Once a dusty and relatively unknown suburb of the capital, today Gurgaon is one of the most modern cities of India, with an impressive skyline akin to that of Singapore and Hong Kong. With easy access to Delhi, Noida and Neemrana, Gurgaon has become popular among travel enthusiasts. From natural treasures to a thriving cultural scene and vibrant nightlife, Gurgaon has it all.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Gurgaon is from October to March. The weather during this period is pleasant with sunny days and balmy evenings, ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city. The nights are chilly and perfect to snuggle in bed sipping on a piping hot tea.

Weather

Average annual temperature: 26°C

Summers in Gurgaon are extreme. June is the hottest month when the temperature touches the 40 °C mark on the scale. The monsoon season is unpredictable with the city experiencing extreme showers and thunder-storms to very little rain. The winters are chilly and the city is blanketed by thick fog. January is the coldest month with temperatures dropping to a low of 3 °C.

Places to Visit

Gurgaon flaunts an array of unique cultural hotspots and natural treasures.

Natural Attractions

(i) Home to a myriad of bird species and exotic flora and fauna, the Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary is a popular natural site in Gurgaon. The park was established in 1989 and is the perfect place to bide time in the lap of nature.

(ii) Named after a twin stream whose sand is believed to be littered with gold, the Sohna Lake is another beautiful natural attraction of Gurgaon. Flanked by the Aravalis, the lake offers a scenic view to the visitors. The Sulphur springs near the lake are also frequented by tourists. The water of these springs is believed to hold great medicinal benefits.

(iii) The Damdama Lake in Gurgaon is the largest natural lake of the city. Its pristine blue water flows calmly against the stunning backdrop of the Aravalis. The lake has a serene vibe to it that attracts the visitors and families. You can enjoy an array of adventure activities here- Kayaking, Boating, Rock Climbing, Valley crossing etc.

Cultural Hotspots

(i) Sprawled over 3 acres, the Heritage Transport Museum is a unique private museum showcasing the evolution of transportation. The museum collection includes over 75 vintage and classic cars. The aviation section includes detailed information about the history of aircrafts. A separate section of the museum walks you through the history of transportation starting right from the wheel. Undoubtedly a paradise for history aficionados, a visit to the museum is quite a learning experience.

(ii) Located in Sector 29 of Gurgaon, The Kingdom of Dreams offers a spectacle of contemporary and modern arts fused with technology. Besides the grand entertainment performances and plays, a separate section of Kingdom of Dreams has a culture gulley with kiosks of fourteen different states, each highlighting the culture of the states. Popular among locals and visitors, a visit to this cultural hotspot is a must.

Where to Eat

Much like its cosmopolitan population, Gurgaon’s cuisine is a mix of many other cuisines- South India, North Indian, Mughlai, Continental, Oriental and Italian. This makes Gurgaon one of the best food places of the country. Be it the street kiosks and eating joints to fine dining restaurants, the tempting aroma and delicious flavors of the dishes are unparalleled.

Enjoy the diverse flavors at:

• Restaurants of Sector 29
• Cyber Hub
• Cafés of Galleria Market
• Food Court of Ambience Mall

Experience the Vibrant Nightlife of Gurgaon

As the sun sets over Gurgaon, the cityscape is brightened up with lights and gets abuzzed by the party lovers. There is no dearth of bars and clubs in Gurgaon. From breweries to jazz houses, dance clubs to sports bars, there are a plenty of options to choose from while looking for a night time adventure. Cyber Hub in DLF Phase 2 and the party circuit of Sector 29 are the most prominent party places in Gurgaon dotted by many pubs and bars.

Where to Shop

From budget market to posh streets and malls, there are many shopping venues in Gurgaon, each selling a wide array of products.

(i) Galleria Market: Much akin to its namesake in Mumbai, the Galleria Market in DLF Phase 4 of Gurgaon is one of the posh markets. From Korean Shops and heritage emporiums to book stores and party suppliers, the market spoils you for choice. Some of the best restaurants and cafés of the city are also located in this market making it famous among locals and visitors.

(ii) HUDA Market: Located in Sector 14, this famous street market is popular for junk jewelry, jute products, toys and street food.

(iii) Arjun Marg: The expansive Arjun Marg shopping complex has just about everything- ethnic wear shops, thrift stores, junk jewelry kiosks, international grocery store and the list goes on. Do try the samosas and momos while shopping in this market.

(iv) Ambience Mall: When you want a lux shopping experience, this is the place to be. The Mall has the top international brand showrooms and outlets.

MGF Metropolitan Mall, DT Mega Mall and MGF Metropolis Mall are other popular shopping destinations in Gurgaon.

Experience the Jolt of City Life in Gurgaon

Known as the ‘Millennium City’, over the years, Gurgaon has been expanding and developing at impressive pace. Despite a mix of diverse ethnic groups inhabiting the city, Gurgaon has a unifying culture that is evident in the vibrant events held in the city.

Experience the vibrant jolt of city life on your visit to Gurgaon

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Nestled high up in the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is arguably among the most beautiful gems of India. The city is wreathed with clouds against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks carpeted with verdure. The vibrant culture and rich traditions of the North-East, infused into the stunning landscape with a subtle touch of city life make Gangtok a major crowd puller and tourist hotspot.

Best Time To Visit

Gangtok enjoys a pleasant weather throughout the year. The best time to visit Gangtok is from October to December. The weather during this period is ideal for sightseeing. A clear view of the Himalayas is also guaranteed in these months. In the springtime between March and May, the town gets blanketed by a bloom of rich lilac Rhododendron flowers that lend further beauty to its landscape

Weather

Average annual temperature: 16°C

The summers in Gangtok are mild and pleasant. The temperature swings between 17°C and 25°C. The days are warm and sunny while a balmy breeze blows in the evenings. In the winter time and spring, the temperatures drop to a low of 2°C-7°C. The peaks get covered with a blanket of snow offering a treat to the eyes.

Places to Visit

Owing to its unique topography and geographical location, Gangtok is blessed with many spectacular view points and natural attractions. Its proximity to the neighboring countries of Nepal, Tibet and China is evident in the several Buddhist Temples and Pagodas.

Buddhist Monasteries

(i) Tsuk La Khang Monastery and Palace is a royal palatial monastery boasting a huge collection of Buddhist scriptures and literature and plays host to many Buddhist festivals. The monastery walls and altars are carefully decorated with murals and images of Buddha and other deities of Buddhism. Right in the centre of the monastery compound is a huge Buddhist temple. The temple has impressive interiors with a pair of carved dragon columns flanking the main images. The monastery complex is an oasis of calm and offers a deep insight into Buddhism

(ii) Flanked by a thick foliage of tall conifers, the Enchey Gompa is a small Buddhist monastery in the outskirts of Gangtok. The monastery prayer hall is decked with many tantric statues and miniatures. A large figure of Buddha against the backdrop of a three-dimensional scene is the main highlight of this Buddhist site.

(iii) An hour away from Gangtok is the biggest monastery of Sikkim- Rumtek Monastery. First built in 1740, the monastery belongs to a 12^th century sect of Tibet Buddhists. Its fine architecture mirrors the original monastery in Tibet. The main structure of the Rumtek monastery is three-storeyed with a huge golden stupa on the top. It houses some of the rare Buddhist religious artwork in form of wall murals and thangkas (scrolls with intricate hand paintings), more than 1000 miniature golden models of Buddha and several other sacred Buddhist artifacts.

Parks and Gardens

(i) Perched on the brink of a ridge, the Rustamji Park, colloquially known as Deer Park is a sanctuary inhabited by many species of deer. Established in the 1950s, the park is also home to other species like the Himalayan Bear and Red Panda. Apart from the wildlife and floral species, the park also has a large statue of Lord Buddha. It is widely believed that the park was constructed to mark the reincarnation of Lord Buddha as a musk deer.

(ii) Located an hour away from Gangtok, the Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular attraction. The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna such as bearcat, civet cat, Himalayan black bear champa, ferns, oak, orchids and rhododendrons. A sightseeing tower in the sanctuary offers stunning vistas of the valley

The Flower Exhibition Centre and Saramsa Garden are other popular natural attractions in Gangtok.

Must-Visit places near Gangtok

(i) On your visit to the hill station, do include the Nathu la pass in your travel itinerary. This second highest mountain pass in India offers a spectacular view from the top and was historically the gateway of Silk Route. On your way to the pass, make a brief stop at Ban Jhakri Waterfall, a popular picnic spot.

(ii) The frozen Tsomgo Lake is 2 hours away from the main city on the way to Nathu la, but its unique pristine beauty will make the drive worth it!

Where to Eat

The rich cuisine of Gangtok is heavily influenced by the city’s geographical vicinity to India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Rice meat and dairy are staples in Gangtok. Other than these crops like finger millet, wheat, buckwheat, barley, vegetable, potato, soybeans etc. are extensively cultivated and consumed there. Cherry pepper is a common ingredient in many Sikkimese dishes. While visiting Gangtok, do try some popular dishes like momos, thukpa, Chhurpi-Ningro Curry, kinema curry, sel roti, pakku and mesu pickle.

Dine at:

• Taste of Tibet in Vishal Gaon
• Roll House at MG Marg
• Shuffle Momos at Deorali Bazaar
• Thuendel in Sangava

Where to Shop

(i) MG Road Market: It is one of the most popular markets of Gangtok. The market is a great place to buy Tibetan artifacts, trinkets, prayer wheels and flags, stone jewelry and thangkas.

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

(ii) Lal Bazaar: This famous street market is a bargainers’ paradise. The shops and kiosks sell a wide array of products like Tibetan décor items, wall hangings, carpets etc. You may buy some souvenirs from the market as a memory from your trip.

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

(iii) Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom: This emporium was established in 1957 to preserve and promote the indigenous arts and crafts. You can purchase a wide variety of traditional and authentic products like choksees, hand painted masks, shawls etc.

Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 Get a Taste of the Vibrant Culture of Sikkim

Inhabited by a mix of different ethnic groups- India, Bhutanese, Lepcha; the culture of Gangtok reflects the traditional values and heritage of these group of people who call this city their home. Nepali is the most spoken language of Gangtok while Buddhism is the quintessential religion. The locals value their cultural roots while also respecting the heritage of those belonging to a different ethnicity. This inclusive and harmonious culture is reflected in their folk arts and festivals like   Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen and Drupka Teshi.

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Come and experience the rich culture of North East in the picturesque hill station of Sikkim- Gangtok.

Kolkata, the ‘Cultural Capital of India’ is the most unique metropolis of the country. Vibrant and ideal, modern yet traditional, Kolkata intriguingly juxtaposes itself and the Hooghly River slowly ebbs and flows to match its rhythm to the city. Once the capital of British India, Kolkata is where the rich Indian culture manifests itself wholly. Its traditional heritage fuses seamlessly with the remnants of its colonial past, adding a nostalgic charm to the city. This idiosyncrasy of Kolkata coupled with ancient landmarks, museums, shopping streets and delectable cuisine has a magnetic pull over travel enthusiasts who visit the city to experience its vibrant culture.

Best Time to Visit

The months between October and February are the best time to visit Kolkata. The weather during this period is mild and extremely pleasant. It is also during this period that the city drowns itself in a festive mood; colors, music and bright lights overwhelm the city’s ambience.

Weather

Average annual temperature: 24 °C

The month of May is the hottest in Kolkata. The temperature soars to a high of 33°C during this month. January is the coldest month with temperature dropping to a low of 19°C.

Places to Visit

Places to Visit in Kolkata: Owing to its vast heritage and colonial past, Kolkata has an abundance of striking monuments, landmarks, religious shrines and ancient relics. The city is also incredibly blessed with natural beauty. Your itinerary will have no place for boredom while visiting the ‘City of Joy’.

Museums and Landmarks

(i) An ancient remnant of the bygone era, the Victoria Memorial is a famous site of attraction in Kolkata. Made entirely of white marble, the exquisite beauty of Victoria Memorial will have you spellbound. The memorial’s architecture has a subtle Indo-Saracenic revivalist era influence. The memorial boasts of an impressive collection of paintings dating back to the colonial era. The lush gardens flanking the memorial are adorned with many sculptures and statues. A must visit site; the memorial exudes rich Victorian era essence.

(ii) Built in 1784, the Tagore House in Kolkata is a shrine like museum of poet Rabindranath Tagore. The museum is the home Tagore, decked with a gallery of several paintings and exhibits. A visit to the museum offers an insight into the philosophies and lifestyle of the poet.

(ii) Built in 1835, the Marble Palace is another ancient architectural masterpiece. The well preserved royal home is flaunts marbled halls adorned with statues, Belgian glassware and fine paintings including works of Murillo, Joshua Reynolds and Rubens

(iv) Indian Museum, the oldest museum of the country is another popular site in Kolkata. The old school architecture and structure of the museum makes a stark contrast with the lush lawn. Housed in the multiple galleries of the museum are 2^nd century B.C. sculptures, Egyptian mummies, Mohenjo-daro and Harappa relics and intriguing 37 types of opium.

Belur Math Museum and Birla Industrial and Technological Museum are other significant museums in Kolkata

Also, you may interested to know the 18 historical places in kolkata

Religious Sites

(i) Built in 1847, the Kali Temple in the heart of Dakshineshwar in Kolkata is a highly revered site of spirituality. The temple walls are colored red and cream. The periphery of the temple courtyard has a a number of sanctums and shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

(ii) Tucked away from the city chaos, the Armenian Church of Nazareth built in 1707 is the oldest place of Christian worship in Kolkata. The church courtyard is engraved with old gravestones inscribed with centuries old Armenian scriptures.

(iii) Built in 1839-1847, the St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata is a stunning example of Gothic architecture of the period. The crenellated tower in the centre of the cathedral complex cuts an impressive profile against Kolkata’s skyline. The main highlight of the cathedral is the stained-glass west window made by Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The cathedral is full of festive joy around Christmas time. Locals and visitors flock in huge numbers to attend the midnight mass.

Kalighat Temple, St. John’s Church, Ramakrishna Mandir, St. Thomas Church and St. Andrews Church are other important sites of worship in Kolkata.

Parks and Gardens

(i) Established in the late 18^th century, the Botanical Garden was initially used by the British to cultivate and produce tea imported from China. At present the garden is home to more than 12,000 exotic and rare florals including palms and Amazonian lilies. A lake within the garden offers a boat ride to visitors to explore the garden.

(ii) The Horticulture Garden is a hidden treasure of Kolkata boasting of orchards and well-maintained Japanese garden.

What to Eat

Kolkata is famous for its rich Bengali cuisine. Rice and meat, predominantly fish are the fundamental dishes of Kolkata and find a place in the menu of every eating joint and restaurant of the city. Don’t leave the city without trying the lip smacking popular dishes like Luchi, Cholaar, Kochuri and alurdom, Chop-cutlet and Telebhaja

Dine at:

• Arsalan Restaurant in Ballygunge
• Peter Cat in Park Street
• Oh! Calcutta in Bhowanipore
• Aaheli in New Market Area

Kolkata’s Lively Nightlife

In sync with the city’s contrasting character, the nightlife in Kolkata includes a wide array of options. From loud EDM blasting dance clubs to the mild and ambient jazz houses and reggae clubs, you can follow your mood to make your choice. Park Street and Salt City are the major nightlife hubs in Kolkata.

Where to Shop

(i) Hogg’s Market: for silk saris, crystal showpieces and flowers

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

(ii) Hatibhagan Market: for Bengal silk, cotton saris and jewelry.

Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

(iii) Swambhumi Market: for Madhubani paintings of Bihar, terracotta showpieces and figurines, ethnic jewellery and indigenous handicrafts of West Bengal.

More: Shopping Places in Kolkata

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P.s. You might like these related resources:

• Best time to visit Kolkata-The City of Joy

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With imprints of history in every corner owing to a magnificent past, exploring the coastal city of Chennai is like a visit back in time. From mornings that begin with scent of jasmine in the streets to perfectly tailored sunsets of serenity along the beaches, waiting to be greeted with freshly brewed filter coffee; the simplistic charm of Chennai caters all.

Best Time to Visit

With the annual average temperature hovering around 28 degrees, the winter months starting from November to February make the best times for a visit. Winter also brings the city of Chennai alive and energetic with festivities of Pongal. The summer peak temperature can go up to 45 °C. However, the ample amount of rainfall received ensures a pleasant weather throughout the year.

Places to Visit

Adorned with rich cultural heritage, Chennai offers a vibrant mix of art, culture and leisure.

Beaches

(i) Fine sand, calming sea breeze, long shore lines, fascinating sunsets, Marina Beach promises to deliver it all to its visitors.

(ii) Located on the eastern coast, one of the tidiest Elliot’s beach, is must go for those seeking tranquil evening walk. This popular yet less crowded beach is an absolute delight for leisure seeking tourists.

(iii) Situated in the northern part of Chennai, the Nettukuppam beach is the single symphony with high tides and enchanting scenic beauty. Usually, a quiet estuary, this beach is a fisherman’s land. Nettukuppam is the ideal location for all those photography enthusiasts.

Religious sites

(i) Situated in the traditionally revered suburb of Mylapore, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple allures every visitor with its majestic architectural grandeur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient temple showcases architectural beauty of the Dravidian culture at its finest. Walking around the courtyard of the temple, one simply cannot ignore the splendor of Punnai tree which stands as a testimony of its ancient religious roots.

(ii) Devoted to various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the Parthasarathy temple is located in the heart of the city. The temple complex houses a large number of inscriptions, sculptures and murals dating back to the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Related Search: Some Spectacular and Enlightening Temples in Chennai

Forts and Museums

(i) Now serving as the headquarters for the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly, Fort St George is considered to be the first establishment of the British in India. The Fort is primarily divided into two sections – St Mary’s Church and Fort Museum. One of the oldest Anglican churches, St Mary’s Church offers a quaint inception history spanning over three centuries. However, one of the most remarkable buildings in the complex is Fort St. George Museum which houses the antiquities, artifacts and relics belonging to the colonial period.

(ii) The Government Museum showcases various archaeological and numismatic collections along with a vast collection of Roman antiquities. The museum exhibits world notable Amravati figures, Thanjavur armory, South Indian bronzes, and copper plates.

(iii) Located along the East Coast Road, Dakshina Chitra is cross-cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles and performing arts of South India. This living museum of art gives its visitors a chance to taste the inclusive culture of the state in an engaging manner.

More: Historical places in Chennai.

Where to Eat

Chennai, famous for its traditional food culture successfully melds class South Indian food with regional and international cuisine. Filtered coffee earns the tag of being the signature beverage of the day and rice being called the staple food of South. With the traditional meal served on a fresh banana leaf, South Indian cuisine culture evolves from a well-balanced blend of all six different tastes including sweet, salt, sour, bitter and astringent.

Dine at:

• Saravana Bhavan in T. Nagar
• Balaji Bhavan in Nagar and Anna Nagar
• Adyar Ananda Bhawan in T. Nagar
• Murugan Idli Shop in Besant Nagar and T. Nagar

Where to Shop

From vibrant ethnic markets to bustling malls, a shopping spree along the streets of Chennai definitely won’t be limited to just window shopping.

(i) T Nagar Market: One of the landmark shopping areas in Chennai, T Nagar is fluttered with stores and street vendors selling the exotic collection of saris, jewelry, fancy footwear and more.

(ii) Pondy Bazar: This is the ideal place to hog at for an authentic local experience. From footwear to everyday clothing, ethnic bags and various accessories, this market proves to be one of the liveliest in the city.

(iii) Sowcarpet Market: The congested yet delightful lanes of Sowcarpet can be rightly added on the must go markets if shopping for elegant dresses, brocade saris with intricate embroidery and perfectly matching bangles. The lively atmosphere buzzes with energy making it hard to resist.

Explore the Rich Culture of the Coastal Town

A melting pot of many cultures, Chennai holds within its manifold, a fast-growing cosmopolitan city yet retaining its evergreen heritage and warmth in hospitality.

Book hotels in Chennai

Come; dive in the rich culture of Chennai, the soul of South India.

P.s. You might like these related resources:

• The top places to visit in Chennai for a great holiday

The commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh is one of the most modern cities of India. Yet, the remnants of its ancient past are still reflected in the city. The monuments, temples and artwork of Indore carry the influence of the Holkar Dynasty that ruled the city centuries ago. This juxtaposition of its traditional past and modernization makes Indore a unique city that is frequented by tourists.

Best Time to Visit

Average annual temperature: 25°C

The months from October to March are ideal for visiting Indore. The weather during this period is extremely pleasant for you to go sightseeing and exploring the city. The summer months and monsoons are not the best time to visit Indore. The scorching heat and rains might interfere with your plans and dampen your mood.

Places to Visit

Indore is home to many monuments, palaces and ancient temples, each built with brilliant craftsmanship and design.

(i) Symbolizing the grandeur of Holkar dynasty, the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore is one of the most popular attractions. Built between the late 19^th century and early 20^th century, the palace interiors are heavily influenced by European styles- striated Italian marble pillars, opulent chandeliers, murals of Greek deities, a baroque-cum-rococo dining room, and a Palladian queen’s bedroom.

(ii) The Rajwada Palace is one of the oldest structures in Indore.  The palace’s stunning architecture is heavily influenced by the Mughal architecture. Most parts of the palace structure were ruined in a fire in 1984. The temple is since being preserved and rebuilt.

(iii) The Central Museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Indore. The museum houses an impressive collection of pre-historic and medieval Hindu sculptures, weapon inventory and copper-engraved land titles.

(iv) Built in the early 20^th century on the orders of Sir Hukamchand Seth, the Kanch Mandir in Indore is a prime attraction, especially significant to the Jain community. Made entirely out of glass, the temple flaunts an exquisite and intricate artwork on the glass panels detailing the principal aspects of Jainism. The temple interiors are adorned with delicately crafted glass lamps and cut glass chandeliers.

Annapurna Temple and Khajrana Temple near the city are other major religious sites of Indore.

What to Eat

Indore prides itself on its food and delicacies and has locally earned the moniker of ‘street food capital of India’. The authentic Indore cuisine primarily consists of vegetarian dishes with a hint of a South-Indian influence.  Maratha, Rajasthani, Bengali and Mughlai dishes also form a part of the Indore cuisine. Some popular dishes are Indori Poha, Dal Bafla and Imarti that find a prime spot in the menu of every restaurant and eating joint.

Enjoy a delicious meal at:

• Beans in Saket Nagar
• Nafees Family Restaurant in Old Palasia
• Banana Leaf in Vijay Nagar
• Kebabsville in Vijay Nagar

Where to Shop

The lanes of Indore are dotted by many markets and emporiums making it a hotspot for shoppers. From traditional handicrafts and tribal mementos to paper mache products and terracotta idols the markets in Indore have just about everything. Antique jewelry and precious authentic jewelry are sold in the famous Sarafa Bazaar. You can also choose from a wide range of zari adorned fabric at the Maharaja Tukuganj Cloth Market.

The stalls and kiosks in the markets also sell trinkets and souvenirs that you can buy as a memory from your trip.

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Trace the rich history of Holkar Dynasty and its heavy influence in the city of Indore.