A day in Amritsar: Home to the Golden Temple

Amritsar is synonymous to the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh temple, which has been welcoming people from all walks of life and faith since 1604. The majestic structure was gleaming in the October sun and its refection in the holy tank was a sight to behold. It was far better than I had imagined. I stood still just soaking in the grandeur. It exuded an aura that sought reverence.

As I trundled along the temple bare feet with an orange headscarf covering my head, I felt one with the other devotees. We passed through the devout Sikhs taking a holy dip in the tank oblivious to the crowd around; people sitting and meditating; and not to mention the hordes of tourists who were in awe of the structure and clicking pictures away.

The ideal time to visit the temple is during the Palki Sahib ceremony. It is at this event that the Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is taken from Hari Mandir, which is the main shrine, to the sanctum, where it is kept till the next morning. When it is illuminated at night, people say you cannot take off your eyes from the sight. Unfortunately, I had to miss the spectacle as I was visiting the city just for a day.

The temple accommodates devotees, who seek shelter on its premises for free. Rooms are also available for a nominal fee of Rs 50. Around 40,000 pilgrims/ visitors sit together at the Guru-ka-langar or community meal every day. The volunteers varying from rich and poor, come together to make chapatis and dal and serve the devotees, wash the dishes, all without a whimper. Nowhere will you find such camaraderie amidst 40,000 people. It is commendable how the institution of community kitchen initiated by Guru Nanak has been strictly upheld even till today.

I stepped out of the temple and headed straight to quench my thirst with the ubiquitous lassi that Amritsar is known for. My next destination was Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial of great national significance. In the April of 1919, thousands of people came together to celebrate Baisakhi, the Punjabi New Year. As the meeting was in progress, Brigadier-General Dyer came armed with his troops and ordered them to open fire without any warning. As the buildings had narrow entrances, people could hardly escape. The bullet marks evident even today stand testimony to the turning point in India’s freedom struggle. I explored the museum and looked around for an hour or so before heading to my next destination, the Vaishnodevi Mandir, which is a replica of the Vaishnodevi Mandir in Jammu and Kashmir.

En route to the Wagah Border, which is about 25 km away from the city, I had a sumptuous lunch at a roadside dhaba. The finger-licking vegetarian fare that I had there is something I always crave for. If you want to catch the border ceremony, head to this place post-noon. You will be there just on time for the beating retreat ceremony between India and Pakistan. Cars or buses are not allowed after a certain point. You will have to walk at least a kilometer to reach the border. Once you are there, it is a scene of chaos; people jostling to get up the stairway to get the best glimpse of the ceremony. Men are supposed to form a separate queue from the women folk. Take care of your camera and wallet, as you will have to move along with the crowd.

The enthusiastic crowd at the beating retreat ceremony in Wagah Border

As the ceremony began with chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ and all the patriotic numbers from Bollywood were played, people started swaying to the music. This gave me a sense of solidarity. The ceremony ended with much fanfare, as even schoolchildren from the crowd participated in the event.

On my way back, my cab driver took me to the Kapra Market where I indulged in some retail therapy. You can get the best Amritsari juttis, phoolkari dupattas, suits and bags in the market. A visit to the city is incomplete without filling your bag with these goodies.

Juttis up for sale at the market

This city is also known for its street food. Sample the parathas, Amritsari kulchas, pakoras, sweets and lassi sold in pushcarts. You will leave the place wanting for more.

Where to stay:

There are several budget as well as luxury hotels for tourists. You can try out the Golden Tulip Amritsar (Tariff — Rs. 3,500), HK Clarks Inn (Tariff — Rs. 2,800) and Country Inns and Suites (Tariff — Rs. 2,800). For those of you looking for hotels within Rs. 1,000, you will find them as well. Singh International Hotel (Tariff — Rs. 900), Grace Hotel (Tariff — Rs. 900) and Veenus International Hotel (Tariff — Rs. 800) are some of the options which are worth trying.

Getting There:

Travelling by bus from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Patiala is a good option. Buses to Amritsar are available from all these cities. If you have travel plans for the city, look up for your bus tickets at TicketGoose.com.
The next time you want to visit a temple town, think Amritsar. From visiting the temples to sampling the food and shopping, you will not regret one bit.

Planning 4 a Weekend Trip from Chennai? Head to Coimbatore!

Have you ever wanted to take a break to rejuvenate yourselves before you get back to work? The answer ought to be yes, and this thought of one has lead to the development of tourism in our nation with the seek still on for the best weekend getaway destinations with your desired ones and, I suggest your visit to Coimbatore for its magnificent sight-seeing spots. Coimbatore, covering an area of approximately 642.12km2 is located in the vicinity of the prolific valleys with the Western Ghats encircling it and with no such paucity of places to stay; this destination will surely be imbibing.

From rich cultural heritage and cuisine to recreational centers, resorts, and waterfalls, encounter revelation in every move of yours. If you are planning for a visit from Chennai, then book your bus tickets in either National Travels or SRS Travels as they are marked for their vigilant driving, well-managed timings, and cozy journey and the distance from Chennai- Coimbatore is also not so far. Stay will not be an issue as there are plenty of luxurious resorts here that are better suited for all and one amongst them is the Vivanta by Taj which is just a kilometer from the Coimbatore junction that is set amidst lush green lawns. They offer stupendous amenities and facilities to pamper the guests to the fullest.

Vivanta Resort

On the first day of your trip, make a visit to the Marudhamalai Hill Temple that is towered at a height of 500 ft in the highlands on the Western Ghats dedicated to Lord Murugan, pilgrims’ paradise Eachanari Vinaygar Temple, Kovai Kutralam Falls located in Siruvani at a distance of 37 km from Coimbatore city and Monkey Falls that is enclosed by verdant greenery and rocky cliffs.

Marutamalai Temple

For all adventure lovers, make your second-day trip enthusiastic with your start to the famous amusement park, Black Thunder. It is a water theme park situated in Mettupalayam with 49 rides, surf hills, and wild river rides. A true and whole-hearted place indeed to visit, isn’t it? If you are scheduling your visit to Coimbatore, then look no further than TicketGoose as customer satisfaction is what our prime focus is onto.

Strolling around the Garden City

Are you in Bangalore for work and the entire schedule is crammed with business meetings and lunches and dinners with clients? Mall and pub-hopping is not your cup of tea? If you have just three hours to spare in the morning before 11 am over the weekend, then the Bangalore city walk will not only enrich you, but leave you rejuvenated to kick start your day. As Henry David Thoreau, an American author, said, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”

Let’s put on our walking shoes and take a quick guided tour of the Garden City that has so much for everyone. From green heritage walk to Victorian Bangalore walk to traditional Bangalore walk to Medieval Bangalore walk, there are numerous options for you according to your taste. But if you are up for it, you will have to forgo your weekend sleep, as these walks run by Bangalore Walks are held only over the weekend between 7 am and 10 am. It is priced at Rs 500 per person. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Bangalore, also runs several walks in the city. The once-a-month affair comes for a mere Rs 120. Treat yourself to a sumptuous breakfast at the end of the walk.

Saunter around the gardens

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (Photo courtesy www.ghumakkar.com)

If you are a nature enthusiast, the green heritage walk is a must for you. Wander through the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and get to know its landscape, environment, history, botany, culture and gardening. You will have a delightful three-hour amidst its serene environs and at the end of the tour you will be truly enlightened.

Get a feel of the Victorian era

St Andrew’s Church

The Victorian walk will literally take you down memory lane from the Tipu Sultan era to the 20th century. You can drop by at the 19th century churches. Get to know more about the Cantonment and the public buildings, besides the eminent British residents in the city. This will enrich you with the chronicles of the city’s past, as an experienced guide will walk you through the details.

A taste of the traditional city

Flower Market at Basavanagudi (Photo courtesy Deccan Chronicle)

Those of you who want to know more about the culture and tradition of the city can opt for the Traditional Bangalore Walk. Walking through Shankarapuram and Basavanagudi will give a taste of the old-world charm far from the bustling city. You will be able to connect with these places replete with tradition if you are not a pub-hopping type. The three hours that you spend exploring the serene neighbourhoods will treat your senses to a myriad of hues and sounds.

A walk through history

Bangalore Fort (Photo courtesy TempleIndai.info)

Get to know how Bangalore started as a city from a 16th-century mud fort. Through the Medieval Bangalore walk you can traverse the streets of the old city and discover how Kempa Gowda I built the fort and how it grew into a city. You will also get to know about the various rulers that ruled over the centuries. This walk is replete with history and it is a must for those who are fascinated with the times of yore.

In case you are not an early morning riser and want to explore these places on your own, hop on a bus and visit these places leisurely at your own convenience. But remember to wear a good pair of walking shoes and keep a water bottle handy.

Click here to get details about online bus ticket booking and bus ticket offers for Meghana Travels and National Travels to visit these places…

Hill Stations for a Perfect Summer Make off

Tired of the 9–6 routine of your life? Want to run away from the peak Chennaitraffic? Or want to get away from the summer heat? Hill stations should be the only solution for it as from glowing snow-capped peaks to scenic mysteries, India is caked with beauty. It’s March now which is usually referred to as the start of spring and in this weather, climbing the foothills can be breath-taking. Here are some of the top hill stations that will let you bang the heat and relax:

1.Ooty

When it’s hill stations, it has to be Ooty. Also known as Udhagamandalam, it is the capital of Nilgiris district. Ooty is known for a lot more things; tea estates where you can get the best varieties of tea, a huge lake that resides in the heart of the city, museums, botanical garden, amusement parks and much more that is all fitted onto a small circle. Here’s where Kurinji flower can be seen, a blue flower that blossoms once in 12 years. A true wonder of nature isn’t it. Ooty is well connected by all the three means of transport; you can reach this place by road, if you choose railways the closest station is Mettupalayam and by airways, it’s going to Coimbatore.

2.Kodaikanal

Another beautiful hill station for an ideal weekend getaway, yes, it is Kodaikanal which means “The Gift of Forest”. Its locality is such that it’s amidst granite cliffs, waterfalls, grassy hills and forested valleys. Situated 2000meters above the sea level, the cool weather, and the scenic beauty will surely be a mesmerizing point for one. From Devil’s Kitchen and waterfalls to Kodai Lake and Coaker’s Walk, every place is worth sight-seeing. Kodaikanal is easily accessible via roadways crossing Dindigul district.

3.Nandi Hills

This is a popular hill station that is situated on the brink of Bangalore, approximately 60km from the city. During the Chola period, it was called as Ananda Giri, meaning “The Hill of Happiness”. For night lovers, this place will be the best avenue for your night outs. This city has a lot more to show; Amruth Sarovar- a beautiful lake, a fort that is sprawled across 90 acres, the origination of Palar river, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. You can reach this place from Bangalore or Chikkaballapur.

Thus, experience the escapades in visiting these hill stations which in turn would leave an enduring effect on you.

TG Wallet: An Online Pass 4 Bus Booking

In recent times,it can be seen that our nation is heading straight towards its glory at a very fast pace with inculcating the use of electronic payments amongst us. All thanks to our Prime Minister, Mr. Modi for taking measures in making India, a digital world. From retail stores to banking domains to e-commerce firms, everyone prefers going digital and one such advancement is the creation of e-wallets. What is e-wallet? How is e-wallet helpful in bus booking? And what are the benefits TicketGoose gives to its customers on using e-wallet?

Well. Well. I do understand that before using any product, its basics need to be known and e-wallet is one such invention that is a step ahead of the online payments. You have cash in your e-wallet, you need not enter your card number and pin or bank login details every time while making a transaction. Just by clicking onto your payments will be done.

Presently, e-wallets are used in almost every field; be it on e-commerce sites, IRCTC bookings or for mobile payments and on looking at its success ratio, TicketGoose, a leading online bus ticketing portal has introduced e-wallets preferably for travelers for their convenient and hassle-free bookings. E-wallets can be used for storing your money in a digitized format so that, whenever you have to travel places, with just a click, your booking and payment will be accomplished and besides these, TicketGoose launches promotional offers for bookings made via wallet and to avail this benefit, you need to download the TicketGoose app from Play Store or iTunes.

The first time, you install the TicketGoose app either from play store or iTunes, your wallet account will get credited with Rs. 1000 and on transferring the cash to three new mobile app users, your wallet amount will get doubled. This is just the first step the company takes towards customer satisfaction, as further whenever you book your bus tickets within the specified time, you will be awarded Rs.200 cash back as well.

The e-wallet amount can be loaded whenever you desire to, either through internet banking or debit or credit card. But, do remember that any offer the company releases has validity and its expiry will be notified to the customers time to time so that they can enjoy maximum benefits out of it.

Saw, its modernization that is leading to innovation. Thus, the TicketGoosewallet has proved to be beneficial for many. Stop your traditional way of booking your tickets and go modern with e-wallet!!

The 3 Great Places for a Perfect Weekend Trip

The sweet bustling of bees, the chirping of birds, flowers blooming and a lively earth marks the start of spring. This season is called the “Queen of Seasons” and with such a moderate temperature, who doesn’t like planning for a trip. Given the apt destinations, spring is a boon for travelers. Here are the three places in Bangalore that will surely make you pack your bags and head straight towards it:

1. Brindavan Gardens, Mysore

Brindavan Gardens is situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka adjoining the famous Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river Kaveri and a fruit orchard that is spread across 75 acres. This charming garden is laden with a musical fountain that holds tourists view, rich green lawns, seasonal flowers and shaded passageways. Engulf yourselves in this scenic beauty and take a ride in the pond within the garden and enjoy the musical fountains illuminating the dark skies giving out a mesmerizing effect. Located at a distance of 140km from the city, it is well connected by bus routes. If you are traveling from Chennai- Bangalore then book your tickets with National or Paulo travels to make your journey comfortable.

2. Coorg

Coorg is considered to be an exceptional place because the more you try to locate about its surrounding, the more it fascinates you. Placed at a distance of 260kms from Bangalore, it is one of the famous hill station destinations in India often referred to as the Scotland of India. With luxuriant woods, acres of beverage plantations and murky hills, this place ought to enthral you. From trekking to water rafting, Coorg is well-known as an adventurous spot for fear fighters. From here, you can also trek to Talakaveri or visit Abbey falls. To visit this magnificent place, book your tickets in Seabird Tourists from Chennai- Coorg or if you are planning to sight-see Bangalore first then book in National Travels and then take a bus from Bangalore to Coorg.

3. Mysore

Mysore stands as an epic and enchanting city in the state of Karnataka famed for its rich cultural heritage and monuments. Enclosed in an area of 128.40m2, Mysore has a lot more to show; to name some, Mysore Palace Keshava Temple, Chamundi Hills and Jaganmohan Palace. Besides these, never forget to soothe your tongue with the delicacies of this place as dishes like kosambri and chiroti will leave a lasting effect on your taste buds. You can very easily visit this place from Chennai via Seabird Tourists.

These are just few amongst the many places in India that is hidden amidst beautiful scenery and breath-taking adventurous sites. Plan your weekend to these places and turn your dreams to reality.

Parveen Travels- The Untold Story

“It’s the last ball and we are all tensed whether will India make up to the final by hitting a six. The bowler is ready to bowl and yes, there goes the ball and, the batsman…. hits a six!!!” Hurray! Sighed Dinesh and as he ate the last piece of pizza from the box his phone rang and it was his Dad’s call.

Dad- Dinesh, have you booked the tickets for tomorrow to Madurai?

Dinesh- Not yet Pa, have to. Don’t worry, will do it somehow.

Dad- See to it that you book the tickets by today itself and in Parveen Travels only.

“Beep..”

After his dad’s call, he was desperate enough to know why his dad preferred Parveen Travels and to get his queries resolved, he visited the travels website. It said,

In the year 1967, the travels founder, late Haji Allah Baksh introduced taxi services for one’s comfort and his intention to make every passenger’s journey a memorable one gave rise to Parveen Travels. Not only were the travels facilities unique from the rest but the hospitality that was shown towards the customers made its inception a success story. Certified by ISO, Parveen Travels now stands as one of the well-established private bus operators in the southern part of India with a fleet of more than 400 buses covering major cities like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The company has extended its services to the tourism industry as well and its relentless effort had been recognized by awarding the firm with the prestigious Global Leadership Award and National Tourism Award.

From vigilant driving to well-maintained coaches to on time pickups, Parveen Travels ensures every traveler a pleasant trip. Its onboard tailor-made services, entertainment and bathroom amenities and, GPS tracking system are few amongst the many facilities that have satisfied many. The fleet covers main routes like Chennai- Trichy, Chennai- Madurai, Bangalore- Chennai and Thirumangalam- Chennai. Nonetheless, Parveen Travels is a one-stop solution for all your travel needs.

And so, he came to know that Parveen Travels is what everyone speaks of when they plan for a trip. On account of this, he visited ticketgoose.com (as he was very familiar with this portal) and booked his bus tickets from Chennai- Madurai.