The Old 7 Wonders Of The World

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza

Of all the ancient seven wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the one and only wonder that has survived to stand tall through thick and thin. Constructed between the period of 2584 BC & 2561 BC, it is the largest of all three pyramids with a base of about 230.4 meters, and a height of 146.5 meters.
Egypt


Best Time To Visit: September to April
Location: Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Nearby Attractions: Great Sphinx of Giza, Giza Plateau, Grand Egyptian Museum, and more.
Other Things To Do In Giza: Sightseeing, sound and light show in Giza, camel safari, quad biking, horseback riding, and more.


2. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Considered to be one of the architectural masterpieces in the list of 7 wonders of the world, only the ruins remain of the great Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which was destroyed by calefaction and floods. Located right in the heart of Turkey, the temple was unearthed again in 1869 in the city of Izmir and was recognized as the World Heritage Site in the year of 2014.
Turkey
Best Time To Visit: April to May and from September to mid-November
Location: Atatürk Mahallesi, Dr. Sabri Yayla Blv., İzmir, Turkey
Nearby Attractions: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and more.
Other Things To Do In Turkey: Explore the thermal spa terraces at Pamukkale, shopping at Grand Bazaar, explore the Spice Bazaar, and more.


3. Hanging Gardens of Babylon


Though the ruins of Babylon are established in the city of Al-Hillah in Iraq currently, the existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon remains as mysterious as ever. It is believed that around 600 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar built the Hanging Gardens for his wife Amytis which did not really hang. However, this ancient wonder remains open to the speculations of historians who often find themselves blank due to the lack of evidence of any kind in the Babylonian history.
Iraq
Best Time To Visit: October to November
Location: Al-Hillah, Iraq
Nearby Attractions: Sami Abdulrahman Park, Citadel of Arbil, Erbil-Kurdistan, and more.
Other Things To Do In Iraq: Shopping in Family Mall, explore the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, visit the Amna Suraka in Sulaymaniyah, and more.

4. The Lighthouse of Alexandria

Much famed to be the pride of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was built between 280 and 247 BC. At a height of about 450 ft. tall, the lighthouse remained the tallest architectural marvel in the world for a very long time until it was completely shattered by earthquakes in between 956 AD and 1323 AD.
Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt

Best Time To Visit: March to April and late September to early November
Location: Pharos, Alexandria, Egypt
Nearby Attractions: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Montazah Palace Gardens, Fort Qaitbey, and more.
Other Things To Do In Alexandria: Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, visit Pompey’s Pillar, enjoy a heritage tour in Alexandria, and more


5. Statue of Zeus at Olympia


Dedicated to the famous Greek God of Zeus, the Statue of Zeus is located in the heart of Olympia that is set on the western coast of Greece and is famous for the Olympic Games. A massive statue that once stood tall at a height of 42 ft., was completely sculpted in wood first and later, was later covered with ivory and gold panels. Destroyed in an unfortunate fire during the 5th Century AD, the statue took about 12 years to be perfected by Phidias, the sculptor.
Greece
Best Time To Visit: Mid-April to mid-June or September to mid-October
Location: Olympia, Greece
Nearby Attractions: Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Temple of Hera, Philippeion, and more.
Other Things To Do In Olympia: Explore Ancient Olympia, visit Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, and more.

6. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus


A tomb built for Mausolus, the ruler of Caria and a Persian Governor, it took four Greek sculptors to perfect Mausoleum at Halicarnassus to a height of 45 meters between 353 BC & 350 BC. Being one of the 7 wonders of the world which survived to a great extent, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was eventually shattered by a successive series of earthquakes.
Turkey
Best Time To Visit: April to May and October to November
Location: Tepecik Mahallesi, Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey
Nearby Attractions: Kaunos Beach, Bodrum Castle, Tlos, Marmaris Castle, and more.
Other Things To Do In Mugla: Paragliding in Babadag, explore the beaches of Seder Island, camping in Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, and more.

7. Colossus of Rhodes

Remember the giant statue in Game of Thrones? Well it does not come as a surprise to know that the inspiration was taken from the famous Colossus of Rhodes. Signifying the victory over Antigonus I Monophthalmus – the ruler of Cyprus, Colossus of Rhodes, the statue of Greek God of Sun, was constructed in 280 BC and was destroyed to ruins post 54 years in an earthquake.
Greece
Best Time To Visit: April to May and October to November
Location: Rhodes, Greece
Nearby Attractions: Kastello, Acropolis of Rhodes, Tsambika Beach, Filerimos, and more.
Other Things To Do In Rhodes: Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Prasonisi, explore the Valley of Butterflies, enjoy snorkeling at Antony Quinn Bay, and more.


Top 12 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations In India

Top 12 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations In India

  1. Goa
  2. Andaman
  3. Kerala
  4. Jammu and Kashmir
  5. The Golden Triangle
  6. Rajasthan
  7. Uttarakhand
  8. Kodaikanal and Ooty
  9. Shillong
  10. Rishikesh
  11. McLeodganj
  12. Haflong



1. Goa

Goa has always been among the top most romantic honeymoon destinations for couples in India. The different beach, the fenny, the seafood, the cool crowd that does not care what you are doing is all that is perfect for a newly married couple.
You can stay at an expensive resort or at a humbler hotel. You will spend most of your time in the shacks. You will love taking the romantic walks along the beach and going for the paragliding rides by the beach.
Goa has a wonderful nightlife so you can booze and dance all night and get a wonderfully relaxing spa treatment the next morning. Goa is the perfect place to go have fun and recharge for the hard work of setting up a new life together.

2. Andaman

Another beautiful yet peaceful place, for you, is Andaman. The cost will be higher, and more importantly, you will need a longer holiday. If you can manage that, you must visit Andaman. You get to go snorkelling and have candlelit dinners right on the beach. You get to see islands like Havelock and walk on the beach as long as you want.
Diving and snorkeling together will give you access to a whole new world together. Go watch the sunset at the Sunset Point on the western beach. You can go to different Islands and explore through Cruise. Andaman is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many young people. You hardly ever get the time to explore the Andaman Islands as a working-class adult. So when you get this chance, don’t miss it.

3. Kerala

Kerala is not only one of the best honeymoon places in India, but it is also one of the natural places in India.. And there is so much to explore! The backwaters, the hills, the waterfalls, the Western Ghats, and the unique beaches of Kerala will make you want to spend weeks there.
Explore the beauty of Alleppey, Kovalam, Kumarakom, and Kollam together. Take a houseboat to cruise through the backwaters. You can stay on the houseboats too for a unique experience explore the Ayurvedic spa treatments, Kovalam is famous for. You will return with at least a year of fuel to continue with the monotonous work life. The beauty of your honeymoon destination will make sure you have the right start to your married life, no matter whether you have known your partner for years or just a few months.

4. Jammu and Kashmir

Everybody wants to go to Jammu and Kashmir but it is not an easy trip to plan. You need to be sure that the political scenario there is at peace for the time being. a honeymoon is the best possible time to go on a Kashmir trip.
The snow, the rugged mountains at the distance and the green valleys around you will make you both fall in love all over again. If you go during the summer you will see the waterfalls and you will enjoy a cool day and cosy in at night. Dal Lake is perfect for professional quality honeymoon shots. There is a lot to say about Kashmir. Why don’t you explore from a catalogue for yourself? Trust me, you will get hooked. Don’t forget the Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg.

5. The Golden Triangle

The Delhi-Agra-Jaipur is the oldest tourist plan for Indians. If you are conventional, or simply want to go to these three places, take this trip for your honeymoon. Take some amazing couple pictures in front of the Taj Mahal for your honeymoon album because your love is definitely better than Shah Jahan’s.
Explore the markets of Delhi and shop like crazy. The prices are low. If you can bargain, you might be coming back with 3 extra travel bags all full of things you will need and not need at home and things you want to gift to your dear ones.
If you are going to Jaipur you will feel like exploring all of Rajasthan. But that is not possible on a single trip. Unless of course you are on a wanderlust experience with your partner and you don’t care if it takes you a month.

6. Rajasthan

Talking about Rajasthan, it is one of the best honeymoon destinations in India because of the wide range of options it allows. There are so many cities to explore, so many cuisines to try, and so many traditional outfits to dress up in for a honeymoon photo album.
The royal life and the historical facts of the beautiful forts can give you a different kind of experience. You can take a ride on Camelsor explore the villages and get to know the culture of the people. Rajasthan is rich with its cultural artwork. You will definitely want to carry back many souvenirs from the place.

7. Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is called “the Switzerland of India” for a reason. The beautiful blue lakes of Nainital, the Himalayas from Dehradun, the ski resort at Auli, all add to the fun activities you can do and romantic days you can spend with your partner. You will forget that you are in India. Uttarakhand is a perfect getaway.
Don’t miss the famous Corbett National Park. Nainital, Mussourrie, and Kaushani are some of the places you must visit. You can go river rafting, skiing, and trekking or mountaineering if you are the aggressive activity loving couple or you can stay in the cities, going on walks and boat rides in the lakes if you are the quieter, romantic kind. My suggestion would be to do both! Uttarakhand will offer the best situations to push your limits with your partner.

8. Kodaikanal and Ooty

These hill stations in Tamil Nadu are to die for. The lush green hills look like something straight out of a picture. Ooty is called the “Queen of hill stations” and you will know why, once you get there. You get to take a Nilgiri toy train ride, visit the Bandipur sanctuary, and see the Emerald Lake and Avalanche Lake. Don’t forget to explore the Pykara Falls and the Pykara Dam, or the Pine Forests. You will simply love Ooty.
If Ooty is the “Queen of hill stations”, Kodaikanal is the “Princess”. The Kodai Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk, Silver Cascade, and Byrant Park are the important places to visit.

9. Shillong

The Northeast Indian states offer some great Honeymoon places in India. Shillong is one of them. It is called the “Scotland of the East”. The colonial charm is intact.
The roads and the people are all peaceful and the city is perfect for a romantic getaway. The lakes, waterfalls, and meandering roads in the valleys of Shillong will make both of you want to get a little out there.

10. Rishikesh

If you are the health freak couple that does not understand the point in wasting your days away in a hotel room, Rishikesh is the place for you. River rafting, power yoga, Rishikesh is known for all this. Apart from that, it is a very beautiful place. The active couple in you might just want to take a moment for a lousy stroll while the romantic peaceful couple might as well want to embark on an adventure. A Rishikesh trip will change you.

11. McLeodganj

It all sounds so similar, a beautiful hill station, perfect for both, romance and fun activities. But McLeodganj is unique. You can take a look at the pictures and you will realise that this place is nothing like the others but you can do everything you want from just lazing away eating and drinking and jaywalking, as well as going on trekking and camping trips.

12. Haflong

Haflong is Assam’s lone hill station for tourists. This eastern beauty has the typical charm of Northeast’s serene atmosphere and calm ambiance. This is the perfect place for couples who love nature and open space with foggy weather, This is the perfect honeymoon destination for nature lovers.

So, these honeymoon destinations suit couples of all tastes, as well as a honeymoon package to these destinations, can be given as wedding gifts for the newlywed couple. You want an active holiday, you got it. You want to spend the entire holiday in your bedroom, looking at a beautiful scenery through the window, you got it. Happy honeymooning.

10 Most Haunted Places in India

10) The Savoy Hotel, Uttarakhand

The Savoy Hotel, Uttarakhand

The perfect plot and probably the most perfect haunted story. In 1911, a British spiritualist called  Frances Garnett-Orme was found dead at the Savoy in her room, which was locked from inside. Her ghost is said to haunt the Mussoorie property. People say you can hear her whisper at the lodge. The unresolved mystery of her death gave Agatha Christie her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). The legend of Garnett-Orme also inspired Ruskin Bond’s In A Crystal Ball – A Mussoorie Mystery (2003).


9) Dumas Beach, Gujarat


 Dumas Beach, Gujarat

Yes, Gujarat has a haunted beach. Popular for its black sand and silver waters, the beach in Surat, considered to be one of India’s most haunted places, is believed to have been used as a Hindu burial ground earlier and people say that spirits still lurk here at night. Tourists going missing post a midnight stroll and dogs howling and barking on the beach as a sign of warning are some of the common rumors you’ll hear about the place.

8) Ramoji Filmcity, Telangana 


8) Ramoji Filmcity, Telangana

This film studio-cum-amusement-park was apparently built on the former battlefields of the Nizams. It is believed that the ghost spirits of the deceased soldiers haunt the place even today. There are stories of mirrors being scribbled with strange Urdu words, loud knocking on bathroom doors with no one outside. Strangely, it is believed that the ghosts here attack women more often than men. The most popular story you will hear is one where, on a film shooting, the workers managing spotlights from high positions, fell down. It is said that they felt like they had been forcefully pushed.



7) Mukesh Mills, Maharashtra


Mukesh Mills, Maharashtra

Mumbai too has a contender for the most haunted places in India. Built in the 1870s, this mill in Mumbai’s Colaba area, was once a centre of bustling activity till it shut in 1982 owing to a strike. A few months later an unexplained fire broke out in the mill which left it in a dilapidated state. Post this, many television shows, commercials and movies have been shot here. There have been stories about actors refusing to shoot because of eerie feelings, lost goods and even possession.


6) Om Bana shrine, Rajasthan


Om Bana shrine, Rajasthan

Friendly, loyal ghost at this shrine. This temple in Pali, Rajasthan is dedicated to a bike— a  Bullet to be precise. Local banter suggests that on On 2 December 1991, Om Singh Rathore (also known as Om Banna) lost control of his motorcycle and hit a tree. While Om Banna died on the spot, his motorcycle fell into a nearby ditch. The morning after the accident, local police took the motorcycle to a nearby police station. The next day it was reported that the bike had disappeared from the station and was found back at the site of the accident. This is supposed to have happened several times despite the police emptying its fuel tank and putting it under lock and chain. To appreciate the miracle a temple was built on this site and the Bullet continues to be worshipped here.



5) Fernhill Hotel, Tamilnadu


 Fernhill Hotel, Tamilnadu

This Ooty getaway has a filmy connect. Built in 1844, this heritage property shot into the limelight when the Bollywood horror flick Raaz was shot here in 2002. The story goes that one night during the shoot, the choreographer and a few dancers couldn’t sleep because of the sound of furniture being moved around in the room above them. When they complained to the receptionist the next morning, they were shocked to find out that there was no floor above. They were heard saying that the hotel is one of the most haunted places in India they’ve ever been to. Publicity stunt? We’ll let you decide.

4) Agrasen Ki Bauli, New Delhi

Agrasen Ki Bauli, New Delhi

This 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well located on Delhi’s Hailey Road is believed to have been built by King Agrasen, during in the mid-14th century. Ghost enthusiasts believe that the intensity of unnatural vibrations increases around you as you step  down the 108 steep steps of the well. A strong eerie presence is supposed to have been felt by the visitors here and locals believe that the water has powers which entice people to jump into it and take their own lives.



3) Shaniwarwada, Pune


It is said that this home built in 1732 in the honour of Peshwa Bajirao I, saw several incidents of unrequited love, betrayal and treachery. In 1773, Narayanrao, the fifth ruling Peshwa then, was murdered on the orders of his uncle Raghunathrao and aunt Anandibai. People say that Narayanrao’s ghost can be heard screaming Kaka mala wachawa (Uncle save me). In February, 1828, a great fire started inside the palace complex and raged for seven days. The ghosts of people who lost their lives in this fire are also said to haunt the fortress today.


2) Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan


Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Just the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) sign forbidding visitors post sunset outside this 17th century fortress is enough to rank it high on the list of the most haunted places in India. There are a couple of local tales about the fortress that still live on. According to the first one, a hermit named Baba Balau Nath lived within the fort area and Emperor Madho Singh asked him for permission to build the city. The saint gave his approval on the condition that the shadow of the Emperor’s palace should never fall on his retreat. Failing this, the city would crumble into ruins—and so it did. The second story revolves around love and enchantment. A wizard fell in love with Ratnavati, the beautiful princess of Bhangarh. One day when the princess was buying Ittar (scent) at the bazaar, the wizard replaced the scent with a love potion so that she would take a liking to him. However, the princess saw through the wizard’s trickery and threw the potion onto a big boulder nearby. As a result, the boulder started rolling down towards the wizard and crushed him. Before he died, he cursed that Bhangarh would be destroyed. People claim to have heard screams emerge from within the fort and believe that anyone who visits post-sundown doesn’t live to tell the tale.


1) Kuldhara, Rajasthan 



A Rajasthan tourism advertisement, a few years ago created quite a stir as it saw ‘haunted tourism’ come to the fore with the promotion of Kuldhara. Up until then, this spooky town—20 km to the west of Jaisalmer—known to be one of the most haunted places in India, wasn’t so hot on tourist itineraries. Legend says that the prosperous village inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmin community was abandoned overnight. Prime Minister of Jaisalmer State, Salim Singh had his eyes set on the village chief’s daughter. When the chief opposed this match, the minister threatened to levy huge taxes on them. Not wanting to compromise their honor and in a bid to escape the minister’s wrath, the entire village packed their bags and disappeared. No one saw them leave or knew their whereabouts later. Today, the town remains abandoned. While the gates to Kuldhara are shut post-sundown, tourists can visit during the day.

Which products are rejected by FSSAI?




BrandNumber of Rejected ProductsList of Rejected Products
Tata Starbucks32Panna Cotta Pudding, Dark Caramel Sauce with Natural Flavour, Coffee Frappuccino Flavoured Syrup, Vanilla Flavoured Syrup, Hazelnut Flavoured Syrup, Raspberry Blackcurrant Juice, Honey Vanilla Flavoured Sauce, Mango passion Fruit Juice Blend, Bar Mocha Powder, Tiramisu Sauce etc
Forever Living Imports8Forever Vision, Forever Kids, Forever Pro-6 etc
Amway India5Nutrilite Cal Mag-D, Nutrilite Bio C, Nutrilite Iron Folic Tablets, Nutrilite Natural B Tablets etc
Herba life2Food Supplement – Nite works, Formula 2 Multivitamin, Mineral & Herbal Tablets, Herbal Calcium Tablets etc
Field Fresh Foods (Del Monte)3Egg mayonnaise/ Salad dressing variants, Hot Sauce ( Proprietary Food), Natural vinegar
Bausch and Lomb Eyecare1Ocuvite Soft gels
Biocon Limited2Bromelain, Trypchym
Biomax Network1Colostrum Protein Product( Receptol)
Dukes Consumer Care1Chocolate Made Using Vegetable fat ( 5 Products)
Ferrero India1Proprietary product Milky and Cocoa Spreads with cereals and milk chocolate
General Mills India (Pillsbury, Betty Crocker)1Choco Lava Cake
Girnar Food and Beverages1Kesavi Dry Fruit Masala Milk Premix
Goodrich Car bohydrate2Goodrich Cheez delite, Cooking Delite
Kellogg’s India1Kellogg’s Special K-Red Berries
Oriflame India3Wellness Multivitamin & Minerial women Tablets, Swedish Beauty Complex, Wellness Swedish Beauty Complex Plus
Ranbaxy Laboratories2Revital Capsule, Revital Senior tablets, revital Women Tablets, Revital Tablet
McCain Foods India1Battered Pepper and Cheese Bites
Venky’s2Chicken Arabic Style Kofta, Crispy Chicken Burger Patty

Products Are Banned Abroad But Not In India

1. Lifebuoy Soap

These soaps are considered bad for the skin, and are apparently only used to clean certain animals abroad. It is openly sold in India as a regular soap for humans however.


2. Red Bull

Red Bull was banned in France and Denmark, and remains banned in Lithuania for people under 18 years of age. The energy drink can lead to heart problems, depression, hypertension and convulsions, though I personally don't mind one every now and then.


3. Disprin

India sees the sale of a lot of medically and legally dubious drugs, and most of us lap them up. This includes the common Disprin, which is our reply to almost any office or home ailment.


4. Pesticides

There are more than 60 harmful pesticides banned in other countries but not in India. These chemicals come into our plants and can lead to several health problems later in life.


5. Unpasteurised Milk

Due to the presence of harmful microbes and germs in unpasteurised milk, it is banned in almost all of the USA and Canada. While this stuff can make you seriously ill, it is easily available in the motherland.

6. Jelly Sweets

These little candies were recalled and are now not imported into USA, Canada and Australia. They pose a choking hazard, and there have been several reported cases of children choking on them. They're widely available here though.


7. Samosas

Samosas are banned in Somalia, all thanks to the Jihadist terrorist group Al-Shabaab. These samosa haters enforced the ban in the areas they control by claiming the food was "too Christian". Al-Qaeda would be so disappointed.

8. Kinder Chocolate

The Kinder surprise, which you might have noticed in a little colourful egg case, is banned in America. The toy that comes with the candy inside is deemed a choking hazard. You can also use this argument as leverage in your "India is better than America" debate.

9. Tata Nano

Our beloved low price vehicle failed the independent crash test conducted by Gobal NCAP. This basically means that occupants of the car would be at risk of life threatening injuries. They banned it in other countries, but not here.


10. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800

Another one that failed a whole string of safety tests and guidelines, this car is also banned in several other countries, but is pretty popular here.

11. D-Cold Total

Another medicine that's hugely popular here but banned abroad, D-Cold can apparently lead to kidney problems. Rather a cold and flu than that!

12. Nimulid

The common pain killer is actually banned in USA, Australia, Canada Britain and a host of other countries. The ban was because it had severe health hazards for the liver, and had some very scary side effects. It's available here though.