The most visited holy place in the world

India is home to the reportedly most visited place of worship in the world, the Vishnu Temple in the city of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. About 30,000 people visit this 1200 year old temple every day. It is also considered to be one of the richest with it’s daily collection amounting to approximately $6 million US dollars.

Tirumala temple - Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Thousands of believers offer their hair at the temple as gratitude for wishes that have either materialised or they pray to see fulfilled. This practice is called Tonsuring and the act symbolising shedding of one’s ego. The hair is sold by the temple to wigmakers for millions. It is the world’s single largest source of human hair.

If you want to explore some of India’s many temples and places of worship, please search this blog.

Have your Temples and places of worship in India ,you feel like sharing? Leave us a comment and let us know about it.

Things to do in Goa

Goa, having been unofficially christened the most Bohemian destination’ of India, has witnessed a plethora of tourists trying to live the liberated sixties dream in the past decade. With such a voluminous influx of eager explorers, it’s obvious that every nook and corner has been treaded upon, investigated and scrupulously concealed from other travellers. Yet, year after year, many more discoveries later, the destination is afresh with new things to do. With the locals playing a large part in bringing forth their history, culture and hospitality to outsiders, what could be better than a staying in a typical Goan house and getting upclose and personal with this fantastic place?

1. Take a dip into history

To date, the mysterious Latin Quarter in the heart of Panjim remains one of the more charming things on the itinerary. Apart from the vibrant coloured walls and quaint streets there are some delightful hidden surprises.  Over tea and some delectable freshly baked biscuits in the Gomes household a suggestion is made to visit the 31st January Bakery with it’s old fashioned recipes. Right behind the house, a narrow lanes winds right into the bakery. Make sure you have some extra space in the bag to carry some delicious treats home. Viva Panjim, another restaurant which has etched its name in local history, is tucked around the corner, but sure is a pleasure for those who like sea-food.

Goa Restaurant

2. Recipe Exchange

Few travellers in Goa really experience beyond crowded beaches, hippie markets and shack food. Staying in a homestay, gives a great insight into the local culture and great food. Get a crash course in the delicious local curries with the owners and share some of your own recipes with the ever-adventurous Goans.

3. Green Goa

Goa has some fantastic villages to explore, provided you are ready to be lost in the luscious Arpora hills. Staying at the Capella, in North Goa can plunge you right into the wilderness with your hosts Jamshed and Ayesha having a strong interest in preserving the environment. They can arrange for local experts and naturalists to give inspiring talks on snakes and the indigenous flora and fauna. Highly recommended for environment enthusiasts, this is something you must insist on adding to your itinerary.

Monkey Green Goa

4. Birds of Goa

Many of the locals of Goa have a great eye for bird-watching in the hilly terrains of North Goa. Make sure to pack your binoculars for an impromptu bird watching walk with the homestay owners.

White Peacock in Goa

5. A Fit Holiday

For a healthy holiday, staying with a fitness expert is all you could ask for. Many residents of Goa live and enjoy the clear air and a meticulous regime. Join in for some Pilates, aerobics or easy workouts with the owners themselves.

6. The Mystifying Island

Old Goa has always been rather elusive to the tourists who throng the popular beaches of North. After spending half a day in the churches and breathing in the historical air of Goa, don’t miss the mystifying island of Divar. Again, a brilliant suggestion by the veterans of Panjim, the island can be reached by regular ferries from Old Goa. An old white church, flanked by Banyan trees, stands atop a hill, visible from all points below. The sleepy island has stretches of fields and hardly any inhabitation. Great for a long drive and a quick break for some beer in local cafes!

7. Brown Town

One must definitely drive to Bicholim, the pottery town, an untouched destination. It is fascinating to see the mud covered town, still preserving the old art of clay and porcelain.

Ganapati Papa Moriya

8. Away and Beyond Goa

Not far away from Bicholim, are the languid waters of Mayem Lake. Great for a quick boat ride and enjoying the serene backdrop.

Quite Lake in Goa

9. Serene Sands

Having heard of only the popular beaches of Goa, many miss many secret pristine beaches. Drive forty minutes north of Arpora and hit the Ashwem, Mandrem and Morjim beaches. Carefully tucked away from the busy clamour of hotels and guest houses, one can spend some quiet time in the few tasteful shacks at the far end of these un-commercial beaches. Better still is to pack a great picnic breakfast from the homestay that you stay in, and veer off further to more unknown beaches, with suggestions from the owners. This is sure to leave a mark in your memory.

Sun Sand and Beaches Goa

The authentic tinge of Goa is always a pleasant respite from the usual itineraries, so don’t miss to ask your homestay owners to suggest some more unique things to do in Goa.

Find out about some of the popular areas of Goa and search for a homestay:

• Margao
• North Goa
• Panjim

Have your how favorite thing to do in Goa or a secret spot you feel like sharing? Leave us a comment and let us know about it.

Himachal Tourism - Things to do in Solan

Solan in the state of Himachal Pradesh has long been an ideal conduit for bigger cities and hillstations. But today, we bring you 9 things that make Solan the perfect place for explorers.

1. Make room for mushrooms

Solan is known as India’s “mushroom city.” This isn’t because of gross commercialization or questionable forms of recreation. The town simply produces some of the juiciest and freshest mushrooms you will ever taste. So do taste them.

2. A toast!

Just 11 kilometers from Solan is an old brewery called “Mohan Meakin’s Brewery.” It was opened way back in 1855 and since then it has been producing a number of alcohol-based beverages and brands that are extremely popular in the region. A great way to experience the local flavor.

Solan Brewery

3. Shrines of Solan

In Solan you will find plenty of charming and serene temples. Whether or not you choose to bow your head, the temples are worth visiting for their cultural importance. The most revered amongst Solan’s many houses of worship are The Shoolini Mata temple and the Jatoli Shiv temple. The latter is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his followers flock from all over the state to offer their tributes. Also to be visited is the Yungdrung Monastery, a Tibetan “gumpa” which exudes serenity and calm.

4. Art, Architecture and Arki

Arki Fort is a major attraction for tourists based in Solan and Simla. The Fort is embellished with murals that are done in the typical Pahari style. The Fort is a haven for art lovers and history buffs. A short drive from Arki is the Kuthar Fort, parts of which are up to 800 years old. The expansive Fort, houses fresh-water springs and samples of architectural marvel.

Road Tracks in Arki

5. The playground of Maharajahs

Cheil is one of the most frequently visited places from Solan. It served as the summer capital for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh who built the world’s highest cricket pitch here where many famous teams were invited to play. Once, a game was organized where both teams were dressed as women and the Maharaja himself donned a nun’s habit. The playful Maharaja also built a small temple in honour of the sage who attained nirvana in Cheil. Today, the palace has been converted into a resort for tourists.

6. Silver lining without the clouds

The sleepy town of Barog attracts a number of tourists who have heard of its splendid natural beauty. The town is enveloped by pine trees and offers spellbinding vistas of the Churdhar Peak, also known as “Mountain of the Silver Bangle.” Its remote location makes it a peaceful weekend retreat and not just a day tour from Solan.

7. Old world, charmed

Kufri is arguably the most known tourist destination near Solan. Colonial influence can still be seen in this hillstation, which seems to have been suspended in time. There are plenty of cobbled streets, peculiar shops, and countless orchards to explore. A great place to see an era, long gone.

8. Walking through History

Another wonderful day trip from Solan is to Kasauli. The small district is home to St. Patrick’s Church, which was built in 1847. The grand Church is highly recommended for people who appreciate architecture and history. In the Church you will find wooden interiors, murals and much more that depict the life of Jesus. Christ. A wonderful place for inner-reflection and peace. A short distance from the church you will also find four ancient cemeteries dedicated to officials and soldiers of the British Raj.

9. Living like royalty

Nalagarh is a historically important site, where the Gurkha Wars were fought in the 19th Century. Today, it attracts tourists who are drawn by the reputation of the Nalgarh Fort and Palace. They are beautiful examples of Mughal architecture, which have recently undergone extensive makeovers and now serve as resorts.

Royal Palace Solan