A quick guide to Diwali...

Diwali in India is more than fire crackers and Candles.. This festival represents the start of a new year in Hindu calendar. It is celebrated to honor the victory of good over evil, and also to welcome winter. The actual reason behind celebrating Diwali was to welcome Rama and Sita to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years.Diwali is celebrated every year in the month of October or November, depending on the moon cycle. This year the five day festival starts on 9th of November with. Each day has a new meaning and is celebrated with a lot of excitement.

First Day popularly known as the Dhanteras marks the start of the festival. On this day people purchase gold or silver, and worship the goddess of wealth. This day is dedicated to prosperity and wealth
The Second day is known as the Naraka Chaturdasi. This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who happen to destroy a demon Narakasura.
The third day happens to be the main day known as the Diwali. All the houses are lit with clay lamps, decorated with flowers, lights and Rangoli. Women of the house dress in bright colored traditional wear, and men perform Pooja at the place of work. The homes are cleaned from top to bottom for this day, and lot of  Indian delicacies are made for the guests. People are seen greeting each other, playing cards and having a good time.
The fourth day is called the New year. It is the day to open fresh account, pray for a prosperous new year.
The fifth day is known as the Bhai Dhuj, Bhai in Hindi means brother, and this day is dedicated to the brother. Brothers and sisters get together and celebrate the beautiful bond between them.

Where can one experience the best Diwali??
 Rajasthan is one of the best places to experience Diwali, if it is your first time. The entire city is lit up, homes are adorned with lights and lamps, there is color everywhere. Jaipur is said to be the most beautifully lit up market and attracts a lot of visitors from India and abroad.
Varanasi: See fire works on river ganges all night. This city goes crazy this time of the year, candles and diyas are floated on the river and is a spectacular sight.


 CrashPad- Hostotel is also organising a diwali function for the guests. Take a walk. burst fire crackers, enjoy sweets and savories and know more about Diwali from the locals. Don't forget to be there to experience the unexpected.

2 days in Jaipur

I heard travellers start their India tour with Rajasthan, and that is because they want to see the real India - The Royal India. This part of the country is very different from the other states, that's because of the culture, tradition and the religion they follow and have been following until now. It still feels as if we are in the early days, women still dress in their beautiful red, yellow or orange sarees or ghaghras and  they still wear the Maang tikka( the head accessory that is very much in demand these days), bangles, and sindoor. Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is often referred to as "The Pink City" because of the pink buildings and walls.

It was just a couple of years back that I got a chance to visit Jaipur, and it turned out to be my dream city. It is peaceful, green, neat and has many historical and ancient forts and palaces. These massive structures are preserved and have been looked after since ages. It is not only the hostorical monuments that you will fall in love with, but also the colorful Jaipur Market or the bazaar (as we call it in this part of the world) that adds curiosity and excitement to the Jaipur trip. 

Just 2 days in Jaipur? Don't worry this blog will tell you where to go and what to see.

Amber Fort: It is a crime not to see the Amber fort in Jaipur. Just 11 km from the main city, this fort is an epitome of love, war and beauty. If you like elephant rides, you can take the ride to the fort. Amber was known to be the capital of Jaipur, it is beautiful, especially the sheesh-Mahal that boasts intricate work.

The fort looks spectacular at night.

After you finish appreciating this fort, it is time to move to Jaigarh fort. This fort was a military base and was built mainly to protect Amber fort. You get to see the world's largest cannon on wheels.

Nahargarh Fort: This fort offers the aerial view of the entire city and is certainly a treat to the eyes.

You must be wondering why we missed the Jal Mahal. It is now time to see the Jal Mahal. This Palace is built in the middle of a lake and is striking and very impressive.

Now one has dinner options to choose from, you can either go to the famous LMB situated in the market for some traditional food or Choki-Dhani, where you can relish the lip-smacking Rajasthani Thali.

Day2:

After a tiring day, it is time for some city tour. Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall, Birla Mandir and Jantar Mantar are the other attractions that Jaipur city offers to its guests

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Hawa Mahal This palace was built for the ladies in the house to watch the street festivities.

Albert Hall: It is museum that houses potraits, sculptures and paintings.

Birla Mandir: This temple shows the intricate work that goes into making a grandeur.

Jantar Mantar: This houses the world's largest sun-dial. It also features various instruments that were built during that period.

You can now go to the famous Jaipur market for shopping. Look for the exquisite blankets, quilts, bedsheets, cushion covers and the bags with mirror work. You can also shop for some Indian dresses as souvenirs for friends and families.

Jaipur is one the most popular tourist destination in the country. There are many events and fairs happening every now and then. Do not miss them if you are visiting that time of the year.

Top 5 Backpacker Hostels in India.

Hostels are famous amongst backpackers, group, budget and adventure seeking travelers (honestly speaking it's for those who are mal(money)nutritioned:-). Popularly known as backpacker's hostels, this concept unfortunately missed India's attention as did Polio. But luckily backpacker hostels are taken care of as of now. We will tackle other issues in leisure :-). A country which has the highest population of youngsters-mind it China, we are coming to beat you on overall basis also-has got few interesting and world class hostels now. Backpackers are embracing it immediately as if this was the only thing they come to India for-LoL. They have got a stronger reason to travel to India now, even more attractive than the falling rupee. So here is an extensive and huge list of only 5 hostels so far :-), which I have been able to collate. Sit back, relax and enjoy reading this blog. 

Top 5 backpacker's hostels in India : 

CrashPad-A Hostotel

Started in the year 2014, Crashpad-A Hostotel is currently operating out of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Both their hostels are in the Historical State of Rajasthan. Started by 3 friends, who quit their cozy corporate jobs and decided to take a plunge into this new venture. Crashpad has become very popular amongst backpackers in a very short span of time. Crashpad is young, colourful and provides backpackers with all the facilities that keep them interested. Each room is designed based on different cities of India like Jaipur, Jodhpur or Varanasi. 

Crashpad offers dormitory rooms with bunker beds that can accommodate 4, 6 or 8 pax. The average price ranges from INR 450 to 550/- per bed per night basis. (sounds damn cheap!). These dorm rooms have attached washrooms, AC, private lockers, reading lights and lot of colours to make the room funky. Crashpad also offers Private rooms ranging from INR 1100 to 1400 per bed per night basis. Private rooms have TV, washrooms, colourful paintings of city that the room represents, ceiling fan and balcony/terrace. They have a spacious common lounge that offers comfortable sitting, free WiFI, library, board games, TV, fully equipped kitchen and lots of other facilities. They also have a huge terrace. 

Crashpad-A Hostotel plans to open 2 to 3 more hostels in 2015. They plan to open in Udaipur, Agra and Goa. 

For more info, visit www.crashpad.in

Zostel

Zostel claims to be the 1st branded backpackers hostel in India. The brand is doing pretty good. Started in 2013, Zostel is present at 7 locations across India now. The hostel has got very good response and plan to expand very soon. Zostel also provides travelers with a choice of dormitories and private rooms. Priced between INR 450 to 1900/-, Zostel is colouful, is managed professionally and emphasizes a lot on youth. 

Zostel was started by few friends who studied in top-notch B-schools and decided to start their own venture rather than chosing big-fat packages offered by corporates. 

For more info, visit www.zostel.com

Moustache Hostel, Delhi

If you're heading towards Delhi, you can choose to stay at Moustache Hostel. The hostel offers lot of fun for backpackers. Like CrashPad and Zostel, Moustache too provides the much-needed common lounge with library, board games, a terrace, wireless internet and lockers. 

Moustache has been able to keep backpackers interested by offering services that backpackers look for. 

For more info, visit www.moustachehostel.com

Stops Hostel, Varanasi

Stops is currently operating out of Varanasi and is very popular amongst travelers going to the holy city. Stops, started in the year 2014, offers Dormitory rooms and a funky common room with library, TV and wireless internet. Stops organises events like Bollywood nights etc to keep the guests interested. 

For more info, visit www.stopshostel.com

International Travelers' Hostel, Varanasi

The International Travelers' Hostel is a hostel which is more of a homestay. It is located in the owner's ancestral home that's been in the family for more than five generations. The hostel offers something for everyone -- beds in clean dorm rooms (400-600 rupees per night), private air conditioned double rooms (2,800 rupees per night), and you can even get a tent in the garden for only Rs. 200 rupees a night! 

For more info, visit www.itravellershostel.com

Let's hope that India will see lots of backpackers hostels in near futur. That way India can expect lots of travelers and can become backpackers paradise. As hostels provide perfect platform for backpackers or solo travelers to interact with fellow travelers and it is a good way of promoting tourism, it's an on-thingggg guys...

BackPackers, Hostels, Accomodation

Backpacking is a low-cost alternative for national and international travelers. It includes staying at low-cost lodging; using the public transport and meeting the locals and other fellow travelers during the course of a trip. The word backpackers gained popularity as people from different regions and cultures participated and respected the diversity of rationales and shared the excitement attached to their travel experience.

12 Things backpackers do:

·         Sleep at a reasonable hostel/hotel in town, where Towels and Breakfast are not included ;-)

·         Ask questions like "Have you been to", "did you see" to boast their local expertise.

·         Say things like "O My GOD, It's incredible, you have to go there" …

·         Opt for a train journey instead of the quick air journey because the former is low on budget.

·         Backpackers are good with bargaining and professionals in packing.

·         Their Facebook, Instagram and twitter look like exposition from a travel website.

·         They do everything to meet locals and become their friends.

·         They like wearing Bandanas and Hats.

·         Collect train tickets, brochures and tour stubs.

·         Have no room for souvenirs, but still carry a lot of them for friends and family.

·         Get frustrated when a place does not have budget accommodation.

·         Carry their world in their bag, from pictures of family to camera, phone to I-Pad they have them all.

Over the last few years backpackers have descended on Rajasthan in India, because of the beauty and culture this state has to offer.  Choosing to backpack is dedicating oneself to another country's culture, to do it cheap so that you extend your journey as long as possible. One beautiful concept perfect for Backpackers is CrashPad Hostotel. Centrally located in Jaipur and  Jodhpur this place is a backpacker's paradise.