Maharashtra – Commute World

Here’s The List Of Best Places To Explore In India In 2022

India, Kerala, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand / By Sanyam

India is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is a diverse country with natural and cultural wealth that has been the home to some of the world’s greatest religions. However, there are many people who are too scared to explore India due to all the misconceptions they have about it. But exploring India doesn’t need to be difficult which is why we’re going to give you a list of best places you can explore in India in 2022.

Places For Exploring in India in 2022

1. Leh, Ladakh: A popular destination for adventure seekers, Leh is located in the Himalayan mountains and offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. There are many trekking and hiking trails in Leh that offer a great way to explore the area.

2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: The Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert. It is an excellent place for wildlife spotting, especially birds. There are also many villages in the area that offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the locals.

3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These islands offer some of the best beaches in India as well as plenty of opportunities for water sports such as scuba diving and snorkelling.

4. Hampi, Karnataka: Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the empire are scattered across the town and make for an interesting exploration.

5. Goa: Goa is a popular beach destination and offers a wide range of activities such as surfing, parasailing, and windsurfing.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of the best places to explore in India. The state is home to a variety of attractions, including the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Amber Fort. Rajasthan is also home to several national parks, including the Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Kerala

Kerala is one of the best places to explore in India. It is a beautiful state with plenty of things to see and do.

Kerala is known for its stunning beaches. You can find beach resorts here that offer all the amenities you need for a perfect beach vacation. If you’re looking for a more natural setting, there are also plenty of unspoiled beaches to explore. Kerala is also home to some of the best backwaters in India. You can take a boat ride through these tranquil waters and admire the scenic beauty of Kerala.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kerala is also home to several historical and cultural attractions. The state has a rich history dating back thousands of years. You can visit ancient temples, forts, and palaces in Kerala. Or you can learn about the state’s vibrant culture by visiting its many museums and art galleries. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Kerala.

So if you’re looking for a place to explore in India, be sure to add Kerala to your list.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, as well as natural beauty.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu include the Kanyakumari Temple, the Brihadishwara Temple, and the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Tamil Nadu is also home to a number of national parks, including the Mudumalai National Park and the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy some beautiful scenery, Tamil Nadu is definitely the place for you.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is a state in southern India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and wildlife. Some of the best places to explore in Andhra Pradesh include:

1. Vishakhapatnam: Vishakhapatnam is a city on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and museums.

2. Tirupati: Tirupati is a city in central Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its temples and religious sites.

3. Hyderabad: Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its mosques, monuments, and museums.

4. Warangal: Warangal is a city in northern Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its lakes, temples, and historical sites.

Gujarat

If you’re looking for a place to explore in India, Gujarat should definitely be on your list. This state is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, as well as natural beauty.

Some of the places you can visit in Gujarat include the city of Ahmedabad, which is known for its architecture, and the Statue of Unity, which is the world’s tallest statue. You can also see the Rani Ki Vav, a stepwell that was built in the 11th century, and the Gir National Park, which is home to a large population of lions.

Gujarat is also a great place to enjoy some traditional Indian food. There are a number of restaurants that serve Gujarati cuisine, which is known for its use of spices and fresh ingredients.

Overall, Gujarat is an excellent place to explore if you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty.

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a state in northern India. It is bordered by the states of Uttar Pradesh to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the north. The area of Uttarakhand is about 53,000 square kilometers. The capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun.

The state of Uttarakhand is divided into two regions, the Garhwal region and the Kumaon region. The Garhwal region includes the districts of Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Tehri Garhwal. The Kumaon region includes the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar.

Uttarakhand is a popular tourist destination. It is home to many Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand include Badrinath Temple, Haridwar, Nainital, Rishikesh, and Yamunotri.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Uttar Pradesh is also home to many other historical and religious sites.

The capital of Uttar Pradesh is Lucknow. The city is known for its cuisine, music, and architecture. The city has many historical monuments, including the Bada Imambara and the Chota Imambara.

Agra is another city in Uttar Pradesh that is home to a World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal. The city is also home to many other historical monuments, including the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Uttar Pradesh is a large state with a population of over 200 million people. The state has a diverse culture with many different languages spoken. Hindi is the official language of the state, but Urdu is also widely spoken.

West Bengal

1. West Bengal is a state in the eastern part of India. The capital city is Kolkata. West Bengal has a long coastline on the Bay of Bengal. There are many tourist attractions in the state, such as the Sunderbans, Darjeeling, and the temples of Bishnupur.

2. The Sunderbans is a large mangrove forest located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, dolphins, and birds. The Sunderbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Darjeeling is a town in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for its tea plantations and scenic views. Darjeeling is also home to the Tiger Hill, where visitors can get a view of Mount Everest.

4. The temples of Bishnupur are located in the town of Bishnupur in West Bengal. They were built between the 15th and 18th centuries by the Malla dynasty. The temples are made of brick and terracotta, and they are decorated with intricate carvings.

Conclusion

India is a land of diversity, and that is reflected in its many beautiful places to explore. From the serene beaches of the south to the snow-capped mountains of the north, there is something for everyone in India. And with so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. So if you’re looking for a place to visit that will offer you an unforgettable experience, be sure to add India to your list.

Jehangir Art Gallery

India, Maharashtra, Mumbai / By Ankita Popli

Are you an artist or you’re just fascinated by art? Either way Jehangir Art Gallery is the place for you mate.

Established in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, Jehangir Art Gallery is a famous tourist and art follower’s destination in Mumbai, India.

Mr. B. G. Kher, Chief Minister of Bombay State, has inaugurated Jehangir Art Gallery on 21st January of 1952.

Sir Cowasji Jehangir was the second Baronet and a well-known member of Bombay Parsi Community and the interesting part is that, the entire cost of creating this huge mansion was funded by Sir Cowasji himself.

Situated in Kala Ghoda of South Mumbai, it is hardly 10 minutes away from Gateway of India (approx. 750 meters) that is almost 3 to 4 minutes of walk from Prince of Wales Museum (which is behind this gallery with the distance of approx. 230 meters).

The Jehangir Art Gallery has four exhibition halls:
• The Auditorium Hall which has around 2700 square feet of floor area with 180 feet of height;
• The Exhibition Gallery is around 3700 square feet floor wise and 370 feet height wise and this gallery is divided into three sections;
• Hirji Jehangir Gallery is situated on the first floor and has 1408 square feet of floor area with 173 feet of height and;
• The Terrace Gallery for Photography and Visual Art is situated on the terrace of Jehangir Art Gallery and it has 650 square feet of floor area with 130 feet of height.

The entry fee for visitors is Free. The visiting hours of the gallery are 11am to 7pm and are open 7 days of the week. The Gallery has its own library, although, with restricted entry and along with that it also has country’s oldest licensed antique dealer in its complex, Natesan and, a popular cafe of Samovar.

Art lovers can connect with Gallery’s Sales Room, which is situated in the gallery complex, if they want to buy a copy of any artwork that is displayed in the gallery. Jehangir Art Gallery is also known as the center of Contemporary Indian Art; nationally as well as internationally to artists and art followers.

Another interesting fact about the gallery is the ‘Monsoon Art Show’ which is the annual exhibition sponsored by the Gallery to showcase the work of their proven merit students. And these meritorious students are the final year students from various art colleges all across Maharashtra. This exhibition displays the old master works.

The Gallery, with a small amount of fee, has also organized some of the programs on art criticism, art history and art appreciation.

It was dedicated in the memory of Sir Cowasji’s late son, Jehangir. He died in an accident in 1944. Apart from Jehangir Art Gallery, Sir Cowasji have created and funded Cowasji Jehangir Hall which is a modern art museum, located in the Colaba area of Mumbai, India; also Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry which is the largest psychiatric hospital in Pakistan and is located in Latifabad suburb of Hyderabad city, Sindh, Pakistan; Sir Cowasji Jehangir and his wife, Lady Hirabai Jehangir, also founded the Jehangir Hospital in the Pune city of Maharashtra, India. They have contributed all this in the memory of their son’s demise.

So if you’re planning your next trip to Mumbai, then don’t forget to check out the masterpieces of various artists at Jehangir Art Gallery. And then start your voyage to exploring the rest of the Mumbai.

Happy Travelling!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ankita Popli
I am an art lover; a Web Designer by profession, an artist by hobby, loves photography and trying my hands in writing. I like to surf the internet and read articles, blogs and see beautiful pictures of our everyday surroundings. You may catch me at [email protected].

Take a break this weekend

Delhi, India, Mumbai / By Ankita Popli

Are you getting tired of your daily busy routine? Do you want to take a break and run away from city pollution and office meetings? If yes, then make your Christmas weekend long and plan out something with your family, partner, or friends.

Christmas is near, but it is on Tuesday. Don’t worry, take sick leave on Monday and start planning your trip. 🙂

Well, there are many budget destinations near Delhi and Mumbai where you can plan your break trip. But are you still thinking about where you can go? Go on and read this article it may be of some help to you.

From Mumbai:

Karjat

Karjat is a quiet place situated on the banks of the Ulhas river, which is known for its natural beauty. You will be amazed by visiting old temples, forts, and caves here, and trekking is the main attraction of travelers.
Distance from Mumbai – 62 kilometers

Matheran

Matheran’s specialty is that you can stay here pollution-free because there is no vehicle allowed. You will have to walk or ride a horse for transportation.
Distance from Mumbai – 83 kilometers

Alibaug

Alibag is famous for its beaches, but in addition to the beaches, you will get a sight of Lord Shiva’s 54 feet idol in the Kanakeshwar Devasthan temple.
Distance from Mumbai – 92 kilometers

From Delhi:

Manesar

Tired of driving daily to your workplace and do not want to drive too far, not even for fun? Don’t you worry and just chill! Manesar is not that far away from Delhi, it is their post-crossing Gurugram.

You will find many great properties to choose from for your relaxing stay. Party hard at night, wake up late in the morning, and in the afternoon time just be in the pool for hours or play with your kids [if you have :)].
Distance from Delhi- 52 kilometers

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a place where every adventure activity will help you overcome your tension and exhaustion and will force you to enjoy every moment with your heart. Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Rock Climbing, Yoga, and Meditation are a few of Rishikesh’s best activities.
Distance from Delhi- 240 kilometers

Jaipur

Explore the pink city of Rajasthan in such a way as you have never heard of this place before.

Spend a night in the heritage of Rajasthan, Chokhi Dhani. Explore the majestic Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal. Visit stunningly built Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort. Also, don’t forget to swim in the ocean of handicraft items market.
Distance from Delhi- 281 kilometers

Mumbai’s Best Street Food

India, Mumbai / By Ankita Popli

Mumbai is a magical place with energetic vibes that cannot be felt anywhere else. It is truly a must-visit place in India. It is absolutely recommended to plan a trip to this action-packed city.

There is so much to explore here that you will be tired of roaming but Mumbai Darshan will not be complete.

The heart of Mumbai, Taj Mahal Hotel. A night walk at Marine Drive. Waves touch the feet on Juhu Beach. The largest film industry, Bollywood, and tour to its Film City. Gateway of India is an iconic monument. Stunningly built, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The heart of artists and art lovers, Jehangir Art Gallery. Religious people admire Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali.

Apart from these, there is still much other stuff to explore in and around Mumbai. There is one more thing in Mumbai which is such that it cannot be ignorant, and it is Street Food. So here is the list of Mumbai’s mouthwatering street food which you cannot miss.

1. Vada Pav

Vada Pav is the most famous snack in Mumbai and you will find it on every street corner. Mashed potatoes with spices, coriander, and garlic are fried until their color becomes golden. Then it is kept in the middle of a Pav (Bun) and served with different chutney and fried chilies.

It sounds simple to hear but it is one of Mumbai’s favorite snacks. It is also called the Vegetarian Burger of Mumbai.

2. Bhelpuri

After Vada Pav, Bhelpuri is a second consecutive snack in Mumbai, which you will easily find on Chowpatty and Beaches. In this recipe, puffed rice and sev are mixed with potatoes, tomatoes, onion, different chutney, and spices. It is then topped with coriander.

The taste is so desirable that you will not be able to stop eating it again and again.

3. Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a dish that I can never stop myself from eating. Brinjal, pumpkin, potato, tomatoes & other vegetables are mashed and cooked with spices. It is then served with pav fried in butter.

This is a simple but tasty dish that you will find at every corner of Mumbai.

4. Kebab

Are you fond of Kebab with Rumali Roti? If yes, then must try them in Mumbai. Go to Mohammad Ali Road and you will find numerous options there, from great restaurants to roadside food joints. The best time to hunt for your craving is during the period of Ramadan.

5. Pani Puri

First, the vendor will make a hole in a crisp sphere-shaped puri and then fill it with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, spices, and chutney.

After that, he sinks it into the sweet and sour water, which is made of mint, coriander & garam masala, and topped it with Bundi.

Since this snack has the main role of water, you don’t hesitate to check on the quality before eating Pani Puri.

Pune

India, Maharashtra / By Ashis Roy

Pune: A modern city with traditional touch
Pune is one of the most developed cities in India just 150 Km from Mumbai. The city is developed at the confluence of two beautiful rivers Mula and Mutha. It was the base of “Peshwas” of Maharashtra during Mughal period and British rule in India. It is also known as the “Cultural capital of Maharashtra”, “City of hills”, and “Oxford of the east”. National Defense Academy or NDA, the renowned military training school for the armed force officers is also based in Pune. Temples, educational institutions, historic forts, and due to various other reasons, Pune is one of the prime destinations for the tourists in Maharashtra.

How to reach Pune?
The Pune Airport is connected with all major cities in India, including Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata through regular flights. The airport is situated at Lohagaon, just outside the main city and only 18Kms away from the heart of the city.

Pune rail station is well-connected to all other major cities in India, and some high-speed trains commute from Pune to other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, etc. Buses are also available to and from Pune. The bus terminus in Pune is at Chinchwad.

Important information about Pune
Following information are important for the people planning to visit Pune:
• Weather – Average temperature in Pune ranges from 17 degrees to 33 degrees centigrade. The city is quite hot in summer when the temperature rises up to 42 degrees. The winter and spring are quite pleasant here. From June to October, the place gets pretty good rainfall with an annual average of 725mm.
• Location – It is located 560m above the sea level on the Deccan plateau. It is basically a hilly area where the highest hill, called the Veta hill is almost 800m high from the sea level.
• Other info – It is the 9th most populated city in India. Its official language is Marathi, and it’s a municipality area in Maharashtra.

Famous destinations in Pune
Some of the most famous destinations in Pune are as follows:
• Aga Khan Palace – It was built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. It is situated at Pune Nagar Road.
• Shaniwar Wada – It was the royal residence of Peshawar in Maharashtra. It is located near the convergence of Mula and Mutha rivers.
• Vetal Tekdi – The city is surrounded by many hills, and Vetal Tekdi or Vetal hill is one of them.
• Parvati Hill – This is another high (almost 700m) hill in Pune with a beautiful temple at the peak.
• Khadakwasla – It’s a popular dam on the Mutha river.
• National War Museum – This is built in memory of the army personnel who sacrificed their lives in different wars after independence.
• Osho Ashram – Established by Rajneesh it is a famous meditation center mostly visited by foreign tourists.

Besides, dozens of other places, including museums, gardens, temples, and forts could be visited in Pune.

Staying in Pune
Scores of 5-Star, 4-Star, 3-Star, and budget hotels are available in Pune. 5-Star hotels like Courtyard Marriott, Hotel Sun-n-sand, or the budget hotels like Meru, Ginger, Cozy Inn, etc. are quite famous among the tourists.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy

Mumbai

India, Maharashtra / By Ashis Roy

Mumbai: A glimpse into India’s melting pot
Mumbai is one of the biggest, and popular cities in India. It is the capital of Maharashtra, and also known as the “financial capital” of India. Apart from that, Mumbai is mostly recognized for its entertainment industry called “Bollywood”. People from different parts of India comes here for earning their livelihood. As such, today’s Mumbai is a genuine glimpse of the whole India, because of its multicultural, and multi-religious population. Mumbai is also a great destination of tourists all over the world.

Important information about Mumbai
Mumbai was previously known as Bombay. It is located in the west coast of the country on the bank of Arabian sea. Greater Mumbai actually consists of seven different islands: Isle of Bombay, Mazagaon, Colaba, Parel, Worli, Old Woman’s Island, and Salsette Island.

Some important information about Mumbai are as follows:
• It covers almost 603 sq.km
• Its temperature always stays within 25-32 degree centigrade throughout the year.
• It is one of the most populated city in the world, having nearly 22million population.
• It is very well-communicated with the other parts of India, as also rest of the world. Its communication with several Arab countries, and East Asia is very strong.

Coming to Mumbai
Mumbai is well-communicated with all major and minor cities in India, and many other cities of the world through airways, railways, and roads:
• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects Mumbai with all other major cities of the world; it is also the biggest airport in India, located in the suburbs of Santa Cruz in Mumbai. Cities like London, New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Munich, etc. are connected with Mumbai through airways.
• Mumbai’s railway communication is divided into three halves: metro railways, local railways, and national railways. It is well communicated with Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and many other cities directly through railways.
• Roadways in Mumbai is one of the best land transport systems in India. The roads here communicate western India, with all other major cities in India, including Delhi, and Kolkata. Mumbai is a major part of NH6, NH46, and NH65.

Major destinations in Mumbai
Mumbai is a prime tourist destination in India. It is a historic place, as also a city with many ultramodern architectural creations, and a perfect confluence of traditional and modern arts, and cultures. This is the location of 20 of India’s most beautiful monuments. Some major destinations in Mumbai, which are must-visit for every tourist are as follows:
• Gateway of India
• Marine Drive
• Elephanta Caves
• Haji Ali Dargah
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Babulnath Temple
• Mahalakshmi Temple
• Rajabai Clock tower
• Jehangir Art Gallery
• Shivaji Park
• Horniman Circle Gardens
• Marve Beach
• Aksa Beach
• Worli Fort

Besides, numerous other famous, and visit-worthy places are scattered all over the city and its suburban areas.

Foods in Mumbai
Tourists can enjoy all sorts of foods, and delicacies in this truly international destination. However, for experiencing a true test of Mumbai or Maharashtra, one must try the street foods that are available everywhere in the city, especially on the beaches, as also in all famous restaurants. Foods like Bada Pao, Pav bhaji, Bheja Fry, Bhatata Vada, Bhel Puri, etc. are unforgettable pure Mumbai dishes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy