Thursday, February 27, 2020

Top Places to Visit in Cape Town, South Africa

Indian lady jumping with arms and legs stretched, in a vineyard with wine barrels on the right, Cape Town.
Cape Town, one of the most visited cities in South Africa, is packed with attractions (THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN). From scenic landscapes and wildlife to good food and coastal drives, there’s so much to see and do. You could easily spend a week exploring Cape Town. While the list of tourist spots is long, a few stand out as must-visit highlights, both for sightseeing and experiencing the essence of the city.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the main highlight of Cape Town, a must-see for every visitor. But take note: your visit depends on the weather. On rainy or misty days, the cable car doesn’t operate. Once the weather clears, you can buy your ticket, queue up, and take the cable car ride. It lifts you 1,086 meters above sea level, with stunning views of the sea and the city below (SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING SPOTS).

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa

Indian lady in jeans and t-shirt seated with hands on cheeks, with Cape Town mountains in the background.
Nature lovers, brace yourself. Cape Town will sweep you off your feet with its unspoiled landscapes. Whether it’s cycling in nature, hiking, a gentle walk, or just a drive along mountain slopes that open up to sea views and green hills, Cape Town has it all (CAPE TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE). You can easily spend a full day soaking in the natural beauty without rushing. Still, there are a few must-visit attractions in Cape Town you shouldn't miss.

Mouille Point to Muizenberg

A drive from Mouille Point to Muizenberg feels like an adventure on its own. The road winds through mountain slopes, with high-up views of the sea and even glimpses of the harbour. It’s the kind of drive where your eyes do all the work, looking around and appreciating what’s there (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Cape Town, South Africa Travel Guide

Indian lady tourist at Signal Hill, Cape Town, with Green Point World Cup Stadium in the background.
Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, colonial history, and the end of apartheid in 1994. Over the years, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world (HOKKAIDO, JAPAN SIGHTSEEING). When people think of South Africa, they often imagine wildlife, scenic landscapes, cultural diversity, and local cuisine. Among all the places to explore, Cape Town stands out as one of the country’s most visited and vibrant cities.

Signal Hill

One of the must-visit Cape Town attractions, Signal Hill offers sweeping views of the city, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean. Located beside Lion’s Head, it’s a popular spot for watching sunsets, taking photos, or simply relaxing in nature. The historic noon gun still fires daily, a tradition from the colonial era used to signal ships in Table Bay. From here, you’ll also see the Sea Point suburb, Green Point Stadium, and the city skyline. Visitors often drive or hike up for the best views, especially in the late afternoon (MYANMAR -ACROSS CHIANG RAI).

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Taj Mahal, Agra, India Travel Guide

Indian woman seated across lake with Taj Mahal in view and crowd in front, Agra, India.
Speak about India as a whole, especially North India (THINGS TO DO IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN) and the city of Agra will immediately stand out for one reason: the world-famed Taj Mahal. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal sits on the southern bank of the Yamuna River.

This monument holds two prestigious recognitions. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and architectural brilliance. It also remains one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a title awarded in 2007 through a global poll.


Taj Mahal History

Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of love and loss. It took over 20 years to complete and involved thousands of skilled artisans and craftsmen from across the empire and beyond. The structure is known for its white marble finish, detailed stone inlays, and precise symmetry.

 

The charbagh-style gardens, the long water channels, and the central dome form a layout that reflects balance and order. From every angle, the monument presents a different visual - shaped by light, shadow, and sky (TOURIST SPOTS IN KERALA, INDIA).


How It Begins at the Taj Mahal

A visit begins with purchasing a ticket. If you’re with a tour group, it’s handled for you. Otherwise, tickets are available at the counters or online. Queues are long, especially during peak hours.

 

Security checks are strict. Bags, personal items, and even water bottles are screened. Large bags and food items aren’t allowed. It’s best to keep your belongings minimal.

 

Once you’re cleared, you can choose to walk or ride a battery-operated cart toward the main entrance. Either way, there’s more walking ahead (HOKKAIDO JAPAN WINTER SIGHTSEEING).

Entrance gate of Taj Mahal, Agra, with people queuing and waiting around.


(Visitors walking through the Darwaza-i-Rauza (Great Gate) toward the Taj Mahal in Agra, India)

Tour Guide Reality

As soon as you step through the entrance and face the Taj Mahal, your guide’s voice may get drowned out, not literally, but by the rush of people aiming for photos and better views. It’s a moment where visitors want to get their shot before the crowds swell.

 

Once the photo rush settles, the guide usually resumes with historical background and facts. Whether you listen or not depends on how much you want to know beyond what you see.

Few people standing at inner archway (Darwaza-i-Rauza) in Taj Mahal, Agra, India.

Darwaza-i-Rauza arch with visitors walking in and out, Taj Mahal, Agra, India.
Taj Mahal Experience
There it is, plain and grand at the same time. The white marble seems to glow, even under harsh sun. The entire structure stands tall, quiet, and complete. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen before, the real view stays in the mind.

Some visitors focus on the architecture, others on the story behind it. Most just move from one spot to another, snapping photos, reading the expressions of fellow travelers, and walking the paths around the monument and gardens.

 

Inside the mausoleum, photography is restricted. The mood changes. It’s quieter, more orderly. People pause, move along, and step back outside.

Full view of Taj Mahal monument with crowd of visitors around, Agra, India.
 
(High visitor volume at the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO site in Agra, India)

How Much Time to Spend

There’s no fixed time limit, but generally, visitors spend around 2 to 4 hours. That’s enough to cover the walk-through, photo stops, the inner chamber, and a stroll in the gardens.

 

The crowd is steady. Whether it’s morning or evening, weekday or weekend, the flow of people doesn’t stop. Expect to see families, school groups, solo travelers, couples, locals and internationals alike.

 

Be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and don’t rush. For many, this is a one-time visit. And one visit is enough to remember the experience.

Indian woman in dance pose close to Taj Mahal monument, Agra, India.

Indian woman seated sideways on marble steps in Taj Mahal, Agra, India.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Things to Do in Jaipur, India

Indian lady seated on a bench under a structure. at Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is famously known as the Pink City, a name earned for its pink-hued buildings and royal charm. In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, a gesture of hospitality that still lives on in the city's old quarters. A trip to North India feels incomplete without visiting this vibrant city (VARANASI INDIA TOURIST SPOTS).

But Jaipur isn’t without its chaos - expect traffic jams, narrow roads, and heavy crowds, especially during tourist season. Yet, beneath the bustle lies a beautiful city filled with history, culture, and unforgettable sights (KERALA INDIA SIGHTSEEING).

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Varanasi, India: Top Things to Do

Indian lady in white Punjabi suit holding scarf behind her head, across Ganges River, Varanasi, India.
India is a vast and diverse country, made up of many states and cities, each with its own identity. Broadly, the country is often viewed in two cultural regions — North India and South India. While united under one nation, there are distinct differences between the north and south, particularly in social customs, cultural traditions, languages, architecture, and food. Although some similarities exist and elements do overlap, each region offers its own uniqueness (HOKKAIDO JAPAN THINGS TO DO).

 

In North India, one of the most meaningful and enriching places to visit is Varanasi. Often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi draws millions of visitors from all walks of life. For Hindus, the city holds deep religious significance for paying homage to the gods. For other travellers, it’s about experiencing Varanasi.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Tourist Places in Kochi, Kerala, India

A fishing village view with a medium size boat at the background in the waters.
Down to the last two days in Kochi (THINGS TO DO IN KOCHI), we spent our time visiting tourist spots, walking the streets, and taking in daily life. It was also a chance to see what Kochi had to offer in terms of local culture and lifestyle.

Kumbalangi Chinese Fishing Village

Kumbalangi, known as India’s first model tourism village, is famous for its “cheena vala” - Chinese fishing nets. Introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago, these nets still stand as a symbol of traditional fishing methods in Kerala. The area is calm, surrounded by backwaters, and gives a feel of how the local fishing community lives. We saw coir making and crab farming demonstrations. Most of the time, we were just standing around observing. Street vendors were around too, selling snacks and small items on the roadside (ALLEPPEY BOAT CRUISE).

Papaya Salad Recipe

Crunchy, fresh, crisp, spicy, and tangy papaya salad. Truly an appetizing dish that wakes up your taste buds instantly. Whether as a healthy...