The Adventures of Bukhara

If the Arabian night story is real in life, then it is surely picturised in Bukhara. Well in historical facts, this city was one of the biggest hubs of trading in around in the 9th century through Silk Road. This city is the primary Islamic cultural city and has some of the best places to mark under UNESCO’s world heritage sites. If you are a travel loving person then you may at least take three days to explore Bukhara Tour. But most of the times the travel freaks will not end-up their trip in a day or two. 

The ark of Bukhara is one of the most famous places there, it’s around 5th century old and has one of the biggest mud walls. But this place is considered as a royal structure in Bukhara. Well, it is part of the northern section of the old city of Bukhara. This place has a history of so many rebuilt and destroys, still this place atop the list and remains as a favourite. There is also an ark house and a mosque, both of them is preserved very well. But don’t waste much of your time in the museum. 

Second is Po-i-Kalyan Complex, this is also the reason that you will love to visit Bukhara. Here we leave all decision on you, so that you can decide whether you love this place or go gaga over. Po-i-Kalyan Complex is exceptionally great. This place is also famous because Genghis Khan, back in history, conquered this place and expands the Kalyan Minaret. That time Kalyan Minaret was the tallest building in the world. There is also a Kalan mosque which was built around the 7th century but it is also said that it is older than that. Here some fire-related ritual has been celebrated back there.

If you want some real Arabic royal experience then go to Lyab-I-Complex which means in the Persian language “By the Pond”. Like in India royal dynasties made baoli to reserve freshwater or rainwater. Just like that, you can see the same thing here in Bukhara in the form of Hauz, which is straight, comes from history. By the time passes most of the Hauz despair, but Lyab Hauz is here for centuries and there is also Madrasah of Nadrid Divan-begi. There is a fabulous phoenix bird at the entrance of this madrasah, and then there is a sun in the centre. During the tourist season, which is probably from May to September Lyab Hauz is full of musical shows and dance for the tourist’s entertainment. 

Then your next monument will be Char Minor. Although the minaret of this is small in size this place comes under UNESCO’s world heritage site. You can go inside the Chor Minar also but there has only one souvenir shop. 

One thing which is a bit disappointing is that Bukhara doesn’t have that much of the market, but we have some substitute option for shopping for you. You can go to Old trading domes in Bukhara. It is really beautiful because this place still has the architecture of the ancient time. Here you can purchase traditional bags, artificial Jewellery and some souvenir cards and pictures which you can frame later.

There is the Gold Souk market in the centre of the city, where a vendor sells different types of items some artificial and some of them are edible to eat. All in one Bukhara Tour is an ultimate Arabian royal destination to enjoy.  

You can check out the best Bukhara group tour and exclusive Bukhara holiday packages on the Central Asia Guided Tours. Book here on discounted prices.

Explore Kerala Tour Packages and Visit Most Famous Attractions

tripsgateway offers most popular and trending Kerala holidays & vacation packages at affordable prices. Pick your favorite and explore the beautiful attractions of this state, which is best of God's own country. Kerala is a land of cultural diversity and it houses various religions, communities, regional cultures and language variations.

Concept the culture and ritual of the state are 100 of years old but it is still alive in the hearts of the local people.

If you wish to deeply felt and soak in the culture of Kerala, you should choose our popular Kerala tour packages. Whatever the budget, from standard to luxury, our Kerala packages are customizable as per your needs.

Kerala is spotted with numerous attractive holiday destinations that attract of the tourists from all over the world. It is a land where you can take pleasure of incredible holidays. This state located in South India enjoy outstanding atmosphere that makes it most sought increasable places of India. It has everything one could dream.

If you are a traveller looking for pleasure, enthusiasm, and some relaxing time amongst nature, then pays a visit to Kerala, the must-visited place in your lifetime. You can get special discount on summer & winter package tours from tripsgateway.

Our Kerala packages are created keeping in mind customer’s every as we carefully choose the places to visit and encounter to offer. For family vacation to honeymoon, for a trip with friends to solo travel, we offers Kerala holiday package that fits your budget! So make a holiday plan to explore the best beaches or the wildlife hiding places of Kerala or the prominent backwaters or hill stations, you can always find your best tour packages here with us.

MOST FAMOUS PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA

Mattupetty Dam, Munnar

Mattupetty Dam is near Munnar in Idukki District. The dam and the lake are the most famous place of this District. The place is very peaceful place in Munnar. Its serenity will make you fall in love with it. This place also, known as “Cattle Village”. Boating at Mattupetty Dam is one of the top activities to do in city. 

Periyar National Park, Thekkady

The Periyar national park is spread over 357 sq. km of land of western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. Periyar National Park, known as Periyar Tiger Reserve. Periyar National Park is a tiger and elephant reserve. Periyar national park is among the best managed reserves in kerala, India with a range of well organised wildlife activities for all kinds of travellers.

Mattancherry Palace, Kochi

Mattancherry Palace is most glorious monuments in the Ernakulam district, Kochi. This Monument built by Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma. It was very popular, known as the Dutch Palace. The palace has some wonderfully detailed murals that depict scenes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Kumarakom

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, located at Kumarakom in the state Kerala of India. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls are loved for the natural beauty and an ideal picnic spot to spend time with your family and loved ones. The St. Mary’s church is located at the top of the waterfalls. The water is clean and white like milk of waterfalls. 

Alappuzha Beach, Alleppey

The Alappuzha beach, also known as the Alleppey Beach, is a beach in Alappuzha town and a tourist attraction in Kerala, India. The beach has a huge network of fresh water rivers, lakes and lagoons. Beach has an old waterfront which enlarge to sea is over 150 years old. Alappuzha beach arrange many annual functions like Alappuzha beach festival, Sand art festival and more. In addition to the beach, the Alappuzha Lighthouse is also a popular tourist attraction here.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a must-visit spiritual tourist destination in Kerala. Many visitors come to seek blessings of the Lord. All visitors need to follow a strict dress code to enter the temple.

Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam

Lighthouse Beach located in Kovalam has the largest lighthouse in Thiruvananthapuram district. Lighthouse Beach is a crescent-shaped beach and one of the prime attractions in the Kerala State. Exploring this most famous tourist destination, It offers a wide range of food outlets situated around the shoreline. Also, a number of beach sports are available at the beach.

Vagamon Lake, Vagamon

Vagamon Lake is one of the top Tourist Attraction in Vagamon, Idukki. Vagamon Lake has amazing sightseeing location within the borders of Vagamon town. The pedal boats and rowing boats at the lake help you burn calories and enjoy the view of the surroundings from the middle of the lake. Follow intertainment activities like stage performance, leisure walking, arts and pedestrian paths, crafts, boating etc.

Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad

Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam is located in the Banasura Lake in Kalpetta, Wayanad, India. Banasura Sagar Dam is a perfect picnic spot and adventurers can indulge here in trekking activities. The dam was initially built with the aim of aiding the Kakkayam Hydroelectric project.

Vizhinjam, Poovar

Vinzhinjam is a most popular fishing village located only seventeen kilometer from the city centre of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The place has attractive, white sand beaches and a rock-cut cave. It also houses of holy place that is dedicated to Vinadhara Dakshinamurti. In addition to that, there is also a sea water aquarium.

Madiyan Koolom Temple, Kanhangad

Madiyan Koolom Temple is located near Kanhangad, District of the Kerala State. There are most prominent Hindu temples in Kasargod. The temple is devoted to Goddess Bhadrakali and is famous for the yearly Puttu Utsavam.

St. Angelo’s Fort, Kannur

The St. Angelo Fort is also known as the Kannur Fort, built by the first Portuguese viceroy of India in 1505. It is the most popular and frequently visited attractions of Kannur. The fort offers engrossing views of Moplah bay and Dharmadam Island.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN KERALA

Bathe Elephants, Kodanad

Imagine giving a bath to an elephant? At the Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, you can actually do that. It is one of the major things to experience in Kerala. You can also take an elephant safari and even feed elephants.

House Boat Stay, Alleppey

When in Alleppey don’t miss out on the experience of sailing in a houseboat. Although there are many things to do in Kerala the houseboat stay and ride is a different experience altogether.

Shikara Rides, Alappuzha

Alappuzha offers some stunning views of the backwaters. On your Shikara ride, you will overlook the beautiful coconut trees and also see an array of birds flying above you. Indulging in this fun activity is a must.

Snake Boat Race, Alappuzha

The Snake Boat Rice in Alappuzha is one of the most amazing things to do in Kerala. If you feel you are far away from the lake then you can even rent a boat to look at the race from close-by.

Stay In a Tree House, Wayanad

If you wish to get closer to nature and experience the natural surroundings then you are at the right place in Wayanad. The tree house stay also offers activities like rappelling, rock climbing, nature walks and mountain biking.

Spice Tour, Thekkady

A tour of the spice plantations in Munnar is a must. One can taste some authentic black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the exotic vanilla and meanwhile also explore the farms on a nature walk.

Visit the Coffee Plantation, Wayanad

Drinking coffee at the place where it is made is an experience of a lifetime. You can learn about the whole coffee making process that goes from plucking the green coffee beans to finally getting that perfect brew in the last one.

Watch Theyyam, Kochi

Watching Theyyam is considered one of the best things to do in Kerala. The performance is staged in various temples of North Kerala. Watching this exceptional dance form will definitely make you feel alive.

Try Tea Flavours, Munnar

The place is a haven of tea leaves. The Tea Estate has a 100-year-old factory and the factory generates various types and flavours of tea. You can also purchase these flavours from the factory.

Bird Watching, Kumarakom

Nature Lovers, this is the place for you to be at. Take your binoculars along and enjoy bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You can spot rare migratory birds such as egret, heron, waterfowl and the Siberian crane.

FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS, FOR INDIAN CITIZENS - HOW TO REACH

By Road

The roads of Kerala are a breeze to drive/ride on. The state is directly connected by road to neighbouring states of South India; like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Other than that the National Highway nos.47, 17 and 49 connect Kerala to the rest of the country.

By Rail

Kerala is well-connected to all the major cities of India. Kerala has around 200 railway stations in Kerala. They connect places both within and outside Kerala.

By Air

There are three international airports located in Kerala; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kochi International Airport and the Calicut International Airport. The airports are connected to both India as well as international cities.

FOOD OF KERALA

Puttu and Kadala Curry

Puttu is a cake that is cooked with coconut shavings and cylindrical steamed rice. This is very popular and famous breakfast item in Kerala and a portion of the staple food. It is served with Kadala Curry, which are basically black chickpeas.

Appam with Stew

Anybody from Kerala can vouch that this dish is Kerala’s favourite dish. Appam is basically rice pancake with soft and thick centres. It is usually paired with a southern style stew making it Appam with Stew.

Idiyappam

The dish is basically made of rice flour, water and salt. Then numerous strands of vermicelli are entwined together to make this version of an Appam.

Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry)

Chicken Fry is a must. This version of a chicken fry is something that is served on a banana leaf, the chicken is fried with onion, garlic, chilli, vinegar and coriander. The fiery taste adds to its taste.

Kerala Prawns Curry

Missing out on the Prawns Curry in Kerala is criminal. The prawn curry is sprinkled with chilli, salt, pepper and then dipped in lots of coconut milk, jaggery and then finished with curry leaves.

Beef Fry

The paralyzing flavours of this dish will make you fall in love with it. The beef fry is coated with curry leaves, ginger garlic paste and mustard leaves giving it the authentic flavour that is boasts of.

Malabar Parotha

The Parotha is mouth-watering street food of Kerala. It originates from the Malabar region. The dish has a flaky, crispy and crumbly texture. It melts in your mouth and leaves behind a sweet taste.

Fish Molee

Fish Molee is nothing but lightly fried fish made into a stew. It is cooked in an earthen pot for that authentic taste with coconut milk and kokum and spices along with fresh green chillies.

Banana Fritters

A favourite tea time snack in Kerala is the Banana Fritters. Ripe bananas coated in plain flour and deep fried in oil is what makes of this dish.

Palada Payasam

This dish is prepared during the festival of Onam. The dish is made out of rice, sugar, milk and ghee.

Yerevan Tour – Explore the Real Jewel

I can say one thing without any hesitation that Yerevan will be the trip without any regret for sure! And I have backup information as a solid proof. Some people travel for pleasure, some for excitement and some for adventure, and here I am who wants everything from a so-called trip. It’s true that many people around the world prefer Paris and Italy as an ultimate destination for romantic and art trips. But now things have changed literally, now as a tourist people start forwarding themselves towards the places which are not approached by everyone. And Yerevan tour is one of them.

It’s capital of Armenia and every year it receives lots of tourist. See if you are new to central Asia like me then, you will find this city very “underrated”, but people even plan their customised Yerevan tour package, it’s true but surprising also. Let me tell you what the main attractions are. In my opinion if you really want to know a city first thing to do is free city walk tour, trust me it’s the best you can get. Locals here in Yerevan is extremely friendly and will tell about their culture, cuisine and must visit place and more importantly some do’s and don’ts which might save your money.

At the same time in city walk tour you can easily go through some magnanimously beautiful structures in Yerevan from museum to art gallery or for urgent food feast Yerevan has everything to make you explore more. 

Here I like some best visitor attractions, one of them is Republic Square which is part of the central Yerevan, and most of the Yerevan top attraction comes in centre of Yerevan. At republic square you can see many people who gather here and enjoy fountain-section mostly in evening, but you can come here at any time. Then I went to Cascade Stairway and Museum, it’s like huge stairway + museum. Cascade Stairway has beautiful arty statues and amazing floral garden. You can have whole city view from Cascade’s terrace. 

Suddenly my love for shopping hit the right notes, at Vernissage Flea Market. You know that feeling when you are on a tour and later bring some soulful memories to your house like some souvenir. Vernissage here is full of antique pieces, handmade jewellery, and decorative cloth toys, purses. I bought some cloth toys and a purse for myself.  Later I had some delicious lamb dish at local restaurant, but my favourite one is Dolma which basically a meat dish wrapped with eatable fruit leaves. 

But on third day my all the rush of life, stand still and I choose to sit in Lovers park in Yerevan, oh! You have no clue how amazing it was. This park is famous among local people as well as visitors from other countries. It has romantic and peaceful kind of a vibe. You can choose to relax or just take a walk around and simply enjoy the view of ponds and some big waterfalls. I have clicked so many pictures to make this one of the best memories of my whole Yerevan tour.

Even there are some, less known attractions which are considered by tourists and they love to include it on their itinerary while booking Yerevan tour package. Matenadaran is for people who love Art, literature and history you can take a guided tour here. Tsitsernakaberd, which is a peaceful place, where you can see Genocide memorial on top of the hill. Even the streets of Yerevan are so beautiful, light up by lights in evening; this is the reason why visitors here love to explore the Yerevan tour. At end of your Yerevan tour you will surely become friendly with streets of Yerevan.

Let’s book Yerevan holiday package now with your family and friends and be ready for wonderful trip. For more exciting offers visit Central Asia Guided Tours.

Is Samarkand Really an Underrated City of Central Asia?

In central Asia, Samarkand is surely one of the most fascinating cities like Tashkent, Bishkek, and Almaty. For those who consider it an underrated city should visit it once with trusted travel partner and guide and you will surely end up saying it as one of the most amazing travel experiences of your life. But one thing makes Samarkand City tour different from other tours that’s its name “Samarkand”. Well, Samarkand termed as a well-formed city, but some places make this place sort of unique from others. It has that poetic and magical vibe that instantly connects your heart with Samarkand. 

If you don’t have much time to explore Samarkand, then you can give a quick visit to Registan, the center attraction of Samarkand and one of the oldest sites in Samarkand. It is exceptionally beautiful, and you will hardly take off your eyes from this ancient marvel. The best time to visit this place is around evening so that the color of the sky and golden rust of Registan will always remain in your eyes. These madrasas have so much detailed work cerulean patchwork and overdose of majolica. 

Then here comes Gur-e-Mir which is another top attraction of Samarkand and people love to include this place in their Samarkand travel package like every day and positively follow the cult story of the rural Prince Timur who buried here in this place. This place is initially the gem of Samarkand. The dome is colored in beautiful blue color, some of the fine artworks have the same theme color that is blue in Samarkand. The side square building with cavity comb has one of the best tile works. If it’s not art, then I don’t know what the art is?

Shah-i-Zinda is a famous Islamic tomb which has tile work and blue color as a common thing. Most of the historian arguing on the point that what if that most of the ancient architecture was done in the 15-14th century, but not everyone is arguing on the same point however this place is 15th century old. But it was marvelously executed by ancient day’s workers. Holly shrine of Prophet Mohammed existed here mostly around the 7th century. This is the reason why this place has a special place in Samarkand tour. 

If you are looking for ultimate cuisine while on Samarkand tour, there is one of the best international restaurants named Platan, has good reviews by food critics too. so, this place has around four types of cuisine in their menu one is typical middle eastern which for sure you had in other middle eastern cities, second is regional Thai and Russian dishes for people who want something different from middle eastern cuisines. There are also some Uzbekistani dishes like “Chalop” which is a kind of soup. But yes, on a scale from one to ten I will give 9 or 10 to this authentically good restaurant.

A traveler who doesn’t shop, have less of a heart! Well, it’s a much-used quote by so many travelers in their articles. But the question is what if you love shopping and at the same time you are in Samarkand? It’s like a treat for shopaholics, don’t worry we got your cover. Samarkand has a craft market named Happy Bird Handicraft Centre. There you will find so many shops having handicraft items which are perfectly suitable for your interior decoration and kitchen. This place has awesome kitchenware in ceramic and finest silver and gold jewelry. You can also find artificial Jewelry, embroidery clothes and many more.

Hey friends!! What are you waiting for? You can book your Samarkand tour package today from Central Asia Guided Tours and get the Best Deals on Samarkand tour.