Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Chennai formally known as Madras is the capital of Tamil Nadu, and is known as the Gateway to South India.  Hindu temples and historic buildings, wide sandy beaches and busy bazaars, there is so much to do and see in Chennai.  Chennai is hot, congested, and noisy, and it is the major hub of the south.  Lots of travellers just stay long enough to see the major attractions then book tickets for another place.  If in Chennai you should definitely visit some prominently places and eat at the local hot spot food places before you leave.

Besant Nagar is quiet residential area, and the nearby Elliot's Beach is one good place to sit and relax in solitude, especially on the weekends.  From what I hear, the amusements parks in Chennai are really great.  Shopping at Chennai should be a good pleasure also. The malls and shopping complexes are jam-packed with all kinds of things you can think of, and always remember one good rule, bargaining is allowed, I bargain just about everywhere I shop in India.

For the taste of South Indian food, don't forget to have dinner at one of the popular restaurants.  I just read an article on Chennai’s restaurants and apparently “The Raintree” is one of the top restaurants to eat and must try.  Another I hear is the Amethyst.  Idli and sambar, dosa, and vada are South Indian foods that you will see as being served in most eateries, as they are there biggest staples.

If you are planning to visit the temples in and around Chennai, the most prominent temples that should be at the top of your list to see is Kapaleeswarar Temple Mylapore and Saint Thomas Mount, of course there are so many other popular temples and churches to visit. I had the opportunity to go to Saint Thomas Mount, and it was a wonderful experience, but lets travel there later.   Kapaleeswar Temple is one of the most visited temples in the state of Tamil Nadu.  It was a touching experience to see this temple and the surroundings, the history and the architecture was a sight to see. Kapaleeswarar Temple is a Lord Shiva temple and is little more that 350 years old, is considered by Hindus to be one of the most sacred sites in the southern part of India.  Chennai's temples will amaze you and the food will daze you.

Bangalore, Karnataka, India @ The ISKCON Mandir

Bangalore, what can I say about this awesome city.  I love this place and it is a popular destination in India for tourists.   Bangalore is also known as the Garden City, and it is truly blessed with natural wonders.  I had the opportunity to see Manchinbele Dam when I was there, and it was truly a spectacular, tranquil, spot to relax and unwind, check out Manchinbele Dam if you have time.   The city has an interesting mix of people, and is a very friendly place.  Bangalore has become famous for its information technology development and that has drove the city to prosper.

If you plan on visiting Bangalore, you should check out Lalbagh Botanical Garden, and try some hiking at Nandi Hills.  I found Bangalore to have some of the best shopping malls in India, and the outside markets are  really lively and colorful.  If you love to eat, and who doesn't, you will also find some tasty food here and good restaurants.  Bangalore seems to be more westernized then other cities in India, in respect to the similarities of western living .  One last note, if you are a wine connoisseur like me, then you will love Bangalore because they have really nice wine shops inside the shopping malls. Throughout other cities in India, I found that you don't have this option, you have to go to wine stalls on the streets, whereas in Bangalore they have some really nice wine shops in the malls.  This is one city in India to eat, drink, and be merry :-)

Delhi, India @ Lodhi Gardens Park

Taken at Lodhi Gardens in Delhi, Delhi is a wonderful starting point for your journey to India.  It is in a great location, easily accessible to the world famous Taj Mahal, and the beautiful forts in Rajasthan, as well as other tourist must see places.  People from all corners of the country have come and made Delhi their home.

There is so much to see in Delhi, but these are my picks and favorite places I love to visit when I come to this wonderful city.  

Lotus Temple:  The Bahai House of Worship in Delhi is popularly known as the Lotus Temple because of its flowerlike shape, is a Bahai House of Worship and also a prominent attraction in Delhi. It has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. The Bahai House of Worship in New Delhi has attracted more than 50 million visitors, making it one of the most visited buildings in the world.

Connaught Place:  The area around Connaught Place is a preferred place to stay for most international tourists. Centrally located to many places of interest, it is also Delhi's prime shopping center, with a wide range of businesses, from high fashion department stores to boutiques.  One of my favorite market places near Connaught I love to go to is the Karol Bagh market.

Lodhi Gardens:  This is one of my fav parks in India.  It is 90 acres and contains many architectures and monuments from the 15th century during the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties. It is located on the Lodhi Road close to the Safdarjun Tomb.  The garden is very popular for picnics, morning exercises or just come a chill out for the day. It is like a green paradise. There is no entrance fee.

There is so much to see in Delhi, but a visit to Delhi would be incomplete without a trip to Chandini Chowk. A very well known market, which is one of the country’s best known wholesale markets. Chandni Chowk or Silver Square is the main street of Old Delhi, congested but colourful shopping bazaar.

Oahu, Hawaii

Aloha !!!  Hiking in Hawaii is absolutely unforgettable.  Just being in Hawaii is unforgettable, but hiking, if you are physically up to par is a must.  It is truly an unreal experience.  The trails on the island are supposedly some of the best in the world, and I can tell you I was in awe with the majestic beauty I was surrounded by.  I forgot the name of this particular trail, but there are many you can take.

I was with a group of about 15 and a tour guide who really educated us.  For safety reasons, do not hike alone if at all possible. It is best to go with a group and tour guide because there are accidents they could occur and death incidents have been reported, so be very careful.  It is just helpful to take precautionary measures and to take a trail that is appropriate to your health's condition.  They have easy to extreme hiking trails, so there is something for everyone of all age groups and fitness levels.  Also, do not drink the water from freshwater ponds or streams.  Follow these safety tips and you will have unforgettable memories.

Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India

Auroville is a city in South India, dedicated to human unity, and based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.   Mirra Alfassa, fondly called "The Mother", a French collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, and a great believer in his teachings.

Auroville is a univeral and international city. Residents from all over the world make up the population of Auroville.  They belong to different religions, castes, cultures, social classes, etc., creating a culture that is full of possibility.  Experimenting with creating a new society, and finding ecologically friendly ways of living. They come from all age groups, from infancy to over eighty, averaging around 30.

The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity in diversity.  Today Auroville is recognized as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity.  With its serene atmosphere, Auroville is a must see place for travelers .  Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, it's about a 30-minute rickshaw ride from Pondicherry.  Auroville offers a one of a kind experience for those who are interested in staying for a long time or just to visit for the day.  I had a great time here, and it was really a good learning experience.  So if visiting Pondicherry, jump on a rickshaw and head to Auroville.  This truly is a one-of-a-kind place, very unique, you should definitely not miss it.

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Jaipur, also known at the Pink City, is at the top of the list for international and domestic tourists. It is only second to tourist traffic behind Agra. It attracts all different folks because the city has something to offer all types of tourists; heritage, adventure, wildlife, pilgrimage, etc. so the city is able to provide for all travelers with all different kinds of expectations.

Jaipur is widely known for it's jewelry production of precious and semi-precious stones.  Their jewelry production is a strong attraction for tourists, and I can see why. The jewelry is really spectacular, and I could not help to bring back home some really elaborate pieces.  This is a must stop either before or after Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

Ooty is a great spot for lovers of nature.  It is only located about a distance of 105 km from Coimbatore.  Ooty also known as “queen of all hill station”, it is easily attractable by its mountains, forest, and it's acres and acres of tea estates.  When I first heard about Ooty, I had to see for myself, and I was really taken.  I enjoyed site seeing around, just kicking back, and taking in the beauty and wonder of this part of India.

Come to Ooty if you want to take a break from the city life and it's fast pace environment. Renew your spirit and senses, release tension, and/or to escape the sweltering heat in summertime.  Spend time with nature, have some tea, and if you like, it is a good place to know the culture and tradition of India and it's tribal people.