Complete Guide to Kali Puja 2024 in the Netherlands | All Kali Puja Celebrations in 2024 by Bengali Communities of the Netherlands | Locations, Dates, Opening Hours, and Latest Updates
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Complete Guide to Kali Puja 2024 in the Netherlands | All Kali Puja Celebrations in 2024 by Bengali Communities of the Netherlands | Locations, Dates, Opening Hours, and Latest Updates

Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is a major annual Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and the neighboring nations of Bangladesh and Nepal on the new moon night (Dipannita Amavasya) of the month of Kartik on the Indian calendar (which falls between October and November on the Gregorian calendar) to commemorate the victory of Hindu Goddess Kali (the fiercest form of Goddess Durga who is regarded as ‘Adi Shakti,’ the primordial cosmic energy) against the demons Chand, Munda, and Raktabija as a part of a greater war between Goddess Ambika (Durga) and the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Read More
4 Days in Doha Long Weekend Itinerary | 26 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Doha | 26 Must See Tourist Attractions in Doha, Qatar
Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

4 Days in Doha Long Weekend Itinerary | 26 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Doha | 26 Must See Tourist Attractions in Doha, Qatar

The multicultural Qatari capital Doha is dubbed as the Pearl of the Middle East where the old and the new coexist. Being a city steeped in culture, tradition, and heritage, it is home to some of the most striking museums, galleries, and public art projects in the region. Traditional dhows (wooden cargo boats) bob on the water, palace guards still ride camels to patrol the streets, and in the city's century-old souk, traditional fabrics, fragrances, and even falcons are on sale. That my friends, is Doha for you!

Read More
Ultimate 6 Day Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary | Perfect 6 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Travel Planner | 17 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Ultimate 6 Day Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary | Perfect 6 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Travel Planner | 17 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Located in the Middle East at the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the thriving nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a federal, elective monarchy made up of seven emirates (autonomous city-states) namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. In addition to marine boundaries in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran, as well as with Oman in the Gulf of Oman, it shares land borders with Oman to the east and northwest and with Saudi Arabia to the southwest. The largest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE, and the most populous port city of Dubai is an international financial and commercial hub housing hundreds of global companies in a forest of skyscrapers.

Read More
Ultimate Guide to Desert Safari Dubai | Everything You Need to Know Before Going on Desert Safari Dubai | Tips and Tricks for First Time Visitors to Desert Safari Tours in Dubai, UAE
Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Ultimate Guide to Desert Safari Dubai | Everything You Need to Know Before Going on Desert Safari Dubai | Tips and Tricks for First Time Visitors to Desert Safari Tours in Dubai, UAE

While the glitzy cityscapes are fascinating, the true essence of Dubai lies deep among the desert's red sand dunes, and the best way to experience it is the desert safari. You will feel the thrill of the desert and discover the traditions and culture of the ancient Bedouins who once lived in the dunes. So, in a nutshell, Desert Safari Dubai combines adventure, nature, and culture which is why it is one of the highlights of Dubai tourism. Today, I’m going to share our experience of Desert Safari Dubai with you. Let the journey begin!

Read More
A Perfect Guide to Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi | Everything You Need to Know for Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi, UAE
Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

A Perfect Guide to Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi | Everything You Need to Know for Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi, UAE

One of the biggest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates is a vast architectural masterpiece that purposefully combines elements of several Islamic architectural styles. It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, the third largest in the world, and the main site of worship for daily Islamic prayers. The Grand Mosque has been a major stop for visiting visiting foreign leaders during official state visits to the United Arab Emirates. Among the notable guests are former US Vice President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Read More
Complete Guide to Visiting BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi | A Virtual Tour of Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Asia Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Complete Guide to Visiting BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi | A Virtual Tour of Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Today I’m going to tell you a remarkable tale! A tale of human craftsmanship, envisioned by a Hindu hermit, designed by a Catholic lead architect and a Buddhist foundational designer, managed by a Sikh, and constructed by a team of Jains and Parsis (Zoroastrians) on a land gifted by a Muslim leader. Welcome to BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi!

Read More
12 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik | Top 12 Must See Tourist Attractions in Reykjavik, Iceland
Europe Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Europe Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

12 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik | Top 12 Must See Tourist Attractions in Reykjavik, Iceland

Situated near Faxaflói Bay in southwest Iceland, Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of any sovereign state globally. Glaciers, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions have sculpted the landscape of the city over the millennia, as the area is geothermal; after all the name translates to "Smoky Bay." Though it only has 120,000 residents, it's a thriving city that welcomes a growing number of tourists each year. It is the political, cultural, and economic hub of Iceland and is regarded as one of the world's safest and cleanest cities.

Read More
12 Best Places to See the Most Iconic Windmills in the Netherlands | 12 Most Famous Dutch Windmills | Visit The Most Beautiful Windmills of Holland
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

12 Best Places to See the Most Iconic Windmills in the Netherlands | 12 Most Famous Dutch Windmills | Visit The Most Beautiful Windmills of Holland

Many nations have windmills, but the Netherlands has so many of them and they are such a significant part of the nation's industrial and cultural legacy that many people throughout the world associate windmills with the country. From the Middle Ages onward, windmills have been a defining feature of the Dutch countryside. In the heyday of the windmills during the 19th century, there were roughly 9,000 windmills in the country. Even though the Industrial Revolution replaced windmills with steam, diesel, and later electricity, over 1,000 antique windmills, many of which are still operational, still stand throughout the Netherlands thanks to historic preservation initiatives. Today, along with cheese, tulips, and clogs, they are among the most well-known images of Holland. For this reason, visiting a windmill has to be at the top of your travel itinerary when visiting the Netherlands.

Read More
A Guide to 8 Best Castles and Palaces in the Netherlands | Top 8 Most Beautiful Castles and Palaces in the Netherlands to Visit
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

A Guide to 8 Best Castles and Palaces in the Netherlands | Top 8 Most Beautiful Castles and Palaces in the Netherlands to Visit

A vast ocean of endless tulip fields, medieval windmills, charming canals, modern bicycle lanes, and postcard-perfect countryside - these are the images that appear in our minds when we think of the Netherlands. However, we tend to forget that the Netherlands also has its fair share of castles and palaces thanks to the royal families and nobilities who shaped the rich history of the country over the ages. Many of these were built during the medieval times either as defensive structures or luxury residences. Over the years, the purpose of these castles and palaces has changed, and today, they’ve turned into government offices, museums, and tourist attractions, where visitors come to admire the architecture, art collections, and gardens.

Read More
12 Things to See and Do in Museum Paleis Het Loo | All You Need to Know Before Visiting Het Loo Palace, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

12 Things to See and Do in Museum Paleis Het Loo | All You Need to Know Before Visiting Het Loo Palace, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands

At first glimpse, the Dutch royal family’s Versailles-like handsome baroque summer palace of ‘Het Loo’ (meaning “clearing in the woods”) seems just as it was when it was built during the 17th century in the middle of the woodlands of Apeldoorn, in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands. But 10 meters underneath the courtyard, an injection of engineering expertise spanning 5,000 square meters and costing €171m has created an extraordinary underground Spanish Macael marble museum that showcases the history of the House of Orange.

Read More
Rijksmuseum Kasteel Muiderslot | Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot | Muiden Castle, the Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Rijksmuseum Kasteel Muiderslot | Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot | Muiden Castle, the Netherlands

Muiderslot (or Muiden Castle) is the Netherlands's oldest and best-preserved medieval castle. One of the most well-known castles in the Netherlands, it has appeared in numerous Middle Ages-themed television programs. Situated at the mouth of the Vecht River in Muiden, where it flows into the IJsselmeer Lake that used to be the Zuiderzee, the castle has a lengthy and stormy history. It was completed in 1285 by Count Floris V. The eminent author, poet, and historian PC Hooft resided there in the 17th century. It’s a fantastic place to spend a day with your family exploring the castle and the surrounding grounds that host a restored plum orchard, vegetable, and herb garden!

Read More
Explore the Fairytale Kasteel de Haar (De Haar Castle) in Haarzuilens, Utrecht | Day Trip from Amsterdam to the Largest Castle in the Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Explore the Fairytale Kasteel de Haar (De Haar Castle) in Haarzuilens, Utrecht | Day Trip from Amsterdam to the Largest Castle in the Netherlands

If Gregory Peck got lost trying to find the bathroom just next to his bedroom on his first visit to Kasteel de Haar in 1960, you know there must be something special about this castle. To be honest, most apartments in central Amsterdam are smaller than the average bathroom in this medieval castle. And with ornate furnishings across the rooms, corridors, and bathrooms, it’s easy to imagine that it may have been quite tedious for him to find the switch of the light, especially in the dark!

Read More
The Miracles of Fort de Roovere | The Moses Bridge (Mozesbrug) and Pompejus Tower (Pompejustoren) at Halsteren in Bergen op Zoom, Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

The Miracles of Fort de Roovere | The Moses Bridge (Mozesbrug) and Pompejus Tower (Pompejustoren) at Halsteren in Bergen op Zoom, Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands

The Fort de Roovere near the town of Halsteren located in the municipality of Bergen op Zoom within the province of Noord-Brabant is one of the largest forts of the West Brabantse Waterlinie (West Brabant Waterline). The main attraction of the Fort de Roovere is the miraculous Moses Bridge (Mozesbrug) where you walk below the water level, but your feet remain dry! Since the structure appears to divide the moat's waters, it has derived its name ‘The Moses Bridge’ from the Biblical reference of Moses parting the Red Sea with his staff during the Exodus of the Israelites. The Union of Dutch Architects, or BNA, recognized the Moses Bridge as the ‘2011 Build of the Year.’

Read More
Bonami Spelcomputer Museum | Bonami Games and Computer Museum in Zwolle, the Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Bonami Spelcomputer Museum | Bonami Games and Computer Museum in Zwolle, the Netherlands

Dubbed as the ‘Nerd’s Paradise,’ the interactive Bonami SpelComputer Museum in Zwolle dedicated to the history of gaming and computers, houses the largest collection of game consoles and computers in the Netherlands starting from the 1950s along with a huge amount of boxed video game floppies, CDs, DVDs, merchandise products, and collector items to admire.

Read More
Celebrating King’s Day in the Netherlands | Amsterdam Koningsdag
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Celebrating King’s Day in the Netherlands | Amsterdam Koningsdag

King's Day is probably one of the most popular and flamboyant celebrations in the Netherlands. Every year on April 27 (or the day before if it falls on a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate their King Willem-Alexander's birthday as a national holiday with a lot of music, dancing, flea markets, and fun fairs all over the country. If you happen to be in the Netherlands, you can’t miss this event!

Read More
Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Holland 2025 | Flower Parade of the Bulb Region Netherlands 2025 | Information, Route, Tips, and Tricks
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Holland 2025 | Flower Parade of the Bulb Region Netherlands 2025 | Information, Route, Tips, and Tricks

Being the largest exporter of flowers globally and accounting for two-thirds of the world's total floral sales, the Netherlands is aptly dubbed as the ‘Land of Flowers.’ Therefore, it goes without saying, that spring is the most beautiful time in the Netherlands. When the bulbs start blooming in the endless array of flower fields, the entire country transforms into a vast ocean of flowers. It starts in mid-March with cherry blossoms, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths. And as the famous tulips blossom in mid-April, the whole country gets ready for the biggest spring festival named ‘Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) Bollenstreek (Bulb Region)!’

Read More
Ultimate 5 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary | 37 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Iceland | Top 37 Photography Locations in Iceland
Europe Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Europe Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Ultimate 5 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary | 37 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Iceland | Top 37 Photography Locations in Iceland

Uniquely situated on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at the junction of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, the island nation of Iceland is aptly dubbed as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice,’ due to the presence of some of Europe’s largest glaciers and most active volcanoes at the same time. Iceland is a country with dramatic diversity in climate and geography ranging from volcanoes, lava fields, mountains, glaciers, ice caves, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and black beaches. And due to its vicinity to the North Pole, it’s also an iconic destination to chase the Northern Lights. All of these together, create an enchanting otherworldly ambiance that cannot be expressed in words but has to be experienced in person. And probably that’s the reason why Iceland has been the backdrop of several Hollywood and Bollywood movies and TV Series like Starwars, Tomb Raider, Die Another Day, Batman Begins, Thor: The Dark World, Interstellar, Fast and Furious 8, Game of Thrones, Vikings, and Katla to name a few!

Read More
Best Instagrammable Places in Dubai
Guest Articles Sienna Adams Guest Articles Sienna Adams

Best Instagrammable Places in Dubai

Is Dubai Instagram worthy? Yes, undeniably. Rather it is an ecstasy for every Instagrammer on the lookout for exclusive experiences coupled with spectacular settings. Thanks to the city’s iconic skyline, luxurious lifestyle, desert landscapes’ rugged beauty, engineering prowess, blend of traditions, year-round golden sunlight, unique structures, and extravagant culinary scene. Let’s get on board to familiarize some of Dubai’s most Instagrammable spots.

Read More
5 Key Steps for Shipping Your Car to Hawaii Easily
Guest Articles Hawaiian Moving Guest Articles Hawaiian Moving

5 Key Steps for Shipping Your Car to Hawaii Easily

Shipping a car to Hawaii may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and a well-thought-out plan, it can be a smooth and hassle-free process. Whether you're relocating to the beautiful islands of Hawaii or simply want to bring your vehicle along for an extended stay, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to make shipping your car to Hawaii a breeze!

Read More
The Story of the Shipwreck on the Wadden Sea in Wierum, Friesland, the Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

The Story of the Shipwreck on the Wadden Sea in Wierum, Friesland, the Netherlands

Near the village of Wierum is an old shipwreck from the second world war times that emerges from the sea only during low tides. This wreck symbolizes a crucial part of the Wadden Sea's cultural history - the struggle for territory between man and nature that occurred here from the Middle Ages to the present. It first appeared close to the Schoorsterhoofd, in the west but eventually started to wander towards Wierum and ended up becoming trapped in the mud. Ever since it’s been here getting gradually affected by the ebb and flow gradually but steadily affecting the praam.

Read More