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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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A Guide to 9 Best Castles and Palaces in the Netherlands | Top 9 Most Beautiful Castles and Palaces in the Netherlands to Visit
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

A Guide to 9 Best Castles and Palaces in the Netherlands | Top 9 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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.’

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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.

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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!

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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)!’

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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5 Steps to Find Your Ideal Travel Agent Quickly
Guest Articles Elite Travel Group Guest Articles Elite Travel Group

5 Steps to Find Your Ideal Travel Agent Quickly

Choosing the right travel consultant can elevate your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. With their expertise, you'll have access to insider tips, exclusive deals, and a hassle-free planning process. Remember, the goal is to find a partner who understands your travel dreams and can turn them into reality. My own experiences have shown me the invaluable support and insights a dedicated agent can provide, making every trip an unforgettable adventure!

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Unveiling the Essence of a Luxurious Escape - 5 Tips to Find Your Perfect Luxury Villa St John
Guest Articles St. John Ultimate Villas Guest Articles St. John Ultimate Villas

Unveiling the Essence of a Luxurious Escape - 5 Tips to Find Your Perfect Luxury Villa St John

Luxury Villa St John – just the sound of it evokes images of pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and unparalleled comfort. If you're dreaming of an unforgettable escape to this Caribbean gem, let me be your guide. From navigating the myriad of options to uncovering hidden gems, here are five invaluable tips to ensure your journey to finding the perfect luxury villa in St John is nothing short of extraordinary.

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The Treasures of UNESCO World Heritage Site Schokland, the Netherlands | UNESCO Werelderfgoed Schokland, Holland | Museum Schokland
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

The Treasures of UNESCO World Heritage Site Schokland, the Netherlands | UNESCO Werelderfgoed Schokland, Holland | Museum Schokland

Schokland, the first Dutch site on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, located in the current province of Flevoland, was a peninsula in the Netherlands since prehistoric times. But since it was primarily a soft peatland, it suffered greatly from the frequent floods from the Zuiderzee which was an inland sea in the northern part of the Netherlands that existed from approximately the beginning of the late Middle Ages. In the 15th century, the Zuiderzee crept into a part of the land of Schokland and cut it off from the mainland converting it into an island. Post that inhabitants again occupied it. However due to continued flooding of the sea, the residents had to leave the island regularly, and it had to be permanently evacuated in 1859.

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Exploring Bronkhorst and ‘t Woudt | The Smallest City and the Smallest Village in the Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta Netherlands Travel Blog Shirshendu Sengupta

Exploring Bronkhorst and ‘t Woudt | The Smallest City and the Smallest Village in the Netherlands

There is an inherent fascination with things that are outside the norm for many people. The widespread appeal of the Guinness Book of World Records is living proof of this. Therefore, for something to be the tallest, largest, oldest, greatest, or tiniest is a great thing for business. As a result, a few locations claim or market themselves to be "smallest” in the Netherlands which is driven by the local merchants and the chamber of commerce supporting them. And then naturally, it also means, there will always be an element of ambiguity in these kinds of claims. Today I’m going to talk about two such “smallest” settlements in the Netherlands. Let the journey begin!

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