The largest continent in the world is a land of great diversity, having both the world’s highest point, Mount Everest along the border of Tibet and Nepal, and the lowest point, the Dead Sea located where Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Territories converge. From the scorching hot deserts of the Middle East to the frigid climate in Siberia, Asia is also a land of extremes both in its landscapes and people. While Asia has some of the most developed regions in the world like ultra-modern Japan, Singapore, China, and Russia, there are regions that are extremely poor like Laos, Yemen, and East Timor.
Its people too are as diverse as the landscape, with Russia forming its northern and eastern borders, the Middle East countries to its West and the Indian subcontinent to the South. It’s not easy to stereotype an Asian as the countries that come under the borders of this continent are so diverse. Most of the world religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism were founded in Asia and so the land is also steeped in spirituality. Predictably too, the continent has some of the most religious places in the world, such as Jerusalem, Varanasi, Mecca, and Bodh Gaya. A visitor to these lands is easily mesmerized by the uniqueness of the continent and drawn to its beauty, be it the magnificent ancient monuments such as the Great Wall of China, and the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, to the desert ruins and ancient cities of the Middle East, and the wide expanse of idyllic beaches, Asia has to be experienced to be truly appreciated.
Tucked on India’s charismatic Konkan coast is its smallest state, Goa. A gorgeous blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures, Goa is all about the sun, sand, sea, spirituality, seafood, and sossegado (a Portuguese concept meaning “quiet”). If there’s anywhere in India where LGBTQ travelers can feel comfortable, it’s the unconventional Goa. In fact, being a…
Famed for nestling Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Agra is a trip to remember. This astonishing Indian city is located some 200 km (124 miles) from New Delhi, and has witnessed the construction of numerous buildings on an elaborate scale. It is home to various monuments which are quite magnificent…
Varanasi’s claim to being the oldest city in the world may still be undecided, but there is no doubt whatsoever that this city is known to every Hindu in the world as a place they must visit at least once in their lives. A dip in the Ganga here is supposed to cleanse one of…
Cushioned between the Himalayan Range and the Karakoram Range in Northern India, Ladakh, “the land of high passes”, is a popular tourist destination for adventure seekers and mountaineering enthusiasts. This rugged and beautiful landscape is a part of a long-running political battle and is sometimes known for its armed conflict between India and its neighboring…
India‘s smallest state, Goa, packs quite a punch when it comes to hospitality and vacationing. With more than 100km of beach stretching across the state and a party vibe that’s unparalleled to the rest of the country, Goa is where India heads to bring in the New Year. Located on the southwest coast of India,…
One of India‘s most popular travel destinations is the ‘Pink City,’ Jaipur, a new entrant into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jaipur is an intriguing mix of grand historical palaces staring down in consternation at chaotic streets where camels amble amongst cycle rickshaws and motorcycles. Jaipur, roughly a 5-hour drive southwest of New Delhi, is…
Dharamsala is a special place in India. It is where the Dalai Lama calls home after fleeing from Tibet. There are Tibetan people that settled here on the upper part of Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj. On the lower part, it is mainly Indian people. With such diversity, there is much to see here.…
Mumbai is known by many monikers – City of Dreams, City of Illusions, Maximum City, and rightly so. It brims with manic energy and is bursting with awe-inspiring architecture, history, and cuisines. Moreover, it’s also India’s financial powerhouse and the birthplace of the famed ‘Bollywood.’ So, it’s no surprise that Mumbai has a cosmopolitan vibe…
Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is India’s third-largest city and whose origins go back almost 400 years. India’s cultural and intellectual capital also happens to be one of the first Indian cities to have organized gay parties! Despite Kolkata remaining largely conservative, the city is home to a large gay population that blends in at mixed nightclubs,…
If the color pink had a home, then Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur would be it. Before King Edward VII’s visit in 1876, the entire city was given a fresh coat of pink paint. Close to 150 years later, Jaipur still preserves that rosy glow. At its heart sits the magnificent city palace, which continues to be…
Hyderabad has one of the most polarizing skylines in India. On the one hand, Old City is home to winding spice bazaars and architectural marvels. On the other hand, we have ‘Cyberabad,’ a.k.a. HITEC City, its snazzy cousin brimming with pubs, restaurants, and malls. Given India’s traditional outlook, you might be surprised that Hyderabad is…
India’s capital New Delhi, or just Delhi, is like an assault on the senses – but the good kind. Whether it’s the winding, vibrant lanes of Old Delhi, the delectable street food, or its eons-old architecture, Delhi is one enthralling destination. It’s also considered a forthright “pink” destination in a deeply conservative country where LGBTQ…
New Delhi, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, is the capital city of the Republic of India. Built on the banks of the Yamuna river, New Delhi is a beautiful blend of historical past and a vibrant present and visitors are always awed by it. Check out our Top 10 Things To Do…
Rich, vibrant, colorful, spicy, exotic, expressive, warm, friendly, busy, spiritual, millenary are just some of the adjectives used to describe Mumbai. Whether you go on a luxury trip to India or backpacking this city has it all for every single kind of traveler. Just like any other harbor city Mumbai is a bustling metropolis with more…
Planning a trip to India? Don’t miss Jodhpur, the land of kings and forts, and the second largest city in the desert state of India, Rajasthan. Popularly known by the name of “Blue City”, because it has peculiar blue buildings all over the place, this is because Jodhpur was mainly inhabited by Brahmins, the highest…
India is known for mysticism, a rich history, and a diverse cultural vibe. Steeped in history, the picturesque city of Jaisalmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan is synonymous with an old-world charm that makes you a time traveler. Just 300 km (16 miles) from Jodhpur, it’s tucked in the heart of the Thar Desert.…
Located in the northwest region of India, Amritsar is one of the most historic cities of northern India and is mostly famous for two things – rich culture and delicious food. You would hear “Sat Sri Akal”, the colloquial greeting, in every hook and corner of the place. If you are on an exploration to…
So we visited Amritsar, the holy city of the SIkh people, and we simply fail in love with them!. Anywhere you go you see warm and peaceful people. Who Are They 1 Sikhism is a monotheistic faith founded by Guru Nanak who was born in 1469 to a Hindu family. Sikhism, which began in India’s…
The British nicknamed India the ‘brightest star in the sky,’ – and for good measure. The astonishingly diverse country is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, languages, and ethos and boasts exuberance and flamboyance in every form of the word. What’s more, it’s also the ultimate travel destination. In fact, the places to see range…
The City of Dreams, Maximum City, the Financial Capital of India, India’s most expensive city; Mumbai’s sobriquets and nicknames are endless – and apt. From hipster enclaves and hidden temples to the furious energy of India’s premier restaurants and nightlife, the city’s juxtapositioning is spellbinding. What makes it all the more interesting is that Mumbai…
One of the world’s oldest cultures and civilizations, India also has abundant reserves of natural and modern beauty. It’s a land rich in contrasts, stretching from the Himalayas and Rajasthan’s deserts to mountain ranges and sandy beaches. As grand as India is as a country, so is its hospitality, and while one might not associate…
As pet parents, we’ve canceled vacations at the wag of a tail if our pet hasn’t been able to come along. Luckily, when we planned a trip to India, we were delighted to know that it’s a very pet-friendly destination! The thought of exploring a vibrant culture and discovering this new destination was undoubtedly more…
There are few cities like Delhi on this planet. Firstly, there have been eight historical versions of the city, each built at the same place or nearby. The city is famous for its frenetic bazaars, lip-smacking street food, and the rich historic architecture of Old Delhi. If you’re flying to Delhi for a short holiday…
The South Indian city of Chennai is one captivating confluence of cosmopolitan neighborhoods and urban villages. Tamil Nadu’s capital has long been a keeper of culinary, religious, and artistic traditions, and continues to be so. Recently, the city has gained a fair bit of cosmopolitan glamor in the form of new-age restaurants, quirky cafes, dazzling…