Lesser Known Facts about the City of Dreams: Mumbai

The city that is home to more than 12 million people, Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay, is regarded as one of the nerve centers of India. It is the commercial and entertainment capital of the country. Popularly known as the city that never sleeps, Mumbai is home to the Bollywood film industry. This city also generates about 25% of India’s industrial output. 

Every year a huge number of travelers come to this city, where Parses, Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Jews co-exist peacefully. The city’s extensively planned road and rail network, along with the International airport, further make it the most accessible part of India.

Amazing Offers 

 

If you decide to fly to Mumbai or anywhere else in the country, don’t forget to check out Vistara’s Affordable Luxury suite of products. Leisure travel has become more affordable now, with attractive Business Class and Premium Economy fares from Vistara. All you have to do is to plan and book in advance or travel on weekends. If you book 30 days or more in advance, the Affordable Luxury program offers you up to 60% discount for Business Class and up to 40% discount for Premium Economy relative to last minute fares.

Amazing Facts about Mumbai

• Mumbai is named after a Goddess: The city has been named after Goddess Mumba Devi.
• The city has the largest theme park, Imagica: Situated on the Mumbai-Pune highway, Imagica is the only theme park in India built on international standards.
• Badra-Worli sea link is an architectural wonder: The 5,600 metre cable based bridge that connects the western suburbs of Mumbai with the southern suburbs is indeed an architectural marvel.
• Home to India’s first bus network: Mumbai is the first Indian city to get the well-established bus service system, known as BEST, in 1905, which is in service till date.
• City’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is India’s first railway station: CST was the first ever railway station constructed in India. It opened in 1888 and is today a UNESCO world historic site.
• The first Indian to own a car was a Mumbaikar: City’s Jamshedji Tata was the first Indian to own a car.
• The city has the longest coastline: The city has the longest coastline of 129 kms.
• Khargar’s central park is largest in Asia: An urban park in the city covering 119 hectares, this central park is the largest in Asia and third largest in the world.
• The city comprises of seven islands: The current city of Mumbai consists of Worli, Bombay, Mazagaon, Parel, Little Colaba and Colaba, which were seven distinct islands before their merger to form one city. It took more than 60 years to merge the seven islands.
• Mumbai is home to the largest and most expensive slums: Dharavi in Mumbai is not only the largest slum area of Asia but also the most expensive one. Aa house here can cost you a few lakhs!
• Bollywood’s initials were taken from the city’s name itself: The city is home to the Bollywood film industry, a name that was taken from the name Bombay.

Having learned all this about this city, aren’t you excited to explore it? If yes, book domestic flight ticket early and take advantage of Vistara’s Affordable Luxury offers.

Mind Blowing Facts about Lucknow for First Time Visitors

Lucknow is an ancient Indian city that is a cultural potboiler, offering unique food, music, art, and handicrafts. The Nawabs, who ruled Lucknow for centuries and gave it the much talked about Nawabi style, were great patrons of the fine arts. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was very fond of the classical dance form of Kathak, which traces its roots to Lucknow. Lachhu Maharaj, Achhchan Maharaj, Shambhu Maharaj and Birju Maharaj are some reputed names who have kept the tradition of Kathak alive. Akhtari Bai Faizabadi, who later came to be known as the renowned Begum Akhtar, also made Lucknow her home. Her ghazals and thumris never fail to move the listener.

Kathak enthusiasts in Delhi should travel to Lucknow with domestic flights on offer, to enjoy the dance performances of their favorite artists. 

The Nawabi Style

 

It is said that it is the music, culture and monuments that speak of the Nawabi style of Lucknow. The city has been synonymous with Nazakat and Nafasat. Lucknow was ruled by the Delhi Sultanate, taken over by the Mughals and later looked after by the Nawabs. Little wonder then that it offers a real royal feel.

Gourmet Delights, Especially for Non-Vegetarians

Awadhi cuisine is native to the city of Lucknow, where the dum style of cooking or the art of cooking over a slow fire was given birth to. In Lucknow, you get to choose from a wide variety of kebabs, 18-layered parathas, succulent naans, mouth-watering kachoris, creamy kulfis and more. The famous Galoti kebab was created right here. These are made of tenderized meat whipped to a creamy consistency, and simply melt in the mouth. Once they are placed before the person, the aroma is enough to get your mouth watering!

 

Shopper's Delight

Lucknow is known for embroidery works like chikankari, zari, zardozi, kamdani, gota making, etc. Authentic Chikankari, a 400 year old embroidery style unique to this city, has myriad delicate stitches, to be precise, ten different kinds, which are traditionally embroidered with white cotton thread on thin cotton or muslin fabric to suit the hot weather. It has now evolved to suit the modern tastes but nothing beats the age old workmanship or kaarigari of the artisans here. Zardozi embroidery was done during the times of the Nawabs to create magic on cloth with golden zari thread work. Even today, when you wear garments with this work, you feel like royalty.

Lucknow is a cultural delight. If you too want to be a part of it, book yourself in one of the Delhi to Lucknow flights and experience a royal holiday.

4 Top Places to Visit and Things to Do in Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India with world-class architecture and high quality of life. The face of modern India, Chandigarh is the manifestation of a dream seen by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and executed by Le Corbusier. 

If you are planning a getaway from Delhi, this is probably the most exciting option. Here are a few things that you must do in the “City Beautiful”. 

4 Things to Do in Chandigarh

1. Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery

Located on Jan Marg in Sector 10, this museum is inside a building designed by Le Corbusier and is divided into four wings, dedicated to natural history, art, architecture and portraits. The major attractions here are collections of over 4,000 Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings.

There is also a collection of over 600 Buddhist sculptures from the Gandhara region, which is now known as Pakistan and Afghanistan. This museum also displays the plans and sketches for the planning of the city.

2. Hang Out at Nek Chand’s Rock Garden

Nek Chand’s rock garden is Chandigarh’s own wonderland in an otherwise grid-like city. This park is packed with narrow corridors, amphitheatres, bridges, staircases, a spectacular waterfall and even has an ethnic market at the end.

One of the most beautiful sights at the park is the unusual human and animal figures made of recycled material like wires, bottles, bangles, etc. The park is one of the biggest crowd-pullers of the city.

3. Sukhna Lake

The increasing number of buildings in Delhi has left it without too many water bodies. However, Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh is certainly a scenic tourist spot, where you can go paddle boating or simply enjoy the view.

If you are on a family vacation, then this is where you will have a great time. During winters, you can find many migratory birds at the lake. Isn’t this a good reason to book Delhi to Chandigarh flights?

4. Sightseeing at Leisure Valley

If you are a nature lover, then you must visit this 8 km long park created by Le Corbusier in the eroded valley of a seasonal river. It consists of a series of theme gardens, including Asia’s largest rose garden. The park also has replica of the Eiffel Tower. 

Usually serenity and modern city are completely opposite concepts. However, Chandigarh is a rare exception of modernization co-existing with nature. Trees and greenery have been given equal emphasis as the buildings here. So, book domestic flights tickets online and board your Delhi to Chandigarh flights now and get ready for an amazing vacation.

Christmas and New Year in Goa: What To Do And Where To Go

Goa offers you memorable ways to celebrate Christmas and New Year, without burning a hole in your wallet. There is so much to choose from at this time of the year, with the entire region steeped in the holiday spirit. This is a good option, especially for Delhiites, since it gives you a whole new kind of partying experience. And with the easy availability of Delhi to Goa flights, you don’t have to spend too much on travel either. However, given the popularity of this destination, it is always recommended to book your travel tickets and accommodation well in advance so that there is no last minute disappointment.

Why Goa?

Goa is a mixture of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture, attracting an estimated 3 million visitors each year. Other than this, Goa has everything you could hope for in a holiday destination, with beautiful beachfront settings, lively parties and balmy weather. Even in terms of prices, it is one of the most reasonable destinations, when compared to the traditional and iconic destinations like Singapore or Bangkok.

Where to Stay?

At this point, every other guest house or hotels will be busy. So, make sure you book your stay well in advance. On the other hand, there are also options for accommodation in private homes, villas, flats and shared rooms, available at affordable rates. So, make sure you check out all options available and choose one that piques your interest the most. And if you are a daring person, you can “couchsurf”. This is a term commonly used for sharing a home for free with a willing stranger who lives in Goa. Beach shacks could also be the less expensive option for you. If all these places are occupied, then you can only rely on a friend's place, who'll be happy to have you over.

What to Party?

If you don't mind spending lavishly, Club Cabana, SinQ, Lalit Golf and Spa Resort, Teso, and Hilltop are the ultimate spots. Then there's Deltin Royale Casino, which is India 's largest casino. It provides lavish meals, luxurious stay, gambling and complimentary chips for the casino as well.

If you are travelling on a budget, there is no place better than Club Westend, Club 9, LPK Waterfront, Tito's & Club Fresh. After this comes the popular shacks in Goa, which never fail to astound visitors, hosting some of the best beach parties on New Year's Eve. You'll find great music, food and booze over here. At Curlies Shack, Bobby's Shack, Jolly Boy's Beach Shack, Rudy's Golden Mermaid shack, you can dance on the cool sand close to the splashing waves.

So, start planning well in advance and spend a memorable winter in Goa with affordable Delhi to Goa flights.

4 Places to Visit in December in India

As the snow covers the hills in the North and the beaches of the South are drenched in sunshine, India welcomes the best season to travel in the country. With December marked with a string of holidays, it is certainly the best time to pack your bags and head for an adventurous journey.

The difficult part though is to select your destination. Here is a list of places that will make your job easier.

4 Places You Must Visit in December

1. Goa: To begin with, there is no specific time to visit Goa. You are going enjoy it as much in summer as you will in winter. But things do get wilder in December as Christmas and New Year approach. It literally turns into the ‘Las Vegas of India’. Fireworks and trance music, with the sand tickling your toes, is the perfect way to ring in the New Year. In December, Goa also observes the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, which is another reason to visit the place. While you are there, don’t forget to shop at the Saturday Night Market in Arpora.
2. Alappuzha, Kerala: While Goa is normally crowded during December, Alappuzha is a calm place that offers peace. It is the perfect destination for those who love nature. Kerala is known for its backwaters and tranquillity, and Alappuzha offers you both. In December, Alappuzha celebrates a 10-day festival, Mullackal Chirap, which offers you a chance to experience the culture of the region. However, even before you make those domestic flight ticket bookings, book your stay on a houseboat.
3. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: If there is heaven in India, it is in Srinagar. This place will welcome you with scenes similar to those you see in Bollywood films. In December, the place is covered in snow and temperatures drop below zero. Be a part of the Gulmarg Snow Festival that takes place just 56 kilometres from Srinagar.
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan: November and December are considered to be the best months to visit Udaipur, since the temperature in the City of Lakes is on the lower side. The city is home to many exciting tourist destinations, such as the Lake Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace and Jag Mandir. You can also be a part of the Shilpgram Arts and Crafts Festival right here.

Since all these places see lower temperatures during December, make sure you pack accordingly and get your domestic flight ticket bookings in advance to get the lowest airfare.

Best Places to Visit in India during Winter

Winter is fast approaching and it is about time you check out the best flight deals and offers in India, and get a respite from your hectic daily schedule. December is that awesome month when we eagerly wait for Santa’s goodies, and welcome the New Year with excitement. Here are some amazing places that you should visit in the month of December to add to all that excitement.

Spectacular Places to Visit in Winter

1.      Kerala – Gods Own Country

There need be no doubt that all those wonderful things you have heard or read about Kerala don’t even come close to the true beauty of this South Western state. You name it and Kerala has it. Beaches for sand lovers, hills stations for mountain lovers, wildlife sanctuaries for nature lovers, this beautiful state carves a special place in everyone’s heart. After you’re done chilling and sight-seeing for the day, you can pamper yourself with a relaxing and therapeutic massage and rejuvenate yourself for the next adventure.

2.      Auli (Uttarakhand)

Calling all adventure lovers! Located on the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, Auli is known for its snow-capped mountains, cold, sweet winds and vast blue skies. It is nature’s powerful doze of picturesque beauty. Renowned for its skiing festivals, adventure junkies are sure to have the time of their lives right here. Don’t know how to ski? Don’t worry. There are lots of skiing coaches who can teach you the tricks in no time.

3.      Pondicherry

Officially known as Puducherry, Pondicherry is known for its beautiful French colonies, diverse culture, delicious sea food, and a vibrant atmosphere. The climate is pleasant throughout the year, and the breathtaking scenery will leave you spellbound for sure! It is a wonderful place to party, or simply stroll on the beach for some tropical fun. If you still more to go, you can take a road trip to Bangalore or Chennai. The route is simply mind blowing!

4.      Goa

Goa is a perfect mix of adventure, leisure and nature. The beach shacks are mostly filled with both foreigners and Indians swaying to upbeat electronic music and completely enjoying the moment. The delicious seafood, vibrant atmosphere, tropical climate, party vibes, and the wildly popular Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Festival, Sunburn Festival, should be enough reasons for you to explore the beautiful and electrifying facets of Goa.

Don't forget to check out the best flight deals and offers in India, so that you can save on travel and use the extra cash for some added fun.

5 Ultimate Indian Destinations to Explore with Your Friends

India is blessed with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The Indian Himalayan range, which span ten states, is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Enjoy the scenic beauty of this gigantic range by taking domestic flights in India to the most amazing holiday destinations. Here are five spectacular locations that you should not miss, whether you are a nature enthusiast, an animal lover or are into adrenaline-pumping adventure sports.

5 Spectacular Destinations in India

1)      Ladakh

Ladakh is the largest province in Jammu and Kashmir and stretches from the Kunlun mountain range to the Great Himalayas. Ladakh is a high-altitude desert, and offers amazing views of barren cliffs and plateaus. This destination is popular among adventure sport enthusiasts and those who love to ride motorbikes amidst natural beauty. Photographers from across the world visit Ladakh to capture its breathtaking views. Activities like kayaking, yak safari and camel safari add to the thrill.

2)      Kashmir

The valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range is known as the paradise of India. Snowcapped mountains and alpine forests make for the perfect scenic views. One can also stay in a houseboat to experience the best of natural beauty. A trip to Kashmir is a divine and soulful experience, awakening both the hermit and adventurer in you.

3)      Sikkim

This amazing hill station is bordered by Nepal to the west, China to the north, Bhutan to the east and West Bengal to the south. It is indeed an experience of heaven on earth and frequented by nature lovers. You can also enjoy trekking, river rafting and yak safari here, and don’t forget to take selfies at the hilltops.

4)      Kalimpong

For travelers who love heights, Kalimpong is among the best choice of destinations. Located at an average elevation of 1,250 meters, Kalimpong is a hill station in West Bengal. The natural beauty is both calming and thrilling, and is a complete stress buster. Adventurous activities include hiking, river rafting and trekking.

5)      Kufri

A small hill station snuggled near Shimla, Kufri is known for its breathtaking ski tracks. For sport lovers, this destination also offers go-karting past the most amazing landscapes. The Himalayan Nature Park, the Indira Tourist Park and the Himalayan Wild Life Zoo are must visits.

With affordable domestic airlines in India, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic holiday destinations.