Published on: 06 March 2016
Last Updated on: 31 October 2024
Lord Rama was one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu who manifested himself on the earth in the form of a human. He was born to the king of Ayodhya, Dasaratha and Mata Kaushalya. So, being the birthplace of Lord Rama, the land of Ayodhya is much revered in the hearts of the Hindus. In fact, Ayodhya has been regarded as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Saptapuri) of the Hindus.
This is the reason; Ayodhya has now become a significant place for religious tourism among the divine devotees of the Lord. Let’s have a sneak peek of some of the amazing places to visit in Ayodhya. Quickly grab a flight and trot the land of God himself.
Also known as Bada Asthan and Badi Jagah, the palace is renowned as it was the place where King Dasharatha of Solar family resided with his kith and kin and ruled the city. Now the place embezzles with a temple, crowning the deities, Lord Rama and his brothers, as well as Goddess Sita. The aura of the place is breathtakingly serene and one is bound to get soaked in the spirituality blanketed here. The best time when the place glitters with gala and show is during the festivals of Diwali, Kartik Mela, Ram Vivah, Shravan Mela and Chaitra Ramnavami. During these festivities, the footfall of the devotees increases manifold and it is when the real feel of a typical Indian festival, proliferating with life and utmost joy can be felt and experienced.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nageshwara Temple has an interesting legend behind it. It was established by none other than the son of Lord Rama, Kush. That is the reason every year on the day of Shivratri, it witnesses a plethora of devotees, who mushroom the place with pleading eyes and hopeful hearts. While bathing in the river Sarayu, which flows through the city of Ayodhya, Kush lost his armlet, which was retrieved by the Nag-Kanya who fell in love with him. Kush built her this time as she was a trifle devotee of Lord Shiva. The best part about the temple is that it survived the destruction of Ayodhya after Lord Rama’s era and it was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya found Ayodhya.
As much is the devotion for Lord Rama, the same it is for his devotee, Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Garhi is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and it is believed to be the residence of Hanuman during the time of the epic Ramayana. The temple has a shrine of Goddess Anjani with baby Hanuman in her lap. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of all the devotees, as is believed by the locals.
Sita Ki Rasoi
Visit this quintessential place, Sita Ki Rasoi and catch the real essence of Goddess Sita. It is the place where she first cooked food for her family after her marriage to Lord Rama. The temple resides the statues of Lord Rama and his brothers, along with their wives.
Dimpy Roy is a travel writer working on an Online Travel Guide. She helps travel lovers to find Delhi to Goa flights price list for their wonderful journey.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region.
Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration.
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Red Sea Star
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Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand.
Beit Guvrin Caves
Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right.
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
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Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery.
The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel.
Shrine of the Book
Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture.
The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight.
Tel Hazor
A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds.
Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting.
Makhtesh Ramon
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Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve.
Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders.
Dialogue in the Dark
How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli.
The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors.
Atlit Yam
Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses.
This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations. One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement.
Saba's Little Museum
Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today.
Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across.
Meah Shearim
To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods.
Golden Calf Altar
The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city.
Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum
Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times.
Ein Bokek beach
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The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach.
Shahrazad
Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out.
Mount of the Beatitudes
This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.”
The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee.
Hecht Museum
Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here.
Al-Jazzar Mosque
Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman.
Tabor Winery
To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August.
Beit She’an National Park
To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD.
Centre International Marie de Nazareth
Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas.
Agamon HaHula
Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks.
Bahai Gardens
Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel.
Yad Vashem
A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total.
Ancient Galilee Boat
To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry.
Said Abu Elafia & Sons
You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives.
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There are many restaurants and cafes for which people come to Chicago, and there are those establishments that have become an integral attraction of this glorious city. These are cult places that you simply must visit if you are going to visit the city. Here’s the list of the most famous Chicago cafes and restaurants. Sometimes these places are not popular among the locals, but if you are a traveler, then you need to try them for sure!
Are you ready for a culinary journey to Chicago? Then book a car in advance, pick up your car rental in Chicago, prepare your taste buds, and go to the following dining places!
Portillo’s Hot Dogs:
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The title of the most famous restaurant in Chicago, perhaps, belongs to Portillo’s Hot Dogs. If you are a local, you have definitely been there, and in case you come to Chicago as a traveler, be sure to visit this place.
When it comes to classic Chicago hot dogs, it means Portillo’s hot dogs. The name is definitely confusing, because its menu is not limited to hot dogs. Italian beef sandwiches, French fries, milkshakes, beer, and croissant sandwiches are also served there, so most people call this place simply Portillo’s.
In this legendary establishment, you can order anything, for example, their famous chocolate cake. It doesn’t matter how you feel about this fast food restaurant with cheap and tasty food, you should take all your guests who have visited you from other cities and give them a chance to form their own opinion.
Al’s Beef:
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Just a few steps from Portillo’s in downtown Chicago, you will find the next legendary establishment - Al’s Beef. In Al’s Beef, you will be served without any frills. The most popular dish in this place is beef.
You can order a small, medium and a large portion of beef and add to it different types of pepper and cheese. When adding pepper to your Italian beef, you can choose between spicy and sweet one. If you consider yourself a big fan of beef, you can ask to be served a sandwich, completely filled with sauce.
In addition to Italian beef, the menu offers other dishes. Local fries are also quite popular. You can add a variety of sauces - cheddar, barbecue, chili, nachos, chili-nachos, and buffalo-bleu or order an option with cheddar cheese, bacon, onions, and sour cream. It’s very hearty and tasty. Don’t forget to visit this classic diner – it has enough points throughout the city.
Lou Malnati’s:
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There’s no consensus as to whether Lou Malnati’sserves the best pizza in Chicago, but it’s certain that this is the legendary local eatery. When talking about Chicago food, two things come to mind: hot dogs and pizza. Moreover, the second one is synonymous with Lou Malnati’s Chicago pizza.
As is the case with the places mentioned above, this is a classic Chicago establishment with a developed chain throughout the city. These three names are the most popular catering establishments in Chicago, so you shouldn’t limit yourself to visiting only one of them.
Snack bars of these three chains are dispersed throughout the city and suburbs. So give Lou Malnati’s a chance. If not in order to tell everyone that you have visited the legendary Chicago pizzeria, then at least to say with certainty that its pizza is tastier.
Big Star:
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Speaking of more nontrivial Chicago cafes, it’s possible to assert with a large degree of confidence that Big Star will soon join the list of cult places in Chicago. Now people from all over the city visit it to try Big Star tacos. So it’s only a matter of time before world fame will fall on Big Star.
Big Star has only one place in Wicker Park, but every evening the crowd of visitors is gathered there. The decoration, food, and drinks create the secret of the success of Big Star. Just ask Google "where to eat in Chicago," and you will definitely see this name in the search results, so there is no point in arguing! Let it be the Big Star’s debut in the list of the most popular restaurants in Chicago.
Margie’s Candies:
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This is the first, but not the only cafe in the city, specializing in desserts. Margie’s holds a special place in the hearts of many Chicagoans. Under the 90-year-old Margie’s brand, two establishments are operating now in the city - on the North side and on Logan Square.
All this time members of Margie’s family, which keeps a cafe, serve visitors. Among them, there were many well-known personalities. For example, even the Beatles have been there! Margie’s, which is famous for its delicious ‘Sunday roast’, will not disappoint you with other desserts. In the menu, you will find homemade chocolates and ice cream. In warm weather, you will have to wait until you are served, but even if the queue is on the street, you can always use a takeaway option.
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Going on a holiday in a motorhome is a very special travel experience as it allows you to explore and travel difficult to reach areas with other means of transport and, the best thing is that you have the accommodation insured. But travelling in a motorhome requires some precautions that it is important not to neglect. If you have always dreamed about an amazing adventure and a motorhome travel, you should definitely read this article and become more aware of many different possibilities. These are 5 tips to enjoy your trip in a motorhome and avoid unforeseen events that ruin your holidays!
Evaluate the purchase of a motorhome
If you do not own one and you don’t plan to buy used motorhome, you can consider renting it. This solution would avoid the maintenance of the vehicle and associated annual costs (taxes, insurance, parking, etc.). We advise you to evaluate the proposals of various motorhome rental sites.
On the contrary, if travelling by a motorhome has always been your dream and you intend to do it on a frequent and regular basis, the purchase of this vehicle is a very important step that you should consider. Buying motorhome requires a considerable initial investment and, although the price ranges are in some cases very diversified, it also gives you the possibility of having it available at any time you wish.
As it is a long-term investment, we recommend you calculate, along with the purchase costs, also the annual maintenance costs, and weigh the comforts of the vehicle that best suit your needs.
1. Prepare the motorhome
In the case that you decide to purchase your own motorhome, you should not underestimate the maintenance aspect. Like any vehicle, the motorhome is also equipped with components that need revision or replacement. In particular, the wheels of your motorhome will require attentive care, without which the success of your trips could be risked. If you decide to buy a motorhome, we recommend that you never neglect any point related to its maintenance.
Another outstanding aspect that will precede your departure will be to decide what you should or can take with you. The nature of the trip or the route chosen will greatly influence the choice of objects (for example, sports equipment may or may not be involved).
However, one always valid advice is to take into account that a vehicle that is too heavy will have difficulties to travel many kilometres with reasonable fuel costs. In addition, the motorhome will be the space in which you will spend a lot of time, therefore, it must be sufficiently habitable and not excessively crowded. Make a list and do not forget to ask yourself: do I really need to take this article with me?
2. Plan the most important aspects of the trip
Travelling in a motorhome allows greater mobility, will allow you to reach remote villages or without connections and move at any time of day or night. Therefore, we recommend that you procure maps and guides with the routes you will cover and remember to update your digital maps as well. Make a list (at least partial) of the most important stages of your trip. Finally, do not forget to look for information and contacts related to the parking areas.
The most important aspect of travelling by motorhome is the area or area where you stop to rest or explore the territory or the chosen city. The camping areas are, in general, quite large and where, for a fee, you will have the possibility to stay for a variable period of time (from one day to several weeks) and have a variable number of services. Normally, a good camping area provides light, water, gas, toilets and showers, and Internet coverage. In some cases, activities are also offered for guests and common areas or equipment that facilitate their stay.
3. Choose your company wisely & store supplies
Remember that a trip in a motorhome requires driving or spending many hours in the vehicle. Living in a small space requires a considerable spirit of adaptation and a desire to share. Therefore, make sure you choose the right travel companions.
We also recommend that in the group, if necessary, there should be at least one person capable of replacing you in driving the vehicle. The lack of space inside the motorhome can be somewhat overwhelming at times, but cooking there can bring you some real pleasure if you will plan it well.
The best idea is to store some basic products, which can be used to make many different recipes, such as eggs, milk or food in cans. You can also need an aluminium foil. It can be really handy in various situations. Also, a couple of gas will be essential if you want to prepare food on your own.
You can easily recharge them at specialized spots. In case of emergencies, two essential needs must be considered for the entire trip. Bearing in mind that you may not find a gas station or a campsite nearby, we recommend that you foresee at least a couple of water and fuel reserves, to be used only in case of emergency.
The motorhomes have a deposit of about 120 litres of water. For 4 people, this deposit lasts between 2 and 3 days, so it will be necessary to recharge it. There are more and more water recharge points.
Motorhome can fit up to 8 people, so the organization is an essential point of travel. You only have to carry what is strictly necessary, especially when many people travel, and everything must be in the maximum possible order. In addition, the load must be distributed in a balanced manner and all well placed.
4. Do not forget the essentials:
After water and fuel, there are other small objects that could be essential for driving or overcoming small emergencies. Among the most popular we recommend: a flashlight, a multipurpose cutter, gloves and rags for the most urgent cleaning (the emptying of the bathroom in particular), an umbrella, a blanket, some small appliances (kettle/kitchen camping/lamp Of gas). In addition, although maps are often sufficient, it would be ideal to also have a browser.
Final Take Away
Finally, always remember that what makes a special trip is the passion you put into it. You will need two basic ingredients: patience and enthusiasm. Patience to tolerate any unforeseen and enthusiasm to turn it into an opportunity and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. Travelling by a motorhome can bring many magical moments into your life. Always remember to stay safe and wisely plan your trip.
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