Indore, India

 

If you are planning a trip to India, you must see Indore. Indore is touted as the cleanest city in India. Well, I went to see for myself if all the hype was true, and guess what, it was true. I was so impressed with the city and the hospitality of the people, I had to share my feelings with the Media and the Mayor of the city. I've actually made several newspapers and media channels sharing my thoughts on Indore versus the USA. 

Now a little history. Indore is the largest and most populous city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.  Indore is a city in west-central India. It’s known for the 7-story Rajwada Palace and the Lal Baag Palace, which date back to Indore’s 19th-century Holkar Dynasty. The Holkar Rulers are honored by a cluster of tombs and cenotaphs at Chhatri Baag. The night market Sarafa Bazar sells delicious street food. East is the Indo-Gothic Gandhi Hall and clock tower. The Jain temple Kanch Mandir has a mirrored mosaic interior. Indore is rich in history. It is a must see when travelling to India. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a large quaint city and I say that with love! It’s one of those cities that feels almost town-like in its appearance but with the buzz and vibrancy that matches any major capital city across Europe!

It’s also a city where you can visit one of the oldest Luna parks in the world, ride the waves of its famous waterways and gorge on delicious street food – all within one day.

Top tip: Prices for food here tend to be a high due to the volume of visitors, so take that into account if you plan on dining around here. I had a small cup of coffee at a 7-11 and it cost about 5.00 US dollars.

There are a many street food markets to visit in Copenhagen – each of which will ensure that you never run out of delicious opportunities to fill your tummy!

There are many ways to see the city of Copenhagen, with its waterways being one of the best! Board a boat and discover a whole new perspective of Copenhagen.

Every picture you’ll ever find of Copenhagen will include colorful houses. Take a wander around the area and enjoy some of the pretty little homes, cafes and shops that make up this part of town.

When traveling the metro please make sure you always have a valid ticket form one place to the next and also according to the timings. I was rushing back to get back to the airport and I could not find a machine so I jumped on the train. The police jump on the trains at stops to check tickets randomly and lucky me, I was one!

I was fined and received a bill to pay about 150.00 US dollars. They give you two weeks to go online and pay the fine. I never paid mine and most folks don't. They are privatized and not government so they can't lock you up and stop you from coming to Denmark. They will never see you again so the decision is yours. 

Dublin & Belfast, Ireland

One of the biggest tourist attractions, and one of my favorite, besides the Guinness Brewery is the Book of Kells.  Visit Trinity College, one of the most famous universities in the world, built in the 16th century. Even if you don't like architecture, it's worth a visit to Science Gallery and the Library, where the Book of Kells, written around 800 AD, is housed.  This 9th century gospel manuscript is one of the most visited spots in Dublin.  Famous worldwide, this book brings visitors from all parts of the world to see this rare book in person. There are four volumes, with only two being viewed at a time.

The Book of Kells isn’t the only feature that comes with your ticket. Your purchase includes a tour of the Old Library; an incredible space that houses over 200,000 old books. The Library began with the founding of Trinity College in 1592.  Other notorious spots are;   The Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grafton Street for shoppers, and of course, Guinness at Temple Bar area.  A day trip to Belfast is worth it.  I became so interested in the division between North and South Ireland and all the IRA history.  A trip to the IRA Museum was the highlight of the day.

Goa, Panaji, India

Goa, the land of beaches, is the smallest state in India and yet the biggest tourist destination of the country.  The beaches, the markets, and the natural beauty of this land on the west coast of India is what mesmerizes everyone.

Goa became part of the hippie hang-out during the 70's.  Over the years though, Goa has become more hip than hippie.  A blend of Portuguese and Indian influences, Goa’s unique history makes it a place much more than just beaches and parties.

Goa is distinctly divided into North Goa and South Goa.  Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim and Miramar are just some of the most popular beaches in Goa.   I stayed in the north of Goa by Calangute Beach.  It was rather a quiet area, which is why I picked this location in the first place.  South Goa is noted as having quieter beaches, but I would assume it really matters on the area you choose.

I had to see Saint Alex Church which was right near my hotel.  Then one day I took an entire tour of South Goa and visit all the famous sites and churches.  Pictured below is me at Fort Aguada which everyone must see while in Goa.  Although, I have been all over India, Goa was not my favorite place and highly unlikely I will visit Goa again.  I enjoyed my stay, don't get me wrong, it was worth coming here because I had to see the Portuguese influence, learn the history, visit the famous temples, and of course, first and foremost, try the Goan food :-) but overall not my cup of tea, I found other places in India more to my liking.

Chandigarh, Union Territory, India

Chandigarh, The City Beautiful as named, is the joint capital of Haryana and Punjab, is often regarded as a prime example of modern day India.  Unparalleled in architecture and planning, the city provides an impressive standard of living.  By combining the two important factors; modernization and preservation of nature, Chandigarh continues to be considered as one of the finest cities to live in India and also the secure atmosphere, high standards of living, and of course its' picturesque scenery.

Located at just 250 kms from Delhi, Chandigarh is also a favorite with tourists, and one of the most visited cities in India.  One of the major interests lies in the history of the place which states Chandigarh to be the first planned city in independent India.  People from India and around the world, flock to this great city, in large numbers to experience the true essence of India.

Prosperous, vibrant, and breath-taking are just a few words used to describe this city.  The eye catching blue skies, and a backdrop of the mountains, magnifies the beauty of this much talked about city. Chandigarh is a major hub for shoppers and foodies, with some of the best high-end stores and outside bazaars, and don't forget all the great food in this city, makes this place a shoppers paradise.

Pictured here are pictures of me at Sukhna Lake, an artificial lake and a major attraction in Chandigarh. Sukhna Lake is a lively place where families often relax and rejuvenate with various fun activities like, renting boats to relax on the lake, and they have a small amusement park for kids and bumper cars for kids, and adults young at heart.  Also Sector 17 is a must for shoppers.  I love roaming around Sector 17.

Isha Foundation, Coimbatore, India

Isha Foundation, founded by Sadhguru, is a volunteer-run, international nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating human potential. The Foundation is a human service organization that recognizes the possibility of each person to empower another, restoring global community through inspiration and individual transformation.

Isha Foundation is operated by over 2 Million volunteers from more than 150 city-based centers spread worldwide. The Foundation is headquartered at Isha Yoga Center, set at the base of the Velliangiri Mountains in southern India, and at the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences on the spectacular Cumberland Plateau in middle Tennessee, USA.

Una, Himachal Pradesh, India

Una, located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, Una is a mesmerizing town and an amazing scenic place to visit.  It is one of the twelve districts of Himachal Pradesh, which was dissociated from the Hoshiarpur District of Punjab in 1972.  Nestled beautifully at the base of the Shivalik ranges, it shares its boundary with Bilaspur, Kangra, Hamirpur and Hoshiarpur of Punjab.  Una houses a fort, a historical fort and is believed to be the paternal home of Guru Nanak, the first guru of the Sikhs.

Una is a perfect place for nature lovers and a must visit place for those fond of scenic beauty.  Una is full of mesmerizing sceneries and spots to relax and unwind.  The picturesque view of the hills and its beauty is really enchanting.  The city has been acknowledged as a major industrial center and has become a passage town for visitors going to the renowned city of Dharamshala or places such as Kullu, Jwalamukhi, Manali and Mcleodganj.  Una is also noted as being “The Land of the Gods“.  Here are some pictures of my recent holiday in Una.