Around the World

Ask anyone who has visited the city of Thanjavur (the earlier name of the city was Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu about which places they visited, and it is highly likely that one of the first they will mention is the Brihadeeshwara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil) or the  Brihadisvara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. While there are many magnificent temples in the District, and, indeed in the State as well, this one is, for many, the most awe-inspiring. Dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva, the temple complex is vast and beautiful.

As mentioned in the general review , we had a very comfortable stay at Fortune Park Hotel Ahmedabad (March 2019). The Standard room that we stayed in was spacious enough for the three of us. There were twin beds, and, as requested, we got a roll-out bed that was placed between the twin beds and the seating area. Mind you, the space did not get cramped as a result, and there was enough place to move around comfortably. The washroom area was also spacious, and, like the room itself, clean and hygienic.

When visiting Daman, don't restrict your itinerary to visiting the beaches and just going around the outside of the Moti Daman Fort or entering and exiting through the gates. You must explore it properly inside as well. There is quite a lot that will interest you within that vast space, including charming churches, well-maintained gardens with truly magnificent flowering plants, monuments, and, generally, the remarkable layout of various administrative offices within. There’s a really charming and quaint blue-and-white lighthouse, too.

On the lighthouse within the Moti Daman Fort you will see the words "Small is Big". This aptly sums up what Fortune Park Galaxy, Vapi is – a small hotel with a big heart (read that as warm hospitality). As mentioned in the review , a hotel does not need to impress as a multi-storeyed building or have numerous facilities. This one is small, with a spacious and beautiful lobby and the mat at the entrance brings a smile to your face when you step in. The in-house Orchid multi-cuisine restaurant is on the ground floor, and rooms are located on the first two floors. There is a gym on the first floor as well, and they also have a banquet hall and 'Daffodils' which are conference/business meeting rooms of varying capacity for corporate guests. In fact, it is described at their official website as a business hotel, and, perhaps their main source of revenue is from hosting business meetings, However, believe me, it is an excellent place to stay for just about anybody, whether...

Surat is known to be the primary hub of fabrics, sarees, anarkalis , and the like and Valsad also has a huge market of retail stores selling materials and garments. Vapi, on the other hand, is referred to as an industrial city and corporate houses often schedule business meetings in the hotels here. Nevertheless, Vapi, too, has a buzzing marketplace and a walk around will spring little surprises if you are looking for fabric. On a recent visit, we did find some good places to buy fabric at reasonable wholesale rates. While the Bazaar Road that leads from Vapi railway station on the west side is the main shopping center, there are a few shops on the east side as well, on Koparli road and around Gunjan circle, ahead of Galaxy High Street.

Planning to visit Winchester House San Jose? It is indeed an intriguing place to visit, not to mention an architectural marvel . Know the location, how to reach this popular mystery house, and some useful tips for visitors to know before taking an exciting audio-visual tour into the wonders within.

Nestled in Santa Row is a strange house, the Winchester Mansion. It has its own idiosyncrasy. From the cabinets that are anything but that to secret passages going through a wardrobe into another room, the house has a mystery at every turn.  As you stroll into the gardens awaiting the guided tour to start, you will notice some of the beauty and the wonders in store ahead. From the stained windows with daisy patterns to the 'Door to nowhere', you are going to be further intrigued by the expanse of the house you are about to enter. Do take an interest in the architectural features as well.