travelogue90

Living in Mumbai city

Published on November 10, 2019July 3, 2021 by travelogue902 Comments

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai © Travelogue90

No matter how much you write about Mumbai, the city takes you by surprise each day. Every day is eventful in Mumbai or its new counterpart Navi Mumbai. The city is a dream for array of people ranging from hard labourers to celebrities to gangsters to artists to servants to fisher folks to millionaires to stray dogs and exotic birds as well. You will find every element in Mumbai – a prolific film industry, Asia’s biggest slum, largest tropical forest, financial powerhouse, and fashion capital.

The city has so evolved that they have their own language – Bambaiyya Hindi, which is a mix of Hindi, English, Marathi, and it goes on. You need to know certain lingo thoroughly before approaching a local here. You may believe you are celebrating or weeping or getting frustrated alone. But Mumbai knows it all. It is aware of all your emotions. It sometimes, celebrates or weeps or lifts your mood when angry. Here is how –

Local trains: It is the heartbeat of Mumbai. Travelling by local trains here is an art that you master eventually, especially if you are a first-timer. Before learning about how things work inside the local train, you should know about the different railway lines. There are four railway lines that interconnects the different regions of Mumbai – Western Line (Virar-Churchgate and vice versa), Central Line (Kasara-CSMT and vice versa), Harbour Line (Panvel-CSMT and vice versa), and Trans-Harbour Line (Thane-Vashi and vice versa).

Every railway line have some instructions after getting inside the local train. You need to adhere to them, else be prepared for a verbal spat. This verbal spat rarely turns to a physical clash and the surrounding people consider it rather a fun event. Some local train journeys are fun. You become part of a group, especially if you travel at particular time every day. These groups celebrate your birthdays and festivals, and listen to your patiently when in distress. Soon you will have a new WhatsApp group called ‘Train Friends.’ Other times, local train journey is also a ‘me time’ – reading books, enjoying some music, or taking a short nap.

Yes, everything happens inside a local train! Train travellers are fearless at times. Why so? They take the train during heavy downpour, they are aware of some overhead bridges being wonky and yet, millions stomp over them every day, or wait for hours despite knowing the trains are late.

Being touristy: I remember in one of my Instragam posts during World Tourism Day, I mentioned how much fun it is to be a tourist in your city. After living in Mumbai for 29 years, this place still makes me feel like a tourist. Be it the suburbs or central or South Mumbai or Navi Mumbai, every region has its charm. There is something new to look up to every day. My personal favourite spot in Mumbai is South Mumbai, not because it is closer to the Arabian Sea but because Mumbai made home amidst the ruins of the British architecture. There are travel groups that conduct heritage walk on weekends early morning in South Mumbai. It is when the roads are empty and you walk as a free bird.

The charm of South Mumbai is unmatched be it the famous Victoria Terminus or Horniman Circle or Fort or Kala Ghoda or the famous Wankhede Stadium or Nariman Point or Azad Maidan. You also have some age-old restaurants, cafes, and movie theaters that make you come back to this part of the city.

The other part of Mumbai where you can get all touristy is the Parsi colonies. The Parsi community, originally from Iran, is said to have created Bombay as it is today. Besides, they have also given Mumbai some iconic buildings that adorn the streets. The Five Gardens is what I looked past for years but saw it closely during their New Year called Navroze.

Festivals: Considering there are people of every caste and religion living in Mumbai, all festivals are celebrated with pompous. One of the festivals that sees entire Mumbai city coming together is Ganesh Chaturthi. Some of the famous pandals like Lalbaugh, GSB, Andhericha Raja, Parelcha Raja, begin their preparations for the next year as soon as the 10-day festival comes to an end. Dusshehra is also the festival where Mumbai’s bongs throng the pandals. Diwali is another intense festival in Mumbai. The Festival of Lights is a time for positivism and joy. You can view the entire city lit up from the Chowpatty Beach or Marine Drive. Festivals like Ramzan and Bakr Eid are also celebrated at a large scale.

Religious places: Be it in good times or bad, one place where people seek solace is the religious places. Some of the prominent religious spots in Mumbai are Siddhivinayak Mandir, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, Mahim Church, and Mount Mary. Tuesdays are auspicious for Siddhivinayak, Friday’s are Jummah Mubarak for the Muslims, Mahim Church on Wednesdays, and Mount Mary is particularly famous during the Mount Mary fair which takes place every year around September or October.

Traffic: A recent study in Times of India revealed that the motorists in Mumbai face the worst traffic jam, not only from the city perspective but also at an international level. In the financial capital, people spend 65 per cent longer time on the roads during peak hours on an average than when the roads are free. The peak hours are typically in the mornings and evenings, i.e. when people commute for work. Mumbaikars have found solution to this as well. Nowadays, thanks to the assistance from Mumbai Police on Twitter, the traffic woes get resolved instantly.

Weather: Mumbai have literally learnt the art of weathering the storm, sun, and winters (oh, that does not exists in Mumbai). While people wait for the monsoons after a sultry summer, an extended one is what brings the city to a halt. Sometimes, floods force you to stay indoors. The July 26, 2005 rains tested Mumbai’s patience. Three days the city witnessed no electricity, no network connection, and every local transport stood still. People returned home on trucks the next day while others returned from their workplace and schools only after the flood receded. The spirit of Mumbai was lauded as those indoors, reached out to the ones stuck around their area and provided them food, from day to night. It still gets appreciated, thanks to the unusual weather.

Then you have sky porn, the weather beaming with joy and spreading happiness around. Makes you want to drop everything and dance with the clouds.

Food: Mumbai and food go hand-in-hand. The food ranges from street food to high-end multi-cuisine. You head to a Muhammad Ali road and you will find authentic Muslim and Turkish food items all day long. On the eve of Ramadan, they are open till 4 AM. Heading straight to Khau Galli in Ghatkopar and Mulund, you will find array of Maggie recipes, wada pav, varied types of sandwiches, etc. A food connoisseur should head to South Mumbai for trying restaurants and cafes such as Bademiyan for some awesome biryani, Cafe Mondegar and Leopold for burgers and Chinese food, Cafe Excelsior for their egg items, Haji Ali juice centre for their yummylicious falooda, Delhi Darbar for Indian meals, Cafe Noorani, Kyani and Co for its Kheema Pav, Britannia for some excellent Irani tea.

Come to the suburbs like Andheri, Bandra, Vile Parle, Khar, Santacruz, and Juhu, you will mostly find high-end restaurants as well as affordable cafes offering multi-cuisines (Italian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and American). Even central Mumbai (Lower Parel, Shivaji Park, Dadar) has become a prominent spot for lunch and dinner scenes, right from fine-dining to affordable lounges.

Navi Mumbai: One of the areas that is slowly and steadily matching the standards of Mumbai is Navi Mumbai. You can find all the restaurants, cafes, malls, and soon an international airport, as you would find in Mumbai. Navi Mumbai too is closer to the Arabian Sea and also near to holiday spots within Maharashtra such as Lonavala, Khandala, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, and Nashik. A road drive from Navi Mumbai to these places is what makes holidays worthwhile. Navi Mumbai also has awesome road connectivity taking you to places like Thane, Mulund, suburbs such as Bhayandar, Mira Road, Dahisar, Borivali, Kandivali, in a span of two hours.

Anyone would be a fool if they do not mention Marine Drive while writing about Mumbai. For me Marine Drive is a place where I find all my answers by just listening to the waves splashing the rocks. I find calmness with the warm wind in my hair. The sea, I believe, is the final piece of every Mumbaikars puzzled life.

So, when you visit Mumbai for a long-haul, give yourself time to soak in these facets. Appreciate its lilting cadences, its harmony of excess and restraint. Sit back, develop the equanimity, and dance to the tunes of Mumbai.

Hosting your wedding in Udaipur? Here are some must-visit places for the guests

Published on November 3, 2019July 3, 2021 by travelogue90Leave a comment

Surrounded by magnificent view of the lakes and royal residences, Udaipur makes for the most ideal destination for weddings. Right from luxury villas to royal forts to value for money hotels, this city offers venues in abundance and truly gives a royal treatment, just like in the movies. Also, the charm and grandeur provides a perfect backdrop for the wedding pictures.

These suggestions are awesome for the bride and groom. But what about the ones who travel the distance for your wedding? Do you have any plans for them around the city apart from your wedding events? This guide should help you out. Considering Udaipur is a land of extravagance, these sites should excite your guests:

Ranakpur Jain Temple: When you travel en route to Udaipur, one of the destinations you will arrive is Ranakpur. The place is famous for its Jain temple built in the 15th century. It pays tribute to Adinath, the first Tirthankar of the current half-cycle as per the Jain cosmology. The temple is famous for its marble carvings and top-class architecture. It has been called out as one of the most beautiful Jain temple’s in India. The temple is 1 hour and 50 minutes away from Udaipur city.

Kumbalgarh Fort: This huge fort is renowned for possessing the second-largest wall in the world after Great Wall of China. Your trip to Udaipur or Rajasthan largely, would be incomplete without visiting Kumbalgarh. The fort is famous for its astounding architecture and the fascinating history it boasts of. The best part, you can enjoy the famous light and sound shows during the evenings.

Lake Pichola: One of the human made wonders of the city dominated by nature is Lake Pichola. If your wedding is in one top-notch hotels surrounding the lake, you can consider a boat ride here at any time of the day. The boat ride would approximately cost INR 340 for adults and INR 170 for children. If you want to enjoy a sunset ride, the cost is INR 220 for a ticket. The ideal time to soak in the nature and click pictures is the twilight zone.

City Palace: Constructed in the year 1559 by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh, the palace is situated in the banks of Lake Pichola. The architecture is a blend of Mughal, Chinese, and Medieval style. It is the house to 11 magnificent palaces and were constructed by different rulers during different periods. Some conduct weddings here as well, so a tour around the palace becomes imperative. The size of the palace is awe-inspiring as it consists of courtyards, terraces, pavilions, hanging gardens, and many more. The timings of the palace is 09:30 am to 17:30 pm.

Fatehsagar Lake: It is one of the places where your wedding guests can enjoy the scenic view of Udaipur city. Boating on the blue water is an experience in itself. You could also have quite time at the garden located in the center of the lake, called the Nehru Park. The open-space boat-shaped restaurant will leave you with memorable time with family.

Saheliyon Ki Bari: Built by Sangram Singh 2 for his queen and her maids, Saheliyon ki Bari, is an awesome sight to behold. He made the garden himself and made it a relaxed place where the queen and the maids could relax for hours. Many people come here to get away from the chaos of the city. You could even have a meal at the multi-cuisine restaurant. The tickets are affordable ranging between INR 10 to INR 50.

Every venue has its charm and makes sure the big day is nothing less than fairytale. Udaipur also makes sure your guests leave with some quality memories for lifetime.

Winter is coming: Places to add in your bucketlist

Published on October 21, 2019July 3, 2021 by travelogue90Leave a comment

Club Mahindra Derby Green, Ooty © Travelogue90

A shift in the seasons means travelling to a new place. Once summers and monsoons come to an end, almost every country across the globe preps for winters. Festive and holiday season calls for long weekends and more reasons to step out of the mundane task. You have numerous places to head to this winter – a romantic holiday at the beach, family time at the the hill station, and desserts welcoming the visitors, who were shying away due to humidity and soaring temperatures.

So, pack your bags, select your choice of place, and be ready for a joy ride:

Goa: While there are no specific months to visit Goa, the winter specifically casts a spell on us. It is the perfect beach destination and you are sure to return with some tan on your face. Goa, ideally, is the best time to visit between December to February. December is also when the Sunburn Festival takes place. You also have the Goa Carnival and Goa Film Festival for the non-party goers.

Udaipur: One of the fascinating destinations during winters in Rajasthan is Udaipur. The best part you need not carry anything extraordinary thick while staying at the place. You can tour the place between 10 AM to 9 PM. The tourist spots are boat ride at Lake Pichola, City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the Shilpgram Utsav which takes place in December. It is more like a flea market that includes an array of traditional wear and accessories. It is a 10-day long festival.

Ooty: If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then nothing matches the calmness of Ooty. This famous South India hill station has several exciting elements to make the tourists journey a dramatic one. You will find a touch of British in Ooty. Right from the Stone House to Botanical Gardens to Ooty Lake to Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Tea Plantation, the vintage touch is still present. A weekend outing or a day’s break is what Ooty offers.

Coorg: It is one of those places that one should not miss while touring India, especially during the winters. The beauty of Coorg lies in its old edifices and the cool breeze makes the experience exhilarating. You can indulge in some adventure activities and enjoy the outdoors as well. The adventurous souls could trek to Pushpagiri and Tadiandamol, the highest points of Coorg. You could also take a stroll at the Abbey Falls or visit the coffee plantation for some quite outdoor activities. Visit the Kushalnagar Golden Temple Monastery in February and celebrate the New Year with the monks.

Kuala Lumpur: The best time to be in KL is between December to February. The humidity is low and the rains are generally a hit and miss. You could spend three days in this beautiful city right from visiting the KL observation deck to Sunway Lagoon to Genting Highland. If you love shopping, do visit the Petaling Street Flea Market. Chinatown is the place for all art lovers to explore some street art. You cannot, of course, miss the Merdeka Square and Batu Caves for some peaceful and adventure activities respectively.

Dubai: The dessert island welcomes you with open arms during the winters after dealing with scorching heat for 6 months. For adventure to romantic to family holiday, Dubai has activities for every type of traveller. The Fountain Show, Burj Kahlifa laser show, Desert Safari, Royal hotel treatment, it is the place to detox and rejuvenate during the festive season.

Abu Dhabi: No Dubai trip is complete without visiting its friend Abu Dhabi. It is the spot for the adventure lovers from Ferrari World to Warner Bros to Yas racing zone. If you want some quite time and immerse into yourself, then head to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Winters will not burn you out, I promise.

Kumbalgarh: From one dessert to the other, Kumbalgarh is an experience in the winters. A small hill station, the prominent tourist spot is the Kumbalgarh fort. It has the largest fort fence after Great Wall of China. If nothing, you could chill in a resort for a day. The route to Kumbalgarh is an interesting one as you can witness the Ranakpur Jain temple made of marble entirely.

Nashik: The cold season in Maharashtra are never harsh as they in North. But this does not stop the tourists to visit the small hill stations and cities in Maharashtra during winters. Nashik, a small city in the state, sees all kinds of visitors from millennials to religious people. Where there is Panchvati for the ardent believers of Ramayana, there is Sula Vineyards and York Wines for the wine connoisseurs.

Mahabaleshwar: It is the one of the oldest hill stations in Maharashtra and is popular for its scenic beauty. Mahabaleshwar and strawberries are synonymous during winters. You cannot miss out on strawberry and cream in this season. You, in fact, can visit the Mapro Garden and purchase some jams, creams, sauces, at discounted rates as well. Some of the other tourists spots are Arthur’s seat, Elphinstone Point, Old Mahabaleshwar temple, and so forth.

Ganpatipule: You will find the cleanest beaches in Ganpatipule, another small town in Maharashtra and ideal place to be in winters. The place is lined with resorts and they are attached or closer to the beaches. The humidity levels are lower during winters, which makes you enjoy the beaches all the more. There are also ample provisions for water sports enthusiasts. The Arey Ware beach, as you can see on the picture, is to the north of the town and less crowded during winters. Further north you will find Malgund beach.

Lonavala: One of the quickest getaways for every tourist goers in India, especially if they visit Mumbai, is Lonavala. You will find range of resorts here and is crowded the most during winters. People head out with their family and friends to farm houses in Lonavala and Khandala for new year parties. Some also spend the festive season with families in these places.

Singapore: Lastly, you want to watch some solid firecracker during New Years, head to Singapore. Although the best time to visit Singapore is February to May, the city is always a good place to be all through the year. Apart from the Universal Studios and Merlion Park and Marina Bay Sands, watching firecrackers lit during New Years elevates your travel experience.

Whether it is a long or short vacation during the festive season, you know which places to head to. Hope your bags are packed 🙂

Pondicherry cafes: A throwback to the colonial era

Published on October 13, 2019July 3, 2021 by travelogue90Leave a comment

Over the past years I have heard, seen, and viewed videos on Pondicherry. It always made me inquisitive. What is so special about the territory? A month back, I finally had the opportunity to check it for myself. I realised all the hullabaloo over Pondicherry aka ‘Puducherry’ was worth it. All that colourful posts and neat roads I saw over posts and videos, was right in front of me. Any girl would go gaga over these colour pops.

Pondicherry is known for its colonial influence, thanks to France, Netherlands, England, and Portugal. One of the prime reasons it is called the ‘Little France of India.’ Apart from being famous for its architecture, churches, and extravagantly clean roads, the colonial influence is visible over the gourmet food as well. Before heading to Pondicherry, I was fortunate to sit in the cafes of Paris sipping a nice cuppa hot chocolate. Since, I have always dreamt of heading back and experiencing it all over again. Pondicherry made it happen.

If you are someone who dreams of sitting in a French cafe and sipping a nice coffee, then the following Pondy cafes should be on your checklist –

Oink Hummus at Coromandel Cafe © Travelogue90

Coromandel Cafe: Housed in the century old villa Le Maison Rose in White Town is the Coromandel Cafe. The same team that conceptulised Amethyst, established this cafe. The interiors act as your second abode and the cafe furniture has a Jodhpur touch to it. The cuisine is European with an Indian touch. What we loved the most here is the pink hummus and flat bread. You should also try out their signature Posh N’ Pink Tagliatelle that includes pink sauce, goats cheese, caramalised onions, sprouts, and red cabbage.

Le Cafe: Many businessmen are of the opinion that Le Cafe is a lovable place. It is more or less a meeting point for the locals. Le Cafe holds high regards for its top-notch bakery and several passing expatriates have spoken in length about the place. The ambiance is authentic and gives you a breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal. The best part, the bakery items and wood stock pizza comes at a reasonable price. Make sure to try their chocolate brownie with ice cream.

Cafe Des Arts: It propounds a Bohemian charm and a vintage ambiance. The cafe mesmerises you with its French decor. Apart from the outdoor seating, the indoor seating offers a special place for book lovers. The menu does not fail to surprise the visitors. The must-try items are masala chai, Hibiscus flower syrup drink, nutella pancakes, and crepes. The cost for two would be INR 600-800.

Right Path Cafe: There are several eateries and cafes the moment you enter Auroville. But one of the places I will recommend you to head is the Right Path Cafe. They have spacious interiors as well as exteriors seating, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner available at affordable price. They serve authentic south Indian meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You get the mini and full meal here. Do not forget to end the meal with Auroville’s special syrup juice that is healthy and delicious.

Le Dupleix: We were fortunate to opt for Le Dupleix in White Town for our stay. The architecture and design mixed with modern touch took us back to the colonial era in the modern world. The dining space is ideal for friends and family under a prepossessing roof. The reason their cafe is cosy is because it is away from the main city’s hustle and bustle. Since Le Dupleix was our abode, the hotel staff provided us discount on the lunch.

PY Cafe Love: The MG Road in Pondicherry is known for the best French-styled cafes. One such must-visit is PY Cafe Love. Right from mirrors in the wall to stenciled quotes to broken clocks to amazing food, PY Cafe Love has everything in it. The idea of the cafe is to just engage in conversations with your loved ones. If you visit the cafe alone, they have solution for that as well. You will receive a colouring paper with some wacky quotes. You could colour them until the food arrives. How cool, right?

Meraki Eatery Teahouse: Although it was a last-minute plan, the Meraki Eatery Teahouse is just what you need for a good and sumptuous breakfast. Their English breakfast is pretty filling while their masala chai and masala omelette is sufficient for a quick brekkie.

Hope Cafe: Never got an opportunity to eat here but came across this neon-themed cafe while heading to Cafe Des Arts. Situated in White Town, they term the cafe as hope, joy, and happiness. It is newly opened and quite a peaceful one. It is also one of the place where you can enjoy a vegan dish.

Mind you, all these cafes are in and around White Town. So, consider this list if you are visiting Pondy anytime soon.

Why airports are so lovable?

Published on October 13, 2019July 3, 2021 by travelogue90Leave a comment

Emirates installation in Dubai Garden © Travelogue90

Whenever I visit the airport, I witness family dropping off their child or a friend bidding goodbye to another or joyful reunions. It evokes various emotions within – sadness, happiness, excitement, and thrill. There is something about airports that excites me – my family and I carrying luggage in hand and walking around the vast airport.

I can sense the wheels carry my baggage smoothly gliding across the linoleum floor as I pull it along. There are some quite humming voices and a lady making announcements in a monotone voice to the passengers concerning the status of the flights. Then there are those who frantically run around, gathering their belongings, to the check-in counter and security point.

Apart from witnessing so many emotions, one thing that still makes me love airports is the excitement of travelling somewhere unknown. Away from my mundane life back home, it is going to a new place that races my heart. Airports are also an escape route. A change of environment. It was always about change of setting and discovering something I had not before.

I have been to a few domestic and international destinations, and the following airports is what I would recommend for a short or long layovers. P.S. The layovers in these airports are nothing less than an experience, I assure you –

Chennai Airport (MAA): When I visited Chennai around 10-12 years ago, the airport was not worth staying even for a second. The smell and clustered designs suffocated me. Four years back when I arrived at the airport, it took me by surprise. The domestic and international airports are adjacent and provide breathtaking connectivity. It is the fourth busiest Indian airport regarding international passengers. The future looks promising as the airport plans to connect the metro subway to passenger terminals by a connecting tube.

Changi Airport, Singapore: If you have a layover of a good seven to 10 hours, Changi Airport will entertain you with their leisure amenities. There is need to step out from the comfort zone, literally. Changi was awarded World’s best airport in 2019, which is a sort of record as it bagged the title for the seventh consecutive time. Apart from the splendid garden display which I got to witness back in 2015, there is a theater, vivid dining options, numerous shopping attractions, and new one added to the list is the Jewel Changi Airport. It is a nature themed entertainment that connects three passenger terminals. The center piece is the largest indoor waterfall called Rain Vortex.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport © Google

CSIA, Mumbai: Although many complain of the long arrival walk after landing, the T2 airport is the best place for layover. From varied brands for shopping to mouth-watering deals on duty free to fine-dining to lounge experiences to cafes, everything is available at the drop of your hat in Mumbai International airport. Not to forget, the domestic airport as well have upped their amenities. The moment you step out from the domestic airport, you have eateries and pick up and drop services lined-up. For long layovers, you could chill in any of the eateries for hours and enjoy a movie in one of the cafes.

Zurich Airport: One of the airports that tops my list after Singapore is Zurich. The arrival was such at ease thanks to the tube connectivity. Apart from the duty free, the business class area is peaceful and you could enjoy the lounge experience for long layovers. In fact, they operate nine lounges and no jokes, all offer champagne and whiskey. In summers, which I personally got to experience, was the outdoor observation deck where you could see the runways. At offset, the flyover connects you directly to the departure section. No wonder, it always stays ahead in the list of world’s best airports repeatedly.

Abu Dhabi Airport: Honestly, it reminded me of home. Apart from finding my own peeps around, the airport is homely indeed. A cosy space is ideal for a short layover. The outside view I promise is worth it when the sunrises. Abu Dhabi welcomed me in style.

Dubai Airport: One of the world’s busiest airport is Dubai. Divided into three terminals, each one has a duty free shop, and other such leisure amenities. The duty free brands are available at jaw-dropping prices. Precisely why, people spend hours into shopping. If you have a long layover, look no where and head straight to the duty free shops. You even get gold for attractive rates. And yes, do not get surprised if you find yourself lost amidst the crowd.

Charles de Gaulle, Paris: Although when I landed I found the airport pretty clustered and crowded, but I realised I am at Paris after all. The footfall is going to be large. In summers, you will see the sun shining bright even at 10 in the night. This image was taken then. It is perfect if you have few hours layover. I would not really recommend you to spend hours in the airport. Rather, you could head out at the streets and soak in the French architecture.

KL International Airport: If there is one place you can shop till you drop is KL Airport. One of the first international airports I have been to. Awesome transit through shuttle service from one terminal to the other, an entire floor of dining experience, and hands on passenger guide for baggage claims, security, etc. In case of long layovers and you have a small child, they have special kids play room at level five main terminal building.

Airports can be fun and filled with life. The next time you visit one, make sure to consume it all. There is so much you can learn by just sitting idle, en the way to your next place.

Diwali in Dubai-Abu Dhabi: Home away from home

Published on October 12, 2019July 3, 2021 by travelogue90Leave a comment

Let me begin by asking, how many of you have spent Diwali in a foreign land? Before you answer, you might be aware that Diwali is celebrated with pompous across the globe. Yes, Diwali might be just another event abroad, but it is a matter of a great deal in India. Diwali in India is all about the lighting of diyas, kandils, firecrackers and of course, sweets and more sweets. I mean it is one of the festivals I look forward to every year, thanks to the lengthy holidays, be it during school days or work. But imagine those who might be away from their near and dear ones for the first time this year?

Working as a writer for three and a half years (inclusive of working on public holidays), my family and I reveled Diwali together, that too in middle-eastern style in 2018. And I must say this hiatus was what the family needed. If you plan to visit Dubai-Abu Dhabi for this Diwali break, I have got you covered with best tourist attractions, food and hotels, and shopping.

Tourist attractions:

Dhow Cruise, Dubai Marina: Also known as the canal city, Dubai Marina is all about shiny high rises and sprawling infrastructure, portraying human excellence. One of the best ways to enjoy this glittering magnificence is the Dhow cruise. This cruise gives you a glimpse of the past and present of this thriving metropolis. And you can enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal under the glittering night sky.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Palm Monorail: The iconic Burj Al Arab is truly an icon of luxury placed right in the middle of white sand and blue sea. It is believed that the shape of the hotel resembles the sail of the ship. A few distance away is the Palm Monorail. It runs along the length of Palm Jumeirah, connecting all the way to the entry of Palm Atlantis Hotel. Oh, you also get to view Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan’s villas on the way 🙂

Desert Safari: Your visit to the Arabian land is incomplete without a Desert Safari ride. The Safari last for half n hour to 45 mins followed by the traditional belly dance and Mediterranean food. DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. ADVENTURE.

Dubai Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in UAE is home to the Sea Aquarium, Fountain Show and the beast, Burj Khalifa. Agar Dubai aake Burj Khalifa nahi dekha toh kya dekha! (if you have not watched Burj Khalifa after visiting Dubai, then you have not seen Dubai completely). It is worth an experience to get a 360-degree view of the Downtown Dubai where you witness the zigzag roads, Emaar’s creations such as The Address and lot’s more. Perched ‘At the Top’, it is a surreal affair. You can end your breathtaking view with the popular Burj Khalifa laser show along with the dancing fountains. These shows and laser shows take place in the morning after every one hour and 15 mins respectively.

Miracle Garden: One of the signature creations of Dubai is the Miracle Garden. Every year from November to mid-May Dubai comes to life with a variety of colourful flowers and scents. There are over 150 million flowers surrounding a space of 72,000 sq. mts. Truly it is a magnificent creation on a deserted island.

Rajmahal theater in Bollywood Parks © Travelogue90

Bollywood Parks: The first of its kind theme park in Dubai is the perfect tribute to the icons of Indian cinema – Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and others. The park has chosen some legendary movies of Hindi cinema and converted them into shows, events, rides and more. The Rajmahal theater runs movie shows and sometimes, conducts concerts. Shankar Mahadevan, Atif Aslam, and so on have performed shows here earlier.

Dubai Frame: The new addition to the Dubai tourist attraction family is, the Frame. The Guardian newspaper has described it as ‘the biggest picture frame on the planet.’ It offers you a view of modern Dubai on one end, the old city on the other side. It was launched in January 2018.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque: If you go to Abu Dhabi and miss out on this architectural masterpiece, it would be a crime. The grand mosque is host to daily prayers, Friday gathering and Eid prayers. During Eid, the mosque is visited by almost 41,000 people. Some of the takeaways from the mosque is the world’s largest carpet in the main prayer hall, the shiny chandeliers, and the Qibla wall that features 99 attributes of God (Allah) in traditional Kufic calligraphy.

Ferrari World: Want to end the trip with some thrill? Enter Ferrari World and join the race. From the world’s fastest roller coaster to family rides to kid rides, everything is under one roof in the Yas Island. Considering it was Diwali, you could find the Festival of Lights event showcasing some beautiful talents on traditional and Bollywood songs.

Food & Hotels:

Food: If you would have visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the early 90s, especially being an Indian, it would have been difficult to survive, concerning food. Now that the number of Indians thriving in this city is rapidly rising, food issues are a passe. You can even find Jain food today in the city. You would find most of the Indian restaurants in Deira city.

Hotels: Deira City is the hub to the best hotels in Dubai. Of course, the high-end hotels are within the Dubai Marina but if you want to enjoy the skyline of Dubai, head to Aloft City Center. Adjoining the hotel is the City Center Mall.

In Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is home to some of the best hotels, one of them being Yas Rotana. It is closer to the Yas Mall and Ferrari World.

Shopping, shopping and more shopping:

There is a preconceived notion that Dubai and Abu Dhabi duty-free are the only places where you can find the best shopping deals. False. Head to City Centre Mall and move straight to Carrefour, the Big Bazaar of Dubai. Find all items from beauty to clothes to consumer goods to crockery to gadgets for dirt cheap price. And if you want to indulge in some gold, take an Abra Boat from Dubai Creekside, enjoy the view and in 10 mins you shall reach the Gold Souk. From spices to gold to traditional junkies, everything can be found here. If you want further discounts, go to 1 to 20 AED shop at BurJuman.

All this sounds nothing less than a dream, right? But you are guaranteed entertainment throughout the journey. There were tour guides at various destinations, providing us handy information.

Travelling with your own people is always a double bonus. The best part, I got to interact with some different cultured people as well during each of these adventures. We exchanged some views on our respective countries and the way Diwali is celebrated in different regions.

Diera city has plenty of Indians residing. So, there is no restrictions on Diwali crackers as well 😉