Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela) is fast approaching and millions of people are already finalising their travel plans to the city of Ujjain. Even though Ujjain is one of the most popular religious destinations in India, there is a lot more one should know about this ancient city. This blog should help to provide a basic understanding of the city’s history and major attractions. Read on to discover some of the best places to visit in ujjain
Welcome to Ujjain
History
Ujjain is one of the oldest cities in India. While agricultural settlements are believed to have taken place around 2000 BC, the city had begun to emerge as an urban center and a political and cultural hub by 600 BC. By all counts, the city is at least 2600 years old!
Religious Significance
Ujjain is one of the seven holy pilgrimage centres in India which are known as Sapta Puri tirthas (the other six being Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram and Dwarka).
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingams (a devotional symbol of Lord Shiva. ) in India.
Devotees offer holy water to a Siva Linga
Ram Ghat
Chaurasi Mahadeo
The city abounds in temples, so much so that a popular legend goes that if one comes here with two cartloads of grain and o ffers only one handful at each temple, one would still run short of off erings. There are 84 Mahadeva temples in Ujjain, known as Chaurasi Mahadeo.
Every twelve years, Ujjain hosts a Kumbh Mela known as the Ujjain Simhastha, a mass Hindu pilgrimage on the banks of Kshipra river. The next Simhastha will be held in Ujjain from 22 April 2016 to 21 May 2016. Check out our detailed blog about the Ujjain Simhasth here.
Hermits at a tea stall
Other Attractions
Ujjain has its own Jantar Mantar! Ujjain was one of the five cities (the other ones being New Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura and Varanasi) where Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed the Jantar Mantar. The Jantar Mantar in Ujjain is also known as Vedh Shala.
Bhartrihari caves, located on the bank of Kshipra river, are a set of two caves used by Bhartrihari, the stepbrother of King Vikramaditya, as his abode. There is an interesting story on what lead a member of the royal family become an ascetic and live in these caves (which will be covered in another post soon). During his life as a hermit, Bhartrihari wrote some of the best Sanskrit works of his time.
Mahakali Temple inside the Bhartrihari cavesThe story of Bhartrihari depicted on a mural
These were just some of the many interesting things about the city of Ujjain. With the Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela) just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a visit to this magical city. And the best part, you don’t have to live in a cave like Bhartrihari chose to! Check out these amazing OYOs in Ujjain that would help you make an easy booking for an affordable and comfortable stay.
This is the story of two people who redefine passion in travel, two people who have covered the world in their Toyota car, two people whose story could make any traveller envious.
Meet Dirk and Lieve De Witte. They are from Texas, the city where the Rio Grande flows wide and mighty. They have a unique hobby – world travel. The De Wittes tend to travel around the world every six months and their recent travels have brought them to the Kochi. They entered India via Nepal and their plan is to cover the country by road. Their Indian sojourn has taken them through UP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Their travels started back in 2008. While they have stories of their 5-star stays in Bangladesh and 7-star stays in Brunei, Dirk and Leive plan to stick to budget hotels as much as they can. Their trips are normally on tight budgets and they understand the importance of sticking to it.
Here is the path they have managed to chart so far –
This time, they decided to explore India inside out. Referred to by a friend in Mumbai, the De Witte’s came to know about OYO Rooms and the wide presence it has on Indian soil. Once they tried and used the service, there was no looking back. Right from the user-friendliness of the app to the convenience of round the clock customer service and the standardization of the rooms, they are now fans of the OYO experience.
Our customer experience team caught up with them in Kochi where they checked into OYO Rooms MG Road, and had an interesting conversation.
Q. For how long have you been travelling?
A. Our initial plan was to travel 7 months from Texas, USA to Ushuaia, Argentina – the Southernmost town in the world. This was in October 2008. But we changed that plan. We now travel 6 months and fly back home. Six months later we continue our travels.
Q. What inspires you to travel?
A. We started traveling when I retired at 66. After an active professional life we wanted to continue a kind of life with lots of challenges, maybe I was afraid to fall into a black hole. In the past, we had been traveling a lot throughout the world but for short periods. Travelling is tasting the world.
Q. How do you plan for long trips such as India?
A. India was on the list of countries we wanted to visit. The first attempt to enter India on our way to South East Asia was not successful. In 2011, we got no permission to cross Pakistan. The only solution was to travel through China. But China requires foreigners to have a local guide inside the vehicle and our Toyota has no spare seat! We had to find other fellow travelers to travel into China. It was December 2014 when we entered India coming from Myanmar. In the meantime, we had learned not to have rigid travel plans because so many things can happen and you may encounter lots of unknown situations. We have time, why should we rush? India is a big country and at the start, we knew little of it. Only the things you can read and hear. In 2009, we came to Bengaluru for a wedding and discovered a bit of the culture of that part of the country during a 2 weeks round trip. The plan was to discover the most of the country from east to west and from north to south.
Dirk & Lieve next to their beloved Toyota FJ Cruiser
Q. Tell us more about what made OYO your choice of stay. Can you share your OYO story?
A. On top of our 4×4 we have a tent. And if we can we try to camp. But India is not a real camping land so we had to look for affordable and comfortable sleeping places. By accident, we discovered OYO Rooms beginning this year on our way from Nepal to Kerala. We found the prices and the quality of the offered rooms attractive but also the way of booking a room. Since we try to stay as free as we can we try to book as late as we can, just before we reach our destination. Booking over the internet is easy and fast. And OYO has a good functioning booking system that allows us to book that way. When using the OYO App we can sort out in which area the OYO rooms are situated. That are the main reasons why we stayed at OYO so many times.
Dirk & Lieve at OYO
Q. What’s your favourite location in India?
A. The most difficult question! We have been in so many different places and a State as Nagaland or West Bengal is so different from Sikkim or Kashmir Ladakh or Rajasthan. We love mountains and Kerala have some, maybe that is one reason why we like it. But travelling is not only seeing places or heritage buildings it’s also being able to chat with people and learn more about them.
The couple at the Taj MahalThe couple at Pangong Lake, Ladakh
A trip to Delhi does not have to cost a bomb. For those who are travelling on a tight budget, a little planning is all one needs to ensure an inexpensive but memorable trip in this amazing city.
Here is a blog for those who are looking to make the most of their trip without burning a hole in their pocket.
1. Choosing a place to stay
Delhi offers a number of good budget hotels that offer a no-frills but comfortable stay. OYO, with close to 390 hotels in the city, is a good option for travelers looking for comfortable but inexpensive stays.
While a cab or an auto-rickshaw are convenient options, backpackers and budget travelers will find the Delhi Metro to be a more pocket-friendly and reliable option. The wide network of the Delhi Metro ensures that there is a metro station within a two-kilometer distance from most of the important places of visit. The Delhi Metro runs on most routes from 6 AM in the morning to 11 PM in the night. If planning a longer visit, do purchase the Delhi Metro card that gives a flat 10% discount on the fare.
For places not covered by the metro network, one can always rely on the comfortable low-floor buses for point to point connectivity. The green buses are non-airconditioned whereas the red buses are fully air-conditioned. On most routes, the buses ply from 6 AM in the morning till 10 PM in the night, if not more. One can also buy the daily bus pass that entitles a passenger to unlimited trips in DTC buses for a small daily fee.
An important point to note – Both the Delhi Metro and the DTC buses are best avoided during the peak morning and evening hours due to the heavy rush of office and college going commuters.
Thanks to a plethora of public transport options, a budget traveller can plan his intra-city visits to cover the length and breadth of Delhi for less than a hundred bucks a day. For those who can spend a little more, various app-enabled cab companies ensure a comfortable ride at an affordable cost. Not to forget the omnipresent green-yellow autorickshaws, that run 24/7 on every route. But do remember to ask them to turn the meter on!
3. Visiting places of interest
Delhi is a vibrant city with a splendid mix of the past and the present. The most important places of interest, therefore, include many historical monuments, places of worship, markets, museums and galleries and even a zoological park.
Birla Mandir, New Delhi
It could be a good idea to segregate these destinations in terms of their location on the map. For instance, most historical monuments are located in Central Delhi and South Delhi. Therefore, travelers can look at the map and easily chalk out a trip that would help to cover these destinations within a day. Likewise, itineraries can be prepared for every place of interest to ensure a hassle-free experience. Most of the monuments, galleries and the zoological park charge an entry fee of twenty rupees or less while the places of worship are free to visit.
The ruins inside the Qutub Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi
A relatively new addition, the funny-sounding HOHO buses (Hop On, Hop Off) are a great option for those looking to enjoy Delhi’s popular tourist attractions without spending too much. A two-day intra-city bus trip that costs as low as Rs 600! Check out more details about HOHO buses here.
India Gate – New Delhi
4. Food
Delhi has perhaps the widest range of cuisines available for food-lovers. Depending on the budget, one can explore anything right from a lavish buffet at Bukhara to a ‘thali’ at one of the many food carts standing at virtually every nook and corner of the city. There is no dearth of options for those looking for a budget meal though first-timers would do well to avoid eating from any of the roadside stalls, lest they suffer from the infamous ‘Delhi belly’.
Check out our upcoming blog for a detailed list of food options in Delhi. Also, check out our blog about the best midnight food joints in Delhi here.
Delhi abounds in opulent showrooms and luxurious shopping malls, but the budget traveller need not sulk. Delhi has a host of excellent street markets that offer a lot of value for money, the most popular ones being the Janpath Market, the Sarojini Nagar Market and the Tibetan Market for fashion and accessories, Gaffar Market and Nehru Place Market for electronics and Palika Bazar for a bit of everything! Check out our future blog posts for a detailed analysis of each of these markets.
We created a fun video that focusses on the undying energy and spirit of this city. Do not forget to watch and share it.
Therefore, with a little bit of planning, a budget traveller can enjoy the best that Delhi has to offer without spending too much money.
Sounds good? Plan your visit right away and use the OYO app to get the best discount as applicable. To stay updated on latest offers, you may also check here.
Holi, the festival of colours, is widely celebrated across India. However, Holi celebrations in Vrindavan and adjoining towns (in Uttar Pradesh’s Braj region) are a special treat for anyone interested in discovering more about the festival.
A Trip To Vrindavan
While the vast majority of people are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Holi (and the long weekend accompanying it), we decided to take to the field and made a short trip to Vrindavan from Delhi for to capture Holi celebration in Brijbhoomi. Vrindavan is located just 11 km away from the city of Mathura (believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna). The celebrations start here a week before the actual day of the festival and continue for a few days after Holi.
Apart from Mathura and Vrindavan, the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon are also famous for their unique Holi celebrations (also called Lathmar Holi) that involve women beating up men with sticks, literally!
According to a legend, Lord Krishna is believed to have visited Radha’s village on this day and ended up offending the women of Barsana who chased him away. Since that time, men from Nandgaon (Lord Krishna’s village) visit Barsana to play Holi in the town.
A Gopi from Barsana visits Nandgaon
With Holi songs playing in the background, women beat up these men with sticks as they try to protect themselves with improvised protective gear.
A man enjoys looking while women playfully beat lathisWomen all ready for Lathmar HoliThe base of the temple in Nandgaon
Bankey Bihari Temple
The hub of Holi celebrations in Vrindavan is the Bankey Bihari temple. The temple, built in the 19th century, has four gates (three for entry and one for exit) and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The season for Holi in Bankey Bihari starts off with Phoolon ki Holi and ends with the main festival where colour and gulal are thrown. Besides Bankey Bihari temple there’s Prem Mandir, Pagal Baba Mandir and Iskcon temple.
Holi is considered to be major festival in all Vrindavan & Mathura temples.
A boy dressed as KrishnaBesides visiting the streets of Braj area, we also took a detour and went around the ghats of Vrindavan. At Kesi Ghat we witnessed the aarti in the evening.
Arti at Kesi Ghat
“While Holi can be an extremely enriching and a once in a lifetime experience, capturing it through a lens requires a lot of tact and patience. One has to watch the water, make a mental note of the schedule, stand in a queue for entry to the temple and also create enough space to handle the camera despite the hordes of humanity that throng to the temple,” our team member Siddharth said.
The Streets of Vrindavan
The Food
Vrindavan is a pure vegetarian zone. Meat-lovers need to keep this in mind to avoid possible heartbreak. However, the place also serves some of the most delicious vegetarian food ever, prepared in pure desi ghee. The sweet lassi, chaat, tikki and dhokla are almost omnipresent in this town. Do try the delicious Peda that is a speciality of this area.
The famous Peda of Braj region
The place sees crowds most parts of the year but reaches epic proportions during festivals. Finding good hotels can be a little tricky unless one books through the OYO app which can be downloaded here. OYO in Mathura can be booked here and OYO in Vrindavan can be booked here.
The India-Pakistan match is just around the corner, and the city of Kolkata is already brimming with nervous excitement. Cricket lovers are starting to arrive in the city as the stage is set for the most exciting cricket match of the year – India vs Pakistan! If you are in Kolkata to watch the match or planning to reach and catch the match live, read this blog to find out what else you can do in this great city.
Kolkata is called ‘The City of Joy’ for a reason. A cosmopolitan city like no other, myriad hues and flavours come together to give this city its distinct feel. As opposed to the faster-paced cities of Mumbai and Delhi, Kolkata may come across as easygoing and laidback, but live here for long enough and the city’s gentle pace will make you sway in its rhythm too.
Now, there are plenty of reasons, big and small, to visit Kolkata, and not all of them can be listed down. So we present just 5 of the many reasons why everyone needs to visit Kolkata this season.
Landmarks
The first capital of British India has a number of famous landmarks.
Perhaps the most loved and recognisable landmark among Indians is the Eden Gardens, the premier cricketing ground in Kolkata.
Plus, there’s the astounding Victoria Memorial, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Goddess Kali being the predominantly worshipped deity here, religious spots like the Dakshineswar Kali temple and the Kalighat Kali temple see a high number of footfalls. There’s also the beautiful Belur Math shrine that was founded by Swami Vivekananda as well as the newer Sheetalnathji Jain Temple. The Howrah Bridge – prominently featured in literature, art and cinema – also serves as a major tourist attraction. And how can one forget the familiar yellow taxis?
Dakshineshwar TempleBelur MathThe Howrah Bridge
Architecture
Kolkata is home to a variety of architectural styles, ranging from the Victorian buildings reminiscent of the city’s colonial past to the distinct, never more than a couple of stories high homes that are spread all over the city. If buildings could speak, the people of Kolkata would never see a death of stories. A walk down a street in South Kolkata is nothing short of a walk down memory lane.
St. Paul’s CathedralB.B.D. Bagh – the business centre of Kolkata
Culture
Being the city of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Kolkata has plenty of literary and cultural hubs. Rabindra Sadan, a large theatre, serves as the primary cultural hub of the region. A number of events and plays take place at the theatre every evening. Rabindra Bharti Museum, formally the home of Rabindra Nath Tagore, is a major literary hub that serves as a significant reserve of the works of Tagore. The citizens take great pride in the rich Bengali cultural heritage that encompasses art, music, literature, cinema and more.
A Busy Kolkata Street
Food
A tour of Kolkata is incomplete if you do not treat your tongue with the delicious cuisine of this place. The rich Kasha Mangsho, the awesome Kathi Rolls and heavenly desserts like Mishti Doi, Shondesh and the omnipresent Roshogolla are among the most popular food items here, but a wider range of options exist for the more adventurous foodies. Paying a visit to places like Haji Saheb, The Park, Sanjha Chulha, etc. will be a great idea if one wants to try out authentic Calcuttan cuisine.
Delicious Bengali Aalur Dom (Aalu Dum)Different varieties of the highly popular Sandesh
Products
Kolkata excels in terracotta products. Small ‘Bankura’ figures can serve as beautiful keepsakes to gift your people back home. The Lal Paar Sarees (red border sarees) and fabulous jute craft items such as handbags and wall hangings are some of the other beautiful gifts that you can carry home. That, only if your bags are not full of boxes of sweets already!
For more detailed insights into Kolkata’s heavenly food, check out this blog, and in case you are planning to visit this city, do check out the best hotels in this city here.
Easter is one of the world’s most popular festivals. Find out more about this festival and how it is celebrated in Goa in this blog post.
What is Easter
Easter is a festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike Christmas, which is always celebrated on a fixed date, the date of Easter varies every year as it depends on the Hebrew Calendar and not the Gregorian Calendar. However, as the resurrection is believed to have happened the third day of the crucifixion (Good Friday), it always falls on a Sunday. This year, Easter is on Sunday, 27 March.
Easter celebrations in Goa
Over a quarter of the total population in Goa is Christian, making Easter one of the most popular festivals in the state. Celebrations begin on the day before Good Friday. A feast is held to commemorate the Last Supper as mentioned in the Bible. The next day is observed as Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion.
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Panaji, Goa
The celebrations are widespread, but the most spectacular celebrations happen in the capital city of Panaji. While every Church in the state observes easter, The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji is in many ways the focal point of the festivities, attracting the largest crowd. People gather to attend the mass and witness the Way of the Cross. The Way of the Cross is a reenactment of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A wooden cross is carried down the steps of the church and moved through the streets of the city and then back to the church by clergymen. A huge crowd follows the procession, mostly dressed in formal clothing. Crowds line up on the roadside to witness the procession, with a band playing music to create a solemn setting.
Easter Mass
Easter Eggs
Easter eggs are a popular feature of Easter around the world, symbolising the empty tomb of Jesus. Traditionally, chicken eggs have been decorated with colors and embellishments. More recently, the actual eggs have been replaced with egg-shaped chocolate and jellybeans.
Easter Eggs
Easter Feast
Since Easter marks the end of the 40 day period of Lent, the Easter feast is as delicious as it is lavish. A wide variety of dishes and desserts are prepared for the feast, with some of the most popular ones being:
Vindaloo
Vindaloo has an interesting etymology. ‘Vin’ stands for vinegar and ‘ahlo’, pronounced and written as ‘aloo’, means garlic in Portuguese. Consisting of a luscious red masala which is mixed with vinegar laced mutton (or other meats) to form a fiery red gravy, Vindaloo is one of the most relished recipes of Goa. Tender and flaky, spicy and tangy; all at the same time, it leaves your taste buds tingling for more.
Goan Mutton Vindaloo
Sorpotel
A special preparation of every traditional Goan household, Sorpotel is said to be the essence of Goan Christian cuisine. Inspired by a Portuguese dish called Sarabulho, it is a classic that brings the best of Goan and Portuguese cuisine together. It is prepared from pork liver, heart and kidney, all diced and cooked in a thick, spicy sauce.
Sorpotel
Xacuti
Pronounced as sha-coo-ti, those indulging in spicy treats would find this preparation heavenly. It uses a wide variety of spices like nutmeg, coriander leaves, green and red chillies, ginger and cloves. Usually served with rice, this recipe is also made with mutton, lamb or fish.
Chicken Xacuti
Bebinka
Bebinka (or Bebinca) is a carefully layered cake, equating the taste of perfection. The core ingredients are flour, coconut milk, eggs, butter, and most importantly, jaggery. Also known as Bibik, it tastes like layers and layers (traditionally 16) of coconut pancakes.
Bebinka – A traditional Goan dessert
Where to stay in Goa during Easter
There are over 200 OYOs located in Panaji, with a number of hotels located within a few kilometers of The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. You can book these hotels here.
And in case you are looking to spend a quieter time in Goa, away from the hustle-bustle of North Goa, you can check out OYOs in South Goa here.
Sunset and a shack
Planning a trip to Goa already? Don’t forget to download the OYO app to stay updated on the latest offers and surprises. You can also check out our Facebook and Twitter handles and participate in our weekly #OYOquiz or tag us in your travel photos on Instagram to stand a chance to win exciting OYO vouchers!
Imagine that you are new to Delhi and suddenly start experiencing severe hunger pangs in the middle of the night. Would you suffer in silence and wait for dawn?
Nah! All you need to do in such a situation is to explore Delhi’s all-night-open food options (smart people should bookmark this webpage, ideally)!
Here are some eateries in Delhi for your midnight hunger pangs:
Moolchand Paranthewala
Comesum
Bun-Butter-Chai
Jama Masjid
JNU Dhaba, 24*7
IIFT Dhaba
Havenmore
Maal Gadi
Cravebusters
Batman Delivers
Eatlo
Convergys Dhaba
1. Moolchand Paranthewala
Well, technically, that’s not the name of the stall, but there won’t be a single Dilliwala who doesn’t know about it. The legendary Paranthewala of Delhi, located right outside the Moolchand metro station, provides you with arguably the best and the cheapest Paranthas in Delhi. Open 24×7, it never fails to attract people at any point of day because of the tasty Paranthas (especially Anda Parantha) and amazing veggies to add to the flavor.
Located near Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, this eatery is perhaps the only true all-night restaurant in the capital (which is sad, I know). Comesum is not the typical fine-dining restaurant and the ambience is perhaps that of an elaborate college canteen, which is not a bad thing if you are a bunch of friends casually hanging out or just hungry late at night and don’t have any other place to go. The prices are reasonable and the spread is pretty vast.
This outlet is a real saviour for hungry travellers using the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. Such travellers should also make it a point to book their stays at the OYOs nearby to cut down on the travel time and cost from the station as well as to stay right in the middle of the bustling localities of South Delhi. OYOs close to this place can be booked here.
3. Bun-Butter-Chai
This is a hot favourite among Delhi University’s North Campus students and residents. It is open till 5 in the morning. Located near Patel Chest, North Campus, this little stall lives up to its name and provides simple yet delicious bun-butter with mouth-watering omlettes and boiled eggs. Enjoy all of it with Chai, and say goodbye to the midnight munchies.
People travelling to the North Campus from other cities can enjoy a relaxing stay quite close to the campus. OYOs located close by can be found here.
4. Jama Masjid
No matter how late it is, you’ll always find one or the other restaurants open as you go towards the Meena Bazar side of Jama Masjid. Old Delhi is famous for its non-veg food, and these restaurants & dhabas very righteously follow that tradition. Due to the space-constraint, you rarely find a dine-in option available, but eating outside has its own perks. Biting on the juicy Chicken Tikka late at night gives you a crazy, happy feeling of joy.
This place is ideal for those staying close by. OYOs within a short distance from Jama Masjid can be booked here.
5. JNU Dhaba, 24*7
The Dhaba by the Jawaharlal Nehru University is one of the best when it comes to serving delectable food, at any time of day or night. The joint is a favorite among all the students and also a number of office goers who return after night shifts. The Dhaba is open for twenty-four hours and although they do not have home delivery, a meal for two can cost as less as INR 250 here.
6. IIFT Dhaba
The Dhabas are located around Qutub Institutional Area and it just opposite the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. The Dhaba is open from 9 am and is open till 11 pm, though it stays open longer if there are guests. The best thing is that they also have a home delivery service and a meal for two can cost just about INR 300. All the standard Dhaba food like paneer masala, paratha, sandwiches, and lassi are found here.
7. Havenmore
Located at Pandara Road Market, this is a slightly pricier restaurant but if it is good food and great ambiance you are looking for, then you have to come here. The eatery remains open from 12 noon to 12 am and is a favorite haunt among a lot of Delhiites. A full meal for two can cost around INR 2000 but it is completely worth it. They also have home delivery service.
8. Maal Gadi
An eatery with an interesting name, Maal Gadi is located at Sushant Vyapar Kendra, en route to Gurgaon and has earned quite a reputation in a very less span of time. The restaurant stays open from 12 noon to 3 am in the morning and a meal for two will cost only about INR 800. They also have home delivery service.
9. Cravebusters
This is a truly unique restaurant because they have only late-night deliveries! Yes, they do not operate through the day and the restaurant especially caters to night owls only. Moreover, they have home delivery service all over Delhi in the middle of the night and it stays open from 7: 30 pm to 3: 30 am. A meal for two can cost around INR 1100 only.
10. Batman Delivers
Another extremely popular late-night food delivery service is run by Batman Delivers, and yes, they do cater to those late-night hunger pangs, no matter where you are situated in Delhi. A meal for two costs around INR 700. The restaurant takes orders between 7 pm and 5 am and the menu is delicious.
11. Eatlo
This is also a food chain of sorts that is functional around Noida, Vaishali, Kaushambhi and Indirapuram when it comes to home delivery. If you want to go for late-night dine-in, then you may do so at Sector 63 in Noida and in Indirapuram. The home delivery service is open from 10 pm to 4 am and the dine- in service from 11 am to 10/; 30 pm. A meal for two costs only about INR 500.
12. Convergys Dhaba
Located near DLF Atria Building in Jacaranda Marg, Gurgaon, this dhaba is open 24 hours and you can have your heart’s fill, no matter how late at night it is. A meal for two costs only around INR 400 and they also have home delivery service. They have some of the wonderful stuffed parathas to offer and the lassi is simply delectable.
So no matter what time of night it is, if you are in Delhi, you can be sure you will always have tasty food to indulge in from these select joints.
Know more places that can be added to this list? Do mail us at blog@oyorooms.com with your stories and images.
The cricket fever is set to rise with all the prominent teams of the cricketing world set to clash in the World Cup of the shortest format of the game. The World Cup is all set to begin on 8 March and the four-week long cricketing extravaganza will see first-time hosts India play at least four matches in the tournament, all in the second round (the first round being a qualifier stage for the four lowest ranked teams).
Those who plan to travel to the match venues to catch all the action live are surely going to have a gala time. For great stays at affordable prices, hotels can be booked in Nagpur, Kolkata, Bangalore & Mohali here.
And if you are planning to support India in this world cup live at the venue, read on to find out what else, apart from the match itself, should be on your itinerary.
Nagpur – Venue of the India Vs New Zealand match on 15 March
Known as the City of Oranges, Nagpur is one of the fastest growing cities of India as well as an important centre of commerce.
Top Places To Visit In Nagpur
Deekshabhoomi (Diksha Bhumi) – A sacred Buddhist monument that attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Spread over four acres, the architecture is based along the lines of the stupa at Sanchi.
Nagpur Central Museum – Established more than 150 years ago, the museum is locally known as Ajab Bangla. It displays coins, ancient inscriptions, sculptures, inscriptions and pre-historic artifacts sourced from Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Vidarbha and some parts of western Maharashtra. The museum also has a gallery if natural history where trophies of antlers, reptiles, fish and invertebrates are displayed. The place makes for a nice visit for those interested in studying history and nature. Do note that the museum remains closed on Mondays and public.
Ramtek – Located about 48 km from the city of Nagpur, Ramtek houses the Ramtek Fort Temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is about 400 years old. Ramtek is also believed to be the place where Lord Rama rested during his exile, and is therefore religiously significant. There are also many Jain temples in Ramtek, making it an important pilgrimage centre for the Jain community too.
Lakes – Nagpur has 11 lakes of different sizes. Some of the most popular ones are –
Ambazari Lake – The lake’s name originates from the many mango trees that surround it (Amba mean
Mango in Marathi). The Ambazari Garden just beside the lake is another famous tourist attraction,
with boating facility and trails.
Futala Lake – Spread over 60 acres, this lake is popular for its colored fountains. In the
evenings, Tangas (horse-carriages) are an added attraction.
Kolkata – Venue of the India Vs Pakistan match on 19 March
A cosmopolitan city like no other, myriad hues and flavours come together to give this city its distinct feel.
Top Reasons To Visit Kolkata
Apart from the T-20 World Cup match, that is.
Landmarks
The first capital of British India has a number of famous landmarks. There’s the astounding museum, Victoria Memorial, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Goddess Kali being the predominantly worshipped deity here, religious spots like the Dakshineswar Kali temple and the Kalighat Kali temple see a high number of footfalls. There’s also the beautiful Belur Math shrine that was founded by Swami Vivekananda as well as the newer Sheetalnathji Jain Temple. The Howrah Bridge – prominently featured in literature, art and cinema – also serves as a major tourist attraction. And how can one forget the familiar yellow taxis?
Architecture
Kolkata is home to a variety of architectural styles, ranging from the Victorian buildings reminiscent of the city’s colonial past to the distinct, never more than a couple of stories high homes that are spread all over the city. If buildings could speak, the people of Kolkata would never see a death of stories. A walk down a street in South Kolkata is nothing short of a walk down memory lane.
Culture
Being the city of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Kolkata has plenty of literary and cultural hubs. Rabindra Sadan, a large theatre, serves as the primary cultural hub of the region. A number of events and plays take place at the theatre every evening. Rabindra Bharti Museum, formally the home of Rabindra Nath Tagore, is a major literary hub that serves as a significant reserve of the works of Tagore. The citizens take great pride in the rich Bengali cultural heritage that encompasses art, music, literature, cinema and more.
Food
A tour of Kolkata is incomplete if you do not treat your tongue with the delicious cuisine of this place. The rich Kasha Mangsho, the awesome Kathi Rolls and heavenly desserts like Mishti Doi, Shondesh and the omnipresent Roshogolla are among the most popular food items here, but a wider range of options exist for the more adventurous foodies. Paying a visit to places like Haji Saheb, The Park, Sanjha Chulha, etc. will be a great idea if one wants to try out authentic Calcuttan cuisine.
Products
Kolkata excels in terracotta products. Small ‘Bankura’ figures can serve as beautiful keepsakes to gift your people back home. The Lal Paar Sarees (red border sarees) and fabulous jute craft items such as handbags and wall hangings are some of the other beautiful gifts that you can carry home. That, only if your bags are not full of boxes of sweets already!
For more detailed insights into Kolkata’s heavenly food, check out this blog, and in case you are planning to visit this city, do check out the best hotels in this city here.
Bangalore – Venue of the India Vs Qualifying Team A match on 23 March
India’s third most populous city and also an established IT hub, Bangalore needs no introduction. Also known as the Garden City, Bangalore is known for it’s cool breeze and pleasant weather all through the year.
Top Places To Visit in Bangalore
Parks – Bangalore is called the Garden City because of the many gardens and parks present in different parts of the city. Some of the most popular ones are –
Lal Bagh – A botanical garden with over 1000 species of plants and a lake, the park was created along the lines of the Mughal Gardens. Another attraction is the Lal Bagh Rock, said to be over 3000 million years old.
Lal Bagh
Cubbon Park – The largest park in Bangalore spread over 300 acres, the rich flora and beautifully maintained buildings and statues make this park unique in Bangalore.
Trees in Cubbon Park
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – A beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture built entirely of teak, the palace walls have beautiful floral motifs and the palace houses various paintings dating back to the palace’s glorious past.
Bangalore Palace – Easily the most recognisable structure in Bangalore, the palace resembles the art style of Windsor Castle in London. The grounds of the palace have been the venue for a number of big concerts and events.
Bangalore Palace
Vidhan Soudha – The seat of Karnataka’s legislative assembly, this grand granite building looks remarkably beautiful when illuminated during the night on special occasions.
Mohali – Venue of the India Vs Australia match on 27 March
Part of a ‘Tri-city’ along with Chandigarh and Panchkula, Mohali is predominantly a commercial hub. However, there are a number places of interest around this city.
Pinjore Gardens – Located just 38 km away from Mohali, Pinjore Gardens offers an escape from the urban routine of the city. The complex comprises a number of terraces, palaces and fountains, and a heritage train is available to ferry tourists through the entire complex.
Pinjore Gardens
Sukhna Lake – Located in Chandigarh (13 km from Mohali), the lake is located at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills. A popular hangout among the locals, the lake’s promenade offers a great view to visitors who get to soak in the aesthetic beauty of the place.
Rock Garden – Situated at a walking distance from Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden is the brainchild of late Nek Chand. Built using material collected from demolition sites across the city, the garden is more of a trail with beautiful pieces of art created from glass, broken ceramics and even wires.
Ceramic Horses in Rock Garden
Book your OYO in Mohali here. To explore the adjacent city of Chandigarh, book your OYO here.
The Twenty-20 world cup starts next week. Grab your match tickets and plan your travel now!
We had a gala time in Goa during the India Bike Week 2016. We not only hosted some of India’s most passionate and popular bikers, but also did an interesting installation at the venue. Check out this video for all that happened at the scene.
Many more such events will be coming soon, so stay tuned to our blog to get the latest updates. In case you are planning a biking trip of your own, do let us know at blog@oyorooms.com. You can book your stays in OYO in Goa here.
Confused about how to spend this weekend? Here are 5 great destinations in different parts of the country that will make for a great experience.
Delhi to Agra – 211 km (3 h 20 min)
Thanks to the relatively new Yamuna Expressway, what used to be a five-hour journey has now been cut short by an hour and a half. Agra offers visitors not just the magnificent Taj Mahal, but also many other monuments like Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and many more. Foodies get to satiate their taste-buds at the local eateries that serve delicious authentic Mughlai cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, Agra’s pethas are a must-have and a must-pack. This city is also a shoppers’ delight, with miniatures, jewellery and leather products that are famous the world over.
This coastal town is one of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai. An alternative to driving is to catch a ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa and from there, a bus to Alibaug. Among the many beaches, Nagaon beach is the top choice of visitors with its clean sand and brilliant view of the sunset. Adventure lovers can also enjoy water sports. Other popular beaches include Versoli beach and Awas beach. Do check out the Khanderi and Undheri fort complexes about 7 km away from Alibaug (don’t miss the canons overlooking the sea from the Khanderi fort).
Located close to Bangalore, Nandi Hills provide relief to visitors looking for a break from the hustle-bustle of the city. A great place for trekking, the view of the sunrise from the hills is one of the best you will see. Popular as a weekend getaway among the youth, the place is best visited early in the morning. Apart from its natural beauty and peaceful ambience, the place also has Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and a host of temples dedicated to various deities. During winters, the fog on the hills gives the feeling of standing among the clouds.
A World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram is famous for its archaeological wonders. Know as the Temple Town, the Shore Temple built by the Pallava dynasty is the key attraction. Apart from this, a number of other monuments such as Arjuna’s Penance (a large, sculpted rock that shows Arjuna during his penance) and Krishna’s Butterball (a rounded rock on a sloping hillock) make for an interesting visit. The souvenir shops sell some ornate collectibles such as small statues and decorated seashells (priced high, but the sellers are happy to negotiate).
Mere words cannot do justice to the countless hues of this singularly historic city. Be it art, architecture, literature, handiwork, nature or even raw, powerful spirit—Jaipur has it all. The breathtaking Jal Mahal, the scintillating Jantar Mantar, the extraordinary Pink City and the grandiose Hawa Mahal are a few of the endless gems in the city’s treasure chest. As for cuisine, it is common knowledge that Rajasthani food is on the spicier side. Take your taste-buds on a roller-coaster ride with the spectrum of dishes this place offers.
So, there you go. These five interesting destinations can be visited and experienced in two days or less. Isn’t that a great way to spend your weekend?
