The Oberoi Amarvilas Luxury at its best at Agra

My family decided to visit Agra on valentines day to see the epitome of love Taj Mahal. We wanted a hotel from where we could see the Taj Mahal again and again. Our uninamous choice was The Oberoi Amarvilas which is located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal. The hotel offers an unparalleled views of Agra's ancient monument of love. A magnificent 5-star property, The Oberoi Amarvilas is ranked 3rd on Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2015 list of Top Resorts in Asia.It has Mughal-inspired architecture, terraced lawns, fountains and reflection pools. This property is breathtakingly beautiful.The architecture, the grounds, the decor of the rooms-everything is tasteful and lovely.

All rooms and suites offer uninterrupted views of the iconic Taj Mahal from the private terrace or wall-to-wall windows. Teak wooden floor boards, hand woven rugs and paintings add to the elegance. We were greeted with a traditional welcoming ceremony and bindi on forehead.

Natural wooden blinds panelled with hand printed gold patterns cast a warm glow along the walkway that leads to our luxury accommodations in Agra. Intricate arrangements of dark sandstone and white marble animate the floor. While original Mughal coins and antique Indian fabrics ornament the walls. There is are an array of room choices and it is difficult to choose anyone as all are royal and classy.

One can choose from the Kohinoor Suite, to the Luxury Suite, Deluxe Suite with Balcony, Deluxe Suite, Premier Room with Balcony or Premier Room.

Each of our rooms is furnished with a king size bed. Richly upholstered armchairs sit beside wall to wall windows, inviting guests to relax in their elegant surroundings, while taking in views of the Taj Mahal. All rooms feature a sparkling bathtub, a multi pressure shower, exclusive toiletries based on Ayurveda and fresh, plump cotton towels or robes designed exclusively for Oberoi Hotels. The rooms and large, have plenty of space for luggage and also have universal plugs so no need for adapters.

For a luxury dining restaurant in Agra one can choose from our two restaurants and their distinctly different flavours.

- Bellevue is brightly lit, open all day, and serves Indian and continental cuisine.

- Esphahan, offers candlelit dinners accompanied by live traditional music.

- poolside terraces for starlit private dining

- In the lounge, we enjoyed tea and coffee

- In the bar, guests may sip on a champagne cocktail, martini or signature iced tea while admiring the Taj Mahal.

Those wishing for ultimate privacy can opt for a candlelit dining experience, served by their personal butler, on their private room or suite balcony.

We enjoyed the soft, traditional music and the sound of fountains cascading between terraces.

Gaze at the stars, admire the soft silhouette of the Taj Mahal and savour a bespoke four-course dinner.

For kids, there are complimentary cooking classes and sessions to make mocktails with the guidance of trained mixologists.

The staff at the hotel are focused on personalized service from the dining rooms to the boutiques. They are extremely friendly and helpful-one.Staff is very well trained. Hotel security is high.

The Oberoi Amarvilas is for a truly unforgettable stay.

 “I am blogging about my luxury stay experience for an activity at BlogAdda in association with MakeMyTrip“

Udaipur Where Luxury means Taj Lake Palace

 Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is another name for luxury. It is one of the most majestic and magnificent hotels in Udaipur. Its one of the most romantic hotel in the world. It was built in 1746 as the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II

Taj Lake Palace is world famous and has been featured in many films and TV serials, like Octopussy and The Jewel in The Crown.

Restored to its pristine glory, this luxury marble hotel, is set in an 18th-century palace encompassing a Lake Pichola island. Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur, built his own pleasure palace called Jag Niwas which is now the Taj Lake Palace.

This heritage hotel has 66 luxurious rooms and 17 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake. It offers every room breathtaking views of the neighboring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag
Mandir. Each room offers stunning views.

Its Central location in historic Udaipur and close proximity to the main shopping centres &
historical monuments makes it the best hotel to live in. It is 30 minutes from Domestic Airport.
I found that I had a wide range of rooms to choose from.
There are different kind of suites and rooms available.
LUXURY ROOMS - These are elegantly appointed rooms.
PALACE ROOMS - These rooms are spacious with royal Indian décor and floral motifs.
HISTORICAL SUITE
ROYAL SUITES - delicate frescoes, decorative wall niches, antique wooden fans, and panoramic views.
GRAND ROYAL SUITES - epitome of royal grandeur
GRAND PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - blends Rajasthani and British Raj-era European grandeur

Taj Lake Palace boasts rooms with beautifully carved wooden furniture and luxurious silk fabrics. Offering garden
or lake views, each room has a flat-screen TV and DVD player. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub, Forest
Essential toiletries and shower. Four- & five-fixture bathrooms with luxury bath amenities. Complimentary Wi-Fi for
resident guests.

From check in till check out I received a royal treatment. I was welcomed with rose petals.
A shower of rose petals and platter of refreshments greet you as you get off the boat at Sadar Ghat. Guards escort you under a sequinned, embroidered umbrella to a taditional welcome.
The city is only a 5 minute shuttle boat ride away.

There are wide variety of food options.
Neel Kamal with traditional ambience is my favourite place to eat. Here they use local ingredients and wood-fired stoves to serve the authentic flavors of of the royal cuisine of Udaipur. This place is famous for authentic Rajasthani and other dishes from India.

Bhairo one of the most romantic rooftop restaurants in the world. It offers an ambience that takes you back to an era of royal grandeur, treat your senses to contemporary European cuisine. Patio heaters are also placed there. There is a great choice of menu selection e.g. a three course or four course menu serving sea bass, lamb chops, duck, tenderloin, sea food etc.

Jharokha brings informal, all-day dining to residents of Taj Lake Palace. Here, you enjoy contemporary world cuisine along with Asian and Mediterranean flavours. An overhanging balcony that overlooks the serene waters of Lake Pichola.

Amrit Sagar at Taj Lake Palace is where you can chose from a selection of fine premium international spirits single malts, cognacs and cigars.

The nightly dance show prior to dinner was full of colors and entertainment.

Meetings and Incentives at Taj Lake Palace are like no where else in the world, in the middle of a lake. Meeting rooms fully equipped with facilities, Wi-Fi, secretarial assistance, interpretation facilities & workstations make every meeting a matter of pleasure.

Concierge & multilingual staff. It is an ideal venue for fairytale weddings and magical honeymoons.
Taj Lake Palace was awarded The Best Luxury Hotel in India at the Lonely Planet Magazine Awards in 2015.

I was spelled bound with the Heritage Walk which was insightful and entertaining walk around the palace. I came to know of such varied stories, and anecdotes of the kings and princes who revelled at this palace.

Jiva Spa, with a spa boat experience like no other. Carefully created treatments draw on the ancient wellness heritage of India.

 “I am blogging about my luxury stay experience for an activity at BlogAdda in association with MakeMyTrip“

  

You and your Heart

As we age, our body and life changes. The dishes we liked once when we were kids, don't taste the same as they used to. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are your keys to good health at any age. Changes in lifestyle, health, income, and sense of smell and taste affect interest in healthy eating and physical activity. Healthy eating and good lifestyle ward off depression and maintain well being. Keeping a healthy weight is crucial.Being  healthy varies from person to person. Being underweight is of concern and may be related to not having enough to eat. Lack of nutrient leads to illness and disease. Being overweight or obese is also of concern as extra weight may increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and bone issues. Eating wisely and being physically active preserve muscle and bone, helps maintain strength and a healthy weight as you age.When you get older, your body begins to need fewer calories, but you need just as many nutrients.What do we need to do to keep our heart healthy. Just follow the three small steps or
#ChhoteKadam to make your heart 50% healthier.

                       

Eating Better 
Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread and brown rice. Consume

Fat-free or low-fat milk and cheese or soy or rice milk that is fortified with vitamin D and calcium.

Seafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggs,beans, nuts, and seeds are good for health

Eat Less of sugar-sweetened drinks and desserts that have added sugars.

Avoid foods with butter, shortening, or other fats that are solid at room temperature.

White bread, rice, and pasta made from refined grains are also to be avoided.

A portion is the amount of one food you eat in one sitting. Many people eat more than they need, especially when eating out. Avoid eating in front of the TV or the computer.. You may not notice how much you are eating if you are distracted..Drink fluids throughout the day. You may feel less thirsty as you get older. But your body still needs water and other fluids to stay healthy and keep you healthy. Choose high-fiber foods, like whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, deeply colored vegetables (like sweet potatoes), and fruits. Do not skip meals as doing so may make you hungrier later. Eat breakfast. Buy foods that are low in sodium. Reduce salt when cooking or eating your food.

Staying Active

Physical activity is good for your health at every age..Regular physical activity now may improve your endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Being active may help you live on your own for a longer time and keep you healthy. For any new physical activity start slowly and work up to your goal. To track your progress and stay motivated, keep a daily diary of what you do and how long you do it.
Being Happy
It is said that happiness comes from within so we must be careful in what we do and think.Our negative thoughts only increase our stress. To avoid this we must only think of all the happy moments of our life and envision all those moments which gave us happiness. Involve in activities that give you happiness like pursuing a hobby,learning to cook or learning a new craft.

These small steps will ensure a healthy heart and make you a happy contented person.

“I am joining the Saffolalife #ChhoteKadam initiative in association with BlogAdda and follow these small steps for a healthy heart.”

Heart is healthy you are healthy.

Heart is healthy you are healthy. How do you keep your heart in good shape and healthy. It is very simple. Just take the #ChhoteKadam initiative to make your heart 50% healthier.
This initiative means the three steps of
    Staying Active
    Eating Better
    Being Happy

Regular moderate exercise, such as running, walking, or swimming can reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass, decrease blood pressure.All of these exercise-induced changes can have a positive influence on endothelial cells.This act will ensure a healthy heart.
Stop smoking.tobacco smoke contains numerous toxic compounds, such as carbon monoxide, that promote endothelial cell damage. Smoking also increases the blood pressure and heart rate. Free radicals in smoke slash the amount of nitric oxide available in the blood stream .Nitric oxide, as you may recall, is a signaling molecule that helps keep arteries pliable. Because nicotine causes narrowing of blood vessels, less oxygen is transported to the heart. If you smoke, blood platelets become stickier and are more apt to form clots in your arteries.
High blood pressure—hypertension—causes blood vessels to thicken, diminishes production of nitric oxide, promotes blood clotting, and contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic pressure exceeds 140 mmHg and when diastolic blood pressure is higher than 90mmHg.Excessive weight increases the risk of high blood pressure.Diabetes, a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, becomes more common as we age.Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are leading causes of diabetes related deaths. If you suspect you have or are at risk for diabetes, check with your doctor. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, increased urination—especially at night, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds and sores
 Staying Active
Stress reduction techniques, such as taking a walk, practicing yoga, or deep breathing are important for cardiovascular health. Emotional stress triggers the release of adrenaline from the adrenal gland and noradrenaline from the nerve endings in your heart and blood vessels. These hormones make the heart beat faster and adversely affect blood vessels. Under stress, an older person's blood pressure rises more rapidly and stays higher longer than a younger person's because the older person's blood vessels are stiffer and have lost much of their elasticity.
Endurance exercises such as brisk walking increase your stamina and improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. But other exercises are equally important for maintaining health and self-reliance as you get older. Strength exercises, for instance, build muscles and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Balance exercises help prevent a major cause of disability in older adults:. Flexibility or stretching exercises help keep your body limber. As part of a daily routine, these exercises and other physical activities you enjoy can make a difference in your life as you get older.
 Eating Better
What you eat can help keep your heart and arteries healthy—or lead to excessive weight, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol the three key factors that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.A diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, while limiting consumption of saturated fat and sodium.Fruits and vegetables have lots of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A that neutralize free radicals and may prevent oxidation in the arteries. Fruits and vegetables also contain plenty of soluble fiber, a substance that has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels, which is healthy for the endothelium.
Breads, cereals, and other grain foods, which provide complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 Being Happy
Be happy with every breath that you take.Happiness should be woven into the texture of your life.Small activities like playing with the children can make you happy. Go out with your family or friends on outings and picnics. Think of all the happy moments. Do activities that induce happiness and relieve you of stress.These activities vary from person to person. They can be in the form of  reading, joining a hobby class or anything that makes you feel relaxed as relaxation gives you a sense of wellness and happiness.
.Lifestyle changes, including diet being happy and exercise into your life, will be better for your arteries, because these interventions work independently as well as in unison to promote the vitality of endothelial cells and contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

“I am joining the Saffolalife #ChhoteKadam initiative in association with BlogAdda and follow these small steps for a healthy heart.”

Relive the spirit of Holi

India is a country famous for its Holi festival or the festival of colors. This festival is a major attraction for the foreign tourists who not only love to watch this unique colorful festival but also take great delight in taking part and playing Holi. So many visitors time their visit according to the occurrence of this festival.

This is a festival which has been celebrated with much grandeur and aplomb by the royalty in the past as well as the masses. Each and every festival is a means of releasing tensions of every day life caused by myriads of reasons. But this festival of colors is one that spells full masti and enjoyment. It is indicative of throwing away of your cares just as we throw the gulal in the air which forms a cover to envelop us.

The weather is changing and so is the spirit. After being closeted in your homes during the winter months it is now the time to stretch yourselves in the open. It is the advent of spring and the harvesting of crops. So what better way is there to celebrate than the festival of Holi. Originally this festival was celebrated using flowers and gulal only. Steadily people started tampering with the traditional way of celebration and took to using crude objects like paints and grease and mud. This not only hampered the spirit but also created a bad and ill feeling. The main purpose of the festival which was to share happiness and love began to be tainted.

Whenever I hear the word Holi the scene of little boys running in the lane below my house flashes before me. They looked so cute with their hair well oiled and pasted close to their heads. It was a motley crowd as they belonged to different strata of society. Seeing them together one could not appreciate any difference between them as they were all friends. They stood below my house displaying their colors to each other but two or three of them were empty handed. Seeing their empty hands the other boys immediately made packets from their colors and distributed to them. Their smiles spread bigger smiles of happiness on to the faces of the givers. They looked at each other like conspirators. Then one boy came running with his small pail of water and the group pitched in to put colors into it. It was a scene that shook me to the core. This was true bonding when the social status did not come into the way of friendship. Happily they marched off to color others with their love. After a few hours I saw them returning. All of them were painted red, blue and yellow and seemed contented with their day’s outcome. As they were passing by my house I called them up and gave them Gujiyas to eat. After all it was Holi.

This year I am going to invite the little ones of my neighborhood to my place so that we may play #KhulKeKheloHoli and keep the spirit of Holi alive by playing it in the traditional way.

“I’m pledging to #KhulKeKheloHoli this year by sharing my Holi memories at BlogAdda in association with Parachute Advansed.”

Live it Up This Holi

There is no other festival like the festival of Holi. It is one of the most ancient festivals being celebrated in India yet it is youthful.It has tramsended generations yet it has survived or shall I say almost done so.

If I try to trace the way it was celebrated there was a lot of fervor in the time of our parents and grandparents.

Take for instance the Holi song from the 70's blockbuster Sholey it was a pivotal and important part of the film .All the villagers are collected and playing together the festival of Holi. There was an element of fun in the air.

Even the lyrics of the song suggest that there was an element of fun in the atmosphere .Looking at lyrics of the song which go like this.

चलो सहेली

चलो सहेली

चलो रे साथी

चलो रे साथी

यह पाकड़ो

यह पाकड़ो पाकड़ो पाकड़ो पाकड़ो

इससे ना छ्चोड़ो

अर्रे बैयया ना तोडो

ओये तहर जा भाभी

अर्रे जा रे शराबी

क्या हो राजा?

गली में आजा

होली रे होली

भांग की गोली

ओह नखरेवाली

दूँगी मैं गाली

अर्रे रामू की साली

होली रे ःओलिःओलि के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

गीले शिकवे भूल के दोस्तों

दुश्मन भी गले मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैनःओलि है!गोरी तेरे रंग जैसा

तोड़ा सा मैं रंग बना लून

आ तेरे गुलाबी गालों से

तोड़ा सा गुलाल चुरा लून

जा रे जा दीवाने तू

होली के बहाने तू

जा रे जा दीवाने तू

होली के बहाने तू

च्छेद ना मुझे बेशरम

पूच ले ज़माने से

आइसे ही बहाने से

लिए और दिए दिल जाते हैं होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैनःओ ... ओह हो!

हो ... ओह हो!यहीं तेरी मर्ज़ी हैं तो

अच्छा चल तू खुश हो ले

पास आके चूना ना मुझे

चाहे मुझे डोर से भीगोले

हीरे की कनी हैं तू

मट्टी से बनी हैं तू

हीरे की कनी हैं तू

मट्टी से बनी हैं तू

छूने से जो टूट जाएगी

काँटों के छूने से

फूलों से नाज़ुक नाज़ुक

बदन च्चिल जाते हैनःओलि के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

गीले शिकवे भूल के दोस्तों

दुश्मन भी गले मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

Which translates to

Let's go girls

Let's go girls

Come on mates

Come on mates

Grab her

Grab her, grab her, grab her, grab her

Don't let her go

Careful don't break my wrist

Hey wait up sister-in-law

Hey get lost you drunkard

What's up dude?

Meet me in the alley

It's Holi, it's Holi

We'll have sweet balls of hash

Hey tantrum thrower

I will abuse you

Hey Ramu's sister-in-law

It's Holi, it's HoliOn the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

Friends let's keep aside our resentment

Even enemies hug each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each otherIt's Holi!Your skin is so fair

I will create a colour to match it

With your rosy cheeks

I will steal some pink colour

Go away you romantic fool

Using Holi as an excuse you

Go away, you romantic fool

Using Holi as an excuse you

Don't taunt me shamelessly

Ask the world

With this excuse

Two hearts play give and takeOn the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each otherHo ... oh ho!

Ho ... oh ho!If this is what you wish

Then fine you be happy

Don't get too close to touch me

You can spray me from afar

Are you an egg of diamond

Are you made of clay

Are you an egg of diamond

Are you made of clay

That you will shatter when I touch you

When thorns touch

The soft flowers

Their skin gets scrapedOn the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

Friends let's keep aside our resentment

Even enemies hug each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

It sure did capture some of the essence of the festival of Holi be it the element of saving oneself and applying color on to others .People used elements like bhang and thandai to get intoxicated.

There was not only playing with colors but also teasing but all in good fun.

I never got to see a Holi like this .Maybe it was too filmi to be true. As for the best Holi festivals that I can think off the best Holi festivals used to be the ones when all of us brothers and sisters would get together. We would arrange for large drums of water and put them either in the backyard or the terrace. These would be filled with water and color would be added to it and thoroughly mixed. Then all of us brothers would use brass pichkaris to throw colored water on each other. This was a fun filled activity.

All this running about  made us very hungry and just for hunger pangs like these my mother would keep ready home made gujiyas (Karanji), Kachodis and Samosa's and there would be lots of thandai to drink that would invigorate us and we would re start the next session of play after the snack break. So much time has passed and nobody plays Holi in that fashion anymore. I miss those good times and with the intention of reliving those happy times once again. I have decided to call all my brothers & sisters at our place and together we would like to re create the holi magic by #KhulKeKheloHoli and re live those happy moments once again.

“I’m pledging to #KhulKeKheloHoli this year by sharing my Holi memories at BlogAdda in association with Parachute Advansed.”

If you care then its time you share

I never saw my father get up to pick his own glass of water. It was my mother’s “job” to serve him. He would always eat dinner first, and then when he was done, my mother would sit down for her meal. My father would proudly proclaim that he had no idea where anything was in the kitchen, and that he couldn’t even boil an egg. I observed this same dynamics, time and again, in the homes of my friends and other family members. There was a time when women used to stay at home taking care of household chores and family members. Times have changed, women now share equal responsibilities along with men in every sphere of life. Most of the families now run on dual income basis where both husband and the wife take care of financial necessities. Not much has changed. Housework is always considered a woman’s work. Indian men believe laundry is a woman’s job, and would prefer to watch TV over doing the laundry. My partner criticized me for one instance of my watching two hours of TV  while laundry and dishes were in the clothes washer and dishwasher (so  things were getting done, in fact) when he watches TV every day while  things need to be done around here.  I do 90% of the work, as I do the  dishes, cleaning counter tops, cleaning sinks, cleaning bathroom,  changing diapers, nursing the baby, and shop for groceries, cook  dinner, and he sometimes takes the baby when I need to attend to my  older child or do another chore. I feel like the workload is mostly on me. As we are living with in-laws, my husband is rebuked by his people and therefore feels embarrassed to help me with the household chores, even if he really wants to. A sense of bonding between husband and wife can blossom more easily if they are on their own, where they can share their lives freely without any inhibitions or ego hassles. It is because of the deep rooted social
setup that we all live in where a man is supposed to be the bread-winner and a woman is expected to stay in the confines of her house to take care of her family. It is simply not fair. If you have the resources, hire some help. If not, try to make it clear to your partner that it is not acceptable for you to be doing 90% of the work. Explain to him that you need his help in #ShareTheLoad.

 “I am joining the Ariel #ShareTheLoad campaign at BlogAdda and blogging about the prejudice related to household chores being passed on to the next generation.”