra special is that the food is mostly home-cooked- even the food that is available in the food stalls is almost always cooked at home and then brought in containers and sold outside. This is why the food is free from excessive oil and spices and why it tastes so good no matter how many times you come back.
Among the popular eateries here are Glenary’s and Keventer’s and both these places have gained cult status. The food here is amazing especially here the pastries and the English breakfast. The sausages, bacon, and eggs are the freshest you will come across and you will have to wait in queues during the peak seasons before you can gain entry into the restaurants.
The Flora & Fauna
Red Panda, Darjeeling Zoo
The district boasts of lush green tea gardens, more than 400 species of birds and 600 varieties of orchids, rhododendrons, magnolia, primula, and the icing on the cake, the red panda! Grab your rucksack and boots, pack a lot of energy food, and set off on any of the fabulous treks that these mountains have to offer. If you’re feeling particularly lazy, jump into a jeep and drive to the nearest wildlife sanctuary or lake to immerse yourself in the gorgeous flora and fauna of the place. The Batasia Loop, the Darjeeling Zoo and the Senchal Lake are some great options.
One can find a number of varieties of orchids here and it is where one can see the Cryptomeria Japonica, locally known as Dhupi. The rhododendrons are a visual treat and during the spring months of February to April, the trees here are lush with ripe fruits like peaches and cherries. The beautiful pink flowers known as Prunus Cerosoides are sure to brighten your day. Marigolds are seen in the month of October till winter. More than 7000 species of plants have been discovered in the mountains in this region.
The Best Stay Options In Darjeeling
OYO Premium Robertson Road, Darjeeling. Book it here.
With 33 hotels in Darjeeling, OYO offers a great range of options to choose from. These hotels can be booked here or using the OYO app.
OYO Premium Robertson Road, Darjeeling. Book it here. OYO Premium Mall Road Entrance, Gandhi Road, Darjeeling. Book it here.
There you go. Enchanting Darjeeling, the little hill-station with a big heart.
Mysore (or Mysuru) is located in the southern part of India and abounds in numerous experiences that make it a part of every traveller’s dream itinerary. This blog will help you explore Mysore to its fullest.
The city is located at the base of Chamundi Hills. Mysore is also known as the “Palace City of India”. The kingdom of was once ruled by the Wodeyar Dynasty, which has contributed a lot to the art and culture to the city.
Mysore is well connected by rail and road with other major cities. The nearest international airport is Bengaluru’s Kempegowda Airport, which is 170 kilometres (3.5 hour drive) away. The best way to reach the city from Bangalore is by taking a bus from Bengaluru bus stand which usually takes 3-4 hours. One can buy bus tickets from Bangalore to Mysore at affordable prices through the KSRTC website.
There are a plethora of things of that one can do while staying in Mysore. The most amazing things that can be enjoyed are jotted down below.
The Northern gate of the Mysore Maharaja’s Palace
The first thing one should do is to check into a comfortable OYO room. Mysore is known for its palaces, art and culture. The best way to explore the Great Mysore Palace is by taking an audio guide from the on-location counter and straightaway time-travel to the era of the Maharajas. There are many other palaces such as Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace and Jaya Lakshmi Palace, all of which are worth visiting.
The Mysore Palace at Night
After exploring the palaces, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the city from Chamundi Hill. Just before the sunset, take a local bus to Chamundi Hill (which is usually the last stop) and feel the cool breeze atop the hill. There’s also a temple and some shops, so you buy some interesting souvenirs as well.
Sri Chamundeswari Temple, Chamundi Hill, Mysore, India
Huge Status of Nandi the Bull, Chamundi Hills
Mysore, like every other city in India, has a lot of culture, cuisine and history to offer to the casual observer. Local guides have excelled in conducting theme-based walking tours throughout the city along with various offbeat tours in the local markets.
If you are planning to stay for a long time period, volunteering is the best option to connect with the locals. There are some NGOs and Schools which offer volunteers to help in setting up things for school children.
Ashtanga yoga has been taught in Mysore since the 1930’s. There are numerous institutes which offer a yoga course or drop-in classes. Some of the well-known institutes are S.K. Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, Sthalam8, and Mystic School. Gokulam suburb has the most renowned yoga schools this city has to offer.
Visiting this place is incomplete if you have not tasted the delicious ‘Mysore Pak’, which has its origin here.
Mysore Pak
The city is also famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood oil and wooden carvings and a wide variety of perfumed incense sticks. The best way to explore the local culture is to visit the century-old Devaraja Market, widely considered to be a photographer’s paradise because of its rich and colourful offerings.
Some other tourist spots include St. Philomena’s Church, the zoological park, Vrindavan Garden and two lakes – Karanji and Kukkarahalli.
St. Philomena Church
Where to stay in Mysore
With more than 30 hotels in the city, OYO is a great option for travellers because of its wide range of hotels that allow great OYO experiences that suit every pocket. For more details, check out the complete range of OYOs in Mysore here.
OYO Elite Bangalore-Mysore Road. Book This OYO Here
OYO Premium Mysore Vinobha Road – Book This OYO Here
The best time to visit Mysore
The best time to visit Mysore is from November to March, but tourists and backpackers from all over the globe come throughout the year to explore this city. In case you are planning to visit too, you can also visit Bylakupee- the biggest settlement of Tibetans outside Tibet, which is just 2-3 hours away from Mysore.
