Weekend

Manhattan is not only the financial and commercial capital of the United States, but also a cultural center of the World. Home to Wall Street, New York Stock Exchange, Universities, Media Houses and Museums, Manhattan attracts people from all over the World for employment as well as entertainment. Manhattan is one of the world’s most densely populated areas and boasts of one of the highest per capital income as well. The Manhattan experience is an assualt on the senses,  memories of which will last a lifetime.

Introducing Jaladhama, Talakadu

Jaladhama is an Island near the ancient town of Talakadu in Karnataka. Located on the back waters of Madhavamantri Dam, Jaladhama is a good weekend getaway from Bangalore. The Island is actually a holiday resort set amidst the River Cauvery. The Water Sports facility at Jaladhama adds to the fun. If your idea of a weekend getaway is a tranquil environment, leisure boating, swimming and a close encounter with nature, Jaladhama would be just fine for you.

Introduction to Nileshwaram, Kerala

Nileshwaram is a quaint town in Kasargod area of Kerala. The best part about Nileshwaram is that it is not crowded with tourists and hence makes it a lovely weekend getaway from Mangalore. Nileshwaram is a cultural capital of sorts of the Kasargod region. Several temple festivals, art and dance forms are popular here. Theyyam is a popular ritual of worship here, in practice for the last thousand years! My favorites in Nileshwaram are the Kavuus or sacred grooves, old market and the weaver street.

Read more: Nileshwaram, Kerala

Introducing Bhandardhara

Bhandardhara is a very scenic and beautiful weekend getaway from Mumbai. Located 185 Kms away from Mumbai, Bhandardhara is an ideal holiday offering scenic mountain views, gushing waterfalls, a magnificent lake, the largest earthen dam of India and lush green forests. You can stay in a lovely cottage by the Arthur Lake and visit the numerous water falls as well as the origin of Pravara River.

Read more: Bhandardhara

An Introduction

The Vishweshwariah Industrial and Technological Museum in Bangalore is a fascinating place to spend a day. Dedicated to Science and Technology, the Vishweshwariah Museum’s appeal cuts across all ages. What is interesting is that the Museum covers the history behind all major technological inventions from the teeny weeny Zipper to Jet Engines with simple and lucid explanations. In fact, most exhibits have a live demonstration to explain the concept. I found the Star Show where you need to crawl into the dome, most exciting! Considering the interactive nature of this museum, I would say it’s more of a science center that is doing a great job of creating awareness and building a scientific temper in the country.

Read more: Vishweshwariah Museum, Bangalore

An Introduction

Murud Janjira the majestic sounding fort is the only unconquered fort on the western coastline of India. What makes this Fort remarkable is that it is actually 3 kms away from the coast on the Arabian Sea. To top it all, the Island Fort built on the saline Sea water has fresh water wells for the thirsty traveller. The beach at Murud is lovely and one of the very best on the Maharashtra Coastline.

Read more: Murud Janjira, Mumbai weekend getaway

An Introduction

Innovative Film City is a novel concept in the Indian theme park landscape. It has a good collage of different themes to appeal to both grown-ups and kids all in one place for a day long outing. The “Ripley’s Believe it or not” is a museum with a difference. Other interesting sections are the Fashion Café, Wild Wild West and Miniature City. Kids would love the Cartoon City, Water rides and certainly the Wannado City which is a role play based theme park. In summary, if you have a day to kill and are in and around Bangaore, Innovative Film City is not a bad idea to make a visit with family and friends.

An Introduction

Bronx Zoo is the largest Metropolitan zoo in the World. Located inside Bronx Park, in New York City, Bronx Zoo is very picturesque with the Bronx River meandering through its heart.  The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 4000 animals many from endangered species across the world. The key zones within the Bronx Zoo are World of Reptiles, Birds, African Plains and Wild Asia.  The education department of the Bronx Zoo conducts engaging animal interaction programs aimed at improving our understanding of wild life. The Zoo is also famous for some less serious programs like naming of Cockroaches!

An Introduction

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is today’s version of the 19th century Kansas Family Farm. It is a petting zoo with more than 200 animals. Children would love activities like feeding baby goats, milking a cow in a dairy barn and taking horse wagon rides. As for the adults, the replica of a Red Indian Village of Kanza tribe is quite enchanting. What I and my kid loved the most here was the baby goat naming contest!