Nanak Flights Blog

Which Languages Do You Really Need for a Trip to India?

India has an astonishing 19,569 languages, according to the 2011 census! If you’re planning a trip to India, you don’t need to worry about carrying several thousand dictionaries in your luggage, as almost 97% of the people you’ll meet speak one of the 22 so-called scheduled languages. Even more reassuring is the fact that lots of people speak English pretty well.

The 22 scheduled languages include Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Tamil and Urdu. Hindi has around 420 million speakers, while Bengali has 82 million. All of the schools in India, however, teach standard Hindi, which is based on a colloquial version of the language spoken widely in and around Delhi.

Then there’s the different states…

Several of the Indian states, while speaking standard Hindi and English, also have their own official state languages. Bengali, for example, is spoken in Bengal, while Telugu is spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Marathi in Maharashtra.

…and the regional dialects

While Hindi, which is an Indo-Iranian language is widespread in northern and central India, lots of different dialects exist, branching off from the central “spine” of standard Hindi. You could see Hindi as being shaped and changed in pretty much the same ways as Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese have been adapted in Europe. These languages are all derived from Latin, and even today they have lots of words in common, but quite a bit of distance has developed and it’s hard to describe these languages as dialects – they have become distinct from one another.

If you’re heading to southern India…

The southern regions of India have much more diversity in their languages and so if you’re planning to rely on Hindi, you might find fewer people to talk to. Even when it comes to the bigger industrial cities like Hyderabad, Madras and Bangalore, there are significant differences between languages and dialects.

The upside to this, though, is that English is widely-spoken and popular. You will have to get used to some of the Indian-English – or Hinglish – idioms and peculiarities. For example, if an Indian friend is explaining something to you and asks you if you “…have any doubts?”, they’re asking if you have any questions, not whether you believe them or not. Your “good name” is your first name and if someone’s “taking a class”, they’re teaching, not learning. Realistically, you could spend the rest of your life learning all the particulars, so find a good phrase book, absorb a few and then just wing it!

In southern India, the main languages are Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. These are Dravidian languagesso they have some similarities in structure. They also have a few borrowed words from Hindi, albeit with a few pronunciation and meaning tweaks.

The alphabets

Most of the widely-spoken languages use the Devanagari alphabet, which was first developed to write down Sanskrit. This system of writing goes from left to right and you’ll see a horizontal line above each letter; each letter also represents a single consonant or vowel sound.

You can learn to read Devanagari without learning the letters by using the International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration (IAST). In this system, each Devanagari letter is represented by a Roman alphabet character which is most similar to the Devanagari version.

Is it Hindi or Urdu?

Some people in the northern areas of India will say they’re Urdu speakers and you might think it’s a totally different language. It’s not – they’re the same but they use a different alphabet. Hindi uses the Devanagari system while Urdu uses a Persio-Arabic script. The grammar and vocabulary are the same and if there’s no word for a particular object or concept, speakers will “borrow” a word from either Sanskrit or Persian to fill the gap. Urdu and Hindi speakers don’t have any difficulties communicating with one another; if an unfamiliar word crops up, the speakers will have enough language in common to explain it fully to the other.

Get to grips with Hinglish

Hinglish is the mash-up of Hindi and English (as if you needed telling by now…). It’s primarily English with a dash of Hindi. Most of the English is British English, some of which dates back to the days of the Raj, and then some American English thanks to media, TV and films.

The most pronounced difference that English-speakers find with Hinglish is the pronunciation. It doesn’t take much getting used to and you’ll soon get the swing. For example, you’d say “in-VIN-ci-ble” but your new Indian chums will say “in-vin-CI-ble”. They tend to place the stress on the penultimate syllable. Then there’s the “v” and “w” pronunciation, which is the same whether it’s a “v” or a “w” – a mixture of the two sounds that you, as an adult, will never be able to replicate properly.

It’s only a word

One thing that you’ll need to get the hang of pretty pronto is the use of “only”. It’s not just used to show or express limits or limitation, it’s also used to emphasise something. If you needed to find a mechanic, for example, a friend might recommend one to you with “He can fix your bike because he’s a bike mechanic only,”. This means that while he’s an all-round great mechanic, he’s especially good with bikes.

When you’re eating out, your server might ask you if your meal was “…enough, or less?” and this means he or she is asking if you need more to eat or if you’re full and satiated.

Getting personal

Very few people find Indian manners and courtesies discomfiting as they’re very well-mannered people. There’s one idiom that has raised eyebrows among the unready, though, and that’s the use of “you” plural. There’s no plural personal pronoun in Hindi, so Hindi speakers will say “you people” (“tum log”) when they’re referring to you and your friends or family. They’ll also use it when they’re talking about cultural differences, like “You people love macaroni cheese and ice hockey,”. To Western ears, this can sound slighting or prejudiced, but it’s just the same as “You guys,”, “You Canadians,” or simply “you” when you know it’s addressed to more than one person. There’s zero offence or prejudice involved.

Just use your smarts

Lots of Indian idioms are self-explanatory. When someone is talking about their family members, they may talk about “grandmother-dad”, which means their paternal grandmother. Swedish has a similar construction – “mormor” for maternal grandmother, “farmor” is the paternal grandmother, for example. It makes much more sense than Granny Biscuits and Granny Montreal, in fact, because non-relatives know who’s who!

Plurals are another group of words that are tweaked a bit. Indian people will often say something like “sheeps”, “cattles” or a “fleets” of ships. They’re pluralising words that are already plurals, but when it comes down to it, English can be downright awkward at times!

Good manners and getting what you want

Everyone is very polite and courteous in India, but you might find that you sometimes need to follow up a request or an order. Back home, you’d feel a bit of a pest and use a preamble to a waitress like “Sorry to bug you,” before asking about your starters. In India, you don’t need to be so shy. You can approach your server and just say “samosa samosa,”; repeating the word emphasises that you’ve already ordered and that you’re following up. It’s not rude at all, although the first time you do it, you’ll cringe…

So, to sum up

You should endeavour to learn some Hindi, Bengali or whichever is the prevailing language in the state you’re heading to, but remember that English and Hinglish will get you quite a long way. While locals will love the fact that you’re making the effort, they’ll also be keen to try out their English skills on you. If you’re not too confident with other languages, India, despite its multitude of dialects and tongues, is actually a very welcoming and easy place for you to get about. Just one of the many contradictions of this amazing country.

Staying on the Right Side of Good Etiquette in India

If you’re making a trip to India soon, then you’re in for an intense experience that is far removed from Western life. While most Indians are used to Westerners and their strange ways and will forgive you for the occasional faux pas, you can make life easier for yourself and everyone else by learning a few etiquette tips before you land. If you’re seen to be trying, you’ll gain respect and affection, as well as being a great ambassador.

Here’s how to not embarrass yourself or offend anyone else…

Wear modest clothing

Indians are quite conservative dressers and this applies to men as much as it does to women. You won’t see many men wearing shorts and tank tops, especially in rural areas. In the bigger cities you’ll see women wearing trousers and leggings, but in smaller towns and in the country, you’re best off playing it safe and making sure your arms and legs are covered.

Ideally, skirts should be ankle length unless you’re on the beach in Goa. The chances are that no-one will overtly challenge you or be rude, but they will form an impression of you that won’t help you or future visitors from the west – especially female ones. Remember, you’re a guest in India so you should show respect, especially in temples. You should avoid strapless garments and if you wear tank tops or spaghetti strap tops, then you should always have a shawl or wrap handy to cover up. Some places need you to wear a head scarf or hat, so do be aware of this.

Never wear your shoes indoors

If you’re invited to someone’s home or if you go into a mosque, church or temple, you really need to take your shoes off. Try to watch out for shoes outside shops, too, as some shopkeepers prefer people to enter without footwear; if you see some shoes by the door, then you should take the hint.

You’ll probably notice people wearing shoes in their homes when they go to the kitchen or bathroom, but these are reserved for indoor use and are never worn outside. Think of them as slippers and don’t think they’re an invitation to keep your dusty old boots on indoors.

Don’t ever point at people

Especially not with your feet. Feet are deemed unclean and so to gesture to or touch someone with your feet or toes is insulting. You should similarly never touch or move objects with your feet, particularly valuable or important objects.

If you do catch someone or something with your feet, then make sure you apologise immediately. Most people in India will understand “Sorry,” or “Excuse me,”, but it can be a nice touch to apologise in an Indian way by touching your head and looking regretful.

Pointing with a finger is also rude, so if you need to point, use your entire hand or a thumb instead.

Never eat food or pass an object to someone with your left hand

In India, as in some Muslim countries, the left hand is used for bathroom hygiene so (even if you scrub up like a surgeon) using it to handle food or to pass something to someone is considered unhygienic and disrespectful.

Get used to really intrusive questions…

If you’re a very private person, then India will be tough for you! The Indian culture isn’t really about minding one’s ownbusiness. There’s not much privacy to start with and people are very hierarchy-driven. You’ll be asked all sorts of questions that you won’t get back home, even from close friends. Examples include:

·       “How much do you earn?”;

·       “How many children do you have?”;

·       “Why didn’t you have more children?”;

·       “Why do you have so many children?”;

·       “Why do you have that tattoo?”;

·       “Why are you so thin (with helpful suggestions for remedies)?”;

·       “Why are you so fat (with helpful suggestions for remedies)?”, and

·       “How much rent/mortgage do you pay?”

These questions might seem intrusive, but think about how people back home make attempts to “place” you in a much sneakier way and then actually act upon their judgements. In India, it’s 90% curiosity and they don’t mind if you ask the same questions right back, with no judgement on either side. In fact, they’ll be more than happy to give you the answers and to offer advice on your weight/fertility/budget.

You can always be vague with your answers or even lie if you want to.

You don’t always need to be polite

In Western society, we have rituals based on manners. You’ve probably been taught to refuse the first offer of coffee but to accept the second or third because then you’re doing your host a favour. India’s quite different. If you refuse first time round, you can really hurt someone’s feelings, so always accept what’s offered. If it’s something you really don’t like, then say you’ll have a little but your doctor has warned you off it.

The more formal traditions of thanking someone for their hospitality can create a distance, too, so be careful. If you’ve spent the evening at someone’s house, then don’t say “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done,”, as this is more like a diner-waiter scenario which plays into the hierarchy thing. Instead, tell them how much fun you’ve had and how much you loved talking to them and sharing food. Anything else might seem like they’re providing a service rather than being your friend, which can be hurtful.

The flip side of the coin is that politeness can be interpreted as weakness, especially where beggars and street hawkers are involved. If you’re vague – “I don’t think so,” or “Not today,”, then this translates as “Convince me,” or “Ask me tomorrow,” It’s not a nice feeling, as a Westerner, to be stern and abrupt with vendors, but it’s necessary if you want to be left alone.

Never say a direct no to an invitation

In direct contradiction to the advice above, you should never outrightly reject an offer or invitation from a friend or associate. If you say a definite no, then this makes the person feel (and look) bad. It’s always best to be vague and say something like “I’ll do my best,” or “I’ll see if I can make it,”. In the West, we’re used to people being upfront and not wanting to leave people in doubt about our intentions, but in India it’s OK to give a sliding answer, especially if there’s other people about.

Give up on the idea of punctuality

There’s objective (in as much as it can be, if we listen to Einstein) time and Indian time. You’ll hear about Indian Stretchable Time and you’ll also experience it. Many well-travelled people think that Europeans and the immediate descendants of European settlers have a very linear idea of time and that this idea isn’t shared around the globe.

If you’re going to be five or ten minutes late in Europe or North America, then you need to call as soon as you can. In India, time seems to morph and elongate so if someone says they’ll be there in 30 minutes, make yourself comfortable. It’s not rude, it’s just different.

Don’t be precious about personal space

India is a very crowded place so try to get used to it. Europeans are used to much more personal space than many other civilisations so you’ll have to accept that you’re not in Kansas anymore and ignore the almost constant contact with strangers.

If you’re in a queue, you’ll find that people press close to one another to prevent cut-ins. Then there’s boarding a train or bus… You will get the hang of it, but watch out for those grannies – they can be quite assertive…

Nix the public displays of affection

You’ll see people eating, going to the bathroom, changing diapers and arguing in public when you’re in India. You’ll hardly ever see men and women hugging and kissing in public, however. India is quite a conservative place and displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon because they can have sexual overtones. An older man showing affection to a woman who’s obviously a daughter or granddaughter is fine, but if it’s a man and woman who could be in a relationship, it’s not. Even if you’re married, PDAs are not advised as you may be censured by locals and even told off by police. You’ll probably escape arrest, but you won’t be popular. Keep physical affection for your hotel room.

Watch your body language

Men and women don’t tend to touch when greeting unless they’re related. A handshake is a very formal and business-like greeting in the west, but can be misinterpreted in India if, as a woman, you proffer your hand to a man.

It’s best to err on the side of caution and do a Namaste greeting with your palms together. Businesspeople in the bigger cities are more used to handshakes, so watch what others do; if you’re unsure, however, then don’t risk it. 

Above all, greet everyone with a smile, learn to laugh at yourself and be prepared to look stupid at least five times a day. You’ll be fine.

Our Guide for Visiting Mumbai in 2019

 

Mumbai is a city made famous by its Bollywood industry, pop music, and traditional festivals. Considered the “city that never sleeps” in India, it’s where you can shop all day and party all night. So if you’ve been planning some time away this year, be sure to check out our guide for visiting Mumbai in 2019. It may be just what you’ve been looking for! Here are some of the popular attractions that you can expect to find in and around the city.

 

Elephanta Caves

 

Don’t miss the UNESCO heritage site located on a small island only a short ferry ride from Mumbai. Here you can explore a group of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves that depict a number of ancient archaeological remains that pay homage to India’s rich past. All archeological components are preserved in their natural setting, some of which served as a place of worship in ancient times. From the moment you enter by boat, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning beauty of the lush green hills and the stunning sculptures inside the caves.

 

Banganga Tank


One of the most prominent tourist attractions in all of Mumbai is the sacred water tank of Banganga. This ancient tank dates back to the 12th century and is regarded as the subsidiary of the Holy Granges. In fact, it’s one of the holiest sites in Mumbai. Some people believe it has healing powers, so it’s not uncommon to find people taking a dip inside the water.

 

Film City

Mumbai is known for it’s vibrant Bollywood films and stunning sets. So if you head to Mumbai, make some time to see where all the magic happens. At Goregaon Film City, you can take a tour around the grounds to check out the studios. If you’re lucky, you might catch a live shooting and see some of the big stars.

Essel World

When you’re ready for a little more adventure, be sure to visit Essel World, the largest amusement park in India. Filled with heart-racing rides for the entire family, it’s an activity everyone will enjoy.

Crawford Market and Fashion Street

When it’s time for a little shopping, head on over to the most famous wholesale market in all of Mumbai — the Crawford market. You’ll find everything your heart desires, from handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce, and of course, delicious Indian food. Then once your senses have had enough, swing on over to Fashion Street, a vibrant flee market where you can find all the trendy apparel items to bring home.

 

Mumbai really has it all—  architectural wonders, thriving markets, exciting amusement parks, natural wonders, and A-list celebrities all in the same city. Once you’re ready to book, try our Nanak Flights search engine that browses through over 200 available sites to find you the best flight for the most affordable price.

Thinking About a Trip to India? Make Sure to Visit Hyderabad

 

Hyderabad is an ancient metropolis rich in culture, history, and bursting with all sorts of colourful markets and, of course, delicious cuisine. In fact, it’s known as the city that doesn’t sleep and is the second biggest in the country, making it a great first stop to check out all the sites and sounds of India. Learn more below about what you can expect when visiting Hyderabad.

 

The Ramoji Film City

Move over Hollywood! The city of Hyderabad hosts the world’s largest film studio complex called the Ramoji Film City. With a wide range of activities, rides, gardens, palaces, and cinematic themes, this area attracts millions of visitors every year. You can catch a movie or partake in one of the many activities and adventures out on tour.

 

Bustling Bazaars

We recommend you visit the old market streets that have existed for centuries in this city and are infamous for their shops and enticing bazaars. There are a number of bazaars throughout the city to get all your souvenirs and to experience the true authentic hub of Indian markets. One not to miss is the Laad Bazar, which still has its old world charm and features traditional colourful hand-made bangles for sale.

 

Authentic Cuisine

No matter what you’re craving, there’s something here to tantalize your senses. Maharashtrian, Chinese, Mughali, Italian, and even French — you can find all sorts of fantastic dining options here in the big city. Whether you’re craving biryanis and other Indian delicacies or are looking to try some South Indian cuisine and seafood dishes, you’ll find everything here.

 

Historic Monuments

Hyderabad features many jaw-dropping historic monuments that you can tour up close and in person. Here you can find the oldest mosques in India that can hold up to 10,000 worshippers who come far and wide to visit this beautiful and historic structure. Although non-Muslims are not permitted inside the Mecca Masjid mosque, there’s so much to see and admire from the outside. The Charminar is another stunning site not to be skipped. It’s one of the most recognized monuments in India as it was constructed to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad.

 

Whether you’re thinking about taking a trip to India for a week, month, or year, be sure to put Hyderabad on your list of places to visit. There’s so much to see and do here, plus, it’s easy to get to from Canada. Check out our flight options today!

Feeling the Winter Chills? India is Calling You

Feel like it’s time to get out of the cold and into a hot sunny destination? If you have the winter blues, India is calling you! India can provide the warmth and sunny adventure that you need to get out of the winter for a little while.

 

Seven Different Climatic Regions

Based on temperature and rainfall, India has been classified into seven distinct climatic regions: the Himalayas, Assam and West Bengal, the Indo-Gangetic Plain and North Indian Plain, the Western Ghats and coast, the Eastern Ghats and coast, and the Deccan Plateau. With these uniquely distinct climatic zones, you can find the exact temperature and environment you’re looking for any time of the year. But if you’re looking for hot and dry, the south has the tropical climate that makes it the perfect place to hide away during the winter.

 

Weather is Most Pleasant in the Winter

From November to February, the monsoon rains leave, and the clear skies start to form. In the south, it never gets cold but the winter season offers beautiful daytime temperatures that are very comfortable. This makes winter the best time to hit the beach and sightsee!

 

So Much to See and Do in the Winter

The wet and humid weather in the summer restricts many visitors from travelling to many areas in southern India. That’s why winter is the perfect time to go. You can enjoy everything India has to offer — beaches, monuments, history, and more without worrying about intense heat or rain. Here are four places that are most enjoyed during the winter months:

 

Chennai — Picturesque Beaches

The city of Chennai is often hot and humid, but during the winter the weather is pleasant. There are majestic beaches here, perfect for relaxing and taking in some sun.

 

Jaipur — The Pink City

The capital of Rajasthan enjoys beautiful winter weather that is perfect for sightseeing. There are many famous festive events and tourist attractions here, such as the Jal Mahal, City Palace, and Amer Fort.

 

Goa — The Party Capital

Enjoy beach parties, delectable dishes, and an electrifying time in Goa. Find Christmas and New Years beach parties, exciting dance festivals, or catch the Goa Film festival that happens during the winter months.

 

Delhi — Myriad of Monuments

One of the best places to visit come winter in India is Dehli. With mild temperatures, you can really enjoy the tourist attractions and monuments that this area is renowned for.

If you’re ready to get out of the winter chill and into India, check out Nanak Flights for the best prices. Our Canadian travel agency focuses on the cheapest airline tickets for consumers looking to travel to India. We negotiate the best prices with the major airlines so we can offer you affordable travel to India in the winter. Check out all of our arrival and departure locations today and get ready to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in India!

Do These 5 Things to Make the Most Out of Any Vacation

 

You work hard to earn time off to relax, indulge, and spend quality time with your family. So, of course, you want to make the most out of it. To help ensure you’re left with only happy memories at the end of your trip, here are a few things you can do to make the most out of any vacation.

 

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead while remaining flexible is always the best way to enjoy vacation time. If you want to soak up every minute of your R&R time while reducing the likelihood of having any problems occur, you need to have a general plan of what you want to see and do. Make the most of your time with some form of plan, especially if you only have a short amount of vacation time to enjoy.

 

Be Packed and Ready Well Ahead of Time

Leaving things to the last minute, like packing, can be a recipe for disaster — the last thing you want to forget is your passport and essentials. The first 24 hours of vacation tend to be the most crucial for setting the tone of the entire trip. So start it off on a good note by having everything packed and prepared well ahead of leaving for the airport.

 

Try New Things

Travelling — whether it’s a backpacking adventure or lazing at all-inclusive resorts — offers new and exciting experiences no matter where you end up. So why not take advantage of them? Go on a tour through the jungle, try some salsa dancing lessons, join in on the local food tours, rent a boat, or go parasailing above the ocean. Being on vacation means you get to break free from your normal routines, slow down, and try new things. Your trip will be much more gratifying and memorable!

 

Be Flexible

Even with a planned itinerary, things can still go wrong when travelling. But it’s all part of the adventure! So instead of feeling aggravated or defeated by any unexpected delays or discrepancies, learn to just go with the flow. It’ll make your experience much more enjoyable in the long run.

 

Explore Like a Local

Travelling is all about meeting new people and immersing yourself in a new way of living. Learning about the local cultures is what makes it so enriching. When abroad, try to find some recommended local hot spots to explore and get to know more about where you are.

Vacation time is precious, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get it. Make the most out of any vacation by remembering these tips! And when you’re ready to start planning your adventure, hop on to Nanak Flights to find the best deals on flights and hotels around the world!

What are the Most Popular Flights from Canada to India?

 

Want to visit India? Whether you’re looking to have as seamless and stress-free of an experience as possible or just want to know which airlines to trust with your ticket, it’s a good idea to consider which flights are best suited for you. If you can’t stay in the air long due to health issues or time constraints, you should know that usually, the most popular flights are the ones that are the most convenient.  

This is where the NanakFlights team can help – our very own sales specialists have insider knowledge on international flights to and from India! They utilize extensive research that rivals that of other competitors. Here are some of the most popular flights from Canada to India, based on their findings. 

 

Air Canada

For non-stop service to Delhi and Mumbai, Air Canada is a safe bet. Flight number 42 from Toronto to Delhi and flight number 43 from Delhi to Toronto both operate seven days a week for plenty of convenience. You could also board flight 46 from Toronto to Mumbai and flight number 47 from Mumbai to Toronto 3 days per week during Air Canada’s winter schedule. Popular cabin choices include Premium Economy for added legroom and Business Class for unique features such as pod-like seats with sleeper functionality. 

 

Jet Airways

Want great service and creature comforts? Perhaps consider Jet Airways’ lounges with ample seating, vending machines, and coffee shops such as at their Amsterdam location. Speaking of which, passengers on Jet Airways flights from Canada to India will only make one stop, in Amsterdam, and won’t have to go through a security check while there. Jet Airways is also known for its convenience to Baroda customers, as they offer the best connections. 

 

European Airlines

If you fly with Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels, KLM, Air France, or Alitalia, you can use almost any European hub to reach your final destination in India. Don’t forget that, combined with a non-stop Air Canada flight in either direction with a joint venture partner, you can have a smoother and more streamlined flying experience. 

 

British Airways

Are you looking to upgrade to Premium Economy without those premium fees? British Airways may be an excellent choice for you, as their Premium Economy cabin is very popular due to lower-than-normal ticket prices. They also use their London hub for international connections between Canada and India, making for a great stopping point to stock up on supplies and take a breather between flights. 

 

China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China

These Asian airlines are especially popular choices for journeys from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton due to their very low pricing. Some of their seat sale fares start from $700 (CAD) including taxes to India, making for a very competitive and cost-effective way to fly internationally.

 

Emirates Airline

Emirates Airline is all about convenience and high-volume passenger transport. Their double-decker, four-engine Airbus aircraft travel between Toronto and Dubai, but Emirates is also now flying five times a week to India. Many flyers prefer this airline because their baggage and customs are both handled upon landing in their final destination in India.

 

This is merely scratching the surface when it comes to the number of popular and convenient ways to visit India by air. Take a look at our complete list of flights suited to international travel to and from Canada, and don’t forget to book with us for increased savings potential!

3 Lesser Known Yet Excellent Indian Travel Destinations

 

 

 

We’re sure you’ve heard of Kolkata, Delhi, and Goa, but there’s so much more to see and do in India than visiting the top three tourist destinations. India is a vast country, filled with incredible sights and sounds. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once in their life to experience everything it has to offer. Just don’t forget to put these three lesser-known yet excellent Indian travel destinations on your list — you’ll be happy you did!

 

Chennai

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the Southern Indian state Tamil Nadu. It’s a city that’s rich in natural beauty and historical charm. It may be the fourth largest metropolis, but it doesn’t give off a large city feel. In fact, it’s more known for its beautiful natural beauty and arts scene. Here you can spend a day at the Marina Beach, visit stunning temples, like the Kapaleeswarar, take a stroll through the National Image Art Gallery, or hang out in the artist’s village of Kalakshetra. If you love shopping, there are a number of excellent malls in the Chennai city, such as the Phoenix Marketcity and Ampa Skywalk which house some of the biggest brands around the world. You’ll find everything here, from trendy nightclubs to 5-star hotels, to multi-cuisine restaurants, to museums and stunning temples.

 

Pune

Pune was once the political center of India. In its state, it is the cultural capital and known as the ‘Oxford of the East’ due to its various education centres. It’s a working city known for its tech, manufacturing, and automobile industries, but it’s also a lovely place to visit with many tourist attractions. Here you’ll also be able to see and experience the true Maratha culture. Being one of the capitals of the Maratha Empire, Pune’s rich history is reflected in the Sinhagad hilltop temple that was a memorial for the emperors of the Maratha empire. The Shaniwar Wada fort symbolizes the Martha culture, and the Aga Khan Palace is one of the most significant landmarks in India that’s worth a visit. Pune has lots to see and do beyond the many stunning temples — spend a day at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park with the Bengal tigers, leopards and elephants, check out the local markets at Hongkong lane, eat international cuisine in Little Italy, and try Marathi cuisine at the Maratha Fine Dine.

 

Trivandrum

The capital of the Indian state of Kerala is located on the west coast of India and is known as the “Evergreen city of India.”  Although it’s a small city by numbers, Trivandrum has several fantastic places to visit. The most sough-after tourist attraction here is the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, which is one of the oldest temples in all of India. Other notable sites include the Napier museum, the Shri Chitra art gallery, the Zoological Gardens and museums (the oldest zoo in India), the stunning picnic spot of Veli, the wildlife sanctuary near Neyyar Dam, and the glorious Shankhumugham beaches just outside the city that are worth the trip. If you love festivals, Trivandrum has several exciting religious and cultural festivals worth checking out, such as the Onam Festival, Vishu New Year Festival and the 75-day Soorya cultural festival — the world’s longest cultural festival featuring music, dance, theatre and more.

 

When you’re ready to come see everything that India has to offer, choose Nanak Flights. Find the best deals on flights and hotels with our innovative flight search algorithm which searches over millions of airfares to help you find the best prices and more options! Try us today!

5 of the Most Common Misconceptions About Travelling Solo

 

 

When you’re eager to pack up and travel the world, it’s not always easy finding someone who can tag along with you. With friends and family members being tied down with their busy lives, sometimes your only option is to travel solo or forgo the adventure altogether. And since the 'travel bug' isn’t something that can easily be ignored, it means stepping up to venture out alone. But despite what you may have heard, travelling alone really isn’t all that scary or intimidating. In fact, it can be the very opposite, giving you some serious soul-searching time to enjoy personal freedom, gain self-confidence, and meet some great people along the way.

 

If you’re contemplating a trip, here are a few of the most common misconceptions about travelling solo to help ease your mind.

 

It’s Lonely

If you’re worried about being lonely on your trip – don’t be! It’s easy to conjure up a plethora of images that can leave you expecting the worst, like witnessing the beauty of Angkor Wat or Machu Picchu without anyone to share it with. But the reality is, there are so many other people doing just the same as you are. And the travel community is very social, open and welcoming. Whether you’re staying at a hostel or taking a bus across Thailand, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people just about anywhere you go. You can strike up a conversation or even tag along with new friends as you go. It’s all part of the adventure!

 

You Have to Be Incredibly Brave

The idea of travelling on your own can be terrifying — not knowing what to expect or whether you can handle navigating the globe on your own. But as every solo traveller will tell you — we all go through that natural bout of fear. And being brave really has nothing to do with it. It’s just a matter of doing it. The most challenging step is getting on the plane.  After that, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to manage your way around, especially with the extra benefit of Google Maps and translation apps to help you.

 

You Have to Be Very Outgoing

Think you have to be a natural social-lite to travel alone? Think again! Aside from the fact that travellers are generally friendly people, travelling on your own is one of the best ways to learn how to step out of your shell and be more outgoing. It can be nerve-wracking at first, but when you’re hunkered down at the local bar or hostel, try to strike up a conversation with people by asking where they’re from. It’s the easiest way to break the ice. Do that a few times, and you’ll laugh about how scared you were of doing it in the first place.  

 

It’s Dangerous for Women

Whether it’s at home or abroad, as a woman, you’re going to face unwanted attention. But that should never deter you from doing what you love and exploring the world. Staying safe while travelling comes down to having common sense and trusting your intuition.

 

It’s Boring

When you’re out there travelling on your own, you have the personal liberty to do what you want and whenever you want to. There’s no compromising for other people’s needs or wants. Stay in bed for half the day, eat what you want, check out the landmarks you actually care about. Plus, just think of all the new friends you’re guaranteed to meet along the way.

 

Don’t get fooled by these most common misconceptions about travelling solo. It could be one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences of your life. When you’re ready to book, head to Nanak Flights for the best prices in airfare and hotel bookings!

5 Reasons to Celebrate Diwali in India this Year!

 

If you’ve been dreaming of taking a trip to India, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in this vibrant culture than by taking a trip during Diwali. This “festival of lights” is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, which honours the battle of good versus evil, along with prosperity and family. Celebrate Diwali in India this year and create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Experience the Traditions with an Indian Family

The best way to truly experience the beauty of this time of year is by joining in on the festivities with an Indian family. If you don’t know anyone living in India, you can book with an Indian homestay. This lets you get up close and personal, gaining insight into the traditions, meanings, and cultures of India.

 

Enjoy the Dazzling Lights

The festival of lights transforms India, illuminating streets, buildings, and marketplaces with lights and lanterns which make it a magical time of year. One of the best places to feast your eyes on the dazzling displays is in the “Pink City” of Jaipur. Here they host a competition each year for the most impressive display, so it’s guaranteed to be stunning!

 

Witness the Burning of Demon Narakasura

A central part of Diwali involves a monstrous effigy of the demon Narakasura who gets destroyed by Lord Krishna. All across the country, competitions are also held to build the largest demon which then gets lit on fire. It’s a very exciting and fiery event to witness in person.

 

Go to a Casino

If you’re a fan of gambling, this is a great time to get in on the gambling action in India since Diwali is a popular time for casinos, especially in Goa. You can try your hand at some of the top casinos in the country. Just make sure to book well ahead of time since they book up fast.

 

Enjoy Fabulous Fireworks Over the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple hosts impressive celebrations during Diwali as well. Take a trip here for the day and then enjoy eye-catching fireworks over the temple while the lake is illuminated in a mesmerizing display with thousands of oil lamps and candles.


If you’re finally ready to take the leap and celebrate Diwali in India this year, find the best deals on cheap flights and hotels with Nanak Flights.