Kolkata - Bengal is Calling

Kolkata is a Major City in the Eastern Part of India. It is the State Capital of West Bengal. During British Rule in India, Kolkata was capital of the country until 1911, when it was later shifted to Delhi. Kolkata was earlier known as Calcutta, when the name got changed in 2001 due to political reasons. The city is associated with many of the figures and movements of the Bengali Cultural Revolution. It was Hotbed of the Indian Independence Movement. 

Kolkata is home to institutions of national importance, like Academy of Fine Arts, Asiatic Society, Geological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India. Kolkata's port is India's oldest operating port. Four Nobel laureates are associated with this city. Kolkata is popularly known as the "City of Joy". 

There are many places worth sightseeing in Kolkata. One could start with Victoria Memorial, a large marble monument in central part of Kolkata. It was built between 1906 and 1921 by the British. It was built in honor of Queen Victoria, who was Empress of India from 1876 to 1901. It covers an area of 26 Hectares (64 Acres) of gardens. It is now a museum under administration by the Indian Government. Victoria Memorial is built of white Makrana marble. It has 25 galleries, containing paintings of various British officers and members of their royal family as well as prominent Indian freedom fighters. 

Victorial Memorial, Kolkata 

Howrah Bridge is a notable architectural wonder spanning across the Hooghly river in the city. The Bridge connects Kolkata to Howrah. It was completed and opened in 1943. It is a suspension type bridge made entirely of Steel. Total length of the Bridge is 705 Metres and its width is nearly 26 Metres. The Bridge is 82 Metres high from the river flowing below. The road built through the bridge has total 6 Lanes. Nearly 1 Lakh vehicles and about 1.5 Lakh pedestrians commute throught this bridge on a daily basis.  

Howrah Bridge, Kolkata 

Science City is a science park in Kolkata. It was established in 1997. It is a vast premise that offers visitors to understand various topics related to science in a simple language without much of technical jargon. It has blocks related to Outer Space like Earth Exploration Hall and Space Odyssey. Besides that, there are other areas worth visiting like Maritime Centre and Science Exploration Hall. 

Science City, Kolkata 

Kolkata has several Hindu temples that are popular across India. One of them is Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to Maa Kali, a Hindu goddess. It was built in 1855. Within the temple premises, there are mini-temples of Shiva, Radha-Krishna and Kirtana. 

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata 

Belur Math is located in Belur, on the opposite side of Hooghly River. It was built in 1897. It is headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a popular Hindu Monk and philosopher who lived in the 19th century. Swami Vivekananda established Belur Math by placing holy relics of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (his mentor) at Belur Math premises on 9th December 1898. There are four temples built within the complex, dedicated to Ramakrishna, Vivekanand, Sarada Devi (spiritual consort of Ramakrishna) and Brahmanand (a direct disciple of Ramakrishna). 

Belur Math, Kolkata 

Kolkata is very famous for its Annual Hindu festival - Durga Puja. It is also known as Durgotsava or Sharadotsava. The festival is celebrated to honour the goddess Durga and her victory over Mahishasura, a vile demon in Hindu mythology. It is celebrated in the month of Ashwin as per Hindu calendar. It lasts for 10 days and occurs between September to October of gregorian calendar. The entire city is decorated with Pandals hosting the idol of Durga. There are long lines of devotees waiting to take a glance of the goddess for each Pandal. One must visit Kolkata during this time to experience the festival and culture of Bengal.  

A Pandal of Durga Puja, Kolkata 

As Kolkata is a metropolitan city, it is well-connected by Road, Rail and Air. Kolkata is connected to other major cities of India like Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai via several National Highways. Kolkata is serviced by Five Railway Stations - Kolkata, Sealdah, Howrah, Shalimar and Santragachi that connect the city to other parts of India. Kolkata's sole airport -Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is 15 KMs (45 to 50 Minutes drive) from the heart of the city. The Airport has excellent connectivity that connects Kolkata to major cities in India and overseas. 

Pune - Heartbeat of Maharashtra

Pune is a city in the western part of Maharashtra, a state of India. Pune is 145 KM (3 Hours drive) from Mumbai, the commercial hub of India. 

Pune is the largest city in Maharashtra by area, spanning 516 Sq. Km. Pune is one of the largest IT Hubs in India. Many Top IT Majors like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant etc. have built large campuses in and around Pune. It is also one of the most important Automobile and Manufacturing Hubs of India. Pune is also called as "Oxford of the East", as there are many Colleges and Universities situated in and around the city. 

Infosys Campus, Hinjawadi, Pune 

Pune has many sightseeing attractions to look out for. There are many Hindu Temples one can visit to pay homage. The most popular temple is Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir. It is dedicated to Hindu Deity Ganesha (Ganapati). It was built in late 19th century. The construction of the Temple is so simple that all the proceedings in the Temple along with Ganesh Idol can be seen even from outside. The Ganesh Idol is 2.2 Metres Tall and 1 Metre Wide. It is adorned with nearly 40 KGs of Gold. The Temple is situated in the centre of the City, with local shops and market adjacent to it. 

Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir, Pune 

Chaturshringi Devi Temple is located on a hill at Gokhalenagar, near Senapati Bapat Road in Pune. It is said to have been built during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj - founder of the Maratha Empire. The Temple is 90 Feet (27 Metres) High and 125 Feet (38 Metres) Wide. There are more than 200 Steps one has to climb in order to reach the shrine of Goddess Chattushringi. Within the temple premises there are also idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesh.  

Chatushrungi Devi Temple, Pune 

The Most Important Landmark of Pune is Shaniwar Wada. It is a Fort built in 1732 by the Peshwas as Seat of the Maratha Empire. The Marathas ruled from there until 1818, when the British defeated them and annexed their kingdom in order to expand their rule in India. The fort itself was largely destroyed in 1828 by an unexplained fire, but the surviving structures are now maintained as a tourist site. 

(Left - Main Entrance Gate , Right - Garden Area), Shaniwar Wada, Pune 

Almost 1.5 KM (6 Minutes drive) from Shaniwar Wada is Mahatma Phule Museum. It is a small museum built in 1875. It exhibits historical objects such as Handicrafts, Old Weapons and Taxidermy. It is located at Ghole Road in Shivajinagar area of Pune. It is surely worth a visit if you are in Pune.  

Stuffed Leopard, Mahatma Phule Museum, Pune 

Pune is well-connected by Road, Rail and Air. Many Private and State Transport Buses connect Pune to Major Cities in Maharashtra and its neighboring states. Pune Junction is a Major Railway Hub as many inter-city Trains pass through the same. Pune's Airport is 10 KM (25 Minutes drive) from the heart of the city. Popular Airlines like Air India, Indigo and Spicejet connect Pune to other cities in India like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai etc.  

Udaipur - Palaces & Lakes

Udaipur is a city in Rajasthan, the largest State by Area located in north-west part of India. It is located about 400 KM (6.5 Hours) from Jaipur, the state's capital. It was founded in 1559 by Udai Singh II, a Rajput King, and hence the city is named after him. During British Rule in India, it was capital of Mewar princely state. Udaipur is well-known as the City of Lakes, as it is surrounded by five major artificial lakes.     

As a tourist destination, Udaipur is well-known for its history, culture, scenic locations and Rajput-era palaces. The most popular tourist spot is City Palace, located at the edge of Pichola Lake. It was built and completed in 16th century by several kings of Mewar Dynasty. The palace complex has been built entirely in granite and marble. The interiors of the palace complex with its balconies, towers and cupolas exhibit delicate mirror-work, marble-work, murals, wall paintings, silver-work, inlay-work and leftover of colored glass. The complex provides a view of the lake and the Udaipur city from its upper terraces. 

Outside View of City Palace, Udaipur 

Weapons used by Rajputs, City Palace, Udaipur 

In the center of Pichola Lake, Taj Lake Palace is located. It is a former Summer Palace of the Royal Dynasty of Mewar, now operated as a Luxury Hotel by Taj Group of India. This Hotel is very famous in India, because many movies have been shot there and many affluent celebrities have done their destination weddings there.  

Taj Lake Palace, Pichola Lake, Udaipur 

Among all the Lakes based in Udaipur, Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial fresh-water Lake, named after Maharana Fateh Singh. It is located in north-west area of the City and was built around 1680. It has an Area of 4 SQ.KM. with Length of 2.4 KM and Width of 1.6 KM. It has Depth of 13.4 Metres (44 Feet). A Water-Jet Fountain is located within the Lake itself.  

Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur 

Saheliyon-Ki-Bari is a popular Garden one must visit in Udaipur. It lies in the Northern part of the City and has Fountains and Kiosks, a Lotus Pool and Marble Elephants. It was built in 1734 for Royal Ladies of the Rajput Empire, in order to be used as a popular relaxing spot, for a stroll and spending leisure time.   

Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Udaipur 

Udaipur is well-connected by Road, Rail and Air. Two National Highways - NH76 and NH8 connect Udaipur to other parts of India. Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station connect Udaipur to India's railway network. Through them, Udaipur has direct train connectivity to many major cities in Rajasthan and rest of India. Few Luxury Trains like Palace on Wheels and Maharaja Express have Udaipur as a scheduled stop on their Itinerary. Udaipur has a small Domestic Airport - Maharana Pratap Airport that is 22 KM (35 Minutes) drive from the heart of the City. Air India and Indigo connect Udaipur to Major Indian Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad etc.    

  

Bhubaneswar - Heart of Odisha

Bhubaneswar is a Major City in the eastern coast of India, near to Bay of Bengal. It is the capital of Odisha state. Bhubaneswar is popular known as "Temple City", a nickname earned because of many temples which are standing there. In contemporary times, the City is a hub of Sports, Tourism and IT Industry in the country. Although the modern city of Bhubaneswar was formally established in 1948, History of the areas in and around the present-day city can be traced to the 1st century BC. 

There are many temples of historical importance in Bhubaneswar. Out of them, two of the most prominent are Lingaraja Temple and RajaRani Temple. Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. It is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the Temple is 180 Feet (55 Metres) tall. It was built in Kalinga-style architecture during 11th Century AD. The Temple Complex has about 108 Shrines and is enclosed by a large compound wall.  

Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar 

RajaRani Temple is an 11th Century AD Hindu Temple. Like Lingaraja, this Temple is also believed to be devoted to Lord Shiva. The shrine is called RajaRani because it is made of yellow and red sandstone, and the two colors are locally called ‘Raja Rani’. The temple is believed to have been known originally as Indreshvara. It is locally known as a "Love Temple" because of the erotic carvings of women and men and couples in the Temple. There are no images of any Deity inside its premises, and hence it is not associated with any sect of Hinduism, but is broadly classified as Shaivite based on its niches.  

RajaRani Temple, Bhubaneswar 

While in Bhubaneswar, one must pay a visit to Tribal Museum in the city. It was established in 1953 by State Government of Odisha. It portrays the life and culture of Odisha’s 62 Tribal Communities and is regarded as one of the best Tribal Museum in India. Showcasing the rich cultural past and present of Odisha’s tribes, the Odisha State Tribal Museum is a living museum. The Museum’s primary role is to represent the richness of indigenous Tribal Cultures, and the mutlifaceted Religious, Cultural and Social systems followed by tribal communities. It also organizes several Training Programs, Workshops and Seminars for the conservation of tribal culture and the development of tribal communities. 

Exhibit of Tribal Life, Tribal Museum, Bhubaneswar 

On the outskirts of Bhubaneswar are located Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. They are partly natural and partly artificial caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance, located 7 KM (12 Minutes drive) from the heart of the city. The caves are situated on two adjacent hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri from where they get their name from. Most of those caves were carved around 1st century BC. Udayagiri has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves. Rani Gumpha is the largest and most popular cave among the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri. It was a double-storeyed Jain Monastery in ancient times.    

Rani Gumpha, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Bhubaneswar 

Nandankanan Zoological Park is about 12 KM (30 Minutes drive) from Bhubaneswar. It is a 437 hectares (1080 acres) zoo and botanical garden located in Barang village of Odisha. It was opened to the public in 1979. The zoo is home to about 1660 individual Animals, representing 166 Species, including 67 Mammals, 81 Birds and 18 Reptiles. About 3 Million Visitors visit the zoo every year.     

Pair of Nilgai (a type of Deer), Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneswar 

Bhubaneswar is well-connected by Road, Rail and Air. It is 441 KM from Kolkata via NH16 and 430 KM from Vizag (Visakhapatnam) on the same highway. Buses (both State Transport and Private) operate from Bhubaneswar to all districts in Odisha and to neighbouring state's cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Raipur and Ranchi. Bhubaneswar Railway Station has rail connections to several cities in Eastern, Southern and Central India. Bhubaneswar's sole Airport is called Biju Patnaik International Airport. It is nearly 8 KM (about 22 Minutes drive) from the heart of the city. Indigo, Air India and Akasa Air have connections from Bhubaneswar to other cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad etc.  

Janjira - Fort at the Sea

Janjira is a popular Fort off the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, in the western part of India. It is situated on an island, off the coastal town of Murud, in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It was built by the Siddis in 1567 AD. The Siddis are an ethnic group, hailing from south-east Africa, who migrated to India around 1100 AD. They established the princely state of Janjira in 1489 by defeating the Ahmadnagar Sultanate of that time. Later, they captured the island and built the Fort, making it their State Capital. Janjira State was later merged into India in 1948, after independence from British rule.   

The word "Janjira" is derived from the Arabic word - "Jazira" meaning "Island". Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the coast of Arabian Sea, near city of Murud, 140 KM (nearly 4 Hours drive) south of Mumbai, in the middle of western Indian coastline. Janjira is considered one of the strongest coastal forts in India. The fort can be accessed by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty, which is 5 KM (20 Minutes drive) from Murud.   

Janjira Fort (as seen from Rajapuri Village), Raigad 

The Main Gate of the Fort faces Rajapuri on the shore and can be seen only when one is about 40 Feet (12 Metres) away from it. It has a small gate towards the open sea for escape. The Fort has 26 Artillery Towers still intact. There are many cannons inside the Fort, rusting on the towers. Now in ruins, the Fort in its heydays was a full-fledged living fort with all necessary facilities such as Barracks, Officer Quarters, Mosque, Two 60 Feet (18 Metres) deep fresh water ponds etc. On the Outer Wall flanking the Main Gate, there is a sculpture depicting a Tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws. The palace of the Nawabs of Janjira at Murud is still in good shape.    

(Left - Artillery Tower, Right - Main Entrance), Janjira Fort, Raigad 

Visitors can gain access to Janjira Fort from Rajapuri. After a short ride in a ferry, one can enter the fort through the main entrance. The fort is oval-shaped instead of the usual oblong or square shape. Its' wall is about 40 Feet (12 Metres) high and has 19 rounded porches or arches, some of which still have cannons mounted on them, including the famous cannon Kalaal Baangadi. These cannons were greatly responsible for repelling oncoming enemies from the sea. Inside the fort walls are the ruins of a Mosque, a Palace and a Bath with water channelled from streams. There is evidence that Royal Ladies occupied the quarters here. A Deep Well, still functional, provides fresh water despite the fort being surrounded by salt water. On the island's outer wall is a luxurious mansion, the Palace of the Nawab. Built by the former Nawab of Janjira, it commands a panoramic view of Arabian Sea and Janjira Fort.   

Fresh-water Pond, Janjira Fort, Raigad 

Nearly 21 KM (45 Minutes drive) from Rajapuri Village is Kashid Beach. It is located 121 KM (4 Hours drive) from Mumbai. The beach is wedged between two rocky hills in a semi-circular arch. Water-Sports activities are available on the beach during peak hours. Hotels as well as home-stays are available for accomodation, along the highway that runs close to the beach.   

Beach Shacks, Kashid Beach, Raigad 

Both Janjira and Kashid Beach can be covered from Mumbai in a single day itself, including onward and return travel. Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Buses are available from Mumbai that travel to Murud bus depot, from where one can take an auto-rickshaw to Janjira as well as Kashid, whichever you want to visit first. It is recommended to travel to Janjira and enjoy the view of the Fort, and later go to Kashid and spend time on the beach.   

Kathmandu - The Himalayan Frontier

Kathmandu is the Capital and Largest City of Nepal, a country located in South Asia. Nepal is a landlocked country, surrounded by China in the North and India in the South, East and West. The Himalayas Mountain Range pass through the Northern and Central parts of the Country. Eight of the world's Ten Tallest mountains, including Mount Everest - the Highest Peak in the World, are situated in Nepal. 

Kathmandu is located within the central part of Nepal. It is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, whose history dates back to the 2nd century AD. It is home to numerous Palaces, Temples and Gardens reflecting its rich heritage. It has a Multi-Ethnic population, with a Hindu majority and also a significant Buddhist population. Religious and Cultural festivals are integral to the Life in the city. Tourism plays a vital role in the economy, with the city serving as a gateway to the Himalayas in Nepal. 

Kathmandu has several places worth sightseeing from religious and spiritual point of view. The first one to begin is Pashupatinath Mandir, a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple is named after Pashupati, a synonym of the Deity. It is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in 5th Century AD. The Temple is built on an area of 246 Hectares (24,60,000 Square Metres) consisting of total 519 Pagodas. 

Pashupatinath Mandir, Kathmandu, Nepal 

In related to Buddhism, there are two famous Stupas (Buddhist place of worship) in Kathmandu - Swayambhunath and Boudha. Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex located atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The word "Swayambhu" in Sanskrit and Tibetan languages mean "Self-arising". For Buddhists throughout the world, Swayambhunath Stupa is venerated as one of the most ancient and important stupas in the world. In comparison, Boudha Stupa is a major spiritual landmark located within the city limits. It is located in the north-east of Kathmandu Valley and is known as the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism. A large number of Tibetan refugees, who had migrated to Nepal from China, have settled down around this stupa in Boudha.  

(Left - Swayambhunath Stupa, Right - Boudha Stupa), Kathmandu, Nepal 

Durbar Square is a place one must surely visit in Kathmandu. It is a historically and culturally significant site, that was built between 4th to 8th century AD. The complex consists of a number of 16th-century Hindu temples. Many buildings there are adorned with meticulously carved facades, based on Newar-style architecture. During 2015 Earthquake that hit Nepal, many buildings within that complex got severely damaged. They are currently being repaired or restored with aid received from some foreign countries. 

Old Heritage Building at Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal 

A Busy Road Intersection in Kathmandu, Nepal 

Garden of Dreams is a beautiful and well-designed Garden developed in Kathmandu. It was created in 1920 with 6 pavilions along with fountains, landscaped grounds, urns, statues and birdhouses. This Garden is built in Neo-Classical style with European concepts implemented like paved perimeter paths punctuated by pavilions, trellises, and various planting areas, surrounded by a sunken flower garden with a large pond at its center. 

Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu, Nepal 

Nagarkot is a village located 26 KM (1 Hour drive) east of Kathmandu. It is located in Bhaktapur district of Nepal. It is known for a sunrise view of the Himalayas, which includes Mount Everest as well as other peaks of the Himalayan range of Eastern Nepal. Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in Kathmandu valley, as 8 out of the 13 Himalayan ranges of Nepal are clearly visible.The scenery of the place makes it a popular hiking route for tourists. It is located at 7000 Feet (2133 Metres) above sea level.  

(Left - Cascaded Paddy Fields, Right - Mountain Valley View), Nagarkot, Nepal 

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. They can use their Passport or Voter ID card to enter the country. Indians can stay indefinitely in Nepal as per 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Indians can travel by Road to Kathmandu through the border states of Uttar Pradesh (via Gorakhpur) and Bihar (via Raxaul). Kathmandu's Airport - Tribhuvan International Airport connects Kathmandu to several cities in India. The Airport is located about 6 KMs (25 Minutes drive) from the heart of the city. Air India, Indigo and Nepal Airlines connect Kathmandu to Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.  

Muscat - Across the Arabian Sea

Muscat is a City at the western edge of the Arabian Peninsula, adjacent to Arabian Sea. It is the capital and the largest city of Oman, a sultanate in the Arab World. Oman is an Islamic country, ruled by an Absolute Monarchy known as the Sultan. Oman is a wealthy country, due to its vast reserves of Oil and Natural Gas. Oman has lots of immigrants who make up more than 40% of the country's population. Out of these immigrants, Majority are from India followed by other Asian countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Phillippines etc.  

Sultan's Palace, Muscat, Oman 

Muscat has quite a few sightseeing places to visit from a Tourist point of view. The most popular one is Grand Mosque. It is called as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It is the largest Mosque (Islamic place of Worship) in Oman and has capacity of 20,000 worshippers. Construction of the Mosque started in 1994 and was completed in 2001. It is spread over an area of 4,16,000 Sq. Metres (44,80,000 Sq. Feet). The Mosque is made of different types of Stones, with Doors, Windows and Embellishments made of Wood and Glass. About 2,70,000 tonnes of Indian Sandstone was imported for building this Mosque. 

Prayer Hall, Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman 

Muscat boasts of an Opera Theatre which looks luxurious and opulent from outside as well as inside. It is officially known as Royal Opera House Muscat. Many International Artists (including Indian) have performed at this place. The Opera House reflects unique contemporary Omani architecture and has a capacity to accommodate upto 1100 people. It was established in 2011. The Opera House Complex consists of a concert theatre, auditorium, landscaped gardens, cultural market with luxury restaurants and an art centre.   

Auditorium, Royal Opera House, Muscat, Oman 

Muscat has several Museums worth visiting. Out of them, Two of the most Popular are - National Museum and Bait-Al-Zubair Museum. Both Museums exhibit the history and culture of Oman, that is meant to educate foreign tourists.  

Traditional Omani Attire, Bait-Al-Zubair museum, Muscat, Oman 

Model of Omani Village, National Museum, Muscat, Oman 

Muttrah is a Suburb of Muscat, about 22 KM (20 Minutes drive) from the main city. It is a commercial center and one of the largest seaports of Oman. Muttrah is famous for its Fort and Souq (which means Market in Arabic culture). 

(Left - Outside View, Right - Inside View), Muttrah Fort, Muscat, Oman 

One must definitely visit the Souq for buying Dates (a dry fruit known as 'Khajoor' in Hindi), Perfumes, Handicrafts and other souvenir items. Muttrah is popular for its panoramic view of the Gulf of Oman. Muttrah has Port Sultan Qaboos, which is one of the main commercial ports in Oman. It is Oman's premier maritime gateway and an ideal shipping hub, not only for the Persian Gulf but also for South Asia and markets in Eastern and Southern Africa.  

Muttrah Souq, near Muscat, Oman 

Indian Tourists need a Visa prior to visiting Oman, that can be arranged from a Travel Agent or Tour Operator. Single Entry visas (10 Days or 30 Days) are available for Tourism purpose to apply for. Oman Air, the country's flag carrier, has scheduled flights to Muscat from many Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai etc. Air India and Indigo also have scheduled flights to Muscat from Mumbai and many cities in South India.  

Pattaya - For the Beach

Pattaya is a city in the eastern part of Thailand. It is about 150 KM (2 Hours drive) from Bangkok, the nation's capital. Pattaya is part of Chonburi province of Thailand. Pattaya is very popular among Indian Tourists for leisure & sightseeing. Pattaya is located at the coast of Bay of Bangkok and hence is very popular for its beach & water sports. 

Those who enjoy the seas must head to Pattaya's beach front. From the beach front, Motorized boats are available to visit Coral Island, located off the Pattaya's coast. It is called as "Ko Lan" in local Thai language. Coral Island has many beaches available like Tien beach, Tong Lang beach, Samae beach etc. Water Sports like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Sea Floor Walking are available for the Tourists to do adventure-based activities. 

Pattaya Beach , Pattaya 

Coral Island , Pattaya 

Besides the beaches & pleasant climate, Pattaya has many more things to offer. One can pay as visit to Gems Gallery, to explore and also to buy precious stones and jewelleries. There is a Wax Museum, where International Celebrities' statues made of Wax are placed for exhibition. There is a 3D Art Gallery that displays paintings with a depth-based perspective. Mini Siam is a popular park in Pattaya, that has Models (small replicas) of famous monuments and architectures situated in various countries around the world. 

Model of London Bridge , Mini Siam , Pattaya 

Pattaya is well-known for its amazing night-life. There are several restaurants, pubs and clubs along the streets of Pattaya that serve delicious Thai dishes, along with international cuisines. A few of them also serve Indian cuisine. Some of these Pubs have Live Entertainment like Karaoke Singing & Muay Thai matches. Muay Thai is a type of Martial Art, based on Kick-boxing. Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Fishes are available for sale in some areas. Most popular neighborhood pertaining to the night-life in Pattaya is Walking Street. Tourists must surely go there once to explore the real underbelly of Thailand.  

Another option available for enjoying Live Entertainment in Thailand is famous Alcazar Show in Pattaya. The show features Dancers wearing exotic costumes & headware while dancing to Thai music as well as International Singles. Occasionally, they also perform to popular Bollywood songs, that appeal to the Indian audience.  

Left - Walking Street , Right - Alcazar Show , Pattaya

From Pattaya, tourists can visit Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, that is located about 22 KM (30 Minutes drive) from the City. Nong Nooch is a 500 Acre (2 SQ.KM.) botanical garden. It is the largest Botanical Garden in Southeast Asia. It is located near Sukhumvit Road (a Major Road in Thailand). It can be reached via Bus, Taxi or Private Vehicle.   

French Garden , Nong Nooch , Pattaya 

Besides the Garden, Nong Nooch offers a variety of entertainment activities for Tourists to be enjoyed like Elephant Show, Thai Cultural Show, Muay Thai Boxing Match etc.  

Left - Elephant Show , Right - Thai Cultural Show , Nong Nooch , Pattaya

Thailand offers 60 Day visa-free access to Indian passport holders. However, before entering Thailand by Land, Air or Sea, with effect from 1st May 2025, tourists must apply & get a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), an Electronic Travel Authorization. For getting TDAC, please check with Thailand's immigration website - https://tdac.immigration.go.th/.  

Pattaya is reachable from Bangkok via Road, Rail & Bus. To commute between Bangkok and Pattaya, please check with your local Tour operator. Pattaya is 122 KM (1.5 Hours drive) by road from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the country's largest international airport. Suvarnabhumi Airport has many connections to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata etc. Airlines like Thai Airways, Air India, Indigo & Spicejet have regular Flights to & from Bangkok.