10 Must-Haves Conference Room Facilities to Plan a Corporate Event

Organising a conference might not seem so much of challenging if you have all the subsequent amenities to support it. You might be over with the tedious task of corporate event planning and venue selection, but the planning process does not end here. There are lots of aspects that are to be taken care of. But, the requirements of a conference room are a bit different from other parties. A good conference hall is an interpretation of many provisions that customers look for. To make sure that you have chosen the perfect hall, go through the list of requirements given below.

All these facilities are of prime importance, but before considering any venue make sure that:

  • The venue is large enough to control the expected crowd of your conference. You cannot let your guests suffocate within a small meeting room. Just look around for the perfect layout and discuss its capacity with the venue manager.
  • It should be able to provide you flexible seating arrangements. Maybe the pre-settled arrangement of classroom style is not what you require. Thus, discuss its flexibility before confirming your reservations.
  • It should be a walled structure rather than a glass one. When you have to give out presentations or speeches, these activities are performed better when you are within a walled or wooden structure. Glass structures create a distraction that should be avoided at any cost.
  • It should be a quiet setting. A cacophony of sounds will create disturbance in your meeting. Moreover, you won’t be able to communicate well if a continuous raucous sound is penetrating your meeting room.
  • No need to look for beautiful backdrops while you are looking for the conference room. Just keep a check over the technical installations that are necessary for your event.
  1. Smart Board/ Projection Screen:

While choosing a venue for the conference, make sure that the room is installed with a whiteboard and projection screen that has a multi-touch feature, mouse-hover functionality, can be used my multiple users at a time.

Smart Board- Projection Screen

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This would bring out more interaction among the meeting and the members could work out flexibly. What more? It could also be connected with a printer to print a hand-out of the session to the participants in real time.

  1. Wi-Fi

This is a necessary requirement for conferences of this age. The high-speed connection and bandwidth will allow multiple users to work alongside during the meeting.

Wi-Fi

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Now browse the net and surf for important things on the internet with the Wi-Fi facilities provided by them.

  1. Good quality Audio Equipment

A surround sound speaker system, microphone etc. are among the list of fundamentals while you are organizing a conference. For a smooth conduct of your meeting, you need to be able to communicate precisely with your attendees.

good quality audio equipment

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And if yours is a conference of 100 people, then good audio system is required to reach each and every member. Just have a thorough checking of the equipment before initiating your session.

  1. A Proper Seating Arrangement

There are several types of seating arrangement that can be set up as per the members of your meeting. Whether you want a U-shape setup, Boardroom style seating, Hollow Square or a classroom-style arrangement, it all depends on the type of conference it is. But a table is a must.

proper seating arrangement

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Thus, as one of the unique ideas of corporate event choose a chair-table seating plan according to the nature of the meeting. Like a simple meet and greet can happen within a U-shaped arrangement but a classroom style would be better when organising a workshop. Decide on the type and plan your seating layout with the venue manager.

  1. Video Conferencing System

It might be possible that you are compelled to make some international calls. Thus, a video conference is definitely due in such situations wherein you have to converse with the person online. This is mostly a preferred mode of communication for most of the companies who want to cut down the travel cost.

video conferencing

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Make a connection where you could have full access to the internet while your conference is going in full flow. This will give you immense flexibility during the meeting session. Make sure that such arrangement is available within the venue.

  1. Digital Projectors

Projectors have seen an update since their evolution and these days rather than using the traditional Fresnel lens to project the image on your laptop or desktop, it uses video cameras to give a 3D image of the documents or image making it easier for the participants to learn about the matter.

  1. It should be at an Accessible Location

While picking out the venue for the conference, be assured that its location is easily accessible from the airport or railway station since some of your members could be from outstation. Keeping their convenience in mind, choose a venue that is easily reachable, recognisable and has accommodation facilities if the need arises.

  1. Fully Air-conditioned

You cannot let your employees or members sweat over during the session! This would turn into some poor planning. Make sure that the venue or meeting room that you have chosen is properly air-conditioned. Moreover, the venue should have a supply backup facility in case of any mishap. Try to choose a room that is well-lit as well as well-ventilated. This would create a bright atmosphere even if it turns out to be a gloomy session.

  1. Tea Room/Common Room

It is not humanly possible to attend a meeting for 6 hours at a stretch. Thus, during venue selection, it becomes important for you to check whether they have an adjoining break room where the delegates can relax and enjoy a brief tea time among themselves. This kind of refreshment is definitely a requirement while choosing a venue. Your members will highly appreciate your efforts towards their comfort.

  1. An Efficient Staff

Proper and diligent staff is always required while you are hosting a conference. The basic requirements of your members will be taken care of by the staff members at the venue. Choose the one who is experienced in handling such type of events.

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10 EXCITING WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM CHENNAI

What makes Chennai a traveller’s paradise?

The fact that it is not only a perfect getaway in itself with a number of sanctuaries, beaches and heritage sites, but it spoils you for choice when you seek some respite from the city life.

With a number of pilgrim sites, heritage centres, sun-kissed beaches, even hill stations close to the coastal city, your weekends will never be the same.

Here are some of these perfect weekend getaways from Chennai within 300 kms, so you always have interesting stories to share on Mondays.

  1. Chittoor(160 km away)
  2. Tirupati (133 km away)
  3. Yercaud (366 km away)
  4. Horsley Hills (260 km away)
  5. Tranquebar (270 km away)
  6. Kanchipuram  (75 km away)
  7. Pulicat (88 km away)
  8. Mahabalipuram  (55 km away)
  9. Pondicherry  (160 km away)
  10. Yelagiri  (227 km away)

 

1. Chittoor

Chittoor doesn’t have only one reason to explore, it has several. The beautiful landscapes and amazing historic significance. The world’s richest temple is situated in Chittoor district. Let yourself free from the mind and experience the beautiful district of Chittoor.

Places to visit in Chittoor

There are many beautiful and amazing places to visit, starting from Nagari hills covered with tall trees and green surroundings, fresh air and soothing smell of mud. Other places are, Mogili, Ramagiri, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Gurramkanda Fort, Kaundriya wildlife sanctuary, Kalavagunta and many more.

Things to do in Chittoor

You can visit the famous Sri Venkateswara temple, beautiful sculptures and a day in the lap of spirituality. You can relax your mind from the day to day life and this place will definitely give you positive thoughts and positive energy. If you are a lover of wildlife then you should visit Kaundriya Wildlife Sanctuary, great experience seeing amazing animals. Drive yourself to the history as well, visit Gurramkanda Fort to relive some historic adventures. Next stop should be in the lap of nature, the chirping of the birds, the silence as the trees try to speak to you, the sound of the air in this fresh atmosphere will definitely mesmerize you.

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2. Tirupati

Time to go spiritual, if you have believed in archaeology and lover of history then you must visit this famous temple of Tirupati. Tirupati is one of the most important temples, millions of people come to visit this beautiful temple with its rich cultural history and architecture as well.

Places to visit in Tirupati

One of the greatest pilgrims In India, Tirupati is the paradise of pilgrims. The architecture and the spiritual believe is really amazing. There are several place to visit this spiritually rich place such as Talakona Waterfalls, TTD Gardens, Sri Vari Museum, Deer Park, Sri Govindarajaswani Temple, Kanipakam and many more.

Things to do in Tirupati

As said Tirupati is the paradise of pilgrims, so starting with the spirituality factor. You will find a great number of amazing temples with their great histories and the beautiful architecture. You can explore the history with ease at the Sri Vari Museum. Relive the past and the beautiful history with the antiques kept at the museum. Going forward will take you to the lush green surroundings, TTD Gardens and the Talakona Waterfalls. Other than this never miss the chance of buying Kalambari Fabric. You can take Religious Souvenirs, The black and wooden replicas of Lord Tirumala is the most famous one.

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3. Yercaud

Who doesn’t want to spend time in the lap of nature? Beautiful mountains, blue lakes and lots of lush green surroundings. Pure and fresh air touching your skin and making you relax in this amazing atmosphere. Yercaud is one of the hill stations which exactly gives you that experience.

Places to visit in Yercaud

In this beautiful and mesmerizing place, there are lots of more spots to visit. It would be so amazing to visit a temple on the top of the hill, the beautiful Rose garden, Botanical Garden. Never miss the waterfall, which will give the most relaxing moment, through the voice of the water gushing fast in this silent green atmosphere. The Kiliyur Falls will give you the exact experience. There are many more places to visit such as Big Lake, Kaladiyur Point and many more.

Things to do in Yercaud

You can have a one day picnic near the Kiliyur Waterfalls under the silence of nature and the sound of the water gushing, so beautiful and fresh isn’t it! Take a drive to the 32km Loop Road to view the amazing tea and coffee plantations and witness the fresh lush green valleys. You can explore the Silk farm and Rosegarden and if you have the passion in History then you must visit Kottachedu Teak Forest. Shop from the best Textile and handloom shops and get some fresh spices from the local market.

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4. Horsley Hills

Get ready to visit the paradise in the lap of Nature. Tall trees, wet forest, lush green surroundings and the waterfalls within it. The sunset and the mountains, the beautiful valleys with the amazing wildlife will definitely make you mesmerize.

Places to visit in Horsley Hills

You will find a lot of amazing places and area to capture your moment and make your mind relax, away from the hustle- bustle of the city. Let’s get to know the number of places, so the places are, Old Enugu Mallamma Temple, Horsley Hills Zoo, Kaigal Falls, View Point, Gali Bandalu and many more.

Things to do in Horsley Hills

Starting with the spiritual part, Old Enugu Mallamma Temple, the best thing is that it is situated at the top of the hill. Legends are attached to this temple and it is the most ancient temple in the Horsley Hills. Moving on to the Amazing Wildlife that is Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, then coming to the mesmerizing waterfalls. The best scene is that in the silence when the sound of the water comes to your ears, the fresh and soothing energy just runs through your body. There is one place called the ‘Viewpoint’ from where you can see the whole view of the sunset and the beautiful forests, the foggy weather, looks like the clouds are on the ground.

5. Tharangambadi

Are you a lover of architectural and heritage buildings, if yes then this place is surely for you. The amazing architecture and the sculptured buildings, apart from that it is referred to as the ‘dancing waves’ with the beautiful waves coming through. You will come to know about the cultural history of this beautiful place.

Places to visit in Tranquebar

India’s only Danish Colony, in the past it was one of the important ports for the trade. You will find the traces of the past and amazing places to visit to as it is situated near the sea side, this makes this place more beautiful. Places which you can visit such as, Fort Dansborg, Masilamani Nathar Temple, New Jerusalem Church, Maritime Museum and many more.

Things to do In Tranquebar

This place is filled with the treasures of the amazing history in our Indian land. You will find many beautiful stories of history, starting from the Fort Dansborg, this place is filled with Danish history and what makes it more beautiful is that it is near the beach. So you can see the beautiful sunset while cherishing history. Masilamani Nathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is from the Pandian Era, the architecture is really awesome of all the structures. You can go to the famous Jerusalem Church and see the beautiful carvings.

6. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram - Best weekend getaway from Chennai within 100kms

Famously called the ‘Golden City of Thousand Temples’, Kanchipuram is a hotspot for tourists seeking a spiritual awakening.

Places to Visit in Kanchipuram:  Explore the ancient and architecturally brilliant temple of Kanchipuram on your visit. The Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and the Kailasanathar Temple reflect the architectural influences of the Pallava period. Sprawling over 40 acres is the Ekambeshwarar Temple, the largest in the temple in the city.

Things to do in Kanchipuram: If you have time, engage in bird watching at the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by lush green trees, the sanctuary shelters many migratory birds like the sandpiper, white ibis, and spoonbill.

Heard of the famous Kanchipuram Saris? This is where the fine fabric is made. Visit the silk factory to watch the making of this fabric right from the beginning.

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7. Pulicat

Pulicat - One of the best weekend getaway from Chennai within 100kms

A historic seashore town on the Bay of Bengal, Pulicat offers a mesmerizing scenic view to the visitors. With hordes of flamingos flocking to town, it sees a high number of tourists to witness its natural beauty.

Places to visit in Pulicat: The Pulicat Lake is the second largest lagoon in the country offering asylum to many exotic birds in the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. Flowing through the charming valleys and cutting edge with a technological hotspot of Sriharikota, the Pulicat Lake has something for everyone. You can enjoy a nice picnic by the lagoon here as the sanctuary birds fly and chirp overhead.

Another key attraction is the Dutch cemetery for those interested in history and culture. Though the cemetery is locked, the gatekeeper is usually around and opens upon request. The well-preserved inscriptions on the tombs and the different crests are worth seeing.

Things to Do in Pulicat: There are a number of activities in the township to pump up your adrenaline. Enjoy boating on the waters of the lake. To make it even exciting, ride in the traditional fishermen boats. The region also has some trails for the trekkers.

If you are a foodie, do taste scrumptious seafood in the eating stalls and joint around the area.

Mark the end of your visit by watching the sunset over the lake while a silhouette of birds makes a postcard-worthy scene in front of your eyes.

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8. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram - one of the best weekend getaways from Chennai within 100 kms

With its fascinating architecture, rock-cut caves and ancient history, Mahabalipuram is an ideal place, especially for history lovers and art aficionados.

Places to visit in Mahabalipuram: To unveil the town’s rich history, visit the Shore Temple. Built in the 7th century, is one of the oldest South Indian temples exhibiting a Dravidian influence in its architecture. It comprises of three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should be on your travel itinerary.

To witness another Pallava marvel, head to the Five Rathas (Panch Rathas). These set of rock temples are an excellent example of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. Also, visit the monolithic rock carvings on the Arjuna’s Penance.

Beach lovers can head to the Mahabalipuram beach to relax in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

Things to do in Mahabalipuram: Adventure seekers can enjoy surfing at Mahabalipuram Beach. To get your dose of adrenaline, do visit the Madras Crocodile Bank. If you are lucky, you may spot a family of turtles here as well.

Explore Hotels in Mahabalipuram

9. Pondicherry

Pondicherry - one of the best weekend getaways from Chennai within 300 kms

While your plans of visiting Cannes are in the pipeline, pack bags for the French Riviera of the East: Pondicherry. This former French colony is a quaint town with remnants of its historic past and comes close to giving you an insight of the French culture.

Places to Visit in Pondicherry:  With a number of churches and beaches, Pondicherry is rich in key attractions. If you like the hippie vibe of Goa, Auroville is the place to be. The township promotes the concept of unity. The highlight of the settlement is the Matri Mandir.

To see the epitome of the French architecture in India, pay a visit to White Town. It is a well-planned area with European style streets and trees of bougainvillea. Ever seen those rustic images against a sunflower-yellow wall on Instagram? Those are from the White Town too!

If you are a beach bum, head to the Paradise Beach. The beauty of the beach lies in its isolation from the main town. You have to take a ferry ride across the backwaters to reach this paradise of nature.

Things to Do in Pondicherry: Pamper your body to the Yoga Sessions at Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Take a stroll through the streets to marvel at the finery of the town’s architecture. Enjoy a nice French meal at the famous cafes of Pondicherry. Take a slow walk on the calm and beautiful Seaside Promenade as the sea lightly sprays your feet.

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10. Yelagiri

Yelagiri - one of the best weekend getaways from Chennai within 300 kms

This unconventional hill-station offers the much-needed respite from the heat of the coastal city. Not as developed as Ooty, but Yelagiri is abundant in natural beauty. The drive to the town is marked by a picturesque landscape. As the hills get closer, the city starts to fade little by little. Once you reach the town, the first thing you will notice is its quietness. So, if you seek some ‘me time’, Yelagiri is the perfect destination.

Places to Visit in Yelagiri: While it may seem much different than the other hill stations, it does have quintessential features of one. From viewpoints to lakes, Yelagiri has it all. With a fountain adding to its charm, the Punganoor Lake is one of the most famous attractions of Yelagiri. The tranquil surroundings of the lake make for a pleasant experience of its visitors. You can collect your thoughts here to the sound of water or take a boat ride across the waters. A short trek from the lake will lead you to the famous Swami Malai Hills that offer a spectacular view of the valley.

Enjoy a walk in the Nature Park near Punganoor Lake. Spread over 12 acres, the park is abundant in exquisite floral species. An artificial cascading waterfall, a multicolored musical fountain, fish aquarium and a bamboo house are also within the park confines.

Things to Do in Yelagiri: Get your adrenaline rush at the Yelagiri Adventure Camp. Enjoy trekking, rock climbing, hiking and paragliding at this tourist hub.

Take a 5 km trek to the cascading Jalagamparai Falls. Get in touch with spirituality at the Velavan Temple, Murugan Temple, and the Moksha Vimochana Temple.

Explore Hotels near Yelagiri

Where are you headed this weekend from Chennai? Let us know in the comments below. Happy weekend!

P.s. You might like these related resources:

Effective Ways To Plan An Unforgettable 1st Birthday Party

Your baby is turning ‘1’. You want to celebrate your kid’s first birthday party with fun. Hundreds of thoughts are juggling in your mind. All the relatives and friends are excited to be a part of this special day. And, you are overwhelmed with joy for such a blessing! A little extra planning will make this sweet occasion more cheerful. Few tips and tricks can make your kid’s birthday party sweeter.

We have some thoughtful ideas for you to make this day an everlasting memory.

1. Your Baby Outfits

Outfits are the most important aspect of any event. It should be perfect and out of the box but when you are planning for the 1st birthday party for your beautiful kid then you have to make him/her the most cute and adorable one. The dress should be kept according to the theme or you can go for the contrast one. Choose the outfit according to your babies face and colour, don’t go too loud.

Always go for the bright or soothing colours, which will bring out the cuteness of your kid. Decide your kids outfit so that according to that you can check for the venue.

2. No disturbance while Napping

Another important thing for kids is napping. Sometimes they are so tired and of course, they can’t explain to you. So it’s a signal that you can just let them sleep and don’t wake them up. No matter what you guests demand or some game or magic show is going on but you should let your kid sleep a little.

Never wake him/her up to meet new people or see some gaming or cartoons, because their nap is really important so that they can smile and be joyful on their birthday.

3. One quiet Area

There should a quiet area where you can feed or let your kid sleep or you can just spend a few time alone and get some food for your child. Sometimes kids don’t like the noise of the music or the crowd and they start crying and getting irritated. So to make them fresh again and happy and smiling, provide a quiet area so that they can rest peacefully and can give you moments of their naughtiness.

4. Birthday Party Venue 

The countdown of preparation begins with finalizing the venue. Kid’s birthday party venue should include ample space. Venue selection should be made keeping a few pointers in mind.

First of all the Venue location should be travel-friendly. The second crucial point is space finalization. It should be adequate for organizing a bunch of entertainment activities.

Last but not least, the venue should provide in-house catering services. Filtering options based on the above points will make the task easier. You can choose Party halls, Hotels, and Banquets for the birthday celebration.

Depending on the gathering, the best party space can be booked online. Hotels and Banquets take care of all your needsSo, choose banquets which are easily accessible, economical, and fueled with a bunch of satisfactory services.

5. Birthday Party Theme

Party theme is essential to create an energetic ambience for the kids. ‘1st’ birthday is a special one,  for the whole family. As a parent, you are more excited about the whole event. You want the venue to be unique with colourful decorations. Lack of thought on the party theme may affect the overall look.

Party theme will help you organize a colour scheme for further decorations. So, to entertain your guests, a charming party theme is all you need. Here is how birthday planners and decorators make it easy for you.

From baby shower to the unique birthday party theme, party planners have ideas to design a fantastic event. The staff makes sure that every celebration turns into a grand occasion. Take this for instance.

  • How about Alice in Wonderland Theme!

The story is filled with some kooky characters. This theme can be selected to organize a costume party. Small kids can be dressed as different characters in Wonderland. What else can they love more?

  • Costume party according to the venue

Once the party theme is selected, finalize the baby’s dress. Dress him/her in a fairytale gown for spotlight attention. The costume party can be turned into a fancy dress competition. You can declare winners of the competition too!

6. Birthday Party Decoration

Pink and white polka dot prints can be used on Tableware. Colour coordination with matching napkins will enhance the look. Pillars are covered with pink satin draping.

A winter birthday set will add extra glitter to your child’s birthday. Flatter your baby with a surprise full of balloons. The team is skilled in perfecting the decorations. Balloons will be hung from the ceilings.

You can choose them from a set of colors patterns and shapes. Colored balloons are spread on the floor for a graceful effect. Kids love cartoons.

So, balloons can be customized with cartoon pictures. Crepe paper streamers are twisted around the table. Ribbons can also be attached to the chair backs. Golden and silver star shape balloons glitter the venue. A balloon arch is engineered right at the entrance. Curling ribbons will transform the space into a paradise.

7. Cake Arrangement

Ask for a customized birthday table corner. It can be decorated with a canopy. You can select a simple cake, doll cake, cartoon cake, photo cake, etc. Depending on the theme, cake color and size can be customized as well!

Special Flower Cake features:

  • Pink Carnation Decoration on the cake
  • Pink and Green Pom Poms
  • Sprayed Orange Roses

8. Food And Menu Planning

Not sure about what to include on the menu?

Worry not!

We will help you decide on it. Menu planning should be done keeping kid’s taste in mind. Kids love cotton candy, sweets, marshmallows, muffins and more. Kids adore dessert, choco chips and icecreams. Since this is an ‘all-kids’ event, they should be impressed. Delight them with cookies, cakes, and pastries.

  • Here are delightful food items for kids

All those jumpings, dancing and singing will make kids rumble for food. Finger licking starters, nuggets, fries, some shakes, and dessert will make them crazy. And who doesn’t like chocolates? Chocolate sticks are sumptuous to delight the little bellies.

  • Food arrangements for adults

While kids love pizzas, adults crave for wholesome meals. Caterers take care of the different food requirements. Moreover, you get multi-cuisines items to choose from. The food served includes “Indian,” ‘Mughlai,’ ‘Chinese,’ ‘Thai.’

Dessert can include simple traditional sweets like gulab jamun, imarti, ras malai, halwa. Must-have favorites include custard, fruit cream, honey yogurt, flavored milk, fudge, and ice-creams. Chat corner with golgappas can be arranged too! Budgeting is very important while choosing the menu. A proper budget will help you include the preferred items.

  1. Food items can be served on per plate basis.
  2. The rate of plate can be INR 300/- to 500/-

9. Planning party games for entertainment

A section of the area is separated for toddlers to play. Big kids can enjoy musical chair.  A baby zone is created with soft toys and blocks. Kids can crawl and have fun while playing games. Space is filled with foam balls.

Multicolor kids activity zone is an awesome space for clicking pictures. Your baby can have fun with crawlers of the same age. Bubble catching game is loved by kids.  Here are some more tips for organizing fun games.

  • Turn birthday wishes into an interactive activity!

Put your kid’s picture in the center of the board. You can even add a collage of photos. Involve your guests in a creative activity. Ask them to write cute messages and wishes for the baby.  

  • Bouncing Balloons Just for kids!

The indoor activities require space for kids to play in a group. Bouncing balloons can be a great activity idea for small kids. Jumping and falling are some favorite activities of kids. Inflatable bouncers can be used for arranging fun activity in the party.  

  • Puppet Shows for all

Interactive puppet shows can also be arranged in a kid’s birthday party. Organizing a puppet show becomes easier while you take some professional help. A puppet show is always fun to watch. Both kids and adults fall for it. Puppeteers in a small span of time help to visualize a story with their magical hand.

  • Small Ball Pool for the tiny tots

Little kids love colors. A baby pool combined with lots of balls is a great option for activities. Lots of colorful balls are added to an empty inflatable pool. This could be a perfect spot for clicking candid moments.

  • Turn Musical Chair Game Into Competition, announce winners!

Your kid is too young to play musical chair. But to make the birthday happening for guests, a musical chairs session can be included. The chairs are Lined up in a single row, one after the other. Kids start walking in one direction a the tune is played.  As the tune stops, all the players need to grab a seat. Those not able to sit on a chair will be eliminated. Consequently, the number of chairs gets reduced. The game continues till only one player is left. There you have the winner!

Organizing indoor games becomes difficult without a proficient advice. Supportive hotel and Banquet staff take care of the arrangements related to entertainment activities. The staff ensures various fun activities are organized with supervision and safety.

10. Photography and Candid Frames!

Capturing kids in a frame is not easy. Photographing ‘the birthday party’ comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Birthday Parties represent emotions, colors, conversations, and enthusiasm.

On the challenging part, 1st birthday parties can be chaotic. So, it becomes difficult to take a candid shot at an instant. Though, our expert photographers make it easier than ever. So you can stop worrying about the candid and natural shots of your little angel.  

  • Photo Booth

Photobooth photos are the latest trends. They raise the fun element. Consequently, the albums developed by the photographers are incredible. The staff is trained to manage areas for some awesome photographs. To create a fairy tale drama photo booths can be used. A Superman story can be created with superhero-inspired photo booths.  

Photo Booth settings include -Designed backdrops, Backdrop settings, Photo-op settings. Folded party props can be readily utilized in pictures.

  • Specialization is required for that perfect picture

A professional photographer knows how to handle the party chaos. Kids birthday parties are a bundle of unexpected moments. The professional photographer will click pictures without missing any graceful frame. Professional shot means correct angles, best lighting effect, and the perspective.

Keeping the above tips in mind will let you organize a memorable party for your kid. Now that you have a ‘map’ to host a delightful birthday party for your year-old baby, Click here to get in touch with us!

Presenting Lucknow’s mouthwatering Awadhi cuisine

Awadhi cuisine is an indigenous part of the city of Nawabs, Lucknow. The dishes and cooking style of this city is inspired and influenced by the Mughals. The cuisine includes both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes prepared with exotic spices, herbs and garnished with dry fruits. The need for such a cuisine arose as the emperors, the Nawabs of Awadh, being inhabitants of Persia, were used to a certain type of diet which comprised of grains, dry fruits, fruits and vegetables available in that part of the country apart from various forms of meat. This style of cooking was further polished by the Nawabs by adding exotic flavours of saffron and other Indian spices.

The cuisine also bears similarities to the cuisines of Central Asia, some parts of Northern India and Hyderabad. The city of Lucknow thus became popular for its Nawabi cuisines. The chefs and cooks of the region invented the dum style of cooking or the art of cooking over low heat, which has become popular and synonymous with the city today. The city has an elaborate menu consisting of kebabs, kormas, roomali roti, warqi roti, zardi, biryanis and many more.

1. Zarda

The Zarda is a perfect example of fusion dish as the basmati rice is used and it is converted into a delightful savoury. With lots of dry fruits and cherries, it is made with the special basmati rice which is flavoured and cardamom sugar syrup is added to it. The saffron colour as the saffron is also mixed to give a refreshing and amazing taste. It is a rare dish which most of the people have not heard off. It is a delicacy which you should try when you are in Lucknow and can make it at home as well.

2. Murgh Mussallam

The Murgh Mussallam can be described as a perfect example of Persian flavours mixed with the Awadhi style of cooking. Murgh Mussallam is a whole, roasted chicken cooked in masala. The dish was popular among the royal families. It has also been described as the favourite dish of Muhammad bin Tughluq. The chicken is marinated for hours and then stuffed with boiled eggs. The chicken is then further cooked with chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, cloves and poppy seeds and garnished with dry fruits and edible silver foil also known as vark.

Murgh Mussallam
Murgh Mussallam

Image Source: Dev Wijewardane

Now talking of the kababs, they are also an example of Persian flavours mixed with Awadhi style. Earlier the kababs were simply small pieces of meat roasted over fire called boti kababs. Later with innovations and improvements were born Shammi kababs, Galouti kababs and Kakori kababs.

3. Seekh Khababs

The Seekh kababs have been an inseparable part of the Awadhi cuisine for a long time. The dish was introduced by the Mughals and was originally prepared with beef mince on skewers cooked to perfection on a charcoal flame. Later the tenderness of the lamb mince replaced the beef mince in the dish giving the kababs a new dimension altogether.

Chicken Sheek Kebab
Chicken Seekh Kabab

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4. Tunde Kabab

Tunde ke Kabab, a yet another delight, is prepared with minced meat which is popular in Lucknow. The dish was the speciality of a one-armed chef hence, the dish got its name Tunde ke Kabab. The dish is believed to be over 100 years old and claims to be unique because of the secret recipe for the preparation of the masala. The masala is said to infuse flavours of over 160 spices.

Tunde ke kabab
Tunde ke kabab

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5. Shami Kabab

Shami Kabab can be spotted at all places in Lucknow from street vendors to high-end restaurants. To make this delicacy at home start with the preparation of a mixture comprising of minced meat, ground chickpeas and spices. Usually, an egg is added to the mixture for binding i.e., to hold the mixture together. A small patty is formed of this mixture which is then pan-fried and served hot with mint-coriander chutney. In a vegetarian version of the kebab replace meat with paneer or potatoes.

Shami Kebab
Shami Kabab

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6. Korma

Korma stands for cooked meat in Urdu. The dish starts with the preparation of a spice sauce comprising of yogurt, cream, nut and seed paste. Then meat or vegetables are added to the sauce and allowed to simmer until cooked. Traditionally, the dish was prepared on a pot set over a very low flame with charcoal on the lid to provide heat from all sides. The term Shahi used for the delicacy symbolizes its status as a royal dish and its association with the emperors and the court.

Korma
Korma

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7. Pulao

Pulao is prepared by cooking meat in ghee with aromatic and exotic spices, allow the meat to cook in water on a low fire until soft and tender. Add rice and further cook it in a sealed pot over low heat. With biryani the cooking technique is a bit different. Here the rice is separately boiled or parboiled in spiced water and then layered with meat curry which is then sealed and allowed to cook over a low flame.

Chicken Biryani
Chicken Biryani

8. Makhan Malai

Apart from the Awadhi cuisine the city also boasts of its desserts. Makhan Malai served here is one such dessert. Makhan Malai is a flavourful winter sweet sold here. It is an airy and fluffy dish with a creamy texture. It is served with a sprinkle of khoya and dry fruits and decorated with edible silver foil. The street is full of vendors selling this sweet, to find which one is the best reach out to the vendor with the least makhan malai left.

Makhan Malai
Makhan Malai

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9. Handi Chicken

Other things to indulge in when in Lucknow, is the traditional Handi Chicken. The dish is prepared by cooking rice, spices and chicken on low flame for hours until cooked. The handi is served packed to the customers.

Mutton Biryani
Mutton Biryani

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10. Warqi Paratha

Warqi Paratha or layered paratha serves as an ideal combination with curries. Street food forms an integral part of the city. Lucknow is famous for its street food with samosa and chaat being the city’s favourites. The popular ones among the people here are Matar ki Chaat served with aloo tikka and Dahi bhallas.

Wheat is the staple food of the state hence breads form a major part of the diet here. One can find rotis and breads which are made in different ways some of them are rumaali roti, tandoori roti, naan, kulcha, lachha paratha, sheermal and bakarkhani.

Warqui Paratha
Warqi Paratha

 

And finally, end one’s food safari with the Lucknowi Paan and Kulfi Faluda. The faluda is available in different flavours like almond, elaichi and many others.

Street Food- Lucknawi Chat

Kulfi Faluda
Kulfi Faluda

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The city provides you with an umpteen number of food options and for a comfortable stay book, you stay here.

Related Blog Posts: Places In Hyderabad

Top 10 Ideas for an Awesome Birthday Catering

Be it is your baby’s first birthday or your grandfather’s 80th, catering is the lifeline for making their parties a wonderful one. Food is the heart of every party and when you have something interesting for your guests, your party is surely going to be the most popular and talked about.

You must be wondering how your birthday menu could be different from the traditional one. Think out of the box!

Twist your chocolate cake in a magical swirl or give your cookies a name, but when the idea of doing something different on your beloved birthday has popped into your mind, give the task its rightful conclusion.

As we know that you alone cannot plan the entire birthday menu. And when you have planned for something creative, you need to put heads together to prepare a delicious yet different meal for your celebration. But, this is a task next to impossible when you are inviting about 50-100 guests for your celebration. Well, when it is not possible to shuck off any guest from your finalized list, then let the catering service shoulder the responsibilities. Besides, entertaining these many guests would create chaos inside your homes, but arranging a birthday at a banquet hall would give you the space to breathe and enjoy the birthday equally.

With such a huge count of your guests, opting for a banquet hall would be the best possible mode to organize your party. But, if hiring a catering service seems a bit extravagant, then have a look at some of the benefits of hiring a catering service.

  • Caterers have a huge experience in arranging the right quantity of meal for your numerous guests. Thus, you don’t have to worry about arranging for your meal a day before the party.
  • When caterers are there to take care of the food section, you get to enjoy your party and meet and greet each and every guest personally without worrying about food. It’s the responsibility of the catering staff to serve food to every guests.
  • While using the services of catering, you don’t have to get busy with serving. You just need to relax and enjoy the party like your guests are doing.
  • Choosing a catering service saves a lot of your time that you can utilize in choosing your décor, theme, plan party games and making invitations.
  • Catering can most assuredly come up with some new and innovative food item that you might not be even aware of.
  • You can always customize the food list when you want to add something new or something regular in your meals.

Check out some of the latest Food Ideas that can be included in your event planning checklist and can go in a party of every age-group.

1. Cake Steals the Show

It’s not just the era of the same old cakes. Come out of the illusion that a simple vanilla or chocolate truffle is enough to dazzle your guests.

Try out some theme on your cakes. Prepare something that is related to the birthday person. If your baby girl is a fan of Barbie, why not bring the shape to your cake. If you have a huge number of guests to serve, preparing a two-tier or three-tier cake that would add more charm and suffice the guest list quantity.

2. Floral Ice bucket

You must be thinking what in earth is Floral Ice bucket, It’s a simple yet creative method to make your birthdays more exciting. You can make this on your own, you just have to take the ice and mix the flowers in it. Then put it in a bowl so that it can take the shape of the bowl and let it freeze. When you will take it out you will see that it is like a bowl with flowers embedded in it. You can serve ice cream or seafood or some drink in that to make it more quirky. Just remember one thing keep an eye when it starts to melt.

3. Mini Pails of food

Another amazing idea to make the birthday event more amazing and flooded with new ideas is that you can serve the food in the mini pails. You can prepare a wall where all the mini pails are hung and it can be decorated with the yellow in the background. You can make it more interesting by writing some messages or quirky name of the dishes with the fun description or sketch.

4. Savoury “Lollipops”

The other amazing savoury which you can include in your list is these Lollipops. Don’t add this in your desert list. Make it separate of the desert one and serve it with the snacks or the lunch with the filling popping up from the shell. This will look great and when this will be tasted everyone will be delighted to have it.

5. Exotic Variety of Drinks/ Shakes/ Juices

Prepare some interesting mocktails or innovative shakes topped with ice-cream. This is sure to be a hit among the children as well as adults. Who can resist the beauty of a glass filled with chocolate, ice-cream and topped with a cherry?

Make the drinks more colourful that can lend them a different edge but the taste should remain a little on the sweeter side so that kids can enjoy them in earnest. Some of the most popular drinks that you can prepare for your birthday party are Candy Apple Punch, Smoothies, or lemonade with a tang of pineapple, watermelon and many more. You can definitely consult the catering service when you want to customize your drink menu with your choice.

6. Everybody’s favourite-Snacks/Starters

Starters or appetizers play a pivotal role in any birthday party. Be it a kid or adult, they all just love to fill themselves up with the little fried meatballs, mac or cheese balls, popcorns, hot dogs, cupcakes, nachos etc.

While cooking your snacks or appetizers, make sure that they are smaller in size and are easier to eat because these are the things that can create more hassle than your actual menu could. Sandwiches make a grand addition to your starters. Be it a veggie one or ham sandwich, these are always a favoured menu item. You may also add some crackers with various types of dip.

7. The Crucial Main Course

Conjuring up a main course is very difficult when you are confused about serving your guests with complete traditional dishes or with some continental cuisines. It would be advisable to have a taste of both in your menu.

Well, a White Sauce Pasta seems definitely delectable with a plate of warm and fluffy Pav Bhaji!

The food that you are going to serve should not be on a heavier side as people have already filled up their appetite with the starters. Some of the popular Indian main course food includes-Chole Bhature, Pav Bhaji etc. While if you are looking for some international cuisines you may take upon Middle East dishes like Shawarma or Italian meal courses like Pizza or Pasta. For setting up a Continental buffet, you may consider the Thai dishes or some Chinese favourites for your guests.

8. Sensational Salads

A main course is empty without a perfect salad to go with it. Create an enchanting salad station for your guests to relish in the efforts you have put into preparing the meal.

Try out different styles of salads with fruits, chicken, veggies, corn and mushrooms in combination with cream, lettuce, herbs, olives, vinegar that enriches the taste of the salads. Using a pasta salad, or pairing up with some cottage cheese, pepper or kidney beans can surely make a healthy meal for your health conscious guests.

9. Divine Desserts

The most awaited part of any event resides with the desserts. A favourite of every kid and adult, desserts are a show stopper for any event. But, using a scoop is not a trend of birthdays anymore.

With the introduction of cinnamon rolls, lemon tarts, chocolate chip cookies, doughnuts, cream-filled croissant, chocolate puddings, cheesecake, puffs or jelly cakes, you can give a new name to your birthday dessert menu. Some might feel that having a cake is sufficient for a dessert but that’s not true. Having a side dessert menu can complete your entire birthday catering.

10. Sweet Treats

Set up a sweet treat bar at your birthday parties for every party game guests win and see the magic it creates in your ambience. The most popular sweet treats that could be arranged for your party are chocolate pops, Marshmallow kabobs, S’more, ice-cream sandwich, fortune cookies, candy cones, sugar sticks etc.

Having a sweet treat just adds an additional layer of excitement to your parties. It would be more of a surprise for the birthday guy and the guests if you could arrange the treats according to your theme.

Planning a menu is just not enough. You have to keep some important aspects in mind before giving final touches in drafting your menu.

Plan the type of menu that matches the timing of your celebration. You cannot call your guests in the evening and offer a cake with a few snacks. An evening party is bound to roll towards night, thus you should be carefully preparing your dinner meal as per your guest’s list. Likewise, for an afternoon party, guests would definitely expect a proper lunch course.

Keep a close watch over the age group of your guests. Formulating children birthday party ideas or an adult’s party requires a delicious menu which could be easily resolved by offering them pizzas or sandwiches. But, you cannot add too much of sweet or calorized food if your guest list includes older people. Even when you have toddlers in your party, you cannot include too much of a crunchy meal.

Be alert to allergies. Most of the people are allergic to peanuts or fruits. Try to keep them at minimum and if it seems unavoidable, try to warn the kids or parents beforehand. Try to use disposable cups and plates that could be used once and then thrown so that there are no chances of contacting any contamination from one guest to another. Don’t use any precious melamine crockery as these might accidently get broken down!

You may match the food with the theme and avoid an all-round sugar burst in your party. Cakes and desserts can fulfil the entire need of sugar. For the sweet treats, keep them in a complimentary prize category for your birthday games.

With all the ideas to help you out of your confused state, deploy the most convenient menu structure at your birthday party and celebrate it with a blast.

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15 Wedding Entertainment Ideas that can Leave your Guests in Awe

After you have exchanged the rings or completed the pheras, it’s time for you to bring out some entertainment for your guests. A wedding is a ceremony that is to be cherished for life and with some funny elements to spice up the ritualistic moments, and to add your individuality in the occasion. Whether organizing your ceremony at a banquet hall or at your home, entertainment is an aspect that could be arranged everywhere. And moreover, it’s your friends and relatives who await some entertainment with such high hopes.

 

When thinking about entertainment, don’t fear about the budget. Entertainment or games does not always mean that it is going to be some costly interlude. Some really simple yet joyful fun activities can definitely uplift the spirits of your guests. Since your wedding guest list is not restricted to any particular age-group, it is advisable to arrange games or some activities for all because it’s your wedding and you would just love to involve everyone in your big day. Have a look at some of the really entertaining ideas you can arrange for your guests to enjoy and intensify the happiness around you.

1. Wedding DJs

The most common form of entertainment for any wedding is the all-time favourite- a DJ. Music is the backbone for any event and keeps the spirit of the party to the maximum.

We cannot even think of celebrating a wedding without shaking a leg. Arranging a DJ night is pretty easy. With tons of vendors in the market or the in-house DJs of any banquet hall, you may easily arrange to have one at your wedding.

2. Fireworks

How can you even bereft your wedding from the magical fireworks? The liveliness of any grand event could be profusely enhanced when you have arranged fireworks for your guests.

Everybody loves a dramatic display and having a firework as a part of your wedding celebration will help in this regard. Make sure that you display the fireworks under proper security.

3. Live Bands

These are the trending entertainment elements when you want something different other than the conventional DJs. Though if you are somehow excited about the idea of having live band at your wedding, it would be better to choose the one who is backed up with certain recommendations.

You can even arrange for some retro-themed or rock band if you want to brighten up your atmosphere with more creativity.

4. Whiskey Bar

Party is definitely incomplete without this section. The amazing whiskey bar, it is awesome when you can arrange for the whisky fountain. It will make your guests go awestruck. All the guests would love the beautiful arrangement done at the whisky bar. Remember the collection of the whisky should be vintage and amazing.

5. Table Trivia

This idea is always amazing and you should include it as it will greatly impress your guests. Table trivia is that game in which the couples ask each other questions and they both have to answer them. But here is that catch, questions can be put up for the guests as well. The questions will be quirky and witty and full of fun.

6. Awards Ceremony

Another great idea is keeping the Award ceremony. You can make the list of the categories before the function but keep it a surprise for maximum people. Include your friends to make the preparation. Arrange some gifts to give to the winner. Just keep in mind the categories should be witty and full of fun, so that the quests get surprised and enjoy a lot.

7. Put up a Music Request Box

What could be more interesting than having a DJ played at your wedding? It would definitely be the DJ Request box. Do not let your guests make a fuss over the played tracks.

Let them have their suggestions put up in a request box for the DJ to get an idea of the type of music in demand. With a request box at their disposal, you won’t have to listen to them raving about the ‘same old tracks’.

8. Photo Booths

Photos are always welcomed at every occasion. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, reunions or seminar, photographs are a medium to mark the occasion that revives our memory at some later time.

But, setting up a photo booth at your wedding would require some creativity to entice your guests to pose for photos. With an amazing background, you can surely click some really candid pictures to make your moments more colorful.

9. Set up a candy or coffee station

It’s not just about a chaat corner or salad bar anymore. Your guests would definitely look around for something different and interesting that was not the prodigy for any wedding occasion before. If yours is a winter wedding, then setting up a coffee station would do the trick of making your occasion a successful one.

Similarly, a candy station for the kids would be a great establishment. All these candy or coffee stands will add more glitter to your surroundings and create hubbub among your guests.

10. Bouncy Castles

Well, it’s not just the older ones, but the kids are also going to attend your wedding.

So, keeping this mind you can arrange these bouncy castles that will be a delight for kids and a great mode of entertainment in your celebration. You can arrange for some wedding entertainers or tattoo booth if yours is a ‘Day wedding ceremony’.

11. Arrange Karaoke

If you think that your guests are going to like DJ or a live band, then organizing a karaoke is also a great idea.When we are all in the mood for the ceremony and would like our guests to enjoy the moment with us, then having a karaoke podium would be exciting. This is an intriguing way to relive the memories of your wedding at some later time.

12. Make a Grand Entry

For an Indian wedding, it’s all about having a grand entry for the couple. You can arrange for some interesting entrances that are different from the traditional ones.

Your exquisite entry could be a real fun for you as well as for your guests. You would be astonished to know that there are different castes in India where the entry of the groom is a creative one based on some story and the tradition has been carried for a long time as well.

13. Add some glitter to your Dance Floor

A simple dance floor is not going to entice your guests to start their dance.

Blame it on their fancy footwear! Try out some innovative lightning that will spruce up and enhance the look of the dance floor. You may even add some props for the guests, specifically the kids to enjoy the dancing.

14. Play Different Tunes

Your DJ can create such magic for your guests. Ask him to play different tunes and announce different dance forms for your guests to roll out with the playing music track. Just think how your guests will react when they have to switch from a ball dance to Bhangra in a minute!

15. Put your story on a video

Who could resist the chance to know how you two met and how were you before your wedding? Set up a display of slides or a video that will give a glimpse of both bride’s and groom’s life before they met. It will personalize your wedding and your guests can pass their time while glancing at your pre-wedding life.

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Though arranging for an entertainment at your wedding seems equally enticing, make sure the vendors you are consulting have enough experience in organizing such activities for a wedding.

Explore and browse a lot when you are hiring a DJ or band because these are in abundance in the market. But, choosing a legible one would be a difficult task. So, take your time and do research. Take advice from your friends who are familiar with any such entertainment agency. While choosing a band performer or solo artist try to check out his previous videos, reviews, and feedback to learn about his service quality. You can even plan out to play some specific songs for your ceremony that is liked by your spouse-to-be.

Be open about your budget because investing in such entertaining activities is a pricey matter. Discuss your wedding budget with the agency or individual vendor, whoever you are consulting at the moment. Moreover, in a wedding season, it is very difficult to grab a band or DJ as they are already booked for the day. So make your bookings in advance. If you are already working with a wedding planner, he/she can help you out with some information about the suitable entertainer for your wedding.

Keep your venue in mind because having a lot of entertaining activities can suffocate your venue. Thus, arrange the entertainments as per the space of your venue so that your guests can enjoy effectively. Just think how cluttered it would be if your indoors have a DJ, a karaoke platform as well as a candy station. It is advisable to organize such entertainments when your wedding is arranged in both outdoors and indoors. Spreading out the entertaining activities can bring out the charm of your ambience.

Include the entertainment for all your guests. How can you deprive the kids of having fun when the adults are busy in some other activity?

Marriage is all about celebration and fun. The memories that you create are to be cherished for a lifetime thus, adding a pinch of entertainment could be delightful for your friends and family. Choose your entertainments wisely and make yours the wedding of the year.

15 Ways to Choose the Perfect Venue for your Birthday Party

The first question that comes to your mind when you are about to throw a birthday party is: WHERE. Planning a rather small and intimate birthday party at your house or backyard would not require you to worry about the venue. But, if this is your kid’s 1st birthday or your father’s 50th, you must be making a list of a good number of guests.  With so many guests to accommodate, a suitable venue is of utmost priority. Well of course, when you are calling your guests to some other location, it will be the talk of the town. Thus, you have to choose your venue wisely.

Let us have a deeper look at some of the knacks of picking an appropriate venue for your birthday party.

1. How far is it?

A venue should not be too far from your locality or your town wherever you have decided to throw a party. Calculate the amount of time it would take you to reach there. Besides if you are carrying some things or props of your own, you should reach the venue in advance. Even if your birthday is a local event still you should look out the benefits of booking a banquet hall. But, if your guests are coming from outstation, then a known place would do the trick. Also, consider transportation and traffic of the area where your venue is located. If you are providing invitations to your guests, then laying out the map of the venue would also be helpful.

2. How much space does it have?

Do not choose just on the basis of its backdrop, although it is equally necessary. But, talking about the matter at hand, your venue should have ample space so that you can accommodate a 100 guests under one roof.

If this is some outdoor party, then you need not worry about the seating arrangement. But, for an autumn or winter birthday, when the weather is pretty chilly, an indoor birthday party should be a wise choice. Moreover, having a venue large enough to accommodate all the guests, would comprise of multiple restrooms and parking facilities which you won’t be able to provide at your home.

3. What’s the venue’s stance on catering service?

While you have selected a venue, make sure that the venue has the facility of Birthday Catering. Food is the backbone of any party and with your decided menu, you may even customize the chef’s menu at the location and DIY the foods and drinks easily. Though cake is the show-stopper for every birthday, you may even ask for some Custom cakes as well. Look out for their specialty by asking them to prepare the cakes as per your theme.

While going for a catering service, make sure that you are aware of the price of each and every food. The catering service is equally responsible for the table-top arrangement. A nicely folded napkin and the placing of cutlery is equally impactful when you are planning to throw a dashing birthday party.

4. Will they provide a Party Planner?

Most of the party venues these days provide an event planner who will accompany and advice you at every step of your planning. Besides, if you are a novice in party planning and that too for such a large scale then having a party planner beside you would prove to be of much help.

Party planners are highly experienced and can give your ideas the perfect shape. You may convey and share your opinions and let him execute the decoration with his professional touch. An event planner can also help you with your budget. If you are on a limited budget, then planning for some extravaganza won’t be wise. But, he might bring out the best out of your prescribed budget as well.

5. What about the Birthday Party Decoration?

Just like the food and napkin affects the event’s reputation, the same goes with the decoration. A party without decoration is like an empty shell. Decoration brings about liveliness inside a party.

Nowadays it’s not just about balloons and a “Happy Birthday” sign that can suffice the decoration. Plenty of quirky ideas have been introduced time and again to create a more vibrant environment in a party. The venues today have efficient event planners who can enrich your venue with the likeable entities seen in a party. You may even customize something special and dedicate it to the Birthday Girl/Boy.

A decoration of a venue comprises of different levels. It might include the decoration of the buffet table or a special focal point as well. Some people are more enthusiastic about decorating the entire room or garden or wherever they are about to host.

6. How good is the Parking Facility?

When you have to take in so many guests under one roof, then having an expansive parking facility is a must. Check if your selected venue has a parking lot or valet parking facility?

A venue with such a huge parking facility is a dream because parking for 100 cars just doesn’t seem plausible. For this, you may help out your guests by hiring some multi-parking facility or nearby parking area of others.

7. How is the venue going to handle your Entertainment?

When planning a birthday, do not forget to include some entertainment and fun activities for your guests. If yours is an outdoor party, then have a look at some of the outdoor ideas such as bouncy castles etc.

But, if this is going to be an indoor party, then ask your venue about the type of entertainment they are going to provide. Choose your games intelligently by involving all age groups.

How could you ignore the kids even if this is your grandfather’s birthday? If you have organized a theme, you may orchestrate your games according to it.

8. Will it provide you with all the Required Services?

The modern birthday parties are not just about cakes, gifts, and décor. Ask your venue whether it has an in-house catering service. There are many venues that are in partnership with some outside food vendors.

You should also make sure that the venue has a sound system, audio-visual equipment, tables, chairs and all other amenities that should be part of their event planning service. Asking about these things can save you a lot of money from outsourcing the caterers, games, and any other technical installations.

9. How much is the Cost?

While booking a venue for your occasion, handle your cost issue at first. It would be huge chaos if you have to go into debt for your birthday. Choose the venue which is affordable and has a pleasant backdrop.

Organizing your party at some uptown location can really mess with your pre-defined budget. Don’t pick some over the large venue that can accommodate 500 guests when it is just a matter of 80 guests for you.

10. What kind of Shared or Private space is provided?

A private space is definitely preferable over a shared space since it keeps the intimacy of the occasion intact.

If you go with a shared space option, then you are definitely going to face some interference from the unknown party who are also celebrating over there.

11. What will be the Seating Layout?

Since this, your birthday party, having a theatre style seating would not do at all. Have a look at the floor space of your chosen venue and check whether a banquet style, cabaret style or a family style sitting arrangement would be perfect for you.

If you have to save some space for your dance and DJ, try to avoid too many tables and set up an alternate arrangement that will take less space.

12. What is the Ambience of the Venue?

When you are organizing a birthday party, ambience is one of the crucial factors that you have to consider in earnest. For a summer or spring birthday, an outdoor venue would be great if you are planning to have an evening event.

For a winter birthday party, having an indoor venue arrangement would be a better choice as you cannot just let your guests shiver in this cold!

But, an outdoor venue for a day event is preferable for a winter birthday party as well.

13. Did they have good Acoustics or not?

Acoustic is related to the sound and music which is a necessary part of any party. It is important because your ears are sensitive and precious and you really not to harm them. So it is really important to check whether the speakers are in good condition or not. And the acoustics are not going out and disturbing the neighbourhood or the other people.

14. Are you Flexible with your Venue?

Having an outdoor party in a rainy season would prove disastrous if you don’t have an alternative for your guests. With the accessibility of both indoor and outdoor, you don’t have to worry about the weather if it tries to dampen your outdoor plans.

15. Is your Venue Available?

Do not make this disastrous mistake of assuming that your venue is reserved when it is already booked by someone else for the day. Check out that the venue is available and then make the prior arrangement. If possible you may choose some locations out of your locality if you have plans to throw the party at any other venue.

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15 Differently Styled Banquet Hall Settings for your Event

 

Banquet halls have emerged as the perfect venue option for any event. Their names are getting synchronized with good food, accommodation, location, and a scintillating ambience that could not be evolved anywhere else. And why not? Advantages of Banquet halls can be easily seen as they are gaining popularity because of their ability to hold every kind of event whether it is your child’s birthday, your pre-wedding ceremony or a simple graduation party. The entire set up of sitting and dining at a banquet is very likable and people get the chance to socialize easily within such a jolly atmosphere.

Banquet halls provide the best site for organizing various events such as:

  • Birthday
  • Wedding Ceremony
  • Pre or Post wedding ceremony
  • Anniversary
  • Bachelorette party
  • Graduation Ceremony
  • Farewells or Welcome Ceremony
  • Baby Shower
  • Corporate events like Seminar, Workshop, Lectures, Training etc.
  • Festive Event

So now you have the occasion at your hand and the perfect venue where it is to be hosted, but it is the layout and seating arrangement that is making you confused exceedingly. Let’s have a look at some of the seating arrangements that are suitable for different occasions. Consult your banquet room layout planner and decide on a required arrangement.

  • T-Shaped Style Seating

This seating arrangement is unique and really fun to go on. In this type of seating in the front it will be like a column style and from the middle of that row one straight line will go making the T- shaped seating. It is a fun seating arrangement. You can use it for the gaming purpose. Interacting in this arrangement is not that possible.

This kind of arrangement is just for the gaming and fun purpose and if you want the quirky fun then go for this arrangement.

  • Training Room Style

You can make this seating arrangement more realistic by pairing up with tables or chair attached table. This will remind you of your college days and will surely be great. Going through the memories and the actions which you used to do in the college. Sitting and remembering your days and the lecture room madness will make you feel awesome for sure.

  • Restaurant Seating

This arrangement is best done while the bar or buffet system or during any other event except marriage. It is definitely a great seating arrangement because all will ultimately be able to interact with each other and enjoy together. Eat together. Eating together is a really good gesture as you will come to know each other a lot.

  • Banquet Style Seating

This is the usual style of seating arrangement where the guests are seated around a circular table. This gives them the perfect opportunity to interact with another and every person could see every other person clearly.

This kind of seating arrangement is popular for wedding reception, gala dinners, award ceremonies, Christmas or New Year parties and other informal events. The table is surrounded by 8-10 chairs usually.

  • Cabaret Style Seating

The arrangement is almost similar to banquet style but the chairs do not surround the table completely. They form an arc and the table is opened from one end. This type of arrangement compels the guests to look forward towards the stage. It is basically a reduction in the number of seats and an inefficient use of seating capacity per square foot. This could be more of a stylised seating arrangement for less number of guests. This type of arrangement goes well with events that include presentations, training, gala parties or workshops.

  • Stand Up Reception Arrangement

This is also an excellent style of arrangement that is flexible and movable enough. With the high-boy tables that are scattered around the venue, the guests can freely roam around the entire site without any need to look after their chair.

This type of arrangement is favoured during some dinner parties, cocktail parties, or any festive event followed with a dance session. The tables are high-rise and are covered with floor-length ties to give an ethereal appearance to the table settings.

  • Family Style Seating Arrangement

Also called as the cafeteria style, this is a long table seating arrangement (like the Royals used to setup) with several rows of chairs lining it. This type of arrangement is very pleasant and appealing when you have ample space to accommodate such long tables.

A wedding reception, a dinner party or any gala party for a huge family gathering could be applied to this type of arrangement. Moreover, these types of arrangements make way for more striking photos within such a cosy sitting setup.

  • Theatre Style Sitting

Highly suitable for lectures, performances or seminar, this is one the simplest style of seating arrangement where the chairs are aligned in rows one after other. This type of arrangement is not placed keeping the food distribution in mind. The seats are looking forward towards the front and the attendees face the stage.

This arrangement also uses the floor space efficiently, taking in more number of seats at an event. But, the drawbacks are enough to account for. The guests or the attendees have to push past the others to come out of their seats. No audience interaction takes place as they are not facing each other like the banquet style or stand up reception arrangement offers.

  • Classroom Type Seating Arrangement

As the name suggests, within this type of arrangement the chairs are placed in rows, one behind the other, with the tables in front of them. It is placed in such a manner that there is a walking aisle in between. This is an ideal setup for meetings, lectures, presentations or any formal or corporate event.

The participants have the access to put up their notepads, laptops or any required material on the table. They also have the advantage of having a platform to eat their food. All the chairs are facing forward towards a podium or the speaker. But like the theatre style arrangement, this also offers less interaction among the attendees.

  • U-shape Setup

The seating is in shape of “U” with the tables and chairs arranged in an open-ended manner, all of them facing forward towards the projector screen or podium. This type of arrangement allows the speaker to get into close proximity with the attendees and encourage them in participating and discussion.

Thus, U-shape is better when you need more interaction with your audience. But, the floor space is not used efficiently and the number of seats is reduced. Conferences, Seminars, workshops, and training are better synchronized with such arrangements.

  • Hollow Square Arrangement

The square table that is used for the setup has a hollow centre but unlike U-shape has no open end. Under this type of arrangement, the audience is facing each other.

This type of arrangement is basically used for discussions. Though there is space to have food or taking notes, it cannot be used when a speaker wants to address the occasion. It also reduces the seating capacity and only a few participants are allowed.

  • Boardroom Seating Style

This is somehow a constricted form of hollow square arrangement, where only a single elongated table is used and all the guests are facing inwards towards each other.

There is no option for a speaker or presentation if required. But, the audience can interact among themselves easily. These are basically used for meetings, discussions, interviews, team briefings etc. This style is also known as conference seating style. A maximum of 25-30 members can attend the event.

  • Cocktail Arrangement

This is one of the arrangements that make the best use of the floor space where the guests are free to roam around without any restriction in the movement like that in theatre style seating and classroom-style seating arrangement. Often used for Christmas, New Year or any exhibition, these arrangements create an open space atmosphere, unlike the other seated ones.

Though this type of seating arrangement provides the audience with an enhanced opportunity for interaction, there is a minimal facility for taking rest and eating food.

  • Herringbone Arrangement

This style is similar to the classroom seating arrangement but the rows of chairs and tables are inclined inwards. All these seats are facing towards the podium or the speaker.

Moreover, the facilities are apt for taking notes and even consumption. But, the drawback remains in the movement of the audience as it makes the entry or exit pretty difficult. This arrangement consists of an aisle creating an easy motion for the orator.

This type of arrangement is best suited for conference, lectures, seminars or any formal event that would not require much interaction among the attendees.

  • Horse Shoe Shaped Arrangement

This is just like U-shaped seating style but there are no tables accompanying the chairs. The chairs are arranged in some open-ended configuration where the audience is facing inwards facing the focal point of the event.

This type of arrangement goes well when you are organising some discussions, team briefings, presentations etc. The absence or tables indicate that there is no possibility of taking notes or consumption. But, this is not an efficient use of floor space and thus the number of seats are greatly reduced. The speaker is on an advantage as he could discuss and address the audience personally.

It seems that you are well aware of the types of seating arrangements you could have for your event. But, keep the following things in mind before putting down the layout.

Decide on the shape of the table that are to be used. Whether it is going to be an oval for the banquet style or rectangular for a family-style setting, it entirely depends on you. Make sure you have ample chair to accommodate a maximum number of guests.

If you want to have a separate section for your close friends and family members, set up your tables accordingly. You can mix the cabaret arrangement with your traditional banquet style tables to acknowledge the presence of your dear ones.

Take into account the floor plan while creating your wedding seating or corporate seating chart. With more number of guests arriving for your presentation, you cannot have a Horseshoe seating arrangement for the function!

If your guests are going to overpower the number of seats, then make sure that there is Stand-up reception arrangement as well.

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15 MOST AFFORDABLE WEDDING VENUES FOR AN ELEGANT WEDDING IN DELHI-NCR

Weddings ought to be elegant, and we mean without burning a hole in your pocket! A marriage celebration is one of the most memorable days in the lives for a couple. To season a wedding with an elegant atmosphere, fun, and memories, a suitable wedding venue run by a dedicated host is all you need. If you are wondering where to celebrate your wedding function with a perfect blend of decency & affordability, you are at the right place. We have compiled a listicle of excellent wedding venues in Delhi-NCR just for you.

Here are Twelve wedding destinations for an affordable and memorable wedding in Delhi-NCR.

Your day of the wedding is nearing, and you are looking for a wedding destination that can deliver all your expectations. These wedding banquets in Delhi-NCR will make sure of it. Take a look.

1. OYO Flagship Hotel Chaupal

For the engagement or the small ceremony you always need a comfortable yet great place so that your functions go well. You want someplace with is confined yet has a good service and decent environment. OYO Flagship Hotel Chaupal is located in sector 14, Gurgaon. This hotel is 16.4 kilometres away from the international airport and it is near to the Sultanpur National Park. The banquet hall gives you a comfortable accommodation. It has 2 banquet halls and it can accommodate 300 people easily. The facilities are really pleasing and the important factor is that it will easily come into your budget. It has an excellent professional team which sees to all your needs and offer great service which will make you comfortable. It has good and spacious rooms with all the facilities and a good vibe. The food and catering system is also great.

2. Tivoli Grand Resort Banquet

For a beautiful lavish wedding yet in a classy and simple style, this place is surely going to impress you. Tivoli Grand Resort is located in the GT Karnal Road. This beautiful venue will surely make you feel great, its poolside can easily be used for the amazing cocktail parties and your marvellous sangeet night with your friends as well. Its contemporary and unique style venue will make you awestruck. It will cater to all your needs and requirements and its highly professional team will take care to each and every small thing starting with your stay and wedding functions and properly ending it. The courtyard side can accommodate 4000 guests easily, it has many attractive places like the terrace, poolside and green beautiful lawns.

3. Seven Seas Hotel

The exquisite place which reminds you of the royal feel and gives you a bright and amazing feeling for having a classy and luxurious wedding function. Seven Seas Hotel is located in sector 3, Rohini which is situated in North Delhi. The place of luxury, the banquet halls, will give the bright and royal feeling. For any party and functions Seven Seas is a perfect choice and for the wedding functions, this place will make your moment worth remembering. The ballrooms of this place is amazing and breathtaking, it will remind you of the European luxury which it used to be in the British era. Wellington with the 26000 sq. ft area can easily accommodate 1200 guests is the best area to have a lavish function.  The hospitality of this place is well- structured and great.

4. OYO Townhouse Green park

There cannot be an ideal venue for pre-wedding functions like ‘mehndi,’ ‘sangeet’ or ‘sagai’ than this one. OYO Townhouse Green park is located in B-block, Safdarjung Enclave. Situated in an easy to spot location, this little townhouse flaunts a perfect setup for intimate family functions. The banquet hall has an accommodation capacity for fifty plus guests to delight them with a wide range of delicious cuisines. The venue boasts a charming ambiance. OYO Townhouse Green park is chiefly famous for cocktail parties, bachelor parties, and wedding ceremonies. You can choose from a variety of interior decorations. A highly skilled management team from OYO will ensure that your expectations are met up to the mark. Best of all, you get everything within your budget. Try to book this venue well in advance as the demand is high during the peak wedding season.

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5. OYO Flagship Greater Kailash

 The most sought-after wedding venue for engagements or ring ceremonies in Greater Kailash, this OYO flagship is an excellent venue for ‘sagai’ and cocktail parties. Located in Greater Kailash 2, this property is easy to identify and access. Offering an array of menus, from high tea to multi-cuisine items, the banquet hall here can comfortably accommodate up to hundred special guests. Availability of major social function services like DJ, catering, themed decor, parking, etc. ensures you get everything under one-roof without hassle. The ambiance and environment here speak of celebration with charm. This OYO Flagship property comes highly recommended for personalized pre-wedding ceremonies and intimate social gatherings, without being heavy on your pocket. Book this property and tell all your requirements to the team and let them take care of everything.

6. OYO Flagship Kalkaji Mandir

Located near the famous Kalkaji Mandir and Kalkaji hospital in Delhi, this OYO flagship offers a perfect blend of memorable celebrations and affordability. Very well suited for ‘shagan,’ ‘sagai’ and cocktail parties, this property features all the modern amenities. Featuring an indoor banquet to accommodate up to forty guests, the catering here is second-to-none. Ample parking space and all the modern facilities will ensure the comfort for you and your guests. Book this property for your pre-wedding ceremony or a close family function if you are looking for a small pack-full celebration package at the most reasonable prices.

7. OYO Townhouse Lajpat Nagar

This townhouse has already witnessed many successful wedding events. From pious ring ceremonies to ‘baraat’ receptions, this venue has seen a lot of happy times. Located in one of the most famous shopping destinations in Delhi, the Lajpat Nagar, this OYO run property is an excellent choice for social celebrations. Choose from an array of food items, both veg, and non-veg. The banquet has sumptuous delicacies to offer you. You can easily accommodate hundred plus guests in a joyful ambiance here. Apart from a range of essential in-house services, you get the drinks and decor from the host. This place is best suited for overnight social functions. Even, the package prices are very reasonable and won’t hamper your budget. This venue is recommended for a lavish intimate wedding celebration within an affordable range. Book it soon before someone else does!

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8. OYO Townhouse Greater Kailash-I

Speaking of wedding venues with charm, the OYO Townhouse in Greater Kailash-I cannot be missed out. Located in the posh East of Kailash, this celebration venue is always high on demand for personalized family functions. Be it the engagement ceremony, cocktail party or bachelor’s party, this venue is the one to be. Featuring a contemporary interior and an elegant outlook, this OYO property is well suited for up to seventy guests. A broad variety of multi-cuisine items coupled with an unparalleled OYO powered service is sure to make your event special. In fact, this townhouse property is the most sought-after one for close get-togethers and marriage ceremonies in this area. Head here if you are looking to host a memorable event with unmatched service at the most affordable rates.

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9. OYO Townhouse 010 East of Kailash

An excellent venue for delighting hundred plus guests, this another high-in-demand OYO managed Townhouse in East of Kailash makes for a delightful celebration treat. Housing all the modern amenities with ample parking make sure the guests are comfortable. Featuring DJ, dance floor, live band and large screens, any social function will brim with a cheerful atmosphere. Your worries are to be left at the front door as OYO’s skilled team takes care of the essential things. You can choose from a wide range of veg and non-veg delicacies. Personalized and elegant cocktail parties can be hosted here while staying within your budget. We recommend this place for your pre-wedding ceremonies and even ‘baraat’ reception.

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10. OYO Townhouse New Friends Colony

Why not go ahead with something that speaks grand? OYO Townhouse in New Friends Colony, Delhi, lets you host extravagant wedding functions. From ring ceremonies to lavish wedding night buffet, this place is always ready to cater to your needs. Boasting a considerable capacity to cheer two-hundred guests in an indoor setting, this place is loaded with all the modern amenities. You can select from a sophisticated High tea menu or tempting multi-cuisine items as per your occasion. Decorations, catering and other services are specialized to standout from the crowd. The in-house OYO team makes sure that your event gets what it deserves. This wedding banquet is ideally suited for ‘baraat’ reception, after-marriage reception and all the pre-matrimonial functions. Take our word for it and worry not about the budget! Go ahead and book this place to host your grand wedding function in a beautiful backdrop with a highly personalized ambiance.

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11. Hotel Thirty Three near Siri Fort

Royal, glamorous and charming is what defines the character of this venue. A highly recommended banquet property by the guests, this OYO hosted site has all the qualities & facilities you desire. Located near Gargi college, Hotel thirty-three offers to celebrate wedding functions, engagements, cocktail parties, and all kinds of social gatherings. The entrance to the hotel carries a glowing decent vibe to get people in the delightful celebration mood. Highly specialized wedding menu to luxury multi-cuisine delicacies will leave the guests in awe. This place also offers all the modern amenities under one roof. Hotel thirty-three flaunts an eloquent banquet big enough to accommodate a hundred souls without congestion. Surprisingly, this wedding destination falls within a very affordable range. Look no further for an extravagant wedding function than this property

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12. OYO Flagship Vaishali Max Hospital

This property is located in the heart of the national capital region,  easily accessible through sector-1 in Vaishali, Ghaziabad. Favored by families for hosting personal social functions, this wedding venue comes packed with high-quality service and affordability. Any pre-wedding ceremony or social function hosted here will be guaranteed a premium service. Delicacies listed in the catering menu are delicious enough to leave a lasting impression. You get to miss nothing for your special occasion, that too staying within your budget. All in all, we like this venue for its simplicity and service. Go ahead to book it for an excellent wedding event at a convenient location.

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13. OYO Townhouse Kaushambi Metro

We all fancy a unique and memorable function with our close wellwishers. This wedding venue offers you just that. Located in one of the most convenient locations near Delhi, this property is easily accessible from Kaushambi metro station. Sporting a classy indoor capacity of one-hundred and fifty heads, the banquet offers a tempting menu with a flawless service. The place is equipped with ample parking space and all the other amenities for a warm and comfortable stay. Again, let the OYO managers take care of all the tedious things so that you can focus on cherishing the special moments. This wedding banquet is a popular choice for engagements and ‘baraat’ receptions in this area. So, we recommend you to book it well in advance for a memorable wedding function within the affordable range.

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14. Hotel Glitz Westend Inn, Mahipalpur near Gurgaon

Grandeur and plain luxury are what defines this place. The Glitz Westend Inn near Gurgaon is the most popular wedding destination for royal and elegant functions. Offering impeccable services to make any occasion an impressionable one, this place is a wise choice for those who do not want to miss anything. The hotel’s themes and decor are just marvelous. Moreover, you can enjoy the celebration with 500+ people in a poolside setting. Select from various delicacies for the full-course menu and even include the full bar service as well. Personalized services like tattoo designing, bridal makeup and DJ can be availed on request. All in all, for a medium budget, you can host an impressionable celebration.

15. OYO Flagship sector 41 Noida

 One of the coziest venues for celebrating social functions on our list, the OYO flagship in sector 41, Noida beats everyone else due to its highly intimate setting. Think of it as a significant bungalow integrated with a superior hospitality service. This OYO managed wedding venue is a highly booked destination for small to medium functions. If you are looking for a family function like ‘sangeet,’ ‘sagai’ or even ‘baraat’ reception in an elementary and personal environment, this is the place to be. You can choose from a range of decorations and food items at the best price. OYO’s premium service delivery will let you focus on celebrating with your loved ones at this venue.

You just went through a list of some highly sorted wedding venues for an excellent wedding celebration in Delhi-NCR. All these properties are known for their affordability and unparalleled services. Choose the property that suits you the best.



10 Best Short Trips From Kuala Lumpur that You Must Visit

Kuala Lumpur is surely a city of dynamic cultures with enough to keep you excited, but what to do when you have seen everything? Cut short the trip? Absolutely not! Rather extend it and explore places off the beaten track. Ideal for times when you feel exhausted with the city life and want to take a break, these short getaways from KL will inject the thrill back. So, go and take a break!

10 Short Trips From Kuala Lumpur

  1. Fraser’s Hill (99.7Kms)
  2. Bentong (68.3Kms)
  3. Putrajaya (24Kms)
  4. Tama Negara (185Kms)
  5. Kuala Selangor ( 54Kms)
  6. Sekinchan (95 Kms)
  7. Cameron Highlands ( 206 Kms)
  8. Temerloh (136 Kms)
  9. Ipoh (205 Kms)
  10. Malacca (145 Kms)

1. Fraser’s Hill

If you are a lover of nature then this is the place for you. Surrounded by rainforests and tall trees and wildlife. Fraser’s hill resort is a paradise made in between the greenery which literally makes you feel rejuvenated. It is located in the Pahang Village and has the colonial cottages inside the jungle. The beauty of this hilltop resort can’t be explained in one or two words. There is a small story about how this place was discovered. It was back then in the 1890s when a Scottish prospector named Louis James Fraser, opened a tin mine but suddenly got disappeared in 1915.

So in 1917, A bishop from Singapore discovered this place while on a hunt of a man and advised to build it in a Hill station, then by the help of the authorities it was built.

Activities and attractions: Best place for Hiking, as it has hiking trails and the most suitable places are Abu Suradi Trail, Bishop Trail and Mager Trail. Apart from that, you do Golfing and Birdwatching as it is surrounded by jungle, so there is a place where you will find different kinds of birds. Other than you can experience the colonial history and the amazing wildlife.

Food: You will find amazing restaurants, the beautiful hilltop one will be your favourite, as it will give a cold and soothing breeze and awesome atmosphere. Don’t forget to have lunch & tea at Ye Old Smokehouse as it has a beautiful lush green garden.

Reach: You can take either taxi or bus to reach this beautiful place, it will take 2 hours 42 mins to reach your natural destination.

2. Bentong

This beautiful place became famous when the tin was found in the two rivers Repas and Perting. An old story tells Bentong was first named as Carlo Sas, the name was changed from Papi to Bentong before World War I. In the previous time the market area of the Bentong used to be the centre point, at the meeting point of the Chongki rivers, Repas and Perting. It has a number of naturalistic spots which you can explore easily.

Activities and attractions: You can visit the Colmar Tropical French Themed Resort and enjoy the architectural building which was built in the 16th century. You can visit the Chamang waterfall in Bukit Tinggi Forest Reserve.

Food: Eat durian’s at Jimmy Durian Orchard. You can have your food at the affordable restaurant, that is SHL restaurant and taste the homemade ice cream ais kacang at Kow Po. And most amazing thing is that you can take homemade kaya and pineapple puffs from the Mokie Home-Baked Pastry.

Reach: You can easily reach this amazing place by taxi in just 1 hour 12 mins.

3. Putrajaya

As this place is full of residential and government buildings but it has its own beauty apart from these normal buildings.

Activities and attractions: Just take a cruise for 25 minutes to 2 hour to view the actual beauty of this place. There are several iconic landmarks such as Perdana Putri( Prime Minister’s office); Putra Mosque and Putra Bridge. You can visit the most beautiful Putrajaya botanical garden with lush greenery. The architectural beauty of Moroccan Pavilion and you can walk around the Saujana Hijau park.

Food: You can enjoy the local delicacies of Putrajaya Farmer’s market that opens on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Reach: You can reach this place in just 50 mins, you just have to take a taxi to reach the cruise then, experience the beauty of the place.

4. Tama Negara

Tama Negara Bridge

Connected by major land and river routes, Taman Negara is Malaysia’s largest national park with a mountain range that includes the highest summit Gunung Tahan (2,187m). This 130 million-year-old rainforest allows enough activities for a trip of 3 to 4 days. But if you don’t have so long to spend, take the Night Safari without a second thought. The main attraction here is the canopy walk through the rainforest. It is the longest walk in the world. You will start the walk from a height of 5 meters that gradually goes up to 50 meters. From here, you can enjoy the view of the forest from the top amidst the company of birds and monkeys. A small fee is charged for the walk.

There are many other activities to do in Taman Negara which makes it a complete adventure.

Activities and attractions: Canopy walk, Night safari, Animal spotting, Trekking, River rafting, Camping, Fishing, River tubing, Motorboating, National Park, Kelah Sanctuary, Gunung Tahan, Lubok Simpon and Bukit Teresek.

Food: There are not many places to eat at Taman Negara but there are enough dishes for you to try. There are many floating restaurants in the river that offer local cuisine with freshwater fish and prawns as major features.

Reach: Take a bus or a night train from Kuala Lumpur and reach Jerantut. From there take a taxi ride to Kuala Tembeling, get down and take a boat ride of 2-3 hours to Kuala Tahan.

5. Kuala Selangor

Monkeys in Kuala Selangor

There is much more to Kuala Selangor than just monkeys and fireflies. The town has many historic attractions for visitors. From ancient burial grounds to forts and shrines, this place is steeped in heritage. Of course, the common sight of silvered leaf monkeys cannot be ignored especially with their infants hanging on their backs. A firefly tour at night is a must!

Activities and attractions: Tanjong Keramat Fort built by Sultan Ibrahim is a great historic site. The Virgin’s grave or Makam Keramat Anak Dara (as called by the locals) is a shrine built in the memory of a young girl who disappeared before her marriage ceremony. Also, there are war memorials and mausoleums that date back to the time of kings.

Food: Kuala Selangor offers a wide variety of seafood. Almost every restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes. Some must-try dishes are seafood pot, bamboo clams, juicy roasted chicken, oysters, clams and grilled prawns. They also have numerous Chinese restaurants if you wish to try.

Reach: Kuala Selangor is a 1-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Many people choose to stay in Kuala Selangor (since it takes more than a day to enjoy all the attractions in the town) but you can also stay in KL for city comforts and conveniences.

6. Sekinchan

Sekinchan

Sekinchan is called “the land of fish and rice”. Earlier it was only famous for its fishes because of Redang Beach being near but ever since the Malaysian government has announced rice as the staple food of Malaysia, Sekinchan has expanded on its rice fields. They grow multiple varieties of rice and have become the major rice producers of Malaysia.

Activities and attractions: Paddy fields and the Paddy Processing Factory are major attractions. You can also visit the nearby Redang beach for a beautiful view and have snacks with coconut water. There is a temple nearby called the Nan Tien Temple. Another interesting place is the Wishing Tree, very close to the Redang beach, where people tie red ribbons around the tree. The tree looks red with all the ribbons and makes a great background for a picture. This tree is just near the Redang beach.

Food: Since its called the land of rice and fishes, fresh seafood and items made of rice are a speciality. You can also eat fresh fruits from local markets and farms. There are restaurants that offer fresh fishes, crabs, mussels and oysters.

Reach: It is a 2-hour ride from Kuala Lumpur. If you don’t wish to drive yourself then you can book day tours covering Kuala Selangor fireflies tour along with Sekinchan.

7. Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands Tea Gardens

Cameron Highlands is a hill station in Pahang at an elevation of 1829 m above sea level. This place has vast tea gardens and colourful blooms spread all over. It has massive British influence since it was founded by a British explorer Sir William Cameron after whom the hill is named. The temperature in Cameron highlands never exceeds more than 20 degrees which gives tourists another reason to consider this as one of the best weekend trips from KL.

Activities and attractions: Visit the tea plantations here and pose for pictures as tea gardens form a great background. Hand pick strawberries at farms, hike through the Mossy forest and visit the butterfly farm. The rose centre is also a major attraction with an entry fee of just RM5. There is a cactus valley where you can see a variety of cacti and also one for yourself.

Food: Tea with cream is the signature drink of Cameron Highlands. It is available almost everywhere you go. English breakfast consisting of poached eggs, toasts, pancakes croissants, jam and jelly and scones are commonly found at the famous restaurants. You can also enjoy the Malay and Chinese cuisine at some restaurants. Indian food like chapati and butter paneer is also available at Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant.

Reach: Cameron Highlands can be reached by bus (RM35 per person), taxi (RM300 – RM400 one way) or by flight. It takes around 3 hours to reach there by road.

8. Temerloh

Temerloh

Temerloh once used to be a town which only had old colonial buildings but is now rapidly growing. After the launch of East Coast Expressway, Temerloh has become the industrial and transport hub. Temerloh is a municipality and the second largest town in Pahang.

Activities and attractions: Visit the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, home to rescued elephants. There is Deerland Park where you can not only see deer but also pat and feed them. There are other animals too like peacock, ostrich, frogs, snakes and wood ducks. Visit the Kuala Krau Wildlife to know about more wild animals. Also, have fun at Kubang Gajah waterpark at just RM10 for adults and RM8 for children.

Food: Some of the famous dishes are Patin fish curry, Gulai fish in rubber tree fruit, Malay style grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf, Sweet pineapples, Nasi Kebuli (heritage dish made of chicken and rice), puddings, Durian cakes and desserts.

Reach: Take East Coast Expressway or Karak Expressway from KL if you want to save time. These expressways also link Temerloh with other important destinations.

9. Ipoh

Ipoh

Ipoh, a city in northwestern Malaysia, is a gateway to Cameron Highlands which makes it a great spot for a  weekend trip. Like Cameron Highlands, Ipoh also has British influence on its infrastructure and food. Ipoh was once known as the “City of Millionaires” because of its location in the tin-bearing valley.

Activities and attractions: Ipoh has some excellent cave temples, each telling its own story. The paintings inside the caves are a delight to watch. Kellie’s castle is an unfinished mansion with a unique history. The Guan Yin Temple, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh Town Hall and Enlightened Heart Buddhist temple are other attractions of Ipoh. Another hidden secret is that Ipoh has natural hot springs where you can go and relax.

Food: Ipoh has some of the best cafés in the world that offer proper English tea and snacks. Apart from cafés, it also has some places that serve authentic Malay food including curry noodles, chicken fry, Hainan chicken rice, bamboo biryani, dim sums and rice pudding.

Reach: ETS (Electric Train Service) connects Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur. It takes about 2 and a half hours to reach Ipoh by train and costs RM25 for silver, RM35 for gold and RM46 for platinum. It is also advised to book the tickets beforehand. If you travel by road, it will take you the same time to reach. You can book the train tickets here.

10. Malacca

Malacca

Malacca is known as the “historic city” of Malaysia. Its rich heritage culture and ancient buildings have attracted tourists from all over the world. It has an interest influence of Islamic, Indian and Chinese cultures. Malacca has been ruled by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British before becoming independent. Apart from its historical sites, it is famous for its food and attractive monuments.

Activities and attractions: The two best museums of Malacca are Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum and the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum. If you are a history digger travelling in Malaysia, you can check out the 12 most famous historical places in Malaysia.

Food: Malacca offers you a wide range of delicacies to choose from. Satay with peanut sauce, half plate chicken with rice balls, oyster omelette, pork chops, dimsums, noodle soup and desserts like pancakes, cheesecakes, scones and special coffee (13 different style of coffee) rule the food platter.

Reach: Malacca is a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via North-South expressway. Buses are also available which run on a half-hourly basis to Malacca.  

These were some of the best weekend getaways from Kuala Lumpur that you must explore to go beyond the regular tourist scene. If you are interested in more KL Short trips, you can visit Putrajaya, Fraser’s Hill, Singapore, Pulau Ketam (Crab Island), Port Dickson, Genting Highlands, Batu Caves, Bukit Lalang, Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi, Penang Island, Langkawi Island, Cherating Beach and George Town.