Abhijit Chakraborty – Page 4 – OYO Hotels: Travel Blog

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Gangtok & Around – A Visual Treat

Posted on April 16, 2016September 23, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Gangtok, the capital city of the state of Sikkim, is a beautiful hill station nestled in the Himalayas. Have a look at these stunning images of places in and around Gangtok that will surely make you want to travel.

Find Best hotels in Gangtok

Top 11 places to visit in Sikkim

Rumtek Monastery
Nathula Pass
Tsomgo Lake
Hanuman Tok
Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Namchi
Do Drul Chorten Stupa
Tsuk La Khang Monastery
Flower Exhibition Center
Kabi Town
Saramsa Garden

1. Rumtek Monastery

One of the most enchanting places to visit in Gangtok, the monastery belongs to the Kagyu Buddhist sect who lived in Tibet in the 12^th century. It is easily one of the most important places that you can visit in Sikkim and the architecture is inspired from the monastery at Tsurphu in Tibet. You may reach the monastery from the airport directly via a taxi and the distance is about 34 km.

Timings: 10 am to 5pm in winters and 8 am to 5 pm in summers.

2. Nathula Pass

The Nathula is the most important corridor of passage between India and Tibet and is historically very important. Located at a height of 14, 450 feet, one can pass through the beautiful Tsomgo Lake. The pass is also one of the highest motorable roads in the worlds and hence is very popular among adventure enthusiasts. However, special permission is to be acquired from the zonal office to visit the pass. Shared vehicles are the best way to reach the pass, which will cost around INR 900 per head, including the permit fees. The place is very close to the border and you can see the Chinese on the other side of the border.

Timings: April to June and October to November. Open Wednesdays to Sundays.

3. Tsomgo Lake

Located at an altitude of 12, 400 feet on the Nathu La Highway, the Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a wondrous beauty, surrounded by mountains from all sides. You cannot leave Gangtok without visiting Changu Lake, especially because you will never see such clear turquoise water anywhere else. The road leading to the lake is very steep, known as Jawaharlal Nehru Road and yak and mule rides are the best away to reach the lake. There are a number of eateries selling hot noodles, tea and coffee here.

Timings: March to October

4. Hanuman Tok

The almost ancient Hanuman mandir is located at a height of 7,500 feet and you will get the most mesmerizing views of the Kanchendzonga from here. The place has a wonderful amalgamation of spirituality and beauty and the temple compound, through not large, is a great place to sit and bask in the sun. The Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is located just near to the temple. There are a number of taxis available from the station that will take you to the temple.

Timings: The temple is open from 7 am to 5 pm.

5. Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

The natural habitat of Gangtok is a rich with flora and fauna of every kind and houses many endangered and extinct species. The reserve is spread over an area of 850 sq km and it is one of the few high altitude reserves in the country. There are musk deer, snow leopards, and the Himalayan tahr to be seen here. Ticket prices are very low and photographers are sure to love this place for the wonderful sights it offers.

Timings: 10 am to 6:30 pm.

6. Namchi

Namchi, meaning, Top of the Sky, is easily one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. From here, one can see the Kanchendzonga and the Rangit River simultaneously, which is why the view from here is so special. One can also see a 135 feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava from here which is perched high on the Samdruptse valley in Namchi. The Namchi Bazaar is also famous for buying woolen garments and local artifacts. The Dechen Choling monastery and the Rock Garden is also located close by so it is a wonderful place to visit.

7. Do Drul Chorten Stupa

The Stupa has always attracted those who are looking for peace and spiritual enlightenment and this is one of the most peaceful locations in the entire city. There are 108 prayer wheels and many people come here from far and wide to spend a couple of peaceful hours here. The place is not much crowded, so it is the perfect location to contemplate. The stupa is located only 2km from Gangtok town in the Deorali area.

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm on all days

8. Tsuk La Khang Monastery

This is clearly one of the more ornate monasteries that you have ever seen and it is sure to take your breath away. The monastery is huge and palatial and there are ornate paintings on the walls with images of Buddha and Bodhsatva, and other idols from tantric Buddhism. The monastery is extremely well maintained and every wall will give you something new to gaze up to. The monastery is located about 3 km from the main city of Gangtok and one can get a bus from Gangtok SNT bus station.

Timings: 7 am to 5 pm everyday

9. Flower Exhibition Center

The flower exhibition center in Gangtok is a real treat for your eyes. The exhibition is held near the Ridge Park in Gangtok and organizes the orchid show. March to June is the best time to visit this place and one can come across orchids of various types here. The park is full of flowers and the butterflies it attracts.

Timings: March to June, 9 am to 5: 15 pm.

10. Kabi Town

Although a small town, this place has historical significance because of the treaty that was signed here between Lepcha chief Te Kung Tek and the Bhutia chief Khey Bum Sar. A small monastery can be seen here as well. There are some good cafes here and the people here are very warm towards tourists. If you are looking for homestays in Sikkim, then this where you will find quite a few of them. There are a number of good taxi services as well between Gangtok and Kabi.

11. Saramsa Garden

This garden is the perfect spot to relax and have a picnic and if you are tired with all the sightseeing, and just want to spend a day in between doing nothing but unwind and spend some quality time with your friends and family, then this is where you should head towards. The garden itself is managed by the Sikkim Forest Department and is very well maintained. Children will find it very educational to look at the wonderful trees and plants that are found here. The River Rani flows just by the garden. The garden is just 45 mins drive away from the city center and you will find a number of taxis.

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Where to stay in Gangtok:

Since Gangtok is a popular tourist destination, there are a number of hotels here where you can stay in, both budget hotels and high-end ones. You can book through the OYO app to book rooms of your choice. The rooms with mountain views, especially with views of the Kanchendzonga are the most in-demand. On the other hand, if you are thinking of availing public transport more often for your sightseeing, then you can book rooms near the Gangtok SNT bus stop. There are also a number of hotels en route to the Bagdogra airport and the NJP railway station. You can use the various filters on the OYO app or website to book rooms of your choice.

Related Blog Posts: Places to visit in Gangtok

Glimpses of Ujjain – An Exclusive Photo Blog

Posted on April 11, 2016March 29, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Ujjain is an enigmatic place, and very soon, an estimated five crore visitors will discover the city during the Ujjain Simhasth. That’s huge!

We were at Ujjain recently and tried to capture the essence of the city in our camera – a daunting task given the rich culture and the variegated scenes that welcome any new visitor here. Do check out these pictures and soak in a bit of Ujjain before you travel and discover it all yourself.

Samosa & Kachori - Popular snacks in Ujjain — Samosa & Kachori – Popular snacks in Ujjain

Alcohol being sold outside the Kalbhairav Temple to be used as an offering

An ascetic arriving at the Ujjain Simhasth Kumbh Mela

Temples lining the ghat at Kshipra river - Ujjain Simhasth — Temples lining the ghat at Kshipra river – Ujjain Simhasth

Are you planning to visit Ujjain for the Simhasth Kumbh Mela? In that case, do check out OYOs in Ujjain. In addition, all of OYO’s hotels in Ujjain are now available at flat 30% off when booked using code UJJ30! These hotels can be booked through the OYO app which can be downloaded from here as well as through the OYO website here.

P.s. You might like these related resources:

Five Amazing Hotels With Pools For A Cool Summer

Posted on April 7, 2016December 2, 2017 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Water has always been a great source of rejuvenation for tired minds. The visuals of blue water have been shown to reduce stress. Even the mere sound of water flowing brings calmness almost immediately. And of course, there is no better way to relax after a long journey or a hard day at work than to dip in a pool!

This is why booking a hotel with a nice pool is always a good idea. Check out these OYOs located in various parts of India that have exquisite pools – exactly what you need to stay cool this summer.

OYO Premium Kollam Beach Resort, Kollam

Shades of blue wherever the eyes can see. This one’s not a true infinity pool, but looks just like one. This hotel can be booked here.

OYO Premium Resort Airport, New Delhi

Looking for an escape from the concrete jungle of the metro? This hotel with ample blues and greens is just the right choice. Located close to the airport and easily accessible from Gurgaon, this hotel can be booked here.

OYO Elite OMR IT Corridor, Chennai

This hotel has a pool that offers a great view of the city as well. You will feel like you are on top of the world at this hotel. To book a stay in this hotel, click here.

OYO Premium Near Paras Circle, Udaipur

This pool located in an OYO in Udaipur is perhaps what they call ‘an oasis in the desert’, except that enjoying this oasis is just a few clicks away. You can book this hotel here.

OYO Premium Resort Kanichukulangara, Alappuzha

Alappuzha is famous for its enchanting backwaters, but this pool surrounded by green is nothing short of magical itself. To experience a stay in this hotel, click here and book your stay.

And in case you prefer the backwaters more than a pool, check out this blog about an amazing hotel in Alappuzha that’s just perfect for your stay.

Related Blog Posts: Tourist Places near Chennai

Ujjain Simhasth – Discover What Makes It A Must-Visit

Posted on April 5, 2016March 29, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Ujjain Simhasth, the world’s largest congregation of pilgrims, begins later this month. As many as five-crore devotees are expected to visit the city during the month-long Kumbh Mela period. That’s almost 4% of the total population of India and a staggering number in every way.

Kumbh Mela

One of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world, the Kumbh Mela (literally, the ‘Pot Fair’) is a festival involving the ritualistic bathing by pilgrims in a holy river. The four universally accepted Kumbh Melas are as follows –

Haridwar Kumbh Mela on the banks of Ganga
Allahabad Kumbh Mela at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Sarasvati
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhasth on the banks of Godavari
Ujjain Simhasth on the banks of Kshipra

The Kumbh Mela is held once in 12 years at any given place. There is a three-year difference between the Kumbh Melas at Haridwar and Nashik whereas the fairs at Nashik and Ujjain are observed a year apart or less.

Ujjain Simhasth

The name ‘Simhasth’ derives from the fact that the planet Jupiter is in Leo as per Hindu astrology. This year, the Ujjain Simhasth will be held from 22 April to 31 May, a one-month period which is expected to witness a footfall of five-crore (50 million) pilgrims! Since the Ujjain Simhasth happens once in twelve years, this is an opportunity that must not be missed.

What Makes The Ujjain Simhasth A Must-Visit

For Pilgrims

According to various legends, the festival began when Amrita was spilled from a pot at four different locations. Therefore, a dip in the holy waters during the Kumbh Mela has added religious significance due to the mythological background attached to it. The Mahakaleshwar Temple, believed which is the abode of Lord Shiva’s Swayambhu Lingam, sees a major surge in the number of devotees during this time.

The timing is decided based on a line-up of planets and the signs of the zodiac that occurs once in 12 years. River Kshipra witnesses ceremonial bathing on the full moon day of Chaitra month as well as at various intervals during the entire month of Vaishakh till the tenth full moon day.

Aarti at a ghat - Ujjain Simhasth — Aarti at a ghat – Ujjain Simhasth

As per simhasthujjain.in, one gets salvation after taking a dip in the holy Kshipra river in Ujjain when the month is Vaishakh, Shukla Paksha, Jupiter is in Leo, Sun in Aries, Moon in Libra and Swati Nakshatra, Vyatipath Yog.

Taking a dip in Kshipra river - Ujjain Simhasth — Diving into the Kshipra river – Ujjain Simhasth

For Tourists

Ujjain is one of the most popular religious cities in India and a popular destination for tourists. The period of the Ujjain Simhasth makes it even more interesting for anyone who has never witnessed such a massive congregation of people before. One does not need to be religious to appreciate the hustle-bustle of the ghats during the Kumbh Mela, or to soak in the sights and sounds of these great gathering of people from different parts of the world. For those with a passion for photography, the Ujjain Simhasth would probably provide more photo opportunities than even the most avid photographer can handle. Not just the fair, but the entire city of Ujjain is a place full of interesting landmarks, including a whopping 84 temples dedicated to Mahadeva (known as Chaurasi Mahadeo).

Check out our blog about Ujjain here to get a better insight into what makes it a must-visit.

A baba at one of the ghats at the Kumbh (Source – Siddharth Jain)

Accommodation during the Ujjain Simhasth

True, there would be a large gathering of people in Ujjain during the Kumbh Mela, but visitors need not worry about budget or premium accommodation. OYO has 28 budget hotels and 2 premium hotels in Ujjain to ensure a pleasant stay at an affordable price. These budget and premium OYO hotels are located very close to important attractions such as the Mahakal Temple, the site of the Ujjain Simhasth as well as other popular tourist attractions in Ujjain.

All OYOs come equipped with an AC, Wi-Fi, hygienic washrooms, clean linen and complimentary breakfast. In addition, all of OYO’s hotels in Ujjain are now available at flat 30% off when booked using code UJJ30! These hotels can be booked through the OYO app which can be downloaded from here as well as through the OYO website here.

And as we often say, OYO is everywhere, literally!

P.s. You might like these related resources:

Everything you need to know about Ujjain

Posted on March 30, 2016May 18, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela) is fast approaching and millions of people are already finalising their travel plans to the city of Ujjain. Even though Ujjain is one of the most popular religious destinations in India, there is a lot more one should know about this ancient city. This blog should help to provide a basic understanding of the city’s history and major attractions. Read on to discover some of the best places to visit in ujjain

History

Ujjain is one of the oldest cities in India. While agricultural settlements are believed to have taken place around 2000 BC, the city had begun to emerge as an urban center and a political and cultural hub by 600 BC. By all counts, the city is at least 2600 years old!

Religious Significance

Ujjain is one of the seven holy pilgrimage centres in India which are known as Sapta Puri tirthas (the other six being Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram and Dwarka).

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingams (a devotional symbol of Lord Shiva. ) in India.

Devotees offer holy water to a Siva Linga

Chaurasi Mahadeo

The city abounds in temples, so much so that a popular legend goes that if one comes here with two cartloads of grain and offers only one handful at each temple, one would still run short of offerings. There are 84 Mahadeva temples in Ujjain, known as Chaurasi Mahadeo.

Shri Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple - Ujjain — Shri Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple – Ujjain

Shri Anadikalpeshwar Mahadev Temple - Ujjain — Shri Anadikalpeshwar Mahadev Temple – Ujjain

Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela)

Every twelve years, Ujjain hosts a Kumbh Mela known as the Ujjain Simhastha, a mass Hindu pilgrimage on the banks of Kshipra river. The next Simhastha will be held in Ujjain from 22 April 2016 to 21 May 2016. Check out our detailed blog about the Ujjain Simhasth here.

Other Attractions

Ujjain has its own Jantar Mantar! Ujjain was one of the five cities (the other ones being New Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura and Varanasi) where Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed the Jantar Mantar. The Jantar Mantar in Ujjain is also known as Vedh Shala.

Bhartrihari caves, located on the bank of Kshipra river, are a set of two caves used by Bhartrihari, the stepbrother of King Vikramaditya, as his abode. There is an interesting story on what lead a member of the royal family become an ascetic and live in these caves (which will be covered in another post soon). During his life as a hermit, Bhartrihari wrote some of the best Sanskrit works of his time.

Mahakali Temple inside the Bhartrihari caves

The story Of Bhartrihari depicted on a mural — The story of Bhartrihari depicted on a mural

These were just some of the many interesting things about the city of Ujjain. With the Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela) just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a visit to this magical city. And the best part, you don’t have to live in a cave like Bhartrihari chose to! Check out these amazing OYOs in Ujjain that would help you make an easy booking for an affordable and comfortable stay.

P.s. You might like these related resources:

Travellers Of The Month – Dirk & Lieve De Witte

Posted on March 29, 2016November 30, 2017 by Abhijit Chakraborty

This is the story of two people who redefine passion in travel, two people who have covered the world in their Toyota car, two people whose story could make any traveller envious.

Meet Dirk and Lieve De Witte. They are from Texas, the city where the Rio Grande flows wide and mighty. They have a unique hobby – world travel. The De Wittes tend to travel around the world every six months and their recent travels have brought them to the Kochi. They entered India via Nepal and their plan is to cover the country by road. Their Indian sojourn has taken them through UP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Their travels started back in 2008. While they have stories of their 5-star stays in Bangladesh and 7-star stays in Brunei, Dirk and Leive plan to stick to budget hotels as much as they can. Their trips are normally on tight budgets and they understand the importance of sticking to it.

Here is the path they have managed to chart so far –

This time, they decided to explore India inside out. Referred to by a friend in Mumbai, the De Witte’s came to know about OYO Rooms and the wide presence it has on Indian soil. Once they tried and used the service, there was no looking back. Right from the user-friendliness of the app to the convenience of round the clock customer service and the standardization of the rooms, they are now fans of the OYO experience.

Our customer experience team caught up with them in Kochi where they checked into OYO Rooms MG Road, and had an interesting conversation.

Q. For how long have you been travelling?
A. Our initial plan was to travel 7 months from Texas, USA to Ushuaia, Argentina – the Southernmost town in the world. This was in October 2008. But we changed that plan. We now travel 6 months and fly back home. Six months later we continue our travels.

Q. What inspires you to travel?
A. We started traveling when I retired at 66. After an active professional life we wanted to continue a kind of life with lots of challenges, maybe I was afraid to fall into a black hole. In the past, we had been traveling a lot throughout the world but for short periods. Travelling is tasting the world.

Q. How do you plan for long trips such as India?
A. India was on the list of countries we wanted to visit. The first attempt to enter India on our way to South East Asia was not successful. In 2011, we got no permission to cross Pakistan. The only solution was to travel through China. But China requires foreigners to have a local guide inside the vehicle and our Toyota has no spare seat! We had to find other fellow travelers to travel into China. It was December 2014 when we entered India coming from Myanmar. In the meantime, we had learned not to have rigid travel plans because so many things can happen and you may encounter lots of unknown situations. We have time, why should we rush? India is a big country and at the start, we knew little of it. Only the things you can read and hear. In 2009, we came to Bengaluru for a wedding and discovered a bit of the culture of that part of the country during a 2 weeks round trip. The plan was to discover the most of the country from east to west and from north to south.

Dirk & Lieve next to their beloved Toyota FJ Cruiser

Q. Tell us more about what made OYO your choice of stay. Can you share your OYO story?
A. On top of our 4×4 we have a tent. And if we can we try to camp. But India is not a real camping land so we had to look for affordable and comfortable sleeping places. By accident, we discovered OYO Rooms beginning this year on our way from Nepal to Kerala. We found the prices and the quality of the offered rooms attractive but also the way of booking a room. Since we try to stay as free as we can we try to book as late as we can, just before we reach our destination. Booking over the internet is easy and fast. And OYO has a good functioning booking system that allows us to book that way. When using the OYO App we can sort out in which area the OYO rooms are situated. That are the main reasons why we stayed at OYO so many times.

Q. What’s your favourite location in India?
A. The most difficult question! We have been in so many different places and a State as Nagaland or West Bengal is so different from Sikkim or Kashmir Ladakh or Rajasthan. We love mountains and Kerala have some, maybe that is one reason why we like it. But travelling is not only seeing places or heritage buildings it’s also being able to chat with people and learn more about them.

The couple at the Taj MahalThe couple at the Taj Mahal — The couple at the Taj Mahal

Find out more about this adorable couple here.

Cover image source – www.worldtravellers.be/

New Delhi for budget travellers

Posted on March 25, 2016March 28, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

A trip to Delhi does not have to cost a bomb. For those who are travelling on a tight budget, a little planning is all one needs to ensure an inexpensive but memorable trip in this amazing city.

Here is a blog for those who are looking to make the most of their trip without burning a hole in their pocket.

1. Choosing a place to stay

Delhi offers a number of good budget hotels that offer a no-frills but comfortable stay. OYO, with close to 390 hotels in the city, is a good option for travelers looking for comfortable but inexpensive stays.

2. Getting around

While a cab or an auto-rickshaw are convenient options, backpackers and budget travelers will find the Delhi Metro to be a more pocket-friendly and reliable option. The wide network of the Delhi Metro ensures that there is a metro station within a two-kilometer distance from most of the important places of visit. The Delhi Metro runs on most routes from 6 AM in the morning to 11 PM in the night. If planning a longer visit, do purchase the Delhi Metro card that gives a flat 10% discount on the fare.

For places not covered by the metro network, one can always rely on the comfortable low-floor buses for point to point connectivity. The green buses are non-airconditioned whereas the red buses are fully air-conditioned. On most routes, the buses ply from 6 AM in the morning till 10 PM in the night, if not more. One can also buy the daily bus pass that entitles a passenger to unlimited trips in DTC buses for a small daily fee.

DTC's Low-Floor Bus — DTC’s Low-Floor Bus (Image Source)

An important point to note – Both the Delhi Metro and the DTC buses are best avoided during the peak morning and evening hours due to the heavy rush of office and college going commuters.

Thanks to a plethora of public transport options, a budget traveller can plan his intra-city visits to cover the length and breadth of Delhi for less than a hundred bucks a day. For those who can spend a little more, various app-enabled cab companies ensure a comfortable ride at an affordable cost. Not to forget the omnipresent green-yellow autorickshaws, that run 24/7 on every route. But do remember to ask them to turn the meter on!

3. Visiting places of interest

Delhi is a vibrant city with a splendid mix of the past and the present. The most important places of interest, therefore, include many historical monuments, places of worship, markets, museums and galleries and even a zoological park.

It could be a good idea to segregate these destinations in terms of their location on the map. For instance, most historical monuments are located in Central Delhi and South Delhi. Therefore, travelers can look at the map and easily chalk out a trip that would help to cover these destinations within a day. Likewise, itineraries can be prepared for every place of interest to ensure a hassle-free experience. Most of the monuments, galleries and the zoological park charge an entry fee of twenty rupees or less while the places of worship are free to visit.

Ruins inside the Qutub Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi — The ruins inside the Qutub Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi

A relatively new addition, the funny-sounding HOHO buses (Hop On, Hop Off) are a great option for those looking to enjoy Delhi’s popular tourist attractions without spending too much. A two-day intra-city bus trip that costs as low as Rs 600! Check out more details about HOHO buses here.

India Gate - New Delhi — India Gate – New Delhi

4. Food

Delhi has perhaps the widest range of cuisines available for food-lovers. Depending on the budget, one can explore anything right from a lavish buffet at Bukhara to a ‘thali’ at one of the many food carts standing at virtually every nook and corner of the city. There is no dearth of options for those looking for a budget meal though first-timers would do well to avoid eating from any of the roadside stalls, lest they suffer from the infamous ‘Delhi belly’.

Check out our upcoming blog for a detailed list of food options in Delhi. Also, check out our blog about the best midnight food joints in Delhi here.

Bedmi Puri Sabzi - Darya Ganj — Bedmi Puri Sabzi – Darya Ganj (Image Source)

5. Shopping

Delhi abounds in opulent showrooms and luxurious shopping malls, but the budget traveller need not sulk. Delhi has a host of excellent street markets that offer a lot of value for money, the most popular ones being the Janpath Market, the Sarojini Nagar Market and the Tibetan Market for fashion and accessories, Gaffar Market and Nehru Place Market for electronics and Palika Bazar for a bit of everything! Check out our future blog posts for a detailed analysis of each of these markets.

We created a fun video that focusses on the undying energy and spirit of this city. Do not forget to watch and share it.

Therefore, with a little bit of planning, a budget traveller can enjoy the best that Delhi has to offer without spending too much money.

Sounds good? Plan your visit right away and use the OYO app to get the best discount as applicable. To stay updated on latest offers, you may also check here.

Holi Celebrations In Vrindavan

Posted on March 22, 2016May 17, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Holi, the festival of colours, is widely celebrated across India. However, Holi celebrations in Vrindavan and adjoining towns (in Uttar Pradesh’s Braj region) are a special treat for anyone interested in discovering more about the festival.

A Trip To Vrindavan

While the vast majority of people are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Holi (and the long weekend accompanying it), we decided to take to the field and made a short trip to Vrindavan from Delhi for to capture Holi celebration in Brijbhoomi. Vrindavan is located just 11 km away from the city of Mathura (believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna). The celebrations start here a week before the actual day of the festival and continue for a few days after Holi.

Apart from Mathura and Vrindavan, the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon are also famous for their unique Holi celebrations (also called Lathmar Holi) that involve women beating up men with sticks, literally!

Lathmar Holi

According to a legend, Lord Krishna is believed to have visited Radha’s village on this day and ended up offending the women of Barsana who chased him away. Since that time, men from Nandgaon (Lord Krishna’s village) visit Barsana to play Holi in the town.

With Holi songs playing in the background, women beat up these men with sticks as they try to protect themselves with improvised protective gear.

A man enjoys looking while women playfully beat lathis

Bankey Bihari Temple

The hub of Holi celebrations in Vrindavan is the Bankey Bihari temple. The temple, built in the 19th century, has four gates (three for entry and one for exit) and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The season for Holi in Bankey Bihari starts off with Phoolon ki Holi and ends with the main festival where colour and gulal are thrown. Besides Bankey Bihari temple there’s Prem Mandir, Pagal Baba Mandir and Iskcon temple.

Holi is considered to be major festival in all Vrindavan & Mathura temples.

A boy dressed as KrishnaBesides visiting the streets of Braj area, we also took a detour and went around the ghats of Vrindavan. At Kesi Ghat we witnessed the aarti in the evening.

“While Holi can be an extremely enriching and a once in a lifetime experience, capturing it through a lens requires a lot of tact and patience. One has to watch the water, make a mental note of the schedule, stand in a queue for entry to the temple and also create enough space to handle the camera despite the hordes of humanity that throng to the temple,” our team member Siddharth said.

The Food

Vrindavan is a pure vegetarian zone. Meat-lovers need to keep this in mind to avoid possible heartbreak. However, the place also serves some of the most delicious vegetarian food ever, prepared in pure desi ghee. The sweet lassi, chaat, tikki and dhokla are almost omnipresent in this town. Do try the delicious Peda that is a speciality of this area.

The place sees crowds most parts of the year but reaches epic proportions during festivals. Finding good hotels can be a little tricky unless one books through the OYO app which can be downloaded here. OYO in Mathura can be booked here and OYO in Vrindavan can be booked here.

Related Searches: 7 Best Places to visit in Mathura

All images are under copyright owned by Siddharth Jain for OYO Rooms & Mayank Choudhary for OYO Rooms.

Kolkata – Reasons To Visit The City Besides Cricket

Posted on March 17, 2016March 28, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

The India-Pakistan match is just around the corner, and the city of Kolkata is already brimming with nervous excitement. Cricket lovers are starting to arrive in the city as the stage is set for the most exciting cricket match of the year – India vs Pakistan! If you are in Kolkata to watch the match or planning to reach and catch the match live, read this blog to find out what else you can do in this great city.

Kolkata is called ‘The City of Joy’ for a reason. A cosmopolitan city like no other, myriad hues and flavours come together to give this city its distinct feel. As opposed to the faster-paced cities of Mumbai and Delhi, Kolkata may come across as easygoing and laidback, but live here for long enough and the city’s gentle pace will make you sway in its rhythm too.

Now, there are plenty of reasons, big and small, to visit Kolkata, and not all of them can be listed down. So we present just 5 of the many reasons why everyone needs to visit Kolkata this season.

Landmarks

The first capital of British India has a number of famous landmarks.

Perhaps the most loved and recognisable landmark among Indians is the Eden Gardens, the premier cricketing ground in Kolkata.

Image Source – Partha Bhaumik via a Creative Commons License

Plus, there’s the astounding Victoria Memorial, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Goddess Kali being the predominantly worshipped deity here, religious spots like the Dakshineswar Kali temple and the Kalighat Kali temple see a high number of footfalls. There’s also the beautiful Belur Math shrine that was founded by Swami Vivekananda as well as the newer Sheetalnathji Jain Temple. The Howrah Bridge – prominently featured in literature, art and cinema – also serves as a major tourist attraction. And how can one forget the familiar yellow taxis?

Architecture

Kolkata is home to a variety of architectural styles, ranging from the Victorian buildings reminiscent of the city’s colonial past to the distinct, never more than a couple of stories high homes that are spread all over the city. If buildings could speak, the people of Kolkata would never see a death of stories. A walk down a street in South Kolkata is nothing short of a walk down memory lane.

St. Paul's Cathedral — St. Paul’s Cathedral

B.B.D. Bagh - the business centre of Kolkata — B.B.D. Bagh – the business centre of Kolkata

Culture

Being the city of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Kolkata has plenty of literary and cultural hubs. Rabindra Sadan, a large theatre, serves as the primary cultural hub of the region. A number of events and plays take place at the theatre every evening. Rabindra Bharti Museum, formally the home of Rabindra Nath Tagore, is a major literary hub that serves as a significant reserve of the works of Tagore. The citizens take great pride in the rich Bengali cultural heritage that encompasses art, music, literature, cinema and more.

Food

A tour of Kolkata is incomplete if you do not treat your tongue with the delicious cuisine of this place. The rich Kasha Mangsho, the awesome Kathi Rolls and heavenly desserts like Mishti Doi, Shondesh and the omnipresent Roshogolla are among the most popular food items here, but a wider range of options exist for the more adventurous foodies. Paying a visit to places like Haji Saheb, The Park, Sanjha Chulha, etc. will be a great idea if one wants to try out authentic Calcuttan cuisine.

Different varieties of the highly popular Sandesh

Products

Kolkata excels in terracotta products. Small ‘Bankura’ figures can serve as beautiful keepsakes to gift your people back home. The Lal Paar Sarees (red border sarees) and fabulous jute craft items such as handbags and wall hangings are some of the other beautiful gifts that you can carry home. That, only if your bags are not full of boxes of sweets already!

Image Source

For more detailed insights into Kolkata’s heavenly food, check out this blog, and in case you are planning to visit this city, do check out the best hotels in this city here.

Cover Image – By Chippu Abraham from Gurgaon, India – Eden Gardens, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Easter Celebrations in Goa

Posted on March 11, 2016March 28, 2019 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Easter is one of the world’s most popular festivals. Find out more about this festival and how it is celebrated in Goa in this blog post.

What is Easter

Easter is a festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike Christmas, which is always celebrated on a fixed date, the date of Easter varies every year as it depends on the Hebrew Calendar and not the Gregorian Calendar. However, as the resurrection is believed to have happened the third day of the crucifixion (Good Friday), it always falls on a Sunday. This year, Easter is on Sunday, 27 March.

Easter celebrations in Goa

Over a quarter of the total population in Goa is Christian, making Easter one of the most popular festivals in the state. Celebrations begin on the day before Good Friday. A feast is held to commemorate the Last Supper as mentioned in the Bible. The next day is observed as Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion.

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Panaji, Goa

The celebrations are widespread, but the most spectacular celebrations happen in the capital city of Panaji. While every Church in the state observes easter, The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji is in many ways the focal point of the festivities, attracting the largest crowd. People gather to attend the mass and witness the Way of the Cross. The Way of the Cross is a reenactment of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A wooden cross is carried down the steps of the church and moved through the streets of the city and then back to the church by clergymen. A huge crowd follows the procession, mostly dressed in formal clothing. Crowds line up on the roadside to witness the procession, with a band playing music to create a solemn setting.

Easter Eggs

Easter eggs are a popular feature of Easter around the world, symbolising the empty tomb of Jesus. Traditionally, chicken eggs have been decorated with colors and embellishments. More recently, the actual eggs have been replaced with egg-shaped chocolate and jellybeans.

Easter Feast

Since Easter marks the end of the 40 day period of Lent, the Easter feast is as delicious as it is lavish. A wide variety of dishes and desserts are prepared for the feast, with some of the most popular ones being:

Vindaloo

Vindaloo has an interesting etymology. ‘Vin’ stands for vinegar and ‘ahlo’, pronounced and written as ‘aloo’, means garlic in Portuguese. Consisting of a luscious red masala which is mixed with vinegar laced mutton (or other meats) to form a fiery red gravy, Vindaloo is one of the most relished recipes of Goa. Tender and flaky, spicy and tangy; all at the same time, it leaves your taste buds tingling for more.

Sorpotel

A special preparation of every traditional Goan household, Sorpotel is said to be the essence of Goan Christian cuisine. Inspired by a Portuguese dish called Sarabulho, it is a classic that brings the best of Goan and Portuguese cuisine together. It is prepared from pork liver, heart and kidney, all diced and cooked in a thick, spicy sauce.

Xacuti

Pronounced as sha-coo-ti, those indulging in spicy treats would find this preparation heavenly. It uses a wide variety of spices like nutmeg, coriander leaves, green and red chillies, ginger and cloves. Usually served with rice, this recipe is also made with mutton, lamb or fish.

Bebinka

Bebinka (or Bebinca) is a carefully layered cake, equating the taste of perfection. The core ingredients are flour, coconut milk, eggs, butter, and most importantly, jaggery. Also known as Bibik, it tastes like layers and layers (traditionally 16) of coconut pancakes.

Where to stay in Goa during Easter

There are over 200 OYOs located in Panaji, with a number of hotels located within a few kilometers of The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. You can book these hotels here.

And in case you are looking to spend a quieter time in Goa, away from the hustle-bustle of North Goa, you can check out OYOs in South Goa here.

Planning a trip to Goa already? Don’t forget to download the OYO app to stay updated on the latest offers and surprises. You can also check out our Facebook and Twitter handles and participate in our weekly #OYOquiz or tag us in your travel photos on Instagram to stand a chance to win exciting OYO vouchers!