Nope Not India! - London's Insanely Beautiful Temple You Have To See

Religion has always been at the heart of living as human beings. I am always fascinated by the lengths religions go to in the detailed designs of religious architecture. From Chinese temples of Beijing, Malaysian Batu Caves, Cambodian ancient Ankorian temples to exploring India and Israel's Bahai temples. I also always advocate exploring your own backyard as well as seeing faraway places. Neasden temple or Baps Shri-Swaninarayan Mandir as its originally known is a beautiful Hindu temple that has been on my list for far too long. I have visited a couple of times but last year was the very first time I actually got to see the inside. The details and stories of the architecture around Neasden Temple is every bit as interesting as the outside. Said to be the largest marble structure outside of India and we all know about India's famous marble structures such as the Taj Mahal in Agra.

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Marriott Court | Where to Stay In New Delhi

It's no surprise that I am a big fan of Marriott hotels. Having stayed at many of their hotels. From USA to Germany, from Thailand to England, and From Hong Kong  to Poland. I use them a lot when I travel for work but now also look at their properties when traveling for leisure as well. When my boyfriend was going to work in India for two months, I new it was only going to be one place I was going to be looking at. His office was Gurgaon, which is just on the border with New Delhi. Perfect for my exploring of New Delhi's tourist sights and perfect for his morning commute to the office.

Marriott Hotels are some of the most comfortable hotels I have ever stayed in. Service is impeccable whatever the time of day and the locations of the hotels are usually in the best spots in the city. Clean, comfortable and affordable luxury! Why wouldn't I want to stay there? This is one is part of the Courtyard by Marriott Hotels. In addition to a spacious room and comfortable bed, food is great and even better breakfast selection to set up for the day. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, perfect for watching the sunset while lounging by the pool - the makings of a great stay. My stay was super short but my boyfriend stayed on for 2 months with no problems.

The hotel is also on hand to help with arranging tours to many other places around India. They were also on hand to help book and arrange for a car and driver from New Delhi to Agra so that we could visit The Taj Mahal before I left to come back to London. I am keen to revisit India again soon. For more hotels options in New Delhi check out this list of hotels in New Delhi as well as my post on Top 13 Place You Should Visit In New New Delhi.

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Exploring New Delhi's Bahai Lotus Temple

Nearly two years ago I visited Israel and while I was there I visited the beautiful Bahai temple in Haifa. It was beautiful, colouriful and spread across a great area of land in Haifa. Then when I visited India last year I knew that a visit to another Bahai temple while I was in New Delhi was in order. One hot morning when my boyfriend left the hotel to go to work, with the help of the Marriott Hotel, I booked a car to take my out on a tour. With the crazy traffic in New Delhi I managed to tick off only half of my list for the day before I wanted to get out of the heat and go cool off at the hotel. One place I was not going to leave without seeing for the day was the Lotus Temple - A Bahai House of Worship.

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Top 13 Places To Visit In New Delhi

Just the very thought of India warms me up a little. When we visited it was so hot, and thinking about traipsing around in the sunny city provides solace considering my current weather situation in London right now. New Delhi is one of those places that is filled with temples, tombs, and historical places. This, considering its history with Mughal Empire in addition to British involvement in the country. There is plenty to see and do in Delhi and one would spend a lifetime exploring the city's mixes. A reach mix of origins, whether that’s in its people that have come from all over India to make a name for themselves or the Persian influence in the architecture and style of buildings that have stood the test of time, to the history of the Mughals and their fight to stay relevant. Prepare for the traffic in the city when you visit,  which means that exploring may be a lot slower than you think. There are taxis, rickshaws, and trains in the city, although I found it easier to have the hotel book the taxi for me as I wanted to make sure I was using registered taxis while exploring. When you visit New Delhi do not miss out on the following places below.

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A Unique Visit of The Agra Fort on The Taj Mahal Tour

One cannot visit the Taj Mahal without also visiting the place where Shah Jahan spent his last days; The Agra Fort. Shah Jahan is of course Mamtaz Mahal's husband who also comissioned the Taj Mahal a memorial to his beloved wife. Agra Fort is almost as beautiful as the Taj Mahal and is also made mostly of the same material as the Taj Mahal. Build with marble and detailed in semi precious stones.

In my previous post I shared 13 top tips on visiting the Taj Mahal, while you are in Agra this is another spot that you should not miss out on. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage located not too far from the Taj Mahal. This is what can be discribed as a walled city. One of the Mugal Emperor's realised the importance of the Agra following a victory of the battle for the city, he made Agra the capital city. It  was this Emperor's grandson who then took over the site. This grandson was of course Shah Jahan. He tended to have buildings broken down and rebuilt in white marble. You will see this when you visit. Most parts are made from the red brick that Akbar, his grandfather, when he rebuilt the fort after the battles.

As Shah had over spent so much money building the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, his son deposed and restrained him in the Fort. Its rumored that Shah Jahan died in the Musamman Burj, a tower with marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal.   Our tour Guide took as all around and let us roam around also telling us about how some of the the emperor has over a thousand concubines and just how many orgies took place there. As well as how his servants would be outside with big fans fanning the Emperor while his ladies attended to his every desires. Not exactly surprised by stories of these sex mad emperors compared to what you will find at Khajuraho Mounuments.

The Agra Fort is also an important site in that it was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company rule in India. This also led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain. 

Don't miss out on this site and highly recommend getting a tour guide as they offer such a wealth of information about this place, its history and just cool tidbits about the Emperors that ruled over the lands and their scandalous lives.

Entrance Fee: 300 Rupees(£3 +/-) for tourists and 20 rupees for Indians.

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13 Tips For Visiting & Seeing The Taj Mahal

In my recent post, I shared pictures from our time exploring Agra's monument of love; The Taj Mahal. This time I thought I would share tips for visiting and seeing the Taj Mahal with ease. There are millions of people that dream of visiting the Taj Mahal. This means that there is hardly a time when its not crowded. The tips below will help you the visit a little more bearable in what can be a crowded and chaotic place in some seasons.

1. Take A Guided  Tour 

Although I am usually a fan of DIY tours of places I visit, for this one I would highly recommend a guided tour. For one they will know all the cool places to show you as well as the insider history and stories about how the place came to be. Secondly, they will also fend off people hustling you to pay for them to take pictures for your or any other service they may be throwing at you. Also bear in mind that your tour guide will also try and take you around to so-called "Gallerues" or aka carpet showrooms and jewellery studios, places that they are more than likely to receive commission from, for each person they bring to the showrooms. Feel free to go and have a look but know that they most likely will make you feel as if you have to buy something before can leave. I am quite strong willed and buy only what I want and need. If you cannot afford it or don't need it do not feel like you are to buy it. Leave or haggle and see if you can get a price you are happy to pay.

Arranging tour guides: Depending on where you are staying in India, your hotel can help you find a knowledgeable guide to take you around for the day. We were staying at the Marriott in Gurgaon, a couple of minutes outside of Delhi. They arranged our driver from Delhi to Agra and a tour guide when we arrived in Agra. If you want to DIY(Do It Yourself) and arrange a guide yourself, then check out ToursByLocals and Vayable. You can also get a government-approved tour guide for about £20 a day from Uptourism. We were looking at where to stay in Agra when we were planning our trip but ended up doing the day trip due to other commitments we had. If you are looking for places to stay near Taj Mahal, there is a Marriott near by as well as the beautiful Oberoi which has amazing views of the Taj Mahal even if you are just there for afternoon tea. For a full list of hotels in Agra, check out his list of hotels covering all budgets.

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Taj Mahal | An Indian Love Story of The Mughals

Who hasn't dreamed of seeing the Taj Mahal. Having done a little bit of Indian history in my early years at school, from the moment I learned about the Taj Mahal, I knew I had to see this place with my own eyes. A building that that is said to be the world's greatest monument to love. Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth.

This is of course the tomb that nearly bankrupted the emperor in his no expense bared mentally in throwing money at the construction of the tomb and many other projects. Shah Jahan is the same emperor that famously commissioned the Peacock Throne, crafted from over a tonne of gold and encrusted in diamonds, emeralds, pearls and rubies. When you visit the Taj Mahal you will notice how the intricate detail within the marble are all made of semi-precious stones. The design, exquiste and unique in its blend of Indian and Persian architectural style.

The level of detail and thought that went into the construction is simply remarkable. The construction began soon after the death of Mumtaz Mahal's death and too 22 years to complete, with over 20, 000, labourers, stone cutters and skilled artisans. Marble that travelled all the way from Rajasthan, decorated in Arabic calligraphy in this beautiful master piece. The entrance to the Taj Mahal also give clues to how it too to construct the tomb. It's really as beautiful as many have described it to be. Even in the blastering heat that visited on, didn't dampen our spirits.

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Humayuns Tomb | A Tomb That Gave Birth To Taj Mahal

I am sure you have all heard of the Taj Mahal. If you haven't then I wonder if you might have been raised in a cave with no access to the internet, but I am pretty sure caves now also come fully fitted with fiber optic internet connections these days. Anyway, I strongly believe that if it wasn't for Humayun's Tomb we might not have had the Taj Mahal.

Before I tell you all about that I should mention my discovery of how little I knew of full potential of my little vocal cords had. Had I known, perhaps, I might have signed up for Britain's Got Talent. After  gracefully walking around the grounds of Humayun's Tomb and exploring the gardens I thought I would make my way to Humayun's Barber's quarters on my way to the exit. As I approached, I decided to change course slightly and  walk towards the trees to shield me from Delhi's unrelenting sun. With little warning I was suddenly stopped in my tracks as 3 dogs that I accidentally disturbed from slumber were under the shed I was approaching. They immediately surrounded me and start barkinig at me(barking mad!). I have never been so scared in my life! Except when I was chased by a horse, but that's another story. These dogs were about to have me in the center and in my quick thinking opened the umbrella I was using for shade and started waving it at them. It was as if I had a light bulb moment, I just screamed. It must have been loud because the dogs scapperd off in different directions and a few birds followed suit too. I had no idea my lungs had that much potential I tell you.  I am no good with anything with more than 2 legs and I was out numbered by at least 10 legs here. I couldn't help but feel a little proud of my vocal cords there.

Each time I look through my pictures from exploring Humayuns Tomb I can't help but giggle at the memory scaring off dogs by screaming alone - Hashtag #CollectMemoriesAndNotthings. As you can imagine, calm and collected after my little experience I walked back to the car and mentioned nothing to my driver. Only apologising for breaking his umbrella.

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Guide To New Delhi | 5 Reasons To Visit New Delhi

We are now just a day before entering November and I am blowing through next years annual leave before we even set one foot into 2016. My name is Bianca and I have the wanderlust bug. They say the first part of curing an addiction is to admit to yourself first, huh?

Well, this is one addiction I will take to the next life with me, whether I am re-incarnated a Queen Bee, a lioness, cheater or a jaguar or maybe a panther(meow!). My love of travel has seen me travel to many new countries this year as well as those that have been on repeat like Germany, Spain and France. One new country that I am super happy to have finally visited(at last!) is India. This was such a last minute decision. Decided to finally go on a Monday, bought a ticket, applied for a visa on Tuesday, collected it on Wednesday and flew out on Thursday.

Yes, the travel Gods were on my side to have made everything run so smoothly. Arriving late into the night when Delhi's streets where quiet and the traffic was non-existent. I thought to myself, where is this hustle and bustle that I have read and heard about? I would soon see and experience the mayhem. What a joy that was too! What I was most impressed by was the architecture, I am a lover of the stories behind them too. So I thought before I share individual visual posts on each of the beautiful master pieces I would give you the low down on things to see and do in Delhi by way of reason why you should go to Delhi, right now!

There is plenty to do in Delhi and one would expend a life time exploring the city's mixes. Now a business hub for fashion, technology and many more things I wouldn't have otherwise associate this city with. A reach mix of origins, whether that’s in its people that have come from all over India to make a name for themselves or the Persian influence in the architecture and style of buildings that have stood the test of time, to the history of the Mughals and their fight to stay relevant. In its chaos of the city's aim to grow and develop, there is still ample opportunity to find solace in exploring the the sight like that of Humayun's Tomb. I visited the Taj Mahal and Humayun's Tomb for me was far better.

Yes, it older and isn’t carved in all Marble facades and semi-precious stones like the Taj Mahal but the love story that the Taj Mahal uses as a selling point was rather, the story inherited for Humanyn's Tomb. Both buildings were erected because of a love,  a lost soul of a loved one. I do wonder if Taj would have existed had Humayun's Tomb not come before it. Anyway, we will leave that discussion for when I show you more pictures of Humayun's Tomb.

While in the city I managed to explore Delhi's malls, tombs, mosques and temples as well as eat my way through the tasty curry dishes.  Where best to begin my journey of exploring India that a city that is home to India's largest mosque, the world's largest Hindu temple and of course South Asia's largest shopping malls. Go big or go home! They don’t do things in halves here. So below are some reasons why you should go and visit New Delhi and the old parts too. 

Below are 5 reasons to visit Delhi. Hope you enjoy them and make sure you pin them to your Pintrest travel boards. Let me know in the comments below if you have been or dreaming of heading to India. I have a few more posts to come with pictures of Humayun's Tomb, The Bahai Temple, Agra Fort and of course the Taj Mahal.

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What's Hot This October

On The Blog This Month: Word On The Street Travel Series

We have some serious global wandering this month by way of a travel series called Word On The Street. We are going to travel around the world this month, I tell ya. Another new month getting us closer to the end of 2015! With this new month I thought I would introduce a few cities that I am sure some of you(including myself) have been wanderlusting about. What better way to do that than to interview other bloggers who live there, been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. The image above gives you an idea of where we will be travelling to this month. Four of those places will be introduced by other bloggers and the other four places I will be showing you around. The four cities introduced by blogger will be part of the 4 week series this month called Word On The Street. This will be published very Wednesday at 4pm to get your Wednesday Wanderlust juices flowing. So make sure you sign up on Bloglovin, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as the newletter(enter email to the right) to make sure you read them first when they publish.  Check out the list below for more details of whats to come:

1. Perth, Australia - We are visiting two beautiful cities in Australia this month one of which will be Perth. This will be introduced by Lyn and Steve Baker from A Hole In My Shoe. They will show you around Kings Park, Cottesloe Beach and the City Lights. (Publishes - 7/10/15)

2. Cusco, Peru - Heather Cole, a traveller and writer with a serious case of wanderlust will take us to Cusco in Peru. Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tips on the best places to see, where to eat, drink and how to get around this part in South America. I am dying to publish this Conversanttraveller's tales, as I have been dreaming about Peru for too long now, but haven't bought a ticket yet. (Publishes - 14/10/15)

3. Scottsdale, USA - With most wanderlusters dreaming about faraway places like Vietnam, Chile, Indonesia, we often forget about the USA. Yes, the big United States are filled with some crazy-beautiful sights so you would be nuts to not want to visit the  cool places on offer, one of which is Scottsdale in Arizona. This is also the state that has the amazing canyons! Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon, of course. Allison Mathis from LiveLifeWell with introduce these desert landcapes this month. (Publishes - 21/10/15)

4.Russia and The World For Black History Month - October is Black History month in the UK so what better way to celebrate than to take you around the world for black history month. We will be looking at some historically significant black people from from around the world. Russia's Alexander Pushkin who was and still is a well known poet. Then we will head to Mexico and check out Vicente Ramó Guerrero; Mexico's first black president who also happen to have led Mexico to Independence in 1829. We will also be celebrating modern heroes too, like Mae Carol Jemison; the first black woman in Space. So look out for that! I will be covering North America, South America,  Europe, Asia and Africa! Around the world in black history.

5. South Downs - England - I am sure some of you may have seen pictures of the white chalk cliffs in England. Well I will be taking you around East Sussex and the beautiful coastal towns of this part of the UK. Even better was the fact that I was challenged to do this trip for under £100 by YHA hostels. I love a good challenge too, so look out for this post to find out whether I succeeded or failed miserably.

6. Sydney, Australia - Another trip back to Australia in the Word On The Street series will be provided by Jen Seligmann, The Trusted Traveller. Who hasn't dreamed about seeing the Opera House from across the habour? Exactly what I though, no one. We will get the details from a local on where to hang out, eat, get the best views so look out for that. (Publishes - 28/10/15)

7. Snowdonia, Wales - I love adventure as much as the next person but I love it even more when experienced with friends. Over the August bank holiday a bunch of friends and I drove to Wales to explore Snowdonia National Park. Most were driving from London with one coming from as far away as Cornwall. I cant wait to share more pictures from our hikes, picnicking next to an elevated lake and just experiencing the most amazing views after scaling the peaks in Snowdonia.

8. New Delhi, India - Another trip I am dying to share with you is India. I will be giving you the low down on the sights to see in India's New Delhi. What to see and do, where to stay, shop and eat. So be show to follow on social media to make sure you read that when it drops.

If you want to find the travel series for this month. You will be able to find it via the hashtag #WordOnTheStreetWithBee. The These will drop every Wednesday at 4pm.

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The Colours Of India

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi

I have yet to come across a wanderluster(read travel addict) that has not dreamed about travelling to India. The very mention of the country conjures up pictures of bustling cities in India's capitals, with tuk tuks meandering through chaotic and congested traffic, food sellers at the markets enticing you to taste their aromatic currys, colourful saris cris-crossing the streets in warm and toasty weather of course. I have longed for a trip to India to ever since I was a teen. Imagining what it would be like to set my eyes on the Taj Mahal in Agra, visiting the Golden Temple of Goa, taking a boat ride to see the Water Palace in Jaipur or just taking a train journey from city to city and letting views and colours of India unfold before me from my train window.

This dream of visiting India came true two months ago when my boyfriend and I embarked on a quick trip to Delhi. Quick for me but longer for him as he was there on month long business trip. My trip was short and sweet but included visits to Agra, Delhi and Gurgoan. India is everything you imagine it to be and so much and more, and thankfully it was without the 'Delhi Belly'. The crazy traffic or  rather 'organised' chaos, in addition to the bustling madness, there is the people aspect; lovely, warm and welcoming. But, as welcoming as everyone was I was also a little taken back with the people staring. In many other countries I have been to, considering I was either visiting some European countries or East Asia where there aren't that many black people, I obviously stood out like a sore thumb, so the staring wasn't a surprise, somewhat. This time I was in India! Where people are only a few shades lighter than my chocolate hue, if not the same shade of chocolaty goodness. Yet, I still found myself being photographed(some asked and some were just sneaking in shots - I am guilty of that too, á la "street photography") and in some cases mobbed a little. Perhaps it might have something to do with me strutting about in my big hat, which by the way was stolen just hours before I boarded my flight back to London. I was a little gutted as I bought it in Namibia last year and its been with me through my little African expedition through Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Whoever has it has some major attention to look forward to.  My attention grabbing in India only fell short of being asked to give autographs. Some moments were so funny, I had parents saying their children would  like to take a picture with me, then only for them to jump into the picture too. Yeah, sure your 3 year old asked to take a picture with me. They were all really sweet about it too. And no this definitely doesn't put me off heading back to India(if one didn't have to do the work thing, one would be heading to  Heathrow airport checking out the next flights to India).

Soon after I got back I got an email introducing me to some of India's charm through aromatic teas, oils and scented room infusions via Great Rail, as an introduction to Great Rail's infographic on the Colours of India showcasing some of what you can see on the rail journeys through India. Had I not just been to India I would have probably shed a tear at being enticed to immerse myself in be bold colours of this beautiful country electronically, instead of a ticket back to India to fully experience it first hand. Luckily I have seen some of India's stunning and beautiful architecture, learnt about some of its past empires and what they brought and contributed to India's cultural heritage, from temples that have stood the test of time, learnt about art left behind by Persians and how this has now blended in with styles of architecture and the imported rags from India still using Persian methods. Truly majestic sites that leave indelible marks that will forever conjure a smile with each recall of my explorations in the hustle and bustle of the towns I passed through. Both  on my own explorations and those with my boyfriend, before I left him to get on with a month long work venture.

I already miss seeing the beautiful temples all around New Delhi. Yes, even the cows chilling under the trees to avoid the heat or the ones roaming the roads freely. I miss it all. I am hoping to return soon, as there is just so much to see and explore in this beautiful country and hopefully be reintroduced to colours of India through the Great Rail's train journeys across India.

In the meant time below are a few pictures from my visit in India with plenty more to come. I took what seems like a million of pictures, so look out for more posts to come with tips on getting around Delhi, top things to see and do in  both Delhi and Agra.

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Bucket List | Top 3 Destination Challenge

I have been meaning to do a post on My Top 30 Bucket List destinations, but have now got a challenge to narrow that down to 3. Yep, Three!! I thought to myself, how tough can that by? Well it was hard actually. I have been salivating over flights to Sao Paulo, Panama City, Sydney, Zanzibar, Iceland, Chile's Patagonia and Tokyo lately. Yep, you read that correctly, salivating! Considering my blog is mainly about travel so that should not really come as a surprise you at all, a little weird though I am sure. So with an ever growing list, I am now starting to face an ever tough challenge of not only stretching my 25 days annual leave but also stretching that budget to travel even more in ticking off destinations in with my growing need(diagnosis: wanderlust overdrive) to immerse heart and soul into travel to fully satisfy the itchy feet.

This years destinations already include Denmark, Greece, Australia and Panama so these will already come off the bucket list soon. Phew! Last year I got to visit Jerusalem and float in the Dead Sea on top of diving into Zambia's Devils Pool, doing a safari in Botswana and sandboarding in Nambia's dunes so those are safely off the list. So then what of the 3 places I am narrowing my list of 30 down to? The folks at Transun have challenged bloggers to narrow this list down to 3, so here goes:

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Travel Envy: Five places on my list

This post is part of the Travel Carnival by One Brown Girl on 5 places I have never been to but dying to catch a flight to.

Well I can finally take Rome off that list and wont add Malta, USA and Australia because they will be happening(God willing) next month, September and Christmas-New Year.

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