#West India Holiday

[travelcorpindia]

Explore the Beauty of West Bengal with Our Affordable Vacation Bundles

Discover the enchanting landscapes, vibrant culture, and historical charm of West Bengal with Travel Corp India’s West Bengal holiday packages. From the snow-capped peaks of Darjeeling to the bustling streets of Kolkata, and the serene mangroves of Sundarbans, West Bengal offers a unique blend of nature, history, and tradition. Our affordable vacation bundles are tailored to suit every traveler’s preference, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience.

Why West Bengal Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

West Bengal is a state that effortlessly combines the old-world charm of colonial-era landmarks with the pristine beauty of nature. This diverse region is ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, adventure seekers, and food aficionados alike. With its vibrant festivals, authentic Bengali cuisine, and warm hospitality, West Bengal promises an unforgettable holiday experience.

Travel Corp India’s West Bengal holiday packages are designed to help you explore the state’s hidden gems and iconic destinations while enjoying top-notch services at an affordable price.

Top Destinations to Include in Your West Bengal Holiday Package

1. Kolkata – The Cultural Hub of India

Known as the "City of Joy," Kolkata is the gateway to West Bengal and a treasure trove of history, art, and food.

Highlights:

Victoria Memorial: Marvel at this stunning colonial-era structure made of white marble.

Howrah Bridge: One of the busiest and most iconic cantilever bridges in the world.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple: A revered spiritual site dedicated to Goddess Kali.

Street Food Trails: Indulge in kathi rolls, puchkas (pani puri), and the famous mishti doi (sweet yogurt).

2. Darjeeling – The Queen of Hills

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is a paradise for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts.

Highlights:

Tiger Hill: Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering picturesque views.

Tea Plantations: Visit sprawling tea estates and savor the world-famous Darjeeling tea.

Batasia Loop: A scenic railway loop surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.

3. Sundarbans – The Land of Mangroves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers.

Highlights:

Sundarbans National Park: Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and other exotic species.

Boat Safaris: Explore the intricate waterways and spot crocodiles, deer, and vibrant bird species.

Local Villages: Experience the simplicity of rural life amidst the mangroves.

4. Shantiniketan – Rabindranath Tagore’s Legacy

Founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is a hub for art, culture, and education.

Highlights:

Visva-Bharati University: Famous for its open-air classrooms and cultural significance.

Poush Mela: A colorful festival showcasing folk music, dance, and crafts.

Amar Kutir: A center for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

5. Digha – A Relaxing Beach Destination

For those seeking tranquility, Digha’s serene beaches and peaceful ambiance make it the perfect retreat.

Highlights:

New Digha Beach: Known for its calm waters and breathtaking sunsets.

Marine Aquarium and Research Centre: A fun, educational spot for families.

Adventure Activities: Try parasailing, jet skiing, or a leisurely beach stroll.

Why Choose Travel Corp India for West Bengal Holiday Packages?

At Travel Corp India, we aim to provide a seamless travel experience. Our West Bengal holiday packages are crafted to meet your travel goals while ensuring value for money.

1. Tailored Itineraries

We customize itineraries based on your interests, ensuring you experience the destinations and activities you love.

2. Affordable Prices

Our vacation bundles are competitively priced to offer you a luxurious holiday without breaking the bank.

3. Superior Accommodation

From boutique resorts to budget-friendly stays, we offer a variety of accommodations to match your style and comfort.

4. Expert Local Guides

Our knowledgeable guides provide insights into the cultural and historical significance of each destination.

5. Easy Transportation

Travel hassle-free with our well-organized transport options, including private cars, local transfers, and railway bookings.

Unique Experiences to Add to Your West Bengal Holiday Package

Durga Puja Festival: Witness the grandeur of this iconic celebration in Kolkata, marked by vibrant decorations and elaborate rituals.

Authentic Bengali Cuisine: Savor dishes like shorshe ilish (hilsa in mustard sauce) and kosha mangsho (mutton curry).

Heritage Walks: Explore the historical landmarks of Murshidabad and the terracotta temples of Bishnupur.

Trekking Adventures: Enjoy scenic treks in the Himalayan foothills near Darjeeling.

Sample 7-Day West Bengal Holiday Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata

Visit Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.

Explore local markets and enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner.

Day 2: Kolkata to Sundarbans

Transfer to Sundarbans and begin a thrilling boat safari.

Stay overnight at a cozy eco-lodge.

Day 3: Sundarbans Exploration

Enjoy morning wildlife safaris and local village tours.

Day 4: Sundarbans to Shantiniketan

Transfer to Shantiniketan and explore Visva-Bharati University.

Attend an evening cultural performance.

Day 5: Shantiniketan to Darjeeling

Drive to Darjeeling through picturesque landscapes.

Relax and prepare for the next day’s sightseeing.

Day 6: Explore Darjeeling

Witness the sunrise at Tiger Hill.

Visit tea gardens and enjoy a ride on the toy train.

Day 7: Return to Kolkata

Spend your last day shopping and enjoying authentic Bengali sweets before departure.

Book Your West Bengal Holiday Package Today!

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of West Bengal with Travel Corp India’s West Bengal holiday packages. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, we’ve got the perfect vacation bundle for you.

Contact us now to plan your dream holiday and make memories that will last a lifetime.

[luxury-trails-blog]

Luxury trails on India offer West India tour packages and West India trips at the best price. Click now to get an exclusive discount on Western India Holidays.

[lotusindiaholidays]

Great Royal Rajasthan tour – Explore Rajasthan's grandest palaces and forts

A "Great Royal Rajasthan Tour" promises an even more immersive experience in this culturally rich and historically significant region of India. Here's a glimpse of what such a tour might entail: Grand Palaces and Forts: Explore Rajasthan's grandest palaces and forts, including the opulent Udaipur City Palace, the mighty Chittorgarh Fort, and the sprawling Junagarh Fort in Bikaner.

[welcometotheravenclawcommonroom]

(South) Indian Harry Potter Headcanons:

Harry knew he was Indian (mostly because the Dursley’s used to say racist shit to him) but he didn’t know where in India the potters were from until he went to Hogwarts. He finds out from the Patils, who were close with the potters because desis stick together.

The Patils are from the north and use Hindi to speak to each other. Neither of them knows Telugu/Tamil/Marathi/Malayalam/insert Southern language of choice here (I personally headcanon Telugu because it’s the only Indian language I speak and because there’s a huge diaspora of telugumandi in the west, but feel free to choose whatever you’d like). So Harry has to rediscover his heritage language on his own.

He also studies Sanskrit, and it opens up a HUGE world of spells that they don’t teach at Hogwarts (because of course Indian wizards don’t do spells in Latin). He and the Patils know a bunch of spells that nobody else does.

Harry’s pleat game is ON POINT. It makes sense, since he had to do all the chores at the Dursley’s and that includes perfectly folded and ironed laundry with the edges aligned neatly, or else he would risk being punished. But the result is that if you want your saree drape to pass the inspection of even the most judgemental auntie, you go to Harry to help with your pleats.

Even when they’ve graduated and all have their own homes, it’s a pretty regular sight for the Patil twins to come through Harry’s floo, half dressed, to have Harry pleat their sarees or their lehenga dupatta for them.

Harry LOVES spices. The dursleys only liked bland food, but Harry has always liked flavorful foods, and has no problem with (hot) spicy food either. He uses lots of spices in his own cooking now. His food is very flavorful, but when he’s cooking for himself, it’s too spicy for all his friends (even the Patils). So nobody can eat his leftovers unless he was specifically cooking with other people in mind. Ron learned this the first time he rummaged through Harry’s fridge after a night of drinking. Now Harry labels all his food as to whether or not it’s “Harry spicy”.

James LOVED to buy Lily sarees. He’d order them with custom, wizard-themed designs from weaving villages in south India. The women who made them assumed he was just very imaginative, so he wasn’t violating the statute of secrecy since saree patterns are often vibrant and unique. Harry finds some of them in the old potter manor, and they still smell like the perfumes and scented oils his mother would wear when James took her to the local temple for Hindu holidays.

Indian witches often store extra magic in or enchant pieces of their copious jewelry with spells that can keep them safe if they’re ever in a situation where they don’t have their wands. stuff like, each bangle can function as an emergency portkey that can take you to different safe locations if you say the activation word, or ones that create an instant magical shield when you tap them. Harry finds some of his mothers gajulu, gives them to his female friends.

He ties Rhaki on Ron and Neville, and all the weasley boys. Ron was the first person he ever tied it on, because Ron was the first person who he ever bonded with, and his closest brother.

Harry always cooks idli sambar or dosa for his friends for breakfast the next morning after a night of drinking together, and it’s the perfect hangover food because it definitely brings you back to full alertness/knocks the last bit of post-hangover grogginess right out of your system.

Harry’s parselmouth abilities are valued in his native culture because of the sacredness of snakes in Hinduism, and it comes to be something he’s really proud of (personally I think the ‘parselmouth connected to the horcrux’ thing is dumb, so I’ve always imagined Harry was just naturally a parselmouth).

As the number of Indian immigrants/expats continues to grow after they graduate, Harry helps some of his students (he’s the DADA teacher) start the Hogwarts “South Asian Student Union”.

He always has snacks out for his students when they come to visit his office hours, and they’re all Indian snacks and sweets. His personal favorite is kaju barfi, but he always has a good variety of both sweet and spicy treats, especially for stressed out owl and newts students.

He collaborates with Hermione, who works in the ministry, to make it mandatory for Hogwarts students to a “foreign magical language” course so they can broaden both their minds and their spell repertoires. Padma Patil becomes the “Sanskrit Spells” teacher, and Seamus teaches “Irish Gaelic”. (It took him a little longer to get his course started, since it turns out that at least 40% of Gaelic spells are just increasingly complicated and violent ways to repel the English).

Hermione and Harry also work together to make sure there are employees in the international magical cooperation department who specialize in post-colonial relations, because the magical world also has its issues with that colonialist mindset towards countries that were formerly part of the empire.

Just south Indian Harry embracing his heritage, learning about what was ripped from him, and using it to enact meaningful change in a multicultural magical society.

[qqueenofhades]

Man, the Russia/Ukraine war has led to a lot of terrible takes from far leftists. I have a mutual from Brazil, a self identified socialist, who is convinced that Ukraine is full of nazis. While they don't support Russia, they questioned why they have to be "pro-Ukraine" or "pro-Russia". They call Ukraine a "nazi hole" but call Russia merely "fascist". Am I wrong in thinking that they've been influenced by Russian propaganda? I know Ukraine does have a nazi/far right problem, but so does the US? And most European countries? idk they strongly hate the US/US government too, and it seems to create some kind of brainrot. at least they don't blindly support China or Russia like tankies do (nor identify with them), but it's still frustrating to take a neutral position on a pretty black and white situation.

I don't want to confront them 1) cause I'm not the type to argue over serious things like this and this may break our long friendship and 2) I'm not super educated on the nazi situation in Ukraine.

Anyway thank you for letting me rant in your inbox.

Yes, Russia has specifically focused its propaganda efforts on Latin America, Africa, and other regions that HAVE suffered from Western/European/American imperialism and are thus predisposed to take the worst view of them/believe that this situation is their fault somehow. This is similar to what the USSR did in newly postcolonial Africa in the 1960s and 1970s, positing themselves as offering the shared hand of communist brotherhood from Western oppressors. Because of more recent events like the invasion of Iraq, which was fully as unjustified as the invasion of Ukraine, Russian propagandists and their eager tankie/leftist foot soldiers have also got a lot of mileage out of "whataboutism." This is likewise an old Soviet propaganda technique designed to deflect any criticism of the actual situation by disingenuously asking "what about this other one!!!"

Likewise, the idea that Ukraine has a "Nazi problem" is itself propaganda. In the last election, far-right/Nazi-identified parties won barely 2% of the vote and AFAIK, no seats at all in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament). This is far lower than the nearly half of the USA voting for the far-right/Nazi-sympathetic Republican Party, and as noted, the far right elements in the UK and Europe. The idea that Ukraine is "full of Nazis" (with a Jewish president who just celebrated iftar with the Ukrainian Muslims/Crimean Tatars during Ramadan and instituted observance of Muslim holidays nationwide, very Nazi of him) is a line used by Russian propagandists to "justify" their attack and appeal to national memories of the Great Patriotic War (World War II) and the struggle against the Nazis, which is the central cultural grievance/memory in modern Russia. The Putin regime has referred to anyone they don't like, but especially the Ukrainians, as "Nazis" for a long time now, so it's supposedly their holy duty to kill them/commit ethnic cleansing/forcibly reunite the "fraternal" people of "Little Russia," as Ukraine has been called since the 17th century, with "Great Russia." And yeah, no.

Because the West and Europe has been pretty solidly on Ukraine's side, Russia has therefore cultivated countries like China, India, Brazil, etc, who have all suffered from Western interference and are looking to move into the first rank of global superpowers. This is, as noted, similar to the competing systems of influence built during the Cold War, but it also relies on much deeper Russian grievances that go back to the medieval era. Anybody who knows a thing about actual Russian history would therefore know that every single word it says about the Ukraine situation is a lie, but because that lie is useful for many other countries and fits into their own understanding of themselves, it is easy to repeat and act like it's a so-called superior moral position. This is also why US/American tankies so eagerly lap up Russian propaganda, because it plays into their moral sense of themselves as far better than the rest of the West and "righteously" discovering that the West is responsible for all the evil in the world etc etc. While non-Westerners are just helpless misunderstood puppets with no real agency or ability to make complex choices. This totally makes sense!!!

[salvadorbonaparte]

Would you mind sharing your views on backpacking? 👀

Take all of this with a grain of salt because I'm mostly just bothered by backpacking content on Instagram.

I think the concept is fine. I'd actually like to do some backpacking some time.

But backpacking content, as well as most overland* content, always has a really weird vibe. It almost feels like cosplaying poverty if you know what I mean??

It's almost always young people from the so called "West" and almost always they're somewhere in South or Southeast Asia. The most popular backpacking destinations I'm seeing at the moment are Bali (exclusively that part of Indonesia for some reason), Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The algorithm has recently also started showing me content from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

Since flights to these destinations are usually quite expensive, and many of these people stay abroad long enough that they might need a visa and that accommodation and food would also add up, it can be safely assumed these people have a certain amount of financial stability. Some of them are full time influencers too.

And while travelling with a backpack instead of a suitcase makes sense, and while you want to have an "authentic" experience, the vibe on those videos is often sooooo weird.

They're always like "I just spent 45h standing in a cramped bus without AC because it was only $1. I'm sleeping on the floor of this abandoned building that costs me $4 a night. I only carry 2 t-shirts with me, can't find a laundromat and I'm travelling for 3 months. Yesterday I got scammed and got food poisoning."

And I'm like why are you doing this? Is it really more "authentic" just because it's a foreign country? You can find the same uncomfortable situations and people who live like that all the time in your home country, but when you're abroad it's cool and authentic and #humbling #eatpraylove. Meanwhile there's also people in that same country you're backpacking through who, like, have a comparable standard of living you're used to. Your holiday doesn't have to be luxury resorts but it also doesn't have to be absolutely god awful.

And of course there's also the factor of adrenaline and stepping out of your comfort zone but with these videos it seems like they're almost glamorising having an awful time in an "exotic" country because that's what it's supposed to be like? I guess?

Idk I feel like I should get the opinion of someone living in one of those backpacking hotspots to make sure I'm not just getting annoyed at nothing but I think the vibe is off.

*overland content as in "travelling from XY to YZ without flying - Day 420" type videos. They're often interesting and I follow some of those people and I actually have some ideas for cool overland or long distance train trips but some of the accounts also have a weird vibe. Most of the ones I saw were men and they're like hitchhiking through some desert somewhere and I'm like oh this would feel so unsafe to me as someone perceived female. And obviously they also make lots of content where you know they have lots money because they've been travelling for several months but it has that same fake low budget backpacker vibe.

I hope this makes sense. I'm not sure it does.

[disneytva]

Mickey Mouse Funhouse Opens Doors to Season 3 Next Month With Huey, Dewey and Louie

The third season of the whimsical animated preschool series Micky Mouse Funhouse will premiere Friday, February 23 on Disney Junior (9:30 a.m. EST/PST) and Disney Channel (10:30 a.m. EST/PST) before rolling out onto Disney+ later this year.

In the new season, Mickey, Minnie and their friends embark on more imaginative journeys through the magical doors of Funny the Funhouse (voiced by Harvey Guillén), returning them to places like the Enchanted Rainforest and the Old West and taking them to new locales like Movie Magic Land, as well as culturally rich locations like Armenia, Korea and India. Along their adventures, they make new friends and meet up with beloved Disney characters like Huey, Dewey and Louie, unknow if they will be their regular versions or their DuckTales 2017 versions. The new season also includes an epic camping trip special and sees Mickey and the gang celebrating an array of holidays, including Noche Buena, Chuseok, Arbor Day and Hanukkah.

Since its premiere in August 2021, the series has amassed nearly half a billion hours of viewing across linear, streaming and Disney Junior YouTube and consistently ranks as a top 10 monthly series on Disney Junior YouTube. In 2023, the series ranked among the Top 5 most watched series on Linear TV for preschoolers.

[somerabbitholes]

Hello! Could you recommend some fics from travel literature? My reach only extends to Dalrymple's In Xanadu as of yet. And I suspect a growing love for this genre. Also, would love to know your thoughts on this genre. 🌼🍁

Here you go! It's a mix of fiction and nonfiction, and anything containing travel qualifies even though it might not intentionally be travel writing

Non-fiction

The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane: the authors follows ancient routes, hollows and pathways in Britain; is generally about the communal nature of walking.

Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux: about journeys through Asia on railways. Theroux is among my favourite travel writers, also because he almost exclusively travels by and writes about trains. Do check out his The Old Patagonian Express

Nanologues by Vanessa Able (or alternatively, Never Mind the Bullocks): a travelogue of a woman who drove through India in a Tata Nano. It's really well done. And if you'd like the immersive experience, she also ran a blog while she was driving.

Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks: it's exactly what it sounds like. The author loses a bet, and consequently carries a small fridge around Ireland. It's really really funny and warm and kind and great holiday reading

On Travel by Charles Dickens: this is a few essays about the places he visited, the process of travel, and at times quite like a travel diary

Fiction

Outline trilogy by Rachel Cusk: all three books follow a narrator through about a decade or so of her life; a bulk of the story happens when she's travelling, and her state of always passing through does interesting things to the narrative

On the Road by Jack Kerouac: I love Kerouac, and this is the first of his books that I read. It's his journey through and to the West Coast in the US. That said, it is a messy book and it does test your patience

Flights by Olga Tokarczuk: this is about travel, mobility, the body and experience. It's a whole bunch of short essays, notes, some stories, all of whom come together to be about travel and what movement means now

A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam: follows the narrator who is on a journey home after he's received some distressing news. His life sort of unspools while he's travelling, and through that, it is about the afterlife of the Sri Lankan civil war, memory and what it means for his relationships

I hope this helps!

[apenitentialprayer]

Would I be somewhat correct to say that, loosely, iirc, Sunni Islam is like Protestantism in its strict, “exclusive” monotheism (no saints, no extra devotions to Muhammad or asking others to pray for you, no holy sites for other individuals), and no hierarchy, whereas Shia is more like Catholicism - a hierarchy in the leadership of the divinely set 12 Imams, praying to saints, relics etc., going to holy pilgrimage sites and wells etc., also ritual mortification in memory of Husayn (like wearing cilices or hairshirts in Catholicism). I’ve encountered some Sunnis who also dismiss it all as crazy and not in the Qur’an, as “extra,” added on—similar to how Protestants say about us with praying to saints, sacramentals etc etc

Ah, I think that while the Sunni=Protestant / Shi'a=Catholic analogy can kind of work so long as it's understood not to be a one-to-one analogy and that it falls apart the second any nuance is applied to it, I still think it only applies to some of what you said and not to others.

Sunnism definitely does not have a hierarchy the same way that Shi'ism does, and Sunnis definitely don't believe that devotion to the 'Ahl al-Bayt (the family of Muhammad) is an essential duty in the way that Shi'is do, but there is significant overlap between most Sunnis and Shi'is in terms of the other things you mentioned.

Muslims of all kinds have a long history of relic- and saint-veneration, from (Sunni) Mehmed the Conqueror who supposedly had a tooth of Muhammad to Hazratbal, considered one of the holiest (pan-Muslim) shrines in India because it houses a hair from Muhammad's beard. There are also lots of stories about Muslim saints appearing to others in visions to initiate them into esoteric rites (Sufism, primarily a Sunni phenomenon), and many tombs of great scholars or mystics have had mosques built on top of them, often with their own traditional pilgrimage rites to go with them. Salim Chishti, for example, is a Sunni saint of the Chishtiyya order whose tomb is often visited by women seeking to become pregnant; they ask for his intercession by tying a little red ribbon around the fences of the shrine.

In the West, however, there are large strands of Islamic thought influenced by Muhammad al-Wahhab, himself deeply influenced by Ibn Taymiyyah; they both believed that much of what was then mainstream in Islam wasn't authentically Islamic, and so sought to combat religious innovation (bid'a in Arabic) by removing anything they believed could not be traced back to the Muslim community as it existed when Muhammad was still in living memory. While proponents of an Islam that does not have saints, does not engage in pilgrimages beside the Hajj and the Umrah, and does not have holidays besides Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are vocal, they are not the only Sunnism in existence.

[sofia-the-traveller]

Festive Cheer: How to Celebrate Christmas in Mumbai

Mumbai, the city of dreams, transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season. The city's dazzling lights, bustling marketplaces, and lively ambiance offer numerous opportunities to feel the festive spirit. From a little party to an extravagant experience, Mumbai provides everything you could ever want. To truly make your Christmas party unforgettable, book a room at one of the city's top hotels, like The Empresa Hotel in Andheri West. This is the place to go if you want to celebrate Christmas in Mumbai.

1. Indulge in Festive Feasts

In Mumbai, a lot of eateries and cafes serve festive menus and extravagant Christmas banquets. Savor seasonal favorites such as plum cakes and roast turkey by visiting well-known restaurants in Andheri or Bandra. The Empresa Hotel, one of the best hotels in Andheri West, guarantees that you will be close to popular dining establishments in addition to providing a wonderful on-site dining experience.

2. Attend Midnight Mass

Celebrate the spiritual part of Christmas by going to a midnight service at well-known churches like Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra or St. Michael's Church in Mahim. The Empresa Hotel's convenient location in Andheri West makes it the ideal starting point for exploring these sacred places of devotion.

3. Shop for Festive Goodies

Without shopping for decorations, presents, and treats, Christmas wouldn't be the same. For colorful Christmas décor, handcrafted items, and delectable baked goods, visit Andheri's Crawford Market, Hill Road, or neighborhood bazaars. You can get to these busy shopping spots quickly if you stay at one of the best hotels close to the Mumbai airport.

4. Enjoy Christmas Events and Parties

Seasonal activities include live music performances during the Christmas season and themed parties enhance Mumbai's nightlife. The greatest parties are held at clubs and bars in Andheri, Bandra, and Juhu. The Empresa Hotel, one of Andheri's best hotels, makes it simple to enjoy the city's exciting nightlife.

5. Explore Mumbai’s Iconic Attractions

To mix sightseeing and celebration, visit well-known locations such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which is illuminated with festive lights. You can be certain that you will always be close to the city center if you get a room at one of Mumbai's best hotels.

6. Pamper Yourself with Luxury

After a day of exciting activities, unwind at The Empresa Hotel, one of Mumbai's best business hotels. Its luxurious suites, excellent service, and festive décor make it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate over the holidays.

Why Choose The Empresa Hotel?

If you’re searching for the best hotels in Mumbai, look no further than The Empresa Hotel. Its prime location in Andheri West offers easy access to shopping hubs, entertainment venues, and business districts. Whether you’re in the city for leisure or work, the hotel provides:

Elegant rooms with modern amenities.

Proximity to Mumbai Airport, making it a top pick among best hotels near Mumbai airport.

Exceptional dining experiences and festive packages.

Conclusion

This Christmas, take in Mumbai's vibrant charm while relaxing in the comfort and style of The Empresa Hotel. Mumbai promises an unforgettable Christmas, whether you're taking in the customs of the area, enjoying a delicious meal, or unwinding after a long day. Book your lodging early to ensure that your trip is one to remember!

[love-for-carnation]

Jo bought me Sweet Williams Emma Dunbar (b. 1961, English)

Emma graduated in 1984 with a BA (hons) in Fine Art Printmaking from West Surrey College of Art and Design. Since then she has worked full time as an artist and exhibited throughout the UK. Her paintings have been internationally reproduced as greetings cards, posters, limited edition etchings and even fabric designs. Working mainly on board in acrylic, occasionally incorporating collage with gold and silver leaf, Emma’s training as a printmaker is evident both in the use of blocks of flat colour and in the way it is scratch through surfaces to reveal pre-laid colours underneath. Emma’s influences come from travelling in India, Cornish holidays and the chaos of cats and children wandering onto wet paint.

Other painter's works: https://www.cornwallcontemporary.com/artist/dunbar-emma/

[boltedgarlic]

taglist~

you’ll have to use the search function unfortunately :( i am no longer linking all my tags. if you’re on desktop, my theme should have a search bar!

dated by year

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dated by month

january | february | march | april | may | june | july | august | september | october | november | december

holidays/seasons

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Chuck E Cheese | Dongdaemun Market | Hershey Park | Moody Gardens | NASA | Rocky Mountain National Park | Treasure Island Beach | Walmart

animals

anemone | birds | bees | bugs | bunnies | cats | chickens | cicadas | cows | crabs | deer | dogs | ducks | ferrets | fish | goats | goldfish | guinea pigs | horses | kittens | sheep | snakes | swans

pets

Abby | Augustine | Azuki | Bert | Bob | Mr. Boot | Bruce | Cupid | Donna | Dusty | Ellsie | Fiona | Fudge | Gizzy | Huckleberry | Itzl | Kiwi | Mattie | Mookie | Muffy | Newt | Noose | Ollie | Pepe | Mr. Punky | Ramses | Shika | Smokey | Tamako | Tucker | Xoco | Ziggy | Zoey

art/mediums

art car | ceramics | collage | crayons | crochet | drawings | food art | glass art | installation | knitting | miniatures | mural | oil pastels | origami | ornaments | paint | painting | paper crafts | patchwork | quilt | sculpture | tapestry | tiles | yarn

artists

Anne-Sophie Landou | Enrico Delponte | Jen | Keith Haring | Mark Schaer | Ryan Gander | Terry Ravan

Ween

colors

red | orange | yellow | green | blue | purple | pink | brown | black | gray | white | silver | gold | multicolor

food & drink

baking | batter | bento | birthday cake | bread | breakfast | cake | candy | cereal | cheese | coffee | cookies | cooking | curry | dessert | drinks | fake food | fruit | hot pot | ice cream | meat | onigiri | pancakes | pastries | pie | potluck | pumpkins | salad | sashimi | smores | soup | sushi | tea | torte | vegetables | wine

characters/licenses/media

animal crossing | anpanman | boognish | candy land | dora | doraemon | evangelion | garfield | giant microbes | hannah montana | hello kitty | hoops & yoyo | joe cool | miffy | moomin | moppy | muppets | nasa | powerpuff girls | sanrio | sesame street | snoopy | sonic (the hedgehog) | spongebob | texas chainsaw | universal studios japan | wallace and gromit | winne the pooh | yotsuba | yugioh

interior

apartment | attic | bar | basement | bathroom | bedroom | cabin | chandelier | dining room | dorm | foyer | hallway | home | hostel | hotel | kid’s room | kitchen | library | living room | mall | playroom | shelves | stairs | studio | unfurnished | window

bead curtains | beds | bookshelf | computer | crt monitor | chairs | curtains | desk | fishtank | fridge | furniture | kitchenware | lamp | laptop | lava lamp | salt lamp | sewing machine | stove | tablecloth | tables | tv | vase | whiteboard | wood paneling | wood stove

exterior/outside

backyard | balcony | beach | bridge | building | canal | car show | cemetery | chapel | chicken coop | church | city | clothesline | dam | fair | fence | ferris wheel | gate | highway | hills | house | iron gate | mailbox | neighborhood | park | patio | picnic tables | plants | pool | porch | road | street | tables | train | train station | tunnel | wind chimes | wreath | yard

clouds | creek | dirt | field | flowers | fog | forest | frost | garden | mountains | mushrooms | nest | night | lake | lawn | ocean | path | plants | rain | rainbow | sky | snow | snowman | sunset | topiary | trail | trees | waterfall | woods

miscellaneous tags

altar | angel | antlers | astrology | beekeeping | baby shower | bamboo | basket | bicycle | birthday | birthday cake | blankets | books | brick | bowling | camera | candles | chain | cherub | chess | clock | clothing | car | card game | cards | chess | cigarettes | collection | construction | decor | desk | dollhouse | dolls | dusty | figure | figurines | flowers | fortune telling | gift | globe | gloves | hay | installation | karaoke | kite | knife | knives | lace | landmark | lanterns | leak | lock | machinery | mannequins | market | moving | nursery | objects | orbs | party | pearls | people | piano | pillows | plane | playing cards | plush | polaroid | posters | preschool | pyrex | rail | remodel | religion | retail | roadtrip | school | school bus | sculpture | seashells | shoes | sign | silverware | smoke | spirits | suburbia | sunlight | stained glass | swords | tech | toys | trinkets | vehicle | vhs | video games | visual clutter | water | wedding | window

blur | edit | fisheye | flash | frame | glow | low quality | panorama | photo collage | text | timestamp | video | vignette | watermark

my tags

11:11 | baby tag | birthday tag | fav | grandmas house | magic tag | personal | thank you post

updated: 09/13/2024

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 9.23

Holidays

Al-Yaom Al-Watany (Saudi Arabia)

Asian Corpsetwt Day [Every 23rd]

Asteroid Day

Autumn Stroll Day

Barbara Gordon Day

Batman Day (DC Comics)

Bi Visibility Day (UK)

Bonn Phchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day; Cambodia)

Celebrate Bisexuality Day (a.k.a. Bisexual Pride & Bi Visibility Day)

Checkers Day

Chuuk Liberation Day (Micronesia)

Day of the Genocide of Lithuania's Jews (Lithuania)

Dogs in Politics Day

Education Technology Day

Flashbulb Day

Gray Cat Day

Grito de Lares (Puerto Rico)

Haryana Veer and Shahidi Divas (Haryana, India)

Holocaust Memorial Day (Lithuania)

I Have Not Yet Begun To Fight Day

Innergize Day [Day after Equinox]

International Bi Visibility Day

International Day Against Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking of Women & Children

International Day of Sign Languages

International Hospitality Women’s Day

International Restless Legs Syndrome Day

International Za’atar Day

King’s Birthday (Western Australia)

Kyrgyz Language Day (Kyrgyzstan)

Landscape-Nursery Day

Learn to Code Day

Martyrs Day (Haryana, India)

National AFM Day (a.k.a. Acute Flaccid Myelitis Day)

National Acute Flaccid Myelitis Day

National Checkers Day

National Day of School Failure Prevention

National Day of Women’s Political Rights (Argentina)

National Field Marketer’s Day

National Fitness Day (Ireland)

National Go With Your Gut Day

National Maritime Day

National Property Manager’s Day

National Redhead Appreciation Day

National Singles Day

National Teletext Day (UK)

National Temperature Control Day

National Volleyball Day

Neptune Day

New Year's Day (Constantinople)

Nintendo Day

Pancake Queen Memorial Day

Puffy Shirt Day (Seinfeld)

Restless Legs Awareness Day

Saffron Day (French Republic)

Speed Racer Day

Sügise Algus (a.k.a. Sügisene Pööripäev; Estonia, Finland, Sweden)

Teachers’ Day (Brunei)

Thrue Bab (Blessed Rainy Day; Bhutan)

Teal Talk Day

That'll Be the Day Day

West Nordic Day

World Adopted Dog Day

World Maritime Day (UN)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Chewing Gum Day

Gastronomy Day (France)

Great American Pot Pie Day

Hummerpremiär (Lobster Festival; Sweden)

National Apple Cider Vinegar Day

National Bacon Butty Day (UK)

National Baker Day

National Snack Stick Day

Za’atar Day

Independence & Related Days

Duchy of Prussian Britannia (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]

Unification Day (Saudi Arabia)

4th Monday in September

American Indian Day (Tennessee) [4th Monday]

Canterbury South Province Day (New Zealand) [4th Monday]

CASAColumbia Family Day [4th Monday]

Dominion Day (New Zealand) [4th Monday]

Family Day — A Day To Eat Dinner With Your Children [4th Monday]

Meditation Monday [Every Monday]

Mellow Monday [4th Monday of Each Month]

Monday Musings [Every Monday]

Motivation Monday [Every Monday]

Mushroom Monday [4th Monday of Each Month]

National Eat Dinner with Your Family Day [4th Monday]

Weekly Holidays beginning September 23 (4th Full Week of September)

Falls Prevention Awareness Week (thru 9.27)

Global Week of Student Prayer (thru 9.27)

International Happiness at Work Week (thru 9.27)

International Week of the Deaf (thru 9.29) [M-Sun including Last Sunday]

Festivals Beginning September 23, 2024

Mayberry Days (Mt. Airy, North Carolina) [thru 9.29]

Feast Days

Adomnán (Christian; Saint)

Augustalia (Ancient Rome)

Bunster Winding (Shamanism)

Carl-Henning Pedersen (Artology)

Cicciolina Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Cissa of Crowland (or of Northumbria; Christian; Saint)

Citua (Feast to the Moon; Ancient Inca)

Corneille (Positivist; Saint)

Emmuska Orczy (Writerism)

Feast of Chukem (Deity of Footraces; Colombia)

Feast of the Ingathering (a.k.a. Harvest Home, Kirn or Mell-Supper; UK)

Festival of Papa, Wife of Rangi (Maori; New Zealand)

Festival of the Goddess Ninkasi (Sumerian Goddess of Brewing)

František Kupka (Artology)

James Carroll Beckwith (Artology)

Libra zodiac sign begins (Pagan)

Linus, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Louise Nevelson (Artology)

Manolo and Carlo Flamingo (Muppetism)

Matthew Pratt (Artology)

Paul Delvaux (Artology)

Padre Pio (a.k.a. Pio of Pietreclcina; Christian; Saint)

Pekka Halonen (Artology)

Sossius (Christian; Saint)

Stan Lynde (Artolgy)

Suzanne Valadon (Artology)

Thecla (Roman Catholic Church)

Walk the Plank Day (Pastafarian)

Wesley Chu (Writerism)

Xanthippe and Polyxena (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [39 of 53]

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [45 of 60]

Premieres

Abraxas, by Carlos Santana (Album; 1970)

Aja, by Steely Dan (Album; 1977)

Arsenic and Old Lace (Film; 1944)

Baa Baa Black Sheep (TV Series; 1976)

The Blacklist (TV Series; 2013)

Blonde (Film; 2022)

Brave Little Tailor (Disney Cartoon; 1938)

Bridges to Babylon, by The Rolling Stones (Album; 1997)

Bunker Hill Bunny (WB MM Cartoon; 1950)

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Film; 1969)

Capture the Saint, by Burt Barer (Novel; 1997) [Saint #52]

Corpse Bride (Animated Film; 2005)

The Count of Monte Cristo (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1973)

Crazy House (Andy Panda Cartoon; 1940)

Daffy’s in Trouble (WB LT Cartoon; 1961)

Difficult Loves, by Italo Calvino (Novel; 1970)

Dolphin Tale (Film; 2011)

Educating Rita (Film; 1983)

Enola Holmes (Film; 2020)

Girls with Balls (Film; 2018)

The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt (Novel; 2013)

Goofy Gymnastics (Disney Cartoon; 1949)

The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Film; 2022)

Heroes, by David Bowie (Song; 1977)

Highway Hecklers (Chilly WIlly Cartoon; 1968)

I’ve Got to Sing a Torch Song (WB MM Cartoon; 1933)

JAG (TV Series; 1995)

Jeepers Creepers (WB LT Cartoon; 1939)

The Jetsons (Animated TV Series; 1962)

Light of the Midnight Fun (WB MM Cartoon; 1939)

Mad About You (TV Series; 1992)

Moneyball (Film; 2011)

Modern Family (TV Series; 2009)

Mom (TV Series; 2013)

Mutiny Ain’t Nice (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1938)

NCIS (TV Series; 2003)

Night of the Living Duck (WB LT Cartoon; 1988)

North, by Elvis Costello (Album; 2003)

The Nylon Curtain, by Billy Joel (Album; 1982)

One Tree Hill (TV Series; 2003)

Only When I Laugh (Film; 1981)

Oo-oo Birds of a Feather (George of the Jungle Cartoon; 1967) [#3]

Parallel Lines, by Blondie (Album; 1978)

People Are Strange, by The Doors (Song; 1967)

Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux (Novel; 1909)

Pink Pull (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1978)

Pink Suds (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1978)

The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran (Prose Poetry; 1923)

Rodent to Stardom (WB LT Cartoon; 1967)

Round Trip to Mars (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1957)

Scooby-Doo! And the Goblin King (WB Animated Film; 2008)

The Shawshank Redemption (Film; 1994)

Sicque! Sicque! Sicque! (The Inspector Cartoon; 1966)

Sky Scrapper (Ub Iwerks Disney Cartoon; 1928)

Sledge Hammer! (TV Series; 1987)

Slouching Towards Bethlehem, by Joan Didion (Essays; 1968)

Storks (Animated Film; 2016)

Up a Tree (Disney Cartoon; 1955)

The Veldt, by Ray Bradbury (Short Story; 1950)

When I Was Cruel, by Elvis Costello (Album; 2002)

Whose Line Is It Anyway? (UK Improv Series; 1988)

Wild Ralph Hiccup (Super Chicken Cartoon; 1967) [#3]

The Wolf’s Side of the Story (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1938)

Today’s Name Days

Gerhild, Helene, Linus, Thekla (Austria)

Elizabeta, Lino, Pijo, Tekla, Zaharija (Croatia)

Berta (Czech Republic)

Linus (Denmark)

Diana, Dolores, Tekla (Estonia)

Mielikki, Miisa, Minja (Finland)

Constant, Faustine (France)

Linus, Gerhild, Thekla (Germany)

Iris, Polixeni, Rais, Xanthippe, Xanthippi (Greece)

Tekla (Hungary)

Lino, Pio, Rebecca (Italy)

Ivanda, Omula, Vanda, Veneranda (Latvia)

Galintas, Galintė, Linas, Teklė (Lithuania)

Snefrid, Snorre (Norway)

Boguchwała, Bogusław, Libert, Minodora, Tekla (Poland)

Zdenka (Slovakia)

Constancio, Lino, Pío, Tecla (Spain)

Tea, Tekla (Sweden)

Autumn, Linnet, Linnette, Lynette, Lynn, Lynne (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 267 of 2024; 99 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 1 of Week 39 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Muin (Vine) [Day 23 of 28]

Chinese: Month 8 (Guy-You), Day 21 (Geng-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 20 Elul 5784

Islamic: 19 Rabi I 1446

J Cal: 27 Gold; Sixday [27 of 30]

Julian: 10 September 2024

Moon: 61%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 15 Shakespeare (10th Month) [Almarcon]

Runic Half Month: Gyfu (Gift) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 2 of 90)

Week: 4th Full Week of September

Zodiac: Libra (Day 1 of 30)

Calendar Changes

Libra (Balance) begins [Zodiac Sign 7; thru 10.22]

[iamswapnendubiswas]

Sea- The peace , The serenity & The sunsets

We all have been asked a question since childhood , what do you like ? Beach or mountain ? I was also no different, I also have been asked numerous times - beach or mountain? My answer was always consistent - A Beach , the beautiful sunrise and the peaceful sunset .

I hail from the city of joy , Kolkata and I am a proud Bengali . I am brought up in Kolkata , so I had to travel either to a place named “digha” in West Bengal or “Puri” in Orissa to enjoy sea beaches . These two beaches are basically closest to Kolkata .

Since childhood, I have been there multiple times, but somehow my heart was looking for something else . My heart was looking for calmness that the sound of the wave brings when it touches the land .

I was merely 14 years old when my father told me that we are going to Andaman & Nicobar to have a holiday . I was excited for two reasons . One reason is clear to all of you but the second reason was , I was boarding flight for first time in my life . Though my father has already travelled by air , but this was first time for my mother as well . It was a 5 am flight and I clearly don’t remember the month of travelling . We were all excited and giggling when we put our first foot on the flight . Being the only child, it was pretty easy for me to get the window seat. I remember it was an air India flight and we enjoyed our journey throughout. But , I felt the real excitement when I saw the scattered islands from airplane and I was mesmerised by the beauty of nature earth . We had an amazing trip there for 7 days and my eyes were full of tears when we took the return flight .

Since then , I have travelled many sea beaches . I found different experience in every single sea beach . Some beaches are full of crowd where people are enjoying with family & friends and some beaches are calm where lovers are holding hands and walking around to experience the love with the calmness of the nature .

The picture you see above is taken by my wife , is in Morjim beach , Goa . I have been in Goa multiple times like every party lover. But sitting in a shack and looking at the sea from morning to late evening in Morjim beach , there is no other place in the world where people can find more peace . The beach is calm , less crowded and safe to take a dip in the water . I have been there multiple times and I have never got bored , I can still close my eyes and visualise the sunset. I wish , I can go there many more times , roam around on the beach , eat coconuts , sea foods and lots of beer. Few events in your life stay with you forever, and travelling to Morjim beach is one of them. If you never travelled there, you should definitely go there.

With this thought , Signing off today .

Take care .

[bobmccullochny]

History

New Year's Day - The most celebrated holiday around the world.

January 1, 1502 - Portuguese explorers landed at Guanabara Bay on the coast of South America and named it Rio de Janeiro (River of January). Rio de Janeiro is currently Brazil's second largest city.

January 1, 1660 - Samuel Pepys began his famous diary in which he chronicled life in London including the Great Plague of 1664-65 and the Great Fire of 1666.

January 1, 1776 - During the American Revolution, George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag, the first national flag in America.

January 1, 1801 - Ireland was added to Great Britain by an Act of Union thus creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

January 1, 1863 - The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in the states rebelling against the Union.

January 1, 1877 - Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India.

January 1, 1892 - Ellis Island in New York Harbor opened. Over 20 million new arrivals to America were processed until its closing in 1954.

January 1, 1901 - The Commonwealth of Australia was founded as six former British colonies became six states with Edmund Barton as the first prime minister.

January 1, 1915 - During World War I, the British Battleship Formidable was hit by a torpedo in the English Channel, killing 547 crewmen.

January 1, 1942 - Twenty six countries signed the Declaration of the United Nations, in Washington, D.C., reaffirming their opposition to the Axis powers and confirming that no single nation would make a separate peace.

January 1, 1958 - The EEC (European Economic Community) known as the Common Market was formed by Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands in order to remove trade barriers and coordinate trade policies.

January 1, 1959 - Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba after leading a revolution that drove out Dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro then established a Communist dictatorship.

January 1, 1973 - Britain, Ireland and Denmark became members of the Common Market (EEC).

January 1, 1975 - During the Watergate scandal, former top aides to President Nixon including former Attorney General John Mitchell, Domestic Affairs Advisor John Ehrlichman and Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, were found guilty of obstruction of justice.

January 1, 1979 - China and the U.S. established diplomatic relations, 30 years after the foundation of the People's Republic.

January 1, 1993 - Czechoslovakia broke into separate Czech and Slovak republics.

January 1, 1999 - Eleven European nations began using a new single European currency, the Euro, for electronic financial and business transactions. Participating countries included; Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Birthday - American Patriot Paul Revere (1735-1818) was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Best known for his ride on the night of April 18, 1775, warning Americans of British plans to raid Lexington and Concord.

Birthday - Betsy Ross (1752-1836) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a seamstress credited with helping to originate and sew the Stars and Stripes flag of America in 1776.

[elxgantcaptain]

Headcanons on Hook's London Home/education

After studying a lot of maps from London in the 1500s, 1600s and 1700s I've roughly decided on where it was in London that Hook lived with his father and where he was sent to school.

All under the cut! Feel free to ask questions about it too uwu

HOME

In the 1600s through to the 1700s, the west of London was mostly for the aristocracy and nobility, basically, the rich. As I HC Hook's father to be the leader of a merchant ship and part of the East India Trading Company, it would make sense for them to live somewhere in this location.

They would have possibly lived close to the Strand, which was an important location for merchants and tradesmen, as it was the source of their offices etc.

Now you have to know that London back then was much smaller than it is now, in fact, a lot of the west of London was newly built as the wealthy began to pour back in from the countryside estates after fleeing the civil war conflict.

Below is a map of London in the 1700s, the red circle indicates roughly where Hook and his father would have lived. As you can see, the suburbs and the surrounding countryside is bigger. I've also attached a modern day map of the zoomed in area, where you can see the Strand by Covent Garden. The home would have roughly been around Mayfair and St James's park.

Hook would have been born in 1652, when a lot of these buildings were still being built, but being the wealthy man his father is, he would have secured and moved into one of the newer houses even as more were being built.

When it comes to the house itself, tutor houses were often built out of wood, however, the new estates and the rich could afford stone and brick and to even add extensions onto properties.

So I imagine it looking like a cross between these two images. They would have had servants galore and only a small garden.

EDUCATION

Its stated all over wikis and is apparently general knowledge that Hook gained education at a place called Eton College.

Now, Eton College IS real, though it exists way out of the main city of London and all the way near Windsor. (Shown below) In these times, boys as young as 5 could be sent to the college here to study.

Though with Hook, I HC him to have been tutored mostly at home in the earlier years and after the age of 5, he'd be sent to a more local school for boys (often hosted by a church) until his father managed to secure his place in the college.

From this point on, young James would have been sent away to study at the college for months on end, like a boarding school and came home during the holidays or to be educated further on taking over his father's business.

By the time he's 12 his pleas on travelling on the sea on one of his father's ships comes true, but only with the condition that he sail for no more than a year and then return to England, where his future would await him.

James never returned. He never took over his father's business or saw England as he had seen it ever again.

If he had returned after the year, he would have found his father had betrothed him to a wealthy business partner's daughter and that the business and all its assets would be passed on to him.