The icey water from the Niagara Falls was gushing at us at such a mind blowing thrust that we went again and again to the Hurricane Deck just to get drenched on top of our raincoats and experience what it is like to feel the wildest pitter patter onto you. With rainbows smiling on our back I quietly said to myself “I have heard it zillion times on why the Canadian Side is better but here I just had a full blown affair with the fall” . I loved it there and I love it here, but here, just a little more. May be I should try zip lining in Canada to be able to make a final choice :)




“On the America’s side of falls you get to feel the Niagara whereas in Canada's you get to enjoy the vistas more”. On the American side you can walk by the Niagara River and see it fall as two waterfalls (Bridal Veil and American Falls) right next to you and Horseshoe falls from the observation deck. So, the two falls are there and its falling and then you wonder how it would look from the front for a selfie worthy picture and thats when you land in Canada and then you get to see the humongous Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil and American Falls right from the pedestrian walk itself from the streets.

"The Bridal Veil is the smallest falls among the three waterfalls, that together known as the great Niagara Falls. The Bridal Veil Falls is in the US side located right to the American Falls separated by Luna Island. The Goat Island in the Canadian side separates it from Horseshoe Falls. The waterfall looks like a 'Bridal Veil' and thus the name Bridal Veil Falls. The Bridal Veil Falls is also known as Luna Falls and Iris Falls. The height of Bridal Veil Falls is 181 ft. "

The difference is, 5 years back when I had visited Canada on invitation of Canada Tourism to Niagara and places around Niagara, it stunned me on how marvelous it looked but where I came here to American side with my friends, I realized Oh boy! I love falls to be with me and when I was under the falls, it was freaking crazy pants! And thats why I loved the American Niagara Experience.



Since I have visited both, for me the choice is debatable. As a tourist, I would advice doing both ( not missing one! ) and here are a few reasons on why:

1. The US side of Falls fall under the Niagara Falls State Park in Buffalo region and it has an entrance to it whereas the roar of the Horseshoe bend can be heard and seen loud and misty on the Canadian Side on a mile long pedestrian walk from the city itself.
2. Both Sides have boat tour (American Side Boat Ride called Maid of the Mist and Canadian Side Boat Ride is called Hornblower cruises) that takes you to both American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls(American side of falls) and Horseshoe Bend(Canada’s Falls). The ponchos are given on site and you can wear them. Be careful with your camera when very near to Horseshoe Bend - the mist and water falls on your ponchos and everywhere.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Blue raincoats from the US sideRed raincoats from Canadian Side
3. On the American Side of Niagara Falls, you have Niagara Falls Discovery Pass which costs about $45 and gives entry to Maid of the Mist, Observation Deck, Cave of the Winds, Adventure Theatre, Trolley, Aquarium of the Niagara, Discovery Center and Hiking Trails. We did not got the pass, we got individual tickets for Maid of the Mist that includes Observation Deck($18) and Cave of the Winds because we did not have time to explore the rest of the activities. But if you have a full day and you arrive early, feel fry to get the Discovery Pass. On the Canadian side, you have Niagara Adventure Pass which costs about $57 that includes Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, White Water Walk, Two days WEGO access and some coupons. You also have $90 pass which includes more activities including Whirlpool Aero Car.
   Helicopter ride over Niagara is a great way to see the falls!Did it 5 years back.
   
   
4. When it comes to tourists , both sides are touristy. US seems to be a little more commercialized when it comes to Banners and Shops in front of Niagara State Park whereas Canada has kept it little more open however the entrance to the Niagara Falls is pretty much crowded and commercialized. But once you get into the park, I liked the experience of the Niagara River plunging as a waterfall on to the US side where you can walk on the side walk ( in fact the view of Niagara from the US side is primarily side wise) whereas I like how Niagara on the Canadian side is just about the Niagara Falls and the town itself which has lots of activities to do.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Comparing Journey Behind The Falls on the Canadian Side to Cave of the Winds on the American Side. I liked Cave of the winds more, because you literally get to be under the falls on the Hurricane Deck of the Cave of the Winds. Cave of the winds is not cave by any means, it was once as I heard. Today there are build in decks / stairs / pathways to Niagara Falls which are reconstructed every summer.The Cave of the Winds, a wooden elevator takes visitors across the falls is a popular tourist attraction here. The Cave of the Winds was an old natural cave, which was closed due to rock fall in 1954. Now Cave of the Winds attracts diverse visitors to go close to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. Get to Luna Island or take 'Cave of the Winds' tours to experience the unmatched beauty of nature and the Bridal Veil.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The Experience called "Cave of the Winds" 
   
   
   Whereas on Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian Side, you can see the Fall gushing standing from the cave from a distance but not literally experiencing it touching you!  For me, it wasn't that interesting.
   
   The deck of Journey Behind The Falls(Photo from Shutterstock)
   
   
   
   Journey Behind the Falls (Photo from ShutterStock)
   
   
   
   
6. When it comes to Canada, Canada seems to have a little more activity than on the US’s side.The US side has observation deck, Maid of the mist, Cave of the winds, Aquarium, Trails, Helicopter rides , Spirit of the mist Native Dance Performance at Smoking Joes Native Center, Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, Jet boat tours etc ; Canadian side has Zip lining on the Niagara which had opened a year back along with White Water Walk, Hornblower Cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, Helicopter rides and Jet Boat Tours along with an access to WEGO pass which gives you access to hop on hop off bus in Niagara.
   White Water Walk Niagara from Canada (Photo from Shutterstock)
   The Niagara Parkway is a scenic drive running from Niagara-on-the-Lake, past Niagara Falls to Fort Erie, following the gorge which is also a great cycling route.You can take Whirlpool Jet Boat tours from Lewiston, NY on the US side which is 10 minutes from Niagara Falls and on 'Niagara on the lake' and 'Niagara Parkway' on the Canadian side.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   View of Niagara from Canada(one of the reason why people like Canadian Side more is because you can click better selfies here! and the view of the Horseshoe Falls is undoubtedly gorgeous..)
7. Both sides are illuminated during night. And on special occasions they have fireworks(like Memorial Day etc). So it makes sense to stay in the region during nights, so that one can quickly walk to the falls.
   
                                                         American Niagara Falls in USA(Photo from Shutterstock)
   
   
   Horseshoe Falls in Canada during night(Photo from Shutterstock)
   Night Light Illumination on Niagara(Photo from Shutterstock)
8. If you like Big towns more compared to Small Towns, Canadian side would definitely be your choice. With plenty of Casinos and Shops and Wax Museum and Niagara Sky wheel Ride, the town of Niagara itself offers a lot on the Canadian Side.You can get a “Clifton Hill Fun Pass” that has 6 attractions. 20 minutes away is the scenic town of Niagara on the lake. The bonus also is the next big city “Toronto” is not very far away - about an hour away and buses do go to Toronto from Niagara. Whereas on the US side, there are shops and the eateries for example , Twist O’ The Mist Ice Cream Shop and Third Pizza Bistro. Zaika also serves very good indian food. Buffalo is also famous for Buffalo Wings for example in Anchor Bar, Duff’s Wings. You also get good food on the Canadian side. A lot of people do take tours (take tours or viator) from New York. Its a drive of about 6-7 hours if you take your own car. So its a getaway from Big City "New York” as it is from big city “Toronto” except that Toronto is nearer.
   
   
   
   
   
9. During weekends or long weeks, its pretty crowded on both sides. We went on Memorial day long weekend and the queues for the maid of the mist were tolerable but for Cave of the Winds, the queue was so long that we had to wait for about 2 hours in the queue. The wait is totally worth it though. Also, you get free “shoes” to wear on Cave of the Winds that I so liked. Freebies makes one so happy :). Also there are lot of parking ramps in US side which costs about $20 a day where you can park your car.
10. Both sides have these banners where you can get your picture clicked( for example, there would a green screen and you stand in front of it and pose and then when the picture comes out, it is with the Niagara Falls in the background). The pictures are pretty good, but its still a hefty amount to pay which they tell you in the end and I generally avoid such touristy traps.
11. I stayed in Sheraton on the Canadian Side last time I visited it, and the view was absolute gorgeous. I could see Niagara 24*7 from my room itself and that is the luxury that staying on Canadian side can provide. I was part of the media on my last visit.
    
    
12. 1000 Islands: Located on the peaceful border between Canada and US, is 1000 islands. They have boat tours on the thousand islands and often it is included in the tour packages.
    Thousand Islands Aerial view in fall, from Skydeck on Hill Island, on the border of USA and Canada (Photo from Shutterstock)
13. Both towns have adjoining areas that allows plenty of fertile soil and warm air from the Niagara for Vineyards. While Niagara on Canadian Side has Niagara on the lake which is a pretty little town with horse carriages and famous for ice wine vineyards around the world; US has its own share of Finger Lakes region which I thoroughly enjoyed during Spring and has plenty of Vineyards and delicious Cuisines by the three lakes.
14. The Rainbow Bridge is the most direct route from Niagara Falls, New York, to Niagara Falls, Ontario. You can drive, walk or bike into Canada on this bridge, which also offers unprecedented views of the falls. Roughly five miles north is the Lewiston-Queenston bridge, which is a drive-only bridge. For visitors with a NEXUS trusted traveler card, you can take the Whirlpool Bridge, just two miles north of the Rainbow Bridge. All of the bridges require you to pay a toll. From the Canadian side to the US side, you can take the rainbow bridge. You can get a taxi to take you directly across or you can get a local bus or Falls Shuttle bus to take you close to the bridge if you choose to walk across. If traffic across the bridge is heavy, walking is much quicker.
    
15. Verdict: For Niagara, both countries keep adding activities and new stuff. My suggestion would be "take Visa of both the countries"!

Hyderabad is a place which exclusively emulates the age old grandeur and pomp of the Nawabs who once embellished the city. A capital city in Southern India, it is a fascinating place stationed on the Deccan plateau and the banks of the Musi River. Also recognised as the city of Pearls and Biryani city, Hyderabad has lots more to offer to its lovers and contenders than expected. The city's cultural and magnificent history is what appeals visitors the most, making it a favoured spot for holiday makers. The five-star hotels in Hyderabad assist in further making it a well-acquainted stop with travellers from all around the planet.



There is a myriad of five-star hotels near Hyderabad Airport which is heaven for travellers who lands in the city. A new bias that has evoked in the hospitality industry is exclusively that of Boutique Hotels. Some five-star hotels in Hyderabad are recognised for their trademark boutique services. The location makes it excessively comfortable for travellers who are in the place of a brief course, or it is just a breather. Hyderabad, with the prosperous heritage of the Nizam's, provides new levels of hospitality. While in the city, acknowledge its majesty and the culture in the lap of comfort offered by five-star hotels in the city.

The city of Hyderabad is known for its enticing and lip-smacking biryanis and also for still standing remains of the ancient era. Located in the soul of Hyderabad, the Charminar has exclusively become the most popular face. It is the most perceived monument in the whole of Andhra Pradesh. Entire Hyderabad has advanced into a class city around the Charminar. Here are few compelling facts about the Charminar; we bet you did not know these facts about it:

1. It Was Constructed To Flag The End Of The Invasion:

The Charminar has a number of religious implications, and it is universally accepted that it was constructed at the center of the city, to admire the elimination of plague, a destructive disease which was comprehensive at that time. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah had pleaded for the end of an invasion that was demolishing his city and promised to build a mosque in the very zone where he pleaded and prayed.

2. The Mosque Occupies The Top Floor Of The Masterpiece:

A mosque is stationed at the western point of the open roof. The remaining segment of the roof furnished as a court during the regime of Qutb Shahi. The authentic mosque occupies the top floor of the four-storied monument.

3. A Tunnel Lies Underground That Connects the Charminar To the Palace At Golconda:

There is also an underground tunnel exclusively connecting the Charminar to the Golconda Fort, probably designed as an escape path for the Qutb Shahi emperors in the case of a siege, though the position of the tunnel is not recognised.

4. The Clock Was Installed In 1889:

In 1889, the clock was computed on the four important directions. There is a water cistern, with a fountain for cleansing before offering prayer in the Charming.

5. Each Minaret Envelopes 149 Steps Which Takes Visitors to the Top Floor: 

All the minarets are adorned by a bulbous dome with elegant petal-like designs at the foundation. The Charminar's four crumpled minarets are exclusively constructed into the main structure, unlike the Taj Mahal. There are 149 convoluted steps to be at the top floor. The monument is also recognised for the arrangement of its balconies and balustrades.

6. Various Religions Co-Exist Calmly:

The Charminar is also an emblem of different faiths synchronizing at one point. The concourse of the environments of both the Mecca Masjid and the Bhagyalakshmi temple bring into the picture the religious and cultural harmony of the city.

Craving to visit Hyderabad? Yatra will assist you and advance you towards the most awaited trip of your life.

There are very few places in India which can bring us the joy of living in a metropolitan city while enjoying the beaches in our free time. Chennai is one of them!



The joy of dipping your feet in the cool water is quite incomparable and is easily one of the best stress busters known to man. Since it gets really hot during the summers in India, so the ideal time to visit the beaches in Chennai would be during the morning hours or evening hours. The rest of the day can be enjoyed by relaxing at various Hotels in Chennai.

Covelong Beach

Located 40 km from the city on the way to Mahabalipuram, Covelong Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches near Chennai. What was once a prominent port of the Nawabs of the Carnatic has fast become a mecca for Surfers from all around the world. The Surf and Music competition attracts surf enthusiasts, adventure seekers, music lovers and foodies annually. Dive Andamans conducts Scuba Diving on the reefs of East Coast with amazing corals and fish life. For seafood lovers, the road leading to the beach has many seafood restaurants including Bay View Point that serves scrumptious local food.

Marina Beach




Known as the longest natural beach in India and second longest beach in the world, this is a place that’s on every tourist’s itinerary. The Marina beach is abuzz with activities during the evening hours like kite flying or pony rides on the beach. Marina Beach is also famous for Pongal celebration in January and the Annual Chennai Marathon. Parthasarthi Temple, an 8th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple is also located near the beach. Various stalls of food items including murukku, sundal, ice-cream and other South-Indian snacks are located in its vicinity.  One can also enjoy great south Indian delicacies here at Rathna cafe and ice cream at Arun Ice creams.

Mahabalipuram Beach

Located 60km from Chennai, the Mahabalipuram Beach is a UNESCO world heritage site. Today it boasts of a group of sanctuaries carved out of rock in the 7th and 8th centuries. The golden sand beach and monolithic structures attract visitors to this beach throughout the year. You can enjoy several water sports here including motor boating, wind surfing and diving. You can also visit other attractions, such as School of Art and Sculpture, a Crocodile bank, and a Snake venom extraction center. You can enjoy food here at Babu’s cafe, L’attitude49, and Le Yogi.

Elliot's beach

Forming the end-point of the Marina Beach shore, Elliot’s Beach is also known as Basant Nagar Beach. A prominent landmark on this beach is the Karl Schmidt Memorial. The Beach is surrounded by a range of multi-cuisines together with an array of fast food centers and restaurants. You can have delicious food here at Anjappar and Sarvana Bhavan.

Apart from sampling the local food and visiting the local attractions, it’s a must for you to visit these beaches to have an amazing experience in this city while staying at one of its hotels!

We were bewildered with what we saw inside. There was a screen that was showing “Sun at that moment” with temperatures, graphics and all. This was at National Air & Space Museum Washington. We also knew that this year we have almost missed the Blossoms at the Tidal Basin!







For some one who is not always fond of boring historical museums, Washington is a place that I am dying to go again because of them! A lot of friends had told me prior that Washington for youngsters is very boring , there is not much activity and the place is all about monuments. Even then for many who comes to US, go to visit Washington as part of their plan. And why so, because these iconic landmarks and buildings are what makes the Washington DC the nations capital.

Washington, DC, the U.S. capital, is a compact city on the Potomac River, bordering the states of Maryland and Virginia. We stayed in the state of Maryland the night before we headed to Washington . The tour was part of Take Tours that included Princeton University NJ, Lancaster Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Washington in 2 days ideal for any tourist who want to visit all in a short span of time.

National Air & Space Museum





It is not only a museum but a history of flight with icons of air and space travel with 100’s of aircraft, spacecrafts, missiles, rockets etc. The museum also has IMAX for those who wish to experience out-of-this-world escape. Plus there are interactive demonstrations and learning one can take from the museum.


One hour given to us just passed in a jiffy. I could spend the whole day here, everything around was so interesting. In fact, Washington could be easily called the city of museums. My hubby was intrigued with the idea of visiting the Spy museum which if had time, we would have had gone.

The White House(outside)


The White House is often admired from afar, and we also got a chance to peek into from the outside from the fences.Home to US presidents, the white house or so called the executive mansion is one of the most visited sites in Washington DC. I remember my mom telling me that when she came years back, she took the tour inside White House and that was good.Public tours into the white house are free of cost and can be scheduled through your congressional representative. The details for which are here : The WhiteHouse Tour

Here the last president Barack Obama surprises the visitors visiting the White House.



Capitol Hill(outside)




Capitol Hill, in addition to being a metonym for the United States Congress, is the largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington, D.C., and one can also see the Congress in session at site on request.

Things to do in Capitol Hill

Lincoln Memorial







Situated in between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial is a large reflective pool that makes for a great photo. This place is of historical significance because the Lincoln Memorial is an American national monument built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The building is in the form of a Greek temple and has a huge seated sculpture of Abraham Lincoln.

There, etched into the wall, is a memorable quote: "In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” 

I also liked it for the fact that, the planes fly very low in the area, may be due to airport nearby and hence you could see many airlines flying from the east of it and really low and so they look bigger and better with eyes.



Washington Monument





The Washington Monument is an obelisk build to commemorate George Washington and is made of marble , granite and blue stone and is both the world’s tallest stone structure and world’s tallest obelisk standing 555 feet tall.

The Washington Monument is visible from both the Lincoln Memorial and the White House from a distance. Situated on the east of Potomac River is the national mall and is taken to refer to the entire area between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol, with the Washington Monument dividing the area slightly west of its midpoint .

Korean War Memorial






I love the fact that the 7 feet statues of soldiers which stand in patches of bushes in a triangular enclosure symbolizes order and the rice paddies of Korea. The Korean War Memorial is located near the Lincoln Memorial.

The memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the 5.8 million Americans who served in the US armed services during 3 year period of Korean Way from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 where approx 54,246 Americans died supporting their country. On the wall of the pool area in front are words of wisdom from sacrifices by the youth : That freedom is not free.

Tidal Basin

If you are arriving in Washington during Cherry Blossoms, this is a place famous for viewing them! We had gone post Cherry Blossom dates so there was no trees with the blossoms.



Potomac River Cruise




Potomac River Cruise was an optional cruise. On reading a few reviews we were in two minds on should we take it or should we not. Although the cruise glides through the Potomac River in Washington and one can experience DC area from waters, I personally wasn’t very fond of it. It may be a good viewing experience during blossoms however, to me it was just a regular cruise. We were on the roof and the winds from the front of the deck was fabulous. All in all, if you wish to relax, this could be it.

In our few hours of tour, we didn’t get to venture into food scene of Washington which I would have had loved to do! May be for next time. Overall, the tour was very satisfactory.