The Middle East is often known for its diversity in human development for a reason: no other land in the whole world can boast this immense amount of history and culture. In the span of thousands of years several peoples have settled and left this region, leaving behind traces of their culture, language, and food. If you are a traveler then there is not such a good place to experience a dynamic exhibit of culture, summing up with high-class tourist resorts, beautiful beaches, world-class cities, amazing sports, and some of the best shopping grounds on the Earth – with warm, radiant climate to boot.
How to get there?
Image by Bilal EL-Daou
Before beginning with the list of top destinations in the Middle East, let us figure out how we are going to get over there. One of the best options is Saudi Arabian Airlines. It is regarded as the third largest airline located in the Middle East. The airline provides well-priced flights all around the Middle East, as well as Asia, North America, Africa, Europe, adding up comfort and luxury with speed and efficiency.
For covering up the domestic destinations in the Middle East one can go with flyadeal airlines. Flyadeal (طيرانأديل)is a low-cost Saudi airline located at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The airline is owned by Saudi flag carrier Saudia.
Now as you have got yourself accustomed to the airways facilities in the Middle East, let’s get back our thoughts on some of the best tourist places here.
Dubai, UAE
Image by enjoytheworld
You will get no other city in this world just like Dubai. Dubai is famous for having the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Apart from that, it is also regarded as a high-paced commercial hub that brags about some of the best shopping and other cosmopolitan exercises on the planet. The Mall of Emirates and the Dubai Mall are the best-known tourist attractions of this place. They are also known for sporting the coolest electronics and latest trends to the travelers. If you count yourself among those travelers who are much into traditional shopping then don’t worry, Dubai has it all. You must check out the Heritage Village and Bur Dubai Souk which adds up the ancient cultures and customs with the modern flare.
To know about the history of the UAE you can visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. It has a dynamic display of Islamic culture and treasures.
Image by batavia60510
Dubai is a territorial intersection of cuisine. You can have manousheh for breakfast, Iranian sangak for lunch, and kebabs for supper. Flavorful!
If you are looking for some adventure then you can try a trip into the desert, go skydiving, deep-sea diving as well as climb the Hatta Mountain.
Dubai is also known for having the best classical hotels and nightclubs in the Middle East. Thus after having an enjoyable session in the day you can get into your relaxing mode at night.
Jeddah
Image by Anonymous Traveller
Jeddah is known as the home of Mecca and is one of the top offbeat destinations in the Middle East. It is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia. This place consists of everything a traveler could ask for. It is a land of astounding food and rollicking souqs.
AL Balad is the oldest city in Jeddah. It is the UNESCO World Heritage site which serves as a traditional gateway to Mecca. It is filled up with the excellently designed architecture and is one of the most dazzling urban communities of antiquity.
Beirut, Lebanon
Image by Bobby Guidry
The trip to the Middle East is incomplete without visiting Beirut. The capital city of Lebanon is becoming a primary travel destination in the Middle East. Beirut has consistently been one of the essential intersections of the Middle East and is a place of contrasts. With individuals and religions from everywhere throughout the district, Beirut is a social blowout. This is a place consisting of luxurious hotels, night clubs and chic bars, incredible beaches, as well as traditional food and markets from all over the region.
Mecca
Image by Konevi
Mecca is situated in the desert valley in western Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest city of Islam as it is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. The entrance in the city is restricted to people of all religions other than Muslims. Several years many Muslims come here for the annual Hajj. Dating from the seventh century, Masjid al-Haram encompasses the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred shrine. There are a lot of things to do in Mecca. You can hike the mountains of Mecca, visit Ghar Hira (a place where the 1st verse of the Quran was uncovered to Prophet Mohammed, read and pray Quran in Kaaba Masjid al-Haram, visit Mina and have a view of 5 pillars of Islam. The luxury and comfort of Mecca Hotels(فنادقمكة) are also famous among all Muslim travelers. Some of the most famous ones are Dar Al Tawhid Makkah, Inter-Continental Makkah, Hotel Elaf Al Huda, Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah, Hilton Suites Makkah.
The Middle East comes with a lot of amazing stuff to offer to its travelers. So regardless of what you’re into, bounce on a plane and take off for your favorite destination.
Are you tired of running the same errands on a daily basis? Does the very thought of showing up at the office tomorrow giving you a long face? Have you kept your “mojo” somewhere and can’t seem to find it? If yes, then you have my deepest empathy. I was in the same soup a few days back. But not anymore!
What is the first thing that upsets you in summers? It is the heat and sweat right?! Taking a vacation will do wonders for you. But where? Hill stations are suitable for escaping the heat, but it is a clichéd choice. Why not aim for an island vacation? I am recommending it because I have just come back from a trip to Boracay. This picturesque island is situated in the central part of Philippines. White sand, inviting surf, rows of palm trees, luxurious resorts and a vast array of water activities make Boracay a paradise for people of all ages.
I was there with my trusted “gal gang.” But that is not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about island fashion disasters. You will be spending a lot of time in the sun and surf. If you don’t pay attention to packing, then you are done! Trust me, honey! You don’t want to make the mistakes we made.
The biggest nightmare for a girl is to choose clothes for a trip. But from my last trips, I gathered that traveling light always helps. I made a quick list of “must-take” clothes. I researched the climate of Boracay during this time. It was ideal for short dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, shorts and basic T-shirts. Staying with the island theme, I opted for floral prints and bright colors. These will show off your sexy legs, without too much exposure to the sun. For casual dinners or a trip to nightclubs, packing navy blue, deep red or classic black short dresses are ideal.
If you are not a girly girl like me, then don’t forget to throw in linen and denim shorts. The acid-washed shorts looked good pinstriped, printed, and sequenced tube or crop tops. I had two solid colored and one printed linen shorts. These complemented off-white and cream colored short sleeved and sleeveless Ts I had. I had picked up three knee-length caftans for a good time on the beach. Caftans work as lounge top and also go over your swimsuit when you are not in the water. Apart from this, two belted shirt dresses kept me on the top of my fashion game.
One must be especially careful while picking shoes for island holidays. You will get sand, water, rocky terrain and damp forests. Trekking is a popular sport on islands. So, I packed my comfy trekking shoes for outdoor dry sporting activities. You do not want to walk around for hours in the sparse forests in sandals, flipflops or wedges. Sara learned the lesson first hand, and we had to purchase trekking shoes for her from the local market. As for night outs, high heels or court heels will assist you to dress up the outfit. If you want to dance the night away, ballerinas or gladiator shoes will offer comfort. Switch over to flip-flops when you step on the beach. Flat beaded sandals will also look fashionable. You want something that will not trap sand particles. Whatever you wear on the beach, make sure it is waterproof.
It is impossible for me not to make any mistakes while packing for any trip. Just two days in, we realized that none of us have hats to wear to the beach. Bummer! Take note – a wide-brimmed, relatively stiff woven hat is a must for island and beach holidays. These give you a chic look, protect from direct sun rays, and go with all kinds of dresses. There was a local hat store outside the resorts. Thus, we were saved. Next fashion must-have – the scarves. No! Not the regular ones. When on an island, opt for wide scarves, which can double up as a bottom wrapper. These scarves look dapper under a bikini top or a tank top.
Image Source
Swimsuits according to activity
My prior Bali trip taught me that itsy-bitsy bikini suits are not ideal for water sports. Secure one-piece swimsuits will come in handy when you are enjoying the water sports. Trust me! The bikini strings will not stand a chance against the mighty waves. But when you want to soak up the sun, it is time to bring out those sexy thongs and bikini tops. Remember the scarves! You can tie it around your waist as a wrapper. As for me, I had my fantastic polyester caftans. I opted for this fabric as it sheds water quickly, and dries within no time. The last thing you want is to pack wet clothes on your journey back home.
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It is better to get it straight from the horse’s mount. That way, you can be sure not to step into the same pit. I made several fashion faux pas back in the days. Each mistake taught me something or another. Over time, I have polished my skills. The three thumb rules that I play by now are to travel light, have a contingency plan and leave adequate room for bringing back souvenirs. Touch wood! It has been going great for me. Following these rules will keep you from boring vacation looks once you land on the island nation.
India has the second largest English-speaking population in the world, after the United States. It’s no wonder that the country’s love for the language culminates, every now and then, with a major literature award. Indian authors of the English language are no strangers to the Man Booker Prize. In this article, we list four authors and books that have been awarded the coveted literary award. As the finest specimens of achievement in literature, these books should be on your reading list, particularly if you’re just starting to explore Indian literature in the English language.
The four time Booker prize nominated author needs no introduction. Midnight’s Children, for which he was awarded the prize, is written in Salman Rushdie’s revered magic realism style. It tells the story of a man born at the stroke of midnight when India won independence. With superhuman powers, he then sets about to solving the country’s problems. Although, this plot might seem like it could be in a high-morale children’s book. But this is where Rushdie’s genius lies. He interweaves the protagonist’s life with that of independent India’s, making the novel rich with allegorical references, which reveal more meaning on every reading. Get the book here
There God of small things was Roy’s first of two novels she has written in twenty-odd years. The story moves around 7-year-old twins., and the plot themes are based on the idea of how small things define the lives of people. These small things come in the form of unnoticeable everyday decisions, questions of morality, strict caste rules, and how unpredictable life circles around these. Arundhati Roy beautifully captures, in words, the minute details that make lives worth, and with a suspenseful advance, weaves the story around political unrest and tensions arising from social structures. Get the book here
The Inheritance of Loss contrasts different lives, in different times, in different places across continents, seperated by values. The story pivots around inhabitants of an old house located in the foothills of the Himalayas, and the person, related to the cook of the house, struggling to make a living in New York as an illegal immigrant. The novel is remarkable for Desai’s unique prose and the book’s typographic layout. She masterfully, and harshly (purposefully, to give a aggravate the division) between different characters, different times, and between Kalimpong and New York. Get the book here
Adiga’s debut novel, The White Tiger, along with being an elaborate vignette of the age-old Indian class struggle, is the story of a humorously successful entrepreneur in the tech-fuelled modern Indian economy. The protagonist operates life with a dark side, that includes a murder for funding his business. The White Tiger serves almost as a critique of the globalised India, and describes how despite all the progress, the country is run, to a substantial level, by bribes and shut-eyes. Get the book here
As you may have noticed, a major theme, in the winning and nominee works alike, is the friction that exists between the modern, globalised India and the free-minded, unsophisticated India, and how everything, from the aspirations of the characters to their beliefs, what important role does the colonial history play in the grand scheme of things.
Sometimes even the easiest decisions become the most difficult ones. You need and example? Remember the last time you were trying to pick a gift for one of your dear ones; you see it was a bewildering situation. It’s right that there are many things which we can give as gifts, but with the very large choice being available, we are thrown into confusion. It is even more perplexing when thinking about the best gift to pick for your partner. What makes the latter choice stressful is its romantic side. You need to present a gift which can embody your sweet feelings perfectly without hurting your wallet, in case you can’t afford a very expensive gift. No more worries! Choosing a sterling silver piece of jewellery for your partner has always been a perfect choice. Don’t wonder why! Here are 3 reasons, among others; why sterling silver jewelleries are the best gift for your partner; especially if it is a 925 sterling silver ring.
1- Sterling silver gifts are pretty romantic
Silver is a metal which is popular and loved by the overwhelming majority of people, so don’t be afraid that your partner might not like it. Moreover, sterling silver rings have always been present in marriage proposals which gave them a romantic symbolism. The wide range of sterling silver rings designs will help you avoid pressure. You can easily find and choose a sweet design which will not be understood as a marriage promise; of course, if you are not yet ready for marriage!
2- Durable gifts reinforce love
We always love holding something that remembers us of our loved ones. A 925 sterling silver ring; is your gift if you really want to be in your partner’s mind every single time they blink. A 925 sterling silver ring is perfect and good enough to be a gift because of its high-quality nature. Your partner will wear it daily with pride without being afraid of scratches.
3- Cute and wallet-friendly gift
Not everyone can afford buying the newest and the best car brand for their lovers. However, that doesn’t mean people with limited budgets can’t give a physical symbol of their love. Be a lover whose love language is gift giving; while easing the burden on your wallet; and buy a sterling silver jewellery piece for your sweetheart. Don’t worry; the rule which says: the cheaper is always worse, is not applicable here as sterling silver jewelleriesare worldwide by their quality and longevity.
Overall, it is always nice to express our care and love through gift giving. We shouldn’t make this sweet process a stressful one. We just have to be intelligent because intelligence is a great part of success. Be successful in choosing a special gift for your special one. We are aware that men are always the most confused ones when trying to find the perfect gift. That said dear male readers; we recommend you this sweet, affordable, and high-quality 925 sterling silver ring for your special lady.
It is true that the national capital is always busy owing to the tremendous work load that people are subjected to. While they toil like machines throughout the week, spending their weekends in fun and frolic becomes a mandated choice. Thus, Delhi has a number of places where people can have fun by being themselves. It is time to say goodbye to posh and elegant looks for it is the right time to let your hair down and party like a pro. So, if you are looking to distress yourself in the coolest way possible, book your Vadodara to Delhi flight ticket because you can’t afford to miss these places where you can party all night long.
The Kitty Su is one of the boldest places to party in Delhi. It is located at The Lalit in CP and is considered as one of the finest places that plays live music all night long. The delicious appetisers along with lip-smacking cocktails give this place an aura of sophistication. In fact, the Kama Sutra theme adds on to the party mood in the air and makes this place packed up every single night. Thus, spending INR 5000 for two people at Kitty Su is worth the money.
Located in Gurgaon, The Whiskey Bar is one of the most affordable places in town when it comes to throwing a party. This place not only serves the best whiskey that you’ve had in months but also offers a variety of mouthwatering delicacies that will make you crave for more. The loud pop numbers playing according to the requests of the visitors makes The Whiskey Bar stay up all night long. Thus, spending INR 1500 for two people will seem like you’ve spent nothing at all compared to the fun you’ll have there.
Playboy Club:
You do work so hard all the week long and you, therefore, deserve fun time with your buddies. If this is what you need, the Playboy Club at Chanakyapuri will not disappoint you. You will get to dance to the hit numbers played by the DJ all night long. And, in case you are single and don’t have friends to tag along with, walk into the club alone; you will definitely come across someone cool to hang out with there. No wonder the Playboy Club attracts people at INR 4000 for two.
The Electric Room at Lodhi Road is one of the most stylish clubs to party in Delhi. With a glamorous décor that automatically sets the mood, this place is loved by every party lover. Be it the foot-tapping music or the delicious food, The Electric Room surely knows how to get people on the floor. And, if you are that person who loves to drink to the core, don’t miss out on the exclusive whiskey and scotch collections that adorn their counter. After all, if you are spending INR 5000 for two people, you do need to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
If you are the person who enjoys partying on a moonlit night under the stars, the Public Affair at Khan Market is the place that you should visit. With vintage yellow lights showing off the delectable menu, this place surely compliments the handpicked numbers played all night. At only INR 2100 for two people, this place will win your heart with the best drinks ever!
Thus, you’ve got an idea regarding the places that you should visit in Delhi when you want to party all night long. What are you waiting for? Get your Vadodara to Delhi flight ticket and have the best time of your life at these places.
While planning a vacation, do you opt for the “road less traveled” or do you adhere to the stereotypical holiday routine of the majority of people?
Regardless of your preference, you cannot deny the fact that a well-deserved vacation can help you to unwind and rejuvenate so that you are up and kicking to face the world and take on new challenges that are part and parcel of everyday life.
In this write-up, let us find out about the various options you have to make your vacation an adventure to remember for life.
Thailand
Thailand – Source
Characterized by white sandy beaches, beautiful temples, delicious street food, and a scintillating nightlife, Thailand has a lot to offer. You are surely going to be spoilt for choice if you sit to plan a holiday here. Few places of interest include-
Temple of Reclining Buddha
Lanta Animal Welfare
Sukhothai Historical Park
PhangNga Elephant Park
BTS Skytrain
Australia
Heart Coral Australia – Source
The perfect place for adventure lovers, Australia allows you to try various fun-filled activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, white water rafting, and bungee jumping to name a few. Try not to miss out on Cairns. Some tourist spots to visit are-
Sydney Opera House
Great Barrier Reef
Melbourne
Blue Mountains National Park
India
Kerala Boat House – Source
It is a favorite among travelers owing to its diversity and vastness. Ranging from architectural splendors to Ayurvedic therapy, you will just be in awe of the place. The following are some of the exciting places you can visit in India-
Himalayas
Rajasthan
Kerala
SwaminarayanAkshardham
New Zealand
Lake Tekapo New zealand – Source
Pristine and beautiful, this island nation is a dream destination for many. New Zealand packs many destinations for people of all age groups. Noteworthy spots to visitare-
Christchurch Botanic Garden
The Great War Exhibition
Museum of New Zealand
TiritiriMatangi Island
Ireland
Kylemore Abbey Castle Ireland – Source
Ireland is the ideal place for equine enthusiasts. If you are fond of Gulfstream park live racing and want to experience the joy of horse riding, this is where you want to be. Of course, one cannot miss the magical charm of the place which makes it an ideal destination for horse riding enthusiasts. In all aspects, it is a paradise for people who love riding horses while taking in the breathtaking scenery around.Few places for an Irish horse riding vacation include-
Castle Leslie
Mount Juliet
Connemara Trail
Galway Clare Burren Trail Ride
Spain
Local Bar in Spain
If you are fond of adventure tourism, you must visit this place. After all, you get to see famous festivals such as running of the bulls and La Tomatina right here. Aside from these recreational activities, you can also visit these tourist sites –
Basilica of the SagradaFamilia
Retiro Park
Prado National Museum
The Alhambra
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
From bungee jumping and exploring caves to zip lining over the cloud forest, there is a lot that you can try in Costa Rica. While there, you should head over to the Manuel Antonio jungles. Few remarkable places worth visiting in Costa Rica are-
Pura Aventura
Cahuita National Park
TeatroNacional Costa Rica
ProyectoAsis
Morocco
Desert sand dunes Morocco
Hiking the Atlas Mountains to riding camels on the Sahara, make it a holiday of a lifetime by visiting these places-
Medina of Essaouira
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
JardinMajorelle
Hassan II Mosque
Germany
Germany
Oktoberfest alone is tempting enough for you to visit Germany. This grand event attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists from all over the world. Aside from the above, make sure you also visit the following places-
MiniaturWunderland
Cologne Cathedral
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Brandenburg Gate
Europa-Park
English Garden
Switzerland
Schilthorn Mountain Station Switzerland
Switzerland offers way more than just breathtaking scenery and delicious chocolatesit offers. Right from backpacking, snowboarding to paragliding and skiing, there are many options as far as recreational activities are concerned. Do not miss Lake Lucern, Interlaken, and Bern. Other places you can visit are-
Mount Pilatus
Lake Lugano
The Matterhorn Glacier
Chamonix French Alps
The places that have been mentioned above have a lot in store for tourists. Most importantly, you will be able to work out your travel plans keeping in mind your budget and tastes since all these places have something to offer to all.
Sharjah is known as the art capital of the UAE (United Arab Emirates). Due to its extensive effort to protect and preserve the history of the Arab, it has got the title of Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in the year 1998. For people who are much interested in Arabic art and culture, Sharjah is an excellent sightseeing option.
Apart from being a historic destination, Sharjah is also known to be a family-friendly destination in UAE. One can visit this place with all your family members.
How to get there?
Before getting into the list of top destinations in Sharjah, let us figure out how we are going to get on the Islamic land of UAE. One of the best options is the Saudi Arabian Airlines. The airline provides well-priced flights all around the Arabic land, as well as Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe. If you are from Pakistan then you have the boon of cheap flights from PIA flight booking platforms which is regarded as one of the best options to travel to UAE.
Let’s look upon some of the best places to visit in Sharjah.
Sharjah Fort, also known as Al Hisn in Arabic, resides on a court situated at the corner of the Heritage District. The fort was constructed 200 years ago and has served as the traditional residence of the family who ruled in Sharjah and the town’s defensive facility.
The rooms of the fort consist of themed display describing the historical backdrop of Sharjah, as well as the importance of the town as part of the trade network in the Gulf. From the roof of the fort, one can have an amazing glimpse of the Heritage District.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Image – Shahid Ahmed Siddiqi
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is the most important place to get accustomed to the past history of Islamic and Arabic culture. The museum has several religious and scientific manuscripts, apart from Islamic crafts and art which are dated from 7th to 19th centuries. Highlights of specific notes incorporate the show of glass, pottery, and clay, as well as metallic crafted works trimmed with brass, silver and gold.
The museum also has items that are from the Umayyad and Abbasid period, including a collection of coins of silver dirhams and dinars, yet also follows the expansive limbs of Islamic culture, with displays of Ottoman and Mughal craftwork.
The Sharjah Heritage Area comprises several museums that include the Calligraphy Museum, Sharjah Heritage Museum, which displays all features of conventional Emirati life and Bait Al Naboodah, a finely re-established traditional family home, once provided shelter to the Al-Shamsi family. It’s a great area to get in-depth knowledge about traditional Emirati culture and discover the lifestyle of Arabic people before oil was discovered here.
Several souk areas have been restored, like Souk Al Arsah. This souk has been revived in its traditional style including several shops featuring wooden and silver handicrafts, traditional garments, jewelry, and beauty products.
The Sharjah Arts Museum is one of the largest art museums in the UAE. It was opened in the year, 1997 and consists of a feature program of temporary displays, as well as some permanent collections. Some of the permanent collections include artwork by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qassimi. The museum has seventy-two galleries covering three floors of the building, with attention on works by Arab artists from all through the Arab world.
Other works of art are by eighteenth-century painters who visited the Middle East and got entranced by the indigenous habitat, engineering, and culture. The gallery of Ali Darwish consists of watercolors of Sharjah. The contemporary segment comprises over 300 works by Arab, local as well as foreign artists. If you are an art lover then you will be fascinated with it.
The Central Market in Sharjah is the most famous landmark of the city. The mind-boggling work of blue tile on the exterior has given it the epithet of Blue Souk. There are over more than 600 shops inside the market where buyers will find different sections devoted to jewelry and gold, clothing, electronics, perfume, food, and gift-type items.
The upper floor of the Central Market has the smell of an authentic Arabian bazaar, with items like carpets, antiques, Yemeni and Omani jewelry, and all kinds of other colorful gifts. Apart from these shops, the market area also comes with a number of cafes.
Sharjah’s Aquarium and Maritime shows the importance of the sea in the development of the city. The Aquarium consists of around 150 species of sea life with sea rays and reef sharks.
The Maritime Museum consists of amusing exhibits on conventional wooden dhows, fishing and pearl gathering-all once critical to the economy here.
Al Noor Island is a public park which is located in the Khalid Lagoon. You can go over here through a bridge from Corniche Street in the central city. It is Sharjah’s top spot in case you’re searching for some peaceful personal time to recover from museum exploration and shopping. Al Noor Island’s premier attraction is the butterfly house where one can get nearly 500 different butterfly species.
Hope this article has filled up your mind with an Arabic taste and culture. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your things, google up cheap flights tickets and just take off to Sharjah to get a feel about the Arabic environment.
The story deals with the streets of Kolkata that have been culturally woven into the fabric of the city and presents a rich history of the yesteryears. It is said that kolkata lives in its streets. The author presents the various hues and colours of the streets that dominate the space of Kolkata and the lives of the people.
Anuj was tad disappointed with his results in the board exams and as expected had a tiff with his parents on this issue. It was a Sunday evening, hot and humid so typical of kolkata summers. With an urge to escape the harsh reality, he immersed himself into the evening darkness, surfing through the streets of kolkata. Starting from his place of his residence near Beadon Street he passed through numerous lanes and by lanes only to discover the pleasures of sight seeing the streets of kolkata and moving like a vagabond. Gradually, which once started as an innocent evening stroll developed into his passion, giving meaning to his existence.
The above anecdote sets the tone of this piece of writing. Kolkata, originally Kalikata derived from the word Kalikshetra meaning ‘The ground of Goddess Kali” has been refereed time and again with various sobriquets like “The land of joy”, the “Cultural Capital of India“, “The City of Processions”, “The City of Palaces”. Home to several heritage sites, intellectuals, distinguished national leaders, political movements, people from different parts of the country and world; it had always intrigued people with its charm, warmth, and rich cultural heritage; where even the streets has a rich past and shines in its present glory, where tradition meets modernity and presents itself in vibrant hues to the world. No doubt it’s a wonder how beautifully it has been able to camouflage itself to the changing times and needs. Kolkata diaries is a sincere attempt to record those pulsating moments, which one feels as he descends to the lanes of history.
While describing kolkata one cannot but mention the diverse life story, that the city unfolds through its streets -the hustle and bustle of the vehicles, the chaotic cacophony mixed with the loud tunes of Rabindra Sangeet at different intersections-an attempt of the government to portray the Bengal culture and the aroma of the typical Bengali fries “telebhajas” and the roadside phuchkawalas. Streets like the famous Park Street, the College Street, the Beadon Street, the Camac Street, Lindsay Street, Mirza Ghalib Street, and Shakespeare Sarani have their own glories and rich histories to speak. And as Anuj traversed the lanes, he captured the rich legacy that each street presents.
With sobriquets like the ‘food street’ or ‘the street that never sleeps’, the Park Street has earned a reputation among the food lovers, night hoppers, love buds, office goers and night mongers. The shops like the Trincas, the Mogambo, Moulin Rouge, Peter Cat as also the roadside stalls are a foodies paradise. The street which starts from Jawaharlal Nehru road, better known as Chowringhee road to connect with the other famous street Park Circus area, has metamorphosed itself from a road which was once dreaded for its burial grounds, some two centuries ago; to a place which defines fine dining and good living. The first street to offer the thrill of the night club, the experience of the shopping mall ‘Hall & Anderson’-In fact the first in the Indian sub-continent; the taste of Magnolia-the country’s maiden ice cream outlet- this heritage street was once used to be associated with people of class who felt a pride in walking down the street. With passing times, the street has managed to retain its flavor among the people and thus still one sees that enthusiastic crowds as lights lit up in the evening. Replete with history, the Park Street houses Asiatic Society founded by William Jones on the remains of the burial ground, residence of the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Bengal with the presence of a ‘pleasure garden’ eventually which lead to the name of the street-the Park Street, the mansion of Lord Macaulay who drafted the Indian Penal Code, St Xaviers college built on the remains of a theatre where a young lady Esther Leach a famous theater artist died in a fire tragedy and later on was brought by the Jesuits to build an educational institution and the oldest community that has seen this huge transformation-the Armenian community. Witness to the numerous changes-from the ‘Murshidabad House’ where Mir Zafar stayed to ‘Magnolia’- the place which offered the country its first hamburger, it has become one of the iconic places representing the elite class of the city.
South Park Street Cemetery-the infamous place from where the name belongs.
Just as Part Street has been synonymous with lifestyle, on a similar tone College Street and books are another landmark in the history of Kolkata synonymous with the Bengali intelligentsia. Popularly known as the ‘boipara’, the College Street is the house of some of the world renowned educational institutions and presents an excellent religious, philosophical, cultural milieu. Presidency University, the Sanskrit college, the Calcutta medical college, the Jahan Khan Mosque, the Baptist Mission, the Sri Aurobindo society, Bengal Theosophical society, Mahabodhi society and the famous Coffee house – all in one place. Many a debates had been held, many revolutions have been fought and the College Street has been the witness to the renaissance. And amidst the huge transformation the city had undergone, it had been able to retain that quintessential flavor as the book lover’s paradise, the world’s largest second hand book market and India’s largest book market. Talk of any book on any subject on any language and lo behold it is there; at the most cheapest prices, all under the sky. Starting from small book kiosks to famous publishers like Ananda Publishers, Dey’s Publications, Rupa &co. etc. As one reaches the college street one can breathe books -it’s fragrance-new and old, used and new, all mixed in one breathe and gives the adrenalin rushing to the book lover. If you are tired of buying books, you can have some refreshments in Dilkhusha Cabin or can have some intellectual entertainment over a cup of coffee in the famous Coffee House.
From the elitist street to the booker’s street, now if we visit the Camac Street, the character and the nature changes considerably. The business hub of central Kolkata, Camac Street, named after William Camac, a business merchant in the regime of Lord Wellesley and Lord Cornwallis, is the house of many renowned establishments and corporate offices along with high end residential areas and restaurants and shopping malls. It is hard to miss the hustle and bustle and the corporate feeling when one is near the Camac Street. Although it has been renamed as Abanindranath Tagore Sarani, the name hardly finds any mention among the locals, who are more than happier to keep its old name as that evokes the charm and the classiness of the street.
If one keeps moving away a little bit from Camac Street towards Dharamtala-the heart of the city, one will have to cross Mirza Ghalib Street and the Lindsay Street, which intersect each other. The Lindsay Street has the famous New Market, Jewish bakery, Nahoum and the Globe cinema. New market is the shopper’s paradise. Ask anything from a rare piece to the most modern it is all available with a little bargaining. A common parlance goes-that you can even get tiger’s milk in the new market. Such is its reach. The new market with all its varieties can easily give a stiff competition to the modern day malls. And one can hardly find a day when new market is not frequented by shoppers. If the Park Street represents the elitists’ culture of the society, the Lindsay Street aka the New Market or the Hogg market, named after Sir Stuart Hogg represents the common man’s parsimonious culture for bargaining till the end.
Some other lesser known but frequent hunt for commoners are Mirza Ghalib Street commonly known as the Free School street, houses the mansion of William Makepeace Thackeray, author of the famous novel ‘Vanity Fair’ and joins with another famous street called the Shudder Street. A drug peddler’s favorite joint, Shudder Street is mostly known for cheap eateries, travel agency firms and foreign exchange kiosks. In central Kolkata it is the Amherst Street that gathers the young generation’s attention. No. You are wrong. Not for any entertainment purpose. But purely for education as the street has the maximum number of colleges like City College, Ram Mohan College, Ananda Mohan College, and the St Pauls Cathedral Mission College.
The stone remembrance near William Makepeace Thackeray’s house in Free School Street
If one moves from Central Kolkata to the north, one can observe the Babu culture reflecting in the existence of hand pulled rickshaws, large buildings with architectural edifices and intricate designs boasting of Persian influences, trams with first class and second class seats moving in their own rhythm, the Hatibagan market a flea market and a mini version of the New Market, and not to forget the Kochuri shops and tea stalls. The oldest ‘telebhaja’ (fries) shop Lakshinarayan Shaw and sons can give any big restaurant a run for their money. Sweet shops like the Girish Chandra Dey and Nakur Chandra Nandi, Sen Mahashay evoke the sweet sensation. Eateries like the Malancha, Bhajahari Manna and the Basanta Cabin are still the most sought after, working together with the most modern and niche ones like KFC and WOW. Momo. Heritage buildings and old markets crisscross in and around the Beadon Street like the Star Theatre, the Minerva Theatre, Chaitanya Library, and the Chhatu Babur Bazaar giving that strange feeling of old Kolkata charm.
Lakshmi Narayan Shaw – The famous telebhaja shop in North Kolkata
Image – Whatsuplife.in
One of the oldest sweet shops- Girish Chandra Dey and Nakur Chandra Nandi
The streets of Kolkata form an indispensable part of the typical Bengali culture that is so famous worldwide.
Bio of the author
Mou Mukherjee Das is a media educator, media literacy trainer and a freelance author in Kolkata. She has to her credit several articles published in reputed journals and newspapers like Vidura, news mania, IoT India magazine, Sage etc. She has been invited by IIT Guwahati, IIM Kolkata and MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications) Ahmedabad to present her ideas and concepts.
Even if you visit India today, you would find the very essence of classical music in all Indian compositions. The dance forms still reverberate the pulsation of the royal lineage. The temples and mosques, the tombs and palaces, every nook and corner of India still smell of its consolidated past.
Chenna Keshava Temple, Belur – via Piqsels
India is flavored with the abundance of its cultural heritage. The traditional artforms, the food recipes, the languages, the religious practices remind of the enriched cultural cultivation that happened over thousands of years. You might love Idli today without knowing that the very first of its recipes go back to 920 CE. Even the Kancheepuram silk you love to wear has a fulfilling past in its making.
India being the cultural hub that it is, has become increasingly popular amidst the Western world for having retained its traditional heritage. And the Southern part of India is one amongst the other renowned states that seeks most engaging attention due to the presence of an abounding cultural history. Let us explore some of the most treasured cultural associations of South India.
South Indian Music
The world-renowned Carnatic music goes back to the early 15th century. This form of classical music has its roots delved deep into the Hindu traditions and is popularly practiced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana and Tamil Nadu. The ‘gayaki’ or the playfulness of the vocal cords happen to be the primary attraction of the Carnatic music. If you want to witness some exceptional Carnatic music, catch hold of a concert by Bombay Sisters or M. Balamuralikrishna. It’s an assurance that you won’t be disappointed.
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South Indian Food
The South Indians have a sentimental bond with their food habits. The food is generally served on banana leaves and is eaten with bare hands. Idli, Dosa, Sambar, chutney form the staple diet. Consumption of rice in various forms is the principal food habit in South India.
The coastal regions of Southern India might provide you with the best seafood. And if you are an Indian, you must be aware of the rich historical past of Biryani. Visiting Hyderabad and not tasting the biryani of Hotel Aadab Bawrachi Quahana or Hotel Shadab is next to a criminal offense.
South Indian Dance forms
South India has given birth to some fine dance forms considering the techniques and display of art. Bharatnatyam is one of those dance forms that goes back to the ancient days of royal rule. The expression, the mudras, the postures are a treat to the eyes. The attire enhances the beauty of the dance even more.
Kathakali is not just a dance form. It tells a tale through the enactment of dance-drama. The appearances of the performers are visually appealing since the makeup and attire is not the usual way of beautifying the features. Most stories that are performed are drawn from the ancient myths. The strong message rings with many echoes that has a revolutionary outlook. Cochin, being a tourist spot is a good place to visit. And if you happen to be on one of your errands in Cochin, go and book your tickets at a theater. You surely will have an experience of a lifetime.
Temples and festivals
Most of the temples in South India were built during the Dravidian Era. The intricate stone works, the fine detailing of the idols are ethereal to see. South India has the possession of some of the most extolling temples of India. Virupaksha temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Meenakshi Amman Temple are some of the must-visit temples in South India. Not just the temples, but the surrounding locations impart a grandeur and magnificence that brings out the dedicated side of our beings.
If you consider South India’s festivals as the reference to its cultural cultivation, you aren’t much wrong. Every festival that has been born in Southern India has its origins penetrated deep into the religious significance. Whether it be Onam, Pongal or Pulikali, the religious and mythological significance of these festivals are humongous. The February-April tenure might be a good time to visit South India if you wish to witness the vibrancy and the refinement of these festivals.
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If you haven’t yet visited any of the cultural hubs of South India, hurry up. Book your tickets and plan the next vacation. You won’t be disappointed in the flavors that India has in store for you.
Authors Bio Yogi and Suchna believe in taking the road less travelled and stumbling upon some hidden gems along the way! For over a decade, they’ve mapped their way across various continents, sniffed out unusual routes, discovered new flavours and stayed at quirky hostels. TheBackpackerCo is their expression of soul travel. You can catch up with them at TheBackpackerCo.
India has a diverse culture. Every time we visit one of those 36 states and union territories, we find a distinct flavour at each place. For instance – Bengali women love wearing silk and cotton sarees. On the other hand, Kashmiri girls look stunning in vibrant Pherans and Tarangas. But let me take it a little further today.
Traditional Indian women have held themselves back over the years but the current crop of young and confident Indian females like to take a quip at just about everything. From wearing western dresses to customary saris, denims, gowns and jumpsuits, they try it all as per the occasion. What’s more, they are even more liberal and finicky about what to wear beneath their shirts. Yes, I am talking about inner garments, lingerie and corsets. Techsci Research report predicts Indian lingerie market to grow at a CAGR of over 24% during 2018-2023, which is huge by any means.
There has been a growing demand of shape wears and corsets too. This is mainly because, 1- Indian women want to look good. 2- Corsets also provide medical benefits like supporting injured spine and regulating weight.
Current State –
Image – Source
Luckily, corset trend in India is healthier. Unlike in the west, where a good chunk of women wear these to work and for leisure purposes, there isn’t a downright craze but it sure is catching up. A lot of it has to do with native culture, which defines women, a little conservative. Rather I think it’s a blessing in disguise. Just because corsets aren’t extensively used, I assume the Indian mind set is astute comparatively.
These are some of its benefits though –
Corsets make you look good and in shape
You look sexier. Corsets uplift your sagging breasts and hold excess tummy.
Relieve you from back pain and restore right posture
Health professionals have a mixed opinion to its usage. They agree it might be the biggest social media fad to flaunt narrow waistlines and hourglass figures but corsets essentially should be worn with caution. One should be careful while choosing right size and material. Uneven and tight fittings can cause strains and rashes on the body. Same goes with the fabric.
Health professionals have a mixed opinion to its usage. They agree it might be the biggest social media fad to flaunt narrow waistlines and hourglass figures but corsets essentially should be worn with caution. One should be careful while choosing right size and material. Uneven and tight fittings can cause strains and rashes on the body. Same goes with the fabric. Other potential dangers of aesthetic waist training include wasting of the abdominal muscles, breathing issues and even acid reflux if they’re too tight and worn for extended periods.
Corsets when worn, tightly hug the mid part, which leads to frequent sweating and water loss. Continued use for longer periods can trouble abdomen and liver. With that said, there’s no denying that gorgeous selfies and number of Instagram Likes trigger a feeling of happiness and well-being. And we know how big a reprieve that is. Fighting through modern day stress with those corsets, it all looks easy? Isn’t it?
Takeaways –
I remember Rolf Dobelliwriting in The Art of Good Life. Happiness has 2 meanings, one is instant ecstasy and other one, more meaningful. Instant ecstasy is the joy you get when you put a piece of chocolate in your mouth. On the other side, to be able to keep a check on your health, is more meaningful.
Don’t hold yourself back. Try a bit of everything. But understand when and where to take it easy. Look good but stay healthy!
