Uttarayan – The Festival of Kites

Uttarayan is that time of the year when kites fly the highest! Celebrated every year on January 14, many people observe the festival on January 15 as well.

Uttarayan in Ahmedabad

While kites are flown in different parts of Gujarat on this occasion, the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad is probably the most fun place to be if one really wants to enjoy this festival to the fullest. Terraces are filled with people and the sky is covered with colourful kites. The music plays aloud and the cheers are even louder. “Kai Po Che”, a phrase that translates to “I have cut” can be heard every few minutes. The beating of drums reverberates on every “Kai Po Che” moment. People here are serious about their kite-flying skills and some enthusiasts get their strings custom-made to get an edge over the others in the sky.

The Larger The Better
The Larger The Better
A Sky Full of Kites
A Sky Full of Kites
Is That A Bird, Is That A Plane? No, It's A Kite!
Is That A Bird, Is That A Plane? No, That’s A Kite!
As Long As It Takes
As Long As It Takes
An Octopus That Flies!
An Octopus That Flies!
An Innovative Designer Kite In Flight
An Innovative Designer Kite In Flight

Kite-flying is also a team sport. While the person flying the kite seems to be doing most of the hard work, the person handling the spindle has an equally important role to play. This task is usually performed by the younger siblings while the elder ones try to fly their kites higher and higher.

Uttarayan also offers a host of delicious food items replete with local flavours that keep everyone energised during the days of the festival. The most iconic dish is Undhyu, a dish made from seasonal mised vegetables, served with Puri. Undhyu is a delicacy and usually prepared the most experienced cook in the family. Another remarkable dish is Chiki, a cake made by melting jaggery mixed with peanuts, sesame, etc. and set to dry.

But what really makes this festival enjoyable is the fact that it brings people together. It occupies a very special place in people’s hearts and unlike some other festivals, where people are sometimes obligated by so many traditions, Uttarayan actually feels like a long party!

And this time, OYO was there too!

OYO at Uttarayan
OYO at Uttarayan
Bright kites, brighter strings
Bright kites, brighter strings

(298)

Up, Up & Away!
Up, Up & Away!

(315) - Copy

(Contributed by Mohit Challa)

This Fabulous Hotel Will Ensure A Perfect Vacation

Planning a trip to Kerala this season? What if we show you a hotel that looks so pretty you won’t mind staying indoors throughout the vacation? Have a look at these wonderful images of OYO Premium Allepey Waterside Kuttanad to believe that sometimes the destination is worth the journey.

Allepey Hotel
The Room With A View
Allepey Hotel
The View Outside
Allepey Hotel
Morning Tea In The Balcony

 

Allepey Hotel
Shades of Blue & Green
Allepey Hotel
The Calmness On The Surface
Allepey Hotel
Beautiful Poolside, Like A Chess Board
Allepey Hotel
By The Backwaters
Allepey Hotel
Water, Water Everywhere
Allepey Hotel
The Humble Abode

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To book your room in this awe-inspiring hotel, visit OYO Premium Allepey Waterside Kuttanad.

WHY MALAYSIA IS EVERYONE’S DREAM DESTINATION

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has probably made an appearance in every traveller’s dream itinerary. It is hardly a surprise that tourism is one of the highest revenue earners for this relatively small country. And why should that not be? A place as beautiful as Malaysia deserves all the attention that it gets.

Petronas Towers & Kuala Lumpur's Skyline
Petronas Towers & Kuala Lumpur’s Skyline

The country has 13 states and 3 federal territories and needless to say, they are all full of wonderful places that offer great adventures. We have handpicked only a few of the many options available, and believe us, once you step your foot on the Malaysian land, you’d want to do much, much more.

Away from the land of Kedah, an archipelago of 99 islands offers an amazing plethora of experiences. The Langkawi Island has it all: beautiful landscapes, cheaper shopping places than you could ever imagine, amazing infrastructure and all the goodness of nature.

he Langkawi Sky Bridge in Langkawi Island, Malaysia
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Langkawi Island, Malaysia

It is believed that a beautiful lady called Mahsuri had cursed the island that had a lingering effect for over seven generations on its inhabitants. The mystic aura of her presence can still be felt around the island and particularly at Makam Mahsuri.

You can step out and go for adventure sports and trekking through the rainforests that drape most of the island. Other places that might hold your interest are Telega Tujuh (the seven wells), The Field of Burnt Rice, Hot Springs and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat rides are also conducted to Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of The Pregnant Maiden).

If you are always keen to know about the culture of the places you visit, Sarawak Cultural Village will be a treat for your eyes. Sarawak Cultural village was established to safeguard and sustain Sarawak’s culture and beautifully so.

Sarawak Cultural Village
Sarawak Cultural Village

Also known as the ‘Living Museum’, the village and its people demonstrate various activities carried out by different tribes. They wear clothes that are culturally inherent to their tribes and also dance for the visitors. The village has a handicraft store and a theatre and one can even marry in Sarawak Cultural Village if they so please.

Sunset in Sarawak, Malaysia
Sunset in Sarawak, Malaysia

For a person who loves animals and nature, Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is a beauty to behold. The Sanctuary provides you with the opportunity to look at Malaysian wildlife up close. For the more courageous ones, there’s also a wonderful chance to bathe the elephants in the lake!

An elephant in the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary
An elephant in the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary

Fraser’s Hill is another cool opportunity for nature lovers. Just in the middle of Pahang Rainforest at a height of a whopping 1,524 metres above sea level, the place is a paradise for those who wish to watch nature just as it is. One can get involved in nature-based endeavours such as trekking, bird watching, camping, horse riding et cetera. Popular as the best place for bird watching, Fraser’s Hill also hosts the annual Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race. It is a competition amongst bird watchers to spot and identify as many birds as they can in a limited period of time. To unwind themselves, visitors can use the resort’s Golf Club and boating at Allan’s Water and take a stroll around the gorgeous looking flower gardens around the resort and even take a bath in the Jeriau Waterfalls.

Titiwangsa mountain range viewed from Fraser's Hill
Titiwangsa mountain range viewed from Fraser’s Hill

Nobody is old enough to be too old for Lego, right? Make your childhood fantasies come true: visit the only Legoland in Asia in Nusajaya, Johor. With over 40 rides and regular shows, Miniland is one of the most sought after experiences in the Malaysian Legoland. Lego blocks are used to make a number of world’s most famous monuments such as Taj Mahal, The Petronas Twin Towers, Singapore Flyer, et cetera. There is a water park, a number of Lego Kingdoms, a train and even an observation tower – there’s so much one can do here!

Legoland, Malaysia
Legoland, Malaysia
Inside Legoland
Inside Legoland

Malaysia has a lot to offer, it is as good as impossible to list everything in just one article. So, you can simply follow our exclusive OYO Instagram Channel and discover everything about this amazing destination.

Apart from the amazing places mentioned above, there are also places like The Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Aquaria KLCC, i-city (aka City of Digital Lights), Melaka River Cruise, Gurney Drive, Kek Lok Si, Kellie’s castle and many others.

While for many a person international travelling is a distant dream, thanks to these amazing OYOs in Kuala Lumpur, your Malaysia trip is now more affordable and delightful, now that it has launched its hotels in the city.

Now, nothing can hamper your travel plans, can it?

Glimpses of the OYO InstaMeet in Bangalore

We conducted our second #OYOInstaMeet and our first in Bangalore in the first week of December. We chose Pottery Town as our hunting ground, a place inhabited by potters and artisans that exudes a unique charm and remains still unexplored by many. We took up this opportunity and gave young photographers a chance to capture perhaps the most fascinating images of their lives. Ankit Dhame who was at that time travelling to Bangalore decided to lead the group.

Presenting some interesting perspectives about the event, straight from the horses’ mouth.

Ankit Dhame 1
Fellow Instagrammers at Pottery Town, Bangalore. Image by Ankit
Ankit Dhame 4
Fellow Instagrammers at Pottery Town, Bangalore. Image by Ankit

Shravan had this to say about the meet: “Yeah it was a slightly hung over Sunday morning and I was wondering if I would make it in time. I knew I remembered just a thing that there is a shoot in pottery town. So I put the location on my phone GPS and went to the pottery town and saw that it was just a small area probably a couple of streets and one main road that connected to the other part of town. Understanding this scenario I called in Ankit Dhame and found out that all had to meet at another location and then scoot from there (again that slight hang over I didn’t read the post well which said, we have to meet at one location and start from there). I went to the place where all were meeting. We got introduced and decided how to go and with all the discussions we finally took our vehicles and head to the pottery town.
And slowly we started the shoot. As the activities of the day started the place started getting more active. And yeah the pictures that we took all together came out to be a good mixture of talent and ideas.Indeed, it was a good Sunday morning. I met a few new people from across borders of Karnataka and all in all a good experience. Thank you OYO rooms for this event and hope this keeps happening often in Bangalore.”

A click of the Pottery Town by Shravan
A click of the Pottery Town by Shravan

As Priya puts it, “Regarding the meet, it was great meeting everyone. Ankit did a great job and acquainted us with rules before visiting the town. A number of people who joined the InstaMeet were less so it was easy to interact with everyone. It is a great initiative by OYO rooms to keep up with photographers in town and give them a chance to explore good places. Hope you organize such activities in future so people who are new to town get to visit new places.”

Ashish Bafna
Form and symmetry  by Ashish

This was Uthara’s first Instameet.  “This was the first ever InstaMeet I went to and I loved every bit of it. To spend my Sunday morning clicking pictures at Pottery Town was a joy. I wish there could be one organised by you every week or at least once every month. Would surely be there. Lovely done! Thank you for this,” she said.

Here is what Supriya has to say, “Pottery Town was high on my list of places to visit in Bangalore and this Instameet was the perfect opportunity. While Pottery Town is no longer in its glory days, what with numerous families moving away from the family business, there is nonetheless a story in its faded glory. The people of Pottery Town are extremely welcoming and were willing to share their stories & dreams and that made the experience all the more memorable.”

Life at Pottery Town by Supriya
Life at Pottery Town by Supriya

Neha has a story to share, “The visit to the Pottery town was a wonderful experience. After the initial hustle bustle, coordination and route finding exercise, we landed in these narrow lanes, which is the pottery town. It’s located somewhere near Benson town and can be easily missed unless you are going there with an intent. As soon as we reached, we saw these series of shops all dedicated to different types of pottery creations. While it’s nothing grand, but these lanes were buzzing with activity. A  consultant by profession, I was excited to see the entire life cycle in one place. In the interiors, in one of the by-lanes, was an artist who was effortlessly moulding these clay pots and diyas out of fresh clay. It was a sight to see 3-4 photographers clicking shots from all possible angles and directions, but he was unperturbed and kept on making pots. He, in fact, suggested the best angles to take shots and the best place to click with the minimal sunlight that lit his abode. Just outside his hut, there were series of these diyas and pots left basking in the sun. With the sun rays and the autumn leaves, this made a perfect picture. Then, a few steps ahead we saw this kiln which was used by these potters. And then, of course, were the front facing shops were these diyas and pots were available to sale. Here again, few artists sat coloring the pots and were enjoying the attention they got from us photographers. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring these lanes, clicking pictures, talking to the artists, shop owners and meeting fellow Instagrammers. The passion and love for art were the common attributes that unknowingly connected these artists and us. All in all, it was a great experience and something that I would not have imagined exploring on my own and therefore, going as a part of the #OYOInstaMeet proved really fruitful.”

Final touches remaining by Neha
Final touches remaining by Neha

Jai had this to say: “The Bangalore InstaMeet organized by OYO Rooms was a very good experience. It was a pleasant Sunday morning, with just the right amount of sunshine for photography. The venue of the meet was Pottery Town, a small area in the heart of the city. This locality was filled with several potters who mostly work from home. It was interesting to step into their homes, their daily lives and see these artists at work with utmost concentration: creating such amazing art pieces with their hands. Also got to meet with fellow Instagrammers, some of whom I had known only by their Instagram handles.”

Men at work by Jai
Men at work by Jai

Ashish finally turned up for this, “This meet was a really different one from the previous meets that I’d been to. Especially for the off- steam location choosing. The location was totally new and different to a lot of us there. Though I showed up late, I enjoyed it for how much ever time I was a part of it there. Thank you so much for this meet OYO Rooms!”

Captured in the dark by Ashish
Captured in the dark by Ashish

Sathish went ahead and wrote  his experiences in the form of a blog. Check it out!

Mobile capture by Sathish
Mobile capture by Sathish
When everybody was busy capturing the pottery, Shivani just got this awesome click
When everybody was busy capturing the pottery, Shivani focussed on form and factor.
Another beautiful click by Malav
Another beautiful click by Malav

For us at OYO Rooms, it was wonderful to see the culmination of such an event into pictures that galvanised our creative spirit. The Instawalk conducted in December is a prelude to the events we plan to do in 2016.

OYO_MEETUPS_8

P.s. You might like these related resources:

Meet the OYO Care team, our heroes on the ground

One of the best hotel memories that travellers have is the moment when they see their hotel room for the first time. A neatly done bed, spotless white linen, dustfree floor and fittings, shining washrooms and a rejuvenating, fragrant ambience are undoubtedly what helps us create our first impression of our temporary home, and often, decides whether we end up liking or disliking it.

But behind the richness of the ambience and the cleanliness of the room lie hours of dedicated effort from people who actually make such experiences possible. Some of the most dedicated people work with us as part of our OYO Care initiative and they often tell us stories of their amazing journey that is not only thought-provoking but also very inspiring.

Meet our OYO Care team and learn more about them below.

OYO Care - Our Heroes On The Ground
OYO Care – Our Heroes On The Ground

 

Geeta Thapa, 26

Geeta arrived from Nepal a few years ago with a great will to give her family a better life. A mother of two children, she chose to work at OYO Care because the 9 hour shift allowed her to spend more time with her family and make sure that her young children were being looked after well. Geeta had always been fascinated by cars as a young girl, and the fact that the OYO Care van lets her travel within the city makes it an even more enjoyable job.

OYO Care Team Leader - Geeta Thapa
OYO Care Team Leader – Geeta Thapa

 

Tapan Sahu, 23

Hailing from North Paragnas in West Bengal, Tapan spent the early days of his career working at an airport. The long working hours, stressful working conditions and delays in receipt of salary made him look for better options. Today, he works as a janitor at OYO Care. Excited to be working under the guidance of a team headed by thorough housekeeping professionals, Tapan loves the fact that his salary is credited to him in a timely manner. Also, he no longer suffers from the stressful work conditions of his previous job, and manages to find time for his own pursuits.

OYO Care Janitor - Tapan Sahu
OYO Care Janitor – Tapan Sahu

 

Jagdish Prasad, 24

When asked, Jagdish had to think hard before he could tell us his age. Many of our OYO Care team members hail from underpriviledged backgrounds, and never had the luxury to go to school. But despite all odds, Jagdish managed to come to Delhi NCR from Lucknow a few months ago and started working at OYO Care as a janitor. His biggest joy these days is to interact with OYO’s guests. A father of two children, Jagdish is a great example of the belief that true learning does not always happen within walls of a classroom, and can happen on the job too.

OYO Care Janitor - Jagdish Prasad
OYO Care Janitor – Jagdish Prasad

 

So, this was their story. Take a minute out of your busy schedule and look at the people around you. Everyone has a story to tell, and quite often, these stories end up teaching us a lot more than textbooks ever can.

OYO Care_Dec15_SJ 14

 

OYO Care team in action

Gujarat – The Land Of Many Enigmatic Destinations

Gujarat probably doesn’t feature very highly in most travellers’ bucket-list, which is surprising since the state boasts of perhaps the most vibrant mix of natural and man-made tourist destinations in the country. Our explorer travelled the state for a month and came back with interesting details about the best places to visit in Gujarat.

Kutch

A land crafted out of dreams and fairy-tales, Kutch has a veritable treasure-trove of things to do. Watch the flamingoes illuminate the dreary landscape; pay a visit to the old handicraft villages; try the unusual local cuisine (the jalebis, especially); or dive into ancient history at the ruins of Dholavira. Most importantly, witness the Great Rann of Kutch in its effervescent beauty and let the milky-white sands illuminate you.

A boat stranded on the sand - Kutch in Gujarat
A boat stranded on the sand – Kutch in Gujarat

Dwarka

One of the four Dhams as well as a Sapta Puri, this pious city is steeped in the history of gods and men. Admire the magnificence of the Dwarakadhisa Temple, towering over the Arabian Sea. Take a ferry to Bet Dwarka, the tiny island which is known as the famous meeting point of Krishna and Sudama. Climb all the way to the top of the Dwarka lighthouse for a breathtaking panorama of the city in its glorious entirety, including the mysterious depths of the submerged old Dwarka.

The reknowned Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat
The reknowned Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat

Explore comfortable stays in Dwarka here.

Somnath

This beautiful land of temples makes for a delightful little tour. The intricate grandeur of the Somnath Temple is a true architectural marvel, with its expressive paintings and the divine sanctum sanctorum. Indeed, one can see the Arabian Sea rushing to surrender itself at the temple’s feet. As you walk through the gorgeous temples of Somnath, feel the immense strength of Lord Shiva rejuvenate your very being.

The Shiva Temple in Somnath, Gujarat
The Shiva Temple in Somnath, Gujarat

Book your OYO in Somnath here.

Gir

Sasan, a little town nestled in the Gir Forest, is the sole entry-point to the national park. Gir makes a fitting habitat for the mighty king of the jungle, with its royal array of hills, streams and valleys of every kind. Trek through lion’s land cautiously, with the alarm calls of prey in your ears and the jungle in your heart. Devalia, the Gir Interpretation Zone, is the ideal way to explore the hidden nuances of the forest in an orderly fashion. If you’re lucky enough to come face to face with a lion, don’t forget to bow to His Highness!

The majestic Asiatic lion in Gir, Gujarat
The majestic Asiatic lion in Gir, Gujarat

Prepare for an exciting trip to Gir here.

Saputara

Curving around the banks of the Sarpganga, this glorious hill-station—the ‘Abode of Serpents’—is the perfect location to unlock your inner peace in. Stroll around the heavenly gardens, row a boat or hop into a cable-car—Saputara will work its magic on your frazzled nerves and leave you rejoicing in the serenity. Try to catch the Dangs Darbar festival before Holi, a grand celebration of tribal life and culture.

Saputara, a hill-station in Gujarat
Saputara, a hill-station in Gujarat

Image Source

Daman

This picturesque little Union Territory on the shores of the Arabian Sea is an intriguing melting pot of cultures and stories. The pristine churches and rocky forts of this city echo the tangled tales of the past. Daman is split into Nani (small) Daman and Moti (big) Daman, each section vibrant with its own lifestyle. Grab a tender coconut, settle down on one of the several immaculate beaches, and revel in the simple joys of life.

A view of Daman town, Gujarat
A view of Daman town, Gujarat

Ensure that your stay in Daman is awesome here.

Diu

An island of untouched beaches and rugged cliffs, Diu is a haven for all those who seek to escape the real world for a while. Hire a scooter, grab the bare essentials, and set off on a trip through the sun-kissed lanes of Diu. Discover the Portuguese history embedded in the island as you make your way around. The Bohemian eating joints are an absolute must for the taste buds!

Cannon located at Portuguese fort in Diu, Gujarat.
Cannon located at Portuguese Fort in the Diu, Gujarat.

For the best stays in Diu, check out our best hotels here.

It’s obvious that the state of Gujarat is not just a commercial and business center, but also a place alive with an eclectic mix of cultures, landscapes and monuments. If you are yet to experience this state, we have just one suggestion for you – Kuchh Din To Guzariye Gujarat Mein!

 

Related Blog Posts: World’s Largest Hindu Temple

 

 

OYO Mixigo: Glimpses of our first ever Biker’s Meet

The first ever OYO Mixigo Bikers’ Meet happened on 13 December 2015, and turned out to be an experience of a lifetime.

“The rush of excitement that a biker experiences when he kickstarts his bike and lets the engine rev, cannot be compared with any other feeling in the world. With the right gear on, a biker assumes the appearance of a modern-day knight, his bike playing the role of a horse.”

OYO and Ixigo joined hands to create OYO Mixigo, a one-of-its-kind bikers’ meet in Bangalore. The agenda – to forget everything else and just enjoy the fabulous experience of bike-riding.

Presenting some of images from the meet that show the fun we had!

In front of OYO R T Nagar, Bangalore
In front of OYO R T Nagar, Bangalore
Mandatory selfie at the destination - Indian Parantha Company
Mandatory selfie at the destination – Indian Parantha Company
Flag off outside OYO
Get, Set, Go!
A biker sharing his experiences of his ride from Bangalore to Leh
A biker sharing his experiences of his ride from Bangalore to Leh
Bangalore Meet OYO Rooms
Posing with the love of his life
Chilling out after a day well ridden
Chilling out after a day well ridden

Want to partner with us for our next Bikers’ Meet? Get in touch with us at blog@oyorooms.com

OYO Mixigo Bikers' Meet
OYO Mixigo Bikers’ Meet – What A Day!

 

Varanasi – The most ancient city in India

Being a traveller is all about rambling in the horizons of a plethora of virtues a city carries with itself and gaining the most out of them while you stay, and we at OYO care the most about our travellers. So while we’re talking about values and heritage, it would be unfair not to talk about Varanasi, perceived to be the focal point of spirituality in India. The following blog was contributed by one of our travellers who visited Varanasi recently.

Varanasi is known by a lot of names, famous of which are Kashi and Banaras. Kashi is believed to be the oldest city of the world and it is believed that it was created by Lord Shiva himself. Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, known as ‘Gange Maa’ among the locals, Kashi is famous for its numerous temples, many ghats, the evergreen Benarasi Paan (betel leaf with a variety of spices, flavours and fragrances), the Banaras Hindu University campus, and silks of the finest quality. It is one of the seven holy cities, and also one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. With so much of spiritual sanctity associated with Kashi, it is undoubtedly among the most popular pilgrimage points in the country.

Varanasi
Ghats of Varanasi

 

The people of Varanasi take great pride in living in the city of Moksha, for it is believed in Hinduism that it is the gateway to heaven and the penultimate place to attain liberation from the cycle of life and death. Therefore, the locals, who are highly religious, believe that they must have done great deeds in their previous lives which got them the chance to be born in Varanasi. The people of this ancient city are also very hospitable.

It is believed that one bath in the holy waters of Ganga can wash away all the sins of one’s life. Therefore, the ghats are always flooded with tourists from all around the world seeking spiritual enlightenment, except in monsoon, when the water level is too high. Even then, you can always find pundits and Aghoris lost in penance. The entire city is full of temples and shrines that leave tourists awestruck and rejuvenate their souls.

Ghats: Located on the banks of the river Ganga, the ghats are places where tranquillity flows through little waves and serenity prevails in the breeze. The eye-catching beauty attracts a lot of travellers. Take a boat ride and visit the ghats one by one. There are 84 ghats in the city, all wonderful in their own ways. Some of the famous ghats are Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat. A Varanasi trip is considered incomplete if you do not witness the Gange Aarti that is performed each evening at the Ghats by priests. 

Evening Ganga Aarti at Varanasi
Evening Ganga Aarti at Varanasi

Source

 

Temples: The religious importance of Kashi cannot be overstressed. It’s believed that the entire city is situated on the trident of Lord Shiva. Each ancient temple has a fascinating religious belief or a mythological story related to it. Foreign tourists hire guides to know about the cultural depth attached to these structures of marble and stone. Some of the prominent temples to visit are Golden Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Annapurna Temple, and Nepali Hindu Temple.

Temples by the ghat in Varanasi
Temples by the ghat in Varanasi

 

Ashram & Math: There are a lot of Ashrams and Maths in Benaras where you can relax by practising yoga and meditation.

Sarnath: One of the four sacred Buddhist locations, Sarnath is situated near Benaras. Buddha gave his first sermon here and a lot of historical evidence from the time of Buddha and King Ashoka was discovered here. A lot of Buddhist followers come here and the wonderful surroundings make the small town a traveller’s paradise. Moreover, the breathtaking museum, Deer Park, and many Stupas from history only enhance the aura around Sarnath. 

Sarnath - A Buddhist site near Varanasi
Sarnath – A Buddhist site near Varanasi

 

Forts & Museums: Ram Nagar Fort, which is at the other bank of Ganga belonged to the King of Kashi or Kashi Naresh. Also, a lot of museums with huge collections of artefacts and antiques are present. Some of the well-known centres of these collections are Jantar Mantar, Bharat Kala Bhawan, Saraswati Bhawan, and the Archaeological Museum.

Ram Nagar Fort near Varanasi
Ram Nagar Fort near Varanasi

 

Hotels: There are over 30 OYOs in this city which cover the needs of  budget as well as premium travellers. 

OYO Rooms in Varanasi
OYO Rooms in Varanasi

 

Food: Like most cities in India, Varanasi too has a mouth-watering array of foods available all across the city, right from the area near the ghats to the narrow bylanes in the interiors. Popular foods that tourists in particular enjoy are hot kachoris, paans, lassi, sweets and thandai. 

Special pineapple sweet in Varanasi
Special pineapple sweet in Varanasi

All of these reasons make Varanasi an amazing tourist destination and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience real India.

Varanasi at dawn
Varanasi at dawn

Although, you can visit this sacred city anytime throughout the year. But the best time to visit varanasi is during the winter months of November and February.

P.s. You might like these related resources:

An OYO member narrates his experience during the Chennai floods

It all started on the night of  3rd December when we started an intra-company SOS group to get information about our Chennai employees amidst all the chaos. We were shocked to find that twenty-three out of our total city team of sixty-three had not been contactable for more than 48 hours. Two of them had been reportedly rescued on boats and at least one person was without food and water.

This shook us to the core and sparked a series of efforts planned and spearheaded by our Bangalore team. By 4th Dec morning we laid down a plan to send a truck of supplies full of voluntary contributions from OYO employees. Soon the news spread that OYO was sending in supplies and we saw people from IIM Bangalore, eBay, Bosch, Redcastle etc dropping in supplies and cash at our office. We decided to convert the office basement into a makeshift storage for supplies.

Within four hours we had more items than what a single truck could handle, so we ordered one more truck.

Finally, four of our employees along with four more of their friends left for Chennai with two trucks full of supplies – water, food, medicines, etc. The journey from Bangalore to Chennai was impacted by heavy rains at various points. The trucks stopped at Nungambakkam and thereafter, the teams split into two parts to aid faster distribution of supplies. One team went to Koyambedu and distributed the relief material. The major part of the supplies was taken to the Snapdeal godown in Ponnamalle where we unloaded the supplies for dispatch in further smaller vehicles.The other  team went to Adampakkam and Mudichur where an  NGO helped to distribute the supplies. The team also rescued a person who was stranded in water for more than 24 hours.

Next, our team went to a school in Thiruverkadu which was sheltering around 200 people and distributed the relief material.  The entire relief team was supported by the local police and authorities which made the operations easier.

In all we covered following places – Manapakkam, Sembakkam, Thiruverkadu and areas around Porur lake.

Next we loaded the supplies back in a truck and headed to Spectrum Mall in Perambur based on a request received by IRS Officer Deputy commissioner Arun Prasad who guided us to the places where help was acutely needed.

Sunday morning saw the coming together of Deputy commissioner Arun Prasad IRS, Perambur Spectrum Mall owner Babu Citti and seven members from our Chennai Team. Mr Babu arranged for SUVs to help us dispatch supplies in low-lying areas. we gathered 8 SUVs and covered Manali, Thangal Perungulam, villages near Ponneri, Vyasarpadi, Thiru VK Nagar, Periyapalayam, Manimangalam, Thiruporur, Payanur, Vinayaka Mission College and areas near Chembarampakkam lake.

The items distributed included biscuits, rusk, bread, jam, water bottles, napkins, diapers, candles, match boxes, juice tetrapacks, some fruits, medicines, mosquito coils, etc.

To all the OYO Employees and many others who trusted our efforts, transferred their money and sent in their supplies with the single aim to help Chennai, we want to say, “Thank You”.  We are still left with some money and we are planning to transfer to the same to a relief fund that will be used for rehabilitation work for the people of Chennai.

(Thanks to our team for sharing the above updates with us. Our special helpline number 7210108210 is still active and we are request anyone who still needs any help to immediately reach out to us.)

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P.s. You might like these related resources:

Presenting the first ever #OYOInstaMeet!

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Presenting the first ever #OYOInstaMeet.

We invite you all to be part of the first OYO InstaMeet in Bangalore.

Meet us at OYO Rooms MG Road Manipal Centre, Plot No. 37/15, Yellapa Chetty Layout, Behind Manipal Centre, Sivanchetti Gardens, Ulsoor Road, Bangalore with your cameras on December 13 at 8:30 am and capture the essence of Pottery Town.

To participate, mail us at blog@oyorooms.com with your name, Instagram handle and contact number.

See you soon!